Happy New Year!

So here we are at December 31^st…the last day of 2011…actually the last hours of the year. Right now I will confess that I am sick and tired of being sick…the last two days have been a barrage of sinus headaches for me. While I hate snow and ice, I do wish it would turn off cold enough to kill the germs around here (yeah, I will regret ever thinking that in a couple of weeks!). Having said all that, it is New Year’s Eve and one’s attention naturally turns to those time-honored New Year resolutions. My resolution for 2012 is to have more God. I must confess that the past year or so has been rather hectic for me. I have found myself too busy with Church related activities. Now, these are good and necessary things, but one of the biggest lies of satan is that we cannot do too much to further the Kingdom. Fact is, when we become so busy that we are forced to abbreviate or abandon our time alone with God we have actually begun to hinder the Kingdom. Dag Hammarskjold, Swedish economist, diplomat, and author, penned this prayer. “Give me a pure heart—that I may see Thee, a humble heart—that I may hear Thee, a heart of love—that I may serve Thee, a heart of faith—that I may abide in Thee.” His prayer has become mine for 2012…I also pray you would consider joining me on this journey. More God is something we all need and should strive for.

Where's Your Help?

Nothing like vacation…I am so worn out from this day it will likely take the rest of the week to recover! Regardless, let me share with you a devotion I read today from Ron Newhouse, as posted on devotions.net.

     In 1854 a cavalry officer named J.E.B. Stuart graduated from West Point and was sent to his first assignment in Texas. He boarded a steamboat in New Orleans and immediately found himself in the middle of a storm on the Gulf of Mexico. Stuart was violently seasick and lay helplessly in a bunk while the ship pitched and rolled.

     When Stuart finally managed to raise his head from his bunk, he discovered that the boat was docked and had been for some time at Galveston, Texas. While Stuart thought he was about to die from his seasickness, he could have walked a few feet to land at any time during the previous 12 hours. That, likewise, is how close God's help is, whether we take advantage of it or not!

What I found particularly interesting about this devotion was not that it was about the renowned confederate general, but that it is about us! Too many of us (believers), when we find ourselves in the midst of a storm are too sick or frightened to seek the help of our Advocate…who patiently waits for us to call out to Him.

New Year's Covenant

I pray you had a wonderful, Christ-centered Christmas…but now that it’s the 26^th our attention turns to the New Year, and the inevitable resolutions that follow. Don’t misunderstand me, I have nothing against New Year resolutions, but I also would have to admit I have had limited success with them (that is much nicer than saying utter failure isn’t it?). However, if you are serious about making that resolution, let me offer an alternative that has worked well for me. Instead of a resolution, try this…make a covenant with God. Whatever the need, include God in the equation by starting with fervent prayer on both the need and means to reach it and then enter into a covenant with God (and perhaps others) as a way to reach your goal. I have found that first, when I bring my need or desire to God, He will help me make the goal realistic and achievable. Secondly, by enlisting the help of the Almighty, I am empowered with the strength, mindset, and vision to reach the goal I have set. This is not a guarantee from God and it still takes work to reach your goal, but you might give it a try…the results might be life changing!

Merry Christmas!

The Holiday is not Happy Without Jesus!

Does anyone else find it ironic that much of the world celebrates the birth of a man whose very existence they deny? That in itself should cause us to reject the wisdom they offer…not question it, but reject it. In our world of many shades of grey, there are some things that are simply black and white. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” That statement, my friends, is black and white. So if I believe Jesus’ words, why would I accept financial advice from someone who denies that Jesus is Lord? How wise am I to take legal counsel from someone who doesn’t even know the King of kings? And should I be in a business venture…or do business with someone who is more concerned with being politically correct than being in a personal relationship with Jesus? God has given us another gift at Christmas time…it’s the ability to spot those who truly celebrate His birth, and those who would rather not. So be bold and generous with your Merry Christmases and pay attention to the response they bring!

Stop the Maddness!

Well, I’ve changed my mind…and just since my last posting! I am now of a mind we (believers) should not celebrate Christmas…AT ALL! Now before you respond with less than kind words, let me offer my reasoning. I am getting tired of the non-believers whining that to have a religious display on public property violates their rights. Am I missing something…I have never felt violated by the sight of a menorah! I am also getting tired of people spouting that these religious images are unlawful on public property because of the separation of Church and State clause…presumably in the Constitution. The phrase came from letters Thomas Jefferson penned; it is not from the Declaration of Independence or from the Preamble to the Constitution, or from the Constitution itself. My prayer is that God would at least help them get their facts straight! I now think if all Christians stopped celebrating Christmas TOTALLY, within two months they would beg us to celebrate and offer to put nativity scenes anywhere/everywhere we wanted. Think of the revenue lost to merchants during Christmas if we stopped celebrating. Think of the tax revenue lost to cities, counties, and state governments just from the loss of sales taxes on the items we did not purchase…not to mention the taxes generated from travel. If we (believers) would only stand together Christ could again be the focus of Christmas…but then if we could stand together there might not be thousands of Christian denominations around the world would there? Well, until that day, Happy Holidays MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Come, Lord Jesus!

Here I sit still recovering from a Christmas overdose from this past week. We had the children’s program at church on the 11^th, the Lancaster Christian School students had their program last Thursday, and then on Friday & Saturday I worked at the Live Nativity here at Beulah where over 1200 people visited. Now, each of these programs was a good thing…uplifting and Christ centered, but too much of a good thing is still too much! I have enjoyed the day reflecting on these events and contemplating on the real Christmas and I’ve come to the conclusion, for the most part, we have missed the point. In the narrative from Matthew and Luke, the time, the place, the people…they all hold significance in the story. None of the people were involved by accident and nothing happened by coincidence...Christ’s birth was a historical life-changing event planned by God for all of humanity. But unfortunately we have relegated it to a one-day politically correct event for the religious and sometime religious. Don’t get me wrong, we should celebrate Jesus’ birth…our feeble attempts (cramed into a week or two) are better than nothing…but I pray we will do better with His second coming!

Christmas Light Show

It's getting closeer to Christmas so over the weekend we drove around looking at lights, but I saw none quite like this! I actually enjoyed this video...a new twist on Christmas lights with the song Amazing Grace...if I weren't so cheap, I would do this... (Jill says, Yeah, right!)

A Gift from God!

On a day when I've grown weary from folks complaining about Albert Pujols, God sent me this! I do not know who Dave Barry is (or which Dave Barry penned this), or what he promotes…but this was posted by a friend of mine and I loved it…oozes with truth doesn’t it?

‎"...Caring about sports is, let's face it, silly. I mean, suppose you have a friend who, for no apparent reason, suddenly becomes obsessed with the Amtrak Corporation. He babbles about Amtrak constantly, citing obscure railroad statistics from 1978; he puts Amtrak bumper stickers on his car; and when something bad happens to Amtrak, such as a train crashes and investigators find that the engineer was drinking and wearing a bunny suit, your friend becomes depressed for weeks. You'd think he was crazy, right? 'Bob,' you'd say to him, as a caring and loving friend, 'you're a moron. The Amtrak Corporation has nothing to do with you.'

But if Bob is behaving exactly the same deranged way about, say, the Pittsburgh Penguins, it's considered normal guy behavior. He could name his child 'Pittsburgh Penguin Johnson' and be considered only mildly eccentric." - Dave Barry

I would add…and if Bob is passionate about Jesus, many people will roll their eyes at him, call him a fanatic, and avoid him like the plague...while they search for a sport to invest themselves in, or complain about! It is apparent many in our society are searching for something, anything to make them feel good…something to fill the void in their lives. All the while, hearing truth, they turn from Jesus…but that’s okay, it’s job security for me!

God Help Us!

I’ve held my tongue on the recent controversy caused by the Gulnare Freewill Baptist Church in Pike County, Kentucky, when they voted not to accept interracial couples as members or allow them to participate in most worship services (funerals being the exception). I should say that the denomination has criticized the local church’s decision and by now they have to some degree reversed the action, however what’s done is done. While it saddens me, I must say I am not really surprised to see that racism has once again reared its ugly head in both America and in (at least some) American churches. Unfortunately, I think this embarrasment gives many people a sour taste of all churches. And as bad as this decision and the ongoing publicity has been for the church, I just read of an even greater problem in this particular congregation. This church’s administrative board decided the entire church should vote on the matter, so at a meeting of the entire church membership, the vote was nine for and six against the proposal. However, in attendance at this meeting were nearly forty members…that means upwards of twenty-five members lacked the fortitude to vote at all! Now, I wasn’t there…I don’t know the debate (if any) that took place…I don’t know if tempers flared…I don’t know what politics were at work. But I do know that by not voting, these twenty-five did indeed vote. They voted to allow a minority to hijack their church and make a mockery of all churches in America. Jesus was right…the world can tell who His disciples are (John 13:35)…and are not!

It's Time to Prepare for Battle

Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Implied in this text is we are indeed struggling with spiritual battles…if you are not aware of this you are likely not winning any of yours. I would also add that Paul does not call us to be victorious in these battles (remember Christ is the victor), but we are to stand our ground. Unfortunately, history and society shows us that the Church has not done a very good job of standing firm…well it looks like you may have another chance soon. Tonight at the Sumner City Council meeting it was announced that a petition was being prepared to have the voters decide on allowing the retail sale of alcohol within the city limits of Sumner, even though the last vote was defeated about two years ago (if my memory serves me correctly). I have no problem with voting, that is our process of enacting and changing laws. However, I do fear that complacency has caused the Church to become lethargic and indifferent, unconcerned with affairs outside its doors. Here’s my prophetic word…the followers of Jesus Christ living in Sumner should prepare to do battle: it is coming. And make no mistake about it; we are battling against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. But take heart, we have been given the weapons to do battle with, we’ve even been guaranteed the victory…but WE must engage the enemy...not hide and pray it goes away!

Affirmation from Heaven!

I know of nothing quite like an affirmation from God. One of the smartest things I have ever decided to do is to seek counsel from godly men when I struggle with making a decision. I have found it always wise to ask others, not only for their opinion, but also to ask them to pray for God to give them a word to see if it matches the word I feel I have received from the Lord. This past week I have struggled with such a decision. It was one of those dilemmas whose resolution was not obvious, at least not to me…and any number of choices could have worked out. However, like so many problems, one response generally works best. So today I received affirmation on a decision I had made from a godly man I respect greatly…and while I was trying to determine which choice was best and quite honestly could have accepted one of many choices, I felt one option in particular was what God wanted me to do. To have this affirmed by another was actually an affirmation from God…what a wonderful gift! Praise His holy name God puts others in our paths to encourage, instruct, hold accountable and affirm.

Blessings and an Award!

What a delightful day today was…and quite a contrast from my last blog! Started out with a men’s prayer meeting, which as usual, pumped me up. Then we went to Mount Carmel for the Christmas parade. Not to watch the parade, but I had the pleasure of pulling the Lancaster Christian School’s float…and I don’t want to brag, but it did get the “Best of Parade” award…not sure, but that sounds like a first place! It was a great day, not because we won an award (that was just icing on our cake), but because I was in fellowship with likeminded Christian people simply wanting to lift high the name of Jesus! I would confess I was shocked we received an award…the theme was “I Believe.” I saw several floats and vehicles with the theme printed on them, but we did not. A few of us recycled Beulah’s float from this fall in hopes of making good use of our hard work this summer. We changed one sign, quoting Luke 2, and surrounded the float with shepherds, angels, wise guys, and of course Mary, Joseph and a baby, and wahlah…an award! Goes to prove once again what I have experienced over and over…lift high the name of Jesus and he will bless you.

Where's the Sunshine?

What a cold and dreary day and night…I must say I really need the sun to shine tomorrow! There is something about these drab cold days with the darkness settling in early that disturbs me. We haven’t even got our homework done, let alone had supper, and it is dark. Well, when I had just about given up the evening when I found a Christmas classic on television! No, it wasn’t a religious program, though it was written by a man whom I do consider to be a theologian. We watched Dr. Seuss’ “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” Now, I’ll confess that I would have rather seen “A Christmas Carol” or “It’s A Wonderful Life,” but since my sermons for Advent deal with growing our hearts and it’s based on the Grinch having a heart that was two sizes too small, it was a treat…for both me and the girls! So, as we listen to the rain fall and I know there’s a chill in the air, we found a piece of the Christmas spirit tonight. However, the Shrek Christmas special that followed was a bust. Now I may have to go find my dvd of “A Christmas Carol” for a late night holiday fix!

First World Problems Rap

Seems appropriate for Black Friday in America...listen carefully, this is both funny & sad (cause much of it's true!).

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, the excitement level is high at the Quick house right now. The cooking has begun for our Thanksgiving feast at grandma’s house and we are discussing the imminent holiday. This year at school McKayla learned about turkeys…Bella learned about Pocahontas and Squanto…and Anna learned about why the pilgrims left England and settlement in America. Now as we cook we are talking about what we are most thankful for. As you might imagine, the answers vary widely…from being thankful for a dolly (McKayla) to being thankful for life itself (Bella). And in our conversation we came to the conclusion that we are truly blessed. That may be the understatement of the century! We live in a world where every 60 seconds a child dies from undernourishment. In our world, the average income of each person is just over $7000 per year. We have clean water, electricity, sufficient heat, a sound home, an automobile, and live in a country where some lack all of these things. We also have more freedoms than I could list in this blog. Yes, God has indeed blessed us, but the fact is, if all of these things should disappear we would still be blessed because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ! So I challenge you this Thanksgiving to contemplate your blessings…talk them over with your children and grandchildren. I think you may even discover unknown blessings…and be thankful for them.

November 22, 1963...A Day that Changed History

The past few days I have watched several documentaries on the assassination of JFK. This is the first “national event” that I remember as it unfolded. I was only 8 years old, and I am not qualified to speculate on whether or not JFK was a good or great president, but I remember the teachers at the parochial school I attended gathered the student body for a time of prayer for our then wounded president. I remember rushing home to tell my mom the president had been shot, only to find her, my dad, and two uncles in front of the television watching “live” newscasts on the unfolding tragedy of the day. And while my young mind did not yet realize it, that was a day that changed history. These past few days I have contemplated on other days I can remember that changed history. Aside from the landing of Apollo 11 on the moon and the fall of the Berlin Wall, most of the days involved the death of someone…either natural or tragic. However, the most important day I can remember was not a day of death, but of new life…the day I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. That is that day that truly changed my history!

It's Beginning to Feel Alot Like Christmas...

As I write this I am listening to “Silent Night” being plunked out on a piano, while slightly out of tune, nevertheless a catalyst for the Christmas season here at the Quick household. This is causing a conflict in my soul as I refuse to “do” anything Christmas until after Thanksgiving…in fact I was memorizing my Thanksgiving sermon when she started playing, but she has a recital to prepare for so I listened. As I listened my mind drifted to what that holy night might have actually looked like. I can hardly imagine the stillness of the night in the country as the shepherds watched their sheep. The twinkling stars, the quiet of the night, the absolute shock they felt when the angel appeared and told them not to be afraid…bet that was hard! Then, out of nowhere this heavenly chorus appears praising God. What a sight! Still that must have paled to the sight of a baby Messiah lying in a manger. Inconceivable…that God would come to us, for us, but He did…all because He loves us so. I’ve got to get past Thanksgiving first, but I must tell you, I can hardly wait for Christmas!

To the Glory of God!

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

“Paul’s exhortation to “do all to the glory of God’ is more than pious idealism. It is an integral part of the sacred revelation and is to be accepted as the very Word of Truth. It opens before us the possibility of making every act of our lives contribute to the glory of God. Lest we be too timid to include everything, Paul mentions specifically eating and drinking.”

The above sentences were taken from AW Tozer’s devotional, The Pursuit of God. Think about Paul’s words…whatever you do, do for the glory of God. I suppose many have thought it just a pious thought, but we are called to use every act, every breath for God’s glory. How’s that working out for you? I would confess that I have days that are “not so much.” Still, by God’s grace He sees fit to give me another breath to try again…and again…and again. Praise His holy name! My prayer for you (and for myself) is that we become better at doing all we do for His glory every day he gives us breath.

Advent Conspiracy

If a picture's worth a thousand words, here's your reading until Christmas.

Life is an Adventure!

Was today a full moon? It sure felt like it here at the Quick household…or perhaps it was my world and not everyone else. After I spent 1 ½ hours in the dentist chair I was starving, so I thought I would treat myself to a drive-thru taco on the way home. Have you ever tried to eat a taco (or anything for that matter) with half of your mouth still numb? Well, I got enough down to curb my hunger. On my way home I decided to wash my truck, and since I had a hospital call to make I did the automatic deal, which is a poor excuse for a carwash, but I felt better. That is until I was forced to detour down 2 miles of gravel & mud from the church because a truck was stuck in the ditch…but I was thankful I wasn’t the truck driver! So now I am back at home with a recently washed truck that has the bottom third covered with Lawrence County mud. Not to worry…it is fresh, I am home, and I can hose it off before it dries. As I am washing the mud off I notice the new end I put on my garden hose is leaking profusely down my right leg and shoe. Then I had the honor of helping with just over two hours of math homework (which Anna loathes…that is a new vocabulary word for the week). So here I sit, wondering what caused my day, which started out with a promise, to go south. Thankfully I can echo the words of Job…who by the way had a much worse day than I…and proclaim, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth.”(Job 19:25). Now, I wonder what adventure God has for me tomorrow?

Please Pray!

I was working on a post and this came across my desk…felt it was much more important and urgent than what I was contemplating. Please be in fervent prayer for Luis, and continue in prayer until you hear different.



Prayer is requested for Luis Alvarado, 26-year-old son of Rev. Sonia Alvarado, pastor of Moline Bethel-Wesley UMC, and Rev. Julio Alvarado, pastor of Moline Bethel-Wesley and Silvis UMC's, who is stationed in Afghanistan. Earlier today, Luis and his squadron encountered a roadside bomb while on patrol. Luis took the brunt of the bomb's detonation, sustaining internal injuries. Surgeons have amputated both of his legs. Luis will be transported back to the United States as soon as his condition stabilizes. The Bethel-Wesley UMC congregation is holding a prayer vigil tonight at the church on behalf of the Alvarados and invites the wider IGRC family to join them from wherever they are. More details will be shared as they become available.

Just An Observation

I am not a sports fan, you know that, but one would have to be stranded on a desert island, in a cave, not to have heard about the Penn State football program disgrace this past week. Football assistant Jerry Sandusky was arrested for sexually assaulting what is now several young boys…Coach Joe Paterno, the winning-est coach in college football, fired after 60+ years. But sadder yet is the response of many at the college and the news networks, whose focus is upon Paterno and whether or not he should have been dismissed in such a way. All the news stories focus on the fact that Paterno was fired though he did nothing illegal. Perhaps not, but according to what I’ve read I would certainly question his ethics, though I am not qualified to be his judge. Regardless, a crime was committed here and I’ve not yet heard of any concern for the victims aside from the action of the Board of Trustees at the college. Whether they are trying to do damage control, or they believe Paterno’s inaction was as bad as Sandusky’s crime, I think they did the right thing.

Daylight Savings Time

I had a friend post this yesterday and had to share it. It rings with so much truth…and the sad part is the government is just as deceptive today.

 

2011 AC Promo

As we turn our thoughts toward Christmas...well, at least Christmas shopping, it is time once more to have a reality check. Here's the 2011 promo from Advent Conspiracy. I pray it provokes thought!

[AC] Promo 2011 from Advent Conspiracy on Vimeo.

Is That You, Lord?

As I work thru next year’s schedule of those yearly events we do largely out of habit, I’ve focused on January, my traditional month of prayer and fasting as we seek God’s will for the New Year. As I worked on it, this thought entered my feeble mind, “What if, instead of having regular Sunday services in January, what if we cancelled those services and entered into a time of fervent prayer and fasting for our community? What if we completely cancelled the morning services in January and instead went to the unchurched with our personal invitation and prayers on Sunday mornings?” Understand that I am not ready to suggest this thought came from God…not just yet…because my first thought was I would probably be fired just for suggesting it! But it was quickly replaced by the thought, “if they won’t come to us, why don’t we go to them?” Now, I know God doesn’t want everyone to attend Beulah…not even everyone in the area. But, are we really trying to reach them? Really? Seems God put a big emphasis in Scripture on “Go make disciples” and never once told us we were to set aside an hour of any day waiting for them to come to us. Unfortunately another thought I had was, if I were to do that, I would be shocked if over a handful would commit to “go.” It seems much easier for most to carve an hour or two out of their week to go to a comfortable, warm church in January to “do their God thing” rather than surrendering their life and investing themselves in Jesus’ ministry. Perhaps Pogo was right when he said, “We have met the enemy and he is us!” Right now I am thinking some of these thought are from God and others from satan…either way, I think God wants to move at Beulah in a powerful way in 2012.

Read!

As we sit here doing homework, specifically early American History, I have become painfully aware that my daughter thinks I experienced the settlement of Jamestown firsthand! She’s reasoned since I know at least some of the answers to the questions without reading the text and because I express interest in things that happened, as she puts it, “so very long ago,” well, obviously I must have been there. You see, Anna hasn’t yet grasped the fact that history does not change…once written it remains. The same is true of God’s word…and I suppose some people struggle with the same issue. They do not realize Scripture is not being re-written today to suit our wants or needs, although it is constantly being re-interpreted, for the Bible speaks to us just as directly and profoundly, even though our times are very different than the times in which it was first penned. They cannot grasp that an ancient text remains relevant to us. Perhaps they do not realize we struggle with the same sin nature as Adam and Eve, and every subsequent human being except Jesus. And sadly, they fail to accept that God has provided the answers to all the questions we face. So, what can we do? Seems to me the answer to both problems is the same. As I constantly tell Anna, “READ!” You should never guess at the answer or assume you know it when it is there in the text. So read…read the Bible…it’s there you will find the answers to the questions that plague you…I promise. But now, it's back to my childhood at Jamestown!

Without Prayer We Are Powerless

Today in discussion with other pastors, a common thread was the lack of some parishioners to take prayer seriously. So many people approach prayer so casually, if they approach it at all. Do they not realize the power of prayer? Are they not in relationship with Christ, or do they think the efforts are fruitless? Do they not believe in Jesus’ own words, “Ask and you will receive.”? I will confess I am blessed and have been at several churches I’ve served, as there are prayer warriors there and it makes all the difference in the world for the pastor…for the entire church! I can tell you from personal experience, not that I know much, but prayer can sustain you and empower you in any situation. The toughest thing I will likely ever do is bury a child and it was personal and intercessory prayer that not only got me thru the situation, but brought me through it stronger, more assured that my Heavenly Father listens to my every word. I wish there were a way for others to experience what I experienced without having to go through the valley, but perhaps I would have never learned except for the valley. Nevertheless, we must, if we are to grow spiritually, realize the value of prayer and put it into practice…fervently. If we are ever going to impact our world for the Kingdom, we must pray for the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Solution for a "Noisy Heart"

Often, when speaking to people about prayer time, a struggle common to many is staying focused on their prayer time and topics. Recently, I was reading from Richard J. Foster’s Sanctuary of the Soul, and he offers this advice.

“The first counsel I would give regarding a wandering mind is for us to be easy on ourselves. We did not develop a noisy heart overnight, and it will take time and patience for us to learn a single-hearted concentration. Dietrich Bonhoeffer offers wise counsel precisely on this point: “The first thing to remember is not to get impatient with yourself. Do not cramp yourself in despair at the wandering of your thoughts. Just sit down each day and wait patiently. If your thoughts keep running away, do not attempt to restrict them. It is no bother to let them run on to their destination; then, however, take up the place or the person to whom they have strayed into your prayers. In this way you will find yourself back at the text, and the minutes of such digressions will not be wasted and will not trouble you” (pg. 105).

Sounds like an effective practice. Pray for the distractions! If they are from God then you will have accomplished your goal. If they are from your own distracted mind, you will have refocused. If they are from satan, what better way to discourage him than to pray thru the demonic distractions? Regardless, you will better make use of the time God has given you in his presence…hope it helps someone.

Wrongful Worship

Have you heard the expression "if you don't laugh, you'll cry?" Well this video is one of those. It is so funny...and surely a bit too real for some in the church today. Oh well, enjoy...and I pray you'll use it to check your attitude every time you worship.

Angering People...In Jesus' Name!

After reading several chapters from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles today, God spoke to me. We have the notion that sharing the Gospel should be an easy task that readily yields fruit…and when we meet opposition or indifference from people, and there is no fruit, we get discouraged or think witnessing is not our gift. Well, first of all, witnessing is not a gift; it’s a command from Christ. But more importantly we must realize that the Gospel, when presented correctly, rubs against the grain of society. Always has—always will. For example, just look at Paul’s adventures in Thyatira (Acts 16) and Thessalonica and Berea (Acts 17)…along with several other places. His best efforts did not go particularly well. In many instances Paul ruffled feathers as he presented the Gospel and God impressed upon me that more often than not we ought to do the same. This is not to say my (our) intention should be to anger anyone, but rather, to so present the Gospel with truth and conviction, realizing that some will be offended, threatened, even angered by the Good News. Perhaps that would be a good measurement of our effectiveness…how many people have you offended with the Gospel lately? If there have not been many, perhaps you need to change your procedure for a more effective presentation of Jesus.

Are You "Religion-Intoxicated?"

I have found an intriguing series of booklets published by the Upper Room in the early 1950’s (that’s even older than me!) entitled “Living Selections from the Great Devotional Classics.” Recently, I’ve read from the journals of George Fox who was the founder of the Society of Friends (the Quakers) in 1624. In one he is described as a “religion-intoxicated” person and this got me thinking. First of all, what is a “religion-intoxicated” person? Fox, at the age of 19, was offended by some “professors of religion” (a term he used for persons who received pay for their preaching) who indulged in a drinking party and he (Fox) decided to act as a public critic of the established religion of his day. Did that make him “religion-intoxicated?” Sounds more like, under conviction, he chose to take a public stand opposing hypocrisy within the church…but is that why he earned the label? After more reading one might easily come to the conclusion he had totally surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, even at the age of nineteen…perhaps that is why others called him religion-intoxicated. Regardless, I must say while I do not fully subscribe to the beliefs/doctrines of the Society of Friends, I do see how this man’s life influenced generations of people who claimed to follow Jesus…and many more of us should work to be labeled as religion-intoxicated…especially those of us who are professors of religion!

Prayer About Getting Old

This could be me someday...at least I hope!

Romantically Challenged

Wanted to use this in my current sermon series on Making Love Last a Lifetime, but it was just too long...forgot about it until today so I thought I'd share it. Enjoy!

Clergy Appreciation Month

The following is a Facebook post I copied from my friend and brother in the faith Mike Rayson. I think it speaks well to the my awkwardness with Clergy Appreciation Month…thanks Mike for saying it so well!

“This Sunday is 'Clergy Appreciation Day'. I want to take this moment to say how much I appreciate me, and how awesome I know that I am. Thank you me. I appreciate everything about who I am and what I do. Now, to go and read Proverbs 30:32”

Now, it is wonderful and necessary for each of us to feel appreciated…and I want to thank each person who has expressed their appreciation to me in so many different ways…but it might be more effective and much less awkward for many clergy if instead of being expressed by many in the church all at once, we might get small doses throughout the year. I can tell you in spite of what you may think (or what I might lead you to believe!), the only thing I have ever done that is worthy of any accolades whatsoever is to surrender my life to Jesus Christ and strive daily to follow His will…as do many, many others in our church! Now, in case you haven’t yet looked up Proverbs 30:32, in the CEV it says, “If you are foolishly bragging or planning something evil, then stop it now!” Interesting that bragging and evil are likened isn’t it?

I'm Sooooo Busy!

I think one of the ways God keeps me out of more trouble than what I get into is keeping me busy. Last week I had meetings two days, one of them in Springfield. I am leaving shortly for Marion, IN, for a workshop on Tuesday. Still, in the busyness, God is sovereign and still sits on the throne! Saturday, I had a wonderful time with Anna & Bella as we pulled the church’s float in the parade at St. Francisville…btw, God is sovereign and on the throne when I am playing too! Having said that, I doubt if I post many days this week, though I expect to be inspired at the workshop I am attending tomorrow…still you should find much comfort that God is still sovereign and on the throne (whether I post or not!). And on that thought, how do people who do not know or believe that respond to our tumultuous world? Where is it they find comfort, hope, and security? Or perhaps they don’t? If that is the case it is up to you and me to reflect the love of Christ to them. It is there (and only there) they will find comfort, hope, and eternal security. Praise God we are never too busy to share Christ with someone…to plant that seed…to cause them to wonder why we act so secure in our beliefs. At least I pray you are not too busy to be about your work as a believer…to be Christ’s witnesses. If that’s the case, you are truly TOO busy!

Here We Go Again!

Here we are on the adoption roller coaster again…one month steaming ahead making progress in leaps and bounds, the next month, no so much. This is perhaps an oversimplification, but when the system is more concerned with protecting the supposed rights of people we’ve labeled criminal rather than being concerned with the rights of innocent children, we have a problem. Oh, I know not all parents who have a child taken from them are criminal, but many are. I also know that emotions enter into the equation at every opportunity. Still, it often seems our system is more concerned with appeasing those adults they fear will file lawsuits against any sane decision, tying up the courts for months and years instead of caring for the welfare of children who cannot fend for themselves. Just another consequence of a system that chooses to be politically correct instead of choosing the morally right decision, regardless of who claims they are offended. Having said that, keep us in your prayers as we wade through the process once again…pray that the best is done for Mac!

Something More

Who knew...Nick sings too! If you've not seen his other videos, search Godtube or Youtube for Nick Vujicic. You'll be blessed!

The Skinny on Worship

Looking for some videos to support upcoming sermons and I came across this. I laughed until I cried! This might be the best one yet from the Skit Guys.

God of Wonders...and Homework!

So I drove today just over 3 hours for a 2 ½ hour meeting…usually a frustrating time for me. It was a productive meeting, but not as productive as the prayer and worship time I had as I drove. Then I returned to nearly four hours of homework…history, math, reading, and spelling. Two tests tomorrow…good thing I was prayed up or we (I) might not have gotten through it! As I marveled today at the change of the seasons and this evening at the fact that God has made us all so differently (at least all those living at my house), it all points me to the magnificence of the Creator! Add to this the fact that my marveling can be magnified a trillion times or more as I look out of my house into the realm of the universe! We truly serve an awesome God, a God of order, who has woven together every detail of nature in such a way that we who take the time to look are able to observe and praise His holy name! But now, just before bedtime, it’s back to studying the states and their capitals.

Watch Your Mouth!

“Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say.” Ephesians 4:29 CEV

This was my memory verse for today and I must tell you it hit me right between the eyes. Not that I curse like a sailor…whatever that means, cause I have known several sailors who do not curse at all…but it hit me because of the level of vulgar language in our society today. Everywhere you turn foul language prevails. I was shocked lately by the language on a television show…presumably a kids show (at least I thought it was cause I was watching it with my kids)…at 6:00 in the evening! In addition to the vulgarity, this verse also speaks to the destructive power of words. And perhaps more damaging to people today is the ability some have to use words to tear down the spirit of others. As I understand these words from Paul, this is not a suggestion but rather a commandment. We are to use our words intentionally, as tools of encouragement for the building up of others. I would see this as first the words that come from our mouths, but also the words we allow others to speak. I know I cannot stop someone from saying something if they are intent upon saying it, but I can turn off the television or radio, or remove myself from the immediate circumstances. If you think words are not really that important, remember the words of James? “My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn't right” (James 3:9-10 CEV).

Why We Remember.

Tell.Show.Be.

From our friends in the United Methodist Church of Great Britain. Well done!

TELL.SHOW.BE. - English from Tell.Show.Be on Vimeo.

Observing 9/11

We will soon find ourselves observing the tenth anniversary of 9/11; I must confess that I am struggling with how to observe the day with it falling on a Sunday…at least as far as our worship service is concerned. I hate it when days with such a social focus fall on the Lord’s Day. I certainly do want to observe it by remembering the event and the lives that were lost in this attack on our country, in fact, I want to do much more, however I truly believe the purpose of our worship services is to worship God…regardless of the day or any specific event. I also realize there are some public events scheduled for both the patriotic and religious (as if one person cannot be both) to gather, but still I struggle with this imaginary line. Certainly God wants us to remember those who lost their lives, but how far do we go until we are robbing God of worship? Not to mention those who do not know the service is worship of God alone…those who see/expect to be entertained…isn’t a too strong a focus on 9/11 confusing them further? Keep me in your prayers as I try to discern exactly what God would want us to do to honor the day.

I-God

I recently read a blog that asked the question, “What if Steve Jobs made Disciples?” Now, first on the outside chance you do not know who Steve Jobs is, he is co-founder, chairman, & former CEO of Apple. He has had too many achievements and honors to mention here, but suffice it to say he is both successful and influential in ways that most of us cannot even dream of. Let me also say this is not about running the Church like a business, it’s about being innovative in the Church like Steve Jobs was at Apple. If my memory is correct, Jesus led like that! Jobs is known for things like thinking outside the box, not following current trends, equipping others to lead, having an enormous vision, and hiring only the best, just for starters. I would also say whether it was his tactics or something else, Steve Jobs has made millions and millions of “disciples” of Apple products during his tenure there. So how does that translate to us in the Church? Well, first of all, our product (Jesus) is much better and more needed than any Apple product. What if we stopped trying to cram God into our little boxes and started to think like Jesus? What if we followed practices outlined in the Bible instead of the newest program used by another church across town? What if we truly equipped leaders by giving them a job AND the authority to do that job? What if we had a God-sized vision…you know something that only God could accomplish in/thru us? And what if we did the very best we could do whenever we did something for God…instead of making excuses for our lackadaisical approach to Church? What would happen? I’m guessing Jesus might be the hottest thing since the I-Pad, or I-Phone, or I-Pod, or the Mac…the real question is, “Why don’t we?”

Hmmmmmm...

"He said to them: A large crop is in the fields, but there are only a few workers. Ask the Lord in charge of the harvest to send out workers to bring it in." Luke 10:2 CEV

Iron Sharpens Iron

“Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other.” Proverbs 27:17 CEV

There are no words of Scripture that hold more truth. I am part of a clergy covenant group that meets weekly for a couple of hours and it is such a blessing to be with my clergy brothers and sisters. There we sharpen each other. There we hold each other accountable. There we solve many of the Church’s and world’s problems…at least for the moment! We are a diverse group and rarely will we all agree 100% on any specific issue…but I have found that we will always learn from one another if we will listen to each other. Each of the members has something to offer and some come from unique perspectives. There is not an issue (at least yet) that we will not tackle and wrestle to some state of resolve…though sometimes we will resolve that it cannot be resolved. That leads me to this statement, “Everyone should be in an accountability group.” Clergy meeting together has certain advantages as we have sometimes experienced similar unique struggles. But whether you find or form a group with similar interests or very diverse interests, every believer should be in a group that will encourage, hold accountable, and help them “think thru” issues that they face. It may be relationship issues, ethical issues, finances, even parenting issues…in all of these, friends sharpen the minds of each other!

First Things First

Been working hard today…almost have 2012’s preaching schedule in place, just a few conflicts to work out…almost ready for confirmation to begin on Sunday, will be by then…and I’ve almost got a speaker for JHA camp next July, just waiting for her to get back to me…all in all a productive day! Still, so much more to do…that is the mindset I can get into if I am not careful (and no it is not because of the old saying, 'There is no rest for the wicked.'). God has told us that while this ‘stuff’ we do is important, it is not the most important thing to do. I assume commandments are important, otherwise why would their actions be commanded? If that is true, then the most important commandment would be the most important things we are to do. In Matthew 22 we get a glimpse of what is most important to God.  “³⁴After Jesus had made the Sadducees look foolish, the Pharisees heard about it and got together. ³⁵One of them was an expert in the Jewish Law. So he tried to test Jesus by asking, ³⁶"Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?" ³⁷Jesus answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. ³⁸This is the first and most important commandment.” There it is…no matter what you do…or even what you do that is for God, if you do not love Him with all of your heart, soul, & mind you fail to do the most important thing. In fact, that statement should order all of our relationships. I am a husband, father, brother and each of these are important, but they are not as important as my relationship with God…none of them.

Heartbreaker

 “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵ God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” (Romans 3:22b-25a NIV)

What wonderful, encouraging words! We are all sinners…well, that is not specifically the encouraging part, though it’s true…and we are justified freely by God’s grace because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross (there it is!). And all I need do, actually all I can do, is to claim that sacrifice by faith. It’s true…Christianity is too simple for some to believe! Too many find this simple faith too difficult…people want to “do something,” but the fact of the matter is there is nothing left to do but put your faith in Jesus Christ. Still, in order to put our faith in Christ we must stop depending upon our own strength and knowledge…we must totally depend upon Christ. What boggles my mind is that most I’ve talked to will readily confess that they have tried to work/give/earn their way to heaven with no success, but some have come to the conclusion that if they cannot earn their place themselves it cannot be done. How sad…to have the Savior offering a free gift (which cost a tremendous price) and to have someone reject it because they couldn’t do it themselves…it surely breaks the Lord’s heart.

Pray the Price

I’ve begun reading what many would consider an old book…first printed in 1997 and now in its ninth printing, “Pray the Price” by Rev. Dr. Terry Teykl. In it, if I get the gest, Terry believes we have become lazy with our prayer life…those are my words, not his. That is to say we have become comfortable in our prayer life and that has in effect rendered us ineffective. Could this be true? Yeah, I’m pretty sure it is true. Terry calls us to reclaim our Wesleyan heritage of tenacious prayer evangelism and to “target the Great Commission with prayer so that by praying the price we might target this generation to Christ” (p. 21). I think he is on to something here. How many times have you invited someone to Church or to a specific church program only to have them decline with some flimsy excuse? Had you prayed about that invitation? Really prayed about it…not only about what you would say, but first whether or not God wanted you to invite them to the event? I am sorry to disappoint you, but God doesn’t want everyone to come to your church or my church. However, there are specific persons out there that He does want there and you might just be God’s preferred method of getting them there! So we need to pray…not just once or for a few days…we might well need to pray for months for God to prepare them for our invitation. If we run ahead of God, we will spend our invitation long before God is ready for us. If we drag behind, God will have them prepared and we will not be ready. So yes, we need to pray the price…and know it’s not an easy task…but then Jesus never said it would be did he?

Teach Me Lord!

We now have two days of school behind us. The first day was fun…except for breaking a pair of glasses it was a good day. Now, I’ve had them repaired, but the homework Grinch found his way to the classroom, or at least to our house tonight. Still, it was a good day and we finally have all the homework done and we find ourselves reflecting on the day behind us and the year ahead. Psalm 119:66 says, “Teach me knowledge and good judgment (Lord) for I trust your commands.”  We (the kids and I) decided that it is a good thing to ask God for help in learning. It is sometimes hard work…learning…because sometimes we just don’t want to learn or because we have different ideas, but God wants the best for us…the very best! So if we will trust God and ask for His help, we will succeed. Now, really…if a seven and nine year old can figure that out, why can’t many adults? Maybe there really is a reason Jesus said we must become like little children in order to enter the Kingdom (Matthew 18:3).

Take a Good Look

So, in about 3 hours we shift into party mode at the Quick household. Monday is Anna’s birthday, Friday is Bella’s birthday, and I am celebrating that school starts on Monday…actually the girls are too, all three of them! So soon we will have a 3 year old, a 7 year old, and a 9 year old at home…a 20 year old at college and a 25 year old in California. It’s no wonder I’m feeling old…but the good news (for me) is I’m going to live forever…praise God! But back to the here and now…this past week in Bible study I was getting some strange looks. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5 that we are to imitate God and then he goes on to offer us some specific suggestions. “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” That list is rather in your face isn’t it? All uncleanness…does he really mean all? Foolish talking…just what is that? Coarse jesting…so much for the redneck jokes! What does Paul, or God for that matter, expect of us…and what about those of us with children…seriously…give thanks with every breath? Yeah, I think so…I also think he was clear in verse 1: :…be imitators of God…” What do you do when you imitate someone? You strive to be just like them don’t you? I am sure Paul meant exactly what he said and while it’s a tall order for us, God is patient with us. So take a good look at yourself…do you look a little more like God today? You should!

Lord, Help Us!

I’ve struggled this afternoon to get this posted…several thunderstorms in the area and one big clap of thunder caused my mouse to shock me! Really, nothing bad, but I have never had that happen before…then the power went off and I lost internet service…hummm, perhaps satan doesn’t want this to get out! Back to my thoughts from yesterday: why is it these problems, and many others the Church faces, why is it they are predominately hapening in North America and Europe? I read of mighty revivals currently taking place in South America, Africa, and Indonesia. I am sure there are struggles there too, but it seems those churches have the power that the American Church lacks…I also realize that God is at work in some churches in America, not all are in need transformation. But on the whole, it seems God is working mighty works around the globe and the American Church lacks that same power. Again, why? Why is the Methodist and Southern Baptist (and nearly every other denomination) in decline in America and experiencing growth, sometimes explosive, in other countries? Have we (American Christians) lost the desire to seek His presence? Are we so consumed with other gods that the Lord has withdrawn His presence from us? He did that to Israel...repeatedly. Are we now in that cycle of unfaithfulness, needing repentance? Would we even admit it if we thought we were? The time has come for us (the Church in America) to fall on our face and cry out... only God can transform us into the Church again.

How Serious Are We?

Well, I should apologize…the past week or so I have been busy reading and grieving the apparent arrival of a much too long campaign season. I have been distracted at best…but you don’t want to know what I think of the abhorrently long campaign season or candidates, so let me share some thoughts with you about what I’ve been reading lately. First of all, how do we (if indeed we do) release the power of God for transformation? Let’s face it, our world is in sad shape and for that matter, so is the Church! Facing an overall decline, with only a few exceptions, the Christian Church is failing. I am one of those who believe only God can and will turn it around. Let me be clear, God never intended nor wants the Church to fail, but we have managed to excel at decline in spite of God’s wishes. How do we engage the Almighty so we might be transformed? Secondly, why do the majority of persons involved in the Church today fear the manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s power? Whether healing, signs and wonders, miracles, or a simple indwelling of the Holy Spirit, many (perhaps the majority) in the Church today do not want to experience an outpouring of the Holy Spirit…in this many I mean to include both clergy and laity. And finally, why do we who claim to follow God (again both clergy and laity) put so much emphasis on worldly thinking? I am not speaking of running the Church like a business…that makes sense to me if we know what our product is and who our target consumers are…like any good business. But too often we scheme plans and launch programs without consulting our Head…that makes no sense to me. I can tell you that the best laid plans will fail without God on the team, also I’ve seen some of the most ill-advised plans take off and fly because God was driving them. So what do you think? Are we up for transformation or are we just playing church?

Need A Prophetic Word?

I just copied this profound quote (my assessment) from one of my colleagues, “One of the problems with the country is we are more concerned about the pursuit of happiness than the pursuit of righteousness. And rather than provide a prophetic word to society the Church reacts with the same sort of polarization that exists in the rest of our culture.” You know, he may have just solved both society’s and the Church’s biggest problems! Our world is so consumed with self and ever hesitant to even recognize the problems of others…and that has bled over into the Church. The once righteous leadership of the Church is now more concerned with its own pursuit of happiness that the Church has been stripped of its power. Yes, I realize you could argue that happened many centuries ago, but isn’t it true? The Church has been given authority and the power over this world…and now rather than BE the Church, it seems we too have become focused solely on self. I would expect that from the worldly...but from the Chruch?  It seems that we are the ones who need to hear a prophetic word. I know this sounds simplistic…but perhaps if we started reading in Genesis and did not stop until we had read thru Revelation, God would speak to us. Seems to me it’s worth a try!

A Breath of Fresh Air!

Well, I had to spend over half of today in a dCOM meeting…it is very frustrating for me to give up my family day to be in a boring meeting. However, I must say this was a refreshing day. We interviewed six newly certified lay ministers who are now serving churches in the Kaskaskia River District and what a delight it was! These are all second career folks who, recognizing God’s call upon their lives, have chosen to work full time in the secular world and serve a small church part-time. I praise God for their dedication, their enthusiasm, and commitment to the Lord. It was (for me) a breath of fresh air to peek in on their process and hear their stories. I hope I encouraged them half as much as they encouraged me! If more laity and clergy possessed their attitudes our church would look very different. My prayer for these six is that God would continue to bless their ministries and families…I have no doubts that will happen as long as they continue to lift high the name of Jesus.

Prayerful Balance is the Key

Here’s the question of the ages…do we (the Church) spend the brunt of our time and resources reaching out to the lost or to growing and maturing ourselves in the faith? Are we to focus on others or on ourselves? Can we be true to our calling by concentrating on either one or the other? Fact is, Scripture compels us to do both and if indeed the Church is going to thrive, we must do both. Problems arise when we concentrate on one totally neglecting the other. At times we can lean so hard toward evangelism, putting all of our resources on reaching out to the lost, totally ignoring the spiritual growth that must occur if we are to maintain physical growth for the Kingdom. More often we become so focused on ourselves, not necessarily for the sake of growing spiritually, that we fail to reach out to the lost, or even to those who wander into our churches seeking a fellowship to be a part of. So how do we maintain a healthy balance? Scripture repeatedly calls us to do both. I am sure it is different process for most churches, but if we fail to start with heartfelt prayer, we are certainly doomed to failure.

Renewed and Ready!

You know, the bad thing about being gone for an extended length of time is the mess that awaits you when you return…praise God the mess was minimal this time…thanks to DeAnna! But even if the mess had been enormous, it would have been well worth the headaches as the Spirit moved in mighty ways this past week. I will confess my thinking was challenged more than once, but I came away with several sermon topics; suggestions for small group studies; and most importantly, a fresh (and much needed) re-baptism in the Holy Spirit. I hadn’t actually realized I lost it, but while there I regained my passion to know my Lord more intimately and a fervor for reaching the lost for the Kingdom. Now, if you even suspect you’ve lost your passion, or if you feel powerless, or God feels distant, I want to suggest you carve out some time to renew your relationship with God. Whether you take a few hours, a day, or a week, for renewal...just do it. Aldersgate Renewal Ministries has several books and tapes available or you could plan to attend the ARM Conference next July in Charlottesville, WV. I know it’s a long ways off, but I highly recommend it. Contact me; we might be able to share a ride! Now, back to my little mess...

The Spirit Continues to Move...

I’ve had another great day at Aldersgate 2011! Yesterday I heard a powerful sermon in the morning worship service on the cycle of sin by Rev. Dr. Jeff Greenway, lead pastor of Reynoldsburg UMC in Reynoldsburg OH. Then in the afternoon I attended workshops on “Hearing the Voice of God” and “Operating in Holy Boldness,” the latter was led by my friend, evangelist Richard Rhodes of Fire in the Mountain Ministries…Powerful day! Then this morning the worship preacher was the Rev. Dr. Mark Virkler. His message was on listening to God. As I type this I am preparing my soul for today’s workshops. I hope to attend one on corporate prayer and another on the baptism of the Holy Spirit…however; I realize God may guide me to different workshops. In addition to the uplifting messages and teachings I have heard, I also have Anna and Bella with me. Now, most of the day they attend a conference daycare (where they are getting a full dose of the Holy Spirit!) but we have meal time and free time together. I will confess I have not yet acquired a taste for frozen cardboard pizza…which they love, but the fellowship has been great! Please continue to pray for us and for all here at Aldersgate…and for traveling mercies as we return to Illinois on Sunday after the morning worship service. Hope to back in the groove on Monday.

Wednesday from Aldersgate 2011

I am writing tonight (this was written Wednesday night…just found internet access!) from Aldersgate 2011 in Dayton, OH and I must tell you the Spirit showed up tonight in force! The first pre-conference worship service featured Bishop James Swanson, Sr., bishop of the Holston Conference. The theme for the service was “Fervent in Spirit, Faithful in Prayer” from Romans 12:11-12 and after a dynamic sermon, we prayed for the church…for each church represented. We prayed for renewal…for healing…for unity…and for power. Beulah, you need to know that after a group of us prayed for you, a lady from Massachusetts came to me with a word from the Lord…a word saying that God desired to use you in a powerful way to bring glory to Jesus. Now I will confess that I do not (yet) know exactly what that is…to be used in a powerful way to bring glory to Jesus…but I believe it. God has moved in ways like that at Aldersgate in the past and I have every reason to believe He still moves in like ways. What I am asking is that you join me in prayer…praying for God to reveal to some of us just what God’s desire is, to the end we might accomplish His will. Also, pray for the remainder of the conference, that the Spirit might continue to bring me a word.

Shattuc UMC Youth

We should praise God for how he moves in the lives of people...how He uses each of us in ways we might never imagine. Below is a video made by the youth group at the Shattuc United Methodist Church. I praise God for their talent, faith, and witness! Many of these young adults were about 7-9 years old when I was the pastor there and while I claim no influence in their journey, it is obvious that they have been nurtured in their journey by many who love the Lord. My question is simply this...what type of legacy are you leaving behind? I am one who thinks spiritual maturity comes much more from the observation of the saints than from reading Bible stories an hour or two a week. So who are you mentoring in the faith, equipping them to claim Christ as their own? Do you truly realize the impact you can have on the children and young adults in your church?

Is Summer Over Yet?

I’ve almost survived the summer…almost. Since June 1 I’ve been to Annual Conference at Peoria, the Lakota Sioux reservation at Pine Ridge SD, helped with VBS, and Jr-High Alive church camp at Beulah Holiness Camp. Now I’ve spent one week of my vacation working on a church camp cabin (since camp is over it’s now ready to go!) and taking a deep breath before I head to Dayton OH for a time of spiritual renewal at Aldersgate 2011. …no wonder I’m worn out! However, I must confess that I work better when I’m worn out…like so many, it’s when I am out of strength that God’s strength takes over. Paul was exactly right when he stated, “⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10). Now, I must confess that I am not at the same place Paul was when he said these things…I do not yet “delight” in weaknesses, insults, hardships, etc…but realizing they are for Christ’s sake…for the furthering of the Kingdom…I will accept them even if I do not readily “delight” in them. And my prayer is that someday, as Christ continues to work in and thru me, I will delight in every aspect of His will…until then, I am looking forward to a mighty move of the Spirit at Aldersgate and I’ll certainly be glad when school starts again!

Focus...Focus!

June at Beulah has been an amazing month for me. Highlights include the trip to the res in South Dakota and VBS…I hope to have pictures of both on the website soon. It has been one of those months where I needed to read/hear, “Be still and know that I am God,” because there truly wasn’t very much quiet time during the month. Realizing next week I will be gone to Junior High church camp at Beulah Holiness camp, I can safely say that July is starting out the same way. So how does one daily set aside the distractions and business of life and focus on God? I suppose there are many ways that work for different people, but for me the quiet time comes in reading. Reading the Word, reading devotions, reading biographies of the saints, reading Church history…reading anything spiritual and uplifting stimulates my face time with God…yes, Scripture is primary, but any godly literature helps. And true to form, anything secular tends to distance me from God…even that “good” stuff. If it is not godly, it is not beneficial.  Paul got it right for several reasons when he wrote to the Colossians, “Set your mind on things above and not on earthly things” (3:2).

We've Got Our Work Cut Out For Us!

Recently as I was doing research for an upcoming sermon series I ran across a statistic that would shock many Christians. A survey was conducted in Lawrence County of the percentage of people in church on Sunday mornings. Actually, it was an average of four consecutive Sunday mornings. Any guess on how many people in Lawrence County attend church in this great Christian nation we live in? Actually, that is one of my pet peeves, stating we live in a Christian nation. At best we are living in a post-Christian era, but most believers seem to be in denial. To say that 60% of the people in the United States are Christians is a gross error…at least in the way I think being Christian should be defined. For one to claim to be a Christian does not make it so…neither does attending a church service on special occasions or even weekly. Being Christian is being in a relationship with Jesus Christ…to surrender your life to Him…not being involved in religion or the member of a church. Today, at least in the US, many more people seek to worship at the altar of the almighty dollar than at the feet of Jesus Christ. Want proof? The survey I spoke of earlier reported that only 18% of the population of Lawrence County was in a church worshipping God on any given Sunday. Preposterous…sounds painfully accurate to me…and reveals the tremendous work we have before us.

Being the Body

Things are almost back to normal after our mission trip to the Pine Ridge Lakota Reservation in South Dakota…almost. Reflecting back on the trip, two things jump out at me. First the dreadful living conditions at the reservation. I know some of these conditions are self-inflicted…you can find those who simply do not care to expend any effort to better themselves. But I also know that some (and I got the impression that many at the rez) need help in order to build a better life for themselves and their children. As I saw the living conditions there and worked with the children, God repeatedly brought to my mind Micah 6:8, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” I will confess that I do not have the answers to the problems at Pine Ridge, and there are many, but if more people would strive to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God before these people, I believe it would make a tremendous difference in their present and future days. The second thing that jumped out at me was that when we set aside denominational and doctrinal differences we become the body of Christ. This is not to say those distinctions and interpretations are not important, but it’s only when we work together to further the Kingdom and stop squabbling about non-essential beliefs that we morph into the Body of Christ.

Tuesday at Oglala

Well, yesterday we had quite a day. We went to the Red Cloud School and museum…quite a place to visit and view Indian art and history. While we were there a storm hit with reported 50 mph winds, hail, and torrential rain. Left there after a time and went to VBS which garnered 130 kids! Another day of chaos, but the Spirit was there. While we were there the work crew finished ½ of the roof on the Re*Creation center between storms. However, with all that happened, the most interesting part of the day was in the evening worship service when Cecilia Spotted Bear shared her testimony and answered questions…wow, what a story! To come out of the traditional Indian religion and alcoholism to Christianity and to become one of the most respected Christians on the rez. For those who want to borrow, I purchased her book, “By the Grace of God.” In it she shares her testimony and explains the pipe and peyote religion of the Lakota’s. Keep us in your prayers as we continue to both work on the building here and reach out to the children in Pine Ridge…also on Wednesday we will visit Wounded Knee, the site of the Indian massacre in 1890 in which members of the 7^th Calvary tragically killed upwards of 300 Lakota Sioux men, women, & children.

Where is Our Hope?

Found out some disturbing facts about the Lakota reservation…85% unemployment rate…80% of the adult males are alcoholics…gangs are norm here for young adults…and most shocking, the adolescence suicide rate is seven time the national rate! It was reported to us last night that last year eleven youth in the surrounding area took their lives…how disturbing. To me all of these figures emphasize the need for Jesus Christ. I understand the desire for Native Americans to cling to their traditions. I also realize that the past and current efforts of the federal government have been counterproductive, at least for the Native Americans. This place (this rez and from what I understand many, many others) is a place of despair. Most here have no hope of a descent future, let alone a bright future. The answer for these people…for all peoples? “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you…” (1 Peter 1:3-4). Fact is this place is just a reflection of a larger hurting world where pouring money and regulations into a situation will not overcome the sins of the past nor offer hope for the future…only a new birth can do that…and that new birth comes only from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! That is why so many of us come here year round…to offer hope in a dead and dying world.

Here's the painting that greeted us on the wall of the entrance of the Oglala Re*Creation Center.

On the Rez...

Well, after a two day drive out here, we are on location in Oglala, SD on the Lakota Indian reservation. We are staying at the Oglala Re-Creation Center, an Assemblies of God facility that caters to the Christian community here in Oglala. Though I do not have any facts, this area’s standard of living looks just under that of Red Bird, KY. This is tribal territory and the tribal board is the government here, not the federal government. Needless to say, because of that, the standards for everything I have noticed is below that of any place else in the United States. We held VBS today at the Lakota Baptist Church in Pine Bluff today and started with 108 kids, most of whom were unchurched. Quite an experience! If it were not bad enough we were over crowed, the toilets stopped up and flooded the bathrooms. We ended up having to dismiss early, but all in all the Spirit was at work in a powerful way. Also, a work crew finally got all their supplies and started re-roofing the Re-Creation center where we are staying. Pray for us out here…pray for safety for the work crew…pray for more kids at VBS…pray for our traveling mercies…and pray for a plumber! Now that I have access I hope to post each day…Lord willing.

Trust & Obey

I spent most of yesterday getting a cabin ready at church camp…will have people staying in it for four camps this summer (praise God!), and then last night and some of today getting the bus and me ready for our trip to the reservation at Pine Ridge SD…leaving early on Saturday. So much yet to do…then this morning I received a text from a friend who referred me to the Upper Room for the devotional for today (June 10) and it reminded me of what I already knew…the God who created this earth and me, also created time and tasks. As long as He’s in control of my life, I will accomplish what He needs me to accomplish…nothing more, nothing less. Here’s the devotional:

The Clock is Ticking

Read Proverbs 3:1-8

I trust in you, O Lord . . . My times are in your hands. -Psalm 31:14-15 (NIV)

I seem to spend a great deal of my day fighting against the clock. There are always more things to be done than hours in the day to do them. Sleeping, nurturing my marriage, and taking time with each of my children can't be done quickly. And it seems that before I've blinked, another day has gone. Often the tasks don't seem worth the time they consume. Little time seems to be left to do the things I really want to do.

I never expected life to look like this. As a teenager and young adult, I prayed that I wouldn't be average. I wanted to be different and to change the world. I didn't expect life to involve rushing around washing socks.

How relieved I am, therefore, to discover that God can and does make the ordinary extraordinary. Day by day, as I follow God's paths -- as I trust and obey -- I become more content. I've seen that however mundane some tasks may seem, small acts can have greater impact than anyone could have imagined. Who knows, for instance, how my children might change the world for God? What I do know is that God goes ahead of me and walks beside me. God is not restricted or pressured by clocks or calendars, and my times are in God's hands.

Jenny Sanders (Hampshire, England)

Prayer
Dear Father God, help us to know your peace as we walk through the days you have ordained for us. Amen.

Thought for the day
When we obey in trust, God can use our small actions to accomplish much good.

Prayer Focus
Those who feel harried