Looking In

“Behold I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him and he with me.” – Rev. 3:20

Let me take you back to when I was 12 on my newspaper route in the middle of winter during a North Dakota blizzard. As I snowplowed my way down the sidewalks, I looked like Frosty the Snowman waddling up to each house.  It was dark, bitter cold, the wind was whipping around the streetlights, and the snow began to form deep banks throughout the neighborhood streets. It was not fit for man nor beast…but the newspaper had to be delivered, and I was up against the deadline to collect payments from customers. I stood on the doorstep of one home, pressing the doorbell, and looking inside at the warm glow.  The fireplace was crackling with the aroma descending out from the chimney, an older couple sipped on something hot, chips and pretzels were nearby as they watched Monday Night Football.  I could hear the sports commentator call out “Earl Campbell for the Houston Oilers is unstoppable…” No one came to the door.  I lingered there with ice forming on my eyebrows longing to join this family, to shed my snow crusted gear, warm up by the fire with a hot drink and watch Earl Campbell rumble through the defenses. I knocked on the door and called out “Newspaper”. No response. They couldn’t hear me through the wind outside and the game and crackling fire within. Too cold to take off my gloves and knock again, I placed the paper inside the screen door and trudged onto the next house.

That childhood memory has stuck in my limited brain because of the stark contrast of that moment between the bitter cold and having to complete a job with the relaxing warmth of comfort, food, hot drink and Monday Night Football. It’s probably one reason why I love to watch football today. At that moment there could have been nothing I desired more then to join them in their living room. I think of this desire of Jesus as he stands at the door of our lives this Christmas season.

With all of our Christmas season activity with work parties, get-togethers with friends, baking holiday treats, frantic shopping, attending special events and performances, trying to find the perfect “ugly Christmas sweater”, making time to watch Elf, or Jingle All the Way, and preparing for the big day with family, do we hear Jesus knock and call out to us? Are we so busy with our lives that we have shut the door to Christ and He is left standing outside looking in? Does he see us preoccupied with our stuff, worries and celebrations? He desires to join us beside the fire and be in our presence with laughter or tears, for joy or comfort, but the door is shut.

Open the door to Jesus this Christmas. Invite Him into your celebrations, your work, your home, your family…your life.  To the world this time of the year is Happy Holidays – spend, drink and be merry. To the Christian this is an opportunity to remember to open the door of Christ into our lives with the hope, joy and peace only He can offer. When we worship Christ during Christmas we proclaim the reason for the season and become a testimony to our friends, co-workers, neighbors and family.

Tebowing

It is no secret I love watching football, and to play competitive fantasy football (Hey, when my guy scores I score, when he gets sacked I feel it the next day). This blog is dedicated to my fantasy football friends and to my Bronco brothers & sisters.

“TEBOW, TEBOW!” the fans at Bronco stadium chant as Tim Tebow, #15 takes the field for the first time late in the game against the Chargers in week 5. At that point as a backup quarterback he hasn’t done a whole lot this season except sit on the sidelines and cheer for his struggling last place team, yet he is one of the most loved or despised players garnering national sports attention each day. Since he has started the last 7 games he has been the hottest news buzz even beyond sports with ESPN, CNN, Fox News and anyone who can write (or try to like me). What’s up with Tebow mania and why is he such a polarizing sports figure? It’s his faith in God and bold declaration that whenever he has a public opportunity he will give credit (praise) to God first, his teammates and coaches second, and third grateful for an opportunity to play the game. But despite the fact that he lives the Christian walk who serves the community, loves his family, supports the church and stays clear of the entrapments of this world, he is one of the most ridiculed, mocked and despised players in the league. Consider the Detroit Lions.

In Tebow’s second game as a starter they faced the surging Detroit Lions with the most powerful player in the league, Ndamukong Suh, a Portland native. In that game, the Lions completely dominated the Broncos and made Tebow look like a high school QB running for his life. During the game two Lions players, S. Tulloch and T. Scheffler mocked him with a “Tebowing” celebration on the field. New Webster word, “Tebowing” the act of kneeling on one knee, head bowed, with fist on forehead in earnest prayer. After the game the Lions ripped into Tebow as an inept NFL QB. At that moment they appeared correct and that Tebow’s NFL career might be short lived. But something improbable happened, Tim Tebow kept his faith centered on God, kept working hard at his profession, believed in his teammates, and kept a positive attitude. Since that game things have dramatically changed for both teams.

The Broncos have won 5 straight games, taking first place in their Division with Tebow winning the reluctant praise as a “winning” QB even from his most ardent critics. The Lions on the other hand have gone from dominant team, feared and respected by all, to likely missing out of the playoffs losing the past 3 of 4. Their star defensive player N. Suh embarrassed himself and the team with a cleated stomp on a player lying on the field with a two game suspension, loss of pay and a car wreck in Portland this past week. After a few other incidents involving their coach and unsportsmanlike penalities, the Lions are getting the reputation of being an undisciplined, immature team that has a lot to learn in life and on the field.

Now, the Broncos could falter and not make the playoffs and that would bum me out, and Tebow could fizzle out as a NFL QB and I would be disappointed. But, even if Tebow’s NFL career is short lived he made a HUGE impact in simply being who he is, a committed Christian who walks the walk and gives praise to God for all accomplishments in his life. That’s why I cheer for Tim Tebow and I hope he wears the Bronco jersey for years to come. For the Lions teammates instead of mocking Tebow maybe you should bow on your knee and join him in prayer giving thanks that you get to play America’s favorite game.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11

My Christmas List

It’s early December and my wife thumbs through our kid’s Christmas lists and with a look of exasperation she turns to me and says, “I need your list. I have no idea what to get you for Christmas.” As I search for an easy answer all I can give to her is “Ok, I’ll think about it and give you some ideas.” So, now I need to make my Christmas list. I don’t know if other guys my age have such a hard time coming up with ideas for Christmas presents, but I’m stumped at the moment. There are a couple of reasons why: one, if it’s something I really want during the year, I usually find a way to get it. “Hey Babe, our internet is slower than dial-up, can I go buy the Lightning Speed Gizzmo Internet Box that runs at 40 mega-zillion bytes per second? You can run Facebook and play Angry Birds at the SAME time!” Two, the stuff I really want costs a boatload of cash like my own media room with a 60 inch LED HDTV, internet gaming, booming surround sound, mini-fridge, popcorn machine and just ONE leather La-Z-Boy recliner, or I could settle for a BMW convertible roadster. But once I leave my fantasyland and all the unicorns have flown away, I get back to the task of creating a realistic Christmas list.

My list is starting to take shape with a few books, flannel pj’s, beef sticks and games, but my mind wanders to what I really want this Christmas beyond a few presents under the tree. All I want for Christmas is to see a smile on my wife’s face with contentment and joy of our shared life together. I desire to see my kids thrive in their interests, studies and friendships. I pray for God’s protection for strong healthy bodies, and that as a family we walk on the path of faith God has provided for us. All I want for Christmas is to know we are in the powerful, merciful, gentle hands of God our Father and to walk in his loving kindness.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

As I finish my Christmas list, I put my pen down, bow my head and say a prayer of thanks to God that he let me open my present early this year.

Be The One, Give Thanks

A group of men, sat on rocks, in small clusters, some were telling stories of their families others, looked longingly out across the hills of Jerusalem to a city they could not enter. Unclean, the title that shattered their lives separating them from their families, work, homes, and Temple worship. One of the men looked at the open sores on his hands, knowing that in time, the leprosy would take his fingers, as well as, infect other parts of his body. With little to no hope the men exist from day to day by the support of family and mercy of others.

One of the men spotted a small group traveling, and as they approached he recognized this rabbi, the teacher who many said healed the sick. Getting the attention of the other men, they stood and called out “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” The rabbi stopped, turned and his companions quieted as he gazed upon the pain, loss of dignity, and hopelessness expressed across their faces. With his hopeful command “Go, show yourselves to the priests”, the words prompted all ten men to walk, some faster than others, to the city.

As they traveled, their steps quickened, their backs straightened, their strength returned, and their skin was renewed. No sores, no pain, no disease, means a life restored with family, work, dignity, and they are men once again. Rejoicing some quicken their pace, others stop to show their restored skin to one another, but one man turns back and leaves the group.

He sees the Rabbi in the distance and emotion springs forth as he shouts praises to God. The lone leper, a Samaritan, falls at Jesus’ feet and thanks him, tears flow from a life fully restored. Jesus looks into the hearts and thoughts of his traveling companions and asks, “Were not all ten cleansed?” Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Turning back to the man he softly commends, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Paraphrased from Luke 17:11-19

Charles L Brown asks the question, why did only one cleansed leper return to thank Jesus? He gave a list of nine suggested reasons why the nine did not return:

One waited to see if the cure was real.
One waited to see if it would last.
One said he would see Jesus later.
One decided that he had never had leprosy.
One said he would have gotten well anyway.
One gave the glory to the priests.
One said, “O, well, Jesus didn’t really do anything.”
One said, “Any rabbi could have done it.”
One said, “I was already much improved.”

In our season of Thanksgiving, we celebrate the joy of family, the comfort of material blessings, health and enjoyment of life, but let’s not forget the lesson of the lone, Samaritan who fell at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. Turn back, pause, in your celebrations this week, fall at Jesus’ feet and in everything give thanks to God.

Who Are Our Veterans?

Who are our veterans? On 11-11-11 we remember the men and women present and throughout our history that sacrificed for our liberty and security of our nation. From the undermanned Patriot Freedom Fighters, to the underappreciated Vietnam Veterans to our present soldiers serving we honor you. Who are the vets that we honor today? The truth is only you can share their story of who they are in remembrance or in gratitude. The Vets I honor today are my father and brother.

My father, Staff Sergeant, Jerry Koetitz served as an Air Operations Specialist during the Vietnam War stationed in Tennessee (where I was born) and Thailand. Today as a semi-retired minister and doting grandfather his gentle and affable spirit is a joy to be around. I am sure that raising five boys was his greatest challenge in life (we gave him plenty) and I have the war stories to prove it. I remember one hot summer day in Rhame, ND as a bored teen, I saw several five gallon buckets of paint sitting in the garage. So without asking I grabbed a brush and began painting the exterior of our house. Mid-way through I came to my senses and asked Dad if that was okay. Each of us have given him his battle scars like driving a station wagon full of screaming girls through a garage, or wrapping his mini-van around a tree, playing baseball in the house, setting bologna on fire on the kitchen floor, or bringing home a live turkey for Thanksgiving. I am surprised he is still with us.

My brother, 1st Lt. Jon-Mark Koetitz is currently serving in Afghanistan as a C-130 pilot in the Air National Guard. He is a devoted husband and engaging brother and friend. His magnetic personality draws others around him with warmth, joy and wit. I remember his basic training began in Kindergarten during the winter in N.D. I had him put on his snow suit with gloves and boots and I grabbed my BB Gun. Outside in the snow, I had my little brothers practice their running, ducking and rolling to evade enemy fire. Training went well as I heard the “puffs” of my BB’s zing off their snow suits as they darted from the house to the fence, till Jon-Mark let out a howl in pain. He was wounded by enemy fire as a BB hit his skin in between his mittens and his snow suit. Drill Sergeant Mom put an end to this basic training exercise. I know my little brother will sit by himself at the dinning room table in defiance at not eating his vegetables…even as an adult. He doesn’t like to search for leftovers in the fridge, but he enjoys surfing in So. Cal and snowboarding pristine mountain slopes.

Who are our honored veterans? They are brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, grandfathers, grandmothers with a story of life. They have battle scars, some from the engagement in war and some from us. They also celebrate victories and pride in their service to our nation, and in their shared lives with each one of us. Today, I honor two veterans who are close to me and I say “Thank you Dad, Thank you Jon-Mark” for your service and sacrifice to keep our nation strong and free and for your love and friendship. I am proud of you.

Till Death Do Us Part

“Till death do us part”, we state in our marriage vows full of hope and expectation. The reality for many couples is they have lost that hope. The joy, the strength, the reliance upon one another and the hope of a life-time commitment seems like a fading mist in the memory of their wedding day. A couple of weeks ago there was a news story of a couple that swept through our nation that reminded me of my commitment “Till death do us part”.

KCCI News in Iowa reported the story of an elderly couple that had been hospitalized after a car accident, News Story.  They were given a room together with beds side-by-side and sadly both were very weak. Gordon Yeager (94) and his wife Norma (90), had been married 72 years and as their bodies weakened he held Norma’s hand till his breathing stopped. As the nurses attended to him the heart monitor still registered a heartbeat. It was Norma’s pulse through his hand. Still holding hands, exactly one hour later Norma passed from this life. “Till death do us part”, Gordon and Norma give us a tender, tearful, but hopeful example of what those words really mean.

If we were to interview Gordon and Norma and listen as they shared what their 72 years together were like, I think we would hear about times of joy and celebration, times of pain and struggle, times when they were close, times when they weren’t, but through it all they never let go. They never let go. Only after both had taken their last breath did their grip loosen. "They just loved being together," Dennis Yeager [their son] said. "He always said, 'I can't go until she does because I gotta stay here for her.' And she would say the same thing." Our Heavenly Father saw their love and called them home together.

When I heard this tender story of life-long love, I reached for Charlene’s hand. While we were sitting on the couch holding hands I wasn’t paying attention to the kids or what was on the TV, but engrossed in my thoughts of how petty and self-centered I can be in our marriage. I think it is safe to say that when we allow disappointments and struggles in marriage to fester over time in self-centeredness that’s when our grip begins to loosen. Thanks to Gordon and Norma I was reminded of my vows and to never, never, never let go…“till death do us part”.

“My Lover is mine and I am his…when I found the one my heart loves, I held him and would not let him go.” Song of Solomon 2:16, 3:4

“How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh how beautiful!” Song of Solomon 4:1

Reality Hits You Hard Bro!

“Reality hits you hard Bro!” says George Lindell, as he dramatically shares the events in a multiple car accident in Phoenix. His interview has become a viral YouTube video that has spread across the www (watch it below). As we laugh at his unique description of the accident he summarizes the unexpected realities of life, “Reality hits you hard Bro”.

When we are standing toe-to-toe with an unexpected life reality, the challenge can rise like Goliath towering over us. We feel threatened, insecure, anxious, demoralized, frustrated, angry, sad, depressed and probably a lot more emotions. For some the hard hitting reality might be health issues, relationship stress, family finances, unfulfilled expectations, hopes and dreams, or even consequences to our choices. I’ve felt Goliath’s stinky breath (I am sure an ancient giant Philistine doesn’t bother to brush his teeth after morning tea and toast) in all of the above. Tomorrow is the funeral of my best high school friend in Rhame, ND, Lee Brooks. He battled a rare blood disease the past couple of years and is leaving behind 3 boys about the same age as our kids. I remember Lee as an athletic, talented, witty, and loyal friend. His reality hit hard when he was training for a marathon, and he didn’t have the stamina and strength he was used to and went to see a doctor. Goliath mocked him in the doctor’s office that day.

You remember Goliath. He made his enemies tremble in fear, hide behind their tents, and silently take his mocking abuse, but there was one who rose to the challenge. A shepherd boy armed with a sling and five smooth stones. Over the past two years, the blogs from my friend, were increasingly hopeful, full of strength, humor and optimism, even while receiving debilitating treatment. His words reflected his reliance upon a true source of strength and encouragement, God. Through the love and support of family and friends and his own faith he was able to stand toe-to-toe with his Goliath. Although his body succumbed, his spirit stood strong in faith.

The shepherd boy took one small stone placed it in his sling and called out to Goliath, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts…This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand…then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands”. – 1 Samuel 17:45-47 The rest is legendary battlefield history.

Tomorrow as I remember my friend, I will remember him as a farmer boy, full of life, optimism, and courage who faced Goliath and proclaimed the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into my hands. Today in God’s presence Lee has his new eternal body full of strength and vigor and no Goliath to be seen or heard and Lee states to the defeated Goliath "Reality hits you hard Bro".

Captain Ahab & Stinging Nettles

“I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.” In the classic American novel by Herman Melville, Captain Ahab leads his whaling crew on a ill-fated mission of personal revenge against the great white evil leviathan, Moby Dick. In his steadfast resolve he stands on one leg and shakes his fist in defiance of those he loves, his crew, reason, reality, nature, and even against God. Defiance to his last breath makes Captain Ahab a tragic figure in literature.

We can see the seeds of defiance within us even at an early age. As parents we have all had our jaws drop to the floor when our two-year old looks us squarely in the eye and emphatically states “NO” back to us. Teenage years are known for testing, challenging, and even striving against anyone in authority. As adults the seed of defiance can mature into a thriving thistle covered in beautiful flowers. One painful memory I have while hiking through the vibrant mountain meadows in Northern Utah is brushing up against a Stinging Nettle. As a kid I thought I had been bitten by a rattlesnake as the pain ran up my leg or through my arm. As the pain subsided my attention moved from the beauty around me to primarily avoid any more stinging nettles. Likewise when we brush up against defiance it stings, distracts us, and we become cautious to avoid it.

What if we have a few thistles within us? If we spot a hidden thistle of defiance within us whether it is against others or even in rebellion toward God, we can pull it out through submitting to the healing, restoring grace of God our Father.

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. – 1 Peter 5:5-6

Throughout the entire Bible we find key words to align us with God’s will, purpose and plan for our lives: humility, submission, to submit, obedience, fear of the Lord, repentance, wisdom. As Captain Ahab stubbornly pursued his selfish quest, he was given many pleas, warnings and headings to redirect his misplaced passion. He ignored them all. If we listen, the Holy Spirit, our counselor, will guide us to those hidden thistles of defiance within us, and in His grace and through obedience they can be pulled up from the roots.  We can then experience the hope and love of Christ in all the meadows of our lives.

That's Heavy Man!

What’s the heaviest thing you have ever experienced? Moving our stuff from state to state and from house to house usually makes me grumble as I am trying to squeeze a sofa through a narrow doorway up the stairs. “Why do I buy such heavy stuff? A nice light futon bed would work out just fine, or a bean bag chair for everyone instead of these monstrous couches would be fun, and couldn’t we just put our clothes in neatly arranged card board storage boxes in place of the dressers that could also be used to anchor the Queen Mary.”

For those of you who are from the Groovy generation (or if you just like to watch the Muppet Show) you may have exclaimed “That’s heavy man”, as you responded to something said that was deep, poignant or insightful. But it could also be said in observation of a sorrowful or painful experience. Heaviness can be both physical and emotional and when you experience a heavy heart it is both. Before cardiologist and psychologists defined the physical and psychological effects of anxiety, stress and worry upon our health, an ancient proverb describes it succinctly:

An anxious heart weighs a man down,
but a kind word cheers him up. – Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)

The KJV says it this way, “Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop…” We have all gone through those times when life feels like a heavy weight upon our heart. Where we don’t feel like we have the strength to move, we feel we are suffocating, tightness in our chest where the shadow of our whole being is stooped in heaviness. That’s heavy man. As believers in Christ we are offered his strength to lift those burdens, worries and cares from our shoulders to his. He proved his strength when he carried the heavy burden of the cross to his death. Jesus felt the physical heaviness of the cross, the pain, the gasping for his last breath. The heart of Jesus carried the emotional heaviness of the cross with great sorrow and grieving by taking on the repulsive sins of humanity. Now that’s heavy man.

As the Proverb describes we have the opportunity to lighten the burden of a friend, family member, neighbor or even the young Burger King cashier with a kind word. Your kindness expressed with a tender glance, an attentive ear, a compassionate heart with a kind word of encouragement or empathy is a gift. Christ’s love and strength is offered through you as your kind word lightens the heavy burden they carry.

Kindness is Like Snow

“Kindness is like snow – it beautifies everything it covers.” – Anonymous.

I love snow. Not necessarily the cold, the wind, shoveling or driving around that comes along with it, but there is nothing more peaceful than a heavy snowfall. I have lived in some wonderful places where I breathed in the beauty and quiet of falling snow. I remember waking up on a school day in the shadows of the Wasatch Range in Utah, and looking out my window hoping my school bus wouldn’t be able to plow through the snow filled streets. As a teen I experienced the fierce wind and swirling dry snow through a North Dakota blizzard while sitting by the warmth of the fire playing a game of Risk or Chess. In Northern, CA the heavy wet snow was like piled-on frosting plopped on a gingerbread house in the magical Lake Alamanor community. The number one memory I have is while skiing in Breckenridge, CO on the massive mountain. Early in the morning I hit the slopes and skied my way over to a set of runs that I enjoyed. To my surprise I was the first, THE FIRST, skier of the day to go down the run. I stopped at the crest of the run and took a moment to absorb the stillness…no noise, the beauty…the snow on the trees looking out across the horizon the mountain range aglow with the rising sun and the anticipation of this being an epic run. As I effortlessly skied down the run (which was not normal for me), I made the serpentine trail through the knee-high powder. At the bottom, all alone, no other skier in sight, I looked back up the run, and soaked in what was the most spectacular 15 minutes of skiing I will ever experience.

I can picture this anonymous quote that “kindness is like snow – it beautifies everything it covers”. A blanket of fresh heavy snow can even make a dirty city street lined with cars serene and beautiful. Kindness is like that. A simple act of kindness through a smile, word or deed can cover the ugliness of a bad day. Kindness lifts both the recipient and the giver. Kindness is a Godly trait, and is listed as one of the Fruits of the Spirit. God is kind and his expression of love is in Jesus, His son.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. – Ephesians 2:6-7

God’s kindness is like the falling snow that beautifies everything it covers. Out of His mercy, grace and patience with me, my sins, my ugliness is covered by the purity of His loving kindness. The next time we have a heavy snow storm in Damascus (which I hope we have this winter), I will look out our front windows and see the snow pile up on the branches of the evergreens, blanket our lawn and turn our neighborhood into a puffy marshmallow land, and I will remember God’s kindness to me.

Do you Remember?

Do you remember where you were on September 11th, 2001? As the horrific details of the day unfolded, as most Americans you were likely glued to the TV in disbelief and shock. I was in a classroom filled with 7th and 8th graders whose main questions were who would do this and why? That’s what we all wanted to know. Who, with cold and calculated ideology, could plan and follow through with mass murder of innocent lives? What purpose, message, statement or motivation could fuel this atrocious act? To me only one word expresses a strong enough answer…evil.

The word “evil” by Encarta Dictionary is the quality of being profoundly immoral or wrong, deliberately causing great harm, pain or upset. Our contemporary definition of this word leads us to some foundational follow up questions: If evil exist than can we not name it? If we name it, there must be a decisive judgment between what is moral or immoral? Who gets to judge what is moral or immoral and by what criteria? These are tough questions that can lead many sincere and thoughtful individuals down separate paths. Try tackling that topic in a Jr. High classroom on the fly?

We believe God is good and His goodness is pure and complete. He is Holy. In God’s character and being there is the complete absence of even a shadow of evil. Jesus makes the statement, “No one is good–except God alone”.-Mark 10:18 (NIV) Can someone or something tainted with evil be a judge or set the moral standard? No, there is only one who has the moral purity to define and judge what is good or evil, moral or immoral. God alone, and He has given us the framework of understanding good and evil. From the mention of the Tree of Good and Evil in Genesis, acts of disobedience and rebellion of humanity against God and His will, to evil’s rise in the end of days with Christ’s ultimate victory at His return as written in Revelations, evil describes physical and moral attitudes and actions with its frightening consequences.

As we enter into a national time of remembrance of the ten year anniversary of this attack on our nation, we grieve in the perverse evil that impacted each and every one of us and the innocence lost. Today we can say, “Yes, evil undoubtedly exists”, but our hope in the face of unadulterated evil is the power of the goodness of God. Darkness flees from the Light. Jesus has defeated sin and death in the Cross and resurrection, and God our Father will judge and cast away evil for eternity. Our response as Believers in Christ is to live daily in obedience and alignment of His standard of goodness, mercy and grace.

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. – 3 John 11 (NIV)

Cannon Ball!

“Cannon Ball!!!”, I yelled in mid-air hugging my knees with eyes fixed on the bobbing heads beneath me. Splash!

“Good one Tim!”, said one of the boys treading water as I came up to the surface. We gleefully swam to the side of the pool to re-take our positions in line at the diving board.

Going back a few years to 1978 in Ellendale, ND, I was 11 years-old, with a summer pass to our small local outdoor public pool. With 6-8 friends we spent nearly everyday in the pool with the exception of thunderstorms and passing tornados. I was so tan that when I changed it looked like I had spray-on “Fruit of the Looms”. At a hulking 83lbs, I was a lean, mean, belly-flopping machine. One of our favorite games in the pool was “Bomber”. We would take turns off the diving board and tread water as our friends would try to splash us with water explosive dives like the Cannon Ball, Can Opener, Watermelon, Twister, Dead Man, and Torpedo. Surprisingly when I try to play this game with my kids today, Lifeguards blow their whistle from the top of their guard tower, give me a disapproving look and point to get out of the pool. As I swim to the ladder, I dejectedly mumble something under the water like “splll…teenage…bllerpp… whistle blowing...ggrlggle…Nazi.”

This past week as we enjoyed spending time with family in Spokane, we went to an outdoor pool that reminded me of that awesome summer of 1978. What made that carefree summer so special was the friendships we developed as we morphed into prunes bobbing in the water. I think of the special memories and friendships I’ve treasured over the years: Sitting next to a fellow trumpeter snickering at the squeaking clarinet in H.S. band, getting grass stains and shin burns with my softball teammates, sharing a cup of coffee or Buffalo Hot Wings with friends, hiking, fishing and lately Horseshoes (Thanks for the Mt. Dew Andy). The Apostle Paul affirms the joy and thankfulness of brothers in Christ as he witnesses their spiritual maturity and friendships grow.

Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. – 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NLT)

As wonderful as my treasured memories are, I am looking forward to discovering more with you…bring it on and give it your best Cannon Ball.

Embracing the Small Church - Opportunity

For you football fans you know the story of Rudy Ruettiger. An undersized football player 5’5”, 165lbs.(That’s me at my college weight), not strong enough nor fast enough to play for the elite University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Yet, with grit, determination and a love for the game, Rudy kept the hope that one day he would be able to play. All four years he tirelessly worked on the practice squad attending all workouts, training camps, and games with never a glimmer of hope he would dress for a game, much less play a down. In the last game of his senior season, the Head Coach told him to dress for the game and with only a few plays left against Georgia Tech, he gave Rudy the nod to go in. Taking his position on the defensive line up against 6’ plus 300lb. linemen, Rudy was nothing more than a pesky fly on the first play. With the clock running out, the ball was snapped and Rudy cut around the hulking blocker and sacked their quarterback. The crowd erupted with a standing ovation and the entire team carried him off the field on their shoulders. His career stats, 2 plays, 1 sack and yet he is one of the most loved and remembered Fighting Irish of all time which includes Hall of Famer’s Joe Montana and Tim Brown. He is also one of only two players to ever be carried off Notre Dame’s field.

One of the advantages of being a strategic small church is the opportunity to give an initial step into service and help develop a budding calling and future ministry. Sometimes even in ministry we reserve certain roles for the professional, trained or experienced, however smaller congregations often struggle trying to fill music, youth, and children’s leadership roles with experienced, trained individuals. If roles go unfilled for long it can reduce the effectiveness and momentum of the overall ministry and vision of the local church. As in football, free-agency isn’t the only way to develop a team. Sometimes giving an initial opportunity to players off of the practice squad is the best way to develop a future Hall of Famer.

When we embrace this opportunity as a small church, we can not only witness the growth and development of a ministry leader, but also be the recipient of their dedicated service.  Most watch the games from the stands, or some nervously from the sidelines hoping for the opportunity, but there are those times when the Head Coach gives the nod and says, “Get out there and make a play!”  If you are the one running onto the field for the first time, put on your helmet and do your best.  As you watch someone make their first hesistant play of ministry you might be watching a future Hall of Famer right in your small church.

Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life… Continue to do those things; give your life to doing them so your progress may be seen by everyone. – 1 Timothy 4:12 & 15, NCV

In God We Trust

Staring through the darkness, Francis Scott Key strained to see if the banner of our nation was still being flown above Fort McHenry. Being held as a temporary prisoner on one of the British ships involved in the attack, he was encouraged to see the flag still there as the bombs burst in air. He prayed fervently that the mighty Hand of God would grant victory to the fighting men who were putting their lives on the line to protect freedom for themselves, their families, and for generations of Americans to come.

Key’s heart sank when the cannons from Fort McHenry stopped firing almost an hour before the British guns ceased bombarding the shore. Through the night Key wondered if the flag, the symbol of all for which the nation stood, had fallen. Then as the dawn’s early light appeared he saw it. Tattered and scarred, Old Glory, still flew boldly over the land of the free. In the inspiration of that moment, Francis Scott Key wrote the four verses of the poem, originally known as “The Defense of Fort McHenry”, which is now our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”.

In the fourth verse, the phrase, “In God is our trust”, provided the inspiration to “In God We Trust” on our currency in 1865, and our official national motto in 1956.

Oh! Thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just.
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner forever shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Our nation has enjoyed prosperity, democracy, and unprecedented freedom due to our national unity in the acknowledgement of the true source of freedom and provision, the one, true, living God. We may feel our fellow citizens have abandoned this basic principle, but during this weekend as you and your family celebrate our nation’s birth, remember our motto “In God We Trust”.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1

Tough and Battle Tested

Father’s Day is approaching and many of us Dads can fondly remember the gifts we have been given on our special day. The ties that were neatly folded into a shoe box, wrapped with the Sunday paper comics that were either displaying our favorite sports team, fishing gear, or the ultimate “#1 Dad!” I still have a few hanging in my closet most notably of Bob and Larry (Veggie Tales). You may remember reading homemade cards from your giggling 6-year-old, or opening presents with the typical themes of fishing, golf, sports, or food. When our children, of all ages take time to appreciate us, those are moments to smile and reflect upon the joy of being a father.

But on the other 364 days of the year Fatherhood is a tough job and not for the feint of heart. You have to have nerves of steel to change those explosive diapers. I am not talking about a cute little baby doo-doo. No these are the ones that combine a jar of Skippy, Butterfingers, a stick of dynamite with the toxic smell of skunk, rotten eggs and nuclear radiation. You are battle tested when your toddler, third grader or 16-year-old says “NO!” defiantly. On numerous days you have thrown a ball, played board games, read Dr. Seuss stories (and got tongue-tied), sang with the Wiggles, inflated bicycle tires and balls, be the Jungle Jim, or wonder what happens next with I-Carly and numerous daily activities all after putting in a full day. Your workday may include a dangerous commute of live-action frogger, dealing with not-so-Disney customers and co-workers, a micro-wave lunch, and a survival trip back home. As you pull into your driveway, exhausted and drained, is when your Fatherhood role kicks-in and your children need your best. Fathers are tough, resilient, resourceful and giving.

Father’s have a vital, irreplaceable role in a child’s life. A loving Father provides emotional and physical security, a model of healthy and balanced masculinity, physical play, risk-taking, adventure, and fun. One primary role of a Christian father is to point their children to the Heavenly Father, to be a Godly example of grace, mercy, integrity and love in the likeness of Christ. No other can fulfill your God-given role as a father and the priceless gift you give each day of yourself to your children. To my father friends both novice and experienced – keep up the good fight, for you are fighting for your children.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9

Thanks Dad – you are one tough, battle-tested veteran who is a model of Fatherhood.

Like Watching Grass Grow

You’ve heard the phrase it’s about as exciting like watching grass grow? After living in Oregon I have a different take on this idiom. It’s about as much work like watching grass grow? In Damascus I look forward to Spring hoping for a little more sunshine and 70 plus degree temps, but as soon as I look out my living room window at the grass jungle (I think I hear Tarzan’s yell coming from the neighbors), my excitement turns to dread with all the work ahead. For those of you who are right now watering your lawn with the $11.95 garden hose from Home Depot, laying down a thick coat of 20-20-20 fertilizer, or have given up on nature’s carpet and called in the professionals to stretch out an all weather, hassle-free Astro Turf, you have no idea that grass could grow like this. It’s like a fungus growing in your teenage son’s gymbag over the summer, a Chia Pet on Miracle Grow, or Mr. Clean on Rogaine steroids who turns into Cousin Itt (Addam’s Family character for you young whipper snappers). It’s not boring to watch grass grow in Oregon, it is work!

But I am not intimidated as I fire up my 53,000hp John Deere riding mower with dual blades, lights, Monster Truck tires, and Coke holder (yes, it holds sweetened ice-tea, Mountain Dew and lemonade as well…I know it’s awesome. Charlene says it will hold bottles of water too, but whatever). So, I wait for the clouds to part, when the dove doesn’t come back, and after the rainbow fades I race into the grass jungle, full throttle, blades a slashing. After a couple of hours I stand victorious over nature taking my final sip of my iced beverage as I gently ease my workhorse back into his shed.

No sooner than I take off my grass encrusted clothes, I spot a few areas I may have missed, but I pay it no attention, however, the next morning with the sun beaming the jungle has come to life once again. Seriously, mowing my lawn twice a week, if you can find two dry days to do it, is necessary to just keep your home from disappearing into the Bermuda Triangle of Oregon grass and dandelions. Watching my grass grow is a work that never ends. A friend who grew up in Damascus said to me with a little evil twinkle in his eye, “If you want to really, REALLY get back at someone…go sprinkle fertilizer on his lawn in the middle of the night”. He seemingly took glee in the horror of his neighbor waking up, looking outside and with fists raised, yelling “NOOOOO!”.

I think of my own spiritual formation and growth. It is a work that never ends. Sometimes, just when I think I can kick back, sip on my lemonade and say job well done, the grass and the dandelions grow. The grass of distractions, apathy, pride, self-centeredness with dandelions of anger, jealousy and sin sprouting up is enough to make me want to give up, buy some Astro Turf, a few lawn gnomes and call it good. The good news is that God says I don’t have to tackle this job on my own. God has given me his super powered John Deere, his Holy Spirit with more than enough power to plow through any job. Fortunately for me, I don’t have to wait for a sunny day to tackle the overgrown lawn of spiritual neglect, I can mow each and every day - rain, sleet, snow or shine. In my prayers, devotions, conversations with others and obedience throughout the day, I can tackle the lawn of self with God’s help. But please no pranks of throwing fertilizer on my lawn, okay?

Jesus taught this principle through the illustration of grape vines in John 15:1-4:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

Whole Brain Worship

Creativity: The ability to use the imagination to develop new and original ideas or things, especially in an artistic context. – Encarta Dictionary.

How would you rate yourself on a creativity scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest? As a 10 you might be a Picasso, Mozart or Martha Stewart or possibly as a 1 where your creativity is limited to using cursive “A1, B3, or C2s” to prioritize your tasks in your daily planner. Some of us tend to be more “right brain” – thinking from more of a holistic and intuitive viewpoint and leading to be more creative, while others of us (me included) tend to be more “left brain” – logical, sequential, and analytical which can limit out-of-the-box creativity. If you are interested in taking a short “right brain/left brain quiz” go to: Right Brain/Left Brain Quiz

How does creativity and worship work together? I think we might say like hand in glove. Creativity can elevate expressions of worship whether in music, art, dance, drama or written word. Those who play instruments, sing or produce artistic expressions of worship are likely Left Brain. So Left Brain, creative people might be gifted with creativity in worship, but what about us logical, analytical Right Brainers? Are we limited to creating a worship “to-do” list for the Lord, or a sequential method of worship? Maybe, but as God has formed, molded and gifted us in our personality, skills, right or left brain, and level of creativity we should seek to glorify and exalt His Holy Name.

I think we have many Biblical examples of individuals who worshipped God through creativity and obedience. Some were highly creative left brain folks like David, the writer of Job, and the impulsive Peter, while others like the Nehemiah, Luke and the Apostle Paul must have been right brain guys. Each of us, regardless of our creativity level or way of thinking can worship God with all of who we are and rejoice in it. God rejoices in our offering of worship and obedience, and He created us to fully reach toward the Heavens to honor, exalt and glorify Him as we are. When we come together as right and left brain folks we can worship with both sides and be whole brain worshippers. In Christ’s love we can offer ourselves as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – Ephesians 5:1-2

Creative Worship

A friend shared with me a story of a retired farmer in Norfolk, Virginia who has spent the past 30 years creating a scale model, 1:100 of the Temple of Jesus’ time.

Alec Garrard, 78, has dedicated a massive 33,000 hours to constructing the ancient Herod's Temple, which measures a whopping 20 foot by 12 foot. The pensioner has hand-baked and painted every clay brick and tile and even sculpted 4,000 tiny human figures to populate the courtyards.

Historical experts believe the model is the best representation in the world of what the Jewish temple actually looked like and it has attracted thousands of visitors from all over the globe. But Mr. Garrard, who started the elaborate project in his 40s, says his masterpiece will not be finished in his lifetime.

I am in awe at artist, architects, craftsmen, musicians, and writers who glorify God in their unique gifts, skills and talents. Our timeless classic masterpieces like Handel’s Messiah, Leonardo da Vinci’s, The Lord’s Supper, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Painting, Solomon’s Temple, and the Psalms stand on the pinnacle of tangible creative worship to glorify God. We not only marvel at the exceptional human endeavor, but also we worship as it transcends human hands to the exaltation of God.

Today, when I am privileged to witness another express or share their gift, talent or skill in worship to God, I feel as if I am invited inside their personal life while they express their love and devotion to our Creator. I have witnessed creative worship over the years through Christmas dramas, Passion Plays, chorals, specials in church services, professional concerts, and my favorite is attending youth Fine Arts festivals. When I become engaged in a drama, human video, or skit I feel the emotions of the actors. I laugh at the insightful humor of puppet skits, ventriloquists, or videos. I worship along with each ivory key note and chord offering exaltations to heaven or become energized with each electric pick and driving beat of youthful praise. I see through the artist’s eyes, the majesty of God’s creation in photography, sculpture, art or crafts. I am blessed as I am enraptured in their expressions of praise and worship.

Like the farmer in Virginia, we all have a gift, talent or skill to creatively worship God. When we take the risk to share it with others, we invite them to worship alongside with us. Our Heavenly Father shares his creativity to us from the intricacies of the human cell, to earthly landscapes to the unfathomable expanse of the heavens. His joy is to see his creative nature reflected in our expressions of worship back to Him. Let your creativity lead you to worship God with your mind (right-brain), your hands, and your heart and share it with us.

O God my heart is steadfast: I will sing and give praise, even with my glory…I will sing praises to You among the peoples…For Your mercy is great above the heavens, and Your truth reaches the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, And Your Glory above all the earth. - Psalm 108:1,3,5-6

Embracing the Small Church - An Intergenerational Church

The bouncy music booms through the speakers as kids, students, and adults of all ages wave their arms, jump and sing “Jesus is my superhero, you’re my star, my best friend…” Smiles, laughter and joy fill the room as we all participate in active worship with our Kids Praise Team.  All ages sitting around tables sharing a celebration meal together during an Easter Brunch, July BBQ or Thanksgiving Dinner.  When we, of all ages, partake of communion, serve alongside one another, learn, play and worship together we embrace being an intergenerational church.

If you attend a smaller congregation (100 or less) you can often look at the larger church across the street and long for its successful programs: high-energy kid’s ministries, or cutting-edge youth programs, parent resources, elderly adult activities and trips, or single adult programs. They may be staffed by called, full-time pastors and leaders who create dynamic ministries and programs for each generation.

One advantage a small church has over larger program churches is being an intergenerational church. To honor, value, and celebrate each generation, as well as, to worship, connect and serve together of all ages. We truly become the church family that God calls us to be. The Apostle Paul affirms our kinship relationship with one another in 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.  Being fewer in number gives the smaller congregation more flexibility and ease to participate in church life together. The needs of each generation become our responsibility and not just the responsibility of full-time staff.

Within our family we have a responsibility to one another to show respect, love and care for each age-level needs. 50 years ago, Jim Rayburn founder of Young Life said, “It’s a sin to bore the kids with the gospel”. Our youth and young adults face many challenges to faith and morality that we (older adults) have never had to deal with. Single and married adults have distinct needs. Parents are burdened by over-committed schedules, unbalanced family budgets, and multiple jobs that drain their emotional, spiritual and physical resources. Mid-to-older adults face many relationship, career, health and family challenges as well. We all have distinct needs and hopes, but when we recognize the needs of the other generations we can then best reach out and serve one another with respect, love and care.

As a Pastor I am encouraged when I witness the whole family, joyfully worship, connect and serve as one. I am encouraged when each generation sets aside its preferences, fully engages in intergenerational praise and worship, develops friendships across age-levels and serves one another. I think God, our Father, smiles in affirmation over his family during those times. Embrace the small church and the joy we have in being an intergenerational church.

Celebrate World Day!

Celebrate Earth Day! For 40 years our Nation has set aside this day to respect and cherish our natural resources. I have been privileged to live in some of our most beautiful Western States, and explore many of our National Parks. Most of my favorite memories are within the beauty and majesty of God’s gift of creation to us.

I remember camping with my parents in the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, and hiking along trails through the scrub oak, aspen groves, meadows of wildflowers, and being terrified as a large owl takes flight only a few yards away. While hauling bales of hay in the baking heat of the North Dakota fields, I remember standing in awe at the approaching ominous dark sky. Giant menacing thunderclouds rolled across the horizon with the terror of tornadoes, vicious lightning and deafening thunder within. While attending college, I walked hand in hand with my beloved along the Santa Cruz beaches. Dolphins played in the surf, Monarch butterflies gathered in the eucalyptus and firs along the cliffs, as the sun peaked through the coastal fog. I remember silently skiing through a foot of new powder as the Colorado Rocky Mountains lay before me in a breathtaking vista. In the Northwest we have stood in the spray of majestic waterfalls, gazed as the sun set over frothing waves, hiked though canyons, hunted for agates, fished for crab and trout and have made lifelong memories outdoors as a family.

When God finished each stage of creation he declared it “Good”. But after God created man in His image He declared it, “Very Good”. To God, today is not merely Earth Day, but World Day, to show His love, appreciation and devotion to His pinnacle of creation…us. For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

Good Friday, the day to remember, honor and worship the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross is the day God celebrates World Day. It is the greatest demonstration of His love toward us, But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

On this day, I am humbled to think that the glory and power of Earth’s Creator, sets me atop his creation and extends His love to me on Good Friday, the day God so loved the world…

Silent Love

The accused stood silent among the seething anger and pointing fingers in the room. Some hurled various accusations but no agreement of two witnesses could make the charges stick. This court took place in abnormal circumstances that violated its own rules. The accused was arrested without charge, they meet in the High Priest’s home into the darkness of night, and on the day of celebration and worship. In an act of desperation the judge steps down from his office of guarantor of justice to vehemently take on the role of prosecutor. The High Priest hurls a leading question to the accused. “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” The life of a man hangs in the stillness of the air. All eyes are starring intently into the face of one they loathe, fear and don’t understand. The accused says, “I am”. Men gasp at his words as he continues “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” “Blasphemy!” yells the judge. That this man claims to be God, who has divine authority over us, and will establish his future rule and reign with power. The High Priest tears his clothes and pronounces his verdict, and immediately the court sentences the accused to death.

The volcano of anger, fear and hate erupts as officers grab the condemned, spit on his face, and blindfold him. They mock his divine acknowledgement yelling “Prophesy!” and striking the defenseless man in the face as they mercilessly beat the Christ, the Son of God. He was sentenced to death not for murder, stealing, or any violation of the law, but for simply being who He is, the Son of God. – Mark 14:53-65

Why? For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son… John 3:16, and This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. – 1 John 4:9,10

Why would the innocent willingly stand condemned to death? Out of love. The Son of God, full of immeasurable power who set the stars in the heavens before life on earth, who always was and always will be took our place of condemnation. With each virulent insult, hurl of degrading spit, or rage of balled up fists that slammed into his cheek…He took it out of love. Love for the world and specifically love for you. If you were present in that mockery of a court room that fateful day, and could catch the eye of Jesus. You would gaze into the depth of unfailing, unflinching, unwavering love which has no bottom. His gaze would penetrate into your soul that would transcend the swirling hate and rage of others and in contrast offer a longing tenderness of compassion for you. His silence is a gift of his life so that you may live. A life of freedom from guilt, sin and death – that you might receive his gift of eternal life with Him.

Thank you Jesus.

Have a Smile : )

“If you see someone without a smile…give them one of yours.” – author unknown A simple proverb to keep in mind as we begin the morning with our family, interact with co-workers, students or neighbors, and end it by saying “good night” to the ones we love. Through the hours of the day do we have a smile to give away? Are we a miser with our smiles hoarding them to ourselves, or are we a smile philanthropist generously giving to all? How are we able to do this?

First, our smiles flow from the well spring in our heart. Is our heart full of God’s goodness, optimism, hope, love and joy? If so, smiles will become a natural part of who we are all throughout the day with plenty to spare. Others will notice. Second, to give someone a smile is to engage in an act of service. Service is to see a need and offer a hand of support, encouragement or assistance.

I remember learning how to roller skate as a seven-year-old, lacing up my skates with the disco ball lights swirling throughout the rink. John Denver belted out “Thank God, I’m a Country Boy” through the booming speakers as I wobbled to the wooden floor gripping the side rail. After a miserable lap, falling repeatedly and wishing I had a pillow on my backside, I was about ready to give up. After one embarrassing out-of-control spin, legs kicking out in all directions, I fell hard. Just then an angel appeared and offered her hand. My Aunt Julia, a few years older than myself, helped me up, took one arm and her friend took the other and they taught me how to skate. After a number of laps with their support and encouragement they let go…I was skating! I beamed with exhilaration as I joyfully skated in pace with the others making karate chops in the air to the song “Kung Fu Fighting”. I still love to skate.

Jesus taught that his whole purpose was to serve as he instructed his disciples in being great in God’s Kingdom.

Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant. 44 Whoever wants to become the first among you must serve all of you like a slave. 45 In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.” – Mark 10:43-45

To serve others is a key quality in being a follower of Christ to the point that one may not truly be following Christ unless they actively engage in service. We can serve in limitless ways to family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and even strangers. We can serve an individual or even join an organization or church that serves many. I am encouraged to see many friends giving away smiles as they serve others in Christ’s name by taking boys out camping, teaching kids Bible stories in homes, offering hope through prayer, counsel and support, cleaning out a friend’s basement, moving furniture, teaching English as a second language, or even bringing an elderly person to church. You serve within your church, you serve within your home, you serve within your schools, you serve within the workplace and you serve within your community. In your service, Christ’s love is extended and a smile is given.

Jump!

Today’s News! Introducing Smell-o-Vision, forget 3-D or high-def., and elevate your TV experience by the breakthrough technology of smell from your TV. The Prime Minister of New Zealand has announced that all cell phones are banned within their borders. Burger King will be offering Whoppers for left-handed people where the condiments will only drip off the right side. The landing of the Space Shuttle Discovery has been diverted from Edwards Air Force Base to a small municipal airport in San Diego. All of these headlines are real stories that were broadcast on April 1st.

Today, April 1st is known as April Fools Day where we like to fool, pull pranks or deceive someone in good fun. The origins of this day takes us back to medieval Europe with the story of Chanticleer and the Fox, one of the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (1392), or possibly in France mocking those who celebrated New Years on March 25th ending on April 1st., and in 1698 where many people were tricked into going into the Tower of London to “see the Lions washed”.*

In reading of the Gospel of Mark, one could see where the headlines of Palestine might be too outlandish to believe: “Traveling Rabbi dismisses mourners and raises young girl from the dead”, “Free Lunch for Everybody - Teacher feeds 5,000 plus with a boys lunch - baskets of leftovers to take home”, “2,000 pigs die, Tortured man tells story of Legion cast out by Jesus”. As Jesus laid out the plans for his betrayal, death and resurrection and his expectation of them, the Disciples must have questioned, “Am I a fool for following him?”

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.” – Mark 8:34-35, NLT

The Disciples had expectations of being in high position, the inner circle of the Messiah, to be men of influence, to be part of the restored national kingdom. Jesus turned their expectations upside down: to be great you must serve, to follow me you must suffer, to save your life you must first lose it. The Disciples must have had many days where it felt like April Fools Day as they said to one another “Are you kidding! Did that really just happen?” as Jesus commands the wind and waves to cease, cast out demons, heal the afflicted, or even raise the dead. They were also tested in their trust, hope and faith of Jesus as he flipped their expectations of Him and of themselves.

One of my favorite April Fools Day pranks was the 1976 Jovian-Plutonian Gravitational Effect. British astronomer Sir Patrick Moore told listeners of BBC Radio that a unique alignment of two planets would result in an upward gravitational pull making people lighter at precisely 9:47 a.m. that day. He invited his audience to jump in the air and experience "a strange floating sensation". Dozens of listeners phoned in to say the experiment had worked.*

For many in this world would say that following Jesus is a “fool’s life”, for myself I have placed my hope and faith in Jesus Christ and I am ready to “jump”. The difference between the headlines and pranks on April Fools Day and in following Jesus are they are false, fake and deceptive, but with Jesus…He is the Truth.

* Headlines and resources from Wikipedia.

"Next!"

Standing in line for over an hour, I rocked back and forth to keep the blood flowing through my legs. I looked at the others in line. Of all walks of life, some in jeans and t-shirts others dressed for work. One man in a suit impatiently made a bee-line to the woman behind the counter. After a brief dismissal he fumed as he made his way to the back of the line. I shuffled through my papers as I day dreamed of running through wide-open fields. Finally, I was standing face-to-face with the one who could complete this mundane task and relieve me of my boredom. The matter-of-fact woman took one look at my DMV papers, muttered something about “wrong line” and directed me to line 2. I took a quick glance at line 2 and it had an even longer line than the one I was just in. As I was about to protest, she commanded “NEXT” that would send shivers down the back of General Patton. Resigned that I would have to forage for food to survive, I took my place in the back of line two.

I desired to achieve something (a new driver’s license), but had to do what was necessary to fulfill the requirements (training, testing, paperwork and now standing in line) of CA state law. Now, 20+ years later, I still loathe the thought of standing in line due to the wasted hours that day just to fulfill the DMV requirements for a driver’s license.

In my study in Mark, Jesus was often accused of not fulfilling the law by Pharisees and Teachers of the Law as they sought to discredit him before the people. In Mark 7 Jesus redirected the fulfillment of the law was deeper than the surface traditions of men. As Jesus was accused of not washing himself according to the traditions of the elders, He revealed a new fulfillment of the law.

Nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean. – Mark 7:15

Jesus further explained that it is from within that makes a man unclean: evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, evil, slander and folly. The Pharisees had their attention and focus on the details of man’s traditions instead of the heart of God’s commands. Jesus became increasingly irritated with them as He saw that their requirements to “fulfill the law” were frustrating and demoralizing the Jewish people. I am glad that I follow the Law of Christ and not man’s traditions. Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law of Moses and of the Prophets and fully satisfied the requirements for right standing before God our Father.

At the DMV that day, I felt helpless and exasperated at being under the circumstances and control of another’s requirements. I was relieved when I finally walked out of the DMV office with my shiny new driver’s license. But as I fumbled for my keys my joy quickly dissipated when I remembered I had to return within a month for smog/inspection and register my rusty 1973 yellow Ford Pinto.

Wind and Waves

We were stunned in awe at the tidal wave tossing around cars, fishing boats and demolishing buildings as it swept through the Japanese cities. As I watch on TV the various videos from the 8.9 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the terrifying power of the water seems surreal, or from a movie, yet to those present it is very real. Like a tourist on the African Savannah frozen in fear in the line of a charging bull elephant, so the witnesses helplessly stood as they saw the water rush through buildings and homes, as they heard the roar of the water, and felt the power of nature. Seven days later, we are still assessing the damage done by this horrific natural disaster as the missing and dead climb into the thousands, the displaced tens of thousands without homes and jobs, and the battle to contain the failing nuclear reactors. We pray.

There have always been large natural disasters throughout history, however, we often view mass destruction in impoverished and unprepared 3rd world cities like Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Japan is very different as a leading nation in science and technology, with the 3rd largest economy in the world. Through our modern advancements, I think we develop a false sense of control and containment of nature. We build buildings that can withstand seismic movement, sea walls to contain tsunamis, detection and warning systems in place, yet we are still helpless in the path of a charging earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, or tornado. We don’t like to think we are vulnerable, but we are.

In my study of the Gospel of Mark, we witness a natural disaster taking place while Jesus and the Disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee found in Mark 4:35-41. Some of the disciples were experienced fisherman and seaman, yet as the storm rose into a terrifying squall of rain, screaming wind, and punishing waves, they became fearful for their lives. Jesus slept. They awoke him with an accusation, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. The disciples sat stunned in the presence of such power and were terrified. They said, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

The disciples learned many lessons during their three year intensive training, and during the storm they witnessed first hand that Jesus, the Teacher, the Son of God, had authority and power over nature. The Creator has control and containment over His creation. When we witness the power of nature we feel powerless, filled with fear, and at its mercy. Awesome power. When we witness the power and authority of Christ we fall to our knees in fear and awe. When we experience His love by grace, mercy and forgivness He helps us to our feet and we stand in praise and joy.

As Jesus calmed the wind and the waves, he turns to his disciples and questions them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Even in the midst of life’s storms through natural disasters, family and relationships, financial stress, health or other, we can face it with faith. A knowledge, belief, trust and hope that the One we follow is the only One who has authority and power greater than the storm.

Today pray for the displaced individuals and families affected by this disaster, for the Christians and Christian relief ministries to serve and share the faith we have in Christ. Pray that they might find Jesus in the midst of the storm.

Help, give, & pray for Japan, go to: http://www.convoyofhope.org/

Mustard Seed Ministries

One issue many small churches face is relevancy, worth and avoiding defeatism. In our present church culture we are inundated by what a successful church is, usually a mega-church, with highly visible pastors/ministries, with a far-reaching community influence. Praise God for their ministry and mission. The reality is that the vast majority of churches are not mega-churches (over 2,000) in attendance; they are small churches (under 100) in attendance. Yet, we rarely think of a small church as a successful, thriving, missional church. Has God abandoned the small church? If a small church does not become, or work toward being a mega-church has it failed in its mission? Is the small church culturally and Biblically irrelevant in our present world? Is the small church a vital part of God’s plan for Christ’s body to fulfill the Great Commission?

For us at the Journey Church we are a small church, our facility will max out at 150 with multiple services. Currently we average about 60 on Sun. morning and 40 Wed. night with 30 attending Connection groups. Church finances are about the income of a two professional household. We are a typical small church.

I feel strongly that God has not abandoned the small church. The primary mission of a small church is to not become a mega-church. Small churches do not need to be culturally or biblically irrelevant. And Emphatically YES! Small churches are a vital part of God’s plan, as a member of Christ’s body, to fulfill the Great Commission in our present world?  Jesus shared a principle that emphasizes this point, Mustard Seed ministry:

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.”-Matthew 13:31-32

Those attending or pastoring within a small church, the ministry may appear to be insignificant, unnoticed, or irrelevant to the world, like a small mustard seed. Yet, as we live our lives in vibrant, humble faith, we allow the Holy Spirit to use us as willing vessels for his glory. To encourage all to join this life changing journey in a life of Christ. To walk beside a struggling brother or sister who needs individual love, direction and encouragement. To fully participate and worship together as a priority in our week, proclaiming how great and awesome is our God. To grow and serve together within the intimacy and security of classes and small groups.

We, within the small church, simply need to be authentic to what God has called us to be and to fully embrace the life, worship, and service Christ has invited each one of us to. If we focus on who we are and celebrate the unique opportunities we have as a small church instead of looking wistfully in comparison to other ministries, we can then joyfully embrace the small church.  With God all He requires is the mustard seed.

My Navigator

Over the past four years I have relied upon the Navigator on my phone for driving directions around the greater Portland area. For the most part I find this an indispensable tool, however, there are times when I do not follow the instructions, rely upon my instinct, and follow my own way. I drive ignoring the calm, emotionless voice on my phone encouraging me to “make the next u-turn”, or “recalculating”, or questioning if I “want to continue with navigation”. At times I have suffered the consequences of relying upon my instinct rather than trust my Navigator.

Last week while driving through downtown heading South, I ignored the clear instructions through the maze of one-way streets, trolley cars, and the Max toward the freeway, instead I relied upon my own way, a short-cut to beat the traffic. “Ha”, I scoffed as I evaded the heavy traffic streets. I whistled as I zipped through downtown. As I reached the point of access onto the freeway, I realized my access had been changed and now I was headed toward another highway without an opportunity to “recalculate”, “take the next exit”, or “make the next u-turn”. My whistle dried up. With a scowl, I hunched over the steering wheel as I drove several miles before the next off-ramp, backtracked and finally entered the freeway with a 5 mile detour, heavy traffic worse than downtown and wasted time. Unfortunately I have relived this experience many times with the various results of backtracking, dead ends, one-way streets or cul-de-sacs. Several times even my Navigator gave up on me and quit.

This reminds me of the goodness of God. God is good. It is not just his outward character it is his nature. His being is good, perfect and holy. He is just, merciful, longsuffering in patience, and compassionate, and He instructs each of us in how we are to live and conduct our lives in goodness. For us goodness is to know what is right, trust God’s instruction, and follow His course even when we are not sure what lies a head.

The Lord is good and right; he points sinners to the right way. – Psalm 25:8 NCV

God is my navigator through this maze of life with one-way streets, blocked access, dead-ends, construction, detours, accidents ahead, etc. When I listen to His calm, compassionate voice, trust in His instruction and obey I find myself on the right way. When I ignore Him, trust my instinct or think I know better that’s when I get lost, side-tracked, and stuck in an embarrassing and frustrating situation. Fortunately for me, now humbled and repentant, God is longsuffering and merciful and recalculates a route to get back on the right way. God is good and I am glad He is my Navigator.