We are slaves to timepieces. I probably check the clock about 50 times a day, no exaggeration. I am such a stickler for time. In my book, being five minutes early is being 5 minutes late, because ten minutes early is most appropriate my book. Regardless of your position of what "on time" means, we are always looking at the clock.
When I was younger, I was always looking forward to the future, when all the great things were going to happen. I wished many times that I was 12, or 16, or 18, or 20 so I could do all the awesome things that had to be coming my way. There was always something to be looking ahead for. Things have since slowed down, and I wish I had more time in the day, or more hours in a week to accomplish what I need to do! Reflecting on these things makes me think of the words of a famous comedian of the 90's: "Wait up!" That's what kids say. They don't say "wait", they say "Wait up! Hey, wait up!" 'Cause when you're little, your life is up. The future is up. Everything you want is up. "Wait up! Hold up! Get up! Mom, I'll clean up! Let me stay up!" Parents of course are just the opposite. Everything is down. "Just calm down. Slow down. Come down here. Sit down. Put that down." There comes a point where hurry up definitely turns to slow down, and I am nearing that place in my existence.
Have you ever thought that Jesus probably didn't wear a watch? He was always on time, and was always where he needed to be, when he needed to be there! There's a southern gospel song that says "But his way is God's way, not yours or mine. And isn't it great when he's four days late he's still on time." This song obviously refers to the death of Lazarus, and Jesus coming after he had died, but that was all in God's plan to bring glory to the power of God.
Today, you may be in a tough spot. You may be hoping for the clock on the wall to speed up, or just wanting this day, or this week to be over. All that wishing to speed or slow the timepieces won't change the time one bit, but looking at the clock can remind you that we operate on God's time, and His timing is impeccable. So, the next 50 times you look at your watch today, thank God that He is never late, even though many of us often are.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Funeral Talk
In the past 4 weeks, I have been at 4 funerals. I attended 3, and performed my very first funeral. Four funerals in as many weeks is really overwhelming, however, it has been interesting to look back over those 4 and see the similarities and differences. Each of them had a vastly different life story, and each of them had family and friends that came to remember their lives and memories.
The interesting thing about each of the funerals was the sharing and reflection time. Each funeral had a significant amount of time spent remembering the lives of each person. Some had humorous stories, some shared time spent fishing, or watching football. Other memories included funny explanations of a nickname, and some were fond memories of a favorite time shared with the individual. At the funeral that I officiated, I didn't know the lady very well who had passed away, so the sharing time was a time for me to grow the window into her life that I had no knowledge about. Each of the 4 individuals' services increased my knowledge of their lives and gave me a clearer picture of who these people were on their time on this planet.
One thing that was never shared, however, was a negative thought about someone who was upset because they "were owed $20 and were never going to see it now!" Nobody said "the world is a better place now that they aren't here to make me miserable." No one even used that time to share a juicy tidbit of gossip about the deceased that they "just had to share." No one said any negative words about anyone for those few moments gathered in a church.
Something like that makes me think of the dumb kid in Algebra who finally gets an 'A' on a test. If he can do it once, we expect it again. If we can keep thoughts positive and uplifting for an hour at a funeral service, why do we struggle so much to do it at other times? The Bible invites us to live at peace with all men; to come alongside and bear one another's burdens, and most importantly, to love one another!
If you can get a group of 150 people or so together in a room at a funeral and not one person has any unkind words to say about another person, surely, you can tame your tongue when it's just you and a few others together! Today, try to speak well of others. It's not easy, but you can do it if you really try. Just like how I passed Algebra.
The interesting thing about each of the funerals was the sharing and reflection time. Each funeral had a significant amount of time spent remembering the lives of each person. Some had humorous stories, some shared time spent fishing, or watching football. Other memories included funny explanations of a nickname, and some were fond memories of a favorite time shared with the individual. At the funeral that I officiated, I didn't know the lady very well who had passed away, so the sharing time was a time for me to grow the window into her life that I had no knowledge about. Each of the 4 individuals' services increased my knowledge of their lives and gave me a clearer picture of who these people were on their time on this planet.
One thing that was never shared, however, was a negative thought about someone who was upset because they "were owed $20 and were never going to see it now!" Nobody said "the world is a better place now that they aren't here to make me miserable." No one even used that time to share a juicy tidbit of gossip about the deceased that they "just had to share." No one said any negative words about anyone for those few moments gathered in a church.
Something like that makes me think of the dumb kid in Algebra who finally gets an 'A' on a test. If he can do it once, we expect it again. If we can keep thoughts positive and uplifting for an hour at a funeral service, why do we struggle so much to do it at other times? The Bible invites us to live at peace with all men; to come alongside and bear one another's burdens, and most importantly, to love one another!
If you can get a group of 150 people or so together in a room at a funeral and not one person has any unkind words to say about another person, surely, you can tame your tongue when it's just you and a few others together! Today, try to speak well of others. It's not easy, but you can do it if you really try. Just like how I passed Algebra.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Inspection Time.
Very often I get sent to the grocery store to pick up a few items. Most of the time, it's contact solution, milk, bread, or Chips Ahoy, because I love Chips Ahoy. No matter when I go to the store, I will inevitably walk through the fruits and vegetables section and have a little laugh to myself. Here will stand grown men and women, systematically inspecting their potential purchase. These people will knock on watermelons, listening for some type of response; a 'who's there' to continue a punchline perhaps? People will hold cantaloupes up to their noses and smell, and by that one act can tell if it's going to be a keeper or not. People will poke avocados, push on tomatoes, and examine bananas thoroughly, right in the middle of the produce section. And, yes, we all see you sneaking grapes out of the plastic bags to test them to check and see if they are good!
This thorough testing is not something that is carried over to other experiences. When I am preaching, I am very thankful that no one pokes me, or smells me, or knocks on my head to see if I am of top quality! This is an isolated bit of strangeness that applies only to the produce section. I wonder if everyone actually knows what they are looking for when they put fruit to the test. Perhaps their mom or dad knocked on a watermelon and gave an approving look, so you in turn go through the same routine? I have no clue why some people knock on fruit - unless they are professional fruit inspectors!
In Matthew 7, I believe we are called to be fruit inspectors. Not melon knocking, avocado poking, tomato squeezing fruit inspectors, but spiritual fruit inspectors. Jesus says that you will be identified by your fruits. These words, spoken by Jesus, are very simple to comprehend on a physical level. However, He was presenting the “fruit test” as an analogy to convey spiritual truth. Just as a tree can be positively identified by the product that it yields, so is one’s true nature and character revealed by his attitude and conduct. That orange tree is gonna have some nice oranges. Only. Same for the apple tree - apples, only.
While the trees may all look similar in many respects during the non-fruit bearing season, as soon as they start producing fruit the difference is obvious. A Spirit-led person cannot bring forth evil fruit (that which is carnal or sinful). It is just as impossible as a coconut tree producing watermelons. An individual who believes himself to be “good” or “holy” or “saved” yet produces attitudes and conduct contrary to the principles of God’s Word is, in reality, a hypocrite who deceives himself.
Just as nature teaches us that a coconut tree will always produce coconuts, a Spirit-led individual will always produce the “fruit of the Spirit” which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).On the other hand, if a professing Christian does not produce the “fruit of the Spirit” he does not actually possess what he thinks or claims.
So, inspect your fruit, because you are called to be a fruit inspector! Exhibit your genuine, authentic faith, and evaluate others, but don't knock on their foreheads - save that for the watermelons!
This thorough testing is not something that is carried over to other experiences. When I am preaching, I am very thankful that no one pokes me, or smells me, or knocks on my head to see if I am of top quality! This is an isolated bit of strangeness that applies only to the produce section. I wonder if everyone actually knows what they are looking for when they put fruit to the test. Perhaps their mom or dad knocked on a watermelon and gave an approving look, so you in turn go through the same routine? I have no clue why some people knock on fruit - unless they are professional fruit inspectors!
In Matthew 7, I believe we are called to be fruit inspectors. Not melon knocking, avocado poking, tomato squeezing fruit inspectors, but spiritual fruit inspectors. Jesus says that you will be identified by your fruits. These words, spoken by Jesus, are very simple to comprehend on a physical level. However, He was presenting the “fruit test” as an analogy to convey spiritual truth. Just as a tree can be positively identified by the product that it yields, so is one’s true nature and character revealed by his attitude and conduct. That orange tree is gonna have some nice oranges. Only. Same for the apple tree - apples, only.
While the trees may all look similar in many respects during the non-fruit bearing season, as soon as they start producing fruit the difference is obvious. A Spirit-led person cannot bring forth evil fruit (that which is carnal or sinful). It is just as impossible as a coconut tree producing watermelons. An individual who believes himself to be “good” or “holy” or “saved” yet produces attitudes and conduct contrary to the principles of God’s Word is, in reality, a hypocrite who deceives himself.
Just as nature teaches us that a coconut tree will always produce coconuts, a Spirit-led individual will always produce the “fruit of the Spirit” which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).On the other hand, if a professing Christian does not produce the “fruit of the Spirit” he does not actually possess what he thinks or claims.
So, inspect your fruit, because you are called to be a fruit inspector! Exhibit your genuine, authentic faith, and evaluate others, but don't knock on their foreheads - save that for the watermelons!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Expect the Unexpected Reality
Part of my job here at the church is promotions. I conjure up an idea, present it to the church, and try to get people excited about the upcoming event. Some of these events have been spectacular, and some have not, but I get to promote them either way.
If you go to a sporting event, very often you will have the opportunity to get some free promotions: a bobble head of a player, or perhaps a t-shirt with a players name on the front and a sponsoring company on the front. I have received everything from shirts, to hats, to posters, to foam fingers as a way of promoting a company, event, or team.
In 2000, the Toronto Blue Jays decided to promote an event called "Hot Dog Blaster" as a way to get fans to come to the game. This event promised free hot dogs to those in attendance, as long as they could catch them as they were shot out of a modified cannon in their direction. The modified cannon was never used before the night of the event. As the cannon made it's debut, it shot out foil wrapped hot dogs in the direction of the fans. Unfortunately, instead of producing wieners in a bun, it shot them out at such a rate that the cannon simply shot hot dog fragments all over the people in the stands! Cries echoed throughout the stadium as people were plastered with bits of ballpark franks. Mistaking the cries of the crowd for cheers, the operators of the blaster continued to assault the fans with scraps of meat falling from the sky.
To make matters worse, the action on the field was also a disaster! The Blue Jays were getting blown away by the Anaheim Angels. In fact, the Angels notched 16 runs in the final 5 innings of play.
The Toronto fans experienced a night of disappointment. Free dinner and a good game were on many of the fans' agendas, but they got only hot dog stains on their clothes, and a lousy game for the home team. The expectations of the fans were most definitely not met.
Isn't that kinda how life is though sometimes? Often in sports as well as life, our expectations far exceed the reality of the situation. The expectations that we bring to the table each and every day may, or may not be reality. The challenge for today is to remember that it's okay if your agenda gets smashed in order for God's to be fulfilled, because when God changes your agenda, it something He has designed for your good.
If you get invited to a hot dog blaster event, politely decline the offer in light of the knowledge you now have. Now, go live out God's agenda for today!
If you go to a sporting event, very often you will have the opportunity to get some free promotions: a bobble head of a player, or perhaps a t-shirt with a players name on the front and a sponsoring company on the front. I have received everything from shirts, to hats, to posters, to foam fingers as a way of promoting a company, event, or team.
In 2000, the Toronto Blue Jays decided to promote an event called "Hot Dog Blaster" as a way to get fans to come to the game. This event promised free hot dogs to those in attendance, as long as they could catch them as they were shot out of a modified cannon in their direction. The modified cannon was never used before the night of the event. As the cannon made it's debut, it shot out foil wrapped hot dogs in the direction of the fans. Unfortunately, instead of producing wieners in a bun, it shot them out at such a rate that the cannon simply shot hot dog fragments all over the people in the stands! Cries echoed throughout the stadium as people were plastered with bits of ballpark franks. Mistaking the cries of the crowd for cheers, the operators of the blaster continued to assault the fans with scraps of meat falling from the sky.
To make matters worse, the action on the field was also a disaster! The Blue Jays were getting blown away by the Anaheim Angels. In fact, the Angels notched 16 runs in the final 5 innings of play.
The Toronto fans experienced a night of disappointment. Free dinner and a good game were on many of the fans' agendas, but they got only hot dog stains on their clothes, and a lousy game for the home team. The expectations of the fans were most definitely not met.
Isn't that kinda how life is though sometimes? Often in sports as well as life, our expectations far exceed the reality of the situation. The expectations that we bring to the table each and every day may, or may not be reality. The challenge for today is to remember that it's okay if your agenda gets smashed in order for God's to be fulfilled, because when God changes your agenda, it something He has designed for your good.
If you get invited to a hot dog blaster event, politely decline the offer in light of the knowledge you now have. Now, go live out God's agenda for today!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
When The Cat's Away...
When the cat's away, the mice will play, right? Well, in my life, when the Senior Pastor's away, I get to preach, and that makes me happy!
The Assistant Pastor position is an interesting position. Some people see it as a junior pastor, kind of like the take-your-son-to-work-day and he just tags along with the "real" pastor. Some people think that the Assistant Pastor is like the administrative assistant for the Senior Pastor, and some just don't have any idea what to think, because they know a Senior Pastor is necessary, and a Youth Pastor is necessary, but who's this guy who isn't old enough to be a senior pastor, and wants nothing to do with teenagers? I've heard all these, and each of them are tremendous (he said with great sarcasm in his voice).
My bread and butter, the very icing on my ministerial cake, is getting to preach on Sundays. It only comes every so often because that is the role of the Senior Pastor, but when it comes, I cherish it. All that to say, I am preaching on Sunday, June 5th, and I am excited.
I love every aspect of the sermon; from the preparation, to the illustration development, to the proposition, to the delivery, to the figurative light bulbs that pop on in peoples' eyes when they grasp a concept that is new to them, all the way down to the audience exegesis (thinking through who your audience is, and preparing a tailored message for each person represented in the congregation). The only part I don't enjoy is the final 'Amen' as the service closes in prayer, because it will be a few months before I get that pulpit again! I even welcome the criticism afterwards, and especially the comments for me to slow down (honestly, that's not gonna happen, so just listen faster, people of the Eastern Shore!).
As I have been preparing for the sermon on Sunday, I have the sermon completed and prepared at this point. But as I was thinking through the message, I had an epiphany this morning! This isn't the proposition for the message, this isn't even anything that is going to make an appearance in the message, but as I was working through 1 Kings 18, I had this thought: The remedy for unbelief is answered prayer. Very simple, very plain, but incredibly profound! The context is Ba'al's priests and Ahab and Jezebel trying to call fire from heaven all day long, and nothing happens. Elijah steps up, prays a 62 word prayer (it's actually much shorter in Hebrew) and the fire is there.
The prayer is answered, and people believe! Granted, it's a lot easier to believe in God after a fireball comes and blazes on an alter right before your eyes, but the principle is the same. The remedy for unbelief is answered prayer. Perhaps today you have been feeling off. Maybe you haven't been feeling very 'Christiany' because you've been too busy with everything else. Fix your unbelief with answered prayer. Pray specifically for someone, or something, and see if God doesn't return with answered prayer.I'm quite certain that he will.
See you Sunday from behind the pulpit!
The Assistant Pastor position is an interesting position. Some people see it as a junior pastor, kind of like the take-your-son-to-work-day and he just tags along with the "real" pastor. Some people think that the Assistant Pastor is like the administrative assistant for the Senior Pastor, and some just don't have any idea what to think, because they know a Senior Pastor is necessary, and a Youth Pastor is necessary, but who's this guy who isn't old enough to be a senior pastor, and wants nothing to do with teenagers? I've heard all these, and each of them are tremendous (he said with great sarcasm in his voice).
My bread and butter, the very icing on my ministerial cake, is getting to preach on Sundays. It only comes every so often because that is the role of the Senior Pastor, but when it comes, I cherish it. All that to say, I am preaching on Sunday, June 5th, and I am excited.
I love every aspect of the sermon; from the preparation, to the illustration development, to the proposition, to the delivery, to the figurative light bulbs that pop on in peoples' eyes when they grasp a concept that is new to them, all the way down to the audience exegesis (thinking through who your audience is, and preparing a tailored message for each person represented in the congregation). The only part I don't enjoy is the final 'Amen' as the service closes in prayer, because it will be a few months before I get that pulpit again! I even welcome the criticism afterwards, and especially the comments for me to slow down (honestly, that's not gonna happen, so just listen faster, people of the Eastern Shore!).
As I have been preparing for the sermon on Sunday, I have the sermon completed and prepared at this point. But as I was thinking through the message, I had an epiphany this morning! This isn't the proposition for the message, this isn't even anything that is going to make an appearance in the message, but as I was working through 1 Kings 18, I had this thought: The remedy for unbelief is answered prayer. Very simple, very plain, but incredibly profound! The context is Ba'al's priests and Ahab and Jezebel trying to call fire from heaven all day long, and nothing happens. Elijah steps up, prays a 62 word prayer (it's actually much shorter in Hebrew) and the fire is there.
The prayer is answered, and people believe! Granted, it's a lot easier to believe in God after a fireball comes and blazes on an alter right before your eyes, but the principle is the same. The remedy for unbelief is answered prayer. Perhaps today you have been feeling off. Maybe you haven't been feeling very 'Christiany' because you've been too busy with everything else. Fix your unbelief with answered prayer. Pray specifically for someone, or something, and see if God doesn't return with answered prayer.I'm quite certain that he will.
See you Sunday from behind the pulpit!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)