Before the age of seventeen, I only remember having one snow day in south Alabama. Weather forecasters predicted a dusting to one inch of snow, which led to a shopping frenzy across the whole county. Woodsheds were emptied. Tractors were summoned. Milk and bread were secured, and dogs were allowed on the porch.
On the snow day we received a record two inches of snow! The entire county came to a sliding halt. School was cancelled, and my sister and I celebrated by building a ten inch snowman.
Since that time I have encountered ice storms in Florida, over two foot blizzards in Indiana with blowing snow, and mountain snow in Virginia. Every area has one thing in common – winter weather interrupts our normal plans in a magnificent way. Schools close. Churches close. Even malls close. Gatherings get cancelled. Rulers get tested. Neighbors meet over snow shovels and become amateur meteorologists. And everyone is acutely aware that we are not the ones who are in control of this world.
God gets our attention. We learn to worship at home again. We count our blessings. We become thankful that we made it home safely. We open our curtains to see the snow and notice the birds in the trees. We remember that God meets our needs, and He alone is sovereign over His world. We slow down long enough to hear from God. We dream again, and we hope that snow days don’t have to be made up.
Today, I still have almost ten inches of snow on the ground, and it’s snowing as I write. I had plans today. Now, I will wait and listen.
“Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Stupid Things People Do
Throughout history men and women both have done some pretty stupid things. Have you heard the story about a woman named Maggie who went to the shopping mall and spent an entire year’s salary in one afternoon? She went to the bank one morning and cashed in her IRA, and went shopping that afternoon for one item. She came home with a bag, and she put the gift away in a freezer in the basement.
Several weeks later Maggie’s family had a big party to show their appreciation to a neighbor, Josh, who had rescued their cat, Simone, from an apple tree in his backyard. Simone was a beautiful Persian cat with a bubbly personality. The whole family was greatly appreciative of Josh’s heroic efforts. About halfway through the party, Maggie disappeared into the hallway and emerged with a beautifully wrapped present for Josh. Everyone paused as Maggie presented Josh with this spectacular package. Josh opened the gift and revealed a frozen haute chocolate.
Maggie’s cousin, Jude, who was a wealthy food connoisseur, immediately began describing the desert. A frozen haute chocolate is a delectable dessert made from exclusive cocoas from around the world and 5 grams of 24 carat edible gold topped with whipped cream. Jude was shocked that Maggie could be so wasteful, and he revealed the staggering cost of the dessert – $25,000! Can you imagine someone being so irresponsible?
Well, maybe that wasn’t exactly the story I read this morning, but it was close. The story I read was about a woman who anointed Jesus with very expensive perfume during a party one night. Everyone was shocked at how careless the woman had been with such an expensive gift. They waited for Jesus to scold her for wasting a gift that could have fed 50,000 people! Instead, Jesus recognized the woman’s heartfelt devotion and act of worship. He applauded her generosity toward Him.
The story about Maggie was fictional and ridiculous. The story about Jesus being anointed with expensive perfume is true yet equally illogical. I was reminded by the story of Jesus being anointed that there is a time to turn off the calculator. There is a time to abandon my logic. There is a time for extravagant worship that expresses my devotion to my King. There is a time to care less about what others think and more about what God thinks.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8
Several weeks later Maggie’s family had a big party to show their appreciation to a neighbor, Josh, who had rescued their cat, Simone, from an apple tree in his backyard. Simone was a beautiful Persian cat with a bubbly personality. The whole family was greatly appreciative of Josh’s heroic efforts. About halfway through the party, Maggie disappeared into the hallway and emerged with a beautifully wrapped present for Josh. Everyone paused as Maggie presented Josh with this spectacular package. Josh opened the gift and revealed a frozen haute chocolate.
Maggie’s cousin, Jude, who was a wealthy food connoisseur, immediately began describing the desert. A frozen haute chocolate is a delectable dessert made from exclusive cocoas from around the world and 5 grams of 24 carat edible gold topped with whipped cream. Jude was shocked that Maggie could be so wasteful, and he revealed the staggering cost of the dessert – $25,000! Can you imagine someone being so irresponsible?
Well, maybe that wasn’t exactly the story I read this morning, but it was close. The story I read was about a woman who anointed Jesus with very expensive perfume during a party one night. Everyone was shocked at how careless the woman had been with such an expensive gift. They waited for Jesus to scold her for wasting a gift that could have fed 50,000 people! Instead, Jesus recognized the woman’s heartfelt devotion and act of worship. He applauded her generosity toward Him.
The story about Maggie was fictional and ridiculous. The story about Jesus being anointed with expensive perfume is true yet equally illogical. I was reminded by the story of Jesus being anointed that there is a time to turn off the calculator. There is a time to abandon my logic. There is a time for extravagant worship that expresses my devotion to my King. There is a time to care less about what others think and more about what God thinks.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Astral Phenomena
On Sunday night a few of us stood together gazing at the stars. We noticed flashes of light across the sky, and we all became amateur astronomers as we wondered at the phenomena. What we saw Sunday night was the Geminid meteor shower that produced as many as 140 meteor bursts every hour and was visible to anyone in the Northern Hemisphere who simply looked up at the sky and waited.
This Christmas we celebrate the birth of our King through worship. Over two thousand years ago magi from the east journeyed to Bethlehem to worship this same King. According to Matthew’s Gospel, they were led to Jesus by following a star.
Magi in ancient Media and Persia spent most of their lives studying the stars and the planets. They believed that future events could be foretold by signs in the sky. In particular, Persian documents from the period of Jesus speak of the birth of a king in Judea who would rule the whole earth.
We do not know exactly what the magi saw, but there is historical evidence that a multitude of astral phenomena occurred within 10 years of the birth of Jesus. Johannes Kepler, for whom NASA’s Kepler Mission was named, was a mathematician and seminary professor during the 17th century in Germany and Austria. He believed that the star that the magi saw was a supernova reported by astrologers in China around the time of the birth of Christ.
Of greater significance for us is why God went to such extremes to welcome His Son. Quite simply, God did not want us to miss Jesus. Why did God draw people from all over the known world from the common shepherds of Bethlehem to esteemed magi of Persia? How could so many people in Judea miss the birth of the Son of God? Why wouldn’t they listen? Are we really that dense? I am. I am thankful that my Father goes to extraordinary means to get my attention. May we see what God has placed right in front of us and may we worship our King.
This Christmas we celebrate the birth of our King through worship. Over two thousand years ago magi from the east journeyed to Bethlehem to worship this same King. According to Matthew’s Gospel, they were led to Jesus by following a star.
Magi in ancient Media and Persia spent most of their lives studying the stars and the planets. They believed that future events could be foretold by signs in the sky. In particular, Persian documents from the period of Jesus speak of the birth of a king in Judea who would rule the whole earth.
We do not know exactly what the magi saw, but there is historical evidence that a multitude of astral phenomena occurred within 10 years of the birth of Jesus. Johannes Kepler, for whom NASA’s Kepler Mission was named, was a mathematician and seminary professor during the 17th century in Germany and Austria. He believed that the star that the magi saw was a supernova reported by astrologers in China around the time of the birth of Christ.
Of greater significance for us is why God went to such extremes to welcome His Son. Quite simply, God did not want us to miss Jesus. Why did God draw people from all over the known world from the common shepherds of Bethlehem to esteemed magi of Persia? How could so many people in Judea miss the birth of the Son of God? Why wouldn’t they listen? Are we really that dense? I am. I am thankful that my Father goes to extraordinary means to get my attention. May we see what God has placed right in front of us and may we worship our King.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11 (ESV)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Desiring a Better Country
From the poem, IN 1492, we learn that
“In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”
Prior to 1492 the European world was unaware that the American continents existed. Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas in an attempt to find an improved trading route from Spain to India. His discovery of the Americas sparked a European conquest, which led many people to search for a better country.
Those brave souls who wanted a better country laid the groundwork for much that we know and love about our country today. Many great churches have been founded in the last five hundred years.
I have been invited to preach during a homecoming service in the church where I grew up. Spring Hill Baptist Church is the church where I was nurtured in the faith, baptized, licensed to preach, married, and ordained as a minister. Last year, I preached part of my grandmother’s funeral in the church. Spring Hill is a grassroots, country church with a special place in my heart.
As I prepare to preach at Spring Hill, I am sorting through many childhood memories. In middle school, one of my teachers (who was also a member of my church) read the Bible to us each morning. Friday night football games started with a pastor praying for God’s protection. The community is changing. Just last week many parents were outraged because of a notice that they received from the principal. He regretfully stated that he would no longer be able to pray with the kids before they leave for field trips because a parent complained. The parent protested prayer because the principal prays in Jesus’ name.
For most of us, the principal’s note is old news. We might even be surprised that there are still places in our country where leaders pray in Jesus’ name. That part of American life is fading fast. I’m not waiting for a return to those days. We must look to the future. God has a far better life for us than even the best that this country has to offer.
Five hundred years later, we are still searching for a better country.
“In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”
Prior to 1492 the European world was unaware that the American continents existed. Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas in an attempt to find an improved trading route from Spain to India. His discovery of the Americas sparked a European conquest, which led many people to search for a better country.
Those brave souls who wanted a better country laid the groundwork for much that we know and love about our country today. Many great churches have been founded in the last five hundred years.
I have been invited to preach during a homecoming service in the church where I grew up. Spring Hill Baptist Church is the church where I was nurtured in the faith, baptized, licensed to preach, married, and ordained as a minister. Last year, I preached part of my grandmother’s funeral in the church. Spring Hill is a grassroots, country church with a special place in my heart.
As I prepare to preach at Spring Hill, I am sorting through many childhood memories. In middle school, one of my teachers (who was also a member of my church) read the Bible to us each morning. Friday night football games started with a pastor praying for God’s protection. The community is changing. Just last week many parents were outraged because of a notice that they received from the principal. He regretfully stated that he would no longer be able to pray with the kids before they leave for field trips because a parent complained. The parent protested prayer because the principal prays in Jesus’ name.
For most of us, the principal’s note is old news. We might even be surprised that there are still places in our country where leaders pray in Jesus’ name. That part of American life is fading fast. I’m not waiting for a return to those days. We must look to the future. God has a far better life for us than even the best that this country has to offer.
Five hundred years later, we are still searching for a better country.
But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Don’t Stare at Markers
Color markers can provide kids with hours of fun. I remember coloring with markers when I was a kid. I loved using a ruler to draw futuristic cars. I say the cars were “futuristic” because they didn’t look much like any cars that anyone had seen before, and I sometimes had to explain that they were, in fact, cars and not dinosaurs or clouds.
My sister was a much better artist, and she had a strong desire to make her art more permanent. One day she decided to take her art off the paper and onto the walls. She drew a nice little house right on the bedroom wall. Today, markers come in a variety of designs. Some markers are washable, and other markers only write on specially designed surfaces. When we were kids, we only had one type of marker – permanent. Now, they are called “classic” markers. My sister’s artwork is still on the walls of our parent’s house. I’m fairly certain that mom keeps it there so that she can remind us of our depravity lest we forget.
Giving a toddler a marker and instructing the child to only write on the paper in front of them is a daunting challenge. Children accidentally discover that the marker will write on other surfaces: the table, the floor, and their little brother. Moms warn their children not to color off the page, but the temptation to stray is often stronger than the warning.
Most of us are no longer tempted to color on the walls or our little brother, but we all face temptation just as strongly as a toddler with a marker. Temptation is a fact of life that we will never outgrow. But, we can become smarter in dealing with temptation. One tool for winning when tempted is to change our thought process. In other words, don’t stare at the marker.
Imagine a toddler holding a marker firmly in his hand, while his mother instructs him to mark only on his paper. Mom walks away, and the boy sits on the floor staring at his marker. The marker soon begins to speak out loud and calls for the boy to free his spirit and express himself unleashing a renaissance.
Temptation grows stronger the longer we think about the object of our temptation. The simplest way to defeat temptation is to change our thought process and think about something different.
The next time I face temptation, I will try not to stare at the marker. Now, what did I do with my color pens?
My sister was a much better artist, and she had a strong desire to make her art more permanent. One day she decided to take her art off the paper and onto the walls. She drew a nice little house right on the bedroom wall. Today, markers come in a variety of designs. Some markers are washable, and other markers only write on specially designed surfaces. When we were kids, we only had one type of marker – permanent. Now, they are called “classic” markers. My sister’s artwork is still on the walls of our parent’s house. I’m fairly certain that mom keeps it there so that she can remind us of our depravity lest we forget.
Giving a toddler a marker and instructing the child to only write on the paper in front of them is a daunting challenge. Children accidentally discover that the marker will write on other surfaces: the table, the floor, and their little brother. Moms warn their children not to color off the page, but the temptation to stray is often stronger than the warning.
Most of us are no longer tempted to color on the walls or our little brother, but we all face temptation just as strongly as a toddler with a marker. Temptation is a fact of life that we will never outgrow. But, we can become smarter in dealing with temptation. One tool for winning when tempted is to change our thought process. In other words, don’t stare at the marker.
Imagine a toddler holding a marker firmly in his hand, while his mother instructs him to mark only on his paper. Mom walks away, and the boy sits on the floor staring at his marker. The marker soon begins to speak out loud and calls for the boy to free his spirit and express himself unleashing a renaissance.
Temptation grows stronger the longer we think about the object of our temptation. The simplest way to defeat temptation is to change our thought process and think about something different.
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
The next time I face temptation, I will try not to stare at the marker. Now, what did I do with my color pens?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Church Growth
One of the objectives that I have been given from the start of my tenure here at Oakland has been church growth. It is a challenge that I accept humbly and with great excitement. I have found that there are a number of misconceptions about what it takes to grow a church.
Let’s be honest. The methods we have been using are no longer effective. Our focus has been much like the movie, Field of Dreams. We have assumed that if we build it, people will come. We have hoped that if we put more energy into what we are already doing, things would improve. We are frustrated when we work harder and see fewer results. We have tried to attract people with programs and wondered why they have not stayed for the Cross.
Let me offer some encouragement and remind you of where we are headed. We are not here to offer people the same things they can get somewhere else. We offer hope. The following excerpt is from The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren, page 48:
Sometimes we have to say “no” to good things, so that we can say “yes” to great things. Letting go can be painful. Embracing the new can be exciting.
We are here to build people who are passionate about God. I am seeing new signs of excitement as we look to the future. I hope that you will join us on this journey, if you haven't already. Pray about how God might use you to impact His Kingdom.
Let’s be honest. The methods we have been using are no longer effective. Our focus has been much like the movie, Field of Dreams. We have assumed that if we build it, people will come. We have hoped that if we put more energy into what we are already doing, things would improve. We are frustrated when we work harder and see fewer results. We have tried to attract people with programs and wondered why they have not stayed for the Cross.
Let me offer some encouragement and remind you of where we are headed. We are not here to offer people the same things they can get somewhere else. We offer hope. The following excerpt is from The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren, page 48:
Along with several leaders in our church and our staff, I have been evaluating what we do as a church. We are discovering that there are some programs in our church that simply aren't building the Kingdom, yet they have been draining our people.“Attendance campaigns and advertising may bring people to your church once. But they will not come back unless your church delivers the goods. To maintain consistent growth, you must offer people something they cannot get anywhere else.
“If you are preaching the positive, life-changing Good News of Christ, if your members are excited by what God is doing in your church, if you are providing a service where they can bring unsaved friends without embarrassment, and if you have a plan to build, train, and send out those you win to Christ, attendance will be the least of your problems. People will flock to that kind of church. It’s happening all around the world.”
Sometimes we have to say “no” to good things, so that we can say “yes” to great things. Letting go can be painful. Embracing the new can be exciting.
We are here to build people who are passionate about God. I am seeing new signs of excitement as we look to the future. I hope that you will join us on this journey, if you haven't already. Pray about how God might use you to impact His Kingdom.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
What’s in it for me?
This blog is a reprint of a story I wrote for our church newsletter. I thought it might be a nice quiz for everyone.
Any good business leader knows that marketing is essential to success. Customers must know that a product is going to meet a need or desire in their life. One of the ways companies attempt to convince people that their product is essential is through slogans. Let’s take a look at some slogans and see if you can guess the product. The answers are at the end of this article.
1921 – A car for every purse and purpose
1969 – It's the real thing
1971 – You deserve a break today
1984 – Where’s the beef
1988 – It’s everywhere you want to be
2001 – 1,000 songs in your pocket
2009 – Trust me – I’m a doctor
We all want to know what’s in it for us. We are driven by our consumer mindset, and we can be easily offended when our church does not meet our felt needs. So, why do we want you to be part of this church family? I hope you aren’t looking for a slick marketing approach because we aren’t hiding our strategy.
First, we want to reach people. Our explicit purpose is to identify people who are seeking God, and help them find Him.
Second, we want people to grow in their knowledge of God. We want to help each other sort out our confusing lives with solid biblical teaching and contemporary application.
Third, we want people to grow in their service with God. As we learn more about our incredible God, we grow in our desire to serve Him. We want to help everyone find their place and purpose in the church family and in our community.
Lastly, we want to send people out. We are a Kingdom minded church. We want everyone to know the amazing love of God. And, we are willing to go wherever our God sends us.
Reach. Teach. Serve. Send.
I know it’s not a very catchy slogan. Perhaps some of our creative minds in our church can craft a catchy slogan for us. I’ve heard that some of our kids are great at making songs that go with the free credit report song. Here is your chance to be a star. In the meantime, we are going to focus on being clear about our purposes and intentional about ministry.
1921 – GM
1969 – Coca-Cola
1971 – McDonald’s
1984 – Wendy’s
1988 – Visa
2001 – Apple Ipod
2009 – Dr. Pepper
Any good business leader knows that marketing is essential to success. Customers must know that a product is going to meet a need or desire in their life. One of the ways companies attempt to convince people that their product is essential is through slogans. Let’s take a look at some slogans and see if you can guess the product. The answers are at the end of this article.
1921 – A car for every purse and purpose
1969 – It's the real thing
1971 – You deserve a break today
1984 – Where’s the beef
1988 – It’s everywhere you want to be
2001 – 1,000 songs in your pocket
2009 – Trust me – I’m a doctor
We all want to know what’s in it for us. We are driven by our consumer mindset, and we can be easily offended when our church does not meet our felt needs. So, why do we want you to be part of this church family? I hope you aren’t looking for a slick marketing approach because we aren’t hiding our strategy.
First, we want to reach people. Our explicit purpose is to identify people who are seeking God, and help them find Him.
Second, we want people to grow in their knowledge of God. We want to help each other sort out our confusing lives with solid biblical teaching and contemporary application.
Third, we want people to grow in their service with God. As we learn more about our incredible God, we grow in our desire to serve Him. We want to help everyone find their place and purpose in the church family and in our community.
Lastly, we want to send people out. We are a Kingdom minded church. We want everyone to know the amazing love of God. And, we are willing to go wherever our God sends us.
Reach. Teach. Serve. Send.
I know it’s not a very catchy slogan. Perhaps some of our creative minds in our church can craft a catchy slogan for us. I’ve heard that some of our kids are great at making songs that go with the free credit report song. Here is your chance to be a star. In the meantime, we are going to focus on being clear about our purposes and intentional about ministry.
1921 – GM
1969 – Coca-Cola
1971 – McDonald’s
1984 – Wendy’s
1988 – Visa
2001 – Apple Ipod
2009 – Dr. Pepper
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