Elf on the Shelf meet John Wesley

You gotta love the idea behind Elf on the Shelf.  What a great way to engage children in good behavior during December.  The children actually self-police their good behavior as an imagery stuffed elf looks on. As a adults, we even find ourselves caught up in the fanciful world; hence, the countless photos appearing everywhere of elves in the craziest of places. BUT, as adults we also find ourselves noticing are kids doing good things AND we actually take the time to speak words of kindness and thanks to our children - maybe that is more important than the elf?

When our elf (Buddy) made his first appearance in the house, our son proudly declared, "Buddy is back and watching! But that's okay because I've been good." His statement got me thinking ...

Remember that famous quote by John Wesley (1703-1791) the founder of the Methodist movement?

 

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.

 

So, what if we created little John Wesley dolls and had them appear around town - at the grocery, at the bank, at the workplace, at the gym, at the mall - you know all the places we live, work, and play.

 

And what if we told a story about how he is watching to see if we are living out our faith?
 

Would something as little as this help us figure out that how we live our faith matters?

After all how we live our faith matters a lot more than a few presents showing up on Christmas day! or at least that's how I interpret the story that Jesus told:

³¹ When the Son of Man comes in his glory with all of his angels, he will sit on his royal throne. ³² The people of all nations will be brought before him, and he will separate them, as shepherds separate their sheep from their goats.
³³ He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. ³⁴ Then the king will say to those on his right, “My father has blessed you! Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created. ³⁵ When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, ³⁶ and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.”
³⁷ Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? ³⁸ When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear ³⁹ or visit you while you were sick or in jail?”
⁴⁰ The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”
⁴¹ Then the king will say to those on his left, “Get away from me! You are under God’s curse. Go into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels! ⁴² I was hungry, but you did not give me anything to eat, and I was thirsty, but you did not give me anything to drink. ⁴³ I was a stranger, but you did not welcome me, and I was naked, but you did not give me any clothes to wear. I was sick and in jail, but you did not take care of me.”
⁴⁴ Then the people will ask, “Lord, when did we fail to help you when you were hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in jail?”
⁴⁵ The king will say to them, “Whenever you failed to help any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do it for me.”

⁴⁶ Then Jesus said, “Those people will be punished forever. But the ones who pleased God will have eternal life.” 
Matthew 25:31-46 CEV

Las Posadas Tradition in Rural Indiana

The celebration of Las Posadas is observed for nine days in December. It goes from December 16 to 24 each year. Although it originated in Mexico, it has now started to become popular in the United States, especially in Hispanic neighborhoods.

This past Sunday, we celebrated our version of Las Posadas with some other churches in our area. The name "Las Posadas" means "The Inn or Shelter." The traditional Mexican observance is to reenact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter as they traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem during the days before Christ Jesus was born. The United Methodist Book of Worship provides an outline helping bring this tradition to life in church.  We adapted the outline to fit our evening and we braved the cold (16 degrees) and gave it our best attempt at re-enacting the journey to Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph.


An essential part of the Las Posadas party is a piñata for the children.  So we wrapped up our time together with a pinata and hot cocoa - happy to be in from the cold and amongst friends - both new and old!  We enjoyed the treats that fell from the piñata and warmed up with coca and coffee (and thermostatically controlled heating!).

But ... here's the interesting thing .... 

We met up with "Mary and Joseph" on the streets of the town as they searched for place to spend the night. Each time we stopped as a group, we would plead with the Inn Keeper to let the weary travelers in to stay for the night.  Each time we were told "NO!" - "No! Go away we don't give rooms to strangers" - "No! We have no room.  Go Somewhere else. Go anywhere else!"

This activity might have been fun had it not been so cold!  Singing as we walked started out strong, but quickly gave way to chattering sounds of teeth in the cold night air.

When we arrived at the church and the innkeeper said, "Yes! Enter good Joseph. Enter good Mary. Come in and find rest from your long journey."  I can't begin to express the relief we all felt to come in from the cold.

It was in that moment, that I got the whole concept of Las Posadas. Somehow, in a small town in Indiana, I had made a connection with Mary and Joseph and the Christmas story.  Why a stable? Why not? 

In that moment, after that journey, a place - any place - to lie down and rest ... to come in from the elements would have been welcome.  It might have even felt like a palace fit for a king!

 

Chri$tma$

Retail sales this Christmas will approach $500 billion in total.  You would have to live in a cave without a cell phone, cable tv, or the internet in order to avoid the onslaught of advertising related to gift-giving and Christmas. For instance, I know that as a guy I have already blown it this Christmas - I didn't go to Jared's.

I often hear from other Christians the lament over the commercialization of Christmas.  It seems Christmas is more about the cash than it is Christ. We often even refer to this as the War on Christmas.  My problem is we act as if this is something new.  We have bought the idea that Christmas was somehow never about the money and yet I would suggest to you that it has always been about the money - from the first day.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  Luke 2:1

Jesus was born into a place of conflict, occupation, and oppression.  Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem so that the occupying Roman empire would know how much to tax their subjects.  The birth of Christ in Bethlehem happened amidst a money-grab by those in power.  And you can bet the vendors in the market place were taking advantage of the influx of outsiders to make their money.

The Good News is that Jesus came to us in this unlikely and unexpected way to show us the depth of God’s love for us to show us that God is so in love with us that God would go to any length for us, even to being humbly born in a stable (because there was no room in the inn).

And the really GOOD NEWS is that Jesus still shows up in the unexpected places in our world and in our lives. Jesus still shows up in our time whenever there is struggle, strife, injustice - wherever violence threatens and seeks to destroy the innocent and the good.  Jesus even shows up in the midst of the over-commercialization of Christmas - IF you will let Him.

Jesus is born to bring hope in the midst of our despair; born to bring light in the midst of darkness.

Jesus is born to give us a choice of giving over greed.

In Jesus, God entered into our reality and our lives. God knows what it is like to be human. God knows intimately what we go through. God knows what it is like to have hopes and dreams, fears and doubts, to belong and to be rejected, to succeed and fail.

I think sometimes the most unexpected place for us to think of God is in our own lives - amidst our frustrations. We somehow think that God is too distant, too busy, to break through all the gift-giving, advertisements, and business of Christmas and reach us.

But that is the point of Christmas.  It reminds us that God chooses to be with us, wherever we are.  God is with us, today, tomorrow. Always. 

Jesus is God’s love made visible. His humble birth amidst the business of the Roman Empire puts that love on full display. It is a beautiful and unexpected gift in a humble and unexpected place.

Sometimes the greatest gifts you will ever receive are the ones you least expect.  I pray that your Christmas will be filled with unexpected gifts - presents, relationships, or moments of grace.  And may they come to you in unexpected places - the mall, home, or in church.

May they remind you of the original unexpected gift of Christmas—Jesus—and of God’s great love for you.

Grandpa's Big Red Truck

Dedicated to Robert Eugene Frieden (my Grandpa): April 19, 1920 - November 13, 2013

 

Whenever I see an fuel oil delivery truck I think of my grandpa. I spent many a summer day riding in his big red truck as he made his deliveries. These are some of the words I shared at his funeral today:

 

There are moments in one’s life that no one wants to experience, but in living them you simply acknowledge that you are honored or privileged to be a part of the moment … this day and my experience with my grandfather’s life were just that … an honor and privilege.

 

We shared something … a name … more precisely initials … REF.  F - Frieden; E- Eugene; and my R was Rodney. That’s REF like my Grandpa (Robert) like my Dad (Ronald) and like my son (Riley).

I haven’t always embraced that commonality. I didn’t want to be a Rodney … I wanted to be Rod and I certainly never wanted to be a Eugene.  The important thing in all of this is that growing up I wanted to be like my Grandpa (no my Dad).

I wanted to drive a big red truck like my Grandpa. 

I wanted to be as strong as my Grandpa.

 

I wanted everyone to like me like they liked my Grandpa. It seemed everyone knew him and that everyone was his friend.

 

I hoped to one day know as much about everything the way my Grandpa seemingly did.

I even wanted my hair to be wavy just like Grandpa's.

My Grandpa was one of the coolest people I knew and I wanted to be just like him when I grew up.

After all what’s not to like about a man that makes ice cream and fudge, hides candy by his bedside, and drives a big red truck!

As I grew older, dreams of driving a truck changed. I even gave up on having wavy hair - the length of my hair became an ongoing debate for me and my Grandpa (it was never short enough for him). I also discovered my own interests and those weren’t always the same as Grandpa’s.  Heck, we didn’t even root for the same baseball team - He the Cubs and me the Reds!  But even as my dreams grew and changed, one thing remained the same - I still wanted to grow up to be just like my Grandpa – honest, caring, selfless, strong of will, gentle of spirit, a man of quiet yet strong faith - a man of integrity.

Today (like most fathers), I struggle with the task of raising a son who thinks his Grandpa is way cooler than his own Dad. But the lessons I learned growing up have become the key to living with that frustration.  What I have learned is that if I can teach my son to be proud of his name Riley Eugene Frieden and the stories and heritage that have come before it … If I can remember to teach him about the man who started this tradition --- not what he did, but who he was and what he stood for ... If I can do that, I will succeed in teaching my son the most important lessons in life:

When you grow up, Grow up to be just like your great grandpa and your grandpa - that's what I have tried to do. Learn to say your name with pride and hold your head high.

 

You are a Frieden … an R E Frieden and that means you share a something with the man I have called Grandpa all my life. 

 

Learn to be like him and you will become a man of Honesty, a man of Caring thoughts, a man of selfless action, a man who was strong of will and gentle of spirit, a man of integrity, and a man of quiet yet strong faith.

 

Some will ask what's so important about a a name?

The answer is not much unless that name was R E Frieden and then it can mean everything.

Thanks for that lesson Grandpa. You never taught that to me … you just lived it every day.

 

Why is There Suffering?

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. But be courageous! I have conquered the world.  John 16:33

In other words, In the midst of our suffering God offers us the two very things we need: peace to deal with our present and courage to deal with our future. How is able to do this? Because Christ conquered the world through His own suffering and death. As a result, suffering doesn’t have the last word. Death doesn’t have the last word. God has the last word!

So when tragedy strikes, as it will;
when suffering comes, as it will;
Let’s stop asking Why is there suffering?
And instead ask ourselves: How will we respond?

Are you ready to face the tragedies and suffering of this world?
Can you resolve this day that when tragedy or suffering strikes that you will be ready to respond?

The Bible says, “God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Does that describe you? 

You have a choice: to turn bitter, or to turn to God and find peace and courage. 

Pray with me to receive Christ – so that you can know for sure that even if the very worst thing were to happen to you after you leave today, it will immediately be followed by the very best thing of all – an eternity with Christ.

Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God. I confess that I’m a sinner – I have made mistakes. I want to live a life that honors You. Please lead my life – because from this moment on, I am Yours and I pray this in Your name. Amen.

For all of us that carry the name Christian. We seek to live a life that Honors God. We do so by choosing to love God, to love one another, and to serve the world in the name of Christ.  We do this knowing that the end of the book has been written, but not yet played out in this world.  We trust that when that day of pain and suffering enters our lives - when our days on earth are over – we will fly away and finally be HOME – with no more suffering, pain, or tragedy.

Undervalued Faith

When is a quarter not a quarter?

The most recent of the United States Quarter has been the Washington. It was first minted in 1932, and has enjoyed a uninterrupted run from then until today. These coins were 90% silver up until 1964, at which time the US Mint switched to a copper and nickel mixture. Current silver melt value* for a pre-1965 coin is $4.07 and this price is based off the current silver spot price of $22.1

* Notice as of December 2006 it is illegal to melt down US Minted Pennies and Nickels, and there is a $10,000 fine to help enforce the law. It is legal however to melt down silver dollars, half dollars, dimes, quarters for their content.
So not all quarters are equal? Yet, a 1964 quarter is still only worth 25 cents at the back because we believe that it is all that is worth.

We have a similar problem with faith.  While we say we have faith, most often we are selling our faith short of its full value.

The Greek word behind "faith" in the NT is pistis. As a noun, pistis is a word that was used as a technical rhetorical term for forensic proof. Examples of this usage of the word are found in the works of Aristotle, Quintiallian, and throughout the New Testament:

“For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof (pistis) of this to all men by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31 NIV)

The point here is that we are to ground our belief in Christianity on evidence - or, as the definition of pistis in Acts 17:31 would put it - proofs. We are not to have an empty blind faith!  Faith and proof are one in the same in the Bible. To have faith is have to proof. 

Pistis, or faith, was knowing what you believed and why. But knowing what you believed and why was not the end of faith in Bible. Spiritual growth is essential to our salvation, because it is the only way to sustain our faith. Like all living things, when they stop growing, they will tend to die. So does our faith.

Faith does not just mean knowing the truth, intellectually accepting the truth, proclaiming the truth, rejoicing with the truth. Most importantly, it means living the truth. It is to exercise God’s principle in every part of life. It is to put the knowledge of God to work. It is not just a momentary sentiment, but a life-long commitment and practice in every deed we do.

Within the confines of the church we often ask, “What is your testimony of faith?”

The reason is that Faith was never intended to be something that happened to you one time and put on a shelf like a stock certificate/savings bond waiting to be cashed in at a later date. Our faith is not a “rainy day” fund. We are taught to have the faith of a tiny mustard seed, but what value is a mustard seed if it is never planted and allowed to grow?

We are called to not only have faith – a belief and understanding of the evidential proofs of Jesus Christ, but we are also called to an active and living faith.

Faith without works is of no value.  but faith as an active living proof is like a quarter building value far beyond the face value.
Is your faith building treasure in heaven or losing value here on earth?

Still Remembering ...

Steel beams that were once part of the Towers in New York City now make up a memorial in downtown Indianapolis.  A quiet place near the canal across from a Fire Station.  A place that allows one to pause and recall ... Where were you on 9-11?  What difference has it made it in your life? 

I believe we still have lingering questions from that day (read my thoughts from 9-11-11 here 3 lingering questions).

Much has changed.  Much is the same.  How will you remember this day?

How are you changed? What difference does it make in the world around you?

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. 
I do not give to you as the world gives. 
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  
John 14:27 NIV

A Carpenter and an Old Barn

Drive around in the country and you will see all kinds of barns – new, old, big, small.  I have always loved the look of old barns. They seem to stand in defiance of all that is growing and changing around them. They are still standing, but definitely in need of repair. I wonder if that is how we look to God?

In Jesus’ day there was an old barn of sorts that needed repair.  It stood in Jerusalem and it was magnificent.  But, Jesus saw the shortcomings. Jesus saw the need for repair. Jesus knew that no facelift would repair this structure.  The problem was that no one else noticed the problem.  But the problem was clearly evident to the Master Carpenter. 

Outwardly, the temple was spectacular, but inwardly spiritual decay had undermined the original plans for the building:  

• God’s presence and holiness dwelt there
• Sacrifices for human sin were offered there
• The faithful worshiped and prayed there
• It was a refuge in desperate times
• It represented God’s covenant in stone and timber

This repair would be easy – tear it down and start over. 

Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days."  John 2:19 NIV

Remember the carpenter? You know the one who learned how to work with wood, how to use the tools of the trade, how to plan a project and see it complete?  Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth, actually finished the amazing rebuilding process in three days. When Jesus arose from the dead, He completed the project and restored the temple to its original purpose:

• The fullness of God dwells in Jesus
• Jesus’ death was the once and for all sacrifice for all of human sin
• God receives our worship and prayer through Jesus
• Jesus is the refuge and safe haven for all who trust in Him
• Jesus is God’s covenant revealed in flesh and blood

The truth is we are all like the temple of old and each of us are in need of repair. The decay is on the inside.  It is not visible on the outside,but the resulting decay caused by sin is causing our bodies to die. The result of sin is death.  

We are all in need of repair whether we are willing to acknowledge it or not. Unfortunately in this world we have become so addicted to the ease by which repairs are made and the easy access to quick repairs that we have forgotten the real cost involved in making repairs. 

We all seem to someone that will make our repairs easy for us.  So, we make repairs in the name of religion, spiritualism, good works, good morals, church attendance, you name it. In the end these all become cheap repairs that will not last. For real repair will come at a cost. 

Grace and mercy are not cheap. 

BUT they can come easy to those that admit they are in need of repair. 

Jesus completed the most important repair in the history of man – the rebuilding of the temple and he did it in three days flat. 

Are you in need of repair?  

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. 

The old life is gone; a new life has begun!  2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
 

I know a guy.  He’s a carpenter from Nazareth.  Do you know Him?

For King and Country

For the past six years I have ended every worship service with the same benediction.  It varies a bit each week, but the essences is always the same:

As you go, remember this:

God loves you, Jesus died for you, and how you live your faith matters ... now and forever.

For me those words are the gospel in a nutshell.  In some form, I preach that message each week.  I am amazed by the power the words carry.  No one may ever remember a word I preach, but they know the foundational truths of my messages through this simple benediction.  It also serves as a reminder that church is only a beginning ...After the benediction, we sing a song and people depart. 

Last Sunday after church, we went to the Indiana State Fair with other people from our church to enjoy the day and the music - it was Christian Music Day at the Fair.  As usual the words from the service were swirling in my head.  So when I heard these words coming from the stage, I was immediately drawn in: 

So let my life be the proof of Your love
So let my love look like You and what Your made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
     -For King and Country



My benediction, it seems, now has a theme song (and a music video - see below). 




BTW, gotta love the video - reminds me of Doctor Who and the Cybermen!

Allow me to take a moment and wholeheartedly recommend this rising group - For King and County.  I have now heard them twice in concert - both times they stole the show with their music, their stage presence, and their message.  Rarely does a group come along that has it all - a great sound (drums, xylophone, and a cello!) - great show - great message.  These guys have it all.  Take the time to explore their music and then the opportunity comes - GO and be blessed by their music and ministry!

A Carpenter's Tools

If Jesus was a carpenter, what kind of tools would he have used?

The Roman Era, during which Jesus practiced his craft, was a golden ago of woodworking. Thanks to technological advances and innovations during the relatively peaceful reign of Rome, most of the tools available to nineteenth century carpenters would have been familiar to Jesus.  Why does it matter?

I find it interesting that we so often wonder about the tools used by others to create. We see something beautiful and want to know how it was made?  What tools were used?  Often we respond unimpressed - "I could do that" - why else the popularity of Pinterest?

And yet in our Christian lives we have been given so many tools - worship, study, service, giving - and we debate whether they are important in our lives.  We are given additional tools - love, grace, mercy, compassion, kindness - and we tuck them away.

Jesus provided the perfect life to be used as the measuring tool.  If we are so willing to copy fools and clowns, why wouldn't we seek to copy perfection.

Perhaps in this world gone astray, we need to dig deeper in the tool box.  Perhaps we need to dust off some of the tools.  Perhaps we need to use ALL that we have been given. Instead of worrying about the tools others are using, maybe we should spend more time using the tools we have given.


The LORD said to me, "What do you see, Amos?" And I said, "A plumb line." Then the Lord said, "Behold I am about to put a plumb line In the midst of My people Israel. I will spare them no longer.    Amos 7:8 NAS 

May God find you faithful in using all the gifts and tools He has given you.

On the way to Sunday ... Jesus the Carpenter

Ever wonder why Jesus was a carpenter?

Perhaps it is revealed in our ever growing obsession with DIY (Do it Yourself) Projects. HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network (and all like them) are the bane of my television watching at home. With 200+ channels it makes since that there are a growing number of viewer specific television shows. So, at our house "WE" watch Design Star, Property Brothers, Holmes on Homes, Love it or List it, House Hunters, House Hunters International, and so many more. Is it a good thing that I know who David Bromstad is?  I want my TV back!

Our preoccupation with DIY projects is not limited in scope nor is it limited to our generation. We, as a people for generations, have tried to find ways to God with our own DIY projects. We have tried absolute morality. We have tried subjective morality (More good things will out weigh the bad and get me to heaven).

In ages past we even tried to build an actual tower to reach the heavens. And less we think those people were nuts, today we wrap up our attempts to build a gateway to God with fancy words like spirituality. Which in my opinion is simply a way to build a path to God on our own - it is our Do it Yourself Project for eternal life. Spirituality eliminates our singular need for Jesus and the work of the cross. Spirituality replaces our need for Jesus with our own “I” centered theology of “Doing it Yourself.” We no longer need Jesus – after all isn’t he just a carpenter? I can do this on my own.

For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him     Colossians 1:16 KJV

Dis you hear the carpenter at work?

Creating all things? Building what is needed? Restoring what is broken?

Life was not meant to be a DIY project and certainly building a relationship with God was not intended to be a DIY project either.

Thomas said to Jesus, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."    John 14:5-7 NIV 

How can we know the way? Did you hear the answer?

But isn’t that the carpenter speaking?

Yes it is and for that I am thankful because I do not have to make my life a DIY Project.

 

For more: Lessons from the Carpenter: An Apprentice Learns from Jesus by H. Michael Brewer

An Outing to Remember ...

For the past 6 years, I have had the privilege of serving as the chaplain for An Outing to Remember.  This is an annual fundraising event to benefit the Dr Lisa Thompson Center for Family Education at the Rehab Hospital of Indiana.  You can read Lisa's story here. 

I never knew Lisa, but I play golf with her father; hence the invitation.

We often hear the words during a tragedy ... God can make this a good thing. Make no mistake, the loss of Lisa's life was a tragedy.  She is missed by family and friends alike.  Testimony to that is the great group of people that come together every summer to remember her, tell stories, play golf, and have fun.

Yesterday, Lisa's mother commented that her granddaughter (Lisa's daughter) said, "I finally can see the good that's come from the loss of Mom." The good you might ask?

The good comes from the stories of survival that were heard yesterday ... from Aaron, Matt, Andrea, and so many more. All these people suffered traumatic brain injuries.  RHI is leading in the research and development of programs that is helping victims recover and thrive. You might remember Andrea ... She made a really profound statement yesterday:

"I can understand the dark place that Lisa was in ... I've been there too.  This program kept me from the brink." (my paraphrase).

Everywhere you turned yesterday there were stories of people not just surviving, but once again thriving in their relationships with friends and family.  It is amazing to think that so many people people have been helped because of Lisa's experience.

What an honor to lead a group of people in giving God thanks for a life lived and all the good that continues to come from that one person's life - Dr. Lisa Thompson.

May we each live a life that is worthy of being remembered and may we take every chance to do good in the moments we are given.

A Kodak Moment kinda day ...

I love this picture of my wife.  I took on a vacation trip to Cancun several years ago.  There is a look of joy on her face and it captures the fun and joy we had on that trip.  I have to confess that there has been a lot of heartache and moments of turmoil and suffering that have taken place since that photo was taken. It reminds me that part of the value of those "Kodak Moments" (remember those ads) is being able to capture those moments that we too soon forget.

The happiness of vacation quickly returns to the drudgery of work.
The joy of victory becomes defeat.

For me yesterday was one of those days that I would like to have a picture of.  Ministry opportunity abounded and their was such joy and satisfaction with being a pastor. I want a picture to remind of that day because I know that days like that don't often come (or at least not often enough).  Too often there is crisis to manage, complaints to deal with, drudgery to be dealt with, BUT not yesterday.

Yesterday was a Kodak Moment I would like to keep.



Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? John 12:26-28

We like to forget that Jesus said this right before he headed to the cross.  No wonder his heart was troubled.  He knew that in choosing to live a life serving and following Christ there would be days and weeks of pain, trial, and suffering.

So, take pictures of the days of joy and victory.  And when the days are tough, take them out and be reminder it is worth it.  The momentary joy of this life is only a hint at the joy to the come in the eternal kingdom of God.

Put me in Coach!

Every year in major and minor league ball parks, and for that matter in little league parks, players will suit up in hopes of playing in the game and getting a winning hit or striking out the last batter. Simply the idea of wearing the uniform and being ready if called upon is enough to stir up excitement and joy in any ball player – regardless of age. Oh, that it were that way with us in our relationship to God - on the team, ready to play, and filled with joy!

What has God asked you to do? Will you be faithful listen to God’s call in your life to perform the odd job? Some of us have been spectators, some have been sitting in the dugout, some have been playing the game out of position, but the call is now coming.

Scripture is filled with minor league players coming off the bench to perform heroic acts: a small boy who gave his lunch, Mary anointing Jesus, a Samaritan woman telling the good news, or even 4 men carrying a paralytic man to Jesus. All of these people performed simple jobs in the service of God. They were not professionals. There ambition was not stardom. They simply loved God enough that they were willing to labor for Him.

The history of the church - The history of the Christian faith is replete with stories of individuals that were willing to do some of the simplest tasks in the name of Christ. So, you, who have put on the uniform of God by the confession of your faith, as you sit here today, are you ready?

It’s game time. The manager had just called your name.

He wants you in the game.

Your heart beat begins to accelerate. It’s game time.

How will you respond?

The Church, Scouts, and Homosexuality

We have a Scout Shop across the street from our church and last week I dropped in to say hello.  I started the conversation with, "so, you guys have been in the news a bit this past week." For those that might not have followed the news, the Boy Scouts of America recently decided to allow homosexual scouts under 18 to participate in its scouting activities. This decision has been met with mixed reaction.  So you can imagine their concern when a pastor from the community shows up on their doorstep. Their response was a mixed look of hope and horror.  They smiled when I told them I I stopped in to offer encouragement and support.

That was welcome news considering that at their recent national convention, the Southern Baptist Church expressed disappointment in the BSA’s decision, asking that those in executive leadership roles within the organization be removed and vowed to support families and churches that choose to cut ties with the BSA. This is where the Scouting Ministry of The United Methodist Church stepped in. An invitation from the Scouting Ministry has been extended to any of the 3,981 Scout units chartered by a Southern Baptist Church that loses its home, saying those troops will be “warmly welcomed by neighboring United Methodist congregations.”

Bishop Mike Coyner of the Indiana Annual Conference issued a statement that in part read: “The decision by the Boys Scouts of America to welcome all boys as Scouts without regard to their own perceived sexual orientation brings the BSA into alignment with the Social Principles of our United Methodist Church where we encourage all of our churches to be in ministry to and with all persons."

You might ask how can a church and the issue of homosexuality be aligned?

As it relates to Scouting the United Methodist Scouting Ministry states the mission of the church is to reach out to those within the community, receive them as they are, relate them to God, nurture and equip them, and send them back into the community in order to make the community a more loving and just place in which to live.

Since 1972, the United Methodist Book of Discipline has identified the practice of homosexuality as “incompatible with Christian teaching.” It also affirms that all people are “individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God,” and proclaims a commitment to be in ministry for and with all people. Church law prohibits “self-avowed practicing” gays and lesbians from serving as clergy, but the book is silent about whether they can serve as lay leaders in other church roles. The Book of Discipline additionally supports “the rights and liberties for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation.”

The United Methodist Church’s Book of Resolutions, which contains the denomination’s policy statements on social issues, also calls on the denomination to “dedicate itself to a ministry of Christ-like hospitality and compassion to persons of all sexual orientations …welcoming sexual minorities, their friends, and families into our churches.”

Simply put (for me), while I may not agree with the choices another person makes in how they live their life it does not give me permission to love them any less (remember the story about the Samaritan?).

The problem we have is that theology and politics were never intended to be so entwined - Jesus said something like, "Give Caesar what is his and give God what belongs to God." So we open our doors, as we always have, to all who will enter to discover God's grace.   

I like how a colleague put it: I recognize this might be impossible but I’m wondering if we might see this invitation not so much as a political statement but instead what it looks like to be the Church. May it be a statement about creating a safe place for youth as they wrestle with identity, gay or straight, while loving them with the love of Christ. Nothing more, nothing less.

I'm up for loving people with the love of Christ. How about you?