"Together on the Journey..." is how I often sign off from my Pastoral Columns in the church newsletter. I do that to remind us that we are on a journey of faith, exploration, and discovery. We have not arrived! And we are on that journey together! Not alone.
I read this recently in Todd Hunter's book, "Giving Church Another Chance". "The vast majority of us, because of the way the gospel has been preached in our generation, have thought that faith equals doctrinal agreement. But it doesn't work that way in the Bible. Abraham followed God long before he had a good theological grasp of what was going on. The disciples, while actively engaged in following Jesus, learned doctrinal truth and a new way to read and understand the Jewish Scriptures AS THEY WENT ALONG."
So much to be said of traveling together on the journey and inviting others to explore and discover along with us as we follow Jesus wherever he leads!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
B2B....
As Children of God's, we are Blessed to Bless! B2B!
Some truths about blessing...
1. Blessing is God's Idea! We don't need to beg God for a blessing! He blesses us... SO THAT we can bless others!
2. Blessings are not given to keep for ourselves! We are blessed to be a blessing to others!
3. When we bless others, they open up to the possibility of God in their life!
4. Blessing others is EASY! It's a matter of 4 simple things. 1). Recognize God as the source of our blessing. 2). Open your eyes... opportunities for blessing others abound! If you see a way to bless others, it is yours to do. If it is bigger than you can do by yourself... include others. 3). ACT! If you only see an oppotunity to bless others and don't act, it didn't do any good to see it! and finally, 4). Stand Back and watch what God does in the lives of those you bless.
When you and I share our blessing with others by blessing them, for the most part we will find that blessing begets blessing and the world becomes a richer place!
So, who will you bless today?!
Some truths about blessing...
1. Blessing is God's Idea! We don't need to beg God for a blessing! He blesses us... SO THAT we can bless others!
2. Blessings are not given to keep for ourselves! We are blessed to be a blessing to others!
3. When we bless others, they open up to the possibility of God in their life!
4. Blessing others is EASY! It's a matter of 4 simple things. 1). Recognize God as the source of our blessing. 2). Open your eyes... opportunities for blessing others abound! If you see a way to bless others, it is yours to do. If it is bigger than you can do by yourself... include others. 3). ACT! If you only see an oppotunity to bless others and don't act, it didn't do any good to see it! and finally, 4). Stand Back and watch what God does in the lives of those you bless.
When you and I share our blessing with others by blessing them, for the most part we will find that blessing begets blessing and the world becomes a richer place!
So, who will you bless today?!
Friday, July 23, 2010
A Distinctive....
There are many distinctives about the Church of the Brethren that make us stand out from other denominations. One major distinctive is the role community plays in understanding scripture. It is much more part of who we are to gather as a group and share insights about a passage than it is to allow one person to dominate the moment by only sharing their insight with no input from others. For the early Brethren and for me, great value is found in gathering around the Bible as a community and learning from one another!
Perhaps this is part of what Jesus meant when he said, "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am."
I find this kind of engagement with Scripture, God, and each other to be very fulfilling and uplifting and hard work in order to be open to hearing perspectives different from my own. Always when I am part of such an engagement, I come away feeling richer from the experience than sitting in my own or listening to a "talking head" share their perspective!
In fact it is hard work to engage with others and have something positive come out of the experience but it is well worth the effort!
Perhaps this is part of what Jesus meant when he said, "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am."
I find this kind of engagement with Scripture, God, and each other to be very fulfilling and uplifting and hard work in order to be open to hearing perspectives different from my own. Always when I am part of such an engagement, I come away feeling richer from the experience than sitting in my own or listening to a "talking head" share their perspective!
In fact it is hard work to engage with others and have something positive come out of the experience but it is well worth the effort!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Joy
Here is a quote from a book I am reading - "If the Church Were Christian: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus by Phillip Gulley.
"For the joy of Christian faith is not to be found in the rote recitation of dogmas about Jesus, but in modeling his mercy and love, which alone have the power to transform us and our world."
Jesus gives us what we need to join him in the mission of transforming the world! Won't you use that power? It's called love and mercy!
"For the joy of Christian faith is not to be found in the rote recitation of dogmas about Jesus, but in modeling his mercy and love, which alone have the power to transform us and our world."
Jesus gives us what we need to join him in the mission of transforming the world! Won't you use that power? It's called love and mercy!
Blessed to Be a Blessing...
Blessed by God to be a blessing to others! That is our call as followers of Jesus! It is our call as members of Community of Joy! God has richly blessed us so that we would be a blessing to others... blessing begets blessing.
Opportunities to bless others abound... doesn't have to be big ways either... blessings come in all sizes! Just have to open our eyes and hearts...
It is our topic for Sunday a.m. and it is the call on our lives!
Who have you blessed today?
Opportunities to bless others abound... doesn't have to be big ways either... blessings come in all sizes! Just have to open our eyes and hearts...
It is our topic for Sunday a.m. and it is the call on our lives!
Who have you blessed today?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
An Incredible FREE Resource....
Check out the videos on http://www.missio.us/. Go to the video page and create a free account, then watch all 6 starting with number 1. These guys are on to a major shift we in the church need to make if we are going to have an impact on the world in the years to come!
Lord Have Mercy On ME!
Still pondering part of Bartemaeus' story as it is recorded in Mark 10:46-52.
Bartemaeus is sitting by the roadside (forced to the margins), looked down on as a blind beggar. Along comes Jesus and a big crowd of people is following Jesus. Bart calls out to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" But some of the crowd of people who are following Jesus, tell Bart to "Shut Up!"
That's the part that I am pondering. How often do I try to keep people from connecting with Jesus? How many times have I dismissed people on the margins from encountering Jesus? My actions, words, way of life - all have a way of dismissing people, pushing people farther away from Jesus.
And isn't it interesting, that Bart has something to teach me! For those times in my life when I write people off, or push them to the margins, or try to keep them from Jesus - I need to shout out like Bart... "Lord Have Mercy on ME!"
Think about the impact the church (those who follow Jesus) could have if we cried out, "Lord Have Mercy On ME!" and stopped doing things that inhibited people from connecting with Jesus.
Jesus tries to teach us that in this encounter! For he tells those following him to tell Bart to "come"! In the matter of seconds, Jesus and Bart teach us a shift we need to make in our lives... from "shut up" to "come"!
Lord Have Mercy on ME! and YOU! and US!
Bartemaeus is sitting by the roadside (forced to the margins), looked down on as a blind beggar. Along comes Jesus and a big crowd of people is following Jesus. Bart calls out to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" But some of the crowd of people who are following Jesus, tell Bart to "Shut Up!"
That's the part that I am pondering. How often do I try to keep people from connecting with Jesus? How many times have I dismissed people on the margins from encountering Jesus? My actions, words, way of life - all have a way of dismissing people, pushing people farther away from Jesus.
And isn't it interesting, that Bart has something to teach me! For those times in my life when I write people off, or push them to the margins, or try to keep them from Jesus - I need to shout out like Bart... "Lord Have Mercy on ME!"
Think about the impact the church (those who follow Jesus) could have if we cried out, "Lord Have Mercy On ME!" and stopped doing things that inhibited people from connecting with Jesus.
Jesus tries to teach us that in this encounter! For he tells those following him to tell Bart to "come"! In the matter of seconds, Jesus and Bart teach us a shift we need to make in our lives... from "shut up" to "come"!
Lord Have Mercy on ME! and YOU! and US!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Colorado Bound....
After years of planning, preparation and anticipation... the group is off! They left the ministry center this morning around 5:15... they will pick up Mycal in Wye Mills and meet Melissa in Colorado... then they will all be together.
Prayers abound for a safe and transformative experience for all!
Here is a pic of our consecration of them last week...
Friday, July 16, 2010
Giving Church Another Chance
Just finished reading Todd Hunter's newest book, Giving Church Another Chance. Great read... much to think about.
Here is a quote I appreciated. "The reason we need to think aobut repracticing our faith is that millions of us have allowed church and our Christian lives to be compartmentalized from our daily routines. Our faith is reserved for Sunday Morning. Our piety makes no difference in our everyday lives. We are blessed in the benediction and fearfully cling to it rather than pour it out."
Here is a quote I appreciated. "The reason we need to think aobut repracticing our faith is that millions of us have allowed church and our Christian lives to be compartmentalized from our daily routines. Our faith is reserved for Sunday Morning. Our piety makes no difference in our everyday lives. We are blessed in the benediction and fearfully cling to it rather than pour it out."
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Love
Eugene Peterson writes... "No matter how right we are in what we believe about God, no matter how accurately we phrase our belief of how magnificently and persuasively we preach or write or declare it, if love does not shape the way we speak and act, we falsify the creed, we confess a lie. Believing without loving is what gives religion a bad name. Believing without lovine destroys lives, believing without loving turns the best of creeds into a weapon of oppression."
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
One of the Roles of Parents
For a year and a half now, I have had a sign plastered in my office, in many locations, reminding me that it is time to "let go"! One of the roles parents play in their children's lives is to prepare them for life on their own. Sharon and I have been working at that for all these years and now we are on the crest of seeing just how well we have done in that preparation. I beleive the verdict will be great!
Yeasterday, Caroline and I left home to come to Bridgewater so that she could experience driving 5 hours all at one time - previously she had not driven more than an hour and a half at a time. The other purpose of our trip was to get her experience driving on the beltway and in very heavy traffic and to let her begin to learn her way here. She passed that test with flying colors! Great Job!
Today we get to meet her room mate and look at her room on campus (at noon). So, that by the end of August she will be fully ready to tackle this next part of her journey.
It is so exciting to see her begin to test her wings! I am confident that she will soar and am excited to see her do so!
Yeasterday, Caroline and I left home to come to Bridgewater so that she could experience driving 5 hours all at one time - previously she had not driven more than an hour and a half at a time. The other purpose of our trip was to get her experience driving on the beltway and in very heavy traffic and to let her begin to learn her way here. She passed that test with flying colors! Great Job!
Today we get to meet her room mate and look at her room on campus (at noon). So, that by the end of August she will be fully ready to tackle this next part of her journey.
It is so exciting to see her begin to test her wings! I am confident that she will soar and am excited to see her do so!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Words to Live By....
Years ago, during a Sunday School Class at Community of Joy, Grant Mahan shared some words that he lived by. They are a great challenge for all of us, so I share them with you.
Three things that Grant did not want to have to answer for:
1. the mistreatment or hindrance of the church, because the church is Christ's bride.
2. Hindrance or hurting of a child, because of such is the Kingdom of God.
3. Hindrance or hurt to a woman, because she is God's gift to man.
If we would all live by these there things, our world would be a better place and the church would be less conflicted and more able to fulfill the mission it has been given!
Three things that Grant did not want to have to answer for:
1. the mistreatment or hindrance of the church, because the church is Christ's bride.
2. Hindrance or hurting of a child, because of such is the Kingdom of God.
3. Hindrance or hurt to a woman, because she is God's gift to man.
If we would all live by these there things, our world would be a better place and the church would be less conflicted and more able to fulfill the mission it has been given!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Annual Conference Pictures
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Something I Never Thought I'd Do....
While at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, Sharon talked me into competing in the Brethren Benefit Trust 5K Fitness Challenge Walk/Run. So, I signed up. Paid my $10. Told my friend I was going to win it... he laughed and asked how long I had been training for it. I told him I was walking not running but was going to compete. Sharon said, "you walk anyways in the morning, just walk in it and don't worry about being competitive." But I am competitive by nature and why would I pay money to do something that I was gonna do anyways? So, I got near the front of the 166 people strong crowd at the starting line and when they said go, it began for sure for me!
My mile time was 11:29. And my finish time was 35:54. I tied for 3rd and came in first in my age grouping beating the 2nd in my age group by nearly 10 minutes! The top walker's time was 31.23. And I learned that he has competed for years! I even completed the course well ahead of many runners! It felt so good!
After the race, the second place walker showed me some techniques that if I apply, will make me even faster. Who knows, I might just have found a new hobby! At least maybe a new activity at Annual Conference from now on!
Thanks to Diabetes, and the encouragement of my wife, I was able to compete in this first for me!
My mile time was 11:29. And my finish time was 35:54. I tied for 3rd and came in first in my age grouping beating the 2nd in my age group by nearly 10 minutes! The top walker's time was 31.23. And I learned that he has competed for years! I even completed the course well ahead of many runners! It felt so good!
After the race, the second place walker showed me some techniques that if I apply, will make me even faster. Who knows, I might just have found a new hobby! At least maybe a new activity at Annual Conference from now on!
Thanks to Diabetes, and the encouragement of my wife, I was able to compete in this first for me!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Seen on the Bus..
Seen on a bus today in Pittsburgh PA... "There is the church and there is the steeple. Here is the bus with all the people! "
Now church, think about that! SAD!!!!!!!!!!
Now church, think about that! SAD!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Two Books to Recommend
While on vacation, one of the things that I like to do, is sit in a chair by the campfire, looking at the stream below and read a book. This past week, I read two and both were winners in my mind! I would HIGHLY recommend both books to you to read.
The first is called "Serve God, Savet he Planet: A Christian Call to Action." by J. Matthew Sleeth, MD. And AWESOME book on the role we play and are called by God to play in regard to the care of the earth and all that live in it!
The second is called, "Make the Impossible Possible: One Man's Crusade to Inspire Others to Dream Bigger Dreams and Acheive the Extraordinary" by Bill Strickland about his journey out of the ghetto (even though he still lives there) and setting up some training centers that help others make that journey too! AWESOME book! Very INSPIRING!
The first is called "Serve God, Savet he Planet: A Christian Call to Action." by J. Matthew Sleeth, MD. And AWESOME book on the role we play and are called by God to play in regard to the care of the earth and all that live in it!
The second is called, "Make the Impossible Possible: One Man's Crusade to Inspire Others to Dream Bigger Dreams and Acheive the Extraordinary" by Bill Strickland about his journey out of the ghetto (even though he still lives there) and setting up some training centers that help others make that journey too! AWESOME book! Very INSPIRING!
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