God Still Moves!

What a weekend! On Saturday we had a Back to School Luau, and over 40 students showed up along with the Spirit of God! On Sunday, in addition to our morning service, we had a baptism at a local pond and the church along with the Spirit of God showed up! Then we returned to the church for a Singspiration service and guess what…the Spirit of God moved! There is really nothing quite like what happens when the church (the people) find themselves on the same page, not only with each other but also with God. And while the Spirit has been moving in our midst for a few weeks now, it takes our surrender to feel it. Last night, because of the inspiring music, the heartfelt testimonies and praise, and the prompting of the Spirit, another person has asked to be baptized and join the church. Reminded me very much of Acts 2:43-47, which I will summarize: “Day after day they met together, broke bread, and shared happily and freely while praising God, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved.” Now, while we will get pictures on the website soon and recall what a blessing it was to experience this past weekend, God calls us to move forward…to focus on our future…to what lies ahead. And while we may not know the details of that future, I do know it includes two things: sharing Jesus with others and glorifying God. And when we do those two things, God still moves.

Watch This!

Here’s something that has been around for awhile, and true or not it’s worth the few minutes to watch it and the hours it will cause you to re-examine your witness for Jesus Christ. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piuoGb-Nhfw

What's Next?

Okay, I am trying to get back on track (ever heard that before!?) again (no, really). Last week was a busy one…we said goodbye to a patriarch of the church; Hannah left for college; I locked horns with the copy machine; school started for Anna & Bella; Jill was gone three nights… then to top it off, the church office was remodeled. Wow! While it was a mess, it was well worth the trouble! If my surrounding has anything to do with my productivity or wisdom…hang on! Unfortunately, I doubt if there is any correlation between the two. One thing that does affect our productivity (as a Christian) is attitude. I am not much into texting, IM, Facebook or Twitter...I simply prefer other methods of communication. However, with two daughters in college (away from home) and working with youth I have learned that it is up to me (not them) to adapt and use whatever methods they prefer if I am going to be relevant to them. If I don’t, guess who gets left behind! The same principle applies to church. If a church will not adapt and use communication methods that those outside the church recognize and use, guess who gets left behind. This has absolutely nothing to do with our message...it's our methods. Music is probably the hot button of all times (and there are many more), but how many unchurched (or churched people for that matter) turn on the radio so they can listen to organ music? You may prefer it, and that is okay, but know that it is not a 'holy instrument!' As I understand history, at first the church resisted the organ & piano because they were the instruments of choice in saloons and brothels...now we want to fight when someone doesn't want to use them! Too many churches have become irrelevant to their communities and they wonder why. Christ died for the sins of all the world for all of time…seems like such an important message ought to be presented with relevance. Meanwhile, Jill's installed a webcam on the home computer so she can make video calls and see her girls…what’s next?

Stop It!

So as we are reading thru Romans, we’ve hit a snag…anyone surprised? We really didn’t get very far either! Romans 2:1 in the NRSV starts off, “Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are (you gotta hate it when Paul says that!), when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another, you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things.” Now, that language seems to me to be both plain and an accurate translation from the Greek. So, what’s going on? Are you perfect? So why do we judge others? I made the statement, and I stand by it: Some church folks are some of the most judgmental people I have ever met! HELLO! Did you judgmental church people ever read Romans 2:1? Forget the rest of the letter or even the book…this is all we really need to know. Unless you want to condemn yourself, do not judge others…period. This is not holding someone accountable. This is not looking for fruit in their lives. This is not even encouraging someone to a higher standard. This is judging someone when we do not know the facts…this is holding someone to a standard that we ourselves will not agree to…this is condemning someone for something we see as less than righteous. Someone stated it well…we have become the Old Testament nation of Israel whom we condemn because they have turned from God...except we don’t even realize it. Yeah, I know you're thinking this is for everyone else in the church, but here’s something you might want to remember: “There but by the grace of God go I.”

Gail Bennett: 1924-2009

Today we said goodbye to a patriarch of Beulah UMC. Gail Bennett was a fundamental person in the life and work of Beulah UMC for many, many years. As I write this, I fully realize he was not the person responsible for the church, nor for our faith here at Beulah…he simply did what he understood as the call of Christ on his life for the Kingdom. Just by doing that, he made a tremendous impact on the Church, on the community of Sumner, and on the lives of countless people in the surrounding area. So I am wondering, who will fill that void...who will be the next Gail Bennett at Beulah, or in your church? Who is that person who desires nothing more than to do the will of God…so much so, that many lives will be changed for the Kingdom? We need them…Beulah needs that person and the world needs those persons, desperately. And wouldn’t it be something like a miracle…a burning bush incident...if 6, or 10, or 20, or 50 people felt convicted to be that person, at the same time, in the same church! The Church might actually shake the foundations of this world instead of our world shaking the foundations of the Church. What about you? There are people who need you to focus solely on the will of God in your life…for their sake.

Can You Handle It On Your Own?

One of Satan’s favorite strategies…and one of his most effective…is to whisper, “Don’t call, don’t ask, don’t depend on God to do great things. You’ll get along just fine on your own.” And to Satan’s credit, we swallow the bait! The truth of the matter is that the devil is not terribly frightened by our human efforts and credentials. But he knows his kingdom will be shaken to its foundation when we lift our hearts to God. God desires our praise, but the only way fresh praise and honor will come from our lips is if we keep coming to Him in times of need and difficulty. That’s then God will show himself strong on our behalf, and that’s when we will know God has responded on our behalf. Aren’t we all prone to be a little cocky, thinking we can handle life on our own? But just let trouble surface, even the smallest of troubles, and how quickly we sense our inadequacies. Trouble can be one of God’s great servants because it reminds you and I just how much we continually need the Lord. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The best style of prayer is that which cannot be called anything else but a cry.” Have you cried out to the Lord today?

Living on the Edge

Max Lucado, in his book “When God Whispers Your Name,” offers us this thought.

I like the story of the little boy who fell out of bed. When his mom asked him what happened, he answered, “I don’t know. I guess I stayed too close to where I got in.” Easy to do the same with our faith. It’s tempting to stay where we got in and never move. Pick a time in the not too distant past. A year or two ago. Now ask yourself a few questions. How does your prayer life today compare with then? How about your giving? Have both the joy and the amount increased? What about your church loyalty? Can you tell you’ve grown? And Bible study? Are you learning to learn? Don’t make the mistake of the little boy. Don’t stay too close to where you got in. It’s risky resting on the edge.

So what about you? Have you moved from the edge? It is a ploy of Satan, to think we just need to be involved in church. Jesus never asked us to be religious…He’s asked us to be in relationship with Him and with those around us. Unfortunately, a relationship that is not growing is dying.

Willing to be Like Jesus?

One of you was able to better articulate for me an element of last Sunday’s sermon. God is looking for a willingness (on our part) to engage in the ministry of Jesus Christ. God places before us so many opportunities for ministry. And whether they are new or familiar, general or specific, ordinary or unusual, God requires willing participants for these opportunities to become effective ministry. It doesn’t matter who God is trying to reach: a stranger or your neighbor; it matters not what the need is: hunger or healing; God needs us (believers) to be a part of the program. Amazing isn’t it? The all powerful Creator of the universe has chosen to work (or not to work) thru people like you and me! You’ve heard it said, “You might be the only Jesus they will ever see”…that is much more than a saying, it is a truth. That doesn’t mean we are as good as, or perfect like Jesus, but we are willing to go help others in his name instead of hiding behind the cross. So whether it’s visiting, praying, anointing, feeding, smiling, or helping in some tangible way, has someone looked at you and seen Jesus today?

The Fourth Wise Man

The following I've taken from "Moments for Pastors" by Robert Strand. It's too good not to share.

The Gospels do not tell us how many wise men, or magi, journeyed to Bethelehem following the star. Popular tradition holds that there were three--Caspar, Melichior, and Balthasar. But there is also a tradition of a fourth wise man named Artaban.

As Artaban prepared to set out and follow the star, he took with him a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl of great price as gifts to the newborn King, whenever He was to be found. On his way to join the other wise men, Artaban stopped to care for a sick traveler. If he stayed to help, however, he could miss the rendezvous with his friends. He stayed, and the delay was just enough to make him late for the caravan's departure. Now Artaban was alone, and he needed transportation and supplies to cross the desert. So he sold the sapphire to purchase camels and supplies. He was saddened because the King would never have the precious gem. Artaban journeyed onward and reached Bethlehem, but again he was too late. There were soldiers everywhere to carry out Herod's command that the male children should be slain. Artaban took out the brilliant ruby to bribe the captain and save the children in the village where he was staying. Children were saved, mothers rejoiced; but the ruby, also, would not reach the King. For 33 years Artaban searched in vain and finally found his way to Jerusalem on the day several crucifixions were to take place. Artaban hurried towards Calvary in order to bribe the Roman guard with the precious pearl and save the man called Jesus. Something told him this was the King of kings that he had searched for all of his life. Just then, a young woman was being dragged along the street toward the slave market. She called out to Artaban, pleading for help. With only a slight hesitation, he gave the last jewel for her ransom. Now Artaban had none of the precious gems he had intended to present to the King. Reaching the place where the crucifixions were to occur he was brokenhearted when he saw he could do nothing to help Jesus. But then something remarkable happened. Jesus looked over toward Artaban and said to him, "Don't be brokenhearted, Artaban. You've been helping me all your life. When I was hungry, you gave me food, when I was thirsty, you gave me drink, when I was naked, you clothed me, when I was a stranger, you took me in." Some say Artaban never found Christ. Others say he was the wisest of the wise men.

They're Out There!

Great job, you are the church! I wasn’t conducting a grand social experiment or anything…just looking for a garage to change my oil and making observations, but you came thru! Not only did several of us have conversation (much, much more than was posted here), you recommended to me several oil change places, with one in particular getting several recommendations! I’ve got to tell you that boosts my confidence in you…and it was already pretty high. When approached by a seeker you are ready, willing, and able to offer direction. I have no doubt that you will respond with even more enthusiasm to someone looking for a church…they’re out there! In addition, we’ve looked at something with ‘new eyes.’ When a stranger comes to town, how do we (the church) appear to them? And it’s not always the new person in town…too many people who have lived here all their lives drive by our churches each day and never see them. Sure, everybody knew of these garages and what they offered…but not one of them advertised oil changes in the yellow pages or on their signage. How do we effectively convey to those seekers and indifferent people what we have to offer? Sure, a personal recommendation is by far the best…but what about those we are not acquainted with…they’re out there!

Still Looking!

What a busy day I had yesterday…run, run, run. I did some visiting and got lost only once. Well, I really didn’t get lost (this is my feeble attempt to reinforce my alpha male status)…I just made a wrong turn…and it was one of those that just as soon as I committed myself to the turn I knew it was the wrong way. Nevertheless, I did some visiting, became reacquainted with someone I knew whose grandfather is in the church, and as she said, "It is a small world!" I then met someone who is interested in becoming active in the church (yeah!) but is having difficulty discerning God’s call on their life. From there I set out to find a garage to change my oil. This seems like an easy task, but it turned out to be a chore which reminded me that folks who are searching for a church should not have to work at it…we (the church) ought to be advertising and jumping up and down to attract people to us. Perhaps the biggest reason we need to be visible is that if a first-time seeker finds any difficulty in finding us, or the times of our services, they stop seeking. Unfortunately, while I know I need my oil changed, they are not yet convinced they need the Lord. I know you’re thinking what with the phonebook, church signs, & everybody knows where we are...that should be enough for a new person to find us. You would think so…but I thought there would be at least one place to have your oil changed in Lawrence County…I’m still looking.

Please Don't Send Me to Africa

So I was talking to someone about missionaries and I jokingly made my standard remark about not wanting God to send me to Africa…the folks at Sesser had heard that repeatedly…thinking everyone has heard the song, “Please Don’t Send Me to Africa.” Well, this person doesn’t have a clue…so I am wondering how many people I have said that to that haven’t heard this musical masterpiece? John Wesley Hardin wrote a song…strike that, it was Scott Wesley Brown, a singer, songwriter, and worship leader, who wrote the song that spoofs our willingness to serve the Lord. Wasn’t John Wesley Hardin a criminal in the Wild West? Regardless, like most spoofs there is an element of truth in his song…seems to be a huge element in this song…you decide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITmHLf1DB_0

Fear Not; They're Not the Enemy

It should not surprise me or anyone else that some folks will do anything to try and help others…except introduce them to the Savior. I am not sure why they are hesitant…some of these are church going people…some are not…but they think if we will simply meet physical needs it’s enough. It is not! Some day we will all answer to the Almighty and we believers will be held accountable for those times we failed to share the gospel with someone, for whatever reason. I must also say I have been surprised by the response of some folks when I have shared Jesus. Recently a person ‘bout ran over me to get to Christ! There are many folks out there seeking something much greater than themselves…someone who can take ease their pain or offer hope. Some have been hurt, or turned away, by church folk. They are looking, not for religion, but for relationship. It is up to us, you and me, to introduce them to the One who longs to be in relationship with them. Don’t allow Satan to trick you into believing they are the enemy…he is.
Okay, here’s one for "Rain Falls," Need to Breathe singing one of her (and my) favorite songs “Washed by the Water” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EWkTqHAAT8 Enjoy!

The Cure for Disappointment

Ever been disappointed? Sure you have…I suppose we all have. When someone doesn’t do what we want, it’s frustrating. When God doesn’t do what we want, it can be hard…sometimes very hard. But faith is the conviction that God knows (much) more than we do about a situation, circumstances, or this life and He will get us through it. Faith doesn’t suggest there we will not face struggles…just that God will get us through it (in one piece). In Isaiah 43 God gives us assurances that we are His and He will not abandon us no matter what we are going through. So why the disappointment? I am reminded of the story of a bachelor who went to a pet store in search of a singing parakeet. His house was much too quiet and the owner had just the bird for him. The next day he came home from work, delighted because his house was filled with music. He went to the cage to feed the bird and for the first time noticed the parakeet had only one leg. Feeling cheated by the store owner he called to complain about the bird’s missing limb. “What did you want,” the store owner said, “a bird that can sing, or a bird that can dance?” The next time you’re wrestling with disappointment, ask yourself what you really want.