AWESOME!

I have been told that I am easily impressed, but I like to think that I have maintained the wonder of a child.  Our culture throws around the word “awesome” to the point that it has lost its meaning, but there are times that I am truly awed.

I am awed when musicians sit down at their instrument and play as without thought.  When my wife sits at the piano and plays a tune that she has just heard on the radio I am awed, or when my son takes out his guitar and composes a melody that has been rolling around in his head, I am amazed.

I am awed when an artist looks at a blank canvas and sees splashes of color, landscapes and faces, and brings them to life.  There are people who have a sense of color that astound me.  They can look at a room and imagine what colors can go on the wall and match the furniture and accessories, and when it is all put together you step back and go, “Wow!”

I am awed at the craftsman who picks up his hammer and saw and constructs a building whose corners are straight and its foundations solid.  I have helped men who have the ability to size up a piece of wood and know exactly how much to cut and how to put it together with little thought.  The same is true for mechanics who can listen to an engine and tell you what is wrong, and then take it apart and put it back together with the skill of a surgeon.  

I am awed at the teacher who can take difficult concepts and make them easy for students to understand.  They make learning fun because they make it intelligible.  Classroom discipline is negligible because they have engaged their students in the process of learning.

I stand in awe of these people, and many more, because they posses gifts that I cannot master.  I am not envious of them, not in the least.  I am awed by their abilities and enjoy watching them at work, and I am most inspired when they graciously attribute their gifts to God. It motivates me to find my gift and perfect it to the best of my ability. 

But what causes me to stand in awe the most is to know that these things are mere reflections of the character of God.  His power is seen in the coming storm, his artistry in a family of birds, and his skill that fashions a baby in its mother’s womb.  There is no one like Him on the earth or in the heavens, and when I look at the works of His hands my mouth drops and I stand in awe!

Job 25:2 “Dominion and awe belong to Him who establishes peace in His heights.” 

Job says what awed him the most was not the storm, not the power of God, but the quiet voice of Him who brings peace.  Of all that God has done what awes me most is his act of mercy through Jesus, which brings us peace.  In the little things and the big things I see the transcendent God of creation perfecting us through the indwelling Spirit, recreating in us in the image of His Son until the day of His return.  Now that is AWESOME!  I’m just saying…

The Supreme Court Did What?

Yesterday a friend messaged me, “isn't there some way to protest our Supreme Court recognizing gay marriage?? What a crock!!” This is the powerless feeling of many in our country today.  Our government of the people and for the people doesn’t seem to be by the people, and the court lends its ear to recognize only a few loud and persistent voices.  It is a feeling of betrayal to the values that have formed our country and the moral foundations that are anchored in the Bible.

The Supreme Court’s decision is an inevitable outcome of competing worldviews.  The constitution proclaims that we are all created equal and as such deserving of equal protection of our rights under the law.  But what happens when individual beliefs collide and what seem an imposition to one is a moral issue for another?  How does the civil nature of our laws protect both? 

I was recently in a discussion with an individual who said he left the Church when evangelicals tried to take over the government.  He felt that conservatives were trying to impose their moral beliefs on others.  I asked why it was all right for others to impose their moral views but not that of evangelicals, because all laws are impositions?  He raised the issue of homosexuals’ desire to be married, and that they were not imposing anything on evangelicals, they only wanted to live their lives free from intrusion.

But the reclassification of marriage is an imposition on my faith.  It forces the Christian employer to support/acknowledge a lifestyle that is contrary to his beliefs under penalty of law.  Christian adoption agencies will have to comply with adoption requests by gay couples under fear of prosecution.  Christian colleges will be threatened with the loss of government grants if they don’t comply or stop speaking against an immoral lifestyle.  Catholic hospitals have already felt the government’s intrusion on their beliefs with the issue of condoms; all in the name of freedom and rights.   If I as a Pastor preach against the immorality of homosexuality will I be open to a law suite or my church losing its tax-exempt status?

However, the Supreme Court did not redefine marriage.  They simply said that the case in California didn’t have any standing.  In other words the people who brought the case to the court weren’t allowed to under the rules of law.  In fact the Court made it clear that the decision of the definition of marriage is up to individual States and that States didn’t have to recognize the definition set by other States.  Yes, the dismissal of proposition 8 in California delays conservative moral values from taking hold in California, and that the case would have to be retried appropriately all the way to the Supreme Court.

Eph. 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” The first thing we need to do is acknowledge the spiritual nature of the fight.  The battle isn’t against gays; it is against all sin that permeates a world that is bent against Christ. 

Therefore “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”  2Cor. 10:5. The second step is to understand our argument and be well informed about why we are against something.

The third step is to call, write, and email our representatives.  They need to know how we feel and why.  They need to understand that if they don’t represent our convictions then they will lose our votes.  Moral convictions and character in a politician is more important than their views of the economy. 

The fourth step is connected to the first. We need to remember that God is in control.  Jesus said the world hated him and they will hate us.  People will claim we are uncaring bigots because we don’t condone their lifestyle.  People will spew hatred toward us because we stand firm on what we believe.  But we should never give them an occasion for such visceral behavior.  In the end God will judge all men’s behavior, ours included, so we need to be as wise a serpents and as gentle as doves.  We need to love those who oppose us while standing firm on our convictions.  I’m just saying…

Little Things

Little things cause big problems

Little things can be irritating

Little things can blow up

Little things can be the most amazing things in the world.  In the midst of our hectic lifestyles it is easy to be overwhelmed by responsibilities and demands.  Grinding out each day as if it were a product on an assembly line turns life into a loathsome existence.  But stop…listen…look around and see the beauty of the little things; the things that, to some are frivolous, yet at their core are the essence and beauty of life.

There is nothing more beautiful than the simplicity of a newborn baby.  Crying, feeding and changing can overwhelm a parent to the point of forgetting the miracle that is brought into the world; small, helpless, and totally dependent; the joy that is felt at the moment of birth, and the pain forgotten in the rapture of new life.  There will be plenty of time to worry about schedules and potty training, but in the moment revel in the marvelous mystery given to us by God.  “Unless you are born again you cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

There is nothing more refreshing than the “tickly” rain.  Recently we experienced severe thunderstorms and the threat of tornados.  As awe-inspiring as its power was, it drove us into the basement for protection, but the “tickly” rain falls gently to cleanse and refresh.  When my granddaughter was here for the summer we would run out into the “tickly” rain and soak in its refreshment and laugh and dance in the little drops.  Torrents will come and replenish the earth with its much needed water, but the “tickly” rain affords a moment for the heart to sing in the blessings of God.

There is nothing like a stolen kiss.  Romance is a lost art, and time to cultivate deep and lasting relationships forgotten in the muddle of life.  Stolen kisses are unexpected, but always desired from the one you love.  They set the heart of young and old aflutter, and bring a smile that remembers the passion of days gone by.  Gifts are great, fancy dinners, and nights on the town are appreciated, but it is the little touch, the stolen kiss, when it is least expected that matters the most.  It expresses satisfaction and hope, love and tenderness. 

I want to do more little things in my life and less big productions.  I want to take time out for a hug, a kiss, or to hold hands on a walk.  I want to dance in the rain and feel the embrace of my wife riding behind me on the motorcycle.  I’m just saying…

Sticks and Stones

As a wordsmith I understand the value of the written language.  As a pastor I preach with the hope that the spoken word wheels as much influence.  Words are powerful, spoken and written, and they can be used for good or ill.  Throughout history orators have swayed masses to action, some to war and others to repentance; some to riots and others to prayer.  My son showed me a meme yesterday that pictured flags from different countries.  Under each flag was the caption "When we disagree with our country we riot/protest."  At the end of the list of pictures was the American flag with the following caption, "When we disagree with our country we complain on the internet." As Americans we believe that words should sway people to do the right thing, or at least what we believe is the right thing.

God has spoken to us in the garden and on the mountain.  In the garden he spoke life into dust and on the mountain he spoke law onto stone.  In these last days he has spoken to us in His Son, the living Word of God.  Through Jesus we hear the words of God's grace and compassion, his love and forgiveness, his hope for our redemption, and for those who believe our hearts have become living flesh once again.  

Jesus promised to always be with us, to give us indescribable peace, to relieve us of our anxiety, and to make peace with the Father through his blood.  In his parting words he said he would send a comforter, the Holy Spirit to give us power and peace by speaking to our spirits and confirming that we are God's children.

As His children we are to speak as well.  We are to proclaim the gospel of the living God, of hope and a future.  We are to encourage one another and build our brothers/sisters up in the faith.  Our exhortations are to be salted with love and and compassion.  There are times that our speech should be slow or utterly silent.  James says that we should be quicker to listen then to speak, because too often our words are angry and self-centered.  The words of our lips should fail us as we stand before a holy God, and flippant references to the Father should be squelched.  

It is, however, much easier to proclaim than to practice.  I pray that the Holy Spirit will bridle my tongue in those moments I am tempted to speak without thinking.  Hurtful words can never be recovered, but gracious words are like salve on a soar, cool and refreshing.  

It is important not to let the biting words of enemy or friend blind us to our true nature in Christ.  Words can be painful, but THE WORD of God is the truth.  I love the song line that reads, "Of all the voices calling out to me, I will chose to listen and believe the voice of truth."  

"Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few." Ecc. 5:2,3.  "...listen to me;be silent, and I will teach you wisdom” (Job 33:33).  I'm Just Saying...

A Flash In The Pan

In the third grade I begged for a guitar.  I was tired of practicing the piano and just knew if I had a guitar I would become the next Jimmy Hendrix.  When my birthday came around the wrapped package was obviously a guitar.  I tore into the gift with unrestrained enthusiasm.  I was proud of that guitar.  I strapped it my shoulder and walked around strumming the strings. I even pretended to make chords and sang on the spot melodies.  Something, however, quickly became evident; I didn’t know how to play the guitar.  My passion for the guitar quickly faded with the reality that I would have to work hard to become proficient.

I have been thinking about passion because I read an author who said the church needs a renewed passion for Jesus.  Passion is an intense emotion, compelling feeling, enthusiasm, and desire for something.  Most often it is associated with sexuality.  In fact when you look in the Bible all the passages that use the word passion have negative sexual connotations.  When we think of passion in that sense we realize that it is short lived.  Yes it is intense, but it doesn’t last and it is self-centered. 

Zeal is another word used in the New Testament.  It is a word that conveys a strong affection toward, an ardent devotion to, to desire earnestly, and aspire eagerly after.  To be zealous is to be fervent for and jealous of what is yours.  Jesus was zealous for His Father’s house.  The Jews were zealous for God (but without knowledge).  Paul was zealous in persecuting the church, and the Corinthian’s were zealous in their giving to Paul’s ministry.  Attached to zeal is action that accomplishes something.

Yet, even Zeal has to have a positive direction.  Paul counted everything, even his zeal, as loss compared to knowing Jesus.  In Philippians Paul uses words like press on, take hold, and forgetting.  In Psalm 69:32 we are told to seek God and let our hearts be revived.  And we are to be diligent to preserve the unity, present for approval as unashamed workman, to enter Christ’s rest, make certain our calling, and be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless.

Passion is Great, its intense and makes everyone feel good, but it is short lived.  That’s why we are constantly calling people to a renewed passion.  Camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains we found ourselves cold and wet.  The rain had turned to a drizzle and we were trying to get a fire going.  Fortunately I had packed a bag of birch bark.  It lights quickly and burns with intense heat, but by itself it was useless to sustain a fire.  We had to go from tree to tree and find twigs that were sheltered from the rain.  Ordering the twigs to maximize airflow I lit the birch bark and the intense heat caught the twigs on fire, but the flame would quickly die out if it wasn’t fanned, and the fire wouldn’t last if we didn’t add more twigs and finally larger pieces of wood.  Paul reminded Timothy of his mother's and grandmother's faith and prayers that grounded him in his faith, but Timothy’s passion couldn’t sustain him, and Paul told him:  “For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 

Passion gets it started, Zeal keeps it moving, but it is the pressing on, taking hold, and being diligent that will sustain our faith in Christ.  We need less birch bark and more kindling.  I’m just saying…