the Damaging Debate

Last night the people of the United States watched the 2nd presidential debate between the Democratic incumbent Barack Obama and the Republican challenger Mitt Romney.  In the first debate the challenger was given the edge due to his strong performance and the President's overly subdued demeanor.  In the weeks that have followed even die-hard supporters have bashed the president for his lack of passion and it was evident last night this was an attitude he would not bring again.  The result was a contentious and terse debate that saw the men almost in each others faces.

Polls quickly followed that told how undecided voters felt uncomfortable in those moments as it seemed to show not who was superior, but that as always the two parties cannot get along.  Instead of telling us what they can do to "fix" our nation they would rather tear one another down as the other cried foul with "That's not true!"  For the undecided voters who will decide this election it was just more of the same and they are still undecided as they are weary of the party strife.

This morning as I was getting ready for the day and in prayer about the details (that's how I refer to the daily stuff, concerns that are not really emergencies) I believe I had an epiphany from the Lord.  I don't know if it was so much He spoke to my heart, but in my mind I thought "People are SO tired of this house divided it's no wonder they don't vote or don't even care.  Voter apathy is almost justified"  That's when it was almost as if another voice said to me "It's the same with my church.  Why would people want to come into a place of division?"

I lost my breath.  In just one moment it was as if a hundred realizations and thoughts popped into my mind.  Why on earth would someone looking for answers or down-trodden by life want to go to church for the answers or even relief when all they hear about is infighting and strife?

With 45 years in church and never a prolonged time away from the fellowship with other believers I have seen and heard a LOT of horror stories.  I can say without fear of being wrong that what hurts the church more than anything is the people who go there.  Across denominational lines we have the most ridiculous disagreements over petty little things that simply do not matter in the puzzle of eternity.

Someone may be going through a divorce or have torturous drama at home, so when they come to their local church seeking guidance what do they find but a split as one group wants blue paint in the new building and another wants yellow.  When they walk through the door they aren't welcomed, they're recruited!  Quickly leaving that mess they go to another church, a different denomination hoping that it will be different and it is.  Here there's a popularity contest going on as one leading family wants their loved one on the board of directors and another family wants theirs.  Out those doors they run to the last church down the street with yet another sign out front.  Here everyone is friendly but when they find out this person had tried two other churches the roast is on.  They begin to tell the newcomer how good it is that they've come to their church as all the others are SO wrong and crazy with their beliefs and surely going to hell because they don't believe as they do.

Like those apathetic voters they see nothing but contention and why would ANYONE want to join another dysfunctional family?

Now I am not promoting oneness or a single united denomination but what I am saying is we've all got to stop this now.  Recent statistics show that people in the United States are leaving churches across the lines.  As older generations pass new believers are not coming in to replace them and I believe it is because the church has given them many reasons to run away.

Every time we have fights, splits, gossip and broken confidances, every time we bash the preacher or fuss about things in the house of God we are giving a public opinion of why people should stay away.  Who would want to run into a falling house?  We must grow up.  We must put the needs of others before our own.  We must turn the other cheek when we are offended and continue to strive together before the world is completly lost.

In my life I have had plenty of wounds that came in church and I want you to know as bad as they hurt the love and concern I have received FAR outweigh those scars.  I want you to join me as we raise up a new generation that will not waist our time cursing the dark but praising the light.  No matter where you attend do not bash the church down the street or promote your disagreements.  Handle things in the Biblical ways.  We must work together and love on one another as we lift up the name of Jesus.  The old gospel ship will not sink as long as we do not scuttle her. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED! (Jer. 31:3)

Living Legends

Just the other day I was reading an article about the upcoming retirement of a sports icon.  The Atlanta Braves Chipper Jones will hang up his glove after 19 incredible years.  Over the near two decades he has amassed some Cooperstown statistics that are so amazing and yet I had never noticed.  Why?  Because I've always been a Braves fan, so much that I didn't notice this great star on my team of stars.

It got me to thinking, I've seen a LOT of legendary players in my 45 years of life.  I watched Joe Montana lead the 49ers to multiple Superbowl championships.  I cheered Emmit Smith as he broke the NFL all time rushing title.  I beamed as I watched Michael Jordan lead the Bulls to a dynasty and don't get me started on the heydays of watching Larry Bird take on Magic Johnson.  Wow!  That's just a few by the way.

Sometimes we are witnessing legends and we don't even notice or appreciate them until they're gone.  Which brings me to James Mooney.  If you don't know him don't feel bad, I didn't know him until I became pastor of Rocky Branch Assembly of God. 

James Mooney is a legend of the faith.  He has served the Lord for over 60 years and many of those in the shadows.  He has ministered to and prayed for thousands in that time.  He often was unpaid and wasn't looking for thanks, he was merely serving the Lord to the best of his ability.

At Rocky Branch he has cast a GIANT shadow.  People have a profound respect for this man and his gentle ways because they've seen his works and taken note.  Now in the twilight of his life he cares for his sweetheart of 64 (I believe) years and I know the people are noting his dedication and love for her at this time as well. 

Giants are all around us.  Everyday normal men and women are doing incredible things for the Lord simply because they love Him.  They sacrifice for His call, love people who use them, pray for those who criticise them and when they are gone it's tragic that only then do we appreciate their works.

Chipper Jones will no doubt end up in the Baseball Hall of Fame.  With his career he deserves it and in his last season even those who booed him have taken time to admire what he has accomplished.  There will be no enshrinement for men like James Mooney, Marvin McElhannon, James Sullivan, Don Scroggins,or Leroy Stevenson but there are those of us who HAVE taken notice and if we in our pitiful little abilities can take note I know our infinite God has as well.

Men like those I just listed are the types mentioned in Hebrews chapter eleven, also known as the "Hebrews Heroes Hall of Fame".  They will walk with other giants of the faith and I believe those of us who are still working once they've gone on to their reward will quote Hebrews 11:38 and say "the world was not worthy of them".

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!

Just some ramblings...

I don't really have a theme this morning as I sit at my desk, but I just wanted to blog so let's see where this goes.

God has been so incredibly good to me that I just couldn't keep it inside.  The last few days as I walked out of our temporary home I have seen some small deer (little fawns) run scampering into the woods.  So, repeatedly the scripture "As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God" (Psalm 42:1) . 

I'm going through one of those wonderful times of fulfillment all long time Christians go through. When we first get saved there is such excitement and zeal, but with the passage of time we level off, plateau, and even fade.  That' a dangerous time because it's on the plateau we can begin to roll back, backslide ever so slightly with the imperceptive slope of not moving forward. In these times we question our faith and begin to seek counsel or listen to those voices that may mean no harm but bring it none the less. 

But for those who WILL hold their place on he level ground there also comes times of refreshing and growth.  A personal revival when we feel born again all over.  That's where I am for this season and I am so enjoying it.

My day started with some VERY kind words from a cousin (I'm so thankful or my family) and that prepares me for whatever the day has ahead.  I read in the Bible when Paul was closing his letter to the Roman church (Romans 16) he repeatedly said "Say a kind word to..." and as I float on clouds today because of this unsolicited contact I am reminded of how important it is for us to encourage one another.  Battles may come my way today, struggles right around the corner but history shows us that those who fight from the high ground usually win.  A kind word had me up on the heights so bring it on devil, bring it on!

I am at a time in my life when my soul pants for the Lord.  A better definition is my soul is "gasping for the Lord who sustains me".  A good word in the midst of a personal revival makes up a dangerous combination to the kingdom of hell.  Look out devil, I's ready for you today!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.  May God bless you and keep you!

Work makes you sweat!

Saturday, July 7, 2012

In my last post I had mentioned there have been many changes in our lives.  In May of 2012 I had decided that I needed to make some changes in the life of our family.  I hope you understand what I'm about to say, "Not everywhere is a good fit for everybody".

For 19 months we had pastured a church where I was the only member of my family that was happy and I had allowed myself to slump into wimppiness (read last weeks blog).  There was nothing wrong with the church.  We were growing, people were being saved and good things were happening, it just wasn't a good fit for us. 

That happens in all things I guess.  People change churches all the time, but when it's a pastor it becomes a bit of a drama you don't want.  It has been my experience that when a pastor leaves people take it far too personal, like they did something wrong.  Here's an example; when we moved from a church we had pastured for some years I LOVED my new home!  Oh it was great, everything was so new and different from the restaurants to the sunrises.  On Facebook and here in my blog I would praise the Lord for all He had done and was doing but this was not a good thing to some.

Dear and long time friends felt I was disrespecting them in my good reports as if I were saying the joy of my new home was a slight against where I once had lived.  I was defriended and I don't just mean on Facebook.

Change is never easy.  Change always takes work.  If you want to lose weight a diet will be necessary even though you know it will be unpleasant to say the least.  Anytime we have moved, or changed where we were ministering it has been hard on us, hard on our friends, and even hard on the furniture but that's what change is, work!

If there is something in your life that needs to be changed get to work!  It may be hard but the results are always worth it.  Now, get up off that computer and do something you've been needing to do for a long time.  Read your Bible, go for a walk, call a family member you haven't talked to in a while or how about a suggestion that is always good - pray.

Work may make you sweat but it's the ONLY way things get done and change is good.

Getting Back to Work

Monday, July 2, 2012

Wow!  It seems hard to believe it has been so long since I posted anything in this blog.  There is so much to tell, so much has changed since my last post and if you are a follower of this poorly kept ministry I apologize.

I always say "I preach where I live".  In this I mean that I use my own life and experiences as an example (good and bad) for the point I feel the Lord has given me to discuss.  And along this line I confess to you dear friends that my blog has been on hiatus because my precious feelings were hurt.  Say it with me, "Awwwww".  I know, pitiful right?

In my last true blog I wrote what I felt the Lord was leading me to say based on some things I saw happening in MY OWN LIFE.  You see, I had seen other folks travel the path I felt I was on.  We had pastured them and I also had seen some preachers making these bad decisions as well.  The end result was an attitude of pride that led to backsliding.  Not the kind where people completely forsake the Lord and His church, but the more dangerous kind where we think everything between us and Him is good but inside we have become the more repulsive "lukewarm".  It is SO much more dangerous to think you are safe and then when the day of testing comes find out you're not.

A few in the church where I was at the time of that writing took offense.  They were sure that the two examples I had used were them and oh, they needed to vent.  I was devastated and honestly that was immature of me.  I said ME.  People are often going to take preaching wrong, they always have.  Conviction can cause us to rebel or be resentful and so... I was.  You see my precious little feelings caused me to have a self-pity party.  "How could someone think I was trying to hurt them!?!"  "Shouldn't they know that I wouldn't do that!?!"  Anyway, you get the picture.  On the outside I acted like it didn't bother me but inside was another story.

I immediately took my toys and went home.  I deleted almost all of my previous blogs because I didn't want to offend anyone again.  That's a shame too because some of those writings had blessed some folks.  The blog that lead to this spiritual tantrum was perhaps the best received of them all as many called it a blessing and soul searching.  I had forgotten that the message of Jesus and toe-stomping messages have always been words that burn itching ears.

I allowed that to poison my own spirit and the rest of my time in that church I took note of everyone who was offended by something or nothing.  My eyes became more and more critical until I knew I had to make changes.  Now at first, I looked only to my physical man when we should always look to the inner, spiritual self first.  I was upset that these people were convicted when I SHOULD have been sad that I didn't believe in what I was writing enough to stand by it.  Was it the Lord moving on my heart or not?

So I'm back to trying to share what I feel the Lord would have me to share.  I hope this is well received but I can only do what I can.  I pray the anointing will be upon this blog to bless and touch, heal and deliver.  I'm getting back to work.  Would you like to join me?

"I Can See Clearly Now..."

Last night our area was hit was some threatening weather.  I use the word "threatening" because it only looked bad.  In actuality it was wonderful.  There was quite a stellar show of God's fireworks as lighting brilliantly lit up the sky.  From the hidden flashes that illuminated the clouds to the sparking blue bolts that blasted across the sky it was awesome.  Almost as an encore the much needed rain fell after the lighting died down and this morning I awoke to the fresh aroma of a drenched but not flooded yard.  I don't know about you but I sleep so well when it's raining.  All these things together made for a wonderful night, but when the clouds were coming in it didn't look as if it would be so.

A few months ago this town was pelted with softball size hail that did a lot of damage.  Homes, cars, and property damage was in the hundreds of thousands.  That experience has made our community a little gun shy to storms.  I made sure to clean out the garage so I could pull one of our cars in and the other I parked under the carport of our church.  How happy I was when all the ugliness that was predicted never showed.

A lot of the time in life we fear things that never come.  We get upset about the possible things that could happen to us while forgetting the probable protection the Lord gives.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:27 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (other translations say how will worry make you one cubit taller, but you get the idea).  Worrying about those things we cannot change is such a waste.

My dad always told me you prepare for the worst, but believe for the best.  That's a good way to look at life.  Buy life insurance but don't worry about dying.  Teach your kids how to live for the Lord but don't freak out if they're not perfect.  The list of examples here is endless.

The next time clouds look "threatening" to you get prepared but at the same time don't worry.  Do all you can do and then trust the Lord to do the rest.  No matter how stressed you feel just remember the Lord isn't wringing His hands about it.  He IS an ever present help in the time of need (Psalm 46:1).

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember YOU ARE LOVED!

Mirror, Mirror

Have you ever felt fat?  C,mon, you know what I mean.  One morning you get up and for no particular reason you feel like the Titanic.  Your clothes still fit, but there's just something you cannot describe and it causes you to feel much bigger than you actually are.  You put on your loose clothes because every time you pass the mirror you feel revolted.  As a result you go on incredible crash diets, you join a gym (3 year membership), and you set out to rearrange your entire life all because how you feel about yourself in that moment.  That's momentary self perception my friend, and it's a very dangerous place to dwell.

In Proverbs 29:11 the Word of God says "A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back."  Now I have often used this scripture to preach on how we need to hold our tongue, a painful lesson I've learned for sure.  But as with so many things of the Lord there's another aspect to this, we need to learn how to hold our tongues about ourselves.

As a pastor I have had people tell me they were "unworthy" or "unqualified" to do something for God or His church.  They beat themselves so mercilessly for old mistakes and past sins.  Even though they may have recently had a "God moment" where they knew the presence of the Lord was there or God spoke to their heart about something no one else could know now they've put on those spiritual "fat clothes" and have deemed themselves too repulsive to be loved by God.  What junk!

1 John 4:7&8 says "Beloved, let us love one another for God is of love and everyone who loveth is born of God and knoweth God.  He that loveth not, knoweth not God for God is love."  That means love is God's defining characteristic.  Everything He does or will do is motivated from His love for you and I.  Another favorite scripture is 1 Samuel 16:7 where we are told that God doesn't look on the outward appearance (which can be deceiving) but instead He looks upon the heart.

This is why God would use a shepherd to be His king.  This is why God used a murderer to lead His nation to freedom.  This is why Jesus spent time with people His own disciples wouldn't even associate with.  God looks upon the heart and He sees you with all your faults, mistakes and past baggage yet He loves you anyway.

We must get past the momentary perceptions because everyone has a bad day.  Instead we should look and ourselves as the Lord does, through the heart.  If you need to change some things in your life just turn it over to that loving Father because as I often preach, "God doesn't demolish, He remodels."  When the heavenly Father looks on you He knows what needs changing, what needs to be fixed, and what needs to be removed.  Trust His love and what you see in the mirror may look a little different next time.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!