rule 1

John Wesley's rule number one:  Do all the good that you can. 
What does this mean?

Wesley recognized that all of our life belongs to God.  Our time, talents and treasure are his.  It is not our time, it is not our talent and it is not our money.  As soon as we recognize that God has given us these things for His purposes not ours, the journey to healthy living begins.

How much of my time am I using to help others?  And I don't mean my family.  Helping your family is fine, but it is almost self interest.  Jesus expects us to help the least of these.  How much time have we used for them?  Do all the good that you can.

Talents.  We all have them.  We are not supposed to just use them for ourselves.  How can you use the gifts that you have to do good for others?  If you are good with money you might become a financial counselor for hillcrest ministries.  If you like to cook you might make food for the Westport homeless ministry.  If you can drive, you might volunteer to take sick people to the doctor or those who can't drive, to church.

Money.  How much of it do you use for yourself?  How much of it do you use to help others?  And I don't mean your family.  Helping your family has the scent of self interest.  How much of your money do you use to help the least of these?  What percentage?  There are countless missions programs that could steer your gifts to help the needy.

So, how are we doing?  How is my life?  Am I finding the joy?  Do all the good you can.  Every day, in every way to every person.  Wesley also said, do all the good that you can to all the people that you can in every way that you can.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

3 rules

John Wesley had 3 rules for living.  We would do well to follow them.

rule one:  Do all the good that you can.

rule two:  Do no harm.

rule three:  stay in love with God.

Think on these three rules.  How is your life going?
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.

to agree

Do you agree with a thought?  If you do, then you are likely to nod your head and feel good about life.  What if you don't agree?  We often feel unsettled and combative.

Why do you feel one way about a thing and someone else feels another way?  You were raised by your parents.  You went to your kind of church.  You read the books that you read.  That is why you agree or don't agree. 

But what about those on the other side of an issue?  What about them?  Why did their parents teach them what they did?  What did they learn at their church?  Why?  What books did they read?

There is much to learn from those with whom we disagree.  Sometimes when we learn where they are coming from, when we walk in their moccasins, we have a very different opinion of their way of looking at things.

We may not change our opinions, we may not adopt their thinking, but we can often at least understand them, and it tends to make us a little more calm when we hear things with which we, at first glance, do not agree.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

societal changes

I am not an expert on any of this, but I do have a theory.  During the depression times, everyone worked together, you had to, to survive.  Everyone helped each other simply live. 

During WW2 a generation of Americans sacrificed to end tyranny and make the world a better place.  Things went pretty smooth after that- for a while. 

Here is my theory- as we became more affluent as a nation, we also got lazy.  Instead of sacrificing for the common good, we wanted it OUR way.  In fact, that is the burger king slogan.  We indulged in drugs and free love, and we reaped the consequences.

We want more, we expect more and we reject things that do not line up to make us happy.  We throw away spouses, we throw away churches, we throw away about anything that doesn't do it the way that we want it done.  And we are a mess mentally because we were not designed to simply be demanding consumers.

This is so the opposite of Kingdom thinking.  In the Kingdom of Jesus, we go the second mile, we turn the other cheek.  In the Kingdom of Jesus we lose our lives to find them.  A far cry from the self indulgent messages of our culture today.

What can we do?  Resist the desire for more.  Maybe we already have enough.  Resist the desire for more.  Give yourself away.  Spend yourself for the children of God.  Love all of them that you can.  Invest in every person that comes your way.  For this we were created.  Folks that live outside of themselves are pretty adept at seeing the good.

It's not too late for American and it's not too late for you and me.  We just need to start living the selfless lives for which we were created.

It's a beautiful day  in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Leonard Pitts, Jr.

This was posted in a blog by Leonard Pitts, Jr.

In faith, a baker refuses to bake a cake for a gay couple's wedding. In faith, a minister prays for the president to die. In faith, terrorists plant bombs at the finish line of a marathon. In faith, mosques are vandalized, shot at and burned. In faith, a televangelist asks his followers to buy him a $65-million private jet.

And no one is even surprised anymore.

In America, what we call faith is often loud, often exclusionary, sometimes violent and too frequently enamored of shiny, expensive things. In faith, ill-tempered people mob the shopping malls every year at Christmas to have fistfights and gunfights over hot toys and high-end electronics.

You did not hear much about faith last week when Jimmy Carter held a press conference to reveal that he has four spots of cancer on his brain.

The moral of the story is that the best moments of our faith are not combative, not hateful, and not necessarily noisy, but instead are lived out day by day in the quiet hearts of good people who just keep plugging away at loving God and loving others.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

view point

One of my favorite authors is Richard Rohr.  He writes a daily devotional that is dynamite.  if you want to subscribe, here is a link

Sign up to receive CAC's free daily, weekly, or monthly emails for yourself!

Recently he used the phrase, "every view point is a view from a point."  This reminds me that my opinions are just that.... mine.  Yours are as well.  If we put on someone else's moccasins, our viewpoint would likely change.  It is time that we stop worshipping what we think and give what we think over to God.  What would God say about our viewpoint?  What self-centeredness would he point out in it?  What arrogance?

Richard Rohr wrote -
Unless there is something strong enough to rearrange our worldview, call our assumptions into question, and also engage our heart and body.... we will seldom move to new interior or exterior places. God has a hard time getting us to join Abraham and Sarah in "leaving your country and your family for a new land that I will show you" (Genesis 12:1-2). Yet that is our foundational paradigm for the journey of faith.

The Dalai Lama said it well: "Every change of mind is first of all a change of heart." I would add: "Every change of heart is soon a change of mind." This is the urgently needed work of mature spirituality.

It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

abundance

Simon Sinek in his book, Leaders Eat Last says that abundance destroys value.

If you only have one apple to eat all day, and that is it, you savor that apple.  You cut it into small bites.  You spread it out.  You protect it.  You enjoy it.  You thank God for it.  You hope that tomorrow there is another apple.

But if you inherit an apple orchard, your house is full of apples.  There are so many that they cannot be harvested quickly enough.  Some of them rot on the ground.  You may even grow sick of the sweet taste of an apple.

And so when we have too much of anything, we lose an appreciation for it.   Abundance destroys value.  We waste time, money and food because we think we have too much of it.  Our lives begin to take on the characteristics of blind consumers, upset that we cannot get more.

Waste is still wrong.  I remember a saying from my hippie youth "live simply so that others may simply live."  We can probably give much of what we have to the needy, and still have plenty ourselves.  Wouldn't that be better than wasting it?

What seems like one apple among a million to you, may be the only apple that someone else is going to receive today.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Getting over yourself

It is quite a challenge in life to get over one's self.  In fact, it is a lifelong journey that many never undertake.

A man who took great pride in his lawn found himself with a large crop of dandelions. He tried every method he knew to get rid of them. Still they plagued him.

Finally he wrote to the Department of Agriculture. He enumerated all the things he had tried and closed his letter with the question: "What shall I do now?"

In due course, the reply came: "We suggest you learn to love them." 

Sometimes in life we get what we want, and sometimes in life we get what we get.  

In spite of life's dandelions, it is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

remote

A salesman travelled across the country plying his trade along the way.  One night he sat in a diner in a little town out in the middle of nowhere.  He was amazed that he had travelled this far and that anyone would live in a place so far away from everything that he knew.

He said to the server, "This place is so remote."
She replied, "Remote from what?"

Again we see that our way of thinking is completely clouded by our own agenda.  We have a paradigm that marks all of life.  But ours is not the only agenda, ours is not the only paradigm.  Would you find wisdom in this life?  Seek to know and understand the views of others.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

what will you become?

I remember a discussion in seminary where the work of pastors was described as a series of waves on the beach.  There are many little waves that do their work, and then from time to time there is a tsunami- a Billy Graham, or a Robert Schuler.

All the seminarians quietly wondered what size of wave they would become.  The incident has  perturbed me over the years because it demands that we compare ourselves to each other.

Recently I came across a story from the book, Tuesdays with Morrie. 

The story is about a little wave, bobbing along in the ocean, having a grand old time. He's enjoying the wind and the fresh air - until he notices the other waves in front of him, crashing against the shore. "My God, this terrible", the wave says. "Look what's going to happen to me!"

Then along comes another wave. It sees the first wave, looking grim, and it says to him: "Why do you look so sad?" The first wave says: "You don't understand! We're all going to crash! All of us waves are going to be nothing! Isn't it terrible?"

The second wave says: "No, you don't understand. You're not a wave, you're part of the ocean."

I like it.  It is something to think about.  It can't always be about me. 
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

if it's easy

I have a friend who is a long time church consultant and on the board of the Lydia Patterson institute.  In response to a recent blog post, he sent me a note that I thought was wise...........

He wrote:
Every church has that "lets go back to Egypt" group.  As my old pastor used to say, "if it is easy, it is probably not God's will."

I am just going to tag onto that and remind everyone, that God takes us so far out of our comfort zone...... I think the Holy Spirit lives on the edge of our comfort zone.  We may go years and never feel the leading, simply because we were not brave enough to go to the edge of the world that we know.

What is God calling you to do?  To be?  If it makes you uncomfortable, that is probably a good thing.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

have we met?

I embarrassed myself at church a few weeks ago.

I have learned to stop asking people if they are new........ it's always embarrassing to find out that they have been attending for years.

Instead I have started asking, "have we met?"

A few weeks ago, I got the same answer, "yes we have met a couple of times, we have been attending here for five years."

I was mortified.  I am so sorry.  I hope they read this and know that I feel terrible when I can't
remember a face.  You are all so precious and delightful, and I want you to feel that you are valued here at Woods Chapel.

Please wear your name tags and please keep helping me learn your names.  Thanks.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

two great questions

There are two great questions that I was reading the other day:

1.  what was I created to be?
2.  how can I become what I am capable of becoming?

Interestingly, I find the answer to both of these questions to be found in God and God alone.

It is God's world, and it is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

where were you born?

I was born in Kansas City, MO.  St. Luke's Hospital on the Plaza to be exact.  In fact, back then, it was the only St. Luke's in the city.

Where were you born?

Ok, got that place in your head?  Good.  Here is the question..... why was I born in KC instead of Russia or Nicaragua or Mozambique?  Why were you born where you were born instead of Russia, Nicaragua or Mozambique?

Think about it for a few moments.  There is no good answer.  We were just very very fortunate.  May we never take for granted our blessings, and may we always remember our responsibility to the rest of those who for no fault of their own were born in impoverished countries.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

someone left

Someone left our church because they thought the church was too big.  Who should we throw out to make the church smaller?  Heaven is going to be a very big church.  I wonder if those folks will want to leave there as well?  Too many people?

Someone left because I won't preach on social issues.  Well, I am sorry about that, but I was not called into the ministry of Jesus to get you to agree with me on social issues.  We have differing opinions and we should get over it and lock arms to do the Lord's work.  I am not going to preach on social issues.  I am going to preach about the God who loves us and forgives us and welcomes us.

Someone left because they got busy with life.  Sports, work, some hobby began to take up their time, and then they were gone.  I see them from time to time.  They aren't unhappy with me, they just got busy with life, and church fell to the side.  If this is you, there is a seat available for you on Sunday morning and we would love to have you back.

Someone left because they are tired of being asked to help with missions.  Wow!  So I want a church that doesn't ask me to give myself away for the sake of Jesus Christ?  I have no idea of what to say to that.

Someone left because the pastor does not preach the Bible in the same manner as the church they were raised in.  And to this I quote the famous theologian Terry McCarty who said, "The Bible is not a hammer."

People leave churches for many reasons.  I wish that no one ever left, but they do.  There are somethings that I cannot fix.  Thankfully at the present time, your church is doing well and is very healthy.

I just have to trust that the majority of folks, not only see the good at Woods Chapel, but are actively engaged in keeping our church healthy.   There is plenty of good to see and to be a part of in almost every church.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

friends for life

I was visiting with a couple the other night and they told me that when I finally do retire, that they are going to come see me all the time.  They said that I was going to get sick of them coming to visit. 

Their words made my heart happy.  Over the years I have had, and unfortunately lost a few very good friends.  I don’t want to lose anymore in my lifetime.  The thought that they were saying that we would be friends as long as we live, made me very happy.  In fact, I am smiling as I type this.  J

Value your friends.  They are among the most important things to have in this life.  A man rich in friends, is rich indeed.  And by the way, a great place to make friends is at your church.  And last time I looked, it is Sunday.  See you at the big house.

It’s a beautiful day in God’s world, be sure to see the good.

choice

You have a choice.  You are not a robot.   You are not forced to take a certain action.  You can choose.  Choose to love or choose to hate.  Choose to welcome or choose to judge.  Either way, you choose.  Choose to be mad at the boss, or choose to accept the change.  Choose to trust or choose to worry.

You have the power, you have the choice to make.  Choose well.

It’s a beautiful day in God’s world, be sure to see the good.

Raytown and Blue Springs Pt. 2

Here is another reason that we have taken these other churches into the Woods Chapel family.  They needed someone, someone to help them.

There have been times in the past when Woods Chapel needed help.  We forget this but we have needed the help of others in the past.  Other churches helped start us.  Other churches helped us buy the property on Woods Chapel road.  Other churches trained our ministers.  Other churches led training events for us.  Other churches contributed a $400,000 grant to help us get started at the 291 property.

We would never be the kind of church that we are today if none of the other churches stepped up to help us.  And so, we have friends in Raytown and Blue Springs that need our help.  It is not a crime to need help.  Things happen, and sometimes, we need to help each other.  As long as we have the ability to help others, we need to do so.  It is the kingdom work.

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?  Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.  1 Jn 3:17-18

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Raytown and Blue Springs

A member asked me why in the world we would take on other campus churches in Raytown and Blue Springs.  Didn't we already have enough to do?  Isn't it just more work for everyone?

The answer to those questions is yes.... we do have plenty to do, and yes it is more work.  Then why do it?

The answer is bigger than "the conference asked us to help."  The real answer lies in potential.  Not how much are we doing for Jesus Christ, but how much can we do for him?

I was never a very good softball player, but I loved to play and I played hard.  I left all of my ability on the field.  I never held anything back.  I ran as hard as I could and I did my very best.   We should approach our spiritual life in the same way.  When we die I don't want to say to the Lord, "here is the one talent back that you gave us."  I want to do everything that I can, I want us to do everything that we can to multiply the kingdom, to fulfill our potential, and to use our God given abilities for God's purpose.

The moment that we shrink back from God's work, we have made life about us.  Yes it is crazy busy, yes it is a lot.  Yes it is more.  But as long as we have breath and strength, let us use it for God's work.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

50

Something happened to me when I turned 50. [8 years ago]  I began to worry less and I began to find more joy in life.  I began a journey of deciding to be content instead of being upset by so many things.  Now I still have a long way to go, but I am on a different journey than I was before.

 

Today I am aware that most of my life is behind me.  What ever time I have left, I want to spend it being positive, not negative.  I want to engage my energy in what I am for, not what I am against.  Life is much too short to waste any time focusing on what I am unhappy about.  So much of it is beyond my control anyway.

I want to grow in my ability to accept and welcome pain instead of fighting it.  I want to learn to make friends with things that make me uncomfortable.  Think of how many things we used to be so upset by, but now we are ok with them.  Maybe the things that I want to be unhappy about today can become my friend as well.

On my death bed I want to look into the eyes of my children and tell them that they are good and that life is a treat.  Why did it take me so long to start thinking like this?  I don’t know, but I do know that the last eight years have been so much more delightful.

It’s a beautiful day in God’s world, be sure to focus on the good.

I am the problem

So you are not feeling well and you go to your doctor and ask for help.    Your doctor sends you home with a prescription for someone else.  It makes no sense. 

But that is how we live and that is how we think.  We are unhappy but we think we will become happy if someone else changes.  I am troubled but if my wife will change, then I will be happy.  I hate my job but if my boss will change then I will  be happy.  We are asking for prescriptions for others when we are the one who is ill.

Start looking past circumstances.  Stop measuring your life by your circumstances.  Life is good.  See it.  Live it.  The problem is not everyone else.  The problem is almost always me- my attitudes, my worries, my dysfunction.

The moment that I realize this and admit it to myself, everything begins to change.  I begin to work on me and I begin to accept that being uncomfortable is just a part of being alive in this world.

It’s a beautiful day in God’s world, be sure to see the good.

grace

Marriage can be difficult.  I was talking with a friend the other day about this.  We have all seen couples throw each other away when we thought the marriage could be saved.  We have also seen people stay with a spouse and make it work when it seemed to us to be beyond repair.

To me, the mitigating factor, the x-factor is grace.  Do you have grace for him?  Do you have grace for her?  If so, then God is ready to go to work.  There is still HOPE.  By grace, the power of the Holy Spirit can heal broken hearts and restore the joy of a relationship.  I have seen it many times.

Don't give up.  God is stronger than we think.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

waking up

If one would see the good, they must wake up to life.  They must open their eyes and see what God is doing.  My favorite author, Anthony de Mello says that the core of spirituality is waking up.

Here is a quote from his book titled Awareness:

I have not known a single person who gave time to being aware [awake] who didn't see a difference in a matter of weeks.  The quality of their life changes, so they don't have to take it on faith anymore.  They see it.  They're different.  They react differently.  In fact, they react less and act more.  You see things you've never seen before. You're much more energetic, much more alive. 

Today I invite you to look and see what God has done in the world around you.

 It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

how many weeks in a row

Last Sunday, I was at church, but not preaching.  Anytime this happens, I get complaints.  "If you are here Jeff, why aren't you preaching?"

Many churches have Sundays where the Central Methodist College Choir or some other group sings.  Many churches have associates that preach once per month.  That gives them an opportunity to preach, and the Sr Pastor a break.

Preaching week after week is exhausting, exhausting to the soul.  To have something ready that is heartfelt and moving is very difficult to do week after week.  When you are a preacher it feels like Sunday comes 3 times per week.  This is why I insists that our associates that are preaching in our various venues do not preach more than 3 times per month.  I am trying to take care of their souls.

From June 14 thru Aug 2, I preached eight weeks in a row.  So on the 9th, last Sunday, I was here, but not preaching.  Actually, we recorded the sermon on Thursday that was played in the Worship Center on Sunday Aug 2.  So I didn't deliver it live, but I did prepare a sermon.  My point is this, a preacher needs a break from time to time for their souls to catch up.

I will be preaching tomorrow, the Lord willing.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

lost

Tagging on to yesterday's post, many Christians talk about the lost.  Anyone who does not believe in Jesus as I do, well they are lost.  The problem with this, is that quite often, the Jesus that is being held out by Christians is not a good reflection of who Jesus really is.  Instead of teaching that God loves you and forgives you and welcomes you, their Jesus is angry.

It kind of makes you wonder who is really lost.  Many Christians need to lose the angry Jesus and find him all over again.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

I don't believe

Some people tell me that they don't believe in God or Jesus or both.  I think that often, what they really mean is this - they don't believe in the God or Jesus that many Christians portray.  Many Christians hold out a God and a Jesus that is angry, judgmental, wears a suit and tie, and is a bit uppity.

I don't believe in that  God or Jesus either.

When Christians begin to hold out the God and Jesus that are loving, gracious, and welcoming, I think there will be more believers in this world.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

a note from a dear friend

In the book the Shack, God kept saying how fond he was of everyone.  I am fond of so many people.  This is from a dear friend that I am very fond of.

Jeff, I watched a pair of cardinals build a nest in a hydrangea tree outside my laundry room window.   They fussed at me when I checked on them.   I saw them feed their scrawny offspring until one morning last week  I saw the baby atop the tree with the parents loudly  coaxing it on to a new life.  When I checked the empty nest I found one egg still there, sadly not hatching. I know I will enjoy their red coats at my feeder when it's snowing.

I hope you get my message or metaphor of life.  Some days are more difficult than others, but I always hear the birds singing when I first wake up.  

Let's keep hearing the birds sing.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

surgery

Several have asked me, so here is the story.......

About six years ago I had my gall bladder out.  For whatever reason, the surgeon was not able to remove it laproscopically and I was cut open the old fashioned way.  Big long pirate scar.

Fast forward to about six months ago, and I started to have abdominal pain.  It was an interesting sensation that seemed to get worse the longer that I was on my feet.  After about three months we finally got a cat scan and a diagnosis.  Since all the internal organs were fine and the pain was centered on the scar from the previous surgery, it was either in incisional hernia or adhesions.  Adhesions are little bits of scar tissue that try to attach your abdominal wall to your guts.  The pulling and tugging can be painful.

Yesterday I went in for laproscopic surgery.  Everything went great.  The doctor was very pleased.  It took a little over an hour.  It was not a hernia, but a good bit of scar tissue and adhesions.  The largest section of scar tissue looks to be about the size of a danish roll.  I have pictures if you want to see them.

They cut out the scar tissue and cotterized all of the connections.  Then they took an after picture.  I am all fixed up.  For the first time in a long time, I don't have this odd bump below my rib cage, and when the little entry holes heal up, I will be pain free!

 It is nice to live in a time where God has given doctors the ability to do such things.
I am glad to be on the other side of this story.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

decisions

I had to make a decision the other day.  It was a difficult one.  Usually I am very methodical about such decisions.  [Aren't all Methodists methodical?]  I usually take a sheet of paper, draw a line down the middle and list the pros and cons.

This was a tough one.  I did not know what to feel or think.  100 thoughts crowded my mind about all the facets of the situation.  Fortunately, underneath in all there was a lingering sense of what the right action was.  And so I was able to make a choice, even though I had many issues about the choice and many unanswered questions.  It just seemed to be the right thing to do.

Oddly, I am not worried about any potential issues or fallout.  I somehow feel that God is in this and that it will be ok.  Maybe God blesses us in our weakness.

Sometimes our choices are limited.  Pray that you will have direction.  Never stop believing that God loves you enough to help you along through the difficult times.  Yea thou I walk through the valley I will fear nothing, for Thou art with me.

Maybe sometimes we end up doing the right things because we stopped thinking about it and trying to control it.  Maybe sometimes it is ok to just put a thing into the hands of God and just go with it.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

three difficult things

Someone once said that the three things that are the most difficult for we humans are:

1.  returning love for hate
2.  including the excluded
3.  admitting that you were wrong

Interesting that Jesus taught that we should do all three.  May we all get better quickly at that which is most difficult for we humans.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

From my friend Joy

I really dislike the "picking & choosing" approach to Christianity - and, at the same time-I'm dreadfully guilty of it.

I "p&c" which Bible verses I believe the most; I "p&c" which stories/laws/Biblical characters/teachings in Scripture I relate to the most; I "p&c" which sin is the worst ( & it's always the sin of which I will never be guilty); I "p&c" the preacher/church/choir director/teachers/folks that are welcome/the place I always sit in church, the acceptable music, etc.  and if my "p&c" doesn't  pan out, I just "gospel shuffle" on out to "p&c" another preacher/church/choir,etc.

Actually, I am working on that  "picking & choosing"  thingy-but it's really hard.

It seems to be almost innate and extremely contagious.

Jesus called it "Judge not, lest you be judged" or "Do not judge lest you be judged yourselves".  Luke 7:1 It seems really important to me to squelch this attitude,  but it ain't easy!

Choose to have a happy day!

Joy

re: demons

I was listening to the radio and a song from an artist I enjoy came on that speaks about dealing with demons.

Jeff posted last week about our demons and how we all have them and to be wary of those who say they do not. I think it takes a strong person to share their flaws. They are willing to be truthful to themselves and to others and to be judged …what a tough combination.

As Jeff wrote, “Use all the will power that you have.  Your participation is important.  But always remember that God is at hand to help as well.  When we are weak, then he is strong.  We may feel powerless, but God can help us make it through a difficult time.”

Here are a few verses from the song:

A wall of denial - is fallin' down

Wo it's fallin' so hard - down to the ground

Never knew something so strong could be washed away by tears

But this wall of denial was just built on fear

We've all had our demons from the garden of white lies

Dressed them amused them pullin' wool over our eyes

Go so far as to love them to keep from letting them go

All the while they we're killin' us but we couldn't let it show

No matter what the trouble we carry round inside

We're never safe from the truth but in the truth we can survive

When this wall of denial comes tumblin' down

Down to the ground

Peace,

Lion’s Den Man

learn

“Don’t turn away from possible futures before you’re certain you don’t have anything to learn from them.”-Richard Bach

Is there anything we can’t learn from? Of the things I know the most about I still have plenty to learn and of course there is plenty to unlearn, as well. To ignore these truths would be a travesty. There is so much I don’t know and understand. I need to remind myself to pursue those things, even if I fall short, it will be worth the effort.

Peace,

Lion’s Den Man

freedom

I think it is important to not undervalue the everyday things we can do. Every place, every person and every situation around us is the Mission field. The field is under your roof, in your neighborhood, at the grocery store, downtown, in other towns, and in faraway lands.

This gentle reminder came to me again in a reading the other day.

"Doing small things with great love. An experience of inner freedom and grace allows you to be more compassionate both with yourself and with others. Every time we choose love, grace, and humility over our habituated brain reactions, we expand our realm of freedom. And love can only happen in the realm of freedom.”

The more we become aware of this and practice it the freer we become. God working through us and in us….

Peace,

Lion’s Den Man

laughter

I had a good laugh today. A tearful laugh. A belly laugh. An out loud laugh. It brought attention from those not far away. I shared with them what I was watching and boom a laughter explosion took place.

“You’ve got to laugh at least once a day because a day without laughter is like a day without sunshine, and a day without sunshine is like . . . .night.” - Steve Martin

I need to give credit where credit is due, re: yesterday’s blog post. Laughter has been a big part of why I am where I am now. I am laughing more. I am being deliberate in seeking out things that will make me laugh. It is good medicine. Good for the soul.

Peace,

Lion’s Den Man

not flat

Many times I have felt spiritually flat. Nothing would seem inspiring. Maybe the world and its ways had taken the front seat. Maybe I had. One way or another it would happen. This came to mind the other day when I began to write down some ideas to share here on the Blog. I was struggling to come up with anything I was passionate about. Only this time I knew it wasn’t because I was “flat”. So I thought about it and came to realize, for now at least, I am content... at peace. It is not because the world is now perfect for me nor am I in control and making everything right. I made a conscious decision a while back to slow down. Maybe that was the catalyst for this change. Whatever it is, it is working and I am trying to not think too hard about it….I don’t want to mess things up and lose where I am. God, I think, is just looking for a little space... a little time, so he can work on us.

See the good.

Peace,

Lion’s Den Man

read this.........

Read this from the top down first, then from the bottom up..........



It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

the purpose of the church

Someone suggested in a facebook post the other day that the purpose of the church is to point out sin or call out sin.

While I do believe in sin and I have personal experience with it, this is not the job of the church or the job of the Christian.  That is God's job and God's alone.  When we point the finger at others, all we do is come across as hateful.  There is nothing Christian about that.  We end up driving away the very people that we would have hoped to have won.

Anyone who points the finger at another, better be living a sinless life.  They better not skip church ever, and they better give 10% at least.  Those without sin, cast the first stone.

Over and over Jesus dealt with sinners with grace and compassion.  The only people he crushed were those who were crushing others, the Pharisees.  I said this the other day, too many modern Christians sound more like the Pharisees and not enough like Jesus.

It is not our job to point out the sins of others.  That is the job of the Holy Spirit.

The purpose of the church is to point people to God and to lift up the name of Jesus Christ.  The purpose of the church is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.  The purpose of the church is to offer grace to a broken world.

Grace to you my friends.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

demons

Demons.  Figurative demons.  Those things that vex us and torment us and sometimes dominate us.  Everyone has a dark side.  People who act like they don't are dangerous.  Flee from them.  Perfect people are fake.  Period.

One person's demon is drink.  Another's is gambling.  One person battles with arrogance.  Another with temper.  One fights depression, one laziness, another abuses prescription drugs.  Someone is physically abusive to others, someone else has multiple affairs.  On and on the list goes.

What every your demons are, it is good to know which ones they are and where you find them.  It is good to know this so that you can stay away from them.  Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.  Your demons are your enemies.  Keep an eye on them.  Keep them in your sights.  Control them.  Fight them.  The moment you forget about them, or ignore them, trouble is on the horizon.

Use all the will power that you have.  Your participation is important.  But always remember that God is at hand to help as well.  When we are weak, then he is strong.  We may feel powerless, but God can help us make it through a difficult time.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

A psalm of lament

Today my middle daughter Jennifer left to join my wife and our oldest daughter, Allision in Florida..... a permanent move.


A psalm of lament when my wife and daughters moved away..........

Every time I think of you I am struck with sadness.
I can't stop the sobbing.
Load groaning from deep inside.

Don't leave me.
I don't want to be alone.
You that I love.... come back to me.

The pets hear the cries of a wounded animal.
They come to my aid.
I am inconsolable.

I can't share this with anyone.
Don't read this blog - don't speak to me of it.
It is too personal, it is too raw.

Finally the cries cease.
A quiet peace settles in.
Love hurts but God is there.

We will see each other as we can.
Distance does not reduce love.
Absence does make the heart grow fonder.

Back to work.
Back to my friends. 
I am not alone.

It is still a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

love and judgment

Love and judgment are mutually exclusive.  The moment we judge someone, we have stopped loving them.

Imagine that I am telling you about a friend of mine and about how wonderful they are.  Your heart is warmed by my description.  Then when you meet them, you see that they are covered with tattoos, piercings and are smoking. 

Your brain automatically recoils in judgment. 

What happened to how your heart was warmed by my description of them?  Our propensity to judge others pushes love right out of the way.

Had our hearts been only filled with love, we would have met the person and not have been surprised or affected by their appearance.

The next time that you catch yourself judging someone, stop yourself and think instead of loving them.  See them as a person.  See them as God sees them.  The moment that we do that, judgment leaves.

Love and judgment are mutually exclusive.  Which one do you want your life to be dominated by?

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Angry

My post of Thursday last week was reposted on Facebook by six people.  The comments that they received included some very nice comments and some very angry ones.

So someone jumps on facebook and leaves a 30 second rant about something that they don't agree with.  The only person that Jesus ranted against was the Pharisees.  The Pharisees were those who judged others instead of loving them.  My comments were not a slippery slope. Jesus was much more grace filled than many of his followers today.  He would be quite surprised that many of his followers today are pointing so many fingers...........

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

quote from Lions Den Man

From the movie - A River Runs Through it.........

Each one of us here today will, at one time in our lives...look upon a loved one who is in need and ask the same question. “We are willing to help, Lord...but what, if anything, is needed? “It is true we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give...or more often than not, the part we have to give...is not wanted. And so it is those we live with and should know who elude us...but we can still love them. We can love completely...without complete understanding.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

perspective

I read this somewhere last week.......

Don't cry because a thing is over.
Smile because it happened.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

why I go to church

A friend wrote to me and said the following:

I don't want to know everyone's political opinions at church.  I don't want it forced on my child at church.  I want to come to church, to love God, to love my neighbors, and to put aside judgment.  I don't want my church to be about what I'm against or what you are against.

I could not have said it any better.......

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

right and wrong

We like to be right.  It is much more enjoyable than being wrong.  We all like to be right, but it is impossible for everyone to be right all the time.  We are such dualists.  We almost always measure a thing by whether or not we are for or against it.  Consequently, if we take that approach, some will be right and some will be wrong on any given topic.

A friend reminded me that life is not always about being right.  Sometimes life just must be lived.  Sometimes we have to just let a thing lie and live our lives.  We can't fix everything and I don't want to spend my life being angry about what I can't control.  Life is good, and it is too short to be dominated by negative unhappy thoughts.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Food for thought

Sometimes we have already made our mind up on a topic.  I invite you to hear me out on this one.  Please let this post be food for thought.

The Holy Bible has a great deal to say about the social issues of the day.  Some of what the Bible says about a social issue will support your personal stance, and some of it will not.  I am going to intentionally repeat that sentence.  Please read it again and let it settle in.  Some of what the Bible says about a social issue will support your personal stance and some of it will not.

From time to time, our nation is in an uproar over one social issue or another.  I certainly have my opinions on social issues and so do you.  There are many different kinds of people in God's family, and they don't all see things the same way.  Let me be clear - I was not called to the ministry of getting you to agree with me on social issues.  I was called to the ministry of Jesus Christ. 

What did Jesus say about social issues?  Homosexuality, capital punishment and gambling were all rampant in Jesus' day.  Yet, he does not address them.  I am not saying that he agreed or disagreed with any particular one, he certainly would have had his thoughts, which makes it all the more interesting that  He does not address them.   He refuses to separate people by whether or not they agree on a particular issue.  Jesus stays on mission.  I am your pastor.  I must stay on mission.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  Jesus had an amazing ability to bring diverse types of people together.

I don't understand or agree with everything that happens in this world, but that is not the point.  Inside my heart there is a deep desire to love God and follow Jesus in loving others.  I hope that is enough for you.  It was enough for Jesus and it is enough for me.

It's still a beautiful day  in God's world, be sure to see the good. 

those people

I have a friend who lives a long way away and I don't get to see him very often.  The last time he was in town we were talking and I used the phrase, "those people."

He called me on it.  Quite directly.

When we say "those people," we are creating a class, a separate group.  We are excluding or measuring or judging those people.  Not a good thing.

The other day someone asked me about a particular group of those people.  They asked what I thought about those people and what they should think about those people.  I was smart enough to remember a conversation I had with Pat Stark in which he reminded me of something that a preacher should know. 

The core of the Christian faith is to love.  Period.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  If we have everything, but have not love, we have nothing.

What should we think about those people?  We should love them.  The amazing love of God smashes through our discomfort and prejudices and insists that everyone is to be loved.  Remember, the only people that Jesus cast away were the Pharisees.  The Pharisees however, judged everyone and cast many people away. 

Unfortunately these days, too many Christians act like the Pharisees and too few act like Jesus.

Just love them and let God figure out the rest of it.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

procrastination

Don't put off until tomorrow what you need to do today.  A stitch in time, saves nine. 

Christopher Parker said, "procrastination is like a credit card.  It is a lot of fun until you get the bill."

I don't just believe in work hard, play hard.  In fact I am not sure I believe in that at all.  I would say however, work really hard and be sure to play as well. 

But I definitely do believe in work first, play second.  If a person will not do this, they will find nothing but pain in life as they continue to create situations of pressure and never actually get to find the enjoyment of life.

This is the true joy in life.  To work hard.  To bust it.  To get after it.  And then, after the work is done, to sit and enjoy.  To rest and celebrate.  Do your chores first, then go sit on the porch.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

sad - happy

Today I have some sad but happy news.  You know that my oldest daughter lives in Florida.  So does my wife, about 50% of the time.  [how weird is that?]  Well now my middle daughter has landed a job in Florida and will be moving there in a few weeks.

I am sad for me.  I don't want to be anymore lonely than I already am.  But I am very happy for her.  This is what she wanted and it is a great opportunity.  She will also be in close proximity to her mom and sister.

Let's chat about loneliness for a moment.  Being alone isn't always horrible.  When I am alone, I get to think.  When I am alone, I get to pray.  When I am alone, I get to work on things inside of me that I need to fix.  Most of us could use a little bit more time alone.  Solitude is an important spiritual discipline that is hard to grab onto in this fast paced world of computers and cell phones.

Sometimes in life we have to celebrate the joys for others and just keep working on our own stuff.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

baseball or football

The baseball season is half over.  I am always sad when the season ends.

Someone asked me the other day which I liked better, baseball or football.  Well when I was younger, I liked football better.  I loved watching it and I loved playing it.  I was actually a better football player than I ever was a baseball or softball player.

Today, things are different.  I still like football, but I love baseball season and I dread football season.  Why you might ask?

Remember, this life is all about me, right?

I can go to baseball games with my friends.  I cannot go to football games because they are on Sundays.  Even if it is a 3pm game, by the time I get there, I have missed most of the fun.

The other thing is this - baseball still respects Sunday church time.  The games don't start until 1:10 and no one tailgates before.  Football games start at noon and although we have an 8am service, very few members who are going to the game will attend at 8am.  So since I love the church and I am invested in the success of the church, I tend to see football as a competitor.

Now you know that I don't believe in guilt.  T
hose of you who are fortunate enough to go to the games, keep going, of course!  But, please remember that we do have an 8am service and you can wear your Chiefs gear to church anytime you want.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Windy Day

There was a big storm a few weeks ago.  Trees down, power lines down and this....... a steeple down.  Someone who is involved in missions at Woods Chapel thought that it would be nice for our church to offer a helping hand.  Even with insurance, a large deductible would be a burden and a surprise expense to most churches.  

With the permission of the missions director and the budget team leader, a check was cut for $500 to help this church. They are just up the road from us, and it could just as easily have been our steeple.

I had the pleasure of delivering the news about the check.  The people from the church that I spoke to were just overwhelmed with gratitude.  They were so so very thankful.  

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."  Galatians 6:9-10

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Elders and Licensed Local Pastors

In the United Methodist Church, Elders are ordained clergy who have been to seminary.  Licensed Local Pastors are those who have been called by God, but instead of attending seminary they go through an extended educational training called "Course of Study."

Now with that explanation, here is the blog for today.

I spent a few days with some Licensed Local Pastors last week.  They were completely delightful human beings.  I was a bit surprised when some of them told me that they are routinely demeaned by Elders because they are ordained and have been to seminary and Licensed Local Pastors have not.

I hope that isn't true but if it is, let me say a few words to any Elders that would do that:  Shame.  Shame.  Shame.  Are your prayers better?  Is your heart purer?  Is your calling any different than someone who is only licensed?  If you would ever demean another pastor - STOP.  Stop it.

If we can't deliver grace to other pastors, how can we ever give it to our members?  Every one is in this ministry thing together.  There is no first class section.  God needs every person that is called.  In John Wesley's famous doctrine of the catholic spirit he asked a simple but profound question, Is your heart like mine?  Then give me your hand.

Elders, listen.  Local Pastors need our care and support.  There is no better than.  Period.  Share God's love, everywhere, and with everyone.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

wait your turn

The other day I stopped at Subway for a breakfast sandwich.  Mmmmm tasty.

An older woman got in line behind me and I made my way down the fixins line.  Arriving at the cashier, I was negotiating my payment, when a loud, older gentleman came in and started talking to the only employee there, who was helping me at the time.

He came right up behind me and talked right around me and through me.  He wanted a cup of coffee.  I found his behavior annoying...... and it is all about me, right?

I finished paying and took my time leaving the cashier area.  The cashier asked if I was ok.  Yes I said I was ok, but that lady in line over there is next.  Then I left.

I don't know if the employee helped the woman in line who had waited patiently or the man who was insistent on his coffee.  But please friends, get in line!  Wait your turn.  Your transaction may be small but wait your turn!  Would we cut in line at the grocery store in front of others simply because we wanted change for a $20.

Respecting others is so very important in this life.
And no, it is not about me.  That is why we wait in line.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Dr Phil

Decisions.  We all make them.  Some of ours are good and some of them are not so good.  One of the signs of bad decisions are bad outcomes.  It is usually, almost always true that a continued, regular habit of bad decisions is going to bring bad outcomes. 

People argue with Dr. Phil and he says of their behavior, "so how is that working for you?"  It is as if he knows that the outcome of a certain behavior is predictable.

What kind of decisions am I making?  You?  What results are you getting?  Usually if we want a different outcome in life, we need to make different and better decisions.  A better tomorrow awaits for those who make good decisions.  The outcome of good decisions is also predictable.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

comment from a friend

This came in by email from a reader and I thought it was insightful.......

I was thinking, last night, about your “tag line” – It’s a beautiful day in God’s world – be sure to see the good.  You said in one of your blogs a while back that some people aren’t really happy with that line.  Well – I LOVE it…  here is how I look at it…

There may be problems in my life – I may have worries – but I need to remember to look for the good…  Maybe it will be a beautiful sunset – or the smile of a friend – but even in our darkest hours – we’ll be happier if we look for the good…

It’s a beautiful day in God’s world – because GOD is IN the world – helping us – strengthening us and surrounding us with his love.  Sometimes the world may seem ugly – but God is still there – you just have to remember to look…

If I’m really upset or worried – I may drive along and completely miss the beauty of nature –

If I’m really focused on MY problems – I may totally miss the smile or support from a friend or family member…

And if I’m filled with negativity – I actually INCREASE the negativity in my life –

It may be storming in my city – but in other parts of the world – the sun is shining – the grass is growing – the wind is blowing – and the ocean waves are moving along.  The world is beautiful.  But we sometimes forget to see it.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

time to laugh

Ok, so I have grown fond of these bottles of carbonated water. 1 liter, berry flavor.   Jonnie Wells won't let me drink diet coke anymore, so I found these.  $.68 for a one liter bottle at Walmart.  HyVee has them too - look for the helpful smile in every isle if you get lost.

So I am in Walmart the other day and I buy 5 of these.  I had a cart, but guess what, the wheel was bumpy and noisy, so I ditched it.  But I did learn that five bottles is about all I can carry.  They are sliding in and out of my control.  Then the unthinkable happens.  One of them leaves the safety of my arm cradle and makes the floor.

Let's be clear about what happens next.  If you drop one of these just right, the top will in fact pop off and the carbonation will detonate. Think of mentos in a diet coke.  Explosion!   That bottle of water hit the floor in Walmart and shot about 25 feet across the floor, leaving a stream of water behind.

I was shocked.  I was surprised.  I was embarrassed.   I had to wait for an employee to come by so I could ask them to get a mop.  I stood guard.  I kept telling customers - go the other way, there is water on the floor.  I said to one guy - it wasn't me, it was the one armed man.

Next time, I am going to hold on to them tighter or just get a cart.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Ken Stabler

I have always been a Chiefs fan.  So naturally as a young man, I have hated people like Fred Biletnikoff and Ken Stabler.  They were the enemy.


Good people are Chiefs fans.  Bad people root for the Raiders.


Right?


Ken Stabler died on Wednesday last week after a six month bout with colon cancer.  He was 69.  During his life he raised and donated over $600,000 to the Ronald McDonald house charities.  Maybe not such a bad guy.


I hated him because he wore black and silver.  Today I want to tell you how dumb it is to hate people for any reason.  Life is short and our fellow humans beings deserve to be cared for. 


It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

ideas

What kind of ideas do you enjoy?  What kind do you seek out?  Only those that affirm what you already believe?  Or do you relish ideas that stretch you?


When we settle only for ideas that affirm what we already believe, we have stopped growing.  We have in our own mind, "arrived" as if there is such a thing.


Don't be afraid of ideas that stretch you.  That is how our hearts and minds get bigger.


It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

quote

"It has take me my entire life to learn that almost everything is none of my business."
                                                                   Richard Rohr


So, I don't have to fix everything.  I don't have to solve everything. I don't have to speak into everything.  I can, on occasion, just live my life and mind my own business.


It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

I'm ok

I met with a friend last night who was very concerned that I was ok.  "ok."  Well I was raised German Lutheran.  I am not used to people wondering if you are ok.  You just get up and go.  That is what you do.

But in case anyone wondered, yes my wife is on the road 2-3 weeks per month.  Yes we are taking on the Blue Springs Church. Yes, it is summertime and folks are on vacation.

I am ok.  All is well.  You know the old saying, when the going gets tough......

All is well.  Really it is.

It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

fears

Most fears are unfounded.  Most of what I am concerned about,  I will not even remember a week from now.

I am not suggesting that you should walk down dark alleys on purpose, but most of what we fear is imagined in our brains.  We have been hurt in the past and we expect to be hurt again.

Consider the amount of energy and tension that you allow to be created in your heart and mind over a particular thing.  How does it compare to the size of the issue?  What is the worst that can happen?  We worry too much.  We give too much power to our fears.

God is with us.  Who can be against us?

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Born Again

"Born Again."  Here is a phrase that is quite Biblical.  Read John chapter 3.  It is also a phrase that Christians have used to hurt people, both non-Christians and fellow Christians as well.  Bad idea.  If you don't do your faith exactly as they think that you should, then you are not born again.  They are in, and you are out.  As if they are in charge of who is in and who is out.

Interesting thing about the notion of being born again though is this... to be born again, one must die to the old self.  One must give up the notion, that I am right, that I know and you don't.  To be born again is to be born of the Spirit.  My old opinions now must fade away.

Before we were born again, we judged others, we insisted on our way, and we were always right.  After we were born of the spirit, we stopped trying to be in control.  We accepted others where they are at.  We simply let God's love shine through us.

Die to self.  Born to God.  = Good stuff.

It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

see the good

Yikes.  Uh Oh. 

I had a new thought and I don't like it.

I have written for years with the tag line, "it's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good."  Here is my new thought...... that line, as challenging as it is to me and my way of thinking, carries with it an implication that somehow my opportunity each day is to look past circumstances and see the good.  It has occurred to me that a part of that thinking is very self consumed....

Oh, we have so many problems, God, help us to see the good.  Oh, I have an old car, I have an old knee, I have a whatever, my air conditioner is out.  God help me see the good.

Yikes.  When you think about the rest of the world, we have so much.  I have an old car?  Most people in the world would love to have my car.  I have a rusty truck?  Most people would want the truck and never see the rust.  I have a bad knee?  I also  have insurance, doctors and hospitals to take care of that knee anytime I actually decide to stop complaining about it and get it fixed.  My a/c is out?  Most people in the world would love to live in my home.

I am reminded of a quote from Jen Hatmaker's book Interrupted, we are "far too consumed with worthless things."  Let me go on, what an embarrassment for us to laugh about "first world problems."  What if we stop worrying about our worries anyway- most people in this world would love to have our problems.  What if we train our brains to look and see the issues of others and act to help them, and only give 30 minutes a day to worrying about our issues?  Now that would be seeing the good.

When we start thinking like this, maybe we will do all that we can to stop simply consuming, and actually make the world a better place for others.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

are you open to ideas that are different?

Are you open to ideas that are different than what is currently in your brain?  The Holy Spirit cannot change those who are unwilling to change.  We must open our minds if God would drag us out of our self-centered world views and help us see the world as he does.

Once upon a time a man had a conversation with an embryo. 

He said, “Hey, look at you.  All curled up in a ball with your eyes closed.  Wake up.  Shake it off.  The world outside is vast and intricate.  There are wheat fields and mountain passes and orchards in bloom.  At night there are millions of galaxies, and you don’t want to miss the beauty of sunlight or the joy of friends dancing at a wedding.”

Why little embryo do you stay cooped up in the dark with your eyes closed?”

The embryo answers:

There is no “other world”  I only know what I’ve experienced.  You must be hallucinating.

Are you open to ideas that are different than what is currently in your brain?

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

July 4

I have many memories of the 4th of July as do most of you.  As a kid:  fireworks, swimming, and watermelon.  As an adult:  fireworks and being with friends.  It is a day to remember the blessings of being an American.

As a country, we have not always done the right thing.  But as a country, we have also done a lot of good.  I believe that the world is a better place because America is here. 

How wonderful it is to live in a land where you are able to disagree.  We are not the same as each other, and we are not forced to pretend that we are.  You may not agree with every politician or every decision, but I proudly declare today that we are very blessed to live here.  I would also remind myself and all of us that we have an obligation to give out of our abundance to care for others in the world.  God has not blessed us simply for us to consume the blessings. 

When we remember the starving people around the world and actually do something to help them, well, that is something to celebrate.  Happy 4th.  Happy life - for everyone in God's world.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Old Glory

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, which brought this to mind. For years I have gone on a camping and floating trip with some friends. A few years ago a new tradition was introduced. Close to day’s end, as things begin to settle down, we retire a flag that has served well but is ready to be destroyed in a dignified manner.  It is a ceremony.  One at a time we each take part of the flag and share words about those we know and don’t know who have served as patriots in and out of uniform. The pieces are laid on the fire and as it burns we close singing God Bless America then a moment of silence.  It is a good and powerful feeling. 

Happy Independence Day.  Thanks to those who have made this celebration possible.

Peace,

Lion’s Den Man

1992-Last of the Mohicans

One of my all-time favorite movies. Maybe because it is about a simpler view on life. Maybe because it displays pure love between souls, or because it shows a life based on integrity. Maybe all of the above and more. The scene near the end always hits me hard. A father and his son, and how the father feels for the son, and how he does what is needed for the son. He seeks to honor his son and avenge those who took his son’s life. All this, because it feels to be the right thing to do…..

It is a human movie with human themes and I can’t draw a comparison to God and the Son except to say that we, as a people, love vengeance and how it makes us feel whole….for the moment. But, God unconditionally loves us and needs none of that…..that is what makes life as a follower so very hard at times to do and understand.

Peace,

Lion’s Den Man

three steps

I often wonder what it would be like to be fully invested in life. To live freely.  What would I being doing differently. What thoughts would guide my days? It seems the older I get the more I think about this and the more I realize it is what I need.

Richard Rohr writes, “We become free as we let go of our three primary energy centers: our need for power and control, our need for safety and security, and our need for affection and esteem. “  

That’s a tall order but I couldn’t agree more.

Peace,

Lion’s Den Man

babies

Everyone loves babies.

Since my wife isn't around feeding me all the time, I have started frequenting Taco Night at Brew Top.  I watched this momma bird build the nest, then sit on the nest, and finally......... babies!!  First you could not see them, only hear them....... now, they are big and fat and I wonder how they all fit in the nest.

This picture reminds me of the nursery rhyme "there was an old woman who lived in a shoe, she had so  many children, that she didn't know what to do."  This mother bird must be very harried........ triplets........ loud, noisy, hungry triplets.  No wonder momma birds finally kick the babies out of the nest.

Keep your eyes open for the wonders of nature, the wonders of God's world.  They are all around you.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

my lucky day

Do you hate waiting in line?  Do you notice that you always pick the slow line?  I always seem to get behind the person who wants to write a check, or the person who is lonely and wants to talk to the checker, or the person who has picked up an item that does not have a price tag.  If you see me in the store, say hello, but never get in line behind me.  If you do, you will be sorry because I never choose the right line.

Well, the other day, I hit the jackpot.  Not only was there a line open with no waiting, there were three!!!  And the employees at Price Chopper all looked happy, as if they were glad to be there and glad to help me.  How delightful!

It was a great moment.  I had to take a photo of it.  May I remember moments like this the next time the line is 5 people deep at some store.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

fear or faith

There is an all church meeting tonight at 5pm in the main campus sanctuary.  And so the topic of today's blog.

Fear or faith.  We humans are faced with the decision every day.  Churches and organizations face similar decisions.

Having done my due diligence, do I step out into an opportunity, or do I shrink back?  Do I opt for safety or am I willing to stretch for the kingdom.

Ahh, the kingdom.  Let us make no mistake- the kingdom of God is never about our comfort or us having enough.  It is entirely, completely, 100% about us discomforting ourselves for the sake of the mission.

What might God ask of you?  What might God ask of your church?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.  Gal 5:9-10

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.