Parent Steps

The power of parenting is an incredible thing. I have seen many times over the disfunction of the family handed down to the children. I have had many a parent in my office wondering why their children act the way they do and I think to myself - they're just modeling the mess in your own life. Now, godly parenting isn't a guarantee of godly kids. Sometimes the best homes are devastated by a child gone bad. However, biblical parenting does increase the odds that the kids will follow in the steps of mom and dad.

I have been reading through the Kings lately. I've noticed how many times the text reads, "...and he followed in the steps of his father." Israel had a continual string, with a few exceptions, of an ungodly father producing an equally ungodly heir. On the other hand, Judah, with a few exceptions, had just the opposite; a father (king) who served the Lord and then a son doing the same.

I'm thankful each morning as I pray for my three girls that my prayers aren't for God to return them to Him, but instead for Him to keep them near. I'm ever mindful as I lead my home that I set a pattern for my kids to follow. Will anger be their model, or will quiet strength and peace be the norm? Will they see the bible as a prominent guide as mom and dad read, study and apply it, or will it be a dust-gathering old book that is dragged out on Sundays (when we can find it)?

A friend recently told me of her trip to the beach where she noticed her daughter trailing behind in the sand and attempting to walk in her steps. What a powerful analogy of the responsibility and authority we have in molding our little ones to follow after the Lord. Let it be ever in our thoughts that we are mostly likely to read of our own kids, "they followed in the steps of their parents."

Thanksgiving Day

What an interesting concept - a day of thanksgiving. As I ponder the idea of the day I am mindful that for the follower of Christ every day is thanksgiving day. We should be the most thankful people in the world. But, in an effort to support the holiday, here is a short list of my "thankful for's" before starting the bird:

My Lord

Grace

The Holy Spirit

My Wife

My Children

My Parents (both still alive)

Family

Church Family

Freedom

Those that provided it and still do

Pets

Motorcycles

I'm a U.S. Citizen

I'm a Virginian

Good Health

Ditto for my family

All the great blessings that "come down from the Father of lights"

Happy Thanksgiving day to all.

The Blessing of Resistance

I have incorporated into my morning routine, for some time now, the habit of exercising. Monday, Wednesday, Friday - weight training; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday - cardio. I injured my shoulder recently and so have been using lighter weights with slower repetitions. It's amazing how performing slower movements adds to the difficulty of the exercise and different muscle use. I hurt (in a good way) more today than if I had been lifting heavier amounts. I am finding that resistance is the key. Where there is resistance, there is muscle growth.

The apostle James starts his letter in the New Testament with the idea of resistance. "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds...because the testing of your faith develops perseverance...". Seriously, how many of us find ourselves in trouble or hard times and think, "How joyful"? None of us want trials, tribulation, testing, tough circumstances, pain, etc. However, most of us would agree that in hindsight, it was during those times we actually grew in our faith the most.

So, here's to resistance. Here's to fighting the good fight, perseverance, pressing on towards the goal and all those other encouragements to keep on keeping on we find in scripture. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to find the Icy Hot.

What are you doing here? -God

Have you ever reached a place in life when you wondered how you got there? The chain reaction of decisions that led us down the various paths of life can be hard to understand in hindsight. Even if we could detail out what led us to the place we find ourselves, it is often unfruitful to dwell on the past. Sometimes we want to blame God for "allowing" us to make poor decisions. Sometimes we even believe God dragged us into the mire we're in.

I'm still thinking about Elijah and his escape to the cave. Even after God fed him via the creative use of ravens, Elijah heads off on a forty day trek. When he gets to the cave he hears God ask, "What are you doing here?" That is SO funny if you think about it. It's so like God to get right to the point. The thought came to me that God could've spoke to Elijah when in route. Say, third or fifteenth day in, "Where are you going, Elijah?" But NO, God allows Elijah to wander towards his destination and waste forty days doing so, only to hear God ask him why he's even there.

I don't want to wander one day in my life. I don't ever want to reach a place where God asks me what I'm doing. I don't ever want to be in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong people, or busy at the wrong things. I especially need to be on guard in the midst of or just following a huge victory. Life is too short and God has so much more for me that I should worry about what an ungodly queen might do to me. So, here's to calling down fire, killing prophets and out running chariots - sure beats a forty day pity walk any day.

The cave of self-pity

There's an old saying, "Watch out when you think you're riding high on the hog, next thing you know you'll be laying in the pig pen". I'm always mindful that success doesn't breed success. Most of us can attest that we have had incredible mountain top moments in life only to find ourselves in the valley soon afterward. It is only as we stay connected to the Lord and His divine plan that we can expect to see His hand in operation in our lives. There is no one who is not susceptible to feelings of abandonment; feelings of purposelessness.

Elijah was arguably one of the greatest of biblical prophets. He is remembered this day for calling fire down on the sacrifice at Mt. Carmel. He put to death all the prophets of Baal, prayed for and received rain, out ran a chariot (busy day). Then he hears a rumor of Queen jezebel's anger and determination to kill him. What does he do? Does he call Israel to the big showdown? Does he head to the palace to show here what's what? No. He runs and hides in a cave and must hear the Lord ask, "What are you doing here?"

It's a funny question you must admit. God knew what Elijah was doing there - He knows every man's heart. He wanted Elijah to consider it. He put to death 450 men, but feared the wrath of one woman.

Before we throw Elijah under the bus, let's look at ourselves. How much whining do we do? How much cave time have we had lately? How often do we go from overcomer to overcome? Do not lose heart. Keep His desire and passion before you. Keep calling down fire, praying for change and out running chariots. As we do these things we will keep ourselves from the cave of self-pity.

Days of Gray

From where I sit in the morning and have my devotions, I can see out our living-room picture window and down to the neighborhood pond. For 8-9 months of the year it is a beautiful view; Spring flowers, Summer grass, Fall foliage - God's handiwork is a magnificent thing. Then there's winter. This morning I look out and see stark trees, skeletons of the once lush countryside; barren bushes and fading grass. The paper birch just outside the window reveals every little bird sprinting through its naked branches. Winter seems a lonely time, a time of waiting; of anticipation. It reminds me of Jesus' three days in the tomb.

I wonder when I read the gospel accounts of the crucifixion of Christ and His subsequent burial, what were the thoughts of the apostles. Ordinary men, fisherman, tax collector, shepherds; men not necessarily used to reasoning out the deep things of life. It must have seemed like a long "winter time". The waiting, the wondering, the talking in hushed tones, the questions. Suddenly there's a knock at the door and life blooms again.

There will come a day when I look out my window and see blossoms on the dogwood again. Until then, I wait in peaceful anticipation. Everything seems more more vibrant after days of gray anyway.

Bird food - really

Have you ever seen the movie, "The Birds" by Alfred Hitchcock? It's so awesome - a classic. A small sea-town is besieged by birds gone mad. They attack people, kill a school teacher, and create mayhem, generally. I don't know why, but my reading of Elijah being fed by ravens in 1 Kings 17 reminded me of this movie. I am literally laughing as I think of what "meat" they my have been bringing...and where did they get the bread? Did God provide some self-grown, baked bread on the plains, or were they swiping it from house windows while it cooled? By the way, why ravens? Why not something more masculine like eagles, hawks or something? (Maybe they would've eaten the meat)

However you have fun with the text (and think God's cool with our imagination), the point is if we follow His leading, He'll always meet our needs - often in a creative way we didn't expect. So here's to the birds and their famed account of divine provision. Since I've let dinner burn while typing this, I wonder if I could flag down a passing bluejay?

Liftoff

As much as I look forward to heaven; to an eternity of companionship with Jesus; to incredible discussions with saints of the past - prophets, kings, etc., there is one thing I can't help imagining more. In 1 Thessalonians 5 and 1 Corinthians 15 we get a pretty cool glimpse of the end of time as we know it. The word says Jesus is going to step out of heaven with a shout, the dead will rise, and somewhere between earth and the clouds will be given immortal bodies (incorruptible). That is gonna be SO COOL. Just imagine (I don't know how He's going to do it) Jesus shouting to the dead Christians to come out of the graves, the graves busting open, dirt flying, people screaming, shouts from the risen - pandemonium on earth. Then, BAM!, skeletons turn to angels and the rest of us launch to go with them and BAM!, we morph as well. How awesome is that?

You know, the things we go through day to day can seem so BIG can't they? I'm not minimizing problems and heartache, but consider, when the "shout" comes, ain't nothing else gonna matter. Don't think pastor's live on easy street either when it comes to life-hurdles; we have struggles like everybody else. As I write, I have a wife who can barely walk due to debilitating back pain, but the peace we share with all believers is that this life is only temporary. Why does God allow pain? - that's a whole 'nother blog. Suffice to say, human frailty will always be with us. There's always trouble, always hurt, always failure, always struggle, but one day...there's going to be a shout! What's important is that we're ready to fly.

The Israel Factor

I like to surround myself with followers of Christ. You know who I mean - the ones who are really doing it right; the ones that strive to lead godly lives and discern God's voice and calling on their lives. I must surround myself with them - for those of us in ministry are constantly barraged by many who are doing it wrong. It is true that some who come for counseling are just going through a difficult time or need good counsel, but often the situations discussed in most pastor's offices are due to what I am beginning to call "the Israel factor".

When you read through the book of 1st Kings you begin to notice something. After the division of Israel into Israel and Judah (thanks to Rehoboam), we read chapter after chapter of the struggle of Israel compared to the relative ease of Judah. There is constant treason and murder in the king's house. The reason is found in the announcement of their kings. Most for Israel read, "...and he did what was evil in the Lord's sight", while most for Judah read, "...and he did what was right in the Lord's sight". It's not rocket science; Lead our homes as is right in the sight of the Lord and we will increase our chances of reaping the peace of that decision. Notice - it's NOT a guarantee, but a pretty good investment strategy.

So, thank you to all you guys who allow us pastors to point at you and say, "just do like they do". Come to think of it, that's what Paul said. There really is a better kingdom to be had, a more peaceful home, a more purposeful life, a more fulfilling destiny; if we will only, "Do what is right in the Lord's sight".

Grandma's obscene image

I love when I come across scriptures I had not noticed before, especially ones that are "different", if you know what I mean. I read one today that is not only odd, but has a great lesson in it. It's found in 1 Kings 15:13. It's worth including just as written. "He (King Asa) also removed his grandmother Maacah from being queen mother because she had made an obscene image of Asherah." Does this verse strike you as funny as it does me? This is one of those times when I'm glad the bible doesn't have pictures. This was one wild grandma. I imagine her tattooed up in her leather queen suit traveling around setting up obscene images of false gods. Most of us have a wild relative (some of us more), but she was the queen mother! Asa is doing his best to serve the Lord and lead his kingdom to do the same and right in his own house, grandma is subverting his authority.

I love that Asa had the courage and the integrity to remove gramma and cut down that nasty image. It's never easy when we've got to stand against family or friends for something we know is right. It's only in those times when we may feel alone, or betrayed, or mis-understood, that our desire to live righteous (notice, not "self-righteous") before God is what gives us strength and the determination to make the hard decisions as well as carry them out.

So, next time Grandma wants to erect an "obscene image", take heart - you're not the only one with black sheep in the family.

The Spirit of Pollyanna

It's not often I read something scary in the Bible. A little history, a little songwriting, a lot of teaching and theology, some awesome records of the Son of God interacting with man. But something really rocked me today. Did you know that I have the power to put out the Spirit's fire! Imagine, little ol' me; a vapor in the wind, a mist, a blade of grass - here today and gone tomorrow. Guess what, so do you. We can actually extinguish the third person of the Trinity, God, the Spirit. Whoa. Don't believe me? Check out Thessalonians 5:19. There it is, see? Now, instead of talking about how we do that, let's look at why we shouldn't. As Paul continues his thought, he says, "Test everything. Hold onto the good."

I read the news online instead of watching it on t.v. I especially pay attention to the "most read" section. What people are focusing on is almost as interesting as the news itself. One thing I've noticed - bad news is like a magnet for the attention. Finding a positive story is tough, I know, but why do you think? It's because no one reads them (well, very few). Take a look over the most read section and it's no wonder that fear dominates our society. People are afraid of the economy, the war (pick one), the weather. We're afraid of relationships failing because Hollywood's do (If those perfect people can't make it work - who can?). Why is it we can't focus on the good things? Is it because the very Spirit of good isn't getting enough oxygen?

We dare not put out the Spirit's fire because it is the one thing that turns our heart to the good in life. It's the Spirit that kindles that Pollyanna attitude and plays the "glad game". It's the Spirit that looks beyond today and our circumstances and sees tomorrow and it's possibilities. So let's fan the flame as Paul encourages Timothy and make some good news of our own - just don't expect to read it online.

Dumb advice

Have you ever taken advice from stupid people? Oh yeah, who hasn't, right? It amazes me how much influence our peers can have over our lives. Most of us old folks can remember (and would like to forget) times when we did really no-brainer things all because a friend thought it was a good idea. If it was such a good idea, why didn't they do it? I read an account today of someone taking really dumb advice.

Rehoboam (Solomon's son), was about to take over the kingdom his father had built. He seeks the advice of the very men who had helped build this great nation. Then, he turns to his young friends, and they give him some really stupid advice to the contrary. Guess who he follows? Yup. Next thing you know, he loses 80% of his kingdom and fights the rest of his life to hang on to what little he has.

Counselors - today we say friends. There's no lack of advice in our facebook world, when we have hundreds of friends at the click of a mouse. Some good advice, some not so good. The important thing is the wiser the peers we gather around us, the more likely we receive good advice. So, when you've got a big decision to make...make sure you ask the right people. Oh yeah, don't discount the old guys. We've already figured out most the stuff that doesn't work. Of course, that's just an old guys opinion.

Listen to the Right Voice

One of the toughest scriptures for me to swallow is found in 1 Kings, chapter 13. A man of God receives the word of the Lord to go to Bethel and prophecy against the priests who were offering sacrifices to idols. He was told by God not to drink or eat in that land until his return. On his way home he meets another prophet who lies and says an angel told him to bring the man of God back to his house so he might eat bread and drink water. The man of God believes the prophet and does so. Afterward, on his trip home, he is attacked and killed by a lion. Here's the bizarre part - the prophet then went and got his body so he might mourn and bury him. At his death, he wanted buried beside the man of God he had tricked, for he knew his prophecy to be true. Go figure.

I've mulled over this for some time. In my seeking the Spirit's guidance on this text, I keep hearing, "Make sure it is My voice you listen too".

There are a lot of voices that clamor for our attention and action. There's lots of stuff we can throw ourselves into; lots of good things, helpful things, godly things. But no matter what can be done, it's important to remember what should be done. Have you heard God's voice lately? What's He whispering to you? Don't worry about what others are saying - if it opposes what you believe the Lord has spoken to you. After all, who wants to be lion food?

Freedom

Freedom, it can either liberate us or in-prison us. Paul says we are set free from the law of sin and death. In other words, we are free to draw as near to God as we want. We are free to enjoy all the good things in life. We are free to bless people, serve others, and feel good about ourselves. We are free to experience purpose, peace and joy. On the other hand, if we choose to be bound by the law of sin and death we will use our freedom to place ourselves back into bondage. We are also free to suffer all the consequences of selfishness, greed, and living only for ourselves. We are free to ignore God, and run to all the ugly things in life. We are free to endure emptiness, anxiety and shame.

I spoke with someone recently who wanted God to keep all bad things from happening to them, but expected their parents to let them live as they pleased - regardless of what may happen to their child. In other words - live like hell with no consequences. But Paul makes it very clear in Romans 8 that living by the Spirit has much different consequences than living by the flesh. Check it out, and consider walking in the liberating freedom of the Spirit.

Glory and Joy

Pastoring is a funny thing. You've probably heard it said that being a pastor is hard. However, as a pastor, I can tell you pastoring is anything but hard. When I think of hard jobs I tend to think of physical labor. Ditch digging is hard. Farming is hard. Concrete work is hard. Some of the hardest work I've ever done has been on missions trips. But it's also been some of the most rewarding work. Why? When I finish a block wall, I can see it. I go to bed at night knowing it's done - never to need rebuilt again.

I think that's what pastors are saying when we say ministry's hard. I think what is really meant is wearisome (exhausting in an emotional way). I was reading Thessalonians this morning. In the first few chapters Paul shares how he struggled for them. He worked all day and all night. He agonized in prayer for them. He worried about them - to the point of sending Timothy to them, for they were (as he put it) his glory and joy. I think that's what pastor's mean. Ministry is never done. We agonize over the flock day and night. The "wall" (people and their lives) can tumble down at any time during the night. Personal joys often seemed dampened by the "weight" of others' struggles and sadness. Family nights (and they don't come often), depend on the phone.

Pastors can't do anything else. Before you think this sounds whiny, let me say true pastors willingly give themselves because like Paul, the flock is our glory and joy. Lisa and I took the weekend away. We needed some quiet time to refresh, but also a time to let God re-calibrate the calling. Honestly, when pastors grow weary of the phone, it's time to do that. Getting away always stirs in me a desire to get back. My heart can't be away from those I care about for long. So, I'm up early today, looking forward to putting a few fallen blocks back up on the wall. God is good. Wait, I think I hear my cell phone...

Marriage Investments

A short blog today as Lisa and I are about to leave for our yearly get away. Each fall we choose a destination (usually mountainous to enjoy fall colors) and take a few days, just her and I, investing in our relationship. Great marriages don't just happen. They are intentional. Our time away allows us to dream together, remember the past, talk of the future, and make sure that when the kids are gone - we're still best friends looking forward to many years ahead together. So, as we head into our 24th year of marriage, we head into the mountains for the weekend to insure at least another 24 are ahead. How are your relationship investments doing? Maybe it's time to invest in the stock.

The gift that keeps giving

It's so funny how obvious gifts can be to people other than yourself. At our small group last night we were discussing pastoral gifts for a bit and as an example I said, "I'll mention a gift, you say a pastor's name. So, compassion: everyone said Pastor Lou (our seniors pastor). I said, vision: everyone said Pastor Frank (our Lead Pastor). They wanted to continue, but we had to move on. Afterward though, I began to think about each one's gift. This obviously led to my own pastoral gift(s).

The word proclaims we are each have a gift, solely for the purpose of ministering to the body (others). Some, the gift of wisdom, other generosity, some hospitality. Have you ever thought about the unique gift God has endowed you with? Figure it out. Ask someone, I'll bet they can tell you faster, then go on out there and give it to somebody.

Fine Gold

When we total the monetary value of the elements in our bodies and the value of the average person's skin, we arrive at a net worth of $4.50! The U.S. Bureau of Chemistry and Soils invested many a hard-earned tax dollar in calculating the chemical and mineral composition of the human body, which breaks down as follows:

65% Oxygen

18% Carbon

10% Hydrogen

3% Nitrogen

1.5% Calcium

1% Phosphorous

0.35% Potassium

0.25% Sulfur

0.15% Sodium

0.15% Chlorine

0.05% Magnesium

0.0004% Iron

0.00004% Iodine

Additionally, it was discovered that our bodies contain trace quantities of fluorine, silicon, manganese, zinc, copper, aluminum, and arsenic. Together, all of the above amounts to less than one dollar!

I was reading about the temple details found in 1 Kings ch. 5 and 6 this morning when this thought of worth came to mind. The temple was built with costly cedar and then EVERYTHING was overlaid with fine gold. Imagine. Now, the temple was a shadow of the ultimate temple God planned for the future - you and me! He would dwell in an earthly temple for now, but His ultimate purpose was to dwell in the human heart. That temple is more valuable than anything man could fabricate.

So, if the Old Testament temple was symbolic of my body as a temple, I'm planned well, made of the best stuff, overlaid with fine gold, and am the apple of God's eye. Whoa; walking temples of gold. Remember that the next time you meet a child of God; we may not look it, but we really are quite valuable.

Whadyawant?

Have you ever thought about the prayers God must hear? I know most are well founded and the heart of the petitioner is pure, but you must admit there are probably some real loopy ones as well. Just as a pastor, I've had to bite my lip to keep from laughing at some that come across my desk/inbox (I'd mention some...but those would be the very ones to read my blog). Then I think back over the petitions that regularly make it off my lips. I've asked for some pretty silly things in the past. Most prayers focus on you and I, don't they? Lord, give me, make me, bless me, show me, etc. I'm so glad God has a sense of humor. I'm even more glad He doesn't say yes to everything I ask for.

King Solomon found himself in an interesting position once. God actually came and asked him to name anything and He would give it to him (1 Kings 3:5-15). Can you imagine? Whoa! Anything? This may take a while, Lord - have a seat. Seriously, what would I have asked? I'd like to think my motives would be selfless, like Solomon's, but would they? Let me give an example; when I pray for my kids, do I pray more for their protection and blessing, or more for their use for God's glory - no matter what? How about my wife, family, my finances, or even...me? Think about it. What really is at the heart of my prayers?

I'd write a little more, but I think it's knees on the carpet time.

Bugs and bee spit

John the Baptist is one of the coolest dudes in the Bible. Seriously, he's a renegade (in a good way). He makes me think of a "man's man" in his demeanor and directness. No propriety, rules, tradition; just a wild man after God. One of my favorite verses about him is found in John chapter 1, verse 35; "The next day John was there again...". John had just done a handoff to Jesus, turned over the ministry, hired the professional, been surpassed by one more competent. Surely it was time to kick back; maybe a little traveling, golf or some such leisure. Not John, no way! Even after the launch of Jesus' ministry, when he knew his own would start to diminish, there he was, at his post, fulfilling his call.

So many in Christian ministry have a hard time at faithfulness when the spotlight isn't on. It's easy to serve or lead when that thing is dynamic, growing, capturing other leaders' attentions. But serving, leading when the music fades and the crowds begin to disappear - wow, that's when we need a John the Baptist spirit; the kind that shows up the next day at the post, the kind that gets there early for class even when only one or two show up, the kind that fills the role we've held for years when others are getting promoted around us.

So here's to all the wild men and women out there chasing after God. You may have to be satisfied with a locust or some honey now and then, but hey, even bugs and bee spit can taste good when we're in His will.