On the way to Sunday . . . Extravagant Dessert

I'm fairly positive that Pumpkin Pie will not go down in the history of desserts as an extravagant dessert, but it is at the top of my list!

In the interest of full disclosure, Pumpkin Pie is my favorite dessert of all time. I could eat it all year and often due to thanks to a wonderful wife who bakes them for me!

But what could possibly makes Pumpkin Pie an extravagant dessert?


Every year my family would travel to Urbana, Indiana for Thanksgiving with my Dad's family. Grandma and Grandpa would lay out a feast like no other. When dinner was over, there was always dessert in many forms. As was tradition, Grandma always made a couple pumpkin pies.

Grandma knew I loved it. I was always polite and would have my one piece. I would then wait 'til everyone else had their choice of desserts and then whatever was leftover was mine to eat! Often this meant as much as half of an entire pie just for me!

One particular Thanksgiving, as I returned to the kitchen there was no pie leftover. I was disappointed, but I said nothing. As everyone finished and the dishes were being put away, my grandmother came over to me and whispered, "Go down to the basement and look in the refrigerator. There is something in there just for you."

Imagine my surprise. There on the shelf was an entire pumpkin pie with my name on it. From that year on, every time I visited my Grandparents, Grandma would bake a pie and hide it in the basement just for me!

I didn't need an entire pie. It was a bit extravagant, but it was a way for my grandmother to show how much she loved me.

Her pumpkin pies always tasted the best, perhaps it was the extra ingredient of love that made them better. One time she shared with me her secret recipe. I guess it really was that love that made them so special.

Now my wife bakes pumpkin pies with the same recipe as Grandma. A Dessert made extravagant by the love that goes into it's preparation. That will always make these pumpkin pies the best and most extravagant dessert for me!

Thanks Grandma and thank you Dink!

What does abundance look like?

I have to be honest. Since returning to ministry, I have not ever thought of myself as living with abundance. Especially, when I am paying the monthly bills.

Yesterday I had an experience that brought to light the abundance of my life that I take for granted. A gentleman stopped by my church office and asked for a ride to nearby town where a ride home would be waiting for him. It was a simple request and I was obliged to help him out. He was traveling home to Kentucky from Michigan. He had a duffel bag with him that weighed every bit of a 150#.

As we made our way out of town, I asked him if he had eaten anything. He replied, "I've had some snacks."

I said, "Let me buy you lunch."

He replied, "You know ... God's grace is amazing."

As we approached the McDonald's Drive-thru, I reached down to move my sunglasses from one of the drink holders in my car. I slipped it behind the CD Visor above my head. At that moment, I realized how much I had - sunglasses, CDs, money for lunch, a car, the list could go on.

As my new friend inhaled his lunch, I was filled with thoughts of gratitude - not for what I had, but for what I had been reminded of ...

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35 NIV

In that moment, I was reminded how much I had. I gave a small part of it to someone who needed it - even if they didn't ask for it and the result was an overwhelming blessing of gratitude.

We will never realize how much we have until the moments that we willingly give waht we have away.

When is the last time you experienced abundance in your life?

You're Invited: A Memorable Party

Jesus once hosted a party with over 5000 in attendance. No invitations were sent. They just showed up and apparently the party was a hit, as they followed Jesus to the next town and repeated the party. This group that had witnessed the activities of the previous day could not get enough. They had to find Jesus. They wanted more. That must have been some party!

But have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “Why did all the people come?

Let’s flashback and look at this party and what must have made it some memorable! The party in question you are already know about – the party I am talking about is simply known as The Feeding of the Five Thousand.

For the disciples, I am sure the resurrection day was at the top of their most memorable days. But this day has to be at least near the top on the list of the most memorable days spent Jesus. On this day the disciples reported to Jesus the success of their mission trips, helped feed 5000 from a couple pieces of bread and dried fish, witnessed Jesus walking on water, and saw crowds of sick people brought to Jesus and healed.

I am sure if we experienced just one of those things in a day it would rank among the most memorable days of our lives let alone all of them. This remarkable day was so memorable that it contains the only miracle that is recorded by all four gospels writers. This day left an impression on those that were there for years to come – 2000 years later we are still talking about it!

I believe that Jesus knew how to attract crowds and more importantly those that came to Him seemingly always left wanting more. When Jesus arrived, crowds seemingly instantly arrived in anticipation of what might happen. I believe most people came to get something – to be healed – to be entertained – to be part of the ‘party’ - to say “I was there.”

The day begins with a report on the mission trip that the disciples had been sent on. (Luke 9:10) Can you imagine the excitement of the reports as each pair of disciples told stories of healing and of repentance?

As was Jesus practice, He suggested a retreat for rest was in order. (Mark 6:31-32) The retreat did not last long as reports circulated that Jesus and the disciples were in the area. As the crowds came, Jesus began to teach. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “Why did all these people come? What were they looking for?” I believe many were there in hopes that this would be the beginning of the revolt to overthrow the Romans. I believe that most were there to get something – to say “I was there” – to be healed – to be fed – to be entertained – to be part of the ‘party.’ (John 6:2,15)

The gathered crowd grew weary and hungry. Jesus used the opportunity to feed the crowd by way of a miracle. The disciples who had earlier given reports of the many miracles they had been part of were at a loss as to how to feed the crowd. Jesus said to them, “You give them something to eat.” It is as if He was saying, if you are so concerned for them, feed them. The concern for someone’s needs is fine but you need do something about it. The disciples complained that what Jesus had asked was unreasonable. (John 6:7)

Jesus’ plan is that what they have at their disposal paired with God’s help will be enough. A small gift of two fish and five loaves was received. Jesus blessed the gift and ordered it be distributed. I am sure the disciples thought they would run out after the first half dozen people but they began to pass the bread and fish. By the end of the meal each was carrying his own basket of leftovers. (Luke 9:17)

Following the meal, Jesus sends the disciples ahead on the lake for a retreat and He takes a retreat as well. (John 6:16) During the evening as the storm rises on the lake, Jesus approaches them by walking on the water.

The following morning the group that had stayed behind with Jesus (or so they thought) realized that the Host of the previous day’s party had departed. The crowd quickly began to pursue Jesus. (John 6:22-24)

This group that had witnessed the activities of the previous day could not get enough. They had to find this Jesus. They were seeking more – another meal – another miracle – you name it. (Feed 4000 a different event)

I find it interesting that the next series of teachings that are recorded in the Gospels revolve around food – Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:25-59) – no food is unclean (Mark 7:1-23) – Crumbs at the table (Matthew 15:21-28) - the denial of self (Luke 9:23-27) – beware the yeast of the Pharisees (Matthew 16:5-12).

Finally, after all of these events the disciples figure out that Jesus is the Messiah (Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20).

Now that is a day to remember! No wonder they kept coming back wanting more!

One thing that this day reveals to us is that Jesus does not have to use us, but He does so anyway. Never forget God created the world with no help from us. And ever since then, He has chosen to use people, just plain folks, you and me, as His instruments on earth.

Jesus can accomplish anything He wants and yet He chooses to involve us. When we take the time to become personally involved in ministry we get to learn about Jesus and in the process we get to learn about ourselves.

Jesus didn’t do things to be memorable. He just did what came natural to Him. So, let’s look at what Jesus did that might also come natural to us:

1) Use what you have in Ministry with Others

You may say, “But, I don’t have enough of anything to make a difference!.” The small boy only had bread and fish. Have you considered that as a Christian, you have at least one spiritual gift. I know you do because the Bible promises that every believer has at least one gift from the Holy Spirit. This is your one “tiny fish.” Perhaps “your fish” is the talent or an ability that God gave you. We all have something. It may seem like what you have is insignificant, but that is not the point. The point is to say, “Here is what I have Lord use it.” And He will.

Have you ever thought God wanted you to do something that almost seemed absurd? How did you react? Have you ever looked at the resources you had at your disposal and said, “This will never be enough.”

God’s response is “just get started. I will take care of the rest.” Remember the disciples with a couple of fish and a few loaves? By the end of the meal each was carrying his own basket of leftovers.

2) Pray

Jesus started with a prayer. Jesus blessed the food. Then He calmly gave the disciples instructions to have the huge multitude sit down. Just as calmly, as if it happened every day, He began to distribute the five loaves, then the two fish, to the disciples who then distributed them to the crowd.

When Jesus prayed and then stuff started happening. NO less can be expected from us. Have you lifted up what you have to Jesus and asked Him to bless it? How much you have is not important. The important thing is to offer it to Jesus so He can bless it.

3) Become Available

Suppose the little boy had asked Jesus to give him the fish back? If you bring what you have to Jesus and give it to Him for Him to bless and multiply, you must then be willing for Him to use it. Too often we offer our gifts, but we want to attach strings – I’ll do this, but only if . . .

Sometimes the most memorable opportunities for ministry take place in the moments where we just make ourselves available (BTW, I like to think that the little boy took home one of the big baskets of leftover).

Still want to be part of something memorable?

If you have never trusted God with your time, or your talent, or your treasure, or all your resources, this is the time to start.

As you begin to give of what you have, you will discover that Jesus moves in where you are lacking and abundantly supplies what is needed.

When we give what we have to God, and we ask Him to bless it, that is when memorable things begins to happen.

Want to be part of something memorable?

You’re invited! The question is will you be a part of this memorable party?

A peek at Sundays to come . . .

I find inspiration for sermons and bible studies in the strangest of places and I often write short notes to myself and place them on or around my desk. I also pick up books that I want to read at some point and stack them up by my desk. This past week I found myself drowning in all the notes I had accumulated on my desk. I also discovered that I had a stack of books that would have made Yertle the Turtle proud. On top of that my head was spinning with ideas.

So, I took a couple of days to begin to outline a plan for the coming 12 months of Bible Studies and Sermons. If nothing else, I would at least de-clutter my desk and more importantly my head!

Want a sneak peek?

Check out my reduced reading list in no particular order:

Holy Curiosity by Winn Collier

Plan B by Pete Wilson

Running with the Horses by Eugene Peterson

Invitations from God by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun

Elijah by Gene A. Getz

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Small Faith Great God by N. T. Wright

Unhappy Secrets of the Christian Life by Phillip Yancey

Choosing Your Faith by Mark Mittelberg

Feel free to grab a book and read along.

Who knows where we will end up.

I feel much more organized and definitely de-cluttered.

Can't wait to find our what God has in store . . .

I'll be taking notes and leaving them on my desk . . .

So the cycle continues . . .

On the way to Sunday . . . How to Throw a Party

Times sure have changed. I still remember when a Birthday party meant cake, ice cream, pin the tail on the donkey, and a small gift bag for the guests. That was a party to remember! Apparently not anymore.

The film Project X has created a national conversation and caused us to ask, "How do you throw a party that will be remembered?"

A party designed to emulate the outrageous house party thrown in the film Project X has ended in tragedy, with a teenager dead following gunfire. A number of copycat parties have been thrown around the United States attempting to recreate the film's "ultimate party." Read about it here. You can even cHeck out this report: Growing Number of 'Project X' Party Copycats Lead to Arrests Nationwide - ABC News

Jesus once hosted a party with over 5000 in attendance. No invitations were sent. They just came to see Him. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “Why did all these people come? What were they looking for?” I believe that most came to get something – to say “I was there” – to be healed – to be fed – to be entertained – to be part of the ‘party.’

Apparently the party was a hit, as they followed Jesus to the next town and repeated the party. This group that had witnessed the activities of the previous day could not get enough. They had to find Jesus. They wanted more – another meal – another miracle – you name it.

Jesus didn’t do things to be memorable or popular.

Jesus was just doing what came natural to Him.

Want to be memorable?

Want to attract people?

Why not try being more like Jesus? It worked for Him.

People 200 years later are still talking about the party he hosted on the mountainsides of Galilee.

They must have been EPIC!

You're Invited: an Unexpected Guest

Jesus intended to pass through the city of Jericho. He had an agenda. He was on His way to Jerusalem. He was going to just pass through this city and would have if not for Zacchaeus, the head tax collector. His name meant clean and pure, but he was one of the chief corrupted men in Jericho – talk about irony!

You can read the actual story here.

By all accounts, he was religiously insignificant. He held a powerful position – tax collector - which he abused. Doubtlessly, he brought much pain and distress to countless others. He probably had very little moral fiber in him. He most likely was one of those who were shunned by those who knew their Scriptures. To those who considered themselves righteous and holy he was despised and hated. Yet he was a powerful man. His power, both economically and socially came about by preying on those who were less fortunate and defenseless. He would have used his political standing and his connections for his own benefit. Although he would have been wealthy and powerful, he probably had very few friends – Matthew would have understood this guy . . . Maybe Zaccheaus had even heard the stories of Matthew the former tax collector. Maybe that is why Zaccheaus want to see Jesus.

The sad thing for Zaccheaus is that he could not leverage his political or economic status to get into a pivotal position to meet this Man - Jesus. All he wanted was to catch a glimpse of the Man whom he had heard so much about. So despised was this social outcast that he had to rely on his own devices to get past the crowd. For Zaccheaus, just a glimpse of Jesus would do even if it was from a distance.

Why did Zaccheaus want to see this Man? Perhaps he had heard that Jesus was different than other Rabbis. While the others condemned, judged and ostracized, this One apparently spoke words of grace, mercy and love. This was the Man who said, "Neither do I condemn you...", Who healed the sick, brought sight to the blind, brought health to the sick, and transformed even the outcast adulteress. This Rabbi even had a tax collector that He called friend! Maybe this Healer of Souls might take away the hurt, pain, and loneliness that he felt. Maybe this Man could fill the void that he felt after all these years of cheating, conniving, watching over his shoulders, and of living without a friend in his world.

Zacchaeus did what he knew best. He relied on his own instincts. The crowd might be blocking his way and no one would be willing to help him to get to the front of the masses. He would go on ahead and climb up a tree. The tree he chose is one that is lush and thick with leaves that would hide his body so that no one else could see him. After all, this Man was a religious man and perhaps he did not want to be disappointed again. Religious men had condemned and rejected him in the past. They had made him uncomfortable in their presence. They had made it clear that his lifestyle was despised. They had required him to change before he would be accepted. They had treated him with contempt and with condescension. They had judged him, his associates and his lifestyle. Perhaps, this Man, this Jesus, would be no different. Better to be safe than sorry.

So he hid himself in a tall tree. Jesus, who was going to pass through this city, decided to put his plans on hold for one person. Zaccheaus will be one of the last individual people that Jesus will encounter on his way to the cross. He stops under the tree and says, "Zaccheaus, come down quickly! I must go to your house today. I must stay awhile at your house."

No wonder Zaccheaus’ life is transformed. Isn’t it amazing that there is no record that Jesus said anything else to this man? Jesus didn’t say, "Unless you change your lifestyle…" Or "Unless you repent…"

All Jesus did was reveal Himself by being with him, by staying at his house, by eating and drinking with him, and by being his friend. That was enough. Jesus became a guest at the table with a man who was considered a sinner by even the ordinary folks. So much so that they muttered among themselves. "He has gone to be the guest of a ’sinner’".

Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." At the table with Jesus, Zaccheaus makes a declaration of a transformed life.

Zaccheaus was known as a “taker” in the community and now has become a giver, a giver to the poor and to the powerless. A tax collector is known as a man who is willing make false charges against the innocent in order to collect the taxes. Zaccheaus make a promises of restoration with the promise that he will give to those he has cheated four time more than he has taken.

Life transformation happens when we are in right relationship with God.

This transformational living is the evidence of the faith that we confess.

Transformed living begins when we stop long enough to realize that Jesus wants to come into our lives right now. "Come down immediately." He doesn’t need to wait for us to clean up our act. "I must stay at your house today."

Notice that Jesus responds to the change that has taken place in the life of Zaccheaus. Jesus declared to everyone present, and to us today: "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

People, we are not called to change (or clean up) before coming to this table. For those who have been to the table with Jesus, we should be transformed people. Our lives should be evidence of our encounter with Jesus.

Zaccheaus offers evidence of his encounter. He is saying more than “I’m sorry.” He is offering evidence of his inner change.

Jesus is still seeking the lost, the lonely, and the outcast.

Jesus is still looking for those hiding in the sycamore trees or the internet.

There is not a need for us to climb a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus today.

There’s no need to clean the house, for Jesus accepts us just as we are, with all our sins, faults and imperfections.

The good news is that as it was long ago it is today. We search for meaning and purpose in life and Jesus passes our way, we catch a glimpse, and what else can we do but gladly welcome Him to the table?

Jesus is inviting us to a life of change – a life of transformational living.

A life lived is the evidence of one called to follow Jesus.

Does your life show evidence of the faith you claim?

On the way to Sunday . . . An Unexpected Guest

Have you heard this one?

Unexpected guests were on the way, and my mother, an impeccable housekeeper, rushed around straightening up. She put my father and brother to work cleaning the guest bathroom. Later, when she went to inspect it, she was surprised that the once-cluttered room had been tidied up so quickly. Then she saw the note on the closed shower curtains. It read "Thank you for not looking in the bathtub."

Too often, we think of Jesus as an unexpected guest.

We hear the invitation to join Jesus at the table, but instead of joining Him, we run around frantically trying to tidy up. We must look pretty silly to God as we stack up our lives behind the shower curtain.

Truth is Jesus invites us to the table - just as we are - no string attached.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

This invitation to follow Jesus is - Come as you are.

He already knows what you have hidden in the bathtub and invited you in spite of it.

See you Sunday!

You're Invited: A tax deductible Meal

I must admit that some of the best (and most expensive) meals I have ever eaten were of the tax deductible kind. Today along with Jesus, we will meet someone who routinely picked up the tab at the expense of the tax-payers. His name was Levi.

Levi was literate and an educated writer and scribe. Scholars believe that Levi developed a system of shorthand that actually allowed him to take notes with exacting detail. He was most likely fluent in both Greek and Aramaic. Greek was the official language while Aramaic was the local dialect. He resided in Capernaum located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This was a large region that was heavily populated. Many people lived and worked around the lake. It had numerous fisheries and lots of surface traffic because it was a major trade route through the region. The Romans set up a customhouse in the region and Levi was one the tax collectors or publicans. This was considered a lucrative and powerful position as those in this position were supported by the strength of the Roman Empire.

Levi had a very profitable job and was probably considered wealthy. He probably acquired great wealth and was not lacking in worldly needs. He was even able to provide (at the expense of the tax payers) lavish feasts to entertain guests. Though he was despised by most of his fellow countrymen, but it wouldn’t have stopped him from trying to buy some friends. He probably had other friends that were tax collectors and also quite wealthy. No harm in inviting them to my feasts – they will certainly return the favor! Levi would have also entertained officials from Rome who would have merely acknowledged his presence while benefiting from all the free food and drinks.

Tax Collectors were generally despised by their fellow Jews. Publicans were not allowed to testify in court, and they could not tithe their money to the temple as it was considered ill-gotten gains. Additionally a Jewish tax collector was not allowed in the temple to sacrifice and as a result was also considered unclean; therefore, any good Jew would not even associate with a tax collector in private life. No one liked the tax collectors. This position allowed one to truly be miserably rich. The only friends you had were the ones you bought. No one really liked you - not the Jews - not the Roman citizens.

Let’s meet this man, Levi, as Jesus meets with him at the table:

After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:27-32 NIV

Notice that after Levi responded to Christ’s invitation to come follow Him, his first action was to prepare a great feast and invite his friends to hear the words of Jesus. Levi felt called to share his faith with others. You may have felt Christ’s call to follow Him, but have you also felt God’s call to share your faith? Levi wanted his friends to know about Jesus. He wanted them to experience the same deliverance and joy he had found.

Apparently Levi was very popular as are most people who pick up the tab for the party. It says that there was a large company of people including many tax collectors and sinners that attended the feast. This was not your normal party either. No formal invitations just a spontaneous gathering. Levi’s having another feast! Let’s go! This party is the last he will host so empty the fridge! Empty the cupboards!

The rest of this story is revealed in the life of the man we know as Matthew. Levi and Matthew are one in the same. When Matthew chooses to follow Jesus, there is no going back. His job is gone. His past life is over. People would be lined up to replace him. Someone would work for less. With Matthew gone, they could cut expenses and increase profits. Even if he wanted to return, there was no reason to negotiate a new contract with this guy. And don’t forget, no one wants to employ an out of work tax collector.

Have you heard the call of Jesus in your life? There are many things that call to us. A telephone call beckons us; doorbells solicit us; even babies cry for our attention. The alarm clock calls us to begin a new day; the boss calls us to his office; a customer calls with an order; an e-mail summons us with a question. We are called to visit our relatives, to share a dinner with our friends, and to visit our children’s school. Some of us even feel those calls that can’t be refused – the call to go fishing or skiing, to go to the ballpark, to the golf course, to the beach. How many of us take time to hear the spiritual call that God sends us? For most of us we are just too busy to hear the call.

I want you to remember that it was Christ who called Levi and this same Christ is calling you. Did you notice in the story that Levi didn’t stop being a tax collector? He was just as he had always been when Jesus called to him. Too often we are left believing that we need to become something else in order to answer the call to follow Jesus.

Hernando Cortez, the Spanish Conquistador, that was made famous for leading the military expedition that initiated the Spanish Conquest of Mexico in 1519. Upon arriving with 9 ships filled with men and supplies, he gave the legendary command to “burn the ships” as a reminder that going back was not an option.

In your faith, do you hold back? Are you afraid of stepping into God’s plan for your life?

Fear strangles many dreams. Fear sidelines many leaders. I admire the commitment to succeed where failure is not an option. Truth is for most of us we don’t know how to succeed. We live life with a constant fall back plan in place. We live Plan A while making plans for Plan B. We never sell out. Too many times we want to take a leap of faith but we refuse to step off the ledge. In our lives of faith, you can’t live like that. Don’t fear failure! Fear missed opportunities! Fear never risking, never trying, never living! So you might not succeed. At least you’ll go out marching in the right direction. Go for it! Burn the Ships!

Sadly today, many refuse to commit themselves to anyone or anything, and more and more people are proving unfaithful to promises they have already made. Unwilling to “burn their ships”, many enter into agreements without any real commitment, always making sure to leave the door open so they can return to their former way of life should the going get tough or something better or more attractive comes along. What ships do you need to burn?

It’s amazing what can happen when people commit themselves such that they are willing to “burn the ships.” The heroes in the Bible—Abraham, Noah, Moses, Ruth, Joshua and Caleb, Daniel, Stephen and Matthew must have looked pretty extreme - even crazy - in their actions. They live committed, sold out, no turning back, faith-filled lives.

The common thread for them is that they didn’t retreat when things got hard. They didn’t back down from their commitment to God when it looked the most hopeless. In fact, I think that is a defining quality of commitment. Commitment means you don’t give up when it gets hard. You don’t retreat. You never give up! When life gets hard, you look to God for the strength and hang on for dear life. While others move toward the exit ramp the committed look to God for the strength to move ahead.


God still roams the planet looking for those who are willingly to commit themselves to His cause. We aren’t committed because we go to church or because we know what the Bible says. We are committed when we answer the call to love unconditionally, to pray continually, to serve unconditionally, to give sacrificially, to share generously, to forgive when wronged, to stand up for what is right, and to run hard after Jesus—no matter what the cost.

Those who are looking for guarantees, blessings or promises of a positive outcome will not hang on when things get hard. They’re too committed to their own comfort or agendas. God is looking for those whose hearts are fully committed to Him and His agenda—those who are willing to risk it all and stand firm, despite the circumstances. God is still seeking those who will follow Him in their personal and business lives and those who will follow Him into full time ministry and missions.

I don’t know what the call to commitment looks like for you. Have you decided to follow Jesus? Have you burned the ships? Perhaps God is calling you to make a commitment to full time ministry or mission work? Perhaps God is calling you to make a public commitment to following Him?

John Wesley once said, “Give me one hundred people to share the Good News who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth.”

Throughout history, entire communities, nations and generations have been impacted by those whose hearts were fully committed to God.

But what about our day? Is it you? Is today the day?

On the way to Sunday . . . A Tax Deductible Meal

1) Remember the best meal you have ever eaten?

2) How about the most expensive meal?

3) How about the biggest tab you ever picked up?

For me #1 and #2 are the same. It was a quaint place in the Georgetown area of Washington D.C. Can't even remember the name. It was the kind of place that didn't need a sign out front and you needed to know someone to find out the place existed. For us it had been recommended by someone with political clout in town. The tab for dinner for 2 exceeded $300 before the tip. It must have been worth it because I still remember the meal over a decade later.

#3 was over $1500 and was a meal for an entire sales staff in celebration of making goals.

The good news is that based on tax code all of the above were business expenses and therefore tax deductible.

IRC Section 274(a))(1) states that no deduction is allowed for expenses associated with expenditures or facilities associated with “entertainment, amusement or recreation,” unless the taxpayer can support that the expenditure was directly related to a bona fide business discussion, business meeting or business convention.

Although the tax code ostensibly allows deductions only for "necessary" business expenses, this rule is liberally interpreted when a business purpose clearly predominates. The law does not limit deductions for office furnishings,for example, to the cheapest available. (Robert S. McIntyre, Director Citizens for Tax Justice, May 1996)

When someone else is paying the bill it seems there is no end to what we are willing to put on the tab.

Dine well for someone else shall pay the tab!

During the meal Jesus took some bread in his hands. He blessed the bread and broke it. Then he gave it to his disciples and said, "Take this and eat it. This is my body."

Jesus picked up a cup of wine and gave thanks to God. He then gave it to his disciples and said, "Take this and drink it."

Matthew 26:25-27 CEV

Your bill is payed.

Come to the table and dine . . .

Social Media Policy steeped in Tradition

I am appreciative of social media as an outlet, but I am also concerned by the disregard by which it can be used. I am grateful that our Indiana UMC Conference leadership has chosen to develop a policy for the use of social media based on the teaching of John Wesley and his 3 rules for holy living.

One of the benefits of social media is that it provides the opportunity to share views, thoughts, joys and concerns about all areas of life. Our social media contributions can be very effective tools for ministry if we are careful to apply caution before we post. We will be careful that our posts are not “doing harm” by insulting or damaging the reputation of others. We will make sure our posts are respectful and in good taste. And we remember: Everything we post – status updates, comments, tweets, blogs - becomes public immediately after we click ”send” (even if we’re using a limited access setting). We can’t take it back once it’s out there, so we will use discernment with everything we post.

Rule #1 Do no Harm

TO THINK ABOUT: Is the post “doing harm” to the reputation of the church,
Christ or another person or organization? Can the post be interpreted as harmful,
offensive, rude or distasteful? If using the post as an outlet to vent, is there a more productive, less public way to do so?

Social media is one of the most effective methods of church networking and communicating today. When used properly, it can have a significant encouraging influence on our readers and become a powerful tool for delivering the Gospel message to a large audience that extends beyond our contact list. It is a great tool for networking and providing the world with news about our church and ministry. It
also is a very useful tool for obtaining feedback and ideas from our audience and can be used to gain insight for sermons, Bible study topics, worship times, needs of the community, etc. The “good” and positive uses of social media are endless.

Rule #2 Do Good

TO THINK ABOUT: Can the post be described as “good”? Will it help the Kingdom and fellow believers? How will it be perceived by non-believers? How will the post be received by people with different cultural or faith backgrounds? Are we communicating effectively by asking questions in addition to providing information?

Rule #3 Stay in Love with God

Social media is a great way to find meaningful devotional materials, thought provoking blogs, inspiring worship videos and media resources, and current articles and tools for our ministry. Users have reported that their social media usage helps keep them informed and enthusiastic about their ministry on a daily basis. While it
can definitely help us “stay in love with God,” it also can be very distracting. We will make sure our use of social media does not occupy so much of our time that we are no longer participating in meaningful Bible study, devotional times, worship and conversations with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Social media can serve
as a tool to aid, promote and conduct discussions, studies and devotional times, but should not be our primary source of interaction with the world.

TO THINK ABOUT: How is/can social media helping me to stay in love with God? How is it hindering me? How am I helping others stay in love with God by my social media contributions?

You can access the full document here.

You're Invited: Table Manners

While most of us first learned our manners at the family dinner table, the historical reality is that many of our manners came from the French court of King Louis XIV. At Versailles, Louis had the rules for court behavior written on what the French referred to as "tickets," or étiquette. The “tickets” were most likely the invitations that were issued to court events with the rules of behavior printed on the back.

Jesus didn’t care about man made rules of etiquette if they conflicted with God’s plans. You can read about Jesus' encounter with a group of leaders at a banquet here in Luke Chapter 14.

Ever been the honored guest or the host at a formal dinner? Ever been in that place where it felt as if all eyes were upon you? Ever been part of the group watching someone – noticing their every move?

I wonder what it must have been like for Jesus at this particular gathering. I like the fact that while He is being watched, He in turn is observing all the actions of those around Him.

Jesus has the attention of all the religious leaders and begins the evening by challenging a long standing issue of etiquette – the proper use of the Sabbath. Jesus’ challenges the notion that the Sabbath is completely for rest. Jesus’ argues that the Sabbath is in fact the time to bring honor and praise to God. This entire dinner conversation would be the basis for the early church to reject the rigorous laws of the Sabbath imposed by Jewish law. Jesus introduces a new etiquette for the Sabbath – in all you do bring praise to God!

He then goes on to tell a story to the guests around the table Luke 14:7-14.
Jesus tackles another problem of etiquette – misguided social ambition. The seating arrangements for a banquet were very important in Jesus’ time. They place where you sat during a banquet revealed your status in society and within the social group gathered. The reality is that not much as changed in 2000 years.

We all are seeking status in some way. By being seen doing the right things, wearing the right things, supporting the right things, being seen at the right places . . . .

We are not that much different than those Jesus speaks of – we are somewhat trapped in the culture of status. When is the last time you thought, “I Wouldn’t be caught ‘dead’ there or in that or with them ... ?”

I believe Jesus is making the point that our service, our etiquette, our doing the right thing, our way of living is far more important than our status will ever be. The point is that the proper etiquette in all places and at all times is humility. Ambition is good, but misguided (self-serving) ambition is wrong. Jesus’ directs that our proper etiquette will lead us to value service and humility over status and ambition.

That triggered a response from one of the guests: "How fortunate the one who gets to eat dinner in God's kingdom!" Luke Chapter 14:15-24.

When a party conversation is bringing the crowd down - change the subject!

But Jesus is on a roll. Everyone is listening and He has a couple more rules of etiquette to challenge. In this time period, it was custom to send two invitations to a banquet. The first invitation invited people to the banquet. It let them know it was going to happen and to prepare because they were invited. The second invitation was to let the invited know that the banquet was ready and to come. This story that Jesus told was not just a story about dinner etiquette. This was a story about the Jews and the Pharisees. God had delivered His first invitation through Moses and now Jesus was the second invitation and like those in the story it seemed they had there excuses.

The excuses given revealed their priorities. The regrets in the story are revealing:

1) Inspect my land – take care of possessions and my wealth
2) Purchased Oxen – take care of my work and status
3) Home and Wife – reveals the self-centered nature of our relationships and our life

As we examine the excuses they seem silly. Jesus must have felt similar as His message was rejected. But have we not done the same thing? We send out formal invitations that read, “we request the honor of your presence” but do we really believe that? We respond with words that read, “we regret that we will be unable to attend” but do we really regret?

What excuses have you given or made? When is the last time you spoke of your faith with someone? When is the last time you invited someone into your home or church to discuss the matters of faith? When is the last time Jesus was inconvenient in your life? What are the stories that you tell or hear at your table? Have we become so status conscious in our lives that we forgotten or marginalized those that need the invitation the most? Have we failed to heed the instruction to go into the streets and bring all those that are hungry (not just hungry physically, but hungry spiritually)?

Jesus is not convenient?

He never will be.

This place, this dinner with Jesus, isn’t about you – it is about those that have yet to come. As we have already responded to the invitation to the banquet, we must be careful to act in a way that honors our host.

Our etiquette (our actions) are not to be self-serving. Our actions are to benefit and to honor our Host. Invite someone to the table this week.

At this banquet, all eyes are upon you and it’s your move.

Can you be inconvenienced to make room at the table?