On occasion I listen to a daily radio program here in deep East Texas called "Bible Answers". If you're imagining a radio host that has the "right" answer to every possible Bible-based debate or scenario - you would be correct. What amazes me is how this commentator/preacher will go days, even weeks, without mentioning the name Jesus. He'll discuss/preach on divorce and remarriage; correct doctrine; speaking in tongues, or a host of other issues, but he rarely speaks about Jesus.
Here are some profound words Oswald Chambers wrote on this issue well over 100 years ago:
The New Testament example of the Christian experience is that of a personal, passionate devotion to the Person of Jesus Christ. Every other kind of so-called Christian experience is detached from the Person of Jesus. There is no regeneration— no being born again into the kingdom in which Christ lives and reigns supreme. There is only the idea that He is our pattern. In the New Testament Jesus Christ is the Savior long before He is the pattern. Today He is being portrayed as the figurehead of a religion— a mere example. He is that, but He is infinitely more. He is salvation itself; He is the gospel of God!
I just don't get how one can believe that living the "right" Christian life involves replicating how someone worshiped in New Testament times. If we'll do exactly what the New Testament church did (in our minds) 2,000 years ago - nothing more and nothing less - then we'll be fine. I don't get that form of thinking, it is foreign to me.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Prayers for "Preacherman"
I just learned that one of my blogging friends and a Texas minister - Kinney Mabry, aka Preacherman - has fallen quite ill. Please follow the link below and place Kinney and his family in your prayers. God bless and Happy Thanksgiving.
Here's the link:
Preacherman
Here's the link:
Preacherman
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Mary's Song
As Mary, the mother of Jesus, was contemplating news of her pregnancy, she paid a visit to her relative Elizabeth, who was also pregnant with John, to be known as John the Baptist.
Luke tells us in his first chapter that, after a wonderful visit in which Elizabeth and Mary embrace and the elderly Elizabeth gives Mary a wonderful blessing, Mary sings this song known as Mary's song:
Mary's Song
46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
We don't really know Mary's age, but I find the words of this song to be well beyond the maturity of her likely age of 16 to 22. Mary is very concerned about what? With those things Jesus will be concerned with - social justice; caring for the poor; and food for the hungry.
Did Mary teach Jesus his ministry? Possibly so, but Mary was clearly concerned for a her community and ALL of it's people at an early age.
Luke tells us in his first chapter that, after a wonderful visit in which Elizabeth and Mary embrace and the elderly Elizabeth gives Mary a wonderful blessing, Mary sings this song known as Mary's song:
Mary's Song
46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
We don't really know Mary's age, but I find the words of this song to be well beyond the maturity of her likely age of 16 to 22. Mary is very concerned about what? With those things Jesus will be concerned with - social justice; caring for the poor; and food for the hungry.
Did Mary teach Jesus his ministry? Possibly so, but Mary was clearly concerned for a her community and ALL of it's people at an early age.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
OBAMA - 2008
On rare occassions my blog takes a religious/political spin, and, I thought on this election day of 2006 I would do so again.
Until further notice is given I am hereby aligning myself with the yet-to-officially-be-named-candidicy of Barack Obama, junior democratic senator from Illinois. This decision was made after watching THIS video today. I cannot recommend highly enough that you invest about 50 minutes of your time and watch or listen to this speech Barack made last June entitled "A Call to Renewal". The video camera position is static throughout the speech, hence, it's not great viewing, but it is absolutely required listening. So, download it to your Ipod, however you do that, and listen to it at your leisure. But, as we say here in deep East Texas - I double-dog dare you to listen to this speech - and not be moved.
I found the speech not only enlightened me to Barack Obama the man, but allowed me to see that his moral, spiritual and political planes are directly aligned with mine at this moment. I don't think that is just a random coincidence.
Lest you think this is just another blogging liberal, look at my political track record since 1980 just in terms of who I voted for in the presidential race:
1980 - Reagan
1984 - Reagan
1988 - Bush
1992 - Bush
1996 - Dole
2000 - Bush
2004 - Bush
My transformation to a more mainstream way of thinking began earlier this year and it has led me to Barack Obama should he choose to run, and it looks like he will. Again, listen to his message and see what you think.
Until further notice is given I am hereby aligning myself with the yet-to-officially-be-named-candidicy of Barack Obama, junior democratic senator from Illinois. This decision was made after watching THIS video today. I cannot recommend highly enough that you invest about 50 minutes of your time and watch or listen to this speech Barack made last June entitled "A Call to Renewal". The video camera position is static throughout the speech, hence, it's not great viewing, but it is absolutely required listening. So, download it to your Ipod, however you do that, and listen to it at your leisure. But, as we say here in deep East Texas - I double-dog dare you to listen to this speech - and not be moved.
I found the speech not only enlightened me to Barack Obama the man, but allowed me to see that his moral, spiritual and political planes are directly aligned with mine at this moment. I don't think that is just a random coincidence.
Lest you think this is just another blogging liberal, look at my political track record since 1980 just in terms of who I voted for in the presidential race:
1980 - Reagan
1984 - Reagan
1988 - Bush
1992 - Bush
1996 - Dole
2000 - Bush
2004 - Bush
My transformation to a more mainstream way of thinking began earlier this year and it has led me to Barack Obama should he choose to run, and it looks like he will. Again, listen to his message and see what you think.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Prophecy for the Poor
Ezekial 34 is a haunting prophecy to Israel as to how they should deal with the poor and downtrodden in their society. The Israelites were obviously most concerned about themselves and God warns them of this form of idolatry and self-centeredness.
What did they not do?
1) They did not take care of the flock
2) They did not help the weak become stronger
3) They disregarded the sick and injured
4) They let the sheep stray with little concern
How does that relate to us today? What percentage of your church's budget addresses these issues? Are we accountable for the poor, weak and hurting in our community of sheep?
Shepherds and Sheep
1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3 You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. 4 You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. 6 My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.
7 " 'Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD : 8 As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, 9 therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the LORD : 10 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.
11 " 'For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.
What did they not do?
1) They did not take care of the flock
2) They did not help the weak become stronger
3) They disregarded the sick and injured
4) They let the sheep stray with little concern
How does that relate to us today? What percentage of your church's budget addresses these issues? Are we accountable for the poor, weak and hurting in our community of sheep?
Shepherds and Sheep
1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3 You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. 4 You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. 6 My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.
7 " 'Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD : 8 As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, 9 therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the LORD : 10 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.
11 " 'For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
The Cross & why
Why can't we just accept the cross?
Why do we minimize the cross of it's radicalness?
Had we rather decorate with the cross or accept it?
Guilt is so strong in our life that it strips the cross of power - why?
How could we possibly compartmentalize the cross?
Why do we think we can pay God back? Why do we feel like we should pay God back?
Why are we so ashamed of our shame?
Why do we want the cross to be so much cleaner and more sanitized?
Why do we minimize the cross of it's radicalness?
Had we rather decorate with the cross or accept it?
Guilt is so strong in our life that it strips the cross of power - why?
How could we possibly compartmentalize the cross?
Why do we think we can pay God back? Why do we feel like we should pay God back?
Why are we so ashamed of our shame?
Why do we want the cross to be so much cleaner and more sanitized?
Friday, October 20, 2006
Worship Rules
The Hebrews writer tells us this in the first part of Ch. 9:
1Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary.
He goes on to describe the arrangement for worship among the Israelites, the description and meaning of sacrificial blood within that worship, and then the new worship and the blood of Christ that was offered once for all and for all sins.
So, clearly, this new temple and worship does not have the old rules of worship, but does it have new rules?
The only rule(s) I can truly see is a weekly observance of the Lord's Supper that appears clear. But, even when we call it a rule, haven't we diminished it?
So, what are all these worship rules people debate over?
What is this rule of "silence" in the Bible?
Why has the church split so many times over worship rules?
1Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary.
He goes on to describe the arrangement for worship among the Israelites, the description and meaning of sacrificial blood within that worship, and then the new worship and the blood of Christ that was offered once for all and for all sins.
So, clearly, this new temple and worship does not have the old rules of worship, but does it have new rules?
The only rule(s) I can truly see is a weekly observance of the Lord's Supper that appears clear. But, even when we call it a rule, haven't we diminished it?
So, what are all these worship rules people debate over?
What is this rule of "silence" in the Bible?
Why has the church split so many times over worship rules?
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Be Still
The Psalmist told us "be still & know that I am God".
And, yet, in this frantic-paced, information-overloaded life - we look for peace, joy and happiness in busyness.
Oswald Chambers penned these words well over 100 years ago:
The great enemy of the Lord Jesus Christ today is the idea of practical work that has no basis in the New Testament but comes from the systems of the world. This work insists upon endless energy and activities, but no private life with God. The emphasis is put on the wrong thing. Jesus said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation . . . . For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you" ( Luke 17:20-21 ). It is a hidden, obscure thing. An active Christian worker too often lives to be seen by others, while it is the innermost, personal area that reveals the power of a person’s life.
We must get rid of the plague of the spirit of this religious age in which we live. In our Lord’s life there was none of the pressure and the rushing of tremendous activity that we regard so highly today, and a disciple is to be like His Master. The central point of the kingdom of Jesus Christ is a personal relationship with Him, not public usefulness to others.
It is not the practical activities that are the strength of this Bible Training College— its entire strength lies in the fact that here you are immersed in the truths of God to soak in them before Him. You have no idea of where or how God is going to engineer your future circumstances, and no knowledge of what stress and strain is going to be placed on you either at home or abroad. And if you waste your time in overactivity, instead of being immersed in the great fundamental truths of God’s redemption, then you will snap when the stress and strain do come. But if this time of soaking before God is being spent in getting rooted and grounded in Him, which may appear to be impractical, then you will remain true to Him whatever happens.
When's the last time you heard of a church promoting stillness, solitude, and contemplation? It really doesn't sell too well today. Maybe we need to rethink our busyness.
And, yet, in this frantic-paced, information-overloaded life - we look for peace, joy and happiness in busyness.
Oswald Chambers penned these words well over 100 years ago:
The great enemy of the Lord Jesus Christ today is the idea of practical work that has no basis in the New Testament but comes from the systems of the world. This work insists upon endless energy and activities, but no private life with God. The emphasis is put on the wrong thing. Jesus said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation . . . . For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you" ( Luke 17:20-21 ). It is a hidden, obscure thing. An active Christian worker too often lives to be seen by others, while it is the innermost, personal area that reveals the power of a person’s life.
We must get rid of the plague of the spirit of this religious age in which we live. In our Lord’s life there was none of the pressure and the rushing of tremendous activity that we regard so highly today, and a disciple is to be like His Master. The central point of the kingdom of Jesus Christ is a personal relationship with Him, not public usefulness to others.
It is not the practical activities that are the strength of this Bible Training College— its entire strength lies in the fact that here you are immersed in the truths of God to soak in them before Him. You have no idea of where or how God is going to engineer your future circumstances, and no knowledge of what stress and strain is going to be placed on you either at home or abroad. And if you waste your time in overactivity, instead of being immersed in the great fundamental truths of God’s redemption, then you will snap when the stress and strain do come. But if this time of soaking before God is being spent in getting rooted and grounded in Him, which may appear to be impractical, then you will remain true to Him whatever happens.
When's the last time you heard of a church promoting stillness, solitude, and contemplation? It really doesn't sell too well today. Maybe we need to rethink our busyness.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Shawn McDonald - Inspring Performer
A couple of years ago, my older daughter gave me a Shawn McDonald CD - a contemporary Christian artist I had never really heard of prior to this gift. After listening to it all the way through dozens and dozens of times, I can definitely say it's one of the best cd's I've heard and has really ministered to my spirit - not something you feel very often in this world of consumeristic music. I often listened to Shawn while driving to church as I was mentally preparing to teach a class.
Needless to say, when my younger daughter told me Shawn was coming to Lufkin and she wanted to go with me to the concert, I was surprised and delighted (trust me when a 15 year old girl asked her dad to do something, it's big). The concert was awesome. The best way to describe it would be to think of the old MTV Unplugged show - and multiply that by 10. Shawn and his three musician buddies were definitely the most talented group of musicians I've ever seen in concert from a mastering your instrument perspective.
The music, message and lyrics were profound. Shawn seems to be a humble, no non-sense guy who just loves writing deep, spiritual lyrics and performing his craft. Go see Shawn if you have a chance.
Needless to say, when my younger daughter told me Shawn was coming to Lufkin and she wanted to go with me to the concert, I was surprised and delighted (trust me when a 15 year old girl asked her dad to do something, it's big). The concert was awesome. The best way to describe it would be to think of the old MTV Unplugged show - and multiply that by 10. Shawn and his three musician buddies were definitely the most talented group of musicians I've ever seen in concert from a mastering your instrument perspective.
The music, message and lyrics were profound. Shawn seems to be a humble, no non-sense guy who just loves writing deep, spiritual lyrics and performing his craft. Go see Shawn if you have a chance.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Divorce Christian Style
Recently I was searching for research on Christian giving and poverty by the Barna Research Group and stumbled across some past research Barna did on divorce several years ago that raised a firestorm of controversy. Barna concluded that the least likely group to divorce was Atheists, and the most likely group to divorce was conservative Christians from the South. Many conservative Christian groups objected loudly, but Barna stood by his findings. Due to ongoing criticism, he eventually took the information down from his website, however, it is still found numerous places including on the Religious Tolerance.org site here .
I don't have a lot of astute observation in this area, but I do find it interesting that, it would appear those that preach "family values" the loudest are more also most prone to fall prey to the No. 1 wrecker of the family unit - divorce.
Maybe we Christians should spend more time working on our marriages rather than preaching against the dangers of those things that we think might do harm to the family - like rampant pro-homosexuality literature being spread in our public schools. I would say that the fact that so many complained so loudly about the research underscores there it was most assuredly accurate.
I don't have a lot of astute observation in this area, but I do find it interesting that, it would appear those that preach "family values" the loudest are more also most prone to fall prey to the No. 1 wrecker of the family unit - divorce.
Maybe we Christians should spend more time working on our marriages rather than preaching against the dangers of those things that we think might do harm to the family - like rampant pro-homosexuality literature being spread in our public schools. I would say that the fact that so many complained so loudly about the research underscores there it was most assuredly accurate.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Henri Nouwen on Leadership
I found some interesting thoughts on church leadership recently. The quote was attributed to Henri Nouwen. I must confess I don't own a Nouwen book, nor have I read a complete Nouwen book - but I've read quite a bit from him here and there and he's certainly on my Amazon list - it will happen!
The quote by Henri Nouwen was on biblical servant-leadership, and this was it:
"The servant-leader is the leader who is being led to unknown, undesirable, and painful places. The way of the Christian leader is not the way of upward mobility in which our world has invested so much, but the way of downward mobility ending on the cross."
That statemeent really hit home. One of the easiset things in the world to do is find fault in a church. A church is going to have difficulties of some type at it's very core on a consistent basis. It's either growing or dying. If it's growing, it will eventually need more land, more buildings and lots and lots of more money. If it's dying - which most are - it's got a whole new set of problems that have been discussed at length.
But, the core issue, and a core problem, I see in the church, is the lack of true biblical servant-leadership that Nouwen discusses. At it's focal point, the church's leadership is far too often either authoritarian or missing. Most church leaders either want to be a part of all decisions or no decisions.
Leaders need to get back to Jesus -- what is your true missional calling from Jesus? They need to make every effort to rid themselves of sectarian or secular-styled leadership - for it's fruits are not of God. Do all church leaders have it wrong? No, I am somewhat optimistic today that many leaders have been humbled enough to return to Jesus, but many more have not.
What's the answer? Nothing that is pristine and clean cut. It's a perplexing dilemma that requires much thought. More thoughts later.
The quote by Henri Nouwen was on biblical servant-leadership, and this was it:
"The servant-leader is the leader who is being led to unknown, undesirable, and painful places. The way of the Christian leader is not the way of upward mobility in which our world has invested so much, but the way of downward mobility ending on the cross."
That statemeent really hit home. One of the easiset things in the world to do is find fault in a church. A church is going to have difficulties of some type at it's very core on a consistent basis. It's either growing or dying. If it's growing, it will eventually need more land, more buildings and lots and lots of more money. If it's dying - which most are - it's got a whole new set of problems that have been discussed at length.
But, the core issue, and a core problem, I see in the church, is the lack of true biblical servant-leadership that Nouwen discusses. At it's focal point, the church's leadership is far too often either authoritarian or missing. Most church leaders either want to be a part of all decisions or no decisions.
Leaders need to get back to Jesus -- what is your true missional calling from Jesus? They need to make every effort to rid themselves of sectarian or secular-styled leadership - for it's fruits are not of God. Do all church leaders have it wrong? No, I am somewhat optimistic today that many leaders have been humbled enough to return to Jesus, but many more have not.
What's the answer? Nothing that is pristine and clean cut. It's a perplexing dilemma that requires much thought. More thoughts later.
Friday, September 22, 2006
How to Become a Billionaire off Poor People
As my profile indicates, my line of work is real estate appraisal and consulting. I'd like to think I know what I'm doing and that knowledge has allowed me to work on some big and interesting projects. Though I haven't sought it out, I've worked on several low income housing projects. The purpose of these projects is obviously noble - to provide good, safe, affordable housing to folks making well less than the median income. What I've discovered, sadly, is there is incredible profit in these projects. Investors set up shell "not for profit" companies to avoid paying real estate and other taxes, and then proceed to make large sums of money due to a variety of reasons with greed certainly being one of them.
One of the newest members of the Forbes 500 is billionaire real estate mogul John Manning . I don't know Mr. Manning, but I certainly raise an eyebrow at someone who "brokers" low income housing "deals". I just don't like that, but I'm sure it's not against the law.
So, does the "rich get richer and the poor get poorer" apply here? Reach your own conclusions.
One of the newest members of the Forbes 500 is billionaire real estate mogul John Manning . I don't know Mr. Manning, but I certainly raise an eyebrow at someone who "brokers" low income housing "deals". I just don't like that, but I'm sure it's not against the law.
So, does the "rich get richer and the poor get poorer" apply here? Reach your own conclusions.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
God, Riches and Joel O'Steen
Mike Cope's blog is a good one today (no need for a hot link to a blog with 90,000 monthly views) on God and riches. As I commented there, God and riches is definitely a user-friendly sermon to the Christian consumer of today. And, I will admit that Joel O'Steen's sermons are easy on the ears and eyes. I've flipped through channels before and stopped on his sermons and listened for a few to several minutes.
In the past few years, however, I think I've matured and changed quite a bit in the area of God and riches. Oh, I'll certainly admit I'd like to be making more money, working fewer hours, and doing more for the Lord. But, my thought process is usually in that exact order - and that can lead to troubles.
I do believe that Jesus' message is not O'Steen's message - I think they are in total contrast to one another - and for that reason I do have a problem with Joel's ministry. It does not matter how many it attracts, it really doesn't. Is it somewhat unsettling to me that hundreds of thousands of Houstonians worship at his church in a given month? Somewhat, but not surprisingly so.
Jesus knew his words would not be attractive to everyone, but his message was very attractive to those we are to be ministering to - the fringe, the oppressed, the downtrodden, and, yes, to even the disillusioned, but the disillusioned are often looking for worldly answers to make their life richer - richer in every sense.
In the past few years, however, I think I've matured and changed quite a bit in the area of God and riches. Oh, I'll certainly admit I'd like to be making more money, working fewer hours, and doing more for the Lord. But, my thought process is usually in that exact order - and that can lead to troubles.
I do believe that Jesus' message is not O'Steen's message - I think they are in total contrast to one another - and for that reason I do have a problem with Joel's ministry. It does not matter how many it attracts, it really doesn't. Is it somewhat unsettling to me that hundreds of thousands of Houstonians worship at his church in a given month? Somewhat, but not surprisingly so.
Jesus knew his words would not be attractive to everyone, but his message was very attractive to those we are to be ministering to - the fringe, the oppressed, the downtrodden, and, yes, to even the disillusioned, but the disillusioned are often looking for worldly answers to make their life richer - richer in every sense.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Crowded Houses without Enough Doors
As I dive into the Gospel of Mark in my daily reading, I've found it interesting that Mark starts off quickly, and gets it going with crowds, healing and a general "buzz". Early on in Chapter 1, Jesus left the synagogue to go see about Peter's mother-in-law at her house. Mark says "the whole town" gathered at their door. How many is that? - 200, 1,000, more?
A little later just as Chapter 2 commences, we have the story that we've heard many, many times if we've grown up in the church, flannel-board lessons and all. The story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man that his friends let down through the roof to see Jesus. We have another crowded house with only one door, so, the only way to Jesus was through the roof.
The second story is interesting because Mark initially says Jesus "had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door." Question - was this Jesus' own home? I honestly had not read that before - I always assumed it was someone else's home.
Lots of teaching, healing, crowded houses and insufficient doors to get into the house to see what everyone was talking about.
Mark 1
32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door, 34and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
Mark 2
1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
A little later just as Chapter 2 commences, we have the story that we've heard many, many times if we've grown up in the church, flannel-board lessons and all. The story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man that his friends let down through the roof to see Jesus. We have another crowded house with only one door, so, the only way to Jesus was through the roof.
The second story is interesting because Mark initially says Jesus "had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door." Question - was this Jesus' own home? I honestly had not read that before - I always assumed it was someone else's home.
Lots of teaching, healing, crowded houses and insufficient doors to get into the house to see what everyone was talking about.
Mark 1
32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door, 34and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
Mark 2
1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Josh & Joel
I ran into Jesus (Hay-zeus - see previous posts) yet again -this time at a local bank. Uncanny is such an understatement. I've run into Jesus now three times in totally differing settings. We had chatted before about his sons doing some work for me, and I brought the conversation up again when he was lamenting that Josh did not have the money for driver's education.
I suggested to him again in this meeting that his two sons - Joshua-16, and Joel (pronounced Jo-el)-14 come do some work with me on Saturday. Due largely to the short work week, I more or less forgot that I told him "this Saturday". He told his sons the news - and obviously they thought I meant it - thank goodness.
Joshua called me out of the blue Friday evening to ask if we were still on for the workday. I was surprised to say the least, but happy he called. We discussed the scheduling - and agreed that Sunday afternoon worked much better for everyone. So, I picked up Josh and Joel Sunday afternoon - and we did some painting and work around my house for three hours. I paid them each $6/hour - and they seemed delighted. They worked hard, are great young men - and we made it back home in time for them to attend Sunday evening services at Salvation Army.
A great Sunday afternoon for all.
I suggested to him again in this meeting that his two sons - Joshua-16, and Joel (pronounced Jo-el)-14 come do some work with me on Saturday. Due largely to the short work week, I more or less forgot that I told him "this Saturday". He told his sons the news - and obviously they thought I meant it - thank goodness.
Joshua called me out of the blue Friday evening to ask if we were still on for the workday. I was surprised to say the least, but happy he called. We discussed the scheduling - and agreed that Sunday afternoon worked much better for everyone. So, I picked up Josh and Joel Sunday afternoon - and we did some painting and work around my house for three hours. I paid them each $6/hour - and they seemed delighted. They worked hard, are great young men - and we made it back home in time for them to attend Sunday evening services at Salvation Army.
A great Sunday afternoon for all.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
The Church with a Choice
Nice ring to it. No, really, it is and does have a nice ring. Our local, very popular Methodist church had this slogan on it's sign today. I have no real problem with it. I also have no problem with this church having a gym complete with changing/work-out areas; a separate facility just for youth worship, and a multitude of other space.
But (you knew a but was coming) - I wonder if this is what the church has become in 2006? Has it become primarily, or exclusively a place where the Christian customer can be filled with his/her "choice" of vendor services? Nice digs, nice choices, nice song selection, nice temperature, nice provision of consumer services for the local church-goer? What exactly is a missional church, and is "choice" anywhere near a Top 10 list for such a church? My good minister friend Mark Love has an excellent article discussing the missional church of today. Choice is o.k. - in moderation; Missional is Jesus. Here is the article .
But (you knew a but was coming) - I wonder if this is what the church has become in 2006? Has it become primarily, or exclusively a place where the Christian customer can be filled with his/her "choice" of vendor services? Nice digs, nice choices, nice song selection, nice temperature, nice provision of consumer services for the local church-goer? What exactly is a missional church, and is "choice" anywhere near a Top 10 list for such a church? My good minister friend Mark Love has an excellent article discussing the missional church of today. Choice is o.k. - in moderation; Missional is Jesus. Here is the article .
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Acting as If.....
I was reading the road to Emmaus story in Luke this morning and noted something interesting. Luke tells us in Chapter 24 that Jesus appeared to Cleopas and a friend as they were walking toward Emmaus to find the others. Jesus inquires and elicits thoughts and feelings from Cleopas about the recent events of Jesus' death. After a long journey, several hours of walking and talking, they reached the village, but Jesus "acted as if he were going further".
He is then persuaded to stay and eat with them, and, at that point he reveals his resurrected self to them.
I find it interesting that the world tells us to "act as if":
We are richer than we are - which brings about the burden of unwanted debt.
We are younger than we are - which brings about costly and sometimes hideous looking plastic surgery and other un-needed procedures.
We are more successful than we are - which brings about phoniness and compromised ethics.
And, yet, here Jesus "acts as if" to determine the level of one's committment and to more deeply and clearly expose their heart. He then reveals himself to them, and they confess "were not our hearts burning within us..."
Heart exposure - the purpose of most of what Jesus does. Rather than "acting as if" - we need to "seek Jesus as if". Jesus does not agree with the world's lingo of "fake it 'till you make it".
On the Road to Emmaus
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.
17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19"What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ[b] have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
He is then persuaded to stay and eat with them, and, at that point he reveals his resurrected self to them.
I find it interesting that the world tells us to "act as if":
We are richer than we are - which brings about the burden of unwanted debt.
We are younger than we are - which brings about costly and sometimes hideous looking plastic surgery and other un-needed procedures.
We are more successful than we are - which brings about phoniness and compromised ethics.
And, yet, here Jesus "acts as if" to determine the level of one's committment and to more deeply and clearly expose their heart. He then reveals himself to them, and they confess "were not our hearts burning within us..."
Heart exposure - the purpose of most of what Jesus does. Rather than "acting as if" - we need to "seek Jesus as if". Jesus does not agree with the world's lingo of "fake it 'till you make it".
On the Road to Emmaus
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.
17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19"What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ[b] have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
Thursday, August 31, 2006
the Katrina Poor
Newsweek has run a follow-up story to it's Hurricane Katrina cover girl - Taphina Jefferson from a year ago. Interesting insight into the life of one of New Orlean's many poor people.
The first question you ask is - how on earth can a single woman have seven babies, and pray tell, how many dads are involved? Unfortunately, that's where we so-called Christians usually end it - with a flippant, judgemental question and nothing more. The bigger question we should ask is - how, why and where did Taphina's life get off-track and what can we do to help?
Let me first confess I did not drive to New Orleans to help, nor did I drive to the Astrodome and bring Taphina and her kids home with me. But, someone should have. This was a truly golden opportunity to help someone that needed food, clothing and shelter - but so much more.
I applaud the Mosaic Center here in Lufkin and so many other groups that have started a local division of the Christian Women's Job Corp. We need to do so much more.
The first question you ask is - how on earth can a single woman have seven babies, and pray tell, how many dads are involved? Unfortunately, that's where we so-called Christians usually end it - with a flippant, judgemental question and nothing more. The bigger question we should ask is - how, why and where did Taphina's life get off-track and what can we do to help?
Let me first confess I did not drive to New Orleans to help, nor did I drive to the Astrodome and bring Taphina and her kids home with me. But, someone should have. This was a truly golden opportunity to help someone that needed food, clothing and shelter - but so much more.
I applaud the Mosaic Center here in Lufkin and so many other groups that have started a local division of the Christian Women's Job Corp. We need to do so much more.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Giving to the Poor Again
"Those who oppress the poor reproach You, our Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors You" (Proverbs 14:31)
"Those who are kind to the poor lend to You, Lord, and You will reward them for what they have done". (Proverbs 19:17)
We probably don't think of the wisdom of giving to the poor, but clearly that's what the book of Proverbs is pointing out. I ask again - what percentage of your church's budget goes to the poor? I'm wondering if there's any research on this topic, from Barna or another top church researcher? There should be.
There's a great opportunity for giving to the poor. Central Dallas Ministries, CDM, has been awarded grant funding for re-developing an old Dallas downtown building into an apartment for the truly poor of Dallas. I believe every church in Texas should give to this cause. Why? Simply because it's a ground-breaking endeavor and opportunity for churches to step up in a big way and do something for the poor. Here's the link for giving through Larry's blog:
Central Dallas Ministries - Larry James, CEO
"Those who are kind to the poor lend to You, Lord, and You will reward them for what they have done". (Proverbs 19:17)
We probably don't think of the wisdom of giving to the poor, but clearly that's what the book of Proverbs is pointing out. I ask again - what percentage of your church's budget goes to the poor? I'm wondering if there's any research on this topic, from Barna or another top church researcher? There should be.
There's a great opportunity for giving to the poor. Central Dallas Ministries, CDM, has been awarded grant funding for re-developing an old Dallas downtown building into an apartment for the truly poor of Dallas. I believe every church in Texas should give to this cause. Why? Simply because it's a ground-breaking endeavor and opportunity for churches to step up in a big way and do something for the poor. Here's the link for giving through Larry's blog:
Central Dallas Ministries - Larry James, CEO
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Weak Men
I agree with blogger and theologian Ben Witherington that it takes a really weak man to be concerned about a woman doing the Lord's work in His kingdom. The recent news of a Southern Baptist church in Watertown, NY, dumping a woman Bible class teacher after 54 years for "scriptural reasons" is indeed disturbing on numerous levels.
The fact that Pastor LeBouf commented a woman can carry on any job "outside the church" shows just how compartmentalized some people erroneously lead their lives. As Ben pointed out - what if this woman were teaching Christian adults in, say, college? To me, it just highlights again how rampantly Satan is working in our churches today - dividing and conquering, puffing male leaders up with ego, pride and haughtiness. God help us - here's the link:
Church dumps Sunday school teacher
The fact that Pastor LeBouf commented a woman can carry on any job "outside the church" shows just how compartmentalized some people erroneously lead their lives. As Ben pointed out - what if this woman were teaching Christian adults in, say, college? To me, it just highlights again how rampantly Satan is working in our churches today - dividing and conquering, puffing male leaders up with ego, pride and haughtiness. God help us - here's the link:
Church dumps Sunday school teacher
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