Joy

This morning, I was reading Hebrews 1 when I came across a great verse about how God anointed Jesus with the "oil of joy." According to the verse, it was that action that set him above his "companions." 

In John 2, Jesus appears at a wedding feast. The funny part is that they were celebrating, but the wine (which most scholars say represents the joy of the feast) has run out. They were going through the wedding ceremony, but weren't having a lot of fun doing it. Covenant without fun... sounds like most of the Christianity that I observe. 

So, a very simple New Year's prayer for me... and maybe for you.

Dear Father, would you please anoint me with the "Oil of joy." Would you show up and give us some joy in this covenant relationship! I am tired of living like everyone else. I want to experience the joy of serving you and the passion of walking in relationship with you!

Have a Blessed New Year!

The LID is gone!

     We all have a narrative through which we interpret life. 

     Have you ever wondered why one person experiences loss and it becomes the stepping stone to greater things. Yet, another person experiences the same loss, and for them it becomes the turning point into bitterness, failure and misery. 

      When I was a kid, my mom read a book by Zig Ziglar entitled, "See You At The Top." That book was a motivational book to encourage people to look at their problems as stepping stones to a new level. In it was one story that intrigues me.

      Some scientists put fleas in a jar, and put a lid on the jar. Since the fleas could jump high enough to get out of the jar, they would jump, but constantly hit the lid. After a while, the fleas jumped, but not quite high enough to hit the lid. Then, the scientists did a cruel thing... they took the lid off. And you know what happened. Although the fleas could easily jump out of the jar, not one of them did. They had been trained by their past narrative to not jump higher.

      When we come to Christ, we are given total freedom. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2Co 5:17)

      Yet, even though the lids are lifted from our lives, we still live with the old narrative. What would happen, if today, you started listening to and believing the new narrative that Christ has for your life? What if you used the past pains and failures as stepping stones instead of things to crush you and weigh you down?

      

Merry HanaChristmaQuanza Year

     So, if another person says "Have a Happy Holiday" to me, I might just lose it.... sorta like the guy who got out of his truck at the stoplight last night to walk up and yell at the woman in front of him.
     How will I lose it? I think I will probably respond to them, in my nicest and cheeriest voice, "and you have a Merry HanaChristmaQuanza Year."
     If I am called on to be politically correct, why not do it right!!!!!!

Lesssons from LASIK

     I had an incredible gift given to me. Dr. Stahl from Dayton, Ohio has a plan to give a free LASIK procedure to Sr. Pastors. This year, I was his candidate!!!
    The procedure was on Thursday, and it is Saturday. The morning after the procedure, my vision tested at better than 20/20!!!! I can see things from a distance and I can see things up close. Remember that I had been wearing trifocals for over 10 years. And, the last time I inquired about having the procedure, they told me that with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, I was not a candidate.
     So, here is the lesson. My vision is GREAT, but I find myself walking around the house thinking that I need to put my glasses on so I can see. Over the past 30 years of wearing glasses, I have developed a mental dependency on glasses.
     Similarly, on the road to Damascus, a man named Saul encountered Jesus. At that moment, Saul knew everything about God and the Scriptures. Like any good Pharisee, he had it all figured out and had put on his "glasses" by which he viewed life, God and the Holy Scriptures that he had studied for decades.
     Then, in one "surgical moment" his vision changed. The book of Acts tells us that later, when prayed for "something like scales fell from Saul's eyes." From that time on, his vision changed. It was that same Paul (his new name) wrote things like "Christ is the fulfillment of the law."
     When I talk to people about the reality of the Scriptures being a fully Divine and fully HUMAN book, they often have a change in vision. But, in follow up conversations, I find that they are uncomfortable not wearing the 'old glasses.' 
     Change is never comfortable, and there is always an adjustment period, but I am so grateful for LASIK and for the times when God took the scales from my eyes.

Atheist?

   I was talking to a self proclaimed atheist the other day. By definition, the atheist says unequivocally that there is no God.
   So, I asked this person if they had ever considered the arrogance of their claim to "KNOW" that there is no God. Is it possible for a someone with limits to time and space to comprehend the vast expanses of this universe? Is it possible for someone with a finite human mind, that lives in 3 dimensions (actually I believe we have a 4th dimension, but that is fodder for another blog) to know with certainty that there are no other dimensions in this universe? What if there is a 6th dimension moving among us every day... beyond height, depth, breath and spirit.
     You see, the atheist is claiming to be "god" themselves by claiming that they have all knowledge.
     So, if you know any "atheists," feel free to ask them how they KNOW that there is no God.

Calling a Foul

      I have probably played over a hundreds, if not thousands of games of "pick up" of basketball. This is the kind of basketball where there is no referee and a few guys getting some exercise and having fun.
      At every one of these games, there has been a time when a "foul" happened. There are different ways of handling the "foul" calls. One is to call the fouls committed against you. What happens then is some "primaddona" calls a foul on every shot they miss.
      The best games I have ever had were when there were people of character who called the fouls on THEMSELVES.
      This morning, I was listening to Bill Hybels talk about how to have peace in leadership. He kept using the term that someone has to call the foul. I agree! And the most healthy relationships I have are when each person "self-referees" themselves and calls fouls on themselves when they step over the line.
      Wouldn't that be a great idea in your relationships. Spouse, kids, parents, employer. I think I am going to adopt this language into my own world!

Christian Karma

     I was listening to a podcast with Tullian Tchividjian, and he mentioned that as Christians, we have a "Christian Karma" view.
     What that basically means is that we believe that if we do "good" we will get "good" in return; and if we do "bad" we will get "bad" in return. This line of thinking is actually informed by some Bible verses. "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." (Gal 6:7 NIV) And, I don't have the time to go into the Deuteronimistic view of retribution.
     So, I have been thinking on this lately. And, this week, one of the guys in our church was diagnosed with a very severe type of cancer at the age of 47. Unless God intervenes, he doesn't have a lot of time left on earth.
     Here is the funny thing. The doctor said that he probably has cancer now because of a disease he picked up while on a MISSIONS TRIP. Let's see if I get this right. A man devotes his time, caring and love to help reach people with the Gospel, and winds up facing death way too young. Is that fair? Is that right? Is that Karma?
     We don't think enough about the whole message of the Scriptures. Of course, I could remind you of Job, who did right and suffered horribly. In fact, the reason his friends were condemned is that they were demanding that Job must have done something to "deserve" his pain.
     But, we forget the clear teaching of 1 Peter 3:17 "For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." Even a casual reading of this verse makes clear that sometimes, God's will is for people to suffer when they do good. That is the opposite of Karma.
     One final thought. Jesus never sinned, but he suffered for the whole of humanity. I am glad he bore my "Karma" so I can have His freedom.

What is the "Word" in John 1?

Someone asked me this past week if the "word" in John 1 is the same as Jesus. What they really meant was that someone told them that the "word" of John 1 was the same as the BIBLE.

The easiest way to give insight to the real meaning of the logos or "word" is to quote from a movie that was really popular when I was a kid. In that movie, there was a blonde warrior in a floppy white shirt who  carried a light saber. He was often sent away with the following words, "the Force be with you." 

We all have an understanding of what the "force" is. It is that quasi god like power that is working in the unseen and spiritual world. It has power that can be used to accomplish your desires, be they good or bad.

The best understanding of the logos used in John 1 and translated as "the word" is much like the Force of Star Wars. The original readers of the text understood what John meant when he said, "In the beginning was the logos." They had a mental concept of such a force at work. What really blew them up was when John said, "And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14). 

You see, that passage isn't about the Bible being the Word, but about Jesus being the full understanding of what God is. Think about it... it makes sense!

The Pastor's Sweet Spot

Let me tell you the other side of my previous blog.

While on vacation at Myrtle Beach, my kids like to visit the Nascar racing park for a little aggressive driving training. In my attempts to be a good dad, I grudgingly oblige their desire and find a way to make it happen. :)

Robin and I are cheap... too cheap to spend $160 for a day driving go carts. But, we saw one of those visitor stands that promised free tickets to the Nascar park if you sat through their 2 hour presentation. We decided to get up early and go through the presentation so we could get day passes for our entire family.

When we arrived at time share presentation, we were assigned a nice lady who promptly asked what I did for a living. Not wanting to play the two step, I told her I was a pastor. The conversation immediately turned to her 19 year old son who was walking away from faith because he had gone to college and started questioning his beliefs.

Although she was supposed to sell me a time share, I spent the next 30 minutes selling her a real relationship with Jesus, the resurrected Christ. We talked about faith and right there in the middle of her sales presentation, we bowed our heads and prayed for her and her son.

Of course, we didn't buy a time share, but I walked away with a lighter step. You see, my heart breaks for kids like John (her son). There are real reasons to embrace faith in Jesus and I want them to know that they don't have to check their brain at the door when they embrace faith. When I minister out of my passion for the lost and struggling, it is energizing to my heart.

The wonderful thing is that the same can be said for you. What is it that drives you, that energizes you, that creates passion in your heart? Press into that sweet spot and enjoy being a minister, no matter what you do for a living!

Why are so many pastors dropping out?

DISCLAIMER: The following post is not intended to be a complaint or to be taken negative. It is simpy information. Many people do not understand what it is like to be called "pastor" so the intention is simply to give you some insight into "our" world. I pastor a great church, and am not planning on quitting. But, I know a lot of guys who really struggle with attendance, with momentum, with feelings like they are total failures. So, please read this through the eyes of someone trying to simply 'pull back the curtain' and let you see the Wizard.

For the past 10 days, I have been in Florida to begin my sabbatical. It has given me an opportunity to do some writing, relaxing and honestly not much thinking! That is until this morning, when I woke up early and wanted to let my wife sleep, so my brain kicked into gear.

Have you ever wondered why so many pastors drop out of ministry? I recently read a statistic that 90% of ministers who start in ministry will not retire from ministry. That is a pretty overwhelming number.

Let me relate to you a couple of events from the past few days and I think it will help you will understand. When I am away from home, I usually don't tell people I am a pastor. It either does one of two things, turns the conversation holy or people avoid you like the plague.

But, I was coming here to relax, so I have actually been stupid twice and told people that I am a pastor. Do you want to know what the first question always is? Before I tell you, I want to acknowledge that people aren't trying to be rude or insensitive, it is just that.... as pastors we all know that there is only one measuring stick of success that the world views us by. The next question is always, "how big is your church?"

Let's stop for a second and think. When was the last time you talked to a plumber and asked them, "how much did you make last year?" Or a salesman, "How many dollars did you do in sales last year?" The only way you would ask that question of a total stranger is if you were a complete jerk.

Here is what that question means. I want to know the size of your congregation, so I can slot you into how valuable and good you are. Whether it is meant that way or not, that is exactly what is happening.

To prove it, let me relate the rest of the story. Now, I pastor a pretty healthy church. We aren't in the Bible belt, so mega churches in Cleveland Ohio are very rare compared to the Bible Belt. We aren't a mega church, but healthy.

Since I don't want to get caught in the "numbers game," I have tried to be ambiguous regarding the size of our church. So, I tried the "a few hundred" response, to let themn know that I am not going to be rude, but I am not going really wanting to answer their question.

With a straight face, I can tell you that the lady I was talking to followed up with, "that's a little church." Wow, woman......

Let me explain something about the American church. The church we see on the street is a business. It has to be run like a business to give opportunity for ministry. This is the painful nature of the beast. Many pastors are horrible business men. They may be great men of God and capable ministers, but just don't have the business skills to lead "big" churches.

We need to make up our minds. Do we want slick business men leading us to God, or men and women of faith? If Christian TV is any example, we want slick salesmen who sell us dreams, not reality. And, if the questions we ask of our pastors reveal anything, it is that what people in America (Christian and non Christian) really value success, not Godliness.

Now you have a little insight into why pastors want to quit.

Separation of Stupid and State

Can I be Thomas Jefferson and add a catchphrase to our national dialogue... I am calling for "Separation of STUPID and State."

This morning, I was watching CNN and they were talking about President Obama's flop on homosexual marriage. The guest was Dr. Tony Evans, a pastor from the Dallas area. Dr. Evans was appealing to Christians to respect the authority of the Scriptures when a voice comes into the discussion with the penultimate argument for those who have no argument. It was Dee Snyder from Twisted Sister yelling, "what about separation of church and state?"

OK, I actually know what Thomas Jefferson was saying when he wrote to the BAPTISTS about "separation of church and state," and agree with his stance that the government should not be run by the church. But what he was not intending was that any time there was a moral debate, for those who have no real argument to yell a slogan that they use to reject any moral authority in their lives.

Dee, We're Not Gonna Take It. So, when I hear that phrase any more, my natural response is going to be to request "SEPARATION OF STUPID AND STATE!"

Rant over...

There are serious issues to be decided in our culture. We should have real debate about issues, intentions, affects, and what authority God and the Scriptures have in the process. I don't want to skip the process on my side, but could the other side please stop being stop being stupid and actually debate real issues instead of throwing out platitudes anytime they disagree.

On May 6, 2012 Harvest Ridge Church celebrated 20 years. At the beginning of the service, I read several comments about how people's lives have been changed attending HRC. I wanted to post these somewhere, because the people who gave these testimonies are the reason we "do church."

- The love acceptance, and couragement has brought healing to our hearts.
- God has brought healing and renewal.
- Since coming to HRC, God has renewed my walk... Jesus has never been so real.
- God redeemed me from an anger issue.
- Brought my wife and I to rededication to our Lord; baptism and a new hope for our future.
- I feel whole and loved again.
- Two of the enemies lies were broken once I started here.
- Harvest Ridge has given me a place to belong. I have family and friends again.
- Saved my marriage 17 years ago... my church family and Life group family have made me a better person.
- I really felt like a wave tossed in the sea; I now belong.
- After visting HR, I was filled with the overflowing of the Holy Spirit which led me to rededicate my life to Christ.
- The truth saved our family. (Long Story, Short Answer)
- Our son was injured playing football and the Dr. said, "He should be in a coma." Instead, he is in full time ministry.
- God's power saved my marriage, my family and used His timing to provide me with a job.
- It was through HRC that I learned to have a personal relationship wiht Jesus.
- I was not condemned. This has been a safe place to heal and be restored.

In the past 20 years, over 1300 people have made a profession to follow Christ at HRC and 331 have been baptized in water. And, HRC has given over $1.2 million to world ministries.

This post reveals why I love HRC. I can't wait to see what God does in the next 20 years.

Command or Promise

Someone sent me an e-mail today talking about the "command" of Jesus to "Be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48)

Being a bit of a Greek Geek, I decided to read it in the original language to understand this verse a little better. There were two observations that I thought were valuable enough to pass along.

1. The word PERFECT does not mean, without any flaw. That is our general understanding of the word in English. But the Greek word we translate "perfect" is teleois. That is the root from which we get telescope. All over the New Testament, the word is translated end or completion. So, when PERFECT is talked about, it is speaking about being COMPLETE in the sight of God.

2. The second insight was more suprising. I read several translations, and almost every one (except the more literal translations - YTL & ASV) made "be perfect" an imperative verb. What is funny is that the Greek word is in the PERFECT tense. So, the proper translation should be "you WILL BE complete, even as your Heavenly Father is complete." The tense of the verb is not an action WE are called to do, but more of a PROMISE of what will happen.

So, instead of reading this verse as a command that we have to do in our own strength, it becomes a promise that if we live by the principles that Jesus is teaching, we will be made complete and totally like our Heavenly Father.

I hope you read this verse in a new light from now on!

Suffering

I received an e-mail today about a story told in church on Sunday. There is this pastor in Africa whose house was broken into by 17 Muslim men. They tied him up and forced him to watch as they raped his wife and daughters. The lady writing me was aghast that God would allow such a thing to happen.

First of all... thank God for her. She didn't just hear a story, she really cared about these ladies. And, she has the strength of character to look up to heaven and declare that God should have done something. I honor that heart.

Rather than give her some "christianized" answer about how God turned it for good and people got saved, blah, blah, blah.... I decided to answer her honestly. So, here are a few excerpts.

Even if I could give you some “answer” about how God used it for good, the suffering seems “over the top.” You are actually staring into one of the greatest questions I have about God. I have said that I struggle with agnosticism... it is because of this question of suffering.

You see, I grew up with a long white robed Jesus with perfect hair, gentle words and miracles to save us from every issue we face. The problem is, that Jesus is nothing more than an illusion created by “do gooder” Sunday School curriculum writers, and preached by preachers trying to get a dollar out of your pocket.

The fact is; Biblically, suffering is a part of our faith. Jesus got the crud beat out of him and then was crucified… that means DIED. Stephen was stoned to DEATH, James was BEHEADED, Peter & John were BEATEN, Paul was mistreated over and over again.

When faced with such questions, I could give you answers that sound spiritual, but I would like you to go to the scriptures for an answer. Start with Colossians 1:24, Philippians 1:29… I could give more, but I want you to actually THINK about what these verses say. Read the context, read a commentary, but THINK.

If you want a decent book on the subject, read “Disappointment with God” by Philip Yancey.

One final thing--And pay attention here--If you are looking for faith, you will find it. If you are looking for excuses, you will find them. So, when you are asking these tough questions, keep your heart open to God. He can bring light into the midst of the confusion and struggle. And, you will probably may find yourself growing incredibly by embracing this struggle.

I know this might not be the kind of answer you were looking for, but it is the healthy one. I believe Jesus is really, genuinely resurrected from the dead. So, my faith allows me to question, to even get mad at God.

Don't be afraid of the questions; God isn't!!!

TeamWork

That poor kicker!

Picture this, it is 38 - 38. Oklahoma State has just responded with a touchdown with about 43 seconds left in the game. Now, Stanford gets the ball and with a missed tackle, the Cardinals have moved deep into the Cowboys side of the field. Yes, this is the 2012 Tostito Bowl!

So, the freshman kicker has a chance to win the game for Stanford. Instead, he pulls the kick left and the game goes into overtime.

In overtime, the freshman kicker has a chance again to possibly win the game, and again he pulls the kick left. And on the final possession, the Cowboys score!!!! Oklahoma State wins.

So, we want to say that the kicker lost the game. But that isn't really the truth. You see, football is the ultimate Team sport.

Did you notice that the score was 38 - 38? What about the defense that let OK St. score 38 points? What about the offence that failed to move the ball a time or two. What about the coaching staff that played it safe in OT instead of keeping up the aggressive play calling?

So it is in life. We are in need of a team to help us. Our failures aren't our failures alone, or successes aren't our successes alone. We need one another! Whether you like it or not, you need me and I need you. If you are a follower of Christ, you NEED the church.

God has put us on this earth to accomplish some things. You need to be on my team and I need to be on your team, but most importantly, we need to be on Christ's team. I have had enough of our individualistic ways, it is time for us to be a TEAM. You pick me up when I am weak, and I will do the same for you.