Remembering the big picture, even in the small details

So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

 Galatians 6:9 (The Message)

Our church just finished our annual Christmas Blessing for those who are in a bind this holiday season.  I am the person who administrates and coordinates this event for around 50 families (or about 200 kids).  If you know me, the words “administrate” and “coordinate” are pretty much never mentioned as being in my skill set.  Many times, I must admit, I lost site of the “why we do this” because I was buried in some very daunting and unwanted details. 

As families came this weekend to pick up presents, I once again remembered the purpose of this ministry.  People where incredibly grateful.  There where plenty of tears, hugs, and words of appreciation for everyone!  There were also those who showed remarkable love and integrity by forfeiting their gifts for those they knew needed it more.  Several even returned packages intended for others that they had accidentally picked. This was at the expense of extra gas and time on their behalf.  This Christmas season, may we not forget the love and compassion that Christ has extended to us, may we never get so buried in the minutiae of life that we don’t recognize opportunities to bless others, and may we not miss the bigger picture even in the smaller details.  

Be patient, God keeps his promises

There have been times in life when I really felt that God wanted to do something either with me, through me, or for me.  I have watched with anticipation for something to happen and for “my opportunity” to present itself!  Some of those events happened quickly but many times I found myself waiting and wondering if I missed it.  Upon closer reading of the Bible, along with some clarity by a friend and ministry partner, Jeanette Flynn, It becomes clear that the problem isn’t with God’s timing, it’s with my expectations.  God has his perfect timetable and, while we are the recipients of His promises, it’s not on our terms. 

Here are some examples…

From the time God tells Abram and Sarah they will have a child until they hold the baby in their arms is 16 years.

From the time Joseph dreams of his brothers bowing down to him until he stands in the palace and sees it happen is 22 years.

From the time that Noah is told to build the ark until the flooding begins is 120 years.

From the time God called Abraham to go and receive his inheritance promised for his people until the day they take possession of the land is 400 years!

Don’t get discouraged when things don’t happen right away.  God is still in control and he still fulfills HIS promises.

A wake up call for the Church and for Christians. Keith Green - Asleep In The Light (live)

The first time I heard this song, I was in 6^th grade.  I remember being broken hearted with eyes full of tears and wondering how I could make a difference.  It played heavily in what later led to my call to ministry.

The other night my Spotify account brought up some golden oldies from the Christian music scene.  When I heard this song two nights ago, I had the same response to it that I did as a sixth grader.  As a Christian, especially as a pastor, I have to keep my faith from becoming professional and being locked up inside of church walls. 

This Video is of Keith Green. He was a strong, prophetic musical voice from the 1970’s.  He died at the young age of 28 in a plane crash but made the most of his very short time of living for Christ. 

I hope you can get past the very cool 70's hair and beard and hear the message of this song.  I truly believe it exudes the heart of Christ for His church and His people!

parenting lessons from King David's mistakes

Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, “Why are you doing that?” Adonijah had been born next after Absalom, and he was very handsome. 1 Kings 1:6  (New Living Translation)

I found this verse interesting.  We know that King David was a great warrior, superior leader, and legendary king!  What we do not see in David’s life is a priority on family.  Because of that, his family looked like something from 90210.  If you read on in 1 Kings, you will find that Adonijah ended up a handful for David.  As a matter of fact, David had several kids who had some major issues.  That’s for another day. 

What can we learn from this passage?

1-    What’s ignored doesn’t go away.  This goes for many areas of life.  Expect what you inspect.  

2-    Children NEED discipline.  Psychologists from many fields of study are showing that children WANT discipline.  They need boundaries.  There is obviously a line here but ignoring poor behavior doesn’t work either.  Children need to be raised and not just be allowed to grow up.

3-    Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  I’m very seldom concerned about the issues that people/ my kids can talk about, it’s the one’s that they won’t talk about that are usually points of concern.

4-    Looks mean nothing.  A child may “look” the part of the wholesome perfect child but looks can be deceiving.  There is where knowing your child is important.  

A life full of opportunity

Last week I attended my Grandmother’s funeral.  While she will be sorely missed,  this service was definitely a celebration!  Alice Beach lived for 99 ½ remarkable years.  I don’t have the time or the space to log all of her amazing accomplishments.  What I would like to do though is let you know what this incredible woman did after the age of 75 (that’s how old she was when my grandfather died).

* She learned how to use email

* She learned the functions of smart phones

* She travelled from her home in Ontario, Canada to San Francisco, Germany, Australia, India and Hawaii.  She also visited her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all over Canada and the U.S.

* She continued to keep the books for her church and, I believe another local business.

* She read more books than you would believe if I wrote them all down

* She made it a regular practice to learn new words from the dictionary

* She rode four wheelers on more than one occasion.  The last time, she was in her mid 90’s

*Finally, she bought and drove a mustang!

Grandma was asked not to long ago what she thought where the most important rules to live by in life.  Her response was “take advantage of every opportunity in life God give you and honor him with it”.  What a challenge for all of us who desire to be faithful to God!  Her second piece of advice was, “be wise with your finances”.  She would always say, “be wise with your pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.” 

Alice Beach was an incredible woman who has received her eternal reward for a life well lived.  

Ministry, money, abuse and the fallout

There are many things I love about being a pastor.  I love people, I love seeing God change people's lives.  I love seeing people set free from all types of bondages and addictions.  I love knowing I cant talk to God.  I love hearing that still small voice of the Holy Spirit.  Christ is real.  He is risen.  He is alive and is doing incredible things on our planet today.

There are certain things that, as a pastor with a heart for people, I can't stand.  Jim Allen does an excellent job summing up some of the erroneous practices of Television ministries.  Unfortunately, these are also practices that have crept into our local church.  Yes, it's been around for a while but it doesn't make it ok.  For a description of what I am talking about and the harm that it does, you can click here and read Jim's blog.

the fishing nightmare!

My wife got a friend, Craig Eason, and myself a fishing trip a 20 miles out in the Atlantic Ocean for my birthday.  I have gone fishing several times in the Gulf of Mexico but never in the Atlantic Ocean.  Craig and I boarded the boat after eating a big breakfast (mistake #1) ready for a big day of catching trophy fish!  After two hours riding out to sea to reach our fishing destination, I quickly realized that the north/south winds and east/west currents were rocking the boat in ways that caused my stomach to experience feelings it had never experienced before.  We had only been stopped for about five minutes when the first person got sick (and he was a LOUD yacker as well).  Many people followed suit, including Craig and me.  I have never been motion sick in my life but I guess there is a first for everything.  The next 4 hours saw both us hanging over the side of the boat.  It was a horrifying experience.  I was waiting for my organs to come out of my mouth.  On top of this, a little stocky fisherman from Oklahoma (probably about 11 years old) kept walking by us with plates of bacon and Ketchup. Did I mention it was 90 degrees?  It seemed like every time we got sick the fish would appear.  This young fisherman recognized this and asked my friend if he would “puke on his bait”.  Craig responded, “Son, this isn’t on demand!” 

The nightmare ended with Craig catching one fish and I caught NOTHING.  Not even a guppy! I tipped one of the salty boat workers because he had to clean off my side of the boat.  I honestly swore at one point that I would never fish, eat fish, swim, or touch a fish stick again in my life! 

After a LONG ride back to shore and a 2-hour car ride home, there was only one thing left to do in regard to dealing with this trip.  Laugh.  It’s amazing how many times some of the worst experiences in our lives can become endearing if we are willing to laugh at ourselves.  This will definitely be something that Craig and I will laugh at for years to come.  Hopefully, our next trip will involve far more fish and far less spewing!