Christmas Music

Christmas is over, so what's up with the Christmas tunes? As I wander around in warmth of Florida I have can't help but notice that the Christmas tunes are still flowing. At first I had to fight a little "bah humbug" inside that says "enough with the Christmas music". However there is a very positive side to some of the music. Places that do not normally present the message of Jesus play songs that celebrate His birth and that's a good thing. My own "Christmas music fatigue" reminds me that we sometimes treat the message of Christmas the same way. Christmas is a time when we recognize the need to give and show warmth and love. Then when Christmas passes we turn off the music and hit the new year grumbling about everything from losing a few pounds to various other resolutions. Sometimes we are guilty of smugly reminding the world around us that "Jesus is the reason for the season" as if the reason for celebration is limited to His birth. Our attitude and way of life in the days after Christmas is a great indicator of whether or not His incarnation really matters to us.

Glory to God

On the night Jesus was born, the angels proclaimed "Glory to God in the highest" (Luke 2:14). Their exclamation was an obvious expression of worship. Real worship expresses the worthiness of God to receive our adoration. It shifts our focus toward a magnificent and majestic God. For the past few weeks I have been reminded of my need to shift my focus toward God. Distractions are plentiful this time of year. Yet, none of these distractions is worthy of my worship. I desire to keep Jesus at the center of all I do. I want the Spirit of Christ to invade my life every day. I want His presence to shine through me so that my living glorifies God.

Let Him In

At first, the book of Revelation seems an odd place to find a text for a Christmas message. However, it really shouldn't seem odd. After all the "Revelation" that gives the book its name is all about Jesus and the message of Christmas is all about the "Revelation" of the Savior. What I discovered in Revelation 3 was a strange parrallel to Luke 2. In Luke 2 we are told that the baby Jesus was placed in a manger "because there was no room in the inn". The door to the inn was shut. He as not allowed inside. In Revelation 3, we read a message from Jesus (not as a baby, but as the one who gives life to the church). The message to a lukewarm church at Laodicea is simple. Jesus stands at the door and knocks. If we let Him in, He will commune with us in every part of our lives. His presence will invade the ordinary and transform it. These three words have captivated my heart this week as we celebrate the birth of Jesus: "let Him in".

Worship

The Christmas narrative in Luke evokes several responses from me. As I read about the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem I can't help but wonder what they were thinking. I remember my own anticipation as Lynn and I neared Christmas Eve of 1996 when our son Nick was born. I had a lot of questions about being a father (and still do). But more than anything, I was filled with anxious anticipation. When Nick finally arrived, my anticipation shifted quickly to awe. On the one hand it was surreal. On the other hand it was an overwhelming sense of the greatness and presence of a miracle from God. As I stared at the beautiful little person that God had given to us, I was captured with the miracle of the moment. In Luke 2, the shepherds give us a snapshot of wonder and awe. I'm sure they had no idea what to anticipate as they hurried to find the baby in the manger. But, when they arrived, their anticipation turned to awe. As they left they spread their wonder and awe to everyone who would listen.

Good news and Bad news

There's good news and bad news. Christmas is all about good news. Remember the announcement of the angel. We sing about it every Christmas..."Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" In the Message, Luke 2:11-12 reads this way: "Don't be afraid, I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master". That's good news. So, what's the bad news? The bad news is that we have found a way to mess up good news. Unshared good news is the ultimate oxymoronic tragedy. How can good news remain trapped inside us? Share Jesus.

Swim Strong

"If life is a river, then pursuing Christ requires swimming upstream. When we stop swimming, or actively following Him, we automatically begin to be swept downstream."
Francis Chan

The words of Francis Chann remind us that following Jesus is not effortless. At times, it takes great effort - but it is effort that is fueled by our passion for Him. Think of it in terms of the Christmas story. Mary had to swim through her questions. Joseph had to swim through his fears. The shepherds had to swim through their limited understanding. But each one of them was captured by their love of the Savior.

Have you seen Jesus?

I continue to be captivated by the description of the birth of Jesus in Luke. Jesus is born, wrapped in swaddling cloths and placed in a feed trough converted into a baby bed. The manger seems an unlikely location to herald the arrival of the Savior. Yet, it was a very significant marker for the shepherds. When the shepherds were enlightened by an angel there were given a sign. They would find Jesus "lying in a manger". Sure enough, when they found Jesus (even though it was in a strange place), they recognized Him. How many times have we failed to recognize Jesus this week? In His description of rewards and judgment in Matthew 25, Jesus noted that when we see people who are hungry, thirsty, sick or imprisoned we have an opportunity to see Him.

Jesus in the Manger

Nativity scenes are easy to find around Christmas. They are one of best loved of all Christmas decorations. The baby Jesus is the focal point of worship in the midst of Mary, Joseph, some shepherds and stable animals. Despite the fact that I think the manger (feed trough) symbolizes are tendency to push Jesus out of our lives, the fact that God revealed Himself to shepherds who were willing to find their way to worship Him is powerful. It brings me to a great expression of worship that I read about this week. In his book, Crazy Love, Francis Chan describes a young blind boy in Uganda as being "totally content and obviously in love with Jesus". I love that description and I think in some way it is the goal of every nativity scene to somehow depict that quality on the faces of those looking at the baby. It's my desire to be obviously in love with Jesus every day of my life.

The Message of the Manger

I am captivated by the message of Luke 2:6-7. Even though Luke's words are written to provide a historical account of the arrival of the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, they reveal so much more. Luke tells us that Jesus was born, wrapped in cloths and laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn in Bethlehem. In other words, the person responsible for the Inn refused to make room for a pregnant woman who was on the verge of delivering her first child. Although I have studied this passage every Christmas season, I have never made the connection between Luke's words and the words of the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah spoke about our Savior hundreds of years in advance of His birth in Bethlehem. His prophecies prepare us to understand how Jesus would be rejected and despised. They prepare us for the message of the crucifixion of Christ as described in the Gospels. But, surprisingly, Isaiah's prophecies prepare us for the birth of Jesus as well. Read Isaiah's words:

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not (Isaiah 53:3).
When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, the unborn Jesus was not esteemed by the Innkeeper, or he would have been willing to sacrifice whatever was necessary to make room for His arrival in the world. Isaiah's words not only characterize the humble arrival of Jesus as one who was rejected (even before birth). But, Isaiah's prophecies reveal something beautiful that I have never recognized before. It has to do with my understanding of how Jesus was identified with our sorrows. Usually, I think in terms of the suffering of Jesus during his beatings or crucifixion. Usually, I focus my attention solely upon the stripes on His back or scars in His hands or side and how He suffered for us. But for the first time I have begun to realize that Jesus identified Himself with the sorrows that begin before birth. Chldren who are unloved. Children who are rejected. Children who are born into violence and injustice with little regard for how precious and valuable they are. While it is true that Jesus was loved by Joseph and Mary, I believe the rejection of the Innkeeper reveals a powerful message through Jesus' humble arrival. Recently I spoke with a physician friend who has provided care during many difficult and complicated pregnancies. He spoke of those times when the baby has little hope for survival. And he taught me of the the importance of celebrating the life of the unborn child while yet in the womb. Now as I read Isaiah 53, I understand that the incarnation did not begin with the birth of Jesus. The miracle of His identification with the suffering of the human condition begins before birth. I see that now. The message of the manger helps me to realize that Jesus was rejected - even before His birth. That makes the hope He delivers even more beautiful to me.

Best Gift

It's December now. That means I am another year older(45 if you're counting). It also means that we have entered into the Christmas season. It's a time when we invest too much attention on "gifts" and not enough of our focus on the greatest gift ever given. When Jesus arrived, He was relegated to a manger because there was no room in the Inn in Bethlehem. Luke's description is an accurate commentary on our view of God. Francis Chan's remarks cut to the heart: "We see Him as a benevolent Being who is satisfied when people manage to fit Him into their lives in some small way...Jesus came humbly as a servant, but He never begs us to give Him some small part of ourselves. He commands everything from His followers".

Thanksgiving

"I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States,
and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands,
to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of
Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.
And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to
Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble
penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His
tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or
sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged,
and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds
of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine
purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union."

Abraham Lincoln

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

Growing up

I watched a middle school basketball game last night with Nick. To my pleasant surprise I knew several of the players on the the "other team". I watched the best player on the other team score several times before realizing that he was on one of Nick's baseball teams several years ago. He had grown up (about a foot taller). After speaking to his father and mother after the game, the young man came and spoke to me. I congratulated him for the great game. When I spoke to him I recognized his face, yet I recoginzed that he had matured a great deal. For the last few weeks I have shared messages about "lessons learned". This young man illustrates the goal of my messages. Maturity should be recognizable. "Lessons learned" produce obvious changes in us. The process of spiritual maturation is not hidden from those around us. If it is hidden - it makes me wonder if it's happening.

How's your heart?

I was reading today that 900 Americans die every day from Coronary Heart Disease. That is a staggering statistic. No doubt, many of those who died had no idea that their heart problems were as serious as they were. This weekend I will be sharing a message from Deuteronomy 8:2 where Moses was reminding the people that God led them through the wilderness to test them and know what was in their hearts. So, in spiritual terms, they didn't know the condition of their hearts. God was using the wilderness as a "stress test". He didn't have to hook them up to an ECG or put them on a treadmill. Their actions revealed (very clearly) what was in their hearts. The wilderness was a great stress test. I guess being a pastor qualifies me to be an amateur spiritual cardiologist. By my observation we have a pretty big problem acknowledging our heart conditions. Sometimes a wilderness time exposes the severity of our condition. Even then, we can choose to ignore the signs or turn to God for some emergency repair work.

Post Election Thoughts

This morning some are celebrating victory and others are agonizing over defeat. Whether your focus is on the national election or local matters, the results reveal that matters either went the way you hoped or you are left to deal with disappointment. Likewise, the election may have gone the way you prayed or not. What concerns me today is the potential to forget the need for prayer now that the election is over. Please don't misunderstand me, I believe that it was and is important to pray in anticipation of elections. However, it is no less important to pray now that the elections have passed. Those who were elected need our prayers. Our nation as a whole needs our prayers. We need to be prayerful because prayer helps bring change in us. It helps us to listen to God's voice and align with His plans and purposes. Prayer is much bigger than whether our candidtes win or lose.

God or Luck?

As a follow up to my recent blog (Anti-God campaign) on the campaign of atheists in London to purchase ads on buses that declare that God "probably" doesn't exist, I did a little research on one of the proponents of the campaign. One of the prominent supporters of the campaign is Richard Dawkins, author of The God Delusion . I thought you might be curious as to what Dawkins proposes as a replacement to God when it comes to the origin of life and consciousness. So I did a little research for you. According to Dawkins, such origins were triggered by an "initial stroke of luck". Excuse me? Is the a scientific explanation for something as signficant as the origin of life and consciousness? Now, I grant you that Dawkins has much more to say about the subject than that. But, it life has to begin somewhere, somehow and this is what he offers. I'm not making this up. My response to Dr. Dawkins would make a great ad campaign for the buses in London: "There probably wasn't an initial stroke of luck...I believe in God".

Getting Ready for the Election

November 4th is election day. Although there are a host of elections within the election, most of our attention has been garnered by the presidential election. As I prepare to vote there is an election fact that blows me away. I can't help but consider that fact that nearly $1 billion has raised by the candidates for campaigning. What an investment. The sources of funds vary, but any way you slice it, that's a lot of money. Let me turn that investment around and look at investment through a different lens. Don't forget to invest in prayer. Before you vote, pray. Pray for God's direction in how you vote. Pray for the candidates. Pray for our country. The election is a great opportunity to seek God and be led by God in an important decision.

Anti-God Campaign

Recently in London, England some organizers put together an ad campaign asserting that there "probably is no God". The ads are being placed on the sides of buses in London. Specifically, the ads read "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." Supporter, Richard Dawkins, who is a biologist and author of "The God Delusion". says "This campaign to put alternative slogans on London buses will make people think — and thinking is anathema to religion." Is that so Richard? Wow, the statement "There probably is no God" is a real thinker! Also, if Richard advocates "stop worrying and enjoy your life" while reading a sign on the side of a bus, I question whether he has ever driven in London. Let me get serious for a moment. I happen to agree that thinking is a good thing. Also, I agree that it is true that too many Christians fall prey to an unthinking faith. Faith is not opposed to examination and exploration. In fact, I believe that God designed us such that heart, soul, mind and body have an integrated relationship with Him. When I engage my intellect I am amazed even more by the existence of God. Am I threatened by the ad campaign? I don't know, let me think about it.

Humility

Is humility a non-negotable virture? Sunday I will examine the lessons of "humility" that God provides in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2). Humility cuts against so many things we find comfortable in life. We like to control our own destiny - Humility relinquishes control. We like to lead -Humility requires us to follow. We like to find our own strength - Humility teaches us to discover strength in weakness.

Honest Feedback

Last night Nick had a tough football game. His team was previously undefeated and they faced the other undefeated team. The result was a 20-0 loss for Nick's team. He had a great time and learned a lot - I'm very proud of him. This morning Nick's coach called me to tell of something that happened on the sideline. Nick's coach was giving them a great fired-up talk after the first series. At the end of his talk, his eyes caught Nick's and he asked Nick what he was seeing out there on the field. Nick's response was "I just went in coach, I'm not seeing much yet". Despite the intensity of the moment the coach shared with me that it struck him as humorous. This week I am enjoying the opportunity to teach doctoral course at our seminary. There are several countries represented in the class. I love the opportunity to gain such rich perspective from places like South Korea, Canada, Brazil and Kenya. I find myself taking time to take it all in. I feel a little like Nick. It will take me a few days to process what I'm seeing and hearing. I just got in the game!

Great Visit

I enjoyed a special blessing this week. Tom and Helen Malande were with us at Heritage last night. They are visiting from Kenya. They were joined by another missionary couple, Larry and Lisa Brown. We had a great evening listening to stories about what God is doing in Kenya through their ministry. This morning I was able to have an extended conversation with Tom and Helen about the HIV/Aids crisis in Kenya. Helen is doing research regarding the psychological and social impact of the disease. The impact on family structure is devastating as the number of orphans continues to grow. But, in the midst of the devastation, they are sharing God's love and allowing the light of His grace to shine.

Style Points

It's October in Tennessee and I haven't blogged much about Volunteer football. There's a reason. Nobody wants to read about the obvious. It's been a rough year. This past Saturday the mighty Vols racked up a big win against the Northern Illinois Huskies. What, you haven't heard of the Huskies? It was what they call in football an "ugly" win. They won a game they were supposed to win. Not many points scored. Not many big plays. I heard a comment this morning that the Vols didn't pick up many "style points". That's a great way to express the game. It wasn't flashy. It wasn't really all that interesting. It was a game that trudged along until it was over. Lately, I've been studying how Moses assessed the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. You don't always pick up many style points during a wilderness journey. But that doesn't mean the wilderness is devoid of lessons. If you're in the wilderness now, forget about style points and pay attention to what God is teaching you. Remember, you are supposed to emerge victorious.

Bailout

My blog is not dedicated to politics and today is not a day that I will change that. But, the prominence of political issues in the media today provides a good opportunity to share some of my views about my role as a pastor. There are many different views about what role a pastor should play as it relates to political issues. I choose not to spend much time talking about what others are doing. Yet, I do want to be aware of our surroundings and redirect our attention to our Creator. What should be my role as pastor? I trust the Lord's wisdom in using the metaphorical designation of "shepherd" to describe the type of leadership that I am invited to provide. A shepherd must be aware of the environment and sensitive to threats and opportunities. For example, the current economic crisis reveals some serious threats that should be exposed. If we continue to be a culture that dresses up "greed" and calls it "ambition" then we will reap more and more destruction. It also provides some opportunities. I happen to like a term that is often applied to the stock market. The word is "correction". Imagine that! The stock market "corrects" and most of the time we do not. Our opportunity is for "corrected" thinking. Just as "greed" has become fashionable in the world, "contentment" has been lost in the church. Do we "hunger and thirst" for righteousness - because if we do, God has promised to fill us. Thus, our contentment would rest in God's provision. Contentment remains out of reach as long as it is dependent upon our own achievements and pursuits. I fear we have developed a "hunger and thirst" for things other than God. Whether or not the "bailout" plan passes today or not, challenging times lie ahead. Whether McCain or Obama is elected, our faith will be tested severely. Every crisis is an opportunity for God to bring about transformation. We must examine our thoughts and allow God to renew our minds.

What's wrong with God?

Yesterday I re-issued God's question from the book of Jeremiah. God asked his wayward people, "What fault did you find in me?". Today I noticed a short review of Bill Maher's film "Religulous". It's a film that I have no desire to see, but I was interested in the content of the review. "Religulous" is a comedy (and I use the term loosely) that pokes fun of Christians, Jews and Muslims for their faith. In the film Maher travels and interviews followers of each faith. Making fun of religion is nothing new for Maher. He abandoned his faith a long time ago. While making fun of Christians might actually reveal some flaws in followers, does it really identify any flaws in God? Of course, my answer is "no". But, it's an interesting thought. It matters how we represent God, but the failures of His followers will never diminish God's identity. God's love for Bill Maher is abundant. God's plan for Bill Maher is redemption. No matter what Bill has done or said, God wants him to know what it's like to trust in a God who has no faults.

Good Question

Why? That's a common question. Sometimes it's good and healthy to ask, sometimes a real waste of time and energy. What about with regard to a choice to sin? Why sin? I was reading in Jeremiah 2 today. God asks the question in a different manner. It's a sinful time for God's people. That's usually a signal in the Old Testament for a prophet to step up and raise some important questions. The question that caught my eye in Jeremiah comes directly from God. God is speaking to his people through the metaphor of a romantic relationship. He is reflecting on the past. The tone mixes several ingredients: brokenheartedness, heartsickness and anger. God's question cuts through all the emotions. God asks a deeper question than "Why?". Israel has turned away from God and chosen to worship other gods (God points out the fact that these gods are not really gods). Here's God's question: "What fault did your father's find in me?". Great question. It's a little different approach to sin. God doesn't ask about the attractiveness of sin. God asks "What do I lack?" Of course, it is a rhetorical question. God lacks nothing. His love for us is unfailing and immeasurable. Yet, they turned away from God and turned toward ridiculous substitutes. Now it's time to ask the question "Why?".

God leads

The words of Moses in Deuteronomy summarize the journey of the Hebrews. God brought them out of Egypt. He was preparing them to enter into the land that He promised to give them. Moses reminded them that in between "God led them". For the next few weeks I am going to consider how Deuteronomy 8:2 provides a framework for reviewing life. For me, this is a good place to start. How has God led me? That's a question I'm considering this week. There have been obvious times preceding significant decisions where I have diligently sought to be led by God. Other times I was less aware of God's leading, but I am convinced He was leading me. God provided tangible leadership to the Hebrews. They were able to see a cloud and fire as evidence of His leading. There have been times I would have loved to have the same. Yet, my journey has taught me to trust in God's presence and His leading even when it has been less than obvious.

Big Orange Country

This Saturday is a signficant day in Big Orange country. Tennessee plays Florida. Usually it's a game that sets the tone for Tennessee's season. Unfortunately, the tone was set with an early loss to UCLA. So now the Vols have an opportunity to do what UCLA did to them: beat a team that few expect them to beat. Although my faith in victory is slightly smaller than that of a mustard seed, it is interesting to consider the psychological benefit of being an underdog. Sometimes commentators refer to the expected winner as the team that "has everything to lose and nothing to gain". Consequently, the expected loser is the team that "has everything to gain and nothing to lose". Interestingly, last night at our men's group we constrasted "worldliness" and "Christ-likeness". When I think about what the world offers me compared to what Christ brings to my life, I have everything to gain in Christ and nothing to lose by turning to "worldliness". Go Vols.

Deuteronomy today

The news today is dominated by talk about the economy. With the fall of some big financial entities and the crisis with AIG there is quite a bit of finger-pointing and analysis going on. Some of the analysis had a bit of a moral tone that is unusual on the typical news circuit. "Greed" was mentioned several times. Questions were raised about "irresponsibility" and "entitlement". What do our economic woes have to do with my studies in Deuteronomy? You may recall that Deuteronomy is a collection of the "final words" of Moses directed at the Hebrews before they entered into the Promised Land. Among the reminders that Moses provided the people, he shared that the journey through the wilderness was a purposeful journey. The journey humbled them, tested them and revealed what was in their hearts. I can't help but believe that some of our woes in America revealed that this kind of journey has been circumvented. Humility is viewed as a vice rather than a virtue. Our pace is much too fast to waste time on a journey. We just want we want when we want it whether we can afford it or not. The prevailing attitude is "if I can figure out a way to get it now I'm ready for it now". Greed thrives in that kind of environment. Deuteronomy holds many golden principles for us that counter that kind of thinking. I look forward to unpacking some of these for myself in the next few weeks.

Gary's Visit

We had a special gift yesterday.Gary Darcus was passing through Knoxville and stopped by to spend some time with us on his way home to Charlottesville. Gary is very involved with missionaries in Africa through his work with Advancing Native Missions Last night at Heritage we were discussing 1 Corinthians 9. Gary commented how much his missionary friends in Africa would have enjoyed our discussion. As Gary continued to share it was a great reminder of the power and relevance of the principles of Scripture. The cultural differences between believers in Kenya and Oak Ridge, TN are great. We can scarcely imagine the economic and political challenges that they face. However, the internal battle between selfishness and maturity is not so different. The call to live in such a way as to further the reach of the gospel rather than hindering it hits us all.

deuteronomy today

I have been reading in Deuteronomy lately. The application of this great series of messages from Moses has hit me in a strong way. The bulk of Deuteronomy is devoted to some major messages from Moses. He is preparing the Hebrews to enter into the Promised Land. After wandering around in the wilderness and several bouts with major doubt and disobedience, the older Hebrews have died and only the young ones, Caleb and Joshua will be allowed to enter the land. Moses delivers his "final words" to the massive gathering of Hebrew souls. What does he have to say. One word stands out above all the rest, "remember". That's what has captured my attention. How many lessons in life have I forgotten? Why? How? Did I forget them or reject their application? Did they die from a lack of practice? Did I really learn them to begin with? Great questions. Deuteronomy holds some key, divine insight about carrying lessons learned forward. For the next few Sundays, I going to have a good time in Deuteronomy.

I approved this message

By now we are accustomed to hearing those words on a regular basis. As candidates spend millions and millions of dollars to market themselves to the voting public we are practically numb by the time the personal endorsement pops up at the end..."I approved this message". To me it comes across as a personal, albeit lifeless affirmation that the messge of the commercial is consistent with the candidate. Consider this for a moment, what if our lives were viewed as a "commercial" for Christ? What if at the end of my life, Jesus dropped by the cemetery, threw a little dirt on my casket and said of me, I'm Jesus and I approve of the message of Paul's life? While this may sound a little crass, it really is worth considering. Is my life consistent with the message of Jesus? Does He approve of the way I invoke His name? When I call myself a "Christian" is Jesus proud that I am proclaiming his "platform" to those who don't know Him. If the word "commercial" is a little too offensive, think deeply about the message of your life. And by the way, give some thought about whether "attack ads" are effective.

Sharing our Story

I have enjoyed hearing great testimonies from some members of the church family at Heritage in the past few weeks. Roy and Kristin Vella shared this past Sunday about how God ministered to them and their son Nathaniel. If you would like to read the details of that testimony you can link to Kristin's blog. Once you are in the blog click on the "Miracle boy" tab and prepare yourself for a journey of faith.

Love requires an open heart

Deuteronomy 6:4-6
Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.

A disciple asks the rabbi, “Why does the Torah tell us to ‘place these words upon your hearts’? Why does it not tell us to place these holy words in our hearts?”

The rabbi answers, “It is because as we are, our hearts are closed, and we cannot place the holy words in our hearts. So we place them on top of our hearts. And there they stay until one day, the heart breaks and the words fall in.”

Jeremiah part 4

Last night I was driving home. I was alone in the car, but not really. I shared some things with God. Sometimes my conversations with God in the car are not very eloquent. Never confuse eloquence with honesty. Some of my best conversations have had very few words. Mostly they are short statements loaded with a lifetime of meaning. Thank you. I love you. I don't know. I don't understand. I need you. Help me. Forgive me. Change me. Although God has responded to my prayers in various and wonderful ways. The greatest response is the response that is consistent and unchanging: "I am here". Never alone.

Jeremiah's calling part 3

When Jeremiah launched into his role has prophet, he did so with a knowledge that things were going to be very difficult. How did he know? God told him. If you have any entrepreneurial blood in your veins, usually you launch into a great adventure with bit of blind optimism about your potential experience. Jeremiah started out with these words stuck in his heart and head: "pluck up, break, destroy overthrow build and plant". God never said it would be easy. God did promise to be with him. We talk about that more later. Sometimes we wish we knew more about what lies ahead of us. Sometimes it's a blessing that we don't.

Jeremiah's calling part 2

I am continuing to consider the "calling" of Jeremiah. The second thing that I noticed about Jeremiah's calling was that the Lord provided Jeremiah with what he needed to answer God's call. In Jeremiah's case, the Lord touched his mouth and prepared him to speak God's words to the people. As I look back at "my story" of following God and answering His call, I have many examples of how God has provided what I needed in order for me to be faithful. I am fascinated by the fact that God didn't always give me what I thought I "wanted" in order to answer His call. Usually what I "wanted" was not necessary for my obedience, even though I thought it was. It seems like we would learn that we shouldn't be disappointed when we don't get what we want doesn't it? Through my experiences I believe God was helping me to learn that I envision His plan unfolding differently than He does. If I trust God, that's not a big deal. If I don't trust God than I can load up a lot of worry, wasted energy, and the list goes on.

Unique

Unique sounds so much better than different. In my last post, I mentioned the "call" of Jeremiah. One of the insights we gain from reading God's words to Jeremiah is that God knew him before he was born. Understanding the significance of that fact has breathed fresh life into my journey with God many times. I am easily frustrated with my "uniqueness". It's so easy to look at others and wish for talents or gifts that we see in them and forget that our own special design fits into God's plan for us. I'm not saying we should forget about personal development. But, too often we forget to appreciate God's workmanship and give thanks for how He known about us since before we were born. Our gratitude opens to door for us offer a "unique" gift to God...ourselves.

Measures of Success

This morning I was reading Jeremiah 1 with a group of men. The first chapter of Jeremiah has some great nuggets of truth for any follower of Christ. The chapter reveals a very personal encounter of the prophet Jeremiah and God. Most of us would describe this as Jeremiah's "call". Seveal elements of Jeremiah's call have proven true in my life. First, God knew Jeremiah before he was born. Second, God provided Jeremiah with what he needed in order to be obedient to God's call. Third, God let him know that it wouldn't be easy. Finally, God promised that Jeremiah would never have to "go it alone".

Overcoming Doubt

I have been sharing portions of "my story" in my blogs lately. My reflections on my life journey remind me of how God has helped me navigate through times of uncertainty. doubt usually grows in uncertain soil. Most often I have doubted my own ability to "get it right". This was especially true when it came to the big questions: career, vocation, calling. When I was younger, I wrestled with learning to discern God's direction. And there were some painful wrestling matches in my mind. I wanted to follow God, but I doubted whether or not I knew where He was going. Looking back, I realize the give and take of doubt and trust. Many times I wanted to know God's plan without having to grow in my trust of God's character and provision. Even though I don't pretend to have completely eradicated doubt from my life now, I have learned to cultivate my trust in God. For example, I have found it very useful to battle doubt in the following way. When I catch myself doubting, I turn my focus toward a few things that I know with certainty. I know God loves me. He always has, He always will. I know God's grace is provided for me. I know God will not cease to work "on me", "in me" and "through" me - even though I am not perfect.

Parade of Nations

I watched the opening ceremony last night as the coverage of the Olympics began in spectacular fashion. The Olympic stadium in Beijing was filled with song, dance and technological wonder. It was an incredible tribute to creation and creativity. What struck me about the display was the fact that nation after nation paraded through the stadium, scene after scene evoked wonder and awe. Yet, there was plenty of acknowledgement of the creation, but not of the Creator. My heart was drawn to Revelation 7

After this, I saw a large crowd with more people than could be counted. They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood before the throne and before the Lamb. They wore white robes and held palm branches in their hands, as they shouted, "Our God, who sits upon the throne, has the power to save his people, and so does the Lamb." The angels who stood around the throne knelt in front of it with their faces to the ground. The elders and the four living creatures knelt there with them. Then they all worshiped God.

Everything we have, we have been given by a loving and powerful Creator. He not only deserves our worship, He commands it.

I am not legend

Sorry bout the length of the last blog. At least I never said I was going to make a long story short. Today, I will share another aspect of my story. It reminds me of the trend in movie making to try to build you up for a particular ending and then throw you a curve. They take great pride in the number of people who walk out of the theater with that "never saw that coming" look. Some movies/shows even have several endings that they film and then choose which one to throw out for public consumption. After the fact, they give you the other endings and let you know that it could have gone a different way. Some of the greatest moments in my life have been like that. As a result, I have learned that when fears about the future creep into my mind I am usually wasting time on things that will not materialize in the way that I think they will. Also, it seems that God has "methodically" taught me to trust that I am not very good at knowing what tomorrow will look and feel like. At the risk of sounding as though my faith is puny, God always winds up being bigger than I thought He was. I know that sounds incredulous, but it is true. Finally, I wish I had a dime for every time I have heard someone say that the world is shrinking. It's a popular phrase that aptly describes advances that allow us to travel physically and electronically with remarkable ease. That's a good thing. However, along with the shrinking world, I believe our belief in God has been shrinking. We have attempted to understand, limit, control God in ways that are impossible unless we shrink Him into a God made in our image. Big mistake.

Grace Story

Since I confessed that my view of grace is one of the greatest lessons God has taught me, I should give some examples from life of what I mean. To be sure, they are more profound to me than they will be to you. But, I will share a few stories in my next few blogs. Grace can be described in all kinds of ways. I can wax theological and spout Greek and quote all kinds of folks who are smarter than me. I would rather attempt to paint a simple picture of when grace was so real that I was captured by God's love. After living in Arizona for about 3 years Lynn and I discovered that we were going to have a baby. We were overwhelmed with joy and excitement. In the first few weeks we lived a constant "high" of anticipation. Our "high" was interrupted by a visit to the doctor and an ultrasound that revealed some concerns. Within a short time our concerns were realized and Lynn suffered a miscarriage. The best description for me is that of a roller coaster. After you climb the hill to the highest point, you plunge to the deepest valley and it all happens so rapidly. Even though a decade has passed, the plunge is still very real to me. Lynn and I were 2000 miles away from our family and we were hurting. On Wednesday night after the miscarriage Lynn was home resting and I went to our Bible study. I really didn't want to be there. I really didn't want to have to share the news. We hadn't told anyone at the church what had happened. When I walked through the door, Cecil Bledsoe met me in the small sanctuary where a few people had begun to gather. (Brother Bledsoe was a retired pastor in his eighties who was one of the first people I met when I started the church). When Cecil approached me he quickly discerned that something was wrong and put his arm around me and asked the others around to pray for Lynn and me. Cecil Bledsoe's arm was the arm of God comforting me. The small group of people at the Bible study became the comfort of God for us. The comfort that God delivered to both of us in the next few hours is hard to describe. The pain did not disappear, but we had a clear sense that whatever help we needed to make it through our pain would be provided. That day God helped define grace for me. Grace does not erase our pain. Grace does not change our past. Grace does not guarantee the absence of difficulty tomorrow, not by a long shot. My simple understanding of grace is that God will provide what I need to get through. The 23rd Psalm says that when we are in the "valley of the shadow of death", God will be there too. Grace always exists in a contrast. When Grace is present, there are always shadows. There is always a backdrop of death. For example, the Bible verse most often quoted about God's grace states that it is "by grace you are saved". Our need for salvation is a reminder that God finds us in critical need of rescue from a dire situation. But, grace is enough.

Telling my story

In response to a request for a little sharing of "my" story, I'll share some things. Be warned, if you think "Gone with the Wind" is a long movie, I'm not sure you want to hear my story. However, just like a good book is divided into many chapters, I can divide my story into a some of my more memorable chapters. In my own mind, I tend to focus on the lessons about God that I have gleaned through the experiences He has brought me through. Also, I tend to move from the general lessons to the more specific. I think of the big lessons because God has reinforced those lessons over and over and over again. They are the lessons that I have struggled to learn. At the very top of my list is my understanding of grace. My story is a story of the relentless love of God. He refused to love me less no matter what. Early in my journey I understood God's grace in terms of a one-time salvation event. At the age of 8 I confessed my need for salvation and put my faith in Jesus as my Savior. Yet, I did not begin to understand the richness and value of God's grace in daily life until much later. Grace is not merely an escape from God's judgment, it has become the "air I breathe" on a daily basis. The apprenticeship that we call "discipleship" is a two-edged sword. As we know Jesus better and are transformed by His power, we become more like Him and we realize how much more we need to change. That sounds like a recipe for a miserable life, and it would be, if it weren't for God's grace. His grace transforms what would be misery into to joy. It's like the joy an artist takes in perfecting a masterpiece. After all, we are the workmanship of God. He takes joy in changing us. I have learned to take joy in the changes He makes in me. OK, it's time for the first commercial in the movie now.

Once upn a time

Stories are the workshop of our faith
Mike Yaconelli
I remember when I was a little boy my mom bought a book entitled "my book about me". It was one of those books that traces your growth and development. You write down your favorite things, the date you lost your first tooth and all kinds of autobiographical thrillers. I'm not sure whether I taped any hair from a haircut in there or not. If so, I may go back and check into some transplant opportunities. Anyway, I am reflecting on this book because of my recent studies about the importance of "stories" in our culture. The Biblical record is full of stories that reveal the story of God. I am convinced that the better we become at recognizing our place in God's story the better we will become at delivering the message of God to others. My story is filled with God's grace. Your story is filled as well. Yet, often we fail to recognize it. More often, we fail to share it in such a way as to reveal the message of God. As we grow up we realize that it is not really "my book about me". It's my book about God's work in and through me.

Reaction to Tragedy

Media coverage of the tragic shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville has been extensive over the past few days. I was shocked as I turned on my radio in the car on Sunday afternoon and learned that a man had entered the church during the morning service and opened fire on the congregation. Two people are dead and six others are wounded as a result of his actions. Details about the shooter, 58 year-old Jim Adkisson have been emerging in the coverage. As information fills the airways, it seems that we all like to formulate some understanding of the "why" and "how" of such painful events. Thus far, the details that have emerged have done nothing to ease the pain.

Shield or Gun?

Today in chapel I was sharing a message with the preschoolers about God. Great subject by the way. The message was about how strong God is and I shared some descriptions from the Psalms. As I started the message, we played a little impromptu game of "charades". I pretended to be a soldier holding up a shield and I asked the kids to guess what it was. They shouted "stick", "gun" and a few answers that I couldn't exactly discern. None of them guessed shield. I suppose shield is a little dated for the images of warfare that our preschoolers see today. It caused me to think a little bit about the difference between a stick, a gun and a shield. I realize that making these comparisons puts me into the category of military strategist - so stay with me. If I have a stick or a gun I can use those for an offensive attack. If I have a shield, I have to trust in it to defend and protect me. In life, it is a natural instinct to want to protect ourselves. On the other hand, it takes intentional cultivation to learn to trust in God. I would say that we tend to shout "stick" and "gun" to God a lot more than we thank Him for being our shield.

Legacy

There has been a lot of discussion about "legacy" in the news this week. On one end of the spectrum there has been a lot of talk about Bret Favre's football "legacy" with the Green Bay Packers. Brett has changed his mind about retirement the past couple of years about as often as we change the message on the church sign. It seems that this week he has decided he wants to play again. But the Packers are not in the mood. On a more serious note, talk of the late Heath Ledger's acting legacy has been the subject of many headlines as the "Dark Knight" opens in theaters. Ledger's performance as the Joker (scary stuff!) is receiving high marks. Legacy is a subject that interests me greatly. For one reason, the definition of "legacy" and "heritage" are very similar. As I consider our commitment at "Heritage Fellowship" it strikes me that our legacy is a gift that follows after us. The word has it roots in a legal gift that is deliberately bequeathed to a relative. It seems to me that one of the missing links in our consideration of popular use of the word is the intentionality that should be attached to legacy. It should be deliberate. The legacy of our church fellowship cannot be left to chance. It is an intentional process. It is a mission. This translates into an individual commitment to mission.

Reservations for dinner

I had a wonderful vacation last week and am only beginning to accomplish "re-entry" into a normal routine. So, blogging has been slow. Two things I really enjoyed on vacation: being at the beach with my family and lots of great food. So, it's not surprising that my thoughts this week have been on a passage in Luke 14. This is a chapter that is rich in teaching from Jesus in the context of a meal. Jesus went to eat at the house of a Pharisee on the Sabbath. Ahhh, I have pictured a great Sunday meal. The food may have been great, but I'm not so sure about the company that surrounded Jesus. The Pharisees, we are told, watched Jesus suspiciously during the meal. Sure enough, Jesus gave them plenty of cause for concern. He healed a sick man on the Sabbath! This event gave him a great intro to some Sunday storytelling. The first story is about another meal. It has to do with the tendency of the Pharisees to seat themselves in places of prominence. Jesus proceeded to let them know that the "host" (God himself) is prepared to remove the proud and arrogant self-promoters and then promote the humble. Sunday, I look forward to exploring some of the implications for our lives. Not only is self-promotion at epidemic levels in our culture, I have noticed a growing tendency to watch "God" with suspicious eyes.

The microphone is always on

If you have kept up with the political news the past couple of days you have probably heard about Jesse Jackson's comments about Barack Obama. It seems that Jackson didn't realize that a microphone was picking up his comments. Now some very disturbing comments that were made under his breath to a man sitting next to him have been broadcast around the world. We live in a day and time when this happens more and more. Because of technology, audio and video can be captured and passed along the world instantaneously. Venues such as youtube have made it popular to capture embarassing situations. As I thought about the situation it occurs to me that we really don't believe that God sees and hears everything. Would our behavior change?

What do you see?

I'm enjoying a week of vacation. It's an opportunity to return to a place I haven't been since I was a teenager. Of course it has changed a lot. But has it changed more than me? The buildings have changed a lot, but the big blue beautiful Atlantic Ocean is still there. I am continuing to reflect on John 4. On Sunday, we took a look at the meeting between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at a well outside of Sychar. John provides a great lesson that is much deeper than the emerging testimony of the Samaritan woman. It fits into John's liturgy of how Jesus helps the blind learn to see. Learn from the Master. Jesus saw a woman who was thirsty for a life change. The disciples didn't see her that way at all. Jesus saw a city that needed a Christ. The disciples were looking for a Piggly Wiggly to pick up some Milk and eggs and bag of chips. Jesus was focused on the big constant. People need a Savior. The disciples were focused on their own momentary needs.

Freedom

Happy 4th of July. There will be a lot of talk about freedom and independence today. That's an interesting combination of words. When I think of freedom I usually think of freedom "from" something. I beleive that freedom "from" must be connected to devotion "to". We celebrate the 4th because of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. It's interesting to read the perspective of John Adams on the celebration of the 4th. Adams spoke of the need to commemorate our independence from Great Britain as a "day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty". True freedom and deliverance can never be separated from the "Deliverer". We are wise to remember than. Too often we relish our freedom without sincere devotion, commitment and surrender to our Great Emancipator. I am glad to be free "from" all other things that enslave me. But, I am also glad to be given in devotion and service to the one who set me free. I belong to Him.

Buying Popcorn and a Coke

Not long ago I went to the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium. It's a little different than a real game in the Fall, but it's a lot of fun. Nick has always enjoyed going to football games - I have to admit that some of his enjoyment is attached to popcorn, hot dogs and other refreshments. So, as usual I made my way to the concession stand at the beginning of the game. I had a real problem finding the right concessions and I was gone for quite a while and I missed a good portion of the start of the game. To me this is an accurate picture of what happened in Samaria in John 4. Jesus sat down at a well and brought life to a hurting woman who had a great thirst for new life. Meanwhile the disciples went to the concession stand and missed the game. (John 4:8) When the disciples got back Jesus tried to explain what happened. Most of the time I have focused on the conversation between Jesus and the woman in my studying of John 4. This Sunday my message will include some thoughts about our similarity to the twelve disciples.

Jesus and Jonah

God sent Jonah to the great city of Nineveh to preach because the people were wicked (Jonah 1:1). God sent Jesus to the world because the world is full of sin (John 1:29). Jonah ran the other way then had a change of direction (not a change of heart) and preached to the city. Throughout the mission of Jonah it is clear that he hated the people of Nineveh. It is equally clear throughout the mission of Jesus that He loved the people of the world. For the past few weeks I have wrestled with the inescapable question - Am I more like Jonah or Jesus? The question is not as uncomfortable if I answer quickly. Jonah is painted with such an ugly brush, I can quickly draw a contrast between "him" and "me". But, questions like this one are not supposed to be answered quickly. As I said, I've been wrestling with this one for weeks. The more I consider the message of Jonah, the more the ugly painting becomes a self portrait! Our culture is like fertile soil that grows selfishness in our hearts. Loving the wicked, cruel, unlovable people of the world was the heart and soul of our Savior. Only when His heart beats in mine do my Jonah qualities begin to fade.

Vacation Bible School

VBS is going full throttle this week. We're having a great time. The music and energy is wide open. It's great to see so many kids (of all ages) having a great time. VBS at Heritage reminds me of "spirit week" at a high school. Our hallways are filled with people with green, orange and blue hair. Each of our teams have their own "chant". In all of this there is a contagious atmosphere that I would love to bottle and distribute throughout the congregation for the rest of the year. What would the other 51 weeks of the year be like if we served God with all of the gusto of a VBS week? But, sadly most will return to being "adults" after this week.

Emotional Health

While studying Jonah I noticed how many times his emotional state is mentioned. In fact, more than once, God asks Jonah whether or not it is "right" for him to be angry. I have never really considered the prominent role of Jonah's emotions in the story before. Our emotions are a wonderful part of who we are. God created us with a tremendous and complex capacity for range of emotions. I couldn't begin to list all of the emotions that I have experienced today. But, the text of Jonah reminds us that it is worth considering whether our emotions help or hinder. It requires us to look below the surface. When God asked Jonah whether it was "right" for him to be angry He was unveiling the deeper reasons for Jonah's anger. Jonah's anger was rooted in selfishness and resentment toward God's actions/inaction. Jonah's anger did not lead him in a positive direction. The Hebrew word for "anger" carries a meaning of "heat". It is a fitting word to remind us that Jonah's thinking and his anger were like gas and fire. His anger was fueled by his selfish thinking. Jonah's experiences give me some good food for thought as it relates to my own emotional health.

Men's Retreat

I participated in a great retreat last weekend with a great group of men from Heritage. We had a great time. Our goal for the retreat was very clear. We wanted to invest in stronger relationships with one another and with God. I can only speak for myself. The goal was met in my life and then some. I enjoyed spending time with the men and I enjoyed spending time with God. The common element in those two statements is time. A retreat setting provides a great opportunity to stay off the phone and remove myself from the computer and TV and enjoy being with others. I played basketball, football, swam in the lake, hiked with Nicholas and had breakfast, lunch, dinner at a round table that was filled with conversation and laughter. It was refreshing and reviving in my spirit. Thanks God.

A man of prayer

Jonah prayed while in the belly of a fish. He became a "man of prayer" in his crisis time. But, prayer is both simple and complex. It can be as simple as a cry for help or as complex and mysterious as the transformation of God's work in us. Jonah prayed. His prayer is a mixture of confession and acknowledgement of God's truth. Yet, on the other side of the fish, it doesn't seem that Jonah's heart was much different. Nouwen's definition of a "man of prayer" reveals the transformation that God desires. Nouwen writes "a man of prayer is, in the final analysis, the man who is able to recognize in others the face of the Messiah". Quite a challenge when we think in terms of Jonah seeing the fingerprint of God on the wicked people of Nineveh. But, too often that is how we justify our apathy or hatred toward others. If we fail to see Jesus, we fail to reveal Jesus.

Where's your favorite chapel?

While living in Arizona, Lynn and I frequently drove to Sedona. It was great living 45 minutes from one of the most beautiful places on earth. The red rock formations are incredible. One of our favorite places to visit was a chapel nestled in the side of the red rock mountains. It was a short hike up to chapel and the view was spectacular. It was a great place for quiet meditation and prayer. While reading through Jonah I couldn't help but notice that God provided Jonah with a great chapel. God gave Jonah a private prayer chapel inside a fish. Depending on how you define "distractions", Jonah had a perfect place to "get alone" with God. More and more I recognize that God provides great chapel opportunities. On the outside, they may not appear to be as beautiful as the chapel in the rocks at Sedona, but they are God-given sanctuaries provided for moments of prayer and meditation.

Me Generation

Intersting terminology. There have been many references to the "me" generation. Some define it as anyone born after 1970. My definition is a little more generous. I define it as anyone born after Adam. This week I have been studying one of the poster children from the me generation: Jonah. The story of Jonah is a masterpiece of selfishness. It doesn't require much study to understtand that message. But, what is more subtle to us is the way we read Jonah. We tend to focus on Jonah and identify our own journey with Jonah's journey. We gain keen insight on the ways in which we have rejected God's call. That is good. But, isn't it interesting that we are less likely to identify with the people of Nineveh? After all, I am a Gentile not a Jewish prophet. I needed someone to preach a message of repentance to me, just like the people of Nineveh. I needed to turn from away from my sin and toward a holy God, just like them.

Hiding from the wind

It's windy today and very hot. It's a great reminder to me of how God used the wind to get Jonah's attention. The first time it was the wind that brought the storm on the sea (Jonah 1:4). Jonah was in the boat "running from God's presence". God sent the storm and Jonah wound up going overboard and spending some time as God's guest at the fish hotel. The second time God sent a hot wind (Jonah 4:8) to get Jonah's attention because of his selfish attitude. Jonah had become outwardly obedient, but he still had some major issues with obedience on the inside. Both of these examples demonstrate that it is wise to examine our actions and attitudes when we encounter storms in our lives. Sometimes the wind is blowing to get our attention.

Control

Control is a word that is packed with meaning. I was thinking about it this morning. I was listening to one of my favorite songs by Kutless called "Winds of Change". It's a real good "wake-up" tune by the way. The words of the chorus are great even without the guitar.

So tell me all your dreams. Tell me all your fears and what you’re longing for the most. It’s not another way that’ll end up the same for it’s under my control

From God's perspective, our fears can be overcome by His power to carry us forward to the things that matter most. As the song goes on to say, God will "give us wings". It's a great reminder that God never feels like life is "out of control". I can recommend beginning the day by affirming that God is able to carry us toward His destiny for our lives. A great verse for meditation is Philippians 1:6

And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.

Telling the Story

Yesterday, I shared about the importance of "telling the story" of Jesus through our daily lives. The importance of "narrative" is something that we hear a lot about today. What makes a good storyteller? Last year I travelled with Nick's school class to a storyteller's festival in historic Jonesborough. It was a very enjoyable experience. I listened to "professional" storytellers, and amateurs who had won various competitions to qualify to participate. I heard stories of all shapes and flavors. The common thread among the best of the best was that they drew me into the story. I believe that everyone, everywhere is a participant in God's story. Like it or not, from the faithful follower of Jesus to the staunchest atheist, we are in the story. It is an immense blessing that God has invited us to experience the life He gives and discover His grace along the journey. As a result, my life is a unique chapter in the story which provides me with a unique opportunity to share God with others.

Memorial

This is memorial day weekend. It is the "unofficial beginning to summer". It is a three-day weekend for many employees. It is time to fire up the grill and head to the lake. Are those our first thoughts? Those are not bad thoughts at all. I am always happy to see the end of May because it signals the beginning of my favorite season. But, I do not want to fail to remember. There is one word that expresses my thoughts about memorial day: heroes. When I think about others who have served and died, I think about how valuable heroes are to me. The acts of our heroes who have died accomplish a great deal. After their deaths, their sacrifices live on. Not only did they purchase our freedom as a nation, but they inspire us to live with the weight of freedom as our responsibility. The legacy of our fallen soldiers continues to breath courage into our dreams. Pause to remember.

Sharing Faith

One of my required texts for a spiritual formation class in Seminary was entitled "Will our children have faith?" (Westerhoff). It was a great question to ask way back then and it is a great question to ask now. Children growing up in America in the 21st century face some significant challenges to their faith. The questions about faith that they confront come early and often. As a way to address some of these questions I have revisited Hebrews 11:6. Despite the fact that almost all people living in America profess some belief in God, I'm not sure how many would would profess to be actively seeking God. Furthermore, I suspect that even fewer would say that they believe God responds in a personal way to their faith. The writer of Hebrews warns that it is impossible to please God without this kind of faith. So, that brings me back to my concern. How do we encourage this kind of faith in our children? I do believe in the contagious nature of faith within the family unit. When our faith in a personal and active God is evident on a daily basis to our children, they develop some foundations that will withstand questions that come to them. Also, I believe God's desire for relationship can be communicated at an early age through healthy relationships within the family. For example, my confidence in the security of God's love for me was reinforced by the consistent love of my parents. They developed my capacity to trust. This capacity development is not restricted to the biological family. It also takes place within the church family.

Real Faith

I have enjoyed studying the life of Abraham for the past few weeks. His faith in God has been an inspiration throughout church history. His faith also helps to shape our definition of faith. After journeying with Abraham through the twists and turns of his life, I have learned about his faith and come to understand my own faith journey a little better. I have a lingering question or maybe it's a comment. It seems that much of our faith is contingent upon an outcome. By that I mean that our faith is attached to what we want to happen. We have faith in God in order to receive things. I don't mean to suggest that we shouldn't trust in God to provide blessings in our lives. It is clear that God rewards those who believe as described in the two parts to faith in Hebrews 11:6. Part One: We must believe that God is. Part Two: We must believe that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. However, we do tend to get the proverbial cart before the horse. As a result, faith that is attached to the reward more than the "Rewarder" loses its foundation and grows weaker rather than stronger. I have seen this play out in many different ways. A faith that is anchored and deposited in a personal God is not threatened by unexpected outcomes. In fact faith in God feeds our perseverance through the unexpected.

School's out

Today is Nick's last day of school. Fifth grade is officially over. That means he is headed to Middle School. I'm trying hard not to think about the fact that the sixth grade is the halfway point in his twelve-grade journey and then it's on to college. I watched a program last night that included K-5th graders. Each grade performed a song or dance that related to different countries around the world. As I watched the grades parade by I paused to remember Nick's journey through the years. Memory is a powerful thing. Meaningful reflection is one of God's most powerful gifts. He allows us to revisit situations and challenges that we have faced in life with the benefit of living on "the other side" of those events. We have the opportunity to revist situations and places with the advantage of new perspective. This week as I have studied Genesis 22, I noticed something that I had overlooked many times. When Abraham was on the mountain being tested by God, he was prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. God provided a ram for him to sacrifice instead of Isaac. As a result of God's provision, Abraham named the place "God will provide". I have often heard this referred to as a name of God, and in a sense it is a descriptive name of God. But, in the context of Abraham's story, it is the name of the place where God provided. Abraham named the place so that his memory and the memory of others would identify that place with God's provision. Whether I am reflecting on Nick's journey through the years or my own journey as a Father and husband, I have a strong desire to remember the places where God has provided - and there are many. it is a way for us to connect the visible places of life, the places we can see with the God we do not see. It builds our faith to remember.

Why?

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled. Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
Psalm 46:1-3

I was thankful for this Psalm this morning as I thought about the disasters that have struck the earth in the past few days. The death toll from the Myanmar cyclone continues to climb and over 50,000 earthquake victims are either dead or missing in China. "Why?" is a natural question to so-called "natural" disasters. Yet, it may be a question that will not likely be answered to our satisfaction. The words of the Psalm answer the more pertinent question "Where". Where can we turn in the midst of tragedy? Where is a place of safety? Psalm 46 resolves with a firm instruction to "be still" and know that God is with us and God is a refuge that stretches beyond the limits of our life on earth.

I received a forwarded email from a contact in Myanmar. His email closed with a request for prayer and the words "God help us". Simple words with profound significance. Along with aid that is sent for the immediate physical needs. Pray for God's help for the people of Myanmar and China.

Can we skip this chapter?

Well, my study of Abraham has brought me to Genesis 22. I am convinced that many people who have begun reading the Bible have stopped at Genesis 22 and decided to read Psalms or stick with the New Testament. It's a tough chapter to read. Check out the second verse where God says to Abraham "take now your son, your only son Isaac and offer him there as a burnt offering". If you haven't managed to finish the chapter you need to know that Abraham doesn't sacrifice Isaac - God intervenes. However, the happy ending doesn't erase the terror of the beginning. I can't offer a nice neat explanation, because there is none that I have been able to find. However I can share some perspective about faith. Faith is not neat. It is not easily explained. Most of the time my faith in God makes sense to me - but, that doesn't mean it makes sense to others. To be honest,initiation into a life of faith in God can be terrifying. Eugene Peterson comments on the faith of Abraham as "trusting obediently in what we cannot control, living in obedient relationship to the One we cannot see, venturing obediently into a land that we know nothing about." Now then, is that nice and neat? I look forward to sharing some more about Abraham on Sunday.

Hold the onions

I was eating at a restaurant yesterday and happened upon a conversation that occurred between a mother and her young child. It seems the child was complaining about how she ordered his burger. The mother responded to his complaints by explaining how the burger was going to arrive and that he was to enjoy it when it arrived. Now before you reach deep for your expert parenting advice, consider this event with a larger perspective. Yesterday I posed a comparison between the childlike follower of Jesus and the childish. It seems to me that the little boy's behavior provides a good illustration of how we distort our journey with Jesus. When we decide to follow Jesus sometimes we expect to treat it like an old Burger King commercial: I'll have it "my way" or I will complain. Everyday with Jesus provides us with challenges. The virtues of a childlike faith allow us to cherish the fact that we walk through those challenges with a God who holds our hand. While God is big enough to receive all our complaints (read the Psalms), we live in a day when we often expect life to be made to order.

Childish or Childlike

I have continued to ponder a few lessons from childhood. Jesus encouraged us to recongize the value of childlike faith. Obviously, there are childlike virtues that are very positive. I want to recover and cling to my sense of awe and wonder of God. However, there is a difference in "childlike" and "childish". Unfortunately, the two can be confused. When I hear the word "childish" the first synonym I think of is "selfish" followed closely by "immature". So is selfishness a problem among followers of Jesus today? For now, I will let you answer that question.

Say your prayers

God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food.
Just like many other children I learned to pray these words before meals. This past Sunday I shared some reflections on the depth of this simple prayer. Sometimes we lose the powerful words in their simplicity. God is great. Actually, my reflection of this childhood prayer was prompted Sunday morning as we were singing How great is our God. God's greatness is incomprehensible. During the time of worship I was thinking about God's unlimited power and how God is sufficient for my every need and situation. God is great. But, God is also good. God's purpose for me is a good purpose. In every challenge of life, God is able to bring about good in my heart. God's acts are good. His plans are good. Everything good in my life has its origin in the good God. So...let us thank Him. Isn't it interesting that we were taught as children to give thanks before the meal. Not after, but before. Our thanksgiving was offered up while we were still hungry. Our thanks to God was given while we were empty and in need. This powerful lesson is often lost as we enter adulthood. We fail to apply this principle in our spiritual lives. We want to give thanks to God when we are full, not when we are hungry. We want to wait to give thanks to God "after the meal" rather than before. Our thanks to God rests primarily on the fact that God is great and that God is good. So, revisit your childhood. Pause today and pray.

A good shield is hard to beat

What is the value of a good shield? When I go out in the sun, I wear a hat (please review my picture if you doubt the importance of a hat). It protects my head from the beating rays of the sun. Even though I appreciate the value of a good hat, God is the absolute best shield. Psalm 121:5 reminds us that "the Lord watches over you -- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night". These were great words to the ancient pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. The Psalms of Ascent are believed to be songs for that journey. The message of this song is reminiscent of the Lord's words to Abram in Genesis 15. The Lord told Abram, "I am your shield". It is a message that we need to hear. God's protection is immense. Not only does He protect the outside of my head, He protects the inside which can become overwhelmed with fear. In short, His promise is for peace of mind and I cherish that.

No fear

God said many awesome things to Abraham. On more than one occasion, God blessed Abraham with reassurance of His promises. Because of the many messages that God gave to Abraham we may have overlooked the great the great treasure found in Genesis 15. God begins with the words that occur so often in the Bible: "Do not be afraid". Why do these words occur so many times? You don't have to be a theologian to answer that question. God knows us. He knows our tendencies. He knows how we are wired emotionally, spiritually and physically. Fear is the ultimate flat tire in our journey with God...and I have experience sitting on the side of the road watching the cars go by. Nothing puts a halt to our progress quite like being afraid. That's why the word of the Lord in Genesis 15 fits so well in the flow of Abraham's life. By the way, God says some great things immediately after that. (That's a tease to go back and read it again).

Embracing the Impossible

As I have continued to study Abraham's life in the book of Genesis, I have noticed that it is filled with impossibilities redefined. Our definition of what is possible is heavily influenced by our past experiences and our present frame of mind. Repeatedly, God interrupted Abraham's present life with covenant promises of a future that expanded his definition of what was possible. The adjustments to what was possible with God required Abraham to shift his focus from the past and present toward God Himself. When I shift my attention toward God I can leave behind the things in my past that hinder me from pressing toward an amazing future with God.

Trust

This week the community has been touched by pierced with the pain of a tragic automobile accident. Despite the sober words of Scripture that remind us that life is like a vapor, the death of a young person always grips my heart. Some questions seem to move to the forefront of our minds and they are the ones that remain unanswered. Why? Why now? Why this person? It's not that I avoid these questions. I have asked them and I have been asked them. Gradually, I have grown more comfortable with the fact that there will always be questions that are beyond me. It reminds me of my frequent trips to the eye doctor. When I look at the eye chart, I am so grateful for my ability to read line after line accurately. Eventually, I move down to the smaller lines. No matter how much I squint, certain objects are beyond my ability to see clearly. I know the letters are there. I know they exist and are printed on the chart legibly. Yet, I can't see them. My faith assures me that God sees everything and understands everything. The miracle of faith is that my trust in God is not diminished by what I do not understand, it is enhanced and matured.

Family Conflict

Sunday, I will continue to journey with Abraham during the morning message at Heritage. Genesis 13 shares a birds eye view of a family conflict. Abraham and Lot are relatives who have to deal with a fight among their "herdsman". It seems that the provisions of the land were not adequate to support both herds. In the words of a great western movie, the time had come for one of them to say "this town ain't big enough for the both of us". Though the issues of this conflict differ from those we encounter in family squabbles today, the principles are the same. The best resolution requires us to overcome selfishness. When the Genesis 13 conflict is resolved (with Abraham's initiative) the two men appear quite different. Lot's journey is characterized by what serves him well in the short term. Abraham's journey is characterized by his covenant relationship with God. We tend to lean one way or the other in our own conflicts. Do I want this resolved according to what "I" want? Or, do I want this resolved according to what "God" wants?

And lived to tell about it

Well, I am on the other side of the Youth Retreat. Pastor Jeremy put together a great experience for us all! Danny and Brightgray rocked the house www.myspace.com/brightgray. The students gave me an opportunity to share with them and they opened up and shared with me. And I got to help Big Dave build a campfire. I'm not sure why I enjoy building a fire and watching it burn. But, it's always a highlight for me. It reinforced the message I shared on Friday night. Build a fire that lasts. Our spiritual vitality depends on the right kind of fuel (a personal ongoing relationship with God cultivated with daily contact). We have a tendency to want to build a spiritual fire with paper and lighter fluid. Not only does it burn up fast, but nobody wants to eat S'mores that taste like lighter fluid.

Speaking the language

I have been blessed to travel to several countries where I did not speak the native language. Each time I have put forth some effort to learn the obligatory words that you must learn to disguise the fact that you are a "tourist". After all, nothing helps you blend into the local culture of Moscow quite like a big Russian "Howdy" with a thick East Tennessee accent. Seriously, it's not a matter blending in. It's a combination of desiring to communicate words and the desire to bridge the language gap enough to connect with people. I am keenly aware of the importance of "connecting" this weekend. I am looking forward to speaking to a group of teens on our church retreat. When I peer into the youth culture today, I realize that effective communication cannot be a casual assumption. My words are important, but it doesn't end with words. I want to connect with them and communicate just how priceless my experience with God is to me. Youth today see with different eyes and they hear with different ears. They talk with their fingers as "texting" fills the airways. They network with hundreds and sometimes thousands of people they refer to as "friends" through online vehicles. Yet, for many of them, connecting with a God who traveled a great distance to call us "friends" is foreign.

Tough time to be the pope

I was watching the news about the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to America and found it interesting that reference was made to the Pope's approval rating among Catholics (It was 70%). By the way, Pope John Paul peaked at 90% right after his death. It's a little sobering to me to think that my popularity might rise after I die. The fact that the Pope's approval rating is monitored and reported is a commentary on the relationship of politics and leadership. Isn't it amazing how one of the most visible religious leaders in the world is subject to analysis by "opinion polls"? The pressures of public opinion are not new. The Apostle Paul reminded the early followers of Christ that it is a choice that confronted him, "Do I seek to please men?" (Galatians 1:10). We may never lead with the visiblity of the Pope, however we confront "approval ratings" every day. Ultimately, discerning God's approval is primary.

Retreat

It's been a few days since I have blogged. Last week, I went on a retreat with Nick and the entire fifth grade class from his school It was great. I got to bunk with 6 fifth grade boys for a few days. So many things that I could share...But, I'll stick to what stands out the most. Fifth grade is a year when these kids are on the threshold of middle school. To me the middle school years are a critical time of formation. It's the time when kids are experiencing some of the greatest changes in their lives. Of course we tend to focus on the physical changes, but I think there is a poweful interrelationship between the physical, emotional and spiritual transformation that takes place. Anytime our lives seem to be on shifting sand (and this is espcially true in middle school), we tend to reach for an anchor. Some kids find that anchor in Christ. Others find comfort for their insecurities in a host of other bad choices and habits. As I entered the fifth grade world for a few days last week I thought about how early patterns of life develop. It's not difficult to see some "middle school" habits that persist in the world of adults. To some extent our culture has taken pride in extending adolescence. While it's nice to feel younger than you are - it's not so nice to act younger than you should be in terms of spiritual maturity. No matter what age we are physically or spiritually, we still need a clear sense of how to anchor our lives and find security in God. Our security in God frees us from unhealthy patterns of living and provides a path to maturity.

Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda

Well, the NCAA March madness is over. The Kansas JayHawks won it all last night by defeating Memphis in the final game of the season. It was a barnburner. Tonight the ladies will tip off and I am hopeful that the Lady Vols will win their 8th championship. It appeared that Memphis had the game in hand last night with a couple of minutes remaining. They had a small but "comfortable" lead when Kansas made some amazing plays and climbed back into it. Kansas player Mario Chalmers was able to launch a three-pointer in the closing seconds to tie the game and send it into overtime. As the self-certified NCAA armchair coach of the year and self-proclaimed expert on what should have happened - I wonder why Memphis didn't foul one of the Kansas players to prevent the three-point attempt. A few seconds later and the Memphis Tigers would be basking in the glory of the championship instead of sweating out a miserable defeat. Of course, it is easy to suggest my strategy now that the game is over and I am sitting in my office without thousands/millions of fans watching my every move. But, nobody said it was a tough job to be armchair coach of the year. Sometimes we have to make decisions in the heat of the battle. These decisions may have a profound affect on our lives and the lives of others. Doesn't make sense to ask for help from the greatest coach of all time? God knows the present and the future. As the greatest coach of all time, God is never affected by the heat of the battle. His perspective is never clouded by pressure or high stakes situations. Don't underestimate the value and power of prayer.

How far is it from here to there?

How far is it from where you are to where God wants you to be? The creative tension that exists when God speaks is amazing. "From" and "to" are such simple words but they explode within us when God speaks them. God's words are a creative catalyst to break the ice and begin the journey "from" where we are "to" where He wants us to be. If our initial thoughts of "from" and "to" focus on physical location we sell short the explosive power of God's work. "From" and "to" have a lot more to do with what's going on between our ears than what our feet are doing. The Apostle Paul's words about our need to "forget what lies behind and press toward what lies ahead" have everything to do with God's creative tension in our thinking and the way we view God's future plan for us. Paul's message is a "from" and "to" message. How is God's creative word stretching you today?

Settling for less

This weekend I will be sharing a message about the travels of Abraham's family. Specifically, I will take a look at how the family settled in Haran on their way to the land of Canaan. This provides an illustration of our tendency to settle for less than God's plan for our lives. The pages of the Bible are filled with examples of how men and women allowed God's plan to be interrupted. There are also positive examples from the Bible that show the blessings of determination and perseverance. Next week I have the opportunity to speak to a group of fifth graders on a school retreat. The essence of my message to them will draw from the first chapter of Daniel. Daniel is a perfect example of the importance of developing convictions and then finding the courage to live by them. Daniel refused to allow God's purpose to be sidetracked. Even in the midst of enormous pressure, he was able to say "no" and continue his journey with God rather than settling for less.

Time travel

Speaking of the journey of life, have you ever noticed a strange phenomenon when traveling: traveling the same distance can pass very quickly or very slowly. For example, even if I drive the same speed it seems to take me longer to get home from the church office than it does to get there. Also, there are certain stretches of highway where time stands still. A few years ago, I commuted from Knoxville to Nashville once a week. The first 80-100 miles went just fine and then just on the other side of Cookeville - bam - the twilight zone. It took forever to get there. The Christian life seems to present the same challenges. I have laughed about our tendency to ask God "are we there yet?". But, it's true. There are stretches on the highway of life where we seem to get bogged down. Sometimes it is our own doing. Sometimes other things factor into the picture. That's why I hate to travel alone. The time always passes better with someone with me. Jesus' description of the Holy Spirit as a "comforter", a "counselor" is reassuring.

Believe

Do you believe? After watching a few NCAA basketball tournament games, those infamous words ring in my ears..."it ain't over til it's over". Repeatedly, I have watched teams overcome huge deficits to go on to win the game. Last night in the women's matchup between rivals Rutgers and UConn, Rutgers was up by 14 points in the first half. I dozed off and turned the game back on only to discover that UConn won the game. How is that possible? There are many factors that go into a "come-from-behind" victory. Coaches often speak of "poise", "momentum", "experience", "patience". But, you can't overlook "belief". I'm not a NCAA coach, but I know that teams do not climb back into a game if they do not believe. Our belief cannot be dependent on the current score. It has to be dependent upon a faith that is alive within us. A faith that is not threatened by circumstances.

2 Corinthians 4:7-9
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed ---

Faith like Abraham

Studying the life of Abraham in the Bible is challenging. I began by considering the reflections of a first century writer on this man of great faith. The writer of Hebrews describes Abraham as one who met the challenge to believe in the impossible at a time when we would describe him as well past his prime. The description of Abraham in Hebrews 11 as one who was "as good as dead" has stuck in my mind. I realize that this description primariliy draws attention to the fact that he and Sarah were a little old to be having babies. However, I think the phrase is symbolic of every faith journey. Generally, we have good, sound, logical excuses why the faith journey won't work for us. We can convince ourselves and others that we just can't go where God wants us to go and be who God wants us to be. Our attitude reinforces our belief that God's plan is "as good as dead" in our lives. The message of Abraham's journey screams a very loud protest to that kind of thinking. Those attitudes are toxic to our faith.

Are we there yet?

Indeed, man wishes to be happy even when he so lives as to make happiness impossible.
St. Augustine

My thoughts are turning toward the life of Abraham. This Sunday I will begin a series of messages about Abraham's journey toward the "Promised Land". I enjoy studying Abraham's journey because of the raw biography that is provided in the Bible. Though Abraham is remembered for his great faith, he is also remembered for his struggles along the way. The life lessons are remarkably fresh. God still calls us to go where we haven't been...and it's not easy. We still owe our allegiance to what St. Augustine called the "city of God" though we are surrounded by pressure to belong to the "city of man".

New Life

What difference does the resurrection of Jesus make in my life today? It's easy to celebrate on Easter. Usually, Easter Sunday is one of the most exciting days of the year. Churches post record attendance. Enthusiasm and energy is high. How about Monday? Now it's time to live the life that Jesus raised to give us. Did we start the day with an awareness of a living God's presence? Did we take time to say "thank you" to God this morning? These are the questions that race through my mind after my "Easter" message yesterday.

Immanuel is not just for Christmas songs

I'm not sure that I have ever head the word "Immanuel" used in an Easter sermon. It seems a shame that we focus on this powerful description of Jesus (Matthew 1:23 Isaiah 7:14) only during the Christmas season. Usually, we speak of Immanuel in terms of the arrival of Jesus, born of the virgin in Bethlehem and then we don't revisit those thoughts until next December. Today, I have been thinking about how God was with us when He knelt down in front of disciples and washed their feet. God was with us when he agonized and prayed in the garden as His friends slept. God was with us as He was hit, whipped and spat upon. God was with us as He was crucified. Moltmann's classic title describes the scene: "The Crucified God". God was with us when He demonstrated life beyond the grave. And before He ascended to heaven he spoke with human lips and was heard by human ears, "I will never leave you". His words to us, "I am with you, always".

Decision-making 101

This week fills my mind with reflections about Jesus: the suffering he endured, His sacrificial death on the cross, the intensive teaching that He delivered to His closest disciples...it all amazes and inspires me. But, today I am thinking about His prayer time in the garden. It is a difficult passage for me to read because I am by nature a sleepy head at night. But, I move beyond the lazy disciples to eavesdrop on the conversation of Jesus with His heavenly Father. It is a powerful moment. I have always admired people who are great decision-makers, people who do the "right thing" when the heat is on. Jesus illuminates the issues so well. When making a decision and facing unimaginable pressure to do the right thing, Jesus didn't hide from the issues at hand. He faced fear, apprehension, His humanity (and divinity) squarely and cut to the real heart of the matter - I want to do the will of Father more than anything. If we can distill our values and beliefs into some non-negotiable principles, decision-making is much more clear cut. Do I want to do the will of my Father more than anything? If so, He always gives us the courage to do the right thing.