Old Dog - New Tricks

Today, our staff met for prayer and communion. We opened with a couple of readings from Scripture and then we had communion with grape soda and cheese popcorn. I used this as an opportunity to challenge our interns (who are all young) to consider the purpose and meaning of “devotional time” and “communion.”

Then, we came back to the office and my interns challenged me that my existing blog wasn’t “user friendly.” Because I learn from them as much as they learn from me, I am moving my blog this new site http://kevinlcrow.wordpress.com/. And, I was introduced to twitter. I have had an account for about a decade and have 0 posts. 

There is an old saying… “if you keep doing what you have always done, you will get what you always got.” 

As an old dog (or at least middle age), I have had a great run. What I have gotten to this point is a wonderful relationship with my wife and kids, a great church and a healthy body. But, part of the reason that I have these blessings is that I have always been willing to fix what was broken… often before it broke!

My conversations with some late teens has convinced me that I have grown comfortable in my patterns. When I was younger, one of my favorite verses was, “ See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?!“ (Isa 43:19) 

It is time to embrace the NEW thing God is doing. I am going to stop kicking, screaming and digging in my heels… Welcome Kevin Crow to the 21st Century!

Fun

     On Memorial Day, it was 50 degrees and raining.... Robin broke her toe on Saturday night, and can only hobble. So, what do we do to celebrate a day off with all the kids home? Well, a few months ago, I saw some tickets for the African Safari on sale for $6 each. I got them for such a day.
     We slowly make our way to the Safari, stopping for lunch at Taco Bell and a walk (Robin hobbled) around Menards. That place is amazing! Where else can you get building supplies, clothes, pet food, greeting cards, and fireworks?
     Anyway, the Safari wasn't crowded. We drove through noticing that the AFRICAN animals included such things as Bison, Longhorns, Elk, Reindeer and Pigs. Ok, not so African after all.
     After walking around and letting the youngest ride a camel, we decided to go through the Safari again. But this time, the Bison and Longhorns were hungry. They were coming to the car wanting food. Well.... they just weren't coming up to the car, they were coming IN THE CAR. Here is a pic of a Bison trying to give my son a kiss!

     This was a reminder to me how blessed I am. Thank God for the chance to have some fun. What a Fun Day!!!!

 

 

A "Not So New" View of the Bible - Divine Accommodation

I have been reading the Scriptures for almost all my life. I have an undergraduate degree in Bible, and a Masters Degree in New Testament. I have read literally hundreds of books. And TODAY, I read a concept that has been around for literally hundreds of years... and I didn't know it!

The concept is called, "Divine Accommodation." 

Have you ever tried to communicate with a two year old? You can speak words to them, but to really be heard, you have to simplify your language and talk on their level. For example, you would never tell a two year old that they need to "identify the options, isolate their suggestions and follow through on their decisions." Instead, you would encourage them to pick a crayon and color.

When God chose to communicate with humans, his ultimate communication was found in the person of Jesus. Jesus came down to our level and communicated with us. That means that God, who is 'all present' limited himself to a singular location. That means that the One who has no needs became dependent on air, food, water, sleep, etc...

The next level of communication is through the Scriptures. So, if we recognize that God's ultimate communication was limited when He revealed Himself in Jesus, why would we want to deny limitations in the secondary communication... the Bible.

A couple of quotes:
     "By the very way God gave us this word, he locked in the ambiguity." (Gordon Fee)
     "In the process of divine inspiration, God did not correct every incomplete or mistaken viewpoint of the biblical authors in order to communicate through them." (Christian Smith, The Bible Made Impossible)

A lot of church fathers held this view: Origen, Justin, Athanasius, John Chrysostom, Augustine, Calvin.

Sure, the authors of Scripture were "carried by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21). But that doesn't mean that they gave up their own limited understandings when recording the "words of God." They accomplished God's purposes without surrendering their own minds.
   
One final thought: If we take Scripture for what it is... God choosing to speak to us on our level, we shouldn't be upset when we read things that "contradict" or offend our senses. God could have chosen to reveal himself in any fashion, but he chose to use the words of Scripture. Sometimes these words confound those who really read them (should women prophesy or be quiet in the church). God is not distraught at this "confusion." He CHOSE to reveal himself in this way.... maybe so we would focus on the ultimate revelation in Jesus!

Is Jesus = God?

     There is a subject that has intrigued me for years.... Does the Bible Claim Jesus is God?

     This morning, I was reading 1 John 5:20 from the Greek. That previous statement doesn't mean I am smart, just disciplined. There are two practices that I try to do each day (1) Read a short passage from the Greek and (2) Read at least 5 pages from a book. By doing those two practices, I have read hundreds of books and about half of the NT from the Greek.

    Now back to 1 John 5:20. The NIV says, "He is the true God and eternal life." 

    Since I wasn't reading the from the English, I didn't breeze past that statement, but actually noticed what I read. The passage is clearly talking about JESUS CHRIST. In the Greek construction, there is no doubt that Jesus is being called God. So, John literally calls Jesus God.

     There is another clear example that John thought Jesus = God is found in John 1. In verse 1, John says that "the word was God" and then in verse 14, we are informed that "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son." So, if the Word was God and became the Son...I guess John is saying that Jesus = God.

     One more passage. In John 8, Jesus is in a debate with some Jews when he tossed out that "Abraham was glad to meet him (Jesus)." The smart people picked up on this and said, "you aren't even fifty, and you have seen Abraham."  Jesus reply says a lot... "Before Abraham was born, I AM." Now, every good Jewish boy understood that Jesus was calling himself the "I AM." (see Exodus 3:14).

     So, you ask, why does all this matter? Well, the common statement about Jesus is that "he was a good teacher." The problem is... If you are saying Jesus is just a "good teacher," you are missing the whole message about who He is and what His death on the cross really means.

Disturbing Story - Great Truth

   There is this incredibly disturbing story in Genesis 19 about Lot. It seems that after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot was living in a cave with his two daughters. Since there were no men around, the girls decided to make their dad drunk and have sex with him so they could have children. As the story goes, two nights in a row, he got totally hammered and passed out. The girls took turns with dad and both got pregnant.
   Here is the punch line... the two boys became the fathers of the Moabites and the Amonites. These were the two most hated peoples by the early Israelite community. The animosity was so bad that in Deuteronomy 23:3, the command is given that: "No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, not even in the tenth generation."
    Maybe I shouldn't ask such questions, but I wonder... did the total disdain for two groups of people influence the story as told in Genesis 19? The story is so succinct, so disgusting, so incendiary.

    I know, there are timeless things that we can pull from this passage, such as the warning towards drunkenness. But, think there is a much more redemptive message here. Ruth is from the line of Moab.... and her grandson (David) entered not only the "assembly of the Lord" but led that assembly. And, eventually, Jesus came from that same line.
    So, in God's plan, it doesn't so much matter where you come from, but where HE is taking you!

STOP

    This morning, as I was reading the scriptures, I ran across something that "stopped" me in my tracks.
It is in Luke 24. The resurrection of Jesus has just happened and the disciples are in dismay. They didn't believe the story that the ladies told. So, two of them travel to a city called Emmaus.
     On the way, they are musing about the happenings of the last few days. They are joined in the journey by a man who asks them what they are talking about. The next sentence "stopped me in my tracks." Really, that is what the Greek word means there. They were caused to stop and stand still will downcast faces.
     Have you ever been "stopped in your tracks?"
     Sometimes we need to STOP our incessant moving and listen. The same root Greek word is used later in verse 22 where the NIV says that the women "amazed us" with testimony of the resurrection. Another rendering of that word means, "knocked the feet from under us."
     What I am saying is that sometimes, we need to be stopped.
     This past weekend, I actually took a day off. It was the first one I had taken since my vacation and Robin and I looked at each other...  We felt odd because we felt we should be going somewhere and doing something.
      Most of the people are so busy that if God wanted to talk to them, He would have to chase them around. And since God doesn't call us on our cell phones, we wouldn't be listening, because that e-mail, text, call or game requires all our attention as we sprint to the next event.
      So... I stopped this morning, just to listen. It was wonderful.
      Why don't you STOP today and hear what the Spirit of God wants to tell you!

     A weird thing happened to me to day. It was a sunny Monday morning, and the power was out at the church, so I decided to go to my favorite hideaway to read the Bible and pray. After spending some time reading the Scriptures, I decided to walk down the path to the marshy area on the back of the property. There are some ponds back there, and there aren't normally any people, so I can sing and pray aloud without the risk of anyone thinking I am too nuts.

     So, I am a "look for deer" kinda guy. It comes from all those years of sitting in the freezing cold hoping to catch a glimpse of "bambi" so I could kill him and have deer steak for dinner. I wasn't very successful, but I wasted a lot of time watching the woods.

     Last fall, I was walking down this same trail and I saw one of the biggest bucks I have ever seen. He was in full rut and his neck must have been 2 feet wide. I stood there in wonder and delight as I watched him casually bound into the woods.

     This morning, I was walking down that same trail, praying for a list of people... calling their names out to God in prayer and asking for Him to bless them. Of course, I was looking for a big buck to jump out of the underbrush and astound me again. Instead, a Red Winged Blackbird cut across my path. 

     I have seen these birds for years, but this one was different. The color on his wings was bright red. As he flew past me, I thought about the passage about how God takes care of the birds of the air. You know, that He caused those colors to be vibrant and bright. That bird didn't spend an hour in the mirror making sure the colors were perfectly placed.

     Maybe it is time I trust God a little more. If He can make a blackbird beautiful... maybe He can take care of me too!!!

Spiritual Warfare

Below is a link from the opening song at Harvest Ridge on Sunday. We were talking about belief... and is there something better to believe in than what the world sells us.
Really, that was just an excuse to play a Journey song... man they killed it!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200209199691435&comment_id=5034341&offset=0&total_comments=5&notif_t=video_comment_tagged

I believe.... a lot of things. One is that "church' has been way too boring most of my life. If Jesus really is alive and we are committed to Him, then maybe we should live a little better!

Your Words Are Windows

     Have you ever heard that a person's words are "windows to the soul?"
     So I am reading this history book... And I notice that every few pages he is talking about the aberrant sexual practices of the people; most of which were about their penchant for homosexual activity. So, I turn to the back page and read his biographical sketch. Just looking at the sketch makes me ask a question.
     This blog isn't about a persons sexual orientation. But it got me to thinking. Have you ever been around someone who is dieting? What do they talk about all the time? FOOD.
     Have you ever talked to someone who just started dating "Mr. or Miss Dreamy?" All they want to talk about is their new love.
      Last night, I was working out with a group of young men. Several times during the conversation, they brought up Ephesians 4:29; "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
      First of all, a bunch of 20 year olds (and a couple of old guys) were talking about Scripture together as we lifted HUGE amounts of weight. And, what were these young men talking about? A Scripture they had read recently that gave them direction.
      What do your words reveal? What is at the center of your soul? Do your words bring benefit to those who listen? If not, then change the focus of your time and energy!

To Whom Much Is Given

I was listening to an interview today with a college basketball coach who took over a team that had 4 wins the year before he came. For the past 7 years, they have had 20 wins a season. This is an incredibly successful program.

What happens with a successful program is that expectations become raised. When he started, Coach Steve Fisher was considered successful when they had a winning season. Now, if they don't make the NCAA tournament, the year falls short of expectations.

This is a principle that Jesus recognized... "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48)

But, with the increased expectation, we sometimes stop to thank God for the blessings we have received from him. The goal to produce at a higher level, robs us from the joy of success.

What successes do you have that need to be celebrated?

Here are a few of mine: I have a wonderful wife who loves me. I have three great kids that I love and we get along great. I pastor an incredible church of people who want to make a difference in this world. I live in a nice house, drive a dependable truck and wear clothes that are somewhat in style. I have enough to eat!!!!

Thanks Father for your blessings. Please don't allow me to ever get so caught up chasing the next good goal that I miss the opportunity to celebrate your blessings today!

PERSISTENCE - Carl Edwards

Ok... I admit it. I am a NASCAR fan.

On most Sunday afternoons, the continual roaring of the noise of the cars creates the perfect background for what I call my NASCAR Nap. When there is a wreck, the announcer will yell and I will wake up. Then it is time for "I Squat Sundays," which will have to be the content of another post.

So, this past Sunday, Carl Edwards won the race in Phoenix. I like Carl. He is a good, solid driver that nearly won the championship in 2011 (he lost on a tie-breaker to Tony Stewart). But as of last Sunday, it had been nearly TWO YEARS since his last race win.

Carl isn't a loser. Carl works hard. Carl is in great shape. BUT he hadn't won! It was a rough dry spell.

Have you ever gone through a dry spell? Your best efforts come up short? You are doing the same good things you used to do and succeed, but for some reason, nothing is working right? You are even trying to make proactive changes, but even those fall short?

I know what that feels like. I took some consolation from Carl's victory. If we stick with it and work hard, the time will come when we will break through again. I believe the promise of Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Hang in there and keep trying!!!!

Chevelle - in concert

I got tickets to see Chevelle! Seriously, I am REALLY excited to see my favorite band in concert. But even more excited to stand in a room with a bunch of young, crazy rockers and feel the energy in the air. Yes, I know there will be drunk people there. I know that the culture of those young men and women isn't really Godly... but you gotta be kidding me, it is Chevelle!!!!

Why do I like Chevelle? Because it is ANGRY! And because it is passionate and without pretension. And the guitar noise is great.

When I was a kid, we had these preachers who used to preach about how all rock and roll was "Devil Music." I sat through dozens of "rock seminars" where they played Stairway to Heaven backwards to hear some message about satan. All it made us want to do was go out and buy Led Zepplin IV. And when I did, I realized that I liked the beat, even if it was the same as the African Witchcraft dance (if you heard that story, please comment).

The message of the church was that you need to be buttoned down and nice. Obey! Be potty trained! Shut up and behave!

I don't want to behave!!!!!!

I want to be one of those guys you read about in David's mighty men. You know, the kind who "also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion" (2 Samuel 23:20). I want to fight Goliath with a sling and a few stones! I want to rout Midian with a trumpet and a lamp!

Let me be the angry, passionate, warrior who loves Jesus and people enough to be bold. I hate what satan is doing to people (youth and adults), but I love the people who live those messed up lives. So I will stand up for what is right! I will challenge those blinded by lies! I will take bold steps of faith!

So, I plan on going to hang out with a bunch of messed up people and enjoying the music with them. Who knows, I might just get a chance to share Jesus! That was what happened the last time I went to one of those crazy concerts. 

PS... An Evening with El Diabalo might be the best song ever written!

Growing Up

This past week, I had an opportunity to go back to my Alma Mater to interview some young people for a staff position at Harvest Ridge. Twenty five years ago, I graduated from CBC in Springfield. A lot of water has flowed under that bridge in those years.

Honestly, I have had a bit of an attitude toward the place. They pushed a type of Christianity that just about killed me. And, I have been sorta angry, resentful towards the institution. But, this time, when I walked on the campus, I wasn't an impressionable kid. Over the past 25 years, I have wrestled with God and come to grips with the faith that I embrace.

God has blessed me, and I felt a little like Jacob returning home with a full life. What I experienced there didn't really harm me, it helped me sort through what is real and what is garbage.

As I interviewed a couple of young men, I could hear some of the same thoughts, ideas and world views that so shaped me from that same institution. Some of it is very good, some.......

The next day, I played a game of one-on-one with a young man who is extremely athletic. I won, not because I was a better athlete, but because I have more experience.

For the first 25 years of ministry, I have accomplished a lot by simply pushing through. The youthful idealism, passion and energy that cascades from college dormitories drove most that I have done. Maybe the next 25 years, I will use wisdom, confidence and experience a little more.

I guess that I might be growing up!

God will Reward

   Occasionally, something I read in the Scriptures jumps out at me. This morning was one of those mornings. I was reading in Proverbs 25... when the phrase "The Lord will reward you" jumped off the page.
    What stopped me in my tracks was the context of these verses. It was talking about how to deal with your enemy.
     I have a few enemies. Let's face it, I am a strong willed, opinionated leader. There are people who like to get ticked off at people like me. It gives them purpose in life, to complain about something.
     Let me give you an example: This morning, I picked a crumpled note out of my "mailbox" at church. The note was from someone named "Annomous"... apparently, without spell checker, they are in trouble. Anyway, the note says, "Alter calls are stupid!" I would write the rest, but that is the heart of the argument.
    Now, the other side: A few years ago, we had a family leave the church because we didn't do "Altar Calls" any more. You know, every service we didn't sing "Just as I am" and invite people to come to the Altar to get saved and shake the preachers' hand.
     So, I am damned if I do and damned if I don't.

     Now, back to "The Lord will reward you." The whole verse says, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you."
     We can't win every fight. We can't explain everything. We can't even defend ourselves sometimes. So, I guess our job is to simply love people. Yesterday, God spoke a prophetic word to us, "Love people and let God be the judge." I guess that is where the real reward is... loving people and not carrying malice, hatred or even disdain for the people who attack.
     Who do you need to love today? Do it, and God will reward you!!!!

I am not NICE

     It is always a tough day when you realize that you aren't really.... nice.

     The fact is, I am not hardwired to be "nice." I am hardwired to conquer, to lead, to attack. Now, I am not excusing hurtful, or jerky behavior. But, if you want to be around a nice, safe, comfortable person, I probably ain't him.
     For years, I felt condemned by the "nice church people." Why? I talk about sex and masturbation and homosexuality. I talk about pooping out food that you put on a credit card (and now are paying interest on) as being stupid. I make jokes that poke fun at the establishment. I admit that sometimes, I want to fight.
     This makes "nice" people unsettled. Why? Because they have sex, poop and get angry. But, they think that it isn't "nice" to talk about it.
     And, what is even worse are the times when I question their religion and superstition. (Have you ever wondered why we reach our hands out to people when we pray for them? Are we channeling?)
     This may seem superioristic towards people, but the fact is... I have a problem. I am not NICE! It is ok for me to be me, but I have no right to look down on others who aren't like me. If I don't like them treating me wrongly for being who I am, then I shouldn't treat them wrongly for being who they are. Insert here the words of Jesus about "taking the log out of your own eye first."

      So, to the world I offer this apology: If I haven't treated you nice, then I am sorry. Not being nice is no excuse for not treating people nice. I will try to treat you better, but there is a long way for this boy to go.
      God help us all!

My Prayer

    This morning, as I was praying, I found myself praying a unique prayer for my children.
    Anyone who knows me knows that I hate to lose. I don't dislike it, I HATE to lose. Yet, I found myself praying for God to help my kids win enough to be confident that they can win any fight or struggle. But not to win so much that they get arrogant and proud, thinking that they can handle life without God.
     This prayer finds its roots in a conversation I had with another dad at a basketball game recently. He has a great son, but he has some natural "weaknesses" to becoming a great basketball player. As we were talking I reminded him that my goal is to raise a great man, not a star basketball player. Neither one of our sons will play in the NBA. So, at some point, it ceases to be about sports and about character and physical training.
      I wonder if this is how God views our struggles. He wants us to win every battle, but winning isn't nearly as important growing character. Maybe this struggle you are in isn't one for you to win, but one for you to GROW CHARACTER through!
      Stay tough and stay in the fight!

Attitude Adjustment

     I have a problem with my attitude!
     If someone pushes me, I want to push them back harder. If I am wronged, I feel entitled to hold a grudge. If things don't go my way, I feel that I should be able to pout in an attempt to get my way.
     Yesterday, I was on a phone conversation with someone with all those attitudes. They sounded so  childish.... so entitled...... so ugly.....   Then a realization hit me straight in the mouth. That is how I sound when I let my attitude go.
      It was to people like me that Jesus spoke the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 4-6). He starts with the "BeAttitudes" which outline the attitudes of a person who is truly happy. Unfortunately, those don't look very much like my attitudes. According to Jesus, the person who is blessed is the one getting kicked around and taking it.
      Then, he goes on to say that isn't so much the action, but the attitude behind the sin. Adultery is a matter of the heart; lust is committed long before sex happens. Murder is a matter of the heart; your anger reveals that you think you are better than the other. Swearing isn't about words; it is a desire to control God and humans.
      I don't have time to talk about "giving to those who ask" and "turning the other cheek." And, I am not really sure that I want to.
      My point is that we all have this entitled two year old inside us. And Jesus informs us that the only way to live a truly happy and fulfilled life is to reject that selfish person and become a giving, loving person.
      I guess now we know why most people are really miserable!!!

Crazy Faith

     I am trying to get Life Insurance. My old policy will run out soon and it is time to renew for the next 15-20 years. So, after getting a quote, I have to go through their questions.... have you ever used tobacco, alcohol, had an MRI, drove a race car, take any prescriptions, have high cholesterol..... yadda, yadda, yadda. The question that got me was, "do you have high blood pressure?" My answer, "I didn't when I started this phone call!"
     So, last night I spent nearly an hour giving details about nearly every activity in my life. Why? Because they have charts to determine if I am likely to live to 66.
     After that, I took three young men from our church out to dinner. Each one feels called by God into full time ministry. As we talked, I heard the same kind of stuff coming from them that I did the insurance company. (I am not picking on them, I do the same stuff.)
     Before we make an investment, we like to make sure it is safe. We ask questions and make plans to cover our loses. Why? Because all of us have an aversion to stepping into the risky unknown.
     Our family has been reading through the book of Genesis in our nightly devotions. This time through, I have been struck by the FAITH of Abram (or Abraham). He was living comfortably in the Chaldean area (it is known as the Fertile Crescent). There was culture, food and the comforts of life. Then.... God called him to leave Ur of the Chaldeans and "go to a land I will show you."
     What was Abram's response? He got up and left.
     And when He got there, he had some hallucinations that made him think God told him to take a knife to his MANHOOD!!! And He DID IT!!!!  This is why Abram is called the father of those who have faith.
     So, what is God wanting you to do? What crazy action do you need to take by faith.... no safety net, no 5,000 questions first, no guarantees.  Just faith!

The Message of Hebrews

     So last Friday, it was my day off and I was the only one in my house awake. The kids were off school for Christmas break... and I can't sleep in.
     I know that I have an hour or two of silence, so I started reading the Bible. When I reached my bookmark in the book of Hebrews, I read the chapter. Oddly, I noticed that the author of Hebrews is telling people that we should be faithful to Jesus because he SUFFERED.
     A little background will help here. The book of Hebrews is written to people who were undergoing some pretty severe persecution for the cause of Christ. They were being ostracized from the community,  were having their houses confiscated and were not able to participate in such activities as buying food.
      So, when thinking about what I would tell these people, I thought to myself that my message would be "Jesus is alive, so you too will Overcome." That caused me to start at the beginning of the book and read the entire book of Hebrews looking to locate the message of the resurrection.
     Imagine my angst as I work through the first THIRTEEN CHAPTERS.... without even one reference to Christ's resurrection. By now, my mind is working overtime. Why isn't the author mentioning the resurrection? Doesn't he really believe that Jesus is alive? Why is his message only that Jesus accomplished great things through SUFFERING?
      Then, I find it.... just five verses from the end of the book.

 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,  equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

      It wasn't that the author of Hebrews didn't know Jesus was alive. It wasn't that he was rejecting the resurrection as the reason for his faith. He was intentionally highlighting the suffering of Jesus as an EXAMPLE to us that suffering accomplishes a great work before God.
     Why not take a few minutes and read Hebrews this week!