Ballroom Dancing...I’m just saying

There are quite a few conservative churches that don't allow dancing at organized events. It's one of those rules created to ward off the potential illicit grinding that can morally bankrupt dancers. Having been to some raucous weddings, I understand the policy. But I do like to watch ballroom dancing.

I would probably engage in it more if I had rhythm. For one of our anniversaries, I surprised Rebecca with a one-hour private lesson. It was closed because I needed the focused attention of the instructor. We had a great time and have never done it again. 

Ballroom dancing is a beautiful picture of marriage. It takes two people who are face to face, where one is responsible for leading (usually the male). The female lightly touches his arms, and by subtle movements, she is able to anticipate the direction he wants to go. If she tries to lead at the same time, their rhythm is knocked off.

When everyone is fulfilling their role, the couple moves across the floor in a fluid, effortless movement of grace and beauty. Experienced couples effortlessly glide across the floor, looking into each other's eyes and become lost in the rapture of love (awe). It doesn't happen overnight; it takes hours of practice and patience. When I watch a talented couple dance, it makes me want to go and try it again.

Marriage takes as much patience and practice. Even when you think your instep and have all the moves down, one misstep can cause the couple to stumble. Regaining rhythm and balance can be tricky.

"Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." 1 Peter 3:7

Does anyone know of a place to take ballroom dancing lessons? I'm just saying...

The Future of the Church....I’m just saying

We (the Church) spend a lot of money on children's ministries, for many reasons. Jesus said, "don't hinder the children from coming to me." The Old Testament commands parents to instruct their children in "the way" they should go. Research shows that the most productive age for conversion is childhood. Or, as has been stated recently, "children are the future of our Church."

Given all of these reasons, Is it true that children are our Church's future, locally and globally? The simple answer is no. The future of any church is the new blood of conversion, not just of children but also adults. I would go as far as to say that adult conversion is more fundamental to a local church's longevity that it's children. Most children will grow up and move away. 

The future of any church is the new people the Church reaches out to. The future makeup of the Church, then, is determined by the present demographic. People reach out to people like themselves. Young families reach out to young families, and as they grow older, so does the target of their outreach. If a church's demographic is older, then it will attract and reach out to older people. If a congregation doesn't do anything to reach people dissimilar to them (younger adults), it will grow old and eventually seek to exist as a local body. That is alright as long as they reach out to their community all the way to the end.

The proceeding is a generalization. If a senior congregation desires to see a younger generation come to Christ and be a part of their Church, they will change something about themselves to make this happen. They may shift worship style, start ministries aimed at a younger demographic, or hire someone younger to mobilize people toward a younger age group.

Our focus is not to perpetuate St. John but perpetuate the Kingdom of God. Our passion determines the methodology of our evangelization and the' target.' If we have a heart to reach our neighbors who are all 60+ or have a desire to reach young families, it doesn't matter as long as we reach others for the glory of God.

"As you are going," Jesus said," make disciples of all [demographics], teaching them to observe all that I have commanded, and I will be with you always, even until the end." Young or old, who are you reaching out to for Christ? Here's to the journey. I'm just saying.

Lemmings and sheep

Lemmings, a small rodent, is used as a metaphor for blindly following others off a cliff—three myths concerning Lemmings.

Myth #1 – "Lemmings are spontaneously generated in the sky and then falling to earth like rain." This myth was developed in 17th century Norway due to the rodents' propensity to multiply quickly.

Myth #2 – "Lemmings explode if they become sufficiently angry." Lemmings do have anger issues that they take out on each other. The exploding myth probably developed from seeing carrion remains.

Myth #3 – "Instinct drives them to kill themselves whenever their population becomes unsustainably large." Overpopulation does result in a mass migration of a part of the rodent population, but not for mass extinction. A migrating population may try and cross a river, but it was not an attempt in genocide.

Suffice it to say; the last myth has earned lemmings the reputation as an animal with a weak will that will follow others off a cliff.

Sheep are entirely different.

They flock together but aren't packs. Wherever the leader goes, all the sheep will follow. It is a herding mechanism that provides defense in numbers. With the flock huddled together, individual sheep are hard for predators to single out. It also allows a herd to follow a trusted Shepherd.

They follow the leader. When one sheep moves, they all move, even if it doesn't seem to be a good idea. This behavior is closely tied to their flocking instinct.

They are social. When grazing, sheep need to see one another. It reduces stress and calms the herd.

Obviously, sheep and lemmings are different types of animals, but they have some similarities. They run in herds and packs, and they follow the leader even if it ends terribly. However, their differences are striking, Lemmings are angry fighters, and they tend to fight with each other. Sheep are docile and easily domesticated. 

Ever wonder why the church is likened to sheep and not Lemmings? Many churches look angry and fight against one another more than being docile and followers—at least in the American church. Sheep get a bad rap for being stubborn and dull. But the characteristics that make them the perfect image for the church is their community and faithfulness to their Shepherd. Jesus said, 

John 10:27 (ESV)

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:11 (ESV)

11 I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Matthew 9:36 (ESV)

36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Unlike lemmings, who will devour each other and follow their leader to their deaths, sheep, because they are needy, love their community and listen to the Shepherd, whose job is to care for them. I am so blessed to be a part of a body of sheep who love and listen to their Shepherd. I'm just saying.

Masquerade

Masquerade! Paper faces on parade... Hide your face, so the world will never find you! Masquerade! Every face a different shade . . . Look around there's another mask behind you!*

Phantom of the Opera is one of my all-time favorites, and the song Masquerade is the most creative number in the play. It points out that the phantom isn't the only one who wears masks. Like the Operatic ghost, we hide behind our masks, afraid that if the world catches a glimpse beneath the surface, we will be rejected for our monster within. 

Keeping our darkest secrets hidden, our masks serve to distract onlookers from seeing the turmoil inside. But a glance in the mirror and we reel back in disgust. We see the mask and know the façade is thin and hope that the small cracks will not grow larger, exposing our vulnerabilities and weakness.

In ancient Greece, actors donned masks to cover the performer's face and present a new character in the drama. The actor was referred to as a hypocrite because his true identity was hidden. In the gospels, the term hypocrite applied to the Pharisees. They called people to repentance and obedience, then turned around, and sidestepped the rules to fit their greed and lusts. Jesus was harshest with their low regard for truth, the law, and for people.

It is easy to put on a mask that portrays a persona that says, "look at me; I have it all together." Isn't that the mark of a true believer? Trusting in Jesus means that I have the "joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart, always." But I don't. The hypocritical mask betrays my fear of rejection. Criticism of decisions, the judgment of actions, and undo expectations beat against my mask, reinforcing the desire to keep it in place.

Wearing a mask is an act of unbelief in God's ineffable grace. The writer of Hebrews said, "Since we have this confidence to enter into the holy places." The word confidence means speaking whatever comes to mind without reprisal. In God's presence and love, He gently removes my mask.  I am known and still accepted because of Jesus' righteousness. No longer do I have to hide behind the bush when the Father calls my name. Along with my mask, My shame is removed, and I am a new creation.

The phantom's mask was finally removed, and his greatest fears were realized, not because of the way he looked, but because of the corruption that ate at his soul. He chose to remain hidden in the shadows. We have seen a great light, and that light is the light of life, who has come into the world, and he is full of grace and truth. Take off your mask, step into the light, and experience the joy of being fully known and accepted. I'm just saying.

*Andrew Lloyd Webber – Masquerade/Why So Silent? Lyrics .... https://genius.com/Andrew-lloyd-webber-masquerade-why-so-silent-lyrics

It's coming to an end

The Apocalypse is just around the corner. "For in those days, there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be." Mark 13:19.  " "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God." 2 Thess. 2:3,4. "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,  treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

To some, this is crazy talk. Bringing up the end times doesn't help reconcile differences or wrestle with the issues of climate change. Pointing out that racial disparities, wars, political infighting, and the now and ever-present pandemic are symptoms of a deeper problem causes some to roll their eyes. I am not a "sky is falling" kind of guy. I don't wring my hands, worrying that using my credit card will usher in a cashless society and the beast's mark. However, I think it is healthy to be reminded that at the core of all national, international, and personal emergencies is the problem of sin. 

Bringing together the left and the right without understanding that sin eats away at our attempts to cooperate will be futile. Even a genuine desire for racial reconciliation will be marred by prejudice, anger, hatred, bitterness, selfishness, and pride. These inherent characteristics are symptomatic of our sinful condition. Throw in everyone's personal agendas and the landscape of world peace, cultural cohesion, and individual peace flies out the window.

The only way to resolve these issues is to identify and agree on something bigger than themselves. That is why almost every sci-fi movie has the world setting aside their differences for the common cause of survival against an alien invasion. Thus the Apocalypse.

"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,  and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility." Ephesians 2:14-16.

This passage is specifically addressing Jews and Gentiles, but apply it to any groups or individuals who are at odds. If Jesus is our peace, he breaks down the dividing wall between God and us, so that the barriers that divide people will crumble beneath the cross. If Jesus is our peace, how can democrat and republican not work to get along? If Jesus is our peace, how can I not see my brother of color with value and respect? If Jesus is our peace, then the rifts between spouses, children, and friends should be mended under Jesus' authority. 

Alas, if only we all would find this peace in Jesus. Until then, it is incumbent on us, who have found this peace, to bring it to a hurting world. But when we act as if we do not have the peace of Jesus, our call for hope falls in deaf ears. 

There is a day coming when every knee will bow at the name of Jesus, and the world will be reconciled to God. In preparation for that glorious day, let's give the world a taste of its sweetness. Tell them about Jesus. I'm just saying.

What Stands In Your Way?

Five Junior High Students and I bushwhacked through the Blue Ridge mountains, all we had was a map and compass to lead the way. Our very first evening was a disaster. I had dolled out my matches to other groups and now found myself short as we tried to start a fire with wet wood. We ended up eating cold hotdogs.

The following day was all about reaching the next destination, but we weren’t going in the right direction. I had the teens stay put as I trudged ahead to find a significant landmark. I returned to find my team smiling with a fist full of matches. Some people on horseback rode by and were willing to share their supplies.

We eventually made our way to a river that was a favorite spot for local campers. We set up camp and used the matches, sparingly, to start a fire. The wood was still wet. Just when I was about to strike my last rationed match, one of the teens produced a bottle of alcohol he borrowed from a nearby camper. We used it to help start the fire.

The next day we plotted course and hiked into the forest. I heard a crash behind me and found a student with his backpack on the ground. The strap had broken. I patched it with moleskin, and we headed out only to be stopped by a cavernous ravine. Going around would add hours to our hike, and going through it would be dangerous for the teen with the broken pack. As I sat there contemplating our next move, a student approached me with an offer. Someone they befriended the night before was offering to drive us up the mountain and around the ravine. It wasn’t how we were supposed to accomplish our goal, but I relented for convenience over pride. It shaved five hours off our day’s hike.

Matches, wet wood, and a ravine, we’re obstacles that posed challenges that at the moment seemed impossible. But the young men with me saw past the immediate need and found ways around the obstacles. They weren’t confined to conventional answers because they were not bound to my need to be a purist backpacker. 

What obstacles stand in your way? Is it a lost job, a broken marriage, struggling teens, or a strained relationship? Do you find yourself in financial difficulty or with an illness that threatens to ruin you? Maybe emotionally, you are on the edge of depression, anxiety, or fear. 

Obstacles can present themselves as challenges to conquer or paralyze us into inaction. I have found that three things are essential in overcoming obstacles.

1. Understanding the big picture of God’s will. God has a more extensive plan, then what is happening in my life. It helps me stop thinking that the world revolves around me and that what is happening is an act of God’s judgment.
2. Understand God’s specific will for me as an individual. The Bible instructs us how to live with our spouse, treat our children, and act toward other people. He shows us how to deal with emotional difficulties and calls us to live in community to help one another in impossible situations. Understanding God’s big picture and how I fit into that plan gives me a framework to set goals.
3. Make a plan. If I have emotional issues, what and where do I go to get help? What do I need to do to help me reengage my spouse? What steps do I need to put into place to parent better? 
4. Find someone to hold you accountable, pray with you, and walk with you through your difficulties.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

God has a plan for our future. God desires good for us, not evil. As Paul said, ” Romans 8:31, ”What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” 

I’m just saying.

What was lost is now found

I wrote an email to the church's bookkeeper. It read,

Dear bookkeeper, I lost my credit card, my debit card, and my driver's license. I also lost a receipt." However, I found the credit card, debit card, and driver's license. Still no receipt."

Along with these items, I lost something else of greater value, or rather it slipped off the finger and wasn't noticed. It was a stressful weak to think that losing them would cost me money, time, and the hassle of replacing them. To say the least, the embarrassment I would face when in told the finance committee.

In the face of these losses, what are we to do? Search every nook and cranny for sure, and that was done twice, if not ten times. I could start the process of replacement, but what if I found them the next day? I held off. Pray? Of course, prayer, and we all do it. In our frustration and desperation, we cry out to God for help, but do we really? Is it really a prayer for divine intervention, or is it like talking to Porthos, "come on, boy, help me find it." A response isn't expected. I think the reason is that we don't believe our situation is of value to God. Why would he care about something so insignificant in the grand scheme of things? I don't think God cares about the ring or the credit cards, but he does care about me. I'm His son, and I might put too much value in bling, but I'm still his child. What parent wouldn't bend over backward for their child? As a Pastor, I know all of this, have counseled and preached this, but I often don't practice it. In an altruistic fashion, I should let God take care of the more significant problems of life.

When I think that way, I reduce God to look like me. I make him small and impotent. But God is none of those, he is enormous, and I'm talking about out of this world big. He is everywhere at all times. God is all-powerful, and nothing can stand in his way or thwart his plans. He knows everything, and nothing is hidden from him. I believe this about God, so, in both situations, I prayed. But the question is, "what do I pray?" I simply prayed, "Father, open my eyes to see what I have lost." Not fancy, but to the point.

That night I was vacuuming the living room, where we are every night. There it was, in plain sight, the ring that had been lost and is now found. Rebecca and I rejoiced greatly. That left the credit cards and driver's license to find. After the first experience, I went straight to prayer. "Father, open my eyes so I can see." I retraced my steps and even looked in places I had never been to. I began to lose hope that they would be found.

On the way out of the house yesterday morning, I decided to look under the couch one more time. They weren't there, but I did see the corner of something under the side table. You are right; it was my cards. 

Prayer is a mystery that God desires for his children. It is for our sake that he asks us to pray. God doesn't need to interact with us but wants to, and when we go to him, he delights in seeing us smile. Our Father relishes the moment our eyes light up, and we see the object that once was lost but now is found. It gives us a glimpse into the heart of God for his willfully lost children ("Adam, where are you?"), yet sought us and adopted us into his family ("I have come to seek and save the lost," -Jesus-).

Prayer is a mystery. These experiences remind me that though I might want to give up, my Heavenly Father never will… I'm just praying.