I love the fall. I grew up in northern Ohio. The colors of the leaves started to change in mid-October until mid-November. I thought it was awesome. Now that I'm in northern Texas, the colors have barely begun to change. I've been in this area for almost four years and I'm still not used to the weather. I'm really not sure if I like summer for 3/4 of the year. Yet God has placed me here not to like the weather, but to love people. God placed me here in order to bring His Word to people in the communities where my congregation is. And that leads me to the true meaning of my title, "A Wonderful Time of Year."
This time of year is wonderful because of what is happening at the church. In three weeks, we will begin the season of Advent. The Advent season is a time of preparation. For what are we preparing? We're preparing for the arrival of Jesus to earth. And Jesus has two arrivals planned. The first arrival has come. It was His birth. So the season of Advent helps us to prepare for the celebration of His birth.
But it is not this event alone. Jesus has one more arrival to occur. In the first chapter of Acts, Jesus ascends into heaven. As His disciples are staring into space, two angels came to them and tell them that Jesus would return one day in the same way He left the earth. Also, Jesus told His disciples that He would return. Paul, in his first letter to the Thessalonians describes the manner in which Jesus will return. Throughout the world a trumpet blast will be heard and Jesus will be seen descending toward earth in the clouds. This will be the end of time. Jesus will come to bring the reality of eternity to people. We celebrate this arrival of Jesus too. We are looking forward for Jesus to come and take us to be with Him forever.
And that brings us to the here and now. We live in an era between two events. Jesus came to bring Himself to people. Jesus loved people. Through His love, Jesus changed lives. He changed lives through healing and even raising people from the dead. He changed lives by loving people so much that He was willing to die for them. You see, death occurs because of sin. He gave Himself to be the penalty for our sins along with the sins of the entire world. Later, Jesus will return in order to bring Himself to people. When He comes back, Jesus will start the era of eternity.
So what do we now? Simply put, we bring the reality of Jesus' life to the world. Our belief is based upon what Jesus did for us. Our lives as Jesus people are dedicated to serving. So we serve people with the grace of God in feeding the poor, helping the hurting, comforting the grieving, ... Through our serving, we bring the reality of Jesus' life to people. This wonderful time of year helps us to remember and continually serve.
Your servant in Christ.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
the substance of faith
Greetings to all.
I realize that it has been a long time since my last posting. I hope rectify this. One of the challenges of being a minister (also known as servant or pastor) of the Word of God is time management and using my time well. Let us say, that management of my time is one of my greatest personal challenges.
I started this blog in order to bring to you the truth of God. I hope what I write will either solidify your belief in the truth of God or excite it to a new level or bring it to you for the first time. This is what I call the substance of faith.
Faith, as it is written in the book originally written to the Hebrew believers, is "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1). It is equally true to those who live today, we who are 21st century believers and non-believers. Faith realizes that even though I do not see God right now, I believe that He exists. Is there any evidence to the existence of God? Paul wrote originally to the believers in Rome, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." (Romans 1:20). I believe this with my whole being. God is in the world and made the world. It is evident because we exist. Yet some people do not see that as clearly as I. Why is it that some do not "see" what I "see?" I see what I see, I believe what I believe because of the substance of faith. Jesus Himself challenged one of the original disciples, whose name is Thomas. The event was just after Jesus was raised from the dead. Jesus appeared to the disciples once before, but Thomas was not with the group. A couple of the disciples searched out Thomas in order to bring to him the good news that Jesus was alive. Thomas' response was very human and not acting on his belief. He said, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." The following week, Thomas was with the others. Jesus once again appeared to them and went directly to Thomas and Jesus showed Thomas the wounds in His hands and side. Thomas' reaction and response was, "My Lord and my God!" You can hear in his words that Thomas was perhaps overwhelmed, overjoyed, and even maybe feeling guilty that he didn't believe the other disciples. But Jesus doesn't pick on Thomas. Jesus acknowledges Thomas and his thoughts and experience. Then Jesus says, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:24-29).
Jesus is talking about believers and to believers. Jesus is talking to me. I believe the evidence of creation. I believe in the promises of God through Jesus Christ and His existence that changed our lives. I have not met Him. Yet I believe Him and I believe in Him. I believe that He lived in order to fulfill the Father's Law. I believe that He died to be the sacrifice for my sins and therefore remove the sins from me. I believe that Jesus rose to life upon the 3rd day since His death in order to give me the promise of a resurrected life, both while I live now and when I will live forever. Finally, I believe in Jesus who ascended to heaven who guaranteed a place for me in heaven. This is the substance of my faith.
What about you? I cordially invite you to talk with me about the substance of faith; mine and yours.
Your servant (minister or pastor) for Christ Jesus.
I realize that it has been a long time since my last posting. I hope rectify this. One of the challenges of being a minister (also known as servant or pastor) of the Word of God is time management and using my time well. Let us say, that management of my time is one of my greatest personal challenges.
I started this blog in order to bring to you the truth of God. I hope what I write will either solidify your belief in the truth of God or excite it to a new level or bring it to you for the first time. This is what I call the substance of faith.
Faith, as it is written in the book originally written to the Hebrew believers, is "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1). It is equally true to those who live today, we who are 21st century believers and non-believers. Faith realizes that even though I do not see God right now, I believe that He exists. Is there any evidence to the existence of God? Paul wrote originally to the believers in Rome, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." (Romans 1:20). I believe this with my whole being. God is in the world and made the world. It is evident because we exist. Yet some people do not see that as clearly as I. Why is it that some do not "see" what I "see?" I see what I see, I believe what I believe because of the substance of faith. Jesus Himself challenged one of the original disciples, whose name is Thomas. The event was just after Jesus was raised from the dead. Jesus appeared to the disciples once before, but Thomas was not with the group. A couple of the disciples searched out Thomas in order to bring to him the good news that Jesus was alive. Thomas' response was very human and not acting on his belief. He said, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." The following week, Thomas was with the others. Jesus once again appeared to them and went directly to Thomas and Jesus showed Thomas the wounds in His hands and side. Thomas' reaction and response was, "My Lord and my God!" You can hear in his words that Thomas was perhaps overwhelmed, overjoyed, and even maybe feeling guilty that he didn't believe the other disciples. But Jesus doesn't pick on Thomas. Jesus acknowledges Thomas and his thoughts and experience. Then Jesus says, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:24-29).
Jesus is talking about believers and to believers. Jesus is talking to me. I believe the evidence of creation. I believe in the promises of God through Jesus Christ and His existence that changed our lives. I have not met Him. Yet I believe Him and I believe in Him. I believe that He lived in order to fulfill the Father's Law. I believe that He died to be the sacrifice for my sins and therefore remove the sins from me. I believe that Jesus rose to life upon the 3rd day since His death in order to give me the promise of a resurrected life, both while I live now and when I will live forever. Finally, I believe in Jesus who ascended to heaven who guaranteed a place for me in heaven. This is the substance of my faith.
What about you? I cordially invite you to talk with me about the substance of faith; mine and yours.
Your servant (minister or pastor) for Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
The Joys of Ministry Pt. 2
I have, in my opinion, the greatest career path in the world. I sometimes wonder why it took me so long to become a pastor. I was in the computer field for fifteen years, before my career path changed. I was frustrated and knew that I was going nowhere at the company where I worked. Then God opened my eyes to the path of being a pastor. With much prayer and discussion with my family, we moved so that I would begin my studies into the ministry. A couple of friends at the Seminary and I were talking and all of us expressed that being a pastor is where we were to be.
The joys of ministry far exceed the frustrations that I feel with the ministry. Yes, I get frustrated sometimes. For example, when I see an opportunity to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ my congregation can do and they don't see the same opportunity. Yet when I see a person "light up" when through my ministry, God opens his or her life to His life, the frustrations melt away. When a person is comforted when in grief or sorrow by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I experience a joy of ministry.
And the greatest joy of ministry for me is to proclaim (aka preach and/or teach) salvation from sin, death, and hell which is grace, life, and heaven. This joy is reinforced when I see the nods of members as what I am saying causes "the light bulb to go on." That tells me that the Holy Spirit has reached their lives with His Word through me.
I wish to use this medium to help you in your walk of life. I firmly believe that the truth of God does change lives. Although I may not "see" you, I hope that what God says through me will cause the "light bulb to go on" in your life.
I'm sure that there will be more joys to share with you.
God's peace I bring to you.
The joys of ministry far exceed the frustrations that I feel with the ministry. Yes, I get frustrated sometimes. For example, when I see an opportunity to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ my congregation can do and they don't see the same opportunity. Yet when I see a person "light up" when through my ministry, God opens his or her life to His life, the frustrations melt away. When a person is comforted when in grief or sorrow by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I experience a joy of ministry.
And the greatest joy of ministry for me is to proclaim (aka preach and/or teach) salvation from sin, death, and hell which is grace, life, and heaven. This joy is reinforced when I see the nods of members as what I am saying causes "the light bulb to go on." That tells me that the Holy Spirit has reached their lives with His Word through me.
I wish to use this medium to help you in your walk of life. I firmly believe that the truth of God does change lives. Although I may not "see" you, I hope that what God says through me will cause the "light bulb to go on" in your life.
I'm sure that there will be more joys to share with you.
God's peace I bring to you.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Life events
Wow. I am still playing catch up with a lot of things. Please allow me to share.
Shari and I returned from our honeymoon a month ago. As mentioned in my previous post, I spent time catching up then. Two weeks after returning we left again. This time for my parents 60th wedding anniversary party in Cleveland. We had a wonderful time and the whole family was there. While we were there, the son of a member died and I was trying to coordinate things from over a 1000 miles away. We came home and I had to catch up again. Then last weekend was Shari's uncle's wedding. While we were there, Shari's father suddenly thought he was having a stroke and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Then more time spent trying to catch up. Now one more stress and that is the construction of our new home and everything surrounding that. Needless to say, I got so wrapped up in my world, that people and tasks got in the way. For that, I have asked forgiveness from those I needed to, and now, I hope, that I can get back into a groove.
Life is a series of events, strung together. My brother once said that he was "bobbing along on the cosmic sea of life." It was such a cute phrase, I used it in a sermon many years ago. Yet how many people bob along and allow the sea of life take them "wherever?" Some people that have come accross my path had no direction, no purpose, and no vision for their future. Life took them, "wherever." Sometimes that happens to me. At the same time, my life does have a direction, a purpose, and a vision for the future. It is being a child of God and a brother to my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. My direction is walking down His path that Jesus laid out for me. My purpose is serving Him with passion and zeal for Jesus and for the people. My vision for the future, which impacts my daily living, is to be in His presence forever.
What about your life? Where are you headed? Let's talk.
Shari and I returned from our honeymoon a month ago. As mentioned in my previous post, I spent time catching up then. Two weeks after returning we left again. This time for my parents 60th wedding anniversary party in Cleveland. We had a wonderful time and the whole family was there. While we were there, the son of a member died and I was trying to coordinate things from over a 1000 miles away. We came home and I had to catch up again. Then last weekend was Shari's uncle's wedding. While we were there, Shari's father suddenly thought he was having a stroke and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Then more time spent trying to catch up. Now one more stress and that is the construction of our new home and everything surrounding that. Needless to say, I got so wrapped up in my world, that people and tasks got in the way. For that, I have asked forgiveness from those I needed to, and now, I hope, that I can get back into a groove.
Life is a series of events, strung together. My brother once said that he was "bobbing along on the cosmic sea of life." It was such a cute phrase, I used it in a sermon many years ago. Yet how many people bob along and allow the sea of life take them "wherever?" Some people that have come accross my path had no direction, no purpose, and no vision for their future. Life took them, "wherever." Sometimes that happens to me. At the same time, my life does have a direction, a purpose, and a vision for the future. It is being a child of God and a brother to my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. My direction is walking down His path that Jesus laid out for me. My purpose is serving Him with passion and zeal for Jesus and for the people. My vision for the future, which impacts my daily living, is to be in His presence forever.
What about your life? Where are you headed? Let's talk.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Back to Reality
I completely enjoyed my honeymoon. My new wife, Shari, and I enjoyed Florida. It's not much different than Texas at this time of year. But any time away with the woman I love is an enjoyable thing.
And, a week ago Monday, reality set in. We were both back at work, performing our same tasks, catching up on boatloads of emails, and greeting everyone at church with large smiles on our faces. But for me, as a pastor, the greatest task I have is for the caring of peoples souls. God has called me to shepherd, or "pastor" souls in their relationship with Him. Jesus Christ is "The Good Shepherd." I work for Him. He placed me at Christ the King in this time to nurture the people He draws in with His love and mercy. The challenge is to take God's Law and its' completeness and bring it into people's lives. The purpose is to bring to our conscience that sin separates us from God. It is a barrier, a divider, and worst of all, a killer. For consequence of sin is death and eternal separation from God. The Scriptures write that all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. It does not matter what is the sin. Every sin produces the same result. That is why God sent His Son to us. For Jesus Christ removed the condemnation of God's Law and took upon Himself. Again, and the Scriptures say He who had no sin became sin for us. Jesus removed the sin and it's consequences. He replaced it with forgiveness and restoration. That is the Gospel part of the message I preach.
This is my reality. I shepherd people into the Grace of God through Jesus Christ for the salvation, or changing of their lives. And I love every minute of it.
And, a week ago Monday, reality set in. We were both back at work, performing our same tasks, catching up on boatloads of emails, and greeting everyone at church with large smiles on our faces. But for me, as a pastor, the greatest task I have is for the caring of peoples souls. God has called me to shepherd, or "pastor" souls in their relationship with Him. Jesus Christ is "The Good Shepherd." I work for Him. He placed me at Christ the King in this time to nurture the people He draws in with His love and mercy. The challenge is to take God's Law and its' completeness and bring it into people's lives. The purpose is to bring to our conscience that sin separates us from God. It is a barrier, a divider, and worst of all, a killer. For consequence of sin is death and eternal separation from God. The Scriptures write that all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. It does not matter what is the sin. Every sin produces the same result. That is why God sent His Son to us. For Jesus Christ removed the condemnation of God's Law and took upon Himself. Again, and the Scriptures say He who had no sin became sin for us. Jesus removed the sin and it's consequences. He replaced it with forgiveness and restoration. That is the Gospel part of the message I preach.
This is my reality. I shepherd people into the Grace of God through Jesus Christ for the salvation, or changing of their lives. And I love every minute of it.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
One more week
I have one more week until my wedding. It is an exciting week as well as a very busy week. Not only do I have events that are necessary to be done in ministry, I also have events that need to be done for the wedding. And then there is the house and the progress of construction. Many things are going on this week. Have we anticipated all of them. I think that we have.
Which leads me to the main reason for my post. Prioritizing everything that needs to be done. I see so many things that are yet to occur. I have reduced my "to do" list to not many. And yet what truly comes first? Jesus said it best, saying, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your souil, with all your mind, and with all your strength." Now you may be asking yourselves, "What does this mean to me?" It means that before all the craziness of life begins to occur and the stresses and strains of works begin to bring you down, love of God is the beginning of all of it. And you will see, when loving God first helps us to deal with the procesess of things that have to occur. I'm not sure if you realized that we are the highest priority of God. He loves us so much, that He created this universe and world, jus for us. We human beings are central and the highest priority of God. That is why God the Father sent God the Son into our world so that we are saved from our sins. All God did and contiues to do, is with us as His first priority. Because we believe this, we then love God in return. As ones who love God first, we notice that priorities of life look different, or take on a different hue. They are still important and necessary. But I think that you will begin to look at the priorities of life with a change of perspective.
Please let me know what you think.
Which leads me to the main reason for my post. Prioritizing everything that needs to be done. I see so many things that are yet to occur. I have reduced my "to do" list to not many. And yet what truly comes first? Jesus said it best, saying, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your souil, with all your mind, and with all your strength." Now you may be asking yourselves, "What does this mean to me?" It means that before all the craziness of life begins to occur and the stresses and strains of works begin to bring you down, love of God is the beginning of all of it. And you will see, when loving God first helps us to deal with the procesess of things that have to occur. I'm not sure if you realized that we are the highest priority of God. He loves us so much, that He created this universe and world, jus for us. We human beings are central and the highest priority of God. That is why God the Father sent God the Son into our world so that we are saved from our sins. All God did and contiues to do, is with us as His first priority. Because we believe this, we then love God in return. As ones who love God first, we notice that priorities of life look different, or take on a different hue. They are still important and necessary. But I think that you will begin to look at the priorities of life with a change of perspective.
Please let me know what you think.
One more week
I have one more week until my wedding. It is an exciting week as well as a very busy week. Not only do I have events that are necessary to be done in ministry, I also have events that need to be done for the wedding. And then there is the house and the progress of construction. Many things are going on this week. Have we anticipated all of them. I think that we have.
Which leads me to the main reason for my post. Prioritizing everything that needs to be done. I see so many things that are yet to occur. I have reduced my "to do" list to not many. And yet what truly comes first? Jesus said it best, saying, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your souil, with all your mind, and with all your strength." Now you may be asking yourselves, "What does this mean to me?" It means that before all the craziness of life begins to occur and the stresses and strains of works begin to bring you down, love of God is the beginning of all of it. And you will see, when loving God first helps us to deal with the procesess of things that have to occur. I'm not sure if you realized that we are the highest priority of God. He loves us so much, that He created this universe and world, jus for us. We human beings are central and the highest priority of God. That is why God the Father sent God the Son into our world so that we are saved from our sins. All God did and contiues to do, is with us as His first priority. Because we believe this, we then love God in return. As ones who love God first, we notice that priorities of life look different, or take on a different hue. They are still important and necessary. But I think that you will begin to look at the priorities of life with a change of perspective.
Please let me know what you think.
Which leads me to the main reason for my post. Prioritizing everything that needs to be done. I see so many things that are yet to occur. I have reduced my "to do" list to not many. And yet what truly comes first? Jesus said it best, saying, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your souil, with all your mind, and with all your strength." Now you may be asking yourselves, "What does this mean to me?" It means that before all the craziness of life begins to occur and the stresses and strains of works begin to bring you down, love of God is the beginning of all of it. And you will see, when loving God first helps us to deal with the procesess of things that have to occur. I'm not sure if you realized that we are the highest priority of God. He loves us so much, that He created this universe and world, jus for us. We human beings are central and the highest priority of God. That is why God the Father sent God the Son into our world so that we are saved from our sins. All God did and contiues to do, is with us as His first priority. Because we believe this, we then love God in return. As ones who love God first, we notice that priorities of life look different, or take on a different hue. They are still important and necessary. But I think that you will begin to look at the priorities of life with a change of perspective.
Please let me know what you think.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
What Motivates Us
I find it fascinating to listen to people and find out what motivates them. For some, it's money. For others, it's doing the right thing. And for still others, it's "living the good life," as if I knew what that all means. To me, if I'm motivated to do something, then I will do that. Motiviation for a cause, for example, will determine people's actions.
So what motivates us in our life with God? Is it trying to please Him? For some Christians, that might work, for a while. Yet we either already knew or we find out while we're trying to please God, is that we will fail. It's not that God is arbitrary, or even that He sets so lofty standards. It is because we get tired trying. Our motivation begins to wane because it is almost impossible to please God by means of our actions. So what motivates us? It is God's love for us. In Psalm 30, King David writes about the source of our motivation to serve God, please God, and worship God. God so loves us that He saves us, even when we sin and fall. What motivates us is God's love in Jesus Christ's life for us. Jesus' life of perfect obedience to the will of God. Jesus is more than an example of holy living. He is holy living. He "lived himself" right to the cross. His death upon the cross for the forgiveness of our sins is a great motivator for our life, worship, and love of God. Jesus' resurrection gives us great encouragement, peace, desire, and strength to live everyday as new people. Finally, Jesus' ascension into heaven moves us because we know that there is a place in heaven waiting for us.
We love God and serve God because of His great grace given to us by Jesus. Jesus is our great motivator.
So what motivates us in our life with God? Is it trying to please Him? For some Christians, that might work, for a while. Yet we either already knew or we find out while we're trying to please God, is that we will fail. It's not that God is arbitrary, or even that He sets so lofty standards. It is because we get tired trying. Our motivation begins to wane because it is almost impossible to please God by means of our actions. So what motivates us? It is God's love for us. In Psalm 30, King David writes about the source of our motivation to serve God, please God, and worship God. God so loves us that He saves us, even when we sin and fall. What motivates us is God's love in Jesus Christ's life for us. Jesus' life of perfect obedience to the will of God. Jesus is more than an example of holy living. He is holy living. He "lived himself" right to the cross. His death upon the cross for the forgiveness of our sins is a great motivator for our life, worship, and love of God. Jesus' resurrection gives us great encouragement, peace, desire, and strength to live everyday as new people. Finally, Jesus' ascension into heaven moves us because we know that there is a place in heaven waiting for us.
We love God and serve God because of His great grace given to us by Jesus. Jesus is our great motivator.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
The Reality of Jesus
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the one who was, who is, and who will be, the Lord Almighty." This quote is from Revelation 1:8. It is one passage that links us to who is Jesus and who is God.
The world has been struggling with the reality of who is Jesus since the first generation of Christians died and rose to heaven. The first generation is also the "eye witness" generation. These are the ones who saw Jesus. Even a few of the eye witnesses needed a little assistance to believe. One of the Twelve, who was Thomas, needed some help to believe. Once he saw Jesus stand before him after a week, Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God." Thomas believed because he saw Jesus raised from the dead. Even in this time of miracle, Jesus speaks to Thomas and to us as well. He tells Thomas, "You believe because you have now seen me. Blessed are those who will believe even though they will not see me." Jesus is talking about us. He is saying that we, who are many generations separated from the eye witnesses, believe in a Savior and Lord who lived, died, and rose to life that we've never seen. It is awesome.
But who is Jesus? Is he man or God? Is he 50% man and 50% God? The world has struggled with that question for millenia. And the reality of Jesus doesn'i make sense. We can't wrap our logical and rational minds around the belief. Many popular points of view attempt to remove the "Godness" out of Jesus. It is being reported that Jesus was a man only. Jesus was, and contiues be human. He showed the apostles the scars of the nails, thorns, and whips. Yet Jesus is raised from the dead. Only God did that. So what's a person to do? He or she BELIEVES that Jesus is not 50/50. He's 100/100. Jesus is fully human and fully God. Jesus came to give to us life from death, forgiveness from sins, and life everlasting. The Bible tells us that. That is what we believe.
And that belief fuels and spurns us on to living with God living in His promises. Jesus is both God and man. He was sent in the world to save it, to save us by himself. Only the Alpha and the Omega, the one who was, who is, and who will be does that. And we are healed and renewed.
Remember this today. We believe in one we cannot see who changed our lives. And it's awesome.
The world has been struggling with the reality of who is Jesus since the first generation of Christians died and rose to heaven. The first generation is also the "eye witness" generation. These are the ones who saw Jesus. Even a few of the eye witnesses needed a little assistance to believe. One of the Twelve, who was Thomas, needed some help to believe. Once he saw Jesus stand before him after a week, Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God." Thomas believed because he saw Jesus raised from the dead. Even in this time of miracle, Jesus speaks to Thomas and to us as well. He tells Thomas, "You believe because you have now seen me. Blessed are those who will believe even though they will not see me." Jesus is talking about us. He is saying that we, who are many generations separated from the eye witnesses, believe in a Savior and Lord who lived, died, and rose to life that we've never seen. It is awesome.
But who is Jesus? Is he man or God? Is he 50% man and 50% God? The world has struggled with that question for millenia. And the reality of Jesus doesn'i make sense. We can't wrap our logical and rational minds around the belief. Many popular points of view attempt to remove the "Godness" out of Jesus. It is being reported that Jesus was a man only. Jesus was, and contiues be human. He showed the apostles the scars of the nails, thorns, and whips. Yet Jesus is raised from the dead. Only God did that. So what's a person to do? He or she BELIEVES that Jesus is not 50/50. He's 100/100. Jesus is fully human and fully God. Jesus came to give to us life from death, forgiveness from sins, and life everlasting. The Bible tells us that. That is what we believe.
And that belief fuels and spurns us on to living with God living in His promises. Jesus is both God and man. He was sent in the world to save it, to save us by himself. Only the Alpha and the Omega, the one who was, who is, and who will be does that. And we are healed and renewed.
Remember this today. We believe in one we cannot see who changed our lives. And it's awesome.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The Joys of Ministry
Ah the joys of ministry.
Now some of you may be thinking that I'm being sarcastic. No, I'm not. Even though the day was intense ministry. And it started yesterday.
I lead a group for people who are in the cycle of grief after the death of a loved one. Currently there are three people in the group. Last night, only one of them came. It became a great ministry opportunity and some good counseling was done. Then a young man came up as we were finishing. He's been AWOL from my Thursday Bible study for a few weeks. Well, he was caring for his great grandmother the last two weeks and she died Monday morning. So I did some great ministry and counseling to him. Then I received a phone call from another member who is struggling with loss of another kind and she is very angry. Some great opportunity for ministry and counseling occurred then too. Earlier in the weekend a young man died as a result of a car accident. This young man was a friend of a family at our congregation. I went to the funeral today and some great ministry occurred, just by me being there for my family and sharing in their sorrow. Tonight I went to a viewing of the great grandmother of the young man in Bible study. Some great ministry occurred tonight. I will attend the funeral tomorrow. And the piece de resistance was a fourth member emailed me about a friend where she works whose son died suddenly.
Now you may think, "Wow, what a tough two days." You see, I don't call these days "tough." I see them as intense and powerful. Yet the power does not come from me. It comes from God the Holy Spirit. He guides me in what words to say, or in some cases what words not to say. The Holy Spirit guides me to be there for our members and the people who are not. They need the comforting presence of God's saving grace and love. The Holy Spirit uses my skills and experience to bring His presence and love to all people with whom I have contact. And sometimes that presence is saying nothing.
When things go wrong, whether they're death, separation, illness, or sorrow, God's healing presence comes to us. Most of the time it is through caring and loving Christian friends and family who love us, grieve with us, share God's Word, and support us by means of the power and strength of God. The season of Easter brings to us in sharp reality His love as sent His Son to live, die, and rise of life. Easter is the climax of the great redeemer work of God the Father through God the Son.
Now some of you may be thinking that I'm being sarcastic. No, I'm not. Even though the day was intense ministry. And it started yesterday.
I lead a group for people who are in the cycle of grief after the death of a loved one. Currently there are three people in the group. Last night, only one of them came. It became a great ministry opportunity and some good counseling was done. Then a young man came up as we were finishing. He's been AWOL from my Thursday Bible study for a few weeks. Well, he was caring for his great grandmother the last two weeks and she died Monday morning. So I did some great ministry and counseling to him. Then I received a phone call from another member who is struggling with loss of another kind and she is very angry. Some great opportunity for ministry and counseling occurred then too. Earlier in the weekend a young man died as a result of a car accident. This young man was a friend of a family at our congregation. I went to the funeral today and some great ministry occurred, just by me being there for my family and sharing in their sorrow. Tonight I went to a viewing of the great grandmother of the young man in Bible study. Some great ministry occurred tonight. I will attend the funeral tomorrow. And the piece de resistance was a fourth member emailed me about a friend where she works whose son died suddenly.
Now you may think, "Wow, what a tough two days." You see, I don't call these days "tough." I see them as intense and powerful. Yet the power does not come from me. It comes from God the Holy Spirit. He guides me in what words to say, or in some cases what words not to say. The Holy Spirit guides me to be there for our members and the people who are not. They need the comforting presence of God's saving grace and love. The Holy Spirit uses my skills and experience to bring His presence and love to all people with whom I have contact. And sometimes that presence is saying nothing.
When things go wrong, whether they're death, separation, illness, or sorrow, God's healing presence comes to us. Most of the time it is through caring and loving Christian friends and family who love us, grieve with us, share God's Word, and support us by means of the power and strength of God. The season of Easter brings to us in sharp reality His love as sent His Son to live, die, and rise of life. Easter is the climax of the great redeemer work of God the Father through God the Son.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Easter Greetings
Yes, I know. It's the day after Easter. We had a great celebration. There were 191 people in worship yesterday combining both services. It was a great day from my perspective for several reasons. 191 people heard the Word and God. And God promises that when His Word goes out, it has an effect on people. So 191 people were effected. I had a great lunch with my daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and financee. And we shared the Easter greeting. The Easter greeting in our congregation and my tradition is, "Alleluia, Christ is Risen! He is risen, indeed, Alleliua!" I have said those words on almost 50 Easter Sunday services. It is an acknowledgement of the risen Jesus Christ. He was murdered and crucified so that we do not pay the consequences of sins, that is, death. And the grave did not keep Him. Jesus is God, the second person of God, burst out of the grave. Through His resurrection, He brings to us the reality of resurrection. Our lives are resurrected in HIm. Our lives are bound to Him and His life is bound to ours. That is why the greeting to each other on Easter is so awesome. It is an awareness of Jesus' love for us. And in our traditions and calendar, the SEASON of Easter has six more weeks of it. So we repeat the greeting throughout the weeks ahead. So, "Alleluia! Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, Alleluia!"
Friday, April 06, 2007
Changes to the Blog
I started to think the other day, that "Pastoral Prose" wasn't going to get a lot of looks. I thought that it sounded "churchy." So I brainstormed for a title to better describe what I want to do. And "And the Truth will set you free" came to mind. I think it better suits want I want to share and discuss. That is, the truth that God gives.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
A Week for Heaven
You know the phrase, "I'm having a ____ (fill in the time frame, day, week, month) from _______." Well, I'm having a week from heaven.
Now that sounds weird, especially when you read my previous posts. But from my perspective, today's title isn't weird at all. Things go wrong all the time. It doesn't make any difference if you're a "good" person or a "bad" person. Sin is a common denominator when it comes to creating havoc. And you can't leave Satan out of the picture. Yet, through all the things that are happening in my life and the lives of the members of my church, I see God working in me and in them. I see faith in action and I see the action of God. Now sometimes to see the action of God in a particular situation you have to look back. You look back at the events and see how God has directed or at the very least influenced the outcome. For example, the ongoing saga of my house sale. Another mortgage underwriter has gotten in the way of the process. The person works for the mortgage company which the couple who are buying my house is using. The underwriter is challenged the liscencing of another person in the process. I have no idea why this is happening. The buyers of my house are fit to be tied. I'm not that happy either. There are moments in this process when if I didn't laugh, I'd be crying. Yet I can't help but wonder, if I didn't believe in God how would I be reacting? I suppose I could have done something very rash. God says that the fruits of having God's Spirit in you are, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodnesss, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23). If God was not part of my life, how balistic could I have gone? I shudder at the possibility.
And finally, I have to look at Jesus. I look at what He did for me. He endured the wrath of all people, through the leaders of the Jewish people and the Roman soldiers. I look at what they did to Him. I see their uncontrolled anger, fear, hatred, and basic human malice. I see me in them when I get rip roarin' mad at people and situations. Yes, I'm a pastor and I get mad. I also see Jesus enduring all of that in order to save me from myself, my sins, the influence of Satan, from death, and from hell. Jesus did it all for me. Wow! It boggles the mind.
During this week, which we call "Holy Week," we celebrate the specialness of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. When I post tomorrow, I'll talk more about "Holy Week" and it's meaning for Christians.
Now that sounds weird, especially when you read my previous posts. But from my perspective, today's title isn't weird at all. Things go wrong all the time. It doesn't make any difference if you're a "good" person or a "bad" person. Sin is a common denominator when it comes to creating havoc. And you can't leave Satan out of the picture. Yet, through all the things that are happening in my life and the lives of the members of my church, I see God working in me and in them. I see faith in action and I see the action of God. Now sometimes to see the action of God in a particular situation you have to look back. You look back at the events and see how God has directed or at the very least influenced the outcome. For example, the ongoing saga of my house sale. Another mortgage underwriter has gotten in the way of the process. The person works for the mortgage company which the couple who are buying my house is using. The underwriter is challenged the liscencing of another person in the process. I have no idea why this is happening. The buyers of my house are fit to be tied. I'm not that happy either. There are moments in this process when if I didn't laugh, I'd be crying. Yet I can't help but wonder, if I didn't believe in God how would I be reacting? I suppose I could have done something very rash. God says that the fruits of having God's Spirit in you are, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodnesss, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23). If God was not part of my life, how balistic could I have gone? I shudder at the possibility.
And finally, I have to look at Jesus. I look at what He did for me. He endured the wrath of all people, through the leaders of the Jewish people and the Roman soldiers. I look at what they did to Him. I see their uncontrolled anger, fear, hatred, and basic human malice. I see me in them when I get rip roarin' mad at people and situations. Yes, I'm a pastor and I get mad. I also see Jesus enduring all of that in order to save me from myself, my sins, the influence of Satan, from death, and from hell. Jesus did it all for me. Wow! It boggles the mind.
During this week, which we call "Holy Week," we celebrate the specialness of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. When I post tomorrow, I'll talk more about "Holy Week" and it's meaning for Christians.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
When things go wrong
Have you ever had one of those days that nothing went right? Yesterday was one of those days for me. I have sold my house. Well, at least in theory. The buyers and I have agreed on a price, we went through all of the steps in order to exchange possession. The one and seemingly insurrmountable hurdle is the mortgage company of the people who are buying the house of the people who are buying my house. If it's sounding a little weird, don't worry, it will get weirder. I was supposed to close the deal yesterday. I waited by my phone all morning. There was no call. I was at the house yesterday to cut the grass that, in my opinion, I didn't have to do. I didn't live in the house any more. There was no call. I called my agent. I told her we had to close today. If we didn't close, I would have to make another mortgage payment. She calls me back an hour and a half later, sayiing it won't happen until Monday or even Tuesday. Needless to say, I am fuming. This deal should have been completed two and a half weeks ago. The buyers of my house are frustrated. It's not their fault. I'm frustrated. It's not my fault. If only I could get my hands on that mortgage company person... And then, to add another level of frustration, it down poured again yesterday, which makes three days of rain in a row, no work is being done on my new house.
Now that I am calm once again, I heard something that God has always been telling me. I was too "hot under the collar" yesterday to listen. He said, "Take the peace of mind that I gave you through the agony of Jesus' final hours before the cross. Whenever I start complaining about things going wrong, I look at what Jesus endured for me. I look at my frustrations with the way "things ought to be," I look at the way things that occcurred in order to save me from sin, death, and the power of self and Satan. Whenever I get selfish about how things are inconviencing me, I look to what happened to Jesus.
What did happen to Jesus? He was betrayed by one of his Apostles. Men, who were leaders of the Jews and the church, hated him because he taught of the Father's true intention, not what they invented. He endured beatings, insults, whippings, nailings, and dying all for us. It was the Father's plan to cause all of this suffering, pain, anguish, and death in order to save us from it. Jesus could have complained. But he didn't. The Bible says, like a sheep before shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Jesus surprised everyone, including Pontius Pilate, by remaining silent. Through all the torture and agony, Jesus did not complain, nor cry out in pain. Jesus did not get angry with his accusers, but he offered forgiveness and peace to all.
And that is what Jesus, through everything he endured, offers to us when things get frustrating. He gives peace and forgiveness. when our times feel rough and rocky.
Now that I am calm once again, I heard something that God has always been telling me. I was too "hot under the collar" yesterday to listen. He said, "Take the peace of mind that I gave you through the agony of Jesus' final hours before the cross. Whenever I start complaining about things going wrong, I look at what Jesus endured for me. I look at my frustrations with the way "things ought to be," I look at the way things that occcurred in order to save me from sin, death, and the power of self and Satan. Whenever I get selfish about how things are inconviencing me, I look to what happened to Jesus.
What did happen to Jesus? He was betrayed by one of his Apostles. Men, who were leaders of the Jews and the church, hated him because he taught of the Father's true intention, not what they invented. He endured beatings, insults, whippings, nailings, and dying all for us. It was the Father's plan to cause all of this suffering, pain, anguish, and death in order to save us from it. Jesus could have complained. But he didn't. The Bible says, like a sheep before shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Jesus surprised everyone, including Pontius Pilate, by remaining silent. Through all the torture and agony, Jesus did not complain, nor cry out in pain. Jesus did not get angry with his accusers, but he offered forgiveness and peace to all.
And that is what Jesus, through everything he endured, offers to us when things get frustrating. He gives peace and forgiveness. when our times feel rough and rocky.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Long day
Have you ever had one of those LONG days? Of course you have. I had one today. If you read my post from this morning, I was up at 6:00 am in order to be with a member who had out patient surgery. It all went well and she's feeling fine at home. It was a LONG day of driving. Then I finally got to the office. But not until I stopped at the new house sight my fiancee and I are building. The house is still in foundation stage. There were many delays, the lastest that it rained the last three days. If the rain holds off in the next couple of days, we should have a concrete floor. Yet it is supposed to rain tomorrow. It was a LONG day today. To top it off, I sold my old house two weeks ago, but it hasn't closed yet. The delay is from the mortgage company for the people who are buying the house of the people who bought my house. I hope to close tomorrow or Friday. It was a LONG day today. Tonight, since it is the season of Lent, we had our midweek soup supper and then our service. After that, there was choir practice. it was a LONG day. But it was a good day. It was a good day for sharing. One of the things that I do is bring the reality of Jesus Christ to all situations. At the office I read of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Tonight I preached about the saving grace of Jesus Christ in our journey, or exodus, home. One of these days, I'm going to have to discuss preaching sermons, playing the character in the Bible. I love doing that. It was a good day, even though it was LONG, to live in the grace of God.
Helping those in need
It is 6:16 in the morning. Under normal circumstances I am not up this early in the morning. My normal time to get up is 7:00. But today is different. A member of the congregation that I serve is going into the hospital for out patient surgery. And I'm going to take her there.
As I was getting ready to go, I was reminded of something Jesus said. "Whatever you do for the least of these my brothers, you do also for me." Part of being a pastor, but more, part of being a Christian, is to care for people. We show God's love to others by being there for them in good times and in struggling times. How do I demonstrate my care? By getting out of my comfort zone, getting up early, and taking her to the hospital. Speaking of which, I have to go. But I have to stop at Starbucks. I need my coffee. :-)
As I was getting ready to go, I was reminded of something Jesus said. "Whatever you do for the least of these my brothers, you do also for me." Part of being a pastor, but more, part of being a Christian, is to care for people. We show God's love to others by being there for them in good times and in struggling times. How do I demonstrate my care? By getting out of my comfort zone, getting up early, and taking her to the hospital. Speaking of which, I have to go. But I have to stop at Starbucks. I need my coffee. :-)
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Welcome to Pastoral Prose
Welcome to the first post of "Pastoral Prose." I would like to introduce to you what I want to do here.
I want to share with you thoughts about God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I want to share with you some wonderful words from God on a lot of different topics. Some topics will include love, grace, forgiveness along with thoughts on topics that affect people today. I will also talk about topics that you ask about.
I'm a pastor in North Texas, just outside of Dallas. Businesses and home developments are growing quickly. The small city that I live in is growing as a result. And that scares some people who have lived here all there lives. It brings new people, new ideas, along with some old problems. Yet the church that I serve is here to bring the same love of God to the old and new people of our city and solutions in God through Jesus Christ to the old problems of life. I pray that through this, I can bring to you the love of God and solutions in God through Jesus Christ to the old problems of life.
I want to share with you thoughts about God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I want to share with you some wonderful words from God on a lot of different topics. Some topics will include love, grace, forgiveness along with thoughts on topics that affect people today. I will also talk about topics that you ask about.
I'm a pastor in North Texas, just outside of Dallas. Businesses and home developments are growing quickly. The small city that I live in is growing as a result. And that scares some people who have lived here all there lives. It brings new people, new ideas, along with some old problems. Yet the church that I serve is here to bring the same love of God to the old and new people of our city and solutions in God through Jesus Christ to the old problems of life. I pray that through this, I can bring to you the love of God and solutions in God through Jesus Christ to the old problems of life.
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