The Front Porch

You Never Know

2010-12-01T09:57:00.003-06:00

In case you wondered where I've been, my family was privileged to get to spend Thanksgiving in Indiana with my in-laws...our first holiday gathering since the passing of my father-in-law...and an important time together (without internet access!). Obviously, we're back and that limitation has been removed.

As some of you may know, my son has been looking for a job for several months now. While God has been good to provide seasonal & odd jobs, a stable, full-time position has been elusive to date.

The Lord has been far too faithful for us to begin doubting Him now, or worrying about His provision, but honestly, we do find ourselves wondering just what He's up to in this arena. No answers yet, but a possibilty I'd like to share with you...all for a point.

Just over a week ago, I was attending a Community Thanksgiving service with residents from Highland Ridge Senior Living Community (where I chaplain). Seeing some familiar faces across the room, I went to catch up a bit since it had been awhile since we last talked.

Kindly, they asked about my son's situation (among other things), and I shared that I was praying for an opportunity for him at a local, highly-regarded employer, but I just didn't know anyone on "the inside" with whom to connect. As with many jobs (especially in this economy), you about have to know someone on "the inside" in order to get in.

They proceeded to introduce me to a man sitting in the next row from this employer - a man I discovered had been hired by my father years before! He asked about my son, inquired about his resume, and informed me that he had two positions to fill - immediately. My son has since connected with this company and is up for an in-depth interview next week.

Now, the Hollywood ending would have this all work out and we'd all live happily ever after, but you and I both know that it doesn't always go that way. Frankly, we're encouraged by this turn of events, but have no clue as to how it will work out.

What I do know, and have been reminded of, is that God's timing is always perfect, He is always working on our behalf, and you just never know how He is going to provide. Thus, we should never despair, never minimize the power of a "God-moment," and believe that He is always "working all things together for good" - even the seemingly random moments of our lives. I'll keep you posted!

Strength

2010-11-18T09:27:00.004-06:00

We were blessed last night to have Mike Gillette of "The Strength Show" join us for an area youth ministry event. Almost 70 teens gathered to hear Mike's testimony and watch him attempt (and pull off) a couple of brand new feats of strength (one scared us to death as he succeeded; the other is still a work in progress but impressive nonetheless).

I'm not sure if Mike actually said this or not, but what the Lord said to me last night through his message was this: As great as strength is, it is not intended to only benefit the one who is strong. Strength can be an amazing thing - moving, bending, stretching and deforming objects that it seemed couldn't be.

Granted, it tends to carry some specific benefits to the one who is strong, but what good would it be for a strong person to just sit around and be strong? Sure, they look good - but there are any number of ways to achieve that appearance without putting in all the work to actually be strong.

Real strength is meant to be shared - to benefit others. Jesus extends His to us, and we are intended to extend ours to those we interact with. When God gave His Son for us, He made available to us all the strength we would ever need. And when we give our lives to others, we do much the same, passing along the strength we cherish and enjoy, that they might never have to face anything with only their own strength.

So what are you doing with your life in this area? Getting stronger, I hope! But even more so, as God continues His good work in you (Philippians 1:6), I pray that you will in turn reach out and be a source of strength, passing His along, to all who may need it. That's a truly strong person!

Dirty Lights

2010-11-09T15:11:00.007-06:00

"Let your light shine before men..."

Mathew 5:16

A few years back (okay, slightly more than a few years back), I had taken a trip with some friends down to Alabama to watch the legendary "Bear" Bryant and his equally legendary football team (now some of you know about how many years back!).

It was a long trip, so to make the best time possible on the road, we decided to drive at night, switching off drivers, so that we could make it to the "big game" on time. Along about 1:00 a.m., the current driver said something like this, "This road must be really old, because the lines are getting kind of faint." We all quickly agreed...and continued to drive on.

About an hour later, though a new driver was behind the wheel, another interesting comment came from that seat, "I've never seen a state paint their highway lines in faint yellow - they're kind of hard to see!" It wasn't another 30 minutes before he said, "Something must be wrong, because now I can't see the lines at all!"

We all got out of the car, and as Gomer Pyle used to say, "Sur-prise! Sur-prise!" The lines weren't getting fainter at all, but our headlights were almost completely blacked out with bugs & dirt! We had to limp along at 3:00 a.m. to get to a gas station where we could give them a good cleaning. Amazingly, the lines jumped right out at us after that!

I've thought many times since then about that night, and how much it is like my life, way too often! As I try to make decisions & choices, things are getting less and less clear to me, and I'm sure that the problem is outside - you know, someone or something else's problem.

But more times than not, what's really transpired is that I've allowed my own life to get "dirty" by allowing dozens of "little" sins to accumulate on my heart & mind, just like bugs & dirt on a headlight. The power is going into the light, but it isn't shining out of the light because I've been careless, too busy (or both) to clean it off.

The problem is that the dimming occurs gradually, because the "dirt" accumulates gradually. But the net effect is just as sure as if I'd just painted the headlights black - no light gets out. If we're going to truly "let our lights shine" as Jesus directed above, it's imperative that we do the job...the daily job...of keeping our hearts & minds clean, that the light and love of Jesus Christ may shine forth unhindered. Meet me at the carwash?

Bejeebers

2010-11-03T15:34:00.007-05:00

"Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered.
And lo, no one was there."

Anonymous

Well, it's official - we currently have 20 people signed up to go to Guatemala in March of 2011. They are young & old, male & female, students & professionals, churched &non-churched, excited & afraid. That's right...AFRAID. Tenemos temor!

It probably doesn't take much imagination to figure out what they're afraid of (though imagination makes it really daunting to do what they're getting ready to do!). Lack of money, missing classes (or work, for the adults), leaving family behind, rare diseases, terrorism, losing their ticket, forgetting to bring something important - all of these and more can make a new venture downright terrifying!

The reality is that things much less intimidating than cross-cultural travel can scare the bejeebers out of us (I used that word in last week's children's message and they had no idea of what I was talking about - but I'm sure you understand my word!). So what do we do when the bejeebers are scared out of us?

Like the quote at the top - we answer with Faith. We remember that He is always with us, that His ways are perfect, that His plans are to bless us and use us, that He who calls us is faithful...you get the idea (check last week's blog for references if you want).

I have no idea what might be scaring the bejeebers out of you right now, but I do know that He is more than capable of helping you to answer the knock of fear with the answer of faith...and discover that there is really no one there! That's God's story, and I'm sticking to it!

Faith vs. Fear

2010-10-28T09:40:00.006-05:00

"Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death."

Seems like no matter where I go or whom I talk to, people are dealing with FEAR. Fears about money, family, jobs, health, politics and the interactions between one or more of those pound us relentlessly from every side.

I am sure that you, like me, have dealt with your share of fear in life - perhaps in this very moment. The antidote? Well, it depends upon whom you talk to. Some escape through their "drug" of choice (alcohol, sex, tobacco) or more subtle things (work, music, spending money). I've not tried all of these, but enough of them to know just how pointless...and hopeless they are.

I'll never forget a particular point in my life where fear was threatening to run rampant - out of control - because of a huge decision I had to make. Quite literally, every waking moment of every day, this decision (and the fear of making the wrong one) pounded on the door of my heart.

My solution? The only one I have found to work...every time. I found my strength in the Word of God - The Holy Bible. I confess that I wasn't always reading it, but I was able to meditate on it because of having put it into my heart years before. The most powerful passage for me in that particular time was this: "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You" (Isaiah 26:3).

I can't tell you how many times I used this as a shield against the fiery darts of fear that assaulted my heart and mind. It become the rock of truth upon which I stood when the waves of doubt threatened to overwhelm me...and it helped me to withstand them all!

I thought that maybe today you needed to be reminded of some of God's most powerful promises in this arena, so I leave them with you in hopes that your Faith in them...in Him...will triumph over your Fear of what assails you most right now:

We walk by faith, not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
Be strong and take courage, for the Lord your God is with you (Joshua 1:9).
In quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15).
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).
If God so clothes the grass of the field, will He not much more clothe you? (Matthew 6:30).
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

All I Have Seen

2010-10-20T13:47:00.002-05:00

"All that I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. "
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I have to admit something to you today: The longer you have been living a life surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ, the easier it gets to do it. That means when you are a relatively new Christian, it can be a lot tougher to do things "His way." I think that's why God gives to the new Christian an extra measure of zeal & energy...because they don't yet have the experiences to rely upon when the going gets tough.

But as you make some choices that honor Him, you discover the power of His promise found in 1 Samuel 2:30 (my life verse): "I will honor the one who honors me." You don't do things just for your benefit, but you discover that when you do things for His benefit, there are benefits for you, too!

And you begin to accumulate experience...you know, the ability to come into a tough time, and to look back and say, "I don't know what God is going to do, but He's been faithful to help me before - so I'm going to trust Him again!" So when I come up against the next really trying situation, I remember things like:

When God gave me a beautiful wife that I don't deserve
When God gave us children after we thought we couldn't have any
When God provided a buyer for our house(s) (more than once) before we listed our house(s)
When God opened up a job opportunity where it seemed none existed
When God replaced depression & despair with His peace
When God gave me fresh perspective when I was sure He was being unfair
When God restored a relationship I thought for sure was over
When God gave me the capacity to forgive one I thought unforgiveable
When God forgave me when I felt unforgiveable
And the list goes on, and on, an on - you get the idea

Now, I'll be the first to agree with you that He doesn't always work this way - sometimes His ways remain completely baffling & mysterious, but, to quote Mr. Emmerson above, "All that I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." It is my prayer that you will reach this conclusion as well!

Expectations

2010-10-12T15:27:00.004-05:00

So often we are expecting God to ask us to do something big, when all He is asking us to do is "Come."

I came across the above, anonymous quote, just last week and I found myself immediately identifying with it. So, being an "average guy," I thought it might strike a chord with you as well.

God took me back to a night sitting on the hood of my Cutlass Ciera (honest, that's how Oldsmobile spelled "sierra") when He and I had quite the discussion. You see, I was finishing school in Indiana, working at a print shop, and pastoring a small, country, Methodist church (filled with good people, mind you, but not in a hurry to go anywhere).

Things were going pretty well, but not at all like I thought they should be going. Just weeks away from completing my pastoral education, I was just sure that God was going to use me to change the world. Landing in a town with 28 houses, a grain co-op and a church wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I thought of doing something "big" for God.

Through the magic of memory (a pretty cool gift God gave to us, if you think about it), here's how the conversation unfolded...

ME: Thanks, Lord, for all you're doing for us here.
GOD: I'll continue to do it, Kirk, as long as you continue seeking Me.
ME: It's been kind of frustrating, though, Lord, 'cause everyone here seems to be content with things as they are. No one really wants to grow or try new things, or reach out.
GOD: I understand, Kirk, but what if I told you that this is the plan I have for your life - to stay in this place and take care of the people here in this small town, in a church that probably will always be this size.
ME: You're kidding, right? This is just a "launch point" to bigger and better, right? You wouldn't just leave me here, would You?
GOD: What do you think?
ME: I think that you made me for much more important things than this...for greater things...bigger things.
GOD: Are you saying that the people here aren't important?
ME: (Gulp!) NO, not at all! I was just expecting more.
GOD: More what?
ME: More impact, more exposure, more success, more money...
GOD: Kirk, you need to figure out whether you're going to be content with what I have planned for you, whether or not it's what you think is best. Do you trust Me enough to believe that what I have planned is the best plan for you?
ME: (Silence)

To be honest, it was several days before I got back to God on this issue. But when I did, I'll never forget surrendering my will (again...and many times since then) to His will, choosing to trust His ways over my ways. And you know what? The ride has been exhilarating...not always what I would choose or expect, but absolutely unforgettable!

Now my only expectation is that God will use me, bless me, and make me a blessing no matter where or with whom I find myself. And that's all I need to know!

Faith

2010-10-05T13:03:00.008-05:00

"Faith is believing in advance what can only be understood in reverse."
-Anonymous

Well, another trial of life is upon us: my son lost his job this week. The details aren't important - the fact is, he is unemployed. I confess that I wasn't sure how he'd respond to the whole thing. If you've ever walked this road, you know that it can lead you to believe that what you're best at is failing.

While there were indeed the momentary doubts regarding his self worth, I can't tell you how pleased I have been with his overall response - just when I thought he hadn't learned anything from 18 years under our roof! (Not that I can take credit for him "getting it").

He's actually beginning to grab this thing we call faith. If you remember anything about what God's Word has to say about faith, it is defined as:

"Being sure of what we hope for and

certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

While there is much he does not know, what he does know is this:

God loves him...period!
God is in control of his life
God has a plan for his life
If God's plan was for him to stay where he was, he'd still be there
What is confusing now will one day make great sense
So the best thing he can do now is seek God's direction and...APPLY for another job!

Thus, we don't find ourselves worrying, fearful, anxious or impatient (at least not yet), for we know that the very same God who has helped us in the past, not only is able to, but wants to and will again (though it may or may not be what we think is best).

How about you? Tempted to despair? Not sure what's coming next? As the old song says, "God will take care of you"! Believe now what one day will make perfect sense in reverse! I'll keep you posted on our this particular faith walk evolves!

Impact

2010-09-28T15:12:00.005-05:00

"Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as we make use of. One person gets a week's value out of a year while another person gets a full year's value out of a week."

Charles Richards

We, as a local church, have just come off of one of our most anticipated events of the year: Pastor Luis Martinez' visit from Guatemala. Luis is the pastor we worked with in 2009, and the one we're preparing to work with again in 2011 (contact me if you're interested in building homes, clothing children & sharing the Gospel with us!). His ministry is called, IMPACTO, because they are committed to impacting the lives of both the people in his country and in ours through interaction on behalf of God's purposes.

I couldn't help but link his ministry to the above thought, though I confess, I don't even remember where I first saw it. Mr. Richards strikes on one of the key truths of life: our impact is largely determined by us. In other words, what we get out of life is more often than not determined by how we approach it.

Who hasn't known someone who was a master of idleness? Someone who could take more time doing less work than anyone you've ever known (hopefully this isn't you). One of the challenges I've always given to my kids was originally left with me by my Dad: Give an honest days work for an honest day's pay and you'll never be unemployed for long, if at all.

At the core of this counsel is the observation that a huge number of people are looking not to do the above, but to do as little as possible while making as much as they can. They have yet to discover the almost magical truth of Mr. Richards...and the Bible (see Luke 16:10-12). These are the ones who get a week's value out of a year.

By God's grace, this dare not be us as Christians! May we be among those who can "do twice the work in half the time" - not because we're a "whirling dervish" - but because we embrace each day as an opportunity for impact and refrain from pursuing a degree in idleness.

So, how many days are left in your year? The decision and the power are yours, granted to you by Almighty God. What you do with what is given to you will make all the difference in the world...and in the world to come. Let's make an impact today!

"Good" Or "Godly"?

2010-09-22T10:41:00.008-05:00

"The true expression of Christian character is not in good-doing, but in God-likeness. If the Spirit of God has transformed you within, you will exhibit divine characteristics in your life, not just good human characteristics. God’s life in us expresses itself as God’s life, not as human life trying to be godly."
Oswald Chambers

I confess that this thought from Oswald Chambers brought me up a little short - as it should - and has caused me to do a great deal of "pondering" over the last few days...maybe it will do the same for you?

There is an enormous emphasis in our culture today on "good-doing," manifested in countless ways by many highly visible people. But for the Christian, while admirable, this is not enough. We dare not be only good humans exhibiting good human characteristics.

Think about it: many people can give good things to others, but only the Christian, by definition, can give Christ, and thus the things that go with Him. So what is the difference between "good characterisitcs" and "divine" ones?

Scripture makes it clear that, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self control" (Galatians 5:22-23). These don't come by being a "good human" but from having the Holy Spirit's transforming power working in us.

For my own thinking, I did a little "re-phrasing" of this list, and have come to believe that the non-negotiable "divine" characteristics for the Christian are:

Unconditional Love
Irrepressible Joy
Irrational Peace
Unlimited Grace & Forgiveness
Unrelenting Compassion
Sacrificial Generosity
Consistent Self-Control

That does not mean that we have these mastered, but that they are "divine" characteristics that should be growing in both quantity and quality in our lives. No amount of being a "good human" will accomplish these - only God's Spirit in us can.

Now, the moment of truth: Am I known only as a "good human" or as "God-like" in the characteristics of my life? God forbid that after my life is lived, all that anyone will be able to say is, "Kirk was a good person." No, I cannot settle for anything less than to be like Christ Himself, full of divine characteristics that no one can explain away and that draw others to Him! How about you?

A "Not So Secret" Secret

2010-09-15T14:58:00.007-05:00

I am privileged to receive thought-provoking emails from some truly great thinkers, preachers and friends! One that grabbed my attention recently stated the following:

"The only advantage the rich have over the poor

is that they already know money can’t buy happiness."

Think about it (I have): While falling into a boatload of money sounds really fun, and we can think of another boatload of things we'd like to do with it, it is a road filled with perils & challenges all its own.

I frequently hear people say, "I know that money won't buy me happiness, but I'd sure like to try!" And as attractive as the scenario sounds, down deep, I think we're all aware that more money is not our #1 need.

The interesting thing about money and it's amazing allure, is that you almost need to have had it to understand that it's not what you need. Thus, the vast majority of us still wrestle with our desire for it, sure that it would help us at least a little.

But talk to anyone who has it (or did at one time) and you'll discover this "not so secret" secret: they were no happier with it than without it. Matter of fact, there's a whole heap of trouble & trial that comes with having more.

Look at what the Bible says regarding this (my paraphrases):

Psalm 49:12 - you still die, and have a lot more pressure pushing you there!
Proverbs 11:28 - if you trust in riches, you will fall!
Proverbs 13:8 - more people are out to get you!
Proverbs 23:5 - riches are so easily lost!
Matthew 19:23 - it is much harder to trust in God!
Luke 8:14 - riches will preoccupy your life!
Luke 12:48 - you have much greater responsibility!
1 Timothy 6:9 - there are unimaginable temptations, traps & snares!
1 Timothy 6:10 - wanting more jeapordizes your faith and your life!

What we do need is more of Him...Jesus Christ...for He has promised that, unlike riches, "I will never leave you or forsake you" Hebrews 13:5. Trust in Him will never disappoint us, and we will find that are lives are content...not always longing for more.

Granted, He may choose to bless you financially - nothing wrong with that - but if you count on that, you may easily lose both the blessing and miss the Blessor! I invite you to join me in placing your trust in Christ - no matter what! And I pray that you won't keep that a secret!

For Or With?

2010-09-08T16:38:00.003-05:00

I was challenged recently by something I read in Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest. Without recounting the whole thing, the question posed to me by the Lord as I read "Ozzies" reflection was this (is this - I haven't resolved this yet): Am I looking for Jesus or with Jesus?

Like a lot of people, when I first became a Christian I remember looking for Jesus all the time: at concerts, camps, and conventions; in books, movies and the newspaper; at school, on vacation and at home. I enjoyed finding Him in all of these places at one time or another, and frequently shared those findings with any who would listen.

Now, it's not that we should ever stop looking for Him, but what I feel God speaking to my heart is that if this is all I do, then our relationship hasn't matured nearly enough - it's still largely the same as it was the day I asked Christ into my life.

Increasingly, I believe that one sure sign of maturing in our faith is when we do less looking for Him and more looking with Him. What's the difference? For involves looking all around for evidence of Him ; With means seeing things as Jesus sees them - people, situations, conditions - and hopefully, responding to them more and more as He would and does.

It's fun looking for Him - it's Christ-like to look with Him. I challenge you today, as He is challenging me, to look increasingly with Him at the world around you. When we choose to do so, we'll never be the same, for we will find our hearts moved by the things that move His. And we'll find His ability to use us mutliplied almost exponentially as we become more available to Him, and ultimately, more like Him!

The Big Reveal

2010-08-31T15:23:00.002-05:00

I have a confession to make: I really like to watch "Extreme Makeover - Home Edition." Not that I watch it all the time (after all, I am a Cubs fan), but something about watching it just always makes me feel good. Sometimes, schedules and such keep from watching it, and I kind of forget why I love it so much...until I catch the next episode.

About now, some of you are either liking me more or less, depending on your opinion of this show, but hang with me. I've asked myself more than once why this show holds such an attraction for me and I think that finally, I have come up with the answer (or at least an answer): The show hinges on what I call "The Big Reveal."

If you're a fan of EMHE, you know the storyline (it never really changes): Some people who have gone through terrible hardships ask EMHE for a new house, and if their request is accepted, they get a new house built for them that would qualify as a "dream house" for just about anyone watching.

Honestly, many of those applying have gone through things that make my life look absolutely cushy, but while the details differ, the whole idea of suffering and then being rewarded resonates deep within me - and evidently millions of others (as witnessed by the show's longevity and popularity).

So what's The Big Reveal? Come on, you know! It's when the entire family, cast, construction crew & community gather outside the new house and scream, "Move That Bus!" (which until now has obscured the family's view of their new house because of its proximity to them). And the bus drives away, leaving people yelling, cheering, crying, jumping, falling, pounding, etc. with excitement.

And then it hits me...every time...there is a "Big Reveal" coming for all those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ (except on an infinitely grander scale). A moment when, as the Scripture says:

"The Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever"
(1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Talk about excitement! All of the things that we've struggled against, labored with, endured through & waited against hope for will suddenly be taken away (a la "Move That Bus!") and everything that Christ has prepared for us will be right before our eyes! A dwelling beyond imagination will be ours, and no one can ever take it away!

And that's why my eyes fill with tears, every time, when the "Big Reveal" occurs; not just because I can't wait for that day, but because I am reminded that this is why I am a pastor...this is why by God's grace, I endeavor to love people and extend His grace to them, unconditionally (I don't always succeed).

Not only do I want to be there at "The Big Reveal," but I want to make sure as many people as possible are there with me. Sure, it's probably a little "longing for home" (my eternal home) that stirs within me at every episode, but it's also a longing to share that home with everyone I can. Interested? I'd love to share it with you!

Who, Me?

2010-08-24T15:21:00.008-05:00

I have been blessed to be able to travel numerous times over the last 25 years - often abroad, and usually on a mission trip. It's always interesting to see just whom the Lord will place by me, but the conversations (if & when the occur) are nearly always predictable, going something like this:

ME - Hi, where you headed?
THEM - (destination given)
ME - (small talk = weather, sports, world news)
THEM - (relevant interaction)
ME - So what do you do for a living?
THEM - (usual description of job, scope, location, years on it, etc.)
THEM - And what do you do for a living?
ME - (moment of truth...how blunt should I be?) Me? Oh, I'm a pastor.
THEM - (either they immediately identify with my role and become more "religious" or the conversation concludes in 10 seconds or less)

Because of this, I always wrestle a bit with whether or not to tell them that I am a pastor. I'm not ashamed or anything (quite the opposite), but I've found that, especially in our current culture, revealing my "secret identity" either turns people way "on" or way "off" - and I don't want the relational "bridge" we've been courteously constructing for the past 10-15 minutes to suddenly be gone...along with any opportunity to point them further towards Christ.

This brings me to the topic of the day. Did you know that statistically, you are more likely to nudge an unchurched person toward personal faith in Jesus Christ than I am? What makes the real difference with the unchurched are personal relationships. The majority who find Christ look back and say that it was a friend who influenced them toward faith...a friend like you!

In all my experience, over and over again, people share about someone in relationship with them. This friendship may have been for a lifetime or just a season, but it was the right person at the right time that helped bring them to faith in Christ.

Because of this, I place great confidence in the people of my church! I understand that most of them are far better situated to lead unchurched people to Christ than I am. And I've learned that if I do lead someone to Christ, I will likely be wearing the "friend" hat and not the "pastor" hat.

You, yes, you will in all likelihood be the one who leads the next person you meet to Jesus - either directly or indirectly. Thus, never underestimate the power of genuine friendships with those around you!

Reflecting

2010-08-11T14:36:00.009-05:00

I remember a bad prank of years ago called, "The Bohemian Mirror." Now, I am not prejudiced at all against people with this ethnic background (they're in my family), but growing up on a farm and attending Prairie High School of Cedar Rapids, Iowa (affectionately called "Cow Pie High"), necessitated that all pranks and jokes involved these people in some way, as they were everywhere!

The joke goes like this: You ask someone, "Do you want to see a Bohemian mirror?" When they say, "Yes!" you begin to motion to them with your hand and say "Come Here" as you encourage them to follow you. What the person on the butt end of the joke doesn't realize is that the prankster is really saying, "Come, Mirror!" It usually takes 30 seconds or so for the one being fooled to realize this, and that as they have been following the prankster around the room, they in essence, have become...they are...the Bohemian mirror, as they go wherever he or she goes.

A bad prank, I know, but it made me think of something deeper...a lot deeper. God's Word makes it clear that we are to reflect Jesus to our world. In other words, when people look at us, they should get a pretty decent picture of what Jesus is like. The key part that struck me in this is that a mirror (us, in this case) will only reflect what it is following...what it is "looking" at.

This means that the only way we can reflect Jesus is to follow Jesus. We can't expect to reflect Him if we are not following Him. Perhaps more importantly, our lives will reflect whatever we are following...good or bad. Kind of raises the stakes on being careful of what we place our focus upon, doesn't it?

Who or What are you focused on...Where are you "looking"...Who are you following? We will each ultimately reflect that on which our focus lies. "For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he" Proverbs 23:7. If I am going to reflect Him, may I always be sure that I am following Him, and not my own ideas or ways!

New Things

2010-08-04T14:41:00.005-05:00

"To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did."

I was recently challenged by the above axiom, sent to me from a friend, and it's been sitting on my desk top while I ruminated upon it. I suppose that the corollary to it (a.k.a. "the flip side") would be the more familiar, "Insanity: doing the same things over and over yet expecting different results."

When I look back at the last 50 years (OK - 50 in December), it's amazing as I recount just how true this has been. While it would be foolhardy (and perhaps somewhat boring to you) to recount them all, here's just a snapshot of some of the more memorable ones:

To follow God's calling to pastoral ministry, I had to leave the security of the farm life
To end up with the wife of my dreams, I had to walk away from the memories of the past
To experience the transformational power of cross-cultural ministry, I had to take the leap of faith that God would provide
To "step out of the boat" and move to another country, I had to relinquish control over my family
To find the home for my family, I had to surrender my ideas of what "success" means in ministry

No, you can't begin to experience "all that God has prepared for those that love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9) while continuing to do what you've always done. You see, as I read Scripture, I don't ever see God do things the same way twice. He's all about doing a "new thing" (Isaiah 43:19). But He seldom, if ever, prys things out of our grasp - He loves us too much to do so. Rather, He patiently waits for us to let go, and then, only then, can His work continue.

What are you longing for Him to do in your life? While there is no "magic formula," I can assure you that one of the things that must happen is a willingness to do something we've never done before...an attitude that says, "Whatever You ask, wherever You lead, whenever You say 'Go!', Lord, I'm ready to obey."

When He finds us with this heart attitude, only heaven can imagine and measure what He will do both with and for us! Are you ready to make this commitment? I'd love to hear your story!

Mirror

2010-07-28T16:19:00.005-05:00

“To get to where you want to go you've got to know where you are.”

It’s no secret to most of you that I am a pastor (and have been for over 25 years now). With this calling have come some tremendous responsibilities, but also some incredible privileges. While I would never want to try and “rank” either one of those categories, I think it would be safe to say that one of the greatest privileges has been getting to spend so much time in God’s Holy Bible.

I can honestly say that no other book has impacted my life so greatly as this one authored by godly people inspired to write as God’s Spirit led them (2 Peter 1:21). In it I have found comfort, courage, strength, hope, peace, wisdom, direction and perspective (that’s the more “fun” stuff). But I also have found conviction, correction, rebuke, an awareness of sin, and what I believe to be one of the most important, yet troubling aspects of God’s Word: an extremely clear view of myself.

This two-edged sword of the “clear view” has caused many people over the years just to not read God’s Word at all, as they have been uncomfortable with the way this “mirror” reflects the condition of their own hearts, minds and actions. Thus, they set out on life’s journey, goals in mind, but rarely if ever take a look in the “mirror” to see how they’re doing, and as the quote above reminds us, in order to get where you want to go, you must know where you are.

Several years ago, my wife’s grandmother went in for cataract surgery at 85 years old. It wasn’t more than a few minutes after the eye patches were removed that we found her yelling at the doctors for what they had done to her face! The reality is that it had been so long since she had seen herself clearly in a mirror, she had no idea what she really looked like (and the last 10 years had added more than a few wrinkles!). Thus, it must be the doctor's fault!

I want to challenge you to take a good, long, thorough look into the “mirror” of God’s Word. Yes, it can have some uncomfortable moments as you see yourself, but you’ll also gain great comfort in recognizing that the road He has planned for you will take you where you want to go, and help you become what He has designed you to be!

Eggs Or Ham

2010-07-21T09:58:00.004-05:00

I recently heard a person on TV ask the following question of a friend: "Are you eggs or ham?" I didn't get it at first, but have come to realize that underneath this simple query is a much deeper issue.

Now, you may be way ahead of me, but the facts are this: to get an egg, it is necessary for a chicken to be involved; to get some ham, it is necessary for a pig to give its life. Obviously, the latter requires much more than the former.

Everyday we are asked to give of ourselves to causes, organizations, and needs by surrendering at least portions of our time, talents or resources. And if we're not careful, we can easily confuse which ones should be given how much.

Frankly, I see all around people who have gotten this out of whack - and occasionally, I am one of those people! Some things just need us to be involved - giving of ourselves as we can (not going to venture into which ones for you). Other things require that we be totally committed - you know, changing our schedules, rearranging our priorities and such.

The challenge is figuring out which ones are which - highly motivated by understanding what's at stake if we confuse the two. For me, I love playing sports, and there are numerous benefits at my being involved...but they're at the "eggs" level in my life. But I also love people, and the ripple effects of being involved in relationships with people far transcends that of playing sports. Thus, they're at the "ham" level in my life.

I don't have the answer to your balancing act, but I do know who does - Jesus Christ. And I invite you to seek His wisdom regarding your "eggs" and "ham." Quite possibly, there needs to be a little rearranging to be sure we're not treating "ham" things like "eggs" and vice versa.

Regardless of how we choose, the reverberations will be felt for years, so as the infamous Yoda stated, "Choose wisely, young Skywalker." Better yet, as God's Word says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (James 1:5).

Oil & Water

2010-07-13T15:17:00.004-05:00

Sorry I missed you last week - actually got away to Indiana for a few day. It was the first time we'd seen my mother-in-law there since she lost her husband on Good Friday. A great time together, but quite busy and emotional...both to be expected.

While traveling, the Lord and I were having quite a dialog regarding some things in my life that are needing tuned up. We're just not happy with the level of excellence He's getting from me. In this midst of this listening (my part) and speaking (His part), He used a potent illustration to help me grow.

We're all familiar with how incompatible oil and water are: they just don't mix. Matter of fact, a few weeks back I had talked about this in a Children's message at my church, reminding our kids of the importance of having good Christian friendships. Little did I know then that the teaching was going to continue in my own life (not that I'm surprised).

God continued my education with this illustration by helping me to see that it goes way beyond just friendships: it goes to the things of God and the things of this world...period. Let me try to clarify. When I (or any one) attempt to live a life that is a swirling mixture of both what the world embraces and what Christ embraces, my life is no better than a mixture of oil and water. If I (or anyone) insist on trying to maintain this mixture, I end up with a combination that has lost ALL of its usefulness.

Think about it: apart, both oil and water are quite useful, oil as fuel (among other things) and water as a source of life (among other things). But if I insist on combining them, I lose both, ending up with a mixture with no usefulness as fuel (it will ruin an engine), and actually deadly in regards to sustaining life (a tablespoon will contaminate thousands of gallons of water). Trying to live off of this, it doesn't take long to find me without any usable fuel in my tank and dying of thirst in my soul.

How about you? Are you trying to live life on a deadly mixture? Wondering why there's not more power in your tank? The "oil" of the world and the "water" of Christ are not intended to mix! I invite you to take a good look at what you're trying to live on, and if you find this deadly combination, determine to once again drink deeply of only the water of life that Christ provides!

Success

2010-06-30T17:07:00.004-05:00

Success - who doesn't want to enjoy it or to be one? I sure do! But if you're anything like me, it can be a little confusing as to exactly what "Success" looks like. To some it's measured by money, to others by academic degrees. Still others insist that it's best evaluated by the size of my house, make of my car or whether or not I possess a "trophy wife" (which I do...for almost 25 years now!).

Because of the diversity of measurement in this area, coupled with the fact that the "standard" is a moving target, I have found great security and comfort in discovering what God's Word has to say about the topic (and it's said the same thing for several thousand years now).

You probably know by now that I like acronymns because they help me to remember things, and a thing remembered is a step closer to being a thing learned. This is what I take away from God's Word when I look at what He thinks about it.

Single Focus - Philippians 3:13
Understanding of the Word - 2 Timothy 2:15
Contentment - Philippians 4:11-12
Character - Psalm 15
Empathy for Others - Ephesians 4:32
Submission to God - James 4:7
Self Control - 1 Peter 5:8

A lot easier to spell out than to live, to be sure, and more than enough to keep me occupied for my remaining years as I seek to put into action what I know! I don't know if you looked up the verses above or not, but I challenge you to do so...make yourself familiar with them. Then why not join me in the pursuit of true success? You will never regret it, and are assured of a "Well Done" when we see Jesus face to face!

Gifts & Calling

2010-06-23T09:02:00.009-05:00

I am privileged to meet with a group of area clergy (male and female) on a monthly basis in one of our local coffee shops. The conversation is always stimulating, and recently, got especially interesting via our reading of a book together, "Joshua and the Shepherd" (1990, Joseph Girzone).

The question that consumed us on a particular Thursday morning was not an expressly "religious" question (meaning applicable only to clergy) but is rooted in how we perceive and understand God. Because of a struggle in a main character in our book, we began to wrestle with this question: Does God always gift a person to do a particular vocation to which He calls them?

At a pastoral level, a real-life example might be, "Would God call a person to be a minister and grant them no social skills?" Or, "Would God call a person to be a pastor and grant them no gifts of communication?" Or how about this one: "Would God call a person to priesthood and not grant them the gift of celibacy?" Boy, did it get animated!

At a non-pastoral level, it might look more like this: "Would God call you to be a teacher and give you no communication gifts?" Or, "Would God call you to be an engineer and grant you no perceptional/visualization gifts?" Or, "Would God call you to be an artist and grant you no creative gifts?" Our conclusion? We haven't arrived at one yet! What do you think?

I'm kind of in the middle on this one. Personally, I believe that what God calls you to, He equips you for. But, where I might differ from some is whether or not He always gifts you for it. Our world is filled with people who were not gifted, but became remarkable because of an immense amount of study, preparation and hard work in an area that intrigued or compelled them.

What I also believe is that if God calls you to some particular thing, He may gift you for it, He may wire you for it, or He may grant the grace and strength to develop whatever it takes to fulfill that calling. For some, it may appear to come easily (doing what they're called to do). For others, they may have an inescapable compulsion to pursue a calling largely foreign to them. And for yet others, the calling may be so clear to them that they will forsake all else and give everything to become what is needed to fulfill it - no matter how hard or challenging the route may be.

What I know, is that no matter what God has called you to, the most important thing in the world is for you to do it - no matter what it takes. I grew up being told, "If God calls you to be a pastor, don't stoop to be a king," but I believe equally, "If God calls you to be a ________ (fill in the blank), don't stoop to be a pastor." If God calls you, to quote an overused but accurate phrase, "JUST DO IT!" You'll never regret living life His way!

Keepers

2010-06-16T09:32:00.009-05:00

I have a friend named Carl who loves to look for rocks. Not just any old rocks, mind you, but exceptional rocks - rocks that catch the eye because of their shape, color, structure or sparkle. Most any day that it's not raining (which recently, hasn't been that often), you'll find Carl outside, patiently going over the tens of thousands of rocks that can be found outside his retirement community. Like clockwork, when Carl's been looking, I know that I'll be seeing his latest finds!

One thing about hunting for "keepers" - rocks that he's going to take to his room - is that it takes a lot of time. Finding "keepers" is not something you do in 5 minutes a day, and frequently takes you back over the same ground you covered not more than a few days ago, for you just don't know what you might have missed!

It occurred to me this morning that Carl's looking for "keepers" is a lot like our reading of God's Word (something I hope you do on a regular basis): to find God's "keepers" (truths that touch our hearts, minds and lives) takes more than 5 minutes a day - it takes looking often and persistently. It also frequently takes us over "ground" we've covered before. Another friend of mine stated just yesterday how amazed he is that no matter how often he reads his Bible, he finds something new every time!

Now, this taking of time and devoting it to finding God's "keepers" goes against the fast-paced lifestyles that most of us lead. Like a driver who, because he is always in a hurry to get to his next destination, never fills up his gas tank but puts in just $5 worth of gas every time, it can be easy for us to do the same, spiritually speaking, and never really "fill 'er up." Problem is, he's always worried about running out of gas!

If you're not doing so already, I want to challenge you to take your 5 minutes in God's Word and double it...at least. Use this expanded opportunity to "fill 'er up" and I believe that your discovery of "keepers" will increase exponentially. Plus, you won't ever have to worry about running out of "gas" (God's strength & peace).

And once you find some "keepers," I'd love to hear about them! Matter of fact, I'm betting that once you've found them, like Carl, you won't be able to not talk about them and show them to others!

The Purposes of Trials

2010-06-09T17:02:00.007-05:00

I've been privileged to lead a Bible study on Genesis at Highland Ridge Senior Living Community since the first of the year. Taking one chapter at a time, we've nearly made it half way through, though the lessons go far beyond our time together!

As we've looked at Abraham, the question has come up repeatedly: Why would God allow such difficult things in the life of a Christian? Though it's a gross injustice to the process we've been in (because it's taken weeks to arrive at our conclusions and only moments to type them), I believe that today we hit upon some keys - keys that are just as true today as they were who knows how many thousands of years ago when Abraham undoubtedly wrestled with the same question. Here's our conclusions:

To Develop Our Faith - 1 Peter 1:7. Faith, like a muscle, must not only be exercised in order to grow, it must also be pushed beyond it's current limits. Without question, trials do this!

To Reveal Us to Us - Hebrews 4:12. God knows us, so He is not out to test us so that He can see what we're made of. No, rather, He allows trials so that we can see what we're made of - do we actually practice what we say we believe when the heat is on? Or do we have a lot more growing to do than we like to let on? Once we've seen ourselves accurately, God's grace to us takes on a whole new meaning!

To Reveal God to Us - Isaiah 55:8-9. Sadly, it is often only when we feel we have no other option that we turn to God and ask for help. Fortunately, He is more than ready to step in...after our faith has grown and we've seen ourselves clearly.

Believe it or not, God often allows these tough times because He loves us, and His love will not allow us to be less than we can be (love never does). I don't know what you are facing right now, but whatever it is, embrace it as an opportunity to Grow your Faith, Get a good look at Yourself, and see God in a totally new and bigger Way!

God's Word

2010-06-02T17:00:00.004-05:00

"The word of God is like a mirror in that it shows us who we really are. It is like a map because it shows us where we need to go. It is like a portrait for it paints for us a picture of who God is."

The truth of the statement above can be seen in these tendencies (shared by me):

Far too many people stay away from God's Word for fear of what reflection they may behold in the "mirror." While seeing ourselves as we are can be a bit intimidating, only in doing so will we ever get to be what we're designed to become!
Far too many people stay away from God's Word because they don't like someone offering counsel on what to do (or where to "drive"). Insisting in going wherever they want to go, they, sadly, never get to the destination that their heart longs for!
And finally, far too many people stay away from God's Word because of what they think God looks like (judgmental, harsh, unfair, narrow-minded). In staying with what they think He is like, they never get to know what He is truly like!

Don't be like "far too many people"! Take a good look in the "mirror" and you'll see who you are and who you are becoming; where to go and the benefits of going; who God is and who He desires to be in your life!

A Rare Treat

2010-05-25T14:12:00.009-05:00

I had the unique and rare privilege of taking my wife to a concert last Friday. It was unique because it was one of our very favorite artists, Mark Schultz, and rare because the number of concerts we've attended together in over 25 years could be counted on one hand!

If you know anything about Mark Schultz, he has a remarkable gift from God which he displays, more often than not, by writing what I'll call "story songs" - songs which tell a poignant story in usually 5 minutes or less, and nearly always leave you with tears in your eyes (or streaming down your face).

As he sang, shared and ministered, there were a dozen things I could have taken away from that night, but the one that stood out most came from a friend of his who had heard one of Mark's newest songs for the first time. His friend's remark went something like this: "I knew if you stayed around here this would happen - YOU would stop writing songs and GOD would start writing them."

Now, most of us would give about anything to have the kind of gifts and talents that Mark Schultz possesses, but it occurs to me that, no matter what kind of abilities we've been given, the same potential, the same possibility exists for each of us. Think about it; couldn't you take most anything you do and put it into this sentence: "I knew this would happen - if you'll stop _________, God will start _________."

If you'll stop impressing people with you, God will start impressing people with Himself.
If you'll stop trying to win all the time, God will start giving you real victories.
If you'll stop taking care of you first, God will start taking care of you best.
If you'll stop worrying about tomorrow, God will start improving today.
If you'll stop living primarily for yourself, God will start showing you the joy in others.
If you'll stop carrying the hurts of the past, God will start revealing your great future.

See, you have the same potential to touch lives that Mark Schultz does, in your own, God-given ways. Don't underestimate what He wants to...what He can do with you if you'll just let Him.

W.O.R.S.H.I.P.

2010-05-21T11:08:00.008-05:00

Every once in a while, an "older" idea resurfaces in my life, and such was the case earlier this week. This "old" idea (relatively speaking) had to do with Worship - what it is and what it is meant to look like in the life of a Christian. If you are an attender of North English Christian Church, you might even remember us talking about this before.

I think that the reason it came up again was a growing awareness of my own inadequacy at it, and a nudge from God's Spirit that I haven't been doing near enough of it. I'm sure that if I saw what is available to me from God and compared it to what I actually utilize, I would be quite embarrassed that far too often, I settle for far too little; not with what I attain, but in what I seek...what I dare to ask of God (and expect). Worship is no different!

This little acronym has helped me in times past, and I am committed to praying it...to living it...more than ever, lest I settle for "crumbs from under the table" when God has prepared for me a "banquet" beyond imagination! Here goes the acronmyn:

W - Wondering at God's majesty & the beautiful intricacies of His plan
O - Offering myself to Him to be filled, corrected & used
R - Removing the obstacles to my relationship with Him (past, present & future)
S - Submitting myself to Him = beyond offering, to actually yielding any resistance
H - Hearing His voice so that I may maintain direction & purpose in my life
I - Inviting His wisdom so that I do not succumb to "common sense"
P - Proclaiming His name so that there is never a doubt as to Who gets the credit or in Whom salvation lies (not me!)

Not the only definition of Worship on the market, but a clarion call as to what my life should consist of...what it must consist of...if I am going to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever" (Westminster Catechism).

When's the last time you worshipped like this? When you were a worshipper like this? If it's been a while, why not take care of that issue right now - He's waiting for you...for me...like always!

Living & Life

2010-05-11T12:49:00.005-05:00

As you might expect, we had a great celebration of Mothers at our service last Sunday, and in some respects, of all women who are seeking to be "The Greatest Woman of All" (at least in God's eyes). It was beautiful and hopefully, every woman there left feeling affirmed and encouraged - if not by their present, at least with their future!

As we looked at what God says makes a great Mom (and woman), it struck me that it really could be summed up in this simple statement: People who focus on making a LIVING end up being remembered with only a headstone; people who focus on making a LIFE end up being remembered with a legacy and don't even need a headstone!

Great moms are classic in this arena: they are not bound by their past, they put their families first, they serve humbly and foster a godly heritage. My mom never focused on making a living and consequently, contributed greatly to making a life - not only for her family then, but for my family now.

In a very real sense, when you focus on making a life, the people around you and those who come after you are your headstone, for they become a legacy that will be around for untold generations, impacting infinitely more people than any headstone ever will!

The Apostle Paul grasped this when, in 2 Corinthians, he stated: "You are our letter, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." This only happens when we focus on making a life and not a living. So which one are you giving yourself to? Thanks, Mom, for choosing to make a life!

Deception

2010-05-05T16:26:00.004-05:00

I have a confession to make: I am a weather nut! Yes it's true - I am one of those people who has enabled The Weather Channel to gain its unprecedented fan base, and am more than a little embarrassed to tell you how many of their weather reporter's names I actually know! Worse yet, I have successfully passed my ideosyncrasy onto my only son. If you ever want to know the forecast for the next 7 days, no matter where you live, just ask him and he can probably tell you!

This preoccupation with the weather hasn't been all bad, though, and recently, as I was observing a gathering storm on the horizon, I made a rather profound observation (at least to me) that you probably had figured out a long time ago: storm clouds are deceptive. Not just with their wind, direction and intensity, but in their very appearance.

Haven't you ever noticed how black a cloud can look when gathering, but how gray it can become when you're in the midst of it? Just what causes this phenomenon? It all lies in whether or not the sun is shining on the cloud. Short version? Only when the sun is shining on the storm cloud can you see how black it really is; apart from the sunshine, even the blackest cloud becomes merely gray (and not nearly so threatening in appearance).

And then God gave me His nearly routine "ah-ha" moment when I realized how much this is like sin in our lives. Take your pick of a growing list of things that are sinful and you'll find that apart from the Light which Christ brings, most of them usually don't look that bad. Gray and questionable maybe, but never black!

But take that same sin and expose it to the Light of Christ and you will instantly see it for what it is: black, dangerous and destructive. So what do we tend to do? A brief glance of the culture around us...even the Christian culture...and it is readily apparent that the easiest thing to do is to surround the black clouds with other black clouds as we attempt to convince ourselves and others that our "cloud" really isn't that bad.

What should we do? Take that black cloud (which by this time is barely gray and certainly not dangerous) and expose it to the Light of Christ. Then see what it looks like! His light will always show it for what it is, and hopefully, with a clear view of our "cloud," we will realize the danger it contains and the importance of getting as far away from it as possible.

Yes, storm clouds can be very deceptive, but only we can be deceived. 2 Corinthians 2 closes with these words, "...for we are not ignorant of his (Satan's) schemes." Don't be fooled by the appearance of those storm clouds. Stay in the Light and you never will be!

Light

2010-04-27T17:17:00.003-05:00

Has it ever occurred to you that Light is always generated at the expense of the thing that generates it? A candle has its wax, a campfire its logs, the star in the night sky its combustible mixture of gases and even the flashlight in your drawer at home its batteries. And not a one of them can produce Light without consuming something else.

To me, this strikes especially close to home when I consider Jesus' words in Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light shine before men..." What makes His words so significant in "light" of our exchange today is that in order for us to "let our light shine" (yes, just like the song you learned as a child), it is imperative (a.k.a. non-negotiable, critical, vital, crucial, very important, essential) that we be tapped into the inextinguishable One (Jesus Christ - The Light), or we, too, will be consumed in our lighting of other peoples' lives.

If you're a frequent reader of this blog, you know that we've touched on the area of Rest recently, and this topic is not far removed from it. You see, there is no amount of good-intentions, pure-motives, sincere-heartedness that will ensure a supply that will not be exhausted in well-doing. The only thing that will guarantee that is being connected to the limitless supply found in Jesus Christ.

I don't mind being a light for Jesus...not at all...even burning for Him, but I dare not allow myself to burn out for Him. The ripple effects of that would be profound, and not represent well at all what God had in mind when He put me here...or you! Reconnect with Him today...and let that Light shine!

Rest - Part 2

2010-04-22T11:32:00.005-05:00

When it became clear to me what God had for me to write this week, I was sure that we had talked about this before, and checking past posts, sure enough we had! The fact that He brought it up again obviously means I still haven't "got it," so here's what's on my heart today (and I believe on His heart also).

I've had posted in my office for some time now words from Isaiah 30:15. I draw on them for strength, wisdom and encouragement. But true to American form, while I printed out the whole verse, I continually drew upon only part of it (why do we do this?).

The part I had gotten quite familiar with is the last half, which reads, "In quietness and trust is your strength." Great words, but only half of what God intended for me to get out it. It had challenged me to quiet myself and draw upon the strength that He provides more than once, and I still love it.

But look at the first half of the verse: "In repentance and rest you will be saved..." I don't know about you, but nearly every day I need saving of some type - from errant words, thoughts, deeds, attitudes & desires - usually just from myself! And while quieting myself was a good step in the right direction in achieving this, without the "rest" of the verse (bad pun?), I was still experiencing stress & frustration.

Quieting is good, trusting even better, but without the "repentance and rest" I am going to spin my wheels much more often than I like...or need to. Which means, I need a spiritual tune-up in these areas: turning from what I know to be wrong (the essence of the word "repent" means "to turn away from" - not "do less of" or "tolerate better") and taking...making space to rest.

This doesn't mean just getting more sleep, but disengaging from need-meeting (strategically & opportunistically) and plugging into things that feed me. Family, outdoors, a good movie, a good book and plain old quiet work for me! Unfortunately, for far too long I have far too often treated these things as optional.

I know I need saving...how about you? Why not think proactively with me about really repenting...really resting? Not only will we benefit, but as is always the case with God, everyone else will benefit as well!

God Is Good...All the Time?

2010-04-15T11:00:00.016-05:00

Some years ago while pastoring in El Cajon, California, Christian musician, Don Moen, made popular a song entitled "God Is Good, All the Time." We quickly incorporated it into our worship times at church and have found ourselves humming this song and quoting this phrase ever since. As catchy as it may be, seems kind of important to know if it is indeed true.

At the risk of boring you, I thought one of the best ways to help you settle this in your own heart would be to recap the most recent events of our lives. It's a little long, so bear with me, but I'm sure you'll identify with at least parts of it (hopefully with the conclusion, too!):

March 25 - received word that my father-in-law was hospitalized in Florida (concern)
March 26 - rode with my parents to Chicago to celebrate my son's (Jordan's) graduation (great family time)
March 27 - drove back to North English in time to catch the English Valleys spring play (with numerous teens from our church involved)
March 28 - after regular church services, hustled over to Highland Ridge Senior Living Community (where I chaplain) for our annual Memorial Service, remembering 21 residents who went to be with the Lord in the last 12 months
March 28 - received word that my father-in-law's condition was becoming critical
March 29 - flew my wife, Tonya, to Florida to join her mom & sister at her dad's bedside (time for my Mr. Mom hat - pizza every night!).
March 30 - attended induction ceremony for my daughter, Hannah, into the National Honor Society (Tonya missed this, of course)
March 30 - received word that Tonya's dad wasn't going to be leaving the hospital - ever
March 31 - school conferences for both girls with great reports & compassion from the school staff
April 1 - beautiful Maundy Thursday service with final Community Choir rehearsal for our Easter musical
April 2 - received word that Tonya's dad passed away in the early hours of Good Friday
April 2 - three Good Friday communion services at Highland Ridge with a touching community Tenebrae service later
April 3 - Community Choir Easter musical @ Highland Ridge; food and cards begin pouring in
April 4 - largest turnout in memory for Easter morning Resurrection service, with breakfast and Community Choir Easter musical performed
April 4 - Tonya arrives back in Iowa (hurray!); entire extended Statler clan gathers at my parents' home for annual meal & Easter egg hunt
April 5 - my 16-year-old daughter (Hannah) gets her driver's license
April 5 - we celebrate my daughter's birthday with a new used car, homemade decorations and her favorite cheesecake!
April 5 - my son, Jordan, has his first "real" job interview and is hired for his first "real" job on the spot (10 days after graduation) just 40 minutes from our home
April 5 - determination is made to have funeral on Friday; I determine that we will not be back to Iowa for Sunday services (which means I have to "hand off" a Worship Committee meeting, church service, a Care Center service and an Interchurch Council meeting - good for me to do and covered wonderfully by caring, capable friends)
April 6 - on pure faith, Jordan & I head to Oxford, Iowa, (20 minutes from his job) and find an unbelievable, unlisted apartment for him that we didn't even know existed when we left the driveway (a huge story here, but not the time or place to tell it all)
April 7 - we leave for Indiana for Tonya's dad's (Bob's) funeral with 2 vehicles
April 7 - we make the deposit for Jordan's apartment on the way to Indiana
April 7 - we leave one vehicle at his current apartment in Chicago
April 7 - we arrive in Indiana at 1:00 a.m. April 8 (I prepare a Powerpoint slideshow of Bob's life while Tonya drives; God saves us from a car accident)
April 8 - spend the morning preparing for visitation; visitation for nearly 6 hours with hundreds in attendance
April 9 - Bob's funeral with hundreds in attendance; the most beautiful service I've ever seen (Tonya & I both play supporting roles in this, and Tonya shares letters from our 3 kids written to Grandpa before his death)
April 10 - spend the day going through Bob's things with his wife - discussing plans
April 11 - drive back to Chicago, load my son's apartment into both vehicles (barely), then drive to Oxford where we unload it all after signing his lease (only his name)
April 12 - I show up at Highland Ridge in hopes of catching up, only to have to move my office as we prepare to make more apartments for new residents

Was all that transpired fun & good? No way! Were parts of this hard at times? Unquestionably! Did it demand all we had? Every ounce! Did we see God's hand move in miraculous ways? More than you'll ever know from this blog!

Having finished an unbelievable 3 weeks, I and my family can tell you, with more confidence than ever, that indeed, "God is good, all the time!" As Jesus told the crowd at Lazarus' death in John 11, "If you believe, you will see the glory of God!"

P.S. No car accidents for Hannah, Jordan is moved into his own place and starts his new job on Monday!

Never Goodbye!

2010-04-06T17:12:00.004-05:00

Well...he's gone...at least from this earth. On Good Friday morning at approximately 9:32 a.m., my wife's (Tonya's) father (Bob) ended his existence here and began his new one in eternity with the Savior he could "only imagine" until that moment. Nearly unconscious his last 48 hours, the tears at his passing were a genuine combination of grief and relief. Thanks for all the prayers and support!

But what a marvelous day to be welcomed home by the Savior! Good Friday will never be the same for us again, as each passing year will prove to be a double reminder of God's goodness: in giving His Son for us and in giving us Bob Appleman - father, husband, grandfather and man of God - for his 81 years (about 48 in our collective memories as his kids and grandkids).

O sure, I cried - God made us that way - but the grief was short-lived as every single preparation for the Easter holiday (and they were multitudinous - had to spellcheck that word) reminded me that, as a good friend shared with me years ago, "as believers, we never say 'Goodbye' - only 'See you later!'" I am so grateful for the godly heritage he was intent on modeling, as it gave me an incredible wife, and thus, some great kids!

With the memorial service pending for this Friday, I am sure that there will be tears again; but I am also sure that they will not rule the day. No, there is far too much to celebrate for grief to have the upper hand! We will remember, laugh, be touched, learn again and count ourselves blessed for the life of this one single man...and eagerly look forward to the day when we will be reunited again - not just in hope, but in certainty! Do you have that certainty??? I pray so!!!

Certainty

2010-03-31T16:39:00.007-05:00

Funny (not really - just a figure of speech) how one phone call, sounding like all the rest as it rings, can take a day (week, month, year or life) and turn it on its ear. Such has been the experience of our family over the past few days.

Having just returned home from my son's (Jordan's) graduation from UTI in Chicago (some great pictures of that event on my Facebook account), I had just about gotten settled back in for a very demanding week when came "the call." In a matter of moments, our week went from one filled with certainty to one that continues to be in this moment, very uncertain.

"The Call" was the one where we discovered that Tonya's dad had been hospitalized in Florida (where her parents winter) because of his inability to breath. While we knew he had been dealing with this for a long time, it had never reached this degree of severity. In the hours that followed, we were told that barring a miracle, he would not be going home...he was not going to get better...he was not going to be with us much longer.

Many of you have experienced the flurry of activity that happened next: plane ticket purchased (man, do they gouge you on that one!); school & work schedules adjusted; family contacted; and a long sleepless night as you are filled with the uncertainty of whether or not you can get there before he is gone.

After my parents got Tonya to the airport early Monday (thanks!), I began working on the wave of other uncertainties: Tonya is one of our key singers (Easter musical twice this week); Tonya has the special music and plays the piano at our Maundy Thursday service; Tonya gets the kids back and forth from school & work; Tonya has food waiting when I get home for supper; Tonya is playing a special piece for our Resurrection service Sunday. Parent teacher conferences & Honor Society inductions to attend & celebrate...somehow. Uncertainty, uncertainty, uncertainty.

But then the certainties started rolling in: people to fill the gaps in food, transportation, work, piano playing, singing, and most importantly, a vast array of praying people gathered around us and the needs of the moment. And believe it or not, these are the little things (not unimportant, just not most important).

In the category of "Most Important," we found rest in the certainty of her dad's (Bob's) life well-lived for Christ - a life that guarantees when his eyes close here they'll open in eternity with Jesus. Comfort was secured again in the certainty that her mom would be taken care of and loved for however many years she has.

We have found the greatest rest in knowing that God is absolutely in control of the entire situation. Oh sure, the week has brought numerous unknowns & uncertainties, but it has brought into razor-sharp focus what we know for sure. And there is no amount of uncertainty that can diminish the certainties that bring us strength, hope and peace. We pray that you have that assurance as well!

Little Faith

2010-03-23T21:03:00.003-05:00

Timing has dictated that this article is getting written 5 days after the actual event, but I just have to tell you what God did last Thursday at English Valleys High School in the little town of North English, Iowa.

If you haven't looked yet, be sure and go to either our church website at www.northenglishchristianchurch.com or become my "friend" at Facebook, and you'll see some amazing pictures from an event entitled, "The Strength Show." The night featured a local Christian band called "The Ransom Project" (www.theransomproject.com) and a high school friend of mine, Mike Gillette. I won't give you the background on either, but encourage you to check out their respective sites.

The Ransom Project was fantastic...Mike's part was amazingly unbelievable...but what really blew us away was what GOD did. I confess, I had lost some sleep the few nights before the event as I went over and over all the details, wondering what I'd forgotten and what I could have done better or differently in preparation. The fact is, I didn't know HOW it was going to turn out, and I was just hoping and praying that NONE of us were going to be embarassed by the night! I mean, both groups had made significant concessions to make this possible (fees, travel, etc.) and I didn't want them to feel that they had wasted their time...OR effort.

As it normally goes, we were running a little late by the time we got everything set up and headed out to the EV Malt Shop for supper. And we were running even later by the time we returned, getting back to the high school just 15 minutes before we were to start. Little did we expect the surprise that awaited us as we approached the school parking lot!

I had secretly hoped and prayed for 100 to come out - I mean, that would be respectable, wouldn't it? Instead, as we got near, we could see that the parking lot was nearly full! Uh-oh...now what were we going to do? We parked and headed inside, only to discover that the gym was already FULL and people weren't slowing down in their arrival! We ended up putting chairs all across the front of the bleachers (about 50) and it was SRO (standing room only) in the stands (never thought about it before, but that makes some stupid sense - standing in the stands!). We took rough counts and calculated around 400 people came that night!

I got to participate in the show, and was privileged to make some closing comments about the strength that can be found only in Christ - a strength offered to any and all who desire it. But perhaps the best part of all was seeing a community enjoy being together as a community! How easily we can settle for functioning as a bunch of independent small groups when God has designed us to function as one large group: interdependent, supportive and mutually beneficial.

My faith was too small...again. But I believe that God's purposes triumphed over all, and that this will end up being just one of many good things that God has in store for our community as we pull together...and seek to honor Him!

Tuning

2010-03-15T16:34:00.007-05:00

I had the wonderful privilege of getting to sit back last Friday for an enjoyable evening of music with the English Valleys music program. Amid the cacaphony that results from putting together a packed house with a plethora of instruments, I had one of those little "aha" moments come to me.

I've got to tell you - the music was borderline spectacular. Most people don't expect much from a small school, but the last couple of years have seen a marked improvement in both the vocal and instrumental arenas. Classic, contemporary, marches, improvs, old favorites and ones yet-to-be. I thoroughly enjoyed it all!

But in the midst of all this enjoyment it occurred to me that the most important part of the night was the very part that nobody pays any attention to...at least not in the audience. You see, for perhaps a solid two minutes before the instruments began to play, they gave focused attention to the ancient art called tuning.

To the untrained observer, it seems to be just a lot of noise. But to the musician, it is the absolutely non-negotiable preamble to the soon-to-follow orchestrated effort. Different instruments, different notes, different styles, different tempos...all focused on moving towards making one sound...or more correctly, arriving at one note.

Even if you're not much of a music person, can you imagine what would happen if every player showed up a couple minutes before the concert, pulled out their horn and just started playing? Words like horrendous, ear-piercing and confusing are some of the first adjectives that pop to mind! Quite simply, if the band doesn't take time to tune first, they will never make the music they were intended to make.

You're probably way ahead of me, but it suddenly occurred to me that this goes way beyond a band concert...it applies to life! And the simple fact is that nobody can "tune your horn" but you, because nobody plays like you! And if we refuse to take the time to "turn our horn," the entire band will suffer and frankly, nobody's going to listen to us for long!

Bottom Line? It's not about how well we play, but how well we play together. It's about how seriously we take our responsibility to "tune" our life before "playing." Listen closely to those around you: are you "in tune" - or are you so busy "playing your horn" that you have no idea what anyone else is "playing"?

Take some time to "tune" today. See how you can complement those around you...how you can get on the same page of music, aligning tempo, rhythm and sound. You'll be totally amazed at what we can "play" together when we focus on making just one sound!

Lessons From A Childhood Song

2010-03-09T18:14:00.004-06:00

“Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

For those who have grown up around church, one of the very first songs we often learn as a child involves holding up our pointer finger over our head and singing…any guesses? The song is “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…” Children all around the world sing this tune, proclaiming in a multitude of languages some of our foundational beliefs. Interestingly enough, the songs we learn as children, and more importantly, the Word of God upon which they are founded, never stop teaching us…not even when you get “old” like me!

Recently, God pointed out something brand new to me as I was reading Matthew 5:16. And the lesson came from the most unlikely place: the word “LET.” I believe that God may just want you to remember something as well about this innocent looking word, so please…read on!

Notice that this verse doesn’t say “make” but “let” your light shine – we don't have to generate light; it flows out of us as believers. Far too often, we minimize the inherent power of the light that is present in us as followers of Christ, and we quite easily slip into trying to “make” light – focusing a lot more on “doing” than “being.”

I spent a good deal of time last weekend trying to clean this past season’s deposit of mud and grime off of our family mini-van, paying special attention to the headlights, as they are pretty important once the sun starts to set! Not only do they help us to see, but also just as importantly, they help others to see our vehicle.

In a very similar way, our most important part in letting our light shine is to guard our hearts from sin so that it doesn’t build up on our hearts and dim the light of Jesus within us; just as that road dirt can dim the most powerful headlights from accomplishing their purpose. By keeping our hearts clean, the light of Jesus will clearly seen by everyone with whom we come into contact.

You see, there is no light we can generate that will draw people to Jesus. Just as the moon is bright only because it reflects the light of the sun, our light shines only because of reflecting the light of The Son to others. Our privilege…yes, our responsibility, then…is to make the most of this fact and let our light shine on as many as possible. Even when you don’t think so, don’t worry…it’s shining!

Have you ever thought about the fact that light always costs something? A flashlight “spends” batteries, a campfire “spends” fuel, and the sun “spends” enormous amounts of energy. What’s that mean to us? That we must choose to shine, even though it may cost us something, and not keep our light “under a bushel,” as the old song goes.

Friends, the world needs us to shine, for in a place that is increasingly “dark” to so many, light finds its highest purpose. If I walked around in the daylight with a flashlight on, you’d think I was a few cards short of a full deck! No, light is meant for darkness, so I encourage you not only to let your light shine, but also to constantly be aware of new places and lives into which to shine!

A One Point Message

2010-03-03T16:11:00.013-06:00

You might remember that last week I recounted the story of me finding a book to read while visiting my son in Chicago. I've continued to read it every day since, and haven't been able to shake it's core idea (accompanied by some great examples, should you want to check it out).

Just what is this teaching? That as a communicator, our goal should always be (and I paraphrase here) to pick out just one idea (instead of the classic multiple good points), and drive it home with all the passion, originality, insight and humility we possess.

The benefits are pretty obvious: Easier to tell it and easier to remember it. As a pastor, I preach for life change, and anything I can do to help my listeners remember what God has taught us together makes it all that more likely that they'll actually practice what they've remembered.

I don't want to even attempt to lay the whole book out - nor should I (who knows what God might do for you if I make you read it? It's been great for me!). Establishing the setting for this blog was crucial, though, as I try to give you the one point.

As I continue to process the book, God has been asking me this one simple question. "Kirk," He says, "Do you believe that your life is a one point message?" WOW - didn't see that one coming! And it's really caused me to think. What would people say, especially those who have known me for a while, if asked what the one point is to my life? Would they have any idea? And if they did, would it be the "one point" I want it to be?

What I want the "one point message" (kind of a Statement of Purpose, I guess) of my life to be is this: To humbly love people as God loves me, extending the same grace I enjoy, in quality and quantity, so that they might grasp that "Life" isn't life without Jesus at the center of it.

A confession? I had to step aside for about 10 minutes to make sure the words above truly expressed my heart. A good exercise - especially if you've never done it before. What's the "one point message" of your life? If you're not sure...or maybe more importantly, don't know if others are sure...why not take a little time right now to change that? Then (whether you're a pastor or not) - Let's Get Preaching!

"Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words."

Craziness or Sanity?

2010-02-24T18:01:00.006-06:00

Last weekend I enjoyed one of the best trips of my life, spending an uninterrupted 24 hours with my son, Jordan, at his apartment in the suburbs of Chicago. Barely escaping the snow of Iowa on Friday afternoon, I made good time and was embracing my son by about 8:00p. Elated to be with him, I must confess that my heart was troubled, as I had just crammed a week's worth of church work into one chaotic afternoon so that I could make this trip.

Oh, things were done...but I felt, honestly, not very well. I had gotten the bulletin done, made some calls, and put together a sermon of sorts for Sunday, but I was far from happy with the quality of the work. Don't get me wrong, I was certain that the passage was what God wanted, but not certain at all that I had given the message that He wanted. I just wasn't used to having to "produce" on such a tight timeline.

After enjoying supper with Jordan at his favorite spot (TGI Fridays, for the record), we returned home and hit the sack before long, as the day (okay, the week) had been long and we had a big day scheduled for Saturday at the Chicago Auto Show - one of the premiere car shows in the country. It was going to be another long day (although a lot of fun), as after the show we were attending his Saturday night service together, then I was heading back to Iowa so that I could lead the service at my church Sunday morning.

I fell asleep listening to tunes on my phone (in a strange room it sometimes takes unusual things for me to fall asleep) and slept father fitfully through the night until I was startled awake at 7:30...not the kind of sleep I had hoped for before a big day! The house was stone quiet, and knowing I wasn't going back to sleep, I got up, got dressed, found a cup of coffee, and began perusing the books scattered on shelves all around the home's perimeter (he's living in an apartment in someone else's house).

I'm not exaggerating when I say that this family must have had more than 500 books around the house - quite the readers! As I moved from shelf to shelf, I recognized many classics and many others I had always wanted to read, but nothing really grabbed my attention unti...I saw "the book" - a smartly colored book by a man I've read a lot - Andy Stanley.

Within seconds I was sitting on the couch, engrossed in one of Andy's latest works, and God began to do His work. By the time Jordan rolled out of bed an hour later, I had read 1/3 of the book, and God had rewritten my entire message for Sunday!

The title of today's blog is centered on this one idea: some would have thought it crazy to leave Iowa with so much undone - with Sunday around the corner - the weather ominous - me almost totally pegged out in my energy level. I confess, I wondered if I was a bit crazy. Taking off to my see my son totally resonated with the "Dad" in me, but totally conflicted with the "performance" side of me.

Left to myself, I would have told you that what I needed was more time in the office to prepare and finish what was pressing in on me. But what's really crazy is to ever think that all that "stuff" hinges on me. Don't get me wrong - I'm all about being well prepared; but I was reminded through this that there are times when I need to walk away and just trust that the Lord is in control...not me. I still marvel that the Lord took me to the book (out of more than 500 options) that would transform a below-par work of mine into a message that only God could do!

The craziness lies in trusting in me...the sanity lies in trusting in Him. I wouldn't suggest that you presume on this and just blow off the next thing you need to prepare for, but I would suggest that you, as I, work on counting on Him more and on ourselves less. BTW (by the way) - the car show, and more importantly, the sermon went great!

Friends

2010-02-17T20:13:00.006-06:00

I have been unbelievably blessed with friends...some of you who fall into that category are hopefully reading this right now. Matter of fact, it is with great joy that I get to tell you that this week's blog-installment is a little late because I got the rare opportunity to have some very special days with a few of those great friends.

You see, I just returned from Minneapolis (technically, Bloomington) where I was privileged to spend 3 days with an entire group of men & women who have devoted their lives to serving Jesus Christ, pointing countless numbers of others towards Him (you would know this group by the collective name of "pastors & their spouses"). They are not better than my other friends, but they are definitely unique!

As a kid, I was blessed with some great friends. As a collegian, I was blessed with some great friends. As a young adult, I was blessed with some great friends. As a husband, I was blessed with some great friends. And as a not-so-young increasingly empty-nester, I am blessed with some great friends. I've been blessed in Iowa, New York, California, Colorado, Indiana and Costa Rica...each many times over.

No matter my geography, title, life phase, occupation, income, success rate or age, God has filled my life to overflowing with great friends, and capped it all off by giving me the very best friend I could have on this earth: my beloved & faithful wife, Tonya. I haven't deserved any of them, have learned from each of them, been loved by all of them and forgotten by none of them.

And I guess, in this belated post, I simply want to say "Thank You" to each of you (I hope you're one of them). If you don't yet fall into this category, I'd like to believe that it's purely from lack of opportunity. And if you do fall into this category, be assured again today that every good thing about me is a result of God bringing you into my life, to teach & mold me, that I may in turn pass a little bit of you (and a little bit of Him) on to each and every person whom I am privileged to call "friend."

If by chance it's been a while, Friend, since we've talked...drop me a line...let's catch up, OK?

Snow Days

2010-02-09T17:25:00.003-06:00

Remember being a kid and just loving it when you got a "snow day"? Sleeping in, watching TV, playing outside, and maybe doing a little schoolwork - ah, those were the days! And then you "grow up" - my, what a change!

The reality is that after you "grow up," those "snow days" look an awful lot like any other day, except usually they're worse. You get up earlier because you need to clear the car and shovel the snow; instead of watching TV, you watch bumpers closely (just in case the person driving in front of you doesn't know what they're doing); and frequently you end up doing someone else's job and yours at work because they couldn't make it in that day!

In my humanity, I've had just about all the "snow days" that I can handle this year (I think the kids are going to school until about July...OK, I exaggerate just a bit). With about 2' of the white stuff on the ground, I find myself daydreaming more and more about living someplace warm!

But the Lord kind of "jerked my chain" this morning as I was shoveling, then navigating, through our winter wonderland. The verse suddenly popped into my mind where God says, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). It's a promise about what He will do for us when we place and keep our trust in Him.

I don't know about you, but I've had (and will continue to have) a fair measure of "scarlet" in my lifetime. I don't like it, and am seeing it decrease over time, but make no mistake - it's there! What these piles and piles of white stuff have reminded me of today is that no matter how much "scarlet" there is, God's ability to make them "white as snow" will never end. The very same beauty found with newfallen snow can be evidenced in my life as He washes the sin away.

I may never like the snow again after this winter, but I tell you what, the ever present reminder that it is to me of God's love, forgiveness and grace is something I'll never get tired of!

TV or Not TV...That Is the Question!

2010-02-02T21:12:00.006-06:00

I love watching television: sports, the news, good movies and especially the Science Channel & Discovery Channel. Nothing wrong with any of them and in fact, a person can learn quite a bit from watching some of them.

But in the last few months I began to notice that the amount of what I'll call, "inspirational thought" in my life was diminishing. You know, the kind of thoughts that leave you pondering them for a while...sometimes days. Not quite sure what was at the root of this phenomenon, I began to do a little self-inspection. More accurately, God began to challenge me to do this.

You're probably way ahead of me, but what I discovered was that the amount of "inspirational thought" rattling around inside my heart and mind seemed to be directly linked to the amount of TV I watched (and not in a positive equation). Again, it wasn't that the TV was necessarily bad, but what was happening is that the more I watched, the less I read.

If you're anything like me, there's a "waiting list" of significant proportions comprised of the books I still want to read. People either give them to me or recommend them all the time, and you know what? They usually are really good; challenging, stimulating, convicting, correcting & directing my life in God's good hands. So I made a decision that every night after the late news (when I'm usually still waiting for my wife to come to bed and I end up flipping channels), I was going to turn the TV off and start working on some of those great books at my bedside.

The change was nearly instantaneous! I began getting new ideas for teaching, counseling, studying, writing and leading. I found the cobwebs being shaken out and the rythym of my life being reestablished. One cool side benefit: I found myself going to sleep easier at night having spent my final minutes before my rendezvous with the Sandman dwelling on the things of God and His Kingdom.

I'm sure I'll never stop watching TV altogether (not with the Hawkeyes & Cubs on), but I am thankful that the Lord helped me to get my thinking train back on His rails. Of all the good questions that are out there, I believe "TV or not TV" is one of the best ones we can ask of ourselves.

Waiting

2010-01-26T15:21:00.006-06:00

"We must not only think of our waiting upon God,

but also of what is more wonderful still,

of God's waiting upon us."

Thus begins today's thought from the classic devotional work, "Streams In the Desert," and I must confess, it took me back for more than a minute. Matter of fact, here it is 3:25 in the afternoon, 8 hours after I first read it, and it continues to rattle around in my heart and mind. Why? A couple of reasons, I believe (at least for me - you fill in yours for you):

First - I hate waiting! Thus, I can get more than a little frustrated when it seems that God isn't doing what I asked or expected. While I know that waiting is a normal part of the Christian life, I still don't like it! My Type-A personality wants to scream, "But look at all the time I am/we're wasting just waiting around!" And just when I am about to this point, invariably I come across something like today's thought.

Second - As I ponder this concept, I can't help but get a somewhat erie feeling that maybe the reason God hasn't done what I'm expecting (or what He is prepared to do) is because He is waiting on me. Just maybe I have been entrusted with and been holding the key to turn the lock and haven't even realized it!

Have you ever found yourself wondering what your life would be like if you could be totally obedient to what God asks of you? When I look at the amazing things that God has done throughout my life (in spite of me being less than the model Christian at times), I can't even imagine what He'd do if I'd really get my act together...all the time.

But still He waits...real love always does. I'm looking at a quote on my wall right now by Brennan Manning that fits here as good as anywhere:

"God loves you unconditionally as you are

and not as you should be, because you're never going to be as you should be."

And while I can rest in that love, I dare not presume upon it and neglect the very things that are hindering Him from acting, and me (who knows, maybe the entire community or world) from not having to wait anymore!

I'm sure there will always be things I find myself waiting upon Him for, but I pray that by God's grace, He can do a lot less waiting on me in 2010. Maybe I'll discover that there's actually a "Waiting Equation" of sorts...you know, something like this: "The amount of time required in waiting on God is inversely proportional to the level of obedience in my life" - translated: "More obedience = less waiting." I can't wait to find out!

The More Important Question

2010-01-19T14:17:00.009-06:00

As I’m sure you are all aware, there is a battle raging in our government right now (yes, another one). While there's always something being contested, the largest right now is healthcare. Now, relax…this is not going to be a political message! Why has it taken so long to get something done? One of the biggest challenges has been the struggle with Abortion. This is not a Republican and Democrat issue, but one which tests the heart and soul of every person. It is a deeply emotional, personal and important issue. Don't worry, I'm not going to try and tell you where you should land on this topic. But I do believe it’s important that we wrestle a bit with what the stance of the believing Body of Jesus Christ should be on this.

If you asked a pregnant 16-year-old about the response she expects to receive from any given local church, what do you think she’d say? More than likely, nothing too flattering. Why? Then I guess it’s pretty important that we get figured out, once and for all, if the Church’s view aligns with the view of Jesus Christ, huh? This is definitely the more important question!

As a “pro-life” pastor, I value you…young, old, male, female, rich, poor, farmer, doctor, housewife, sinner and saint. Why? Because God values you! Why? Because you are a special work of His creation. On this 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, with over 55 million innocent lives ended via abortion, it is imperative that as God’s children we are also “pro-life.” Now before you get all worked up about my statement, I’m not talking about how the media portrays it…it’s not that simple.

Right now, it is legal in this country for any woman to end any pregnancy at any time for any reason. As much as that grieves me, what’s interesting is that I have yet to speak with what we call a “pro-choice” person who is “pro-death” (the logical flipside of “pro-life”). No one wants people to die! No one wants the life of another to end. And when it comes right down to it, any time a life & death decision has to be made, even when it is determined to be the right thing to do, it is incredibly painful, heart-rending and life-impacting…for everyone involved!

Now, back to our 16-year-old. Let’s say that this girl walks into your church or youth meeting... how would you respond? More importantly, how would Jesus respond?

First, I believe it’s vitally important to understand just how much He loves life; the life found in each one He has created: Psalm 119:13-16 & 1 John 3:1 make this crystal clear! This means Jesus loves even our pregnant 16-year-old…especially her! In the midst of her fear, turmoil, pain, anxiety and aloneness, He loves her as much as ever…perfectly…and will never turn His back on her!

Second, the Christ-like life should always be marked by grace and compassion. Take a moment to look up an amazing story from Jesus’ life and this, too, will be crystal clear. See what you find in John 8:3-11. Not only does Jesus love this woman in her sin, He is the only one who loves her…maybe the only One who ever truly had!

Third, note that this is not a wishy-washy, do-whatever-you-want, walk-all-over-me kind of love. It’s a love that asks, expects and demands the best from us. What are Jesus’ parting words to this woman? “Go now and leave your life of sin.” We, as the Body of Christ, must never cease to call people away from sin and towards the life that can only be found in Him; loving, nurturing, teaching & directing as we travel this road together.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7, puts this perfectly: Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone, you will be loyal to them no matter the cost. You will always believe in them, always expect the best of them, and always stand your ground in defending them.

How then, should we live? You see, “pro-life” spreads its arms wide to each and every human being who struggles: the unborn, unwed, unemployed, unhappy, unfulfilled and unremembered. I’m talking about God’s children being people who value people…period…because He does…in every shape, size, gender, age, profession and capacity.

We must continually grow in our commitment to compassionately express the love of Christ, lest no one object when “inconvenient pregnancies” become the “inconvenient elderly… handicapped…criminals… terminally ill…failing students.” Each of us is here because God placed us here, warts and all, that we might know Him, strengthen one another and be His conduits of redemption to our world. May we take our cues from Jesus Himself, who values all life...period!

Don't Be Deceived!

2010-01-12T17:10:00.006-06:00

I just spent the better part of a half-hour with a distraught friend who also happens to be a mother & wife that my family has known for years. Through tears and sobs, she proceeded to tell me that her marriage is over, divorce is imminent and she can't imagine ever being the same again (not to mention the toll this is all taking on her kids). I couldn't help but wonder...what happened? How did it happen? What makes a, by all appearances, godly man, walk away from it all...his faith, his family, his church...himself?

It has been a haunting reminder to me of the Apostle Paul's words in Galatians 6:7, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; a man reaps what he sows." Now, I am not one to cast stones, for I know that anyone can be deceived in the right set of circumstances...me included. But I just don't know how anyone can walk away from everything that they've held dear.

I'm sure I don't know all the facts, just as I'm sure that I have some personal bias in the situation. I have prayed for grace for the wounded and conviction on those doing the wounding. My emotions have gone from grief to joy to anger to uselessness. But rather than get into an analysis that I'm unqualified to give, God is challenging my own heart afresh with a truth so easily preached at times, and so much more difficult to live at others.

The truth? In marriage (and probably in any relationship), whatever is done for self is done against your marriage. More pointedly: whatever I do for me is done against us. There are no little choices in marriage - they all matter. Selfish choices will destroy the unity; selfless things will build it. Every word, thought, choice & action done for me is damaging us.

At this point, there may not be anything I can do for my friends other than continuing to pray, but there is tons I can do to make sure that my marriage (and for that matter, my friendships) never ends up "on the rocks" like this. There's only one Rock I want to spend time with, and this Rock will prove to be "an anchor for my soul," keeping me from drifting aimlessly in selfishness. How about you??

Fear Factor

2010-01-06T16:20:00.006-06:00

“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?” Matthew 7:9-11

A recently popular show, “Fear Factor,” was designed around the concept of having contestants face some of their deepest fears head on in a competitive manner. Their ability to do so quickly and successfully carried the potential to win them some significant rewards. While there are definitely some things to fear in this life, I want to assure you that God is not one of them!

A Gallup poll was once taken asking people why they didn’t trust God with their lives. Their responses were intriguing: Fear that He would send them someplace they didn’t want to go OR Fear that He would make them be with someone whom they didn’t like. In a word…they didn’t dare trust Him because they feared Him!

I’m not sure where this concept started (fear as in being afraid, not fear as in revere), but somewhere along the line we determined that those who choose to do things God’s way somehow lose. Thus, many avoid His ways. Quite the contrary: God’s ways work and He can be absolutely trusted in them!

So many people think that following God will take all the fun out of their life. What they don't realize is that God created them to have fun and enjoy life; finding Him is the beginning of the greatest adventure of their life, filled with more fun and happiness than they could imagine! Not only will God’s ways always be perfect…they will be perfect for you…exactly what you need…because He is the Perfect Father (see above Scripture again). And the rewards from not fearing God, but embracing His ways are not only significant…they are eternally great!

I don't know what new opportunities God will bring your way in 2010, but I do know that He can be trusted in them...you need not fear them because you need not fear Him! Trust Him to bring exactly what you need in the coming year. It may not always be what you want, but it will be perfect for you...in timing, magnitude and style!

Bit By Bit

2009-12-29T20:56:00.006-06:00

Several months ago, the Lord layed on my heart the distinct impression that He wanted to do something extra special in our church during the Advent season. I prayed about it, sought His direction, and did everything I could to prepare for His move...though I had only a vague idea of what He wanted to do. The only thing I was sure of was that He was going to move.

I don't have to tell you that 2009 has been the most challenging economic environment in recent history, rivalling the Great Depression for depth and breadth of impact. And yet, God's direction became increasingly clear as Advent approached: He was going to ask me and my church to give of ourselves at an unprecedented level - regardless of the condition of the economy. It seemed daunting, potentially ill-advised, and downright foolish at times to think that in a time of such great need, we could actually give more than ever before.

I began to speak to my church about this challenge. You see, in 2008, on about 1 week's notice, I had decided to ask the church to give on Christmas Eve - a special offering designated entirely for local benevolence. They'd never done anything like that before, but still took in about $450. Not bad, I thought, for our first time out. But I knew that was just the beginning!

Our first goal was to increase the number of shoeboxes going to Operation Christmas Child with Samaritan's Purse. 42 last year...46 this year - a 10% improvement! Next we began to gather mittens for our Mitten Tree, all of which go to children in our school system. Last year, 72 pair...this year, 100 - a 40% improvement. I sensed that our church was not only listening to God's direction, they were actually following it!

Goal #3 was to increase our contribution to the Love Network, intent on providing Christmas for families that weren't going to get it any other way. We had 14 families posted by our Mitten Tree and they were all taken the first Sunday! Ten families last year, 14 this year - another 40% increase.

Finally, Christmas Eve arrived. It rained all day, but sure beat snow or ice, and we had a great turnout. I reminded those attending of our focus in the season, conducted the service and collected the offering. The results? A one time gift of nearly $1300 was received, to be split 50/50 between the food banks of Iowa and Keokuk counties - an increase of nearly 300%!

It was overwhelming to watch God do what He promised He'd do - all because we did what He asked us to. And as great as Advent 2009 was, I have a distinct sense that we've just begun...that we haven't seen anything compared to what God is going to do, if we'll just keep listening and obeying as He leads. Bit by bit, we're getting there - not to some financial or numerical goal, but to living, loving and giving as God did in sending Jesus Christ. And as He continues to do, to the glory of His name!

Provision

2009-12-15T21:06:00.009-06:00

I've always tried to model a life of faith-filled walking for my kids. You know, the kind of life that doesn't get discouraged by circumstances, is rock-steady in the storm and never hesitates when faced with an obstacle. Most of the time, I do okay with this and I'd like to believe that my kids have a pretty good concept of what "faith-walking" looks like. But every once in a while, God reminds me of just how vulnerable I am to doubt...and then blows me away with His provision once again. Frankly, it's immensly humbling - and a little bit embarrassing - for you'd think I'd have this thing mastered by now...after all, I'm a pastor!

We knew that the rooming arrangement for my college-age son, Jordan, was going to change at some point, as his course of studies was going to take longer than the other 3 guys with whom he'd been sharing an apartment. Every time the topic of finding another place to live would come up, I always assured him that God would take care of him, just as He always did. I was modeling the faith-walkin' life all right...but his deadline was still months away.

Week after week passed, and nothing happened. I talked to Jordan's college pastor (Mark) in Chicago, asking if there was anyone who might be willing to take in a good Christian guy, but with no success. At 2 months to go, I confess that I started to get a little nervous (inside) while assuring my son that God would provide (I hoped!).

At just a little over 1 month to go, I decided that maybe God needed a little help, so I plopped myself in front of the computer and my demi-god, "Google," to see if I could find him a place to live. Within 15 minutes of searching, I was totally frustrated and discouraged with the options, and God spoke quietly but firmly to my heart, "Kirk - this is not the way." So I closed the web browser and recommitted myself to waiting. What was taking God so long!!

Now, I could go into a long story full of details, but suffice it to say that at almost exactly one month out, I received an email from an unknown couple in Chicago who indicated to me that they had felt God leading them to create an apartment in a storage room of their house. They had gone to Pastor Mark and asked if there was anyone looking for a place to live. Understand this: they had never met Jordan, didn't know of Jordan, and didn't know he was looking. Pastor Mark said, "Well it just so happens that I do know of someone."

And here we are - 3 weeks before Jordan needs to move out - being reminded of God's provision...again. A great, godly couple in their 30s, with no kids and some room to spare has opened their home to my son. But it gets even better. They are doing this... for as long as he needs............FREE of charge. WOW! And just as I've chided my son at times, my heavenly Father now lovingly chides me for my fear, doubt, worry and plain old lack of faith.

I don't know what provision you're needing right now, but I invite you to trust Him again. Oh, the Lord didn't give us what we asked for...He gave us more and better. Sometimes that's readily apparent - often times it isn't - but His faithfulness to provide for those who love Him and seek to honor Him (albeit in a vast multitude of different ways) is unshakeable. As the Lord prompted & reminded me, I passed on to my son again the verse that has carried me for 25 years: "I will honor the one who honors Me" (1 Samuel 2:30). Why not make it your verse also?

Security

2009-12-08T14:52:00.012-06:00

About 6 months ago, I felt led to use a rather unique way to help the people of my congregation grasp that no matter what tomorrow holds, God's Holy Bible has the counsel & direction you need to handle it. Though not an original idea per se, it was a new idea to the people of my church in North English.

Called a "Brown Bag Sermon," every 5th Sunday I invite one of our children to bring me a brown bag with an item of importance to them in it. I promise not to look in the bag until the moment the morning message arrives, then preach a message using what they brought as the focal point.

In my first two "Brown Baggers" things had gone well, but I was a little uneasy about this last one because this particular 5th Sunday fell on the 1st Sunday of Advent. I found myself just a little anxious as I wondered what on earth would be in the bag; would it be appropriate for Advent; and what would I do if it wasn't.

Honestly, I nearly recanted on my commitment, coming up with numerous reasons why I should not do it during Advent. But as the Sunday approached, I felt a very clearly challenge from the Lord as He simply asked, "Do you trust Me?" Now, this wasn't the first time He'd asked me this, but it was probably the most unusual time. I took a deep spiritual breath and said, "Yes, Lord, I trust You!"

On the 5th Sunday of November we had the privilege of dedicating two beautiful children & their parents (which always brings a great spirit to a service). As the 3-year-old handed me his brown bag, the mom simply said, "The most important thing in the world to him is in that bag!" I actually toyed with taking a peek at it early in the service, but, reminded of my declaration of faith to the Lord when He questioned my trust level earlier, I refrained.

At the moment of truth, I reached into the bag and pulled out (drum roll, please)......a blankie! And as only God can do, He honored my trust by helping me over the next 10-15 minutes share with the congregation how, no matter how old we get, we all still need a "blankie" of sorts. We never really grow up, and the needs this 3-year-old has, that make him cling to his blankie, are the very same needs we have at every age compelling us to cling to other things for security. I challenged them to cling to Jesus for their security and not the things this world has to offer.

I even begged the congregation's leniency with Scripture as I reminded them that as Jesus' disciples were about to lose their "blankie" - their security (which had been Christ Himself) - and were quite distressed at Jesus' talk of their "blankie" leaving (His death), He promised them that Someone else would take His place...The Comforter! (The Gospel of John, Chapters 14, 15 & 16).

Scripture IS sufficient to help us, no matter what's in the "bag" of tomorrow, and The Comforter IS sufficient to grant us the security, peace and confidence to embrace each and every day. Unlike the "blankie" that we all sooner or later put away, this Comforter will never leave us or forsake us, but provide what we need when we need it most, everytime!

Me...A Grinch?

2009-12-01T15:51:00.007-06:00

I couldn't help but notice that the TV airwaves (are they still called that when they come from space...from a cable?) have rapidly filled up with all the traditional Christmas shows, most of them not even waiting for Thanksgiving to be over! Cold, snowy, or not, Christmas is indeed coming (less than 4 weeks now), so we may as well settle in, hunker down and discard the belts once again!

One of my favorite Christmas shows might surprise you, as it's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." If you haven't seen it, you really owe it to yourself to view this classic piece of American culture...at least once. In a nutshell, the story goes that there's a mean old "Grinch" who simply can't stand Christmas, so much that he states more than once in the film, "I must stop Christmas from coming!" He proceeds to do everything he can to carry his desire out, stealing everything possible from the beloved Whos of Whoville. The result? Come on, I told you that you need to watch it for yourself :^)

What startled me a bit today as I was doing my sermon prep for the Second Sunday of Advent was the idea that, though I'm not green and grumpy, I can quite easily become as much of a Grinch (at least in purpose) as the Grinch himself! How? By allowing (or dare I say, even making) Christmas into something it was never meant to be!

If I, even full of good intentions, foster the idea that anything is more important at Christmas than the celebration of Jesus, the Christ-Child, then I, just as sure as if I were the Grinch himself, am actively working to "stop Christmas from coming!" Oh, the holiday will occur regardless of my actions, but Christmas...the real Christmas...will never happen.

The only way to avoid getting "Grinchy" is to make sure that my family, friends, parishioners & coworkers know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Christmas is first and foremost about Jesus...about worshipping the One who gave up everything so that you and I might get to experience what real joy is all about at this potentially misdirected time of the year.

And who knows? Maybe choosing to avoid "Grinchyness" will (spoiler alert) lead to each of us having "a heart that grew three sizes that day."

One Way Or The Other

2009-11-24T17:44:00.009-06:00

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19

Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you! Joshua 3:5.

Not long ago, my son and I were watching an episode of one of our "it's a guy thing" shows on TV, "Mythbusters." The myth being tested was whether or not you could stop a car moving at full-speed by suddenly shifting the transmission into reverse. Now, I've never tried to do this (and not sure why anybody would want to), but I do know what happened when I tried to put the car into a gear it wasn't ready to go into! I don't think anyone ever forgets the sound of those grinding gears! Needless to say, the myth was "busted" (proved wrong), as they never were able to get a car, regardless of the type of transmission, to shit into and unwanted gear and force a stop.

The flip-side of this reminds me of a biblical truth that permeates all of Scripture: you can't move forward if you're stuck in reverse. Reverse, for the sake of our discussion, is what we'll affectionately call "the past" and Forward we'll carefully call "the future." The simple fact is that the greatest obstacle to us embracing the future is our tendency to cling to the past.

All through God's Bible, we see God doing one amazing thing after another. Yet, at the same time, we never see Him do something the same way twice. How often we long for the "good ol' days" when it seems everything was better - and probably some of those things were. I have seen people spend incredible amounts of time and money in an effort to recreate those days. They are so reluctant to shift out of the past...to shift out of Reverse.

Problem is, until we are willing to shift out of Reverse, we can never go Forward - we just can't go both directions at the same time - it must be one way or the other. Now, this doesn't mean to forget the past...that would be foolish. But we must realize that the purpose of the past is to provide a solid foundation of learning, and thus, actually prepare us for the future. We would be lost without our past, and we should never throw it away. But correctly understood, it will always propel us into the future.

God has an abundance of amazing, new things prepared for us, ahead of us, but we'll only enjoy them as we move Forward. Because God's purposes are unshakeable, we can gratefully let go of the past, confidently embrace the future and thoughfully accept His new ways to accomplish those purposes. While we will always appreciate how God brought us this far, we must also realize that the things that brought us here won't be what takes us Forward, for He is constantly preparing to do a "new thing."

So what must we do? "Consecrate [our]selves." This means to learn all we can from the past, but prepare ourselves for tomorrow by setting our focus wholly on the Lord's purposes and ways. It won't always be easy, but it will always be good with the Lord as our Helper. So let's make sure we're in Forward, give it some "gas," and securly move with Him!

Frustration...And Joy

2009-11-17T17:52:00.004-06:00

I'm a little embarrassed to admit to you that I spent more than two hours tonight online with just one person! Now, had that one person been somebody really important, like a longtime friend, attender at my church wrestling with a serious issue, or dear family member, it would have been okay. But alas, it was none of those worthy causes. Instead, it was via "Live Chat" with a sales person!

What's really frustrating is that if all had gone like it should, the entire ordeal should have taken about 15 minutes - not two hours! First I was misdirected, second my "Shopping Cart" wouldn't work, third I was given bogus information and fourth the whole thing "timed out." It would have been quicker AND simpler to have just driven to Cedar Rapids and back!

Oh, we finally "succeeded" (depending upon how you define "success," I suppose), but I found myself growing more grateful by the minute that my relationship with the Lord isn't plagued by these problems. I've yet to be misdirected, receive bad information or "time out" with Him. In fact, just the opposite has been true: He deals directly with whatever troubles me, His information has been and always will be true, and He's got all the time I'll ever want or need (matter of fact, He'd love to have more time with me!).

I don't think it's coincidental that my online ordeal led right up to my weekly prayer time with some friends here at the church office. What a remarkable study in contrasts! We shared our hearts, went right to Him, laid it all on the line, felt His direction and finished with Joy - refreshed by our encounter - not frustrated.

The lesson? Hopefully it's crystal clear. The next time anything has you frustrated, stop...go to the Lord...lay it all before Him...and rejoice that He is not only available, but ready and willing to help you with whatever is going on. The results of your interaction with Him probably won't come in the mail in "6-10 business days," but it will bring more satisfaction, peace and genuine joy than anything else this world has to offer!

Greener Grass

2009-11-10T17:30:00.004-06:00

I'm sure you're all familiar with "The Myth of Greener Grass." In a nutshell, it states that things will always look better from a distance, and once you actually get there, there'll be something else that looks better. Thus, you're almost always better off staying where you are and "blooming where you're planted" (another old adage I'm sure you recognize).

While falling for this myth is often naive, recently God has been helping me to understand that it's also counter-productive to the life of faith. You see, the "Greener Grass" myth is all about wanting what you don't have. God's Word calls it "coveting" and declares it to be a sin. Is it wrong to want things? Absolutely not. So where's the sin come in?

The sin comes in because wanting what you don't have (or coveting) is a direct affront to God as Provider in our lives. When we covet, we are saying in not-so-subtle language, "God, I don't like how you're providing for me. Matter of fact, I don't trust that you have my best in mind and I think I can do better." And far too often, we head off down the road of self-provision (a.k.a. Greener Grass) and find out it was yet another illusion and that God actually did know what He was doing.

The problem is that in order to learn this lesson, it often takes us, our family or others getting hurt (seems to be the only way we learn, doesn't it?). I know this from personal experience, having hurt numerous people over the years as I received my "education" via the school of hard knocks (brought about from my pursuit of the myth).

True to my confessed Star Trek mindset, I remember first officer Spock getting a healthy dose of this reality in one episode, culminated by his frank admission that, "Having something is not nearly as much fun as wanting it," for in getting it, he discovered it was not at all what he really wanted (let alone needed).

Wouldn't it be great if we'd just learn to be more content, confident that if we don't have it, we don't need it, and that if God deems we need it, He'll provide it? It certainly would involve less pain, damage and wasted time & effort.

I confess that I'm not there yet, but I am encouraged that I am getting there. There's a host of things I could wish to be different right now, but 90% of them are rooted in the myth. I choose today to turn away from that myth and turn towards the only One upon whom I can rely...all the time. Besides, this grass right here is looking greener all the time!

Worth Fighting For?

2009-11-03T17:50:00.008-06:00

Sorry for the delay between posts, but I've been wrestling with something: How do you determine when something is worth fighting for? Not just disagreeing over, but actually taking a stand and saying in essence, "Here I stand and I will not be moved!" Obviously, you've got to be careful about what you're willing to "die" for and as any parent of a teenager can tell you, if you take this position too frequently, you can end up with losses you hadn't envisioned and were not prepared to suffer.

Emotion is important in this realm, because if you aren't passionate about a certain issue, you will quickly fold when the fire gets hot. But emotion can't be the only defining characteristic. I mean, if passion about an issue was the sole measure of it's merit and/or value, we'd find ourselves looking up to people like Hitler, David Koresh and the like, for they were definitely passionate, but passionately wrong.

So there's got to be more to it than this, and as I prepare for this weekend, I understand that it has to be about more than this. You see, I'm heading into a meeting Sunday afternoon where there will be plenty of passionate people...almost totally at odds with one another. So how do we draw the lines?

I know I may sound "old-fashioned" and "dated" in my thinking, but I still believe that God's Word has to have the final say. We dare not go about making up the rules as we go, following our "gut" or "intuition" or current trend/philosophy. We need to be crystal clear where it is crystal clear, gracious where it is not, and filled with wisdom from on high about where the line is between the two.

Thus, I find myself asking a serious favor from a relatively limited audience (unless there are thousands of you out there I'm totally unaware of who are afraid to make yourself known to me as "Followers" - which I suppose is possible). The favor? To pray with me for clarity, grace and wisdom as my church and I both enter a pivotal moment in our spiritual journey - privately and corporately.

I know that the last thing Jesus wants is a fight, but I also know that when His Word and His Way are being assaulted, there may indeed be a time to fight. May His Name be lifted up, any enemy humbled and the Body of Christ united as we follow Him!

Leadership

2009-10-23T13:02:00.010-05:00

I've been privileged over the years to sit under and learn alongside of some pretty amazing leaders - most recently at my last church in New York. Each of those respective leaders had their own style, philosophy, experiences and personalities that "flavored" their approach, but the lessons I've gleaned from them have been nearly universal - especially if you want to be successful at all.

One of the many great things about those lessons is that, while they've been applied most frequently at the "institutional" or "professional" level, each lesson has been much broader and deeper than that. One could almost argue (quite successfully, I believe) that each finds its truest fulfillment outside of those levels, for their deepest fulfillment is found in the areas that, without which, we truly founder.

One tool where visualization of principles is often enhanced is through the watching of video media (movies, cartoons, slides, PowerPoint, etc.). My last "great leader" was keenly aware of this, and frequently used such to make his points. I'll never forget watching a movie together with staff entitled, "Drumline," for from it, I took away these golden nuggets of leadership wisdom - broad & deep. (Note: There is some language in this film that, depending upon your personal convictions, might bother you a bit - just so you're aware before you go and rent it).

Here's the nuggets I was able to "pan" from this media "stream," along with my own interpretation of what each means:

One band must produce one sound (True Community = Unimaginable Power)
It's not always about doing what you love most (Responsibility = Some things you don't love need done)
You've got to learn to follow well before you can lead well (Growth = You can't push people anywhere - you must draw them forward)
You've got to love the sound of the band more than the sound of your own drum (Humility = Only take prominence when invited to)

As I mentioned before, I believe that these are most powerful when they transcend our "professional" roles and become models for us as spouses, parents, friends and co-workers. Not only will adherence to these benefit us professionally, they will benefit us at every level of our lives. Why? Because each is a biblical principle, and was long before this film was made! As such, they move from the realm of "good ideas" to the arena of "foundational truth" - tried and tested over the generations.

My challenge to you is to take just one of these and ask the Lord to help you live it. The ripple effects of this commitment will oscillate farther than you could ever imagine, and you ensure that a "Well Done!" is on the way from Christ Himself!

It's Not What You Think!

2009-10-16T16:29:00.003-05:00

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

At least once a year (sometimes much more, depending upon your church), you are going to walk into your church and hear the pastor attempt to convince you to give more money to the work of the church. And, if your pastor is like most, he’ll more than likely refer to this month’s Scripture passage (among others) in his endeavors. Nothing wrong with this, but if that’s the only time you examine these verses, you will have missed the vast majority of the reason God chose to put them in His Word to us!

You see, the principles above can apply to money, but they are intended to go much farther than that. The verses aren’t intended to be primarily about money, but about our hearts (which is the bottom line for most of what the Bible teaches us, is you dare look!). Yes, God’s challenge to us each is to give, but if all we give is money, or if we dismiss this verse because we think that’s all it talks about, we will have missed one of God’s most important lessons!

The most important thing to take from God’s Word above is this: Generosity is one of the key distinguishing marks of a Christian, and it should characterize all of our behavior. Whether it is with our dollars, our time, our compliments, our gifts & abilities or our forgiveness (to name a few), each and every one should be characterized by generosity.

Why? Because God, through His Son Jesus Christ, has been incredibly generous with us, His children. Simply put, we should be generous in everything because God is generous in everything! Do you have to give just like someone else? Absolutely not!

Give like...give what...only you can give – you’ll be surprised at the results! You’ll discover that since such generosity honors and points people towards Him, it will invariably create within us a spirit of joy…I guarantee it!

Peace

2009-10-09T13:23:00.006-05:00

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

Not long ago, I received an advertisement in the mail from a resort that was pulling out all the stops as it tried to tempt me into spending some of my hard-earned money. Its tactic? Dangling this phrase in front of my often-weary soul: “Looking for some peace and quiet? Have we got a dream vacation for you! Come join us for 6 days and 5 nights of absolute bliss as we pamper you on our beaches, catering to your every whim and desire!” I have to admit, it sounded good, and I’m sure would have even felt good, but the Lord flashed the “red light” in my heart and prompted me to make sure and take notice of an all-too-frequent lie deftly hidden among the luscious-sounding words of this advertisement. The lie? That peace can somehow be attained and enjoyed with nothing more than a change of location.

Make no mistake…this lie sells! Marketer after marketer attempts to convince us that the solution to our inner struggles is purely a geographical one. Each tempts us with the idea that we can leave behind all that troubles us if we’ll just come to their place. Sunset skies, tranquil waters, gentle breezes and our favorite foods are wonderful, but make no mistake; they have very little, if anything, to do with peace-finding. Our world is filled with people who have the capacity to go anywhere, do anything, move anytime, and yet “peaceful” would be the last word we’d use to characterize their lives!

Ever since his demise some millennia ago, our adversary, Satan, has been in the business of counterfeiting the real things of God. He readily dispenses cheap imitations of just about anything God offers: love (lust), joy (spending), and contentment (acquiring things) are just a few of the commonly peddled alternatives. And when we get to the topic of peace, he’d love for us to believe that it is obtainable any other way than by coming to Jesus Christ.

Trouble is (for Satan), Jesus makes it very clear that His peace is unique, unlike anything our enemy can ever offer. Look at His words in the verse above: "I do not give to you as the world gives." See, the world’s peace is fleeting, elusive and unpredictable. That means it’s tough to find, even on a good day, even harder to hang onto, and as far too many have discovered the hard way, unreliable at working the same way or providing the same thing twice.

Take Jesus’ peace, though, and you’ll find just the opposite to be true. It’s never hard to find, but comes any and every time we ask for it. It’s easy to hang onto, as Isaiah 26:3 states, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee” (just keep our eyes on Jesus). And it works the same way every single time we seek it, for “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take a vacation anytime I can get one…but not to attain peace. The only place I need to be to attain this peace is with Jesus. An old piece of “bumper sticker theology” stated this truth quite simply: No Jesus? No Peace. Know Jesus? Know peace.

Take a vacation when you need one…but find your peace long before you leave. Jesus is ready and willing to grant you His peace…and quite possibly save you a lot of money!

Pay Attention!

2009-10-02T15:36:00.013-05:00

No question about it, these are interesting times (to say the least). Wild weather, eye-popping disasters, erratic economies, wide-spread disease and the constant metamorphosis of ideas, traditions & practices that once seemed unchangeable - you can no longer be completely sure of what the world will look like when you get up each morning.

As you might guess, in an era marked with such transition & change, I am frequently asked about what I think is going on. Questions like, "Is this the End Times?" "Do you think so-and-so the antichrist?" "Aren't you worried about the world your kids will live in?" are regular conversation between my roles as Pastor of a local church & Chaplain of a regional retirement community.

The truth is, I'm not exactly sure what all the turmoil, confusion and reorientation means. From day to day I have my thoughts, but I'm not prepared to say "Thus saith the Lord" about any of the particulars. What I do have a certainty about comes from Jesus' own words to us in the Gospels (you know: Matthew, Mark, Luke & John - His good ol' boys while on the earth).

Look at what He has to say about these types of times: "The disciples came to Jesus privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him" (Matthew 24, New International Version).

Now, you'll probably draw your own conclusions from this, but I'll tell you what I do know. Take a look at the world around you...see how it matches up with what He has said here...and know that at the very least, Jesus is saying to us today, "PAY ATTENTION!!" He gave us His Word so that we'd never have to be surprised by what's going on, and so we could face each day with a sense of expectation, not fear. May He find each of us ready for whatever tomorrow may hold; not because we're "super Christians" but because we paid attention and made Him our immovable anchor.

Certain In Uncertainty

2009-09-25T09:41:00.007-05:00

In 72 hours I hope to have the answers I've longed for from my doctor. For over a year now, I've been battling voice problems, and after months of popping various ineffective pills in an attempt to treat a damaged larynx (voice box), my doctor has decided it's time to "go in" and see what's happening.

Honestly, it doesn't worry me at all, but I do wonder what God is up to. I'm sure you've been there before - not quite sure about what's going to happen next. There have been times in my life where this uncertainty has pushed to the very edge of sanity, but not this time. I can't guarantee you just why, but I'd like to think that just maybe, my faith is growing. Not in the doctors or medicine (to be sure), not because I just know that God is going to "fix" everything, either. But because I really believe that He is in control, and no matter what the outcome is, He is already way ahead of me on that road.

I had someone ask me, "Kirk, what would you do if you couldn't sing anymore? Or preach like you do now? I mean, your voice is your life!" I'm sure I came off a bit flippantly (though not intending to) when I replied, "Guess it will be time for me to write!" (my profs in grad school always told me to do more of this). While it is hard to imagine what life would be like without the speaking/singing ability I have enjoyed, let's get one thing really clear: my voice is not my life...the Lord is my life!

In the midst of some uncertainty, I am absolutely certain that God knows what He is doing (and frankly, if it goes "bad," it won't be the first "bad" looking thing He's allowed in the process of bringing things much better to my life!).

Another thing I'm certain of in this time is that God is up to more than one thing that is becoming great. I've got a youth retreat this weekend (first one ever for our fledgling youth ministry) that I am convinced is going to result in life transformation for many (rain or shine). My beautiful wife, Tonya, is actually bringing the morning message Sunday (since the retreat is Sat-Sun) and while she's more than a little nervous, I know that God is going to do something great in her and through her.

Obviously, there's several opportunities for you to pray about some things here, but I want you to know that while there may appear to be a great deal of uncertainty surrounding these things, God is enabling me to live with certainty. Not because of who I am, or what I've done, but because of who He is. Whatever you may be facing right now, know that He loves you more than you can imagine, and that He has your life firmly in His hands - won't you reach out and take those hands today?

Radiant...Now

2009-09-18T13:16:00.011-05:00

"Radiant." Dictionary.com describes this, among other things, as:

1. Emitting rays of light; shining; bright.
2. Bright with joy, hope, etc.

Let me tell you, it was my great privilege and joy to meet with a young lady this week who is all these and more. The best part? She's this way because of what Christ is doing in her life!

The keen eye noted, I'm sure, that today's blog is entitled, "Radiant...Now" (couldn't figure out a way to italicize the title above). I'm equally sure that those keen eyes are paired with sharp minds which pick up the obvious conclusion: "radiant" was not always the way this life would have been described...but it is now.

Have you ever listened to someone talk about how you should try this thing or that thing, and what a difference it has made for them? Our media world has this down to a science (albeit a predictable science) with everything from weight loss to laundry detergent. I remember listening to people talk to me years ago about what a difference Christ had made in their lives, and because of this, I should try Him, too. I also remember thinking, "That's easy for you to say...you've got it all together...you don't know what my life has been like."

It was almost humorous (and honestly, a little disheartening) to hear this young lady confess to me that this is exactly what she had thought of me and other pastors who had attempted to speak into her life over the years. While she appreciated the efforts, it had never really touched her life like she needed. And because her life had gone untouched, when it got challenging...I mean really bad...she found she didn't have the resources within her that those challenges demanded. Life got tougher, more confusing and she quite frankly didn't know if she was going to make it (in case you haven't figured it out, this is the time when she was not "radiant").

But then someone touched her life. Someone she'd heard from before, but not an "I've-got-it-all-figured-out-and-am-on-top-of-my-game" person (like she thought all pastors are - boy does she have a lot to learn about us!). The point is, someone who knew exactly what her life was like, and who obviously did not have it all figured out, chose to reach out to her in love, challenging her to take a new direction with her life.

Granted, not all stories end this way, and hers continues to be written, but let me tell you this much: she responded to the challenge, the new direction took her to Jesus, and now...she is absolutely radiant. One of the coolest parts is that she recognizes how God was using all the messed up, confusing, painful "junk" of her life to bring her to this point. She even confessed to me, "Kind of gives me a whole different perspective on my life up to now!"

I pray today, no matter what you're facing, that you'll not turn away from the One, Jesus Christ, who can just as powerfully make you radiant. If you don't believe me, just ask and I'll put you in contact with one young lady who absolutely is! "If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

And if you're one of those who have discovered the secret to being radiant, never underestimate your power to persuade someone else to investigate the One who said, "I am the Light of the World" (John 8:12). Don't you dare rely just on us "all-together" pastors to get the job done. His radiance is ready to be shared...and enjoyed...now!

Says Who?

2009-09-11T13:16:00.015-05:00

I know, I know - if I was any kind of red-blooded American, I should be blogging about 9/11 today. Who will ever forget where they were when they heard the news & saw the images of eight years ago? Not me, for sure...but not what the Lord has laid on my heart for today.

Seems like nearly every day (hour?) you'll hear somebody, somewhere, cry out a phrase most of us learned to speak right after "Mine!" as a child. What is it? Let me see if you can figure it out. What's the first thing you think of when you see someone being mistreated? Hopefully, "That's not fair!" jumps to mind, and it indeed has become one of the most prolific proclamations among us as relatively-spoiled-compared-to-the-rest-of-the-world Americans.

The great UCLA coaching legend, John Wooden (if you're too young, Google him - you'll be impressed!) was challenged in his prime about his approach to the game of basketball. Now, he was blessed with an almost unimaginably talented group of men over an extended period of time - so much so that he literally couldn't use them all at the same time! When taken to task about why he played certain future Hall-of-Famers more than the others, being called categorically "unfair" in his decisions, he responded with one of the greatest quotes of all time (in my humble opinion). It went something like this:

"Our culture has done a great disservice to people in determining that in order to treat every person fairly, each person must be treated the same."

Coach Wooden knew his players' strengths, weaknesses & abilities better than anybody, and in doing so, knew exactly when & where to play each one of them so that their contributions would be maximized for the good of the team. If that meant in one game a "star" played 40 minutes and another sat, it was the coach's call. And if the next game the roles were reversed, it was the coach's call.

This is exactly why Jesus actually treated different people differently. In our equality-minded culture, this sounds almost reprehensible, for I know that as a pastor, people expect me to treat everybody the same. But if you really think about it, treating everybody the same is one of the most unfair things we can do.

To expect "Johnny" to run a 5-minute-mile at 300# just because "Tommy" can (at 140#) is ridiculous. And to demand that my son be a great singer because his sister is, equally ridiculous. One step further - if an employer treated all his or her employees the same, regardless of skill or performance, he or she would quickly lose all the top performers and the business would settle into mediocrity.

The way our treatment of others is manifested will be different for different people...it must be...because different people have different needs, strengths, skills & potentials. But hear me well, the reason for that treatment must be absolutely the same - because we love them.

Back to Jesus, this is why He was "hard" on some (because they needed a kick in the seat...or a wakeup call) and "easy" on some others (because they needed hope or encouragement or such). In no way did He treat everybody the same, but He absolutely treated everyone fairly.

Thank God that He does not treat us all the same, but that He treats us according to what we need, granting compassion when it's needed and correction when it's needed; both a tender shoulder and a stiff-arm (at just the right times).

I'll be the first to confess that I don't always get this right - not by a mile - but I am endeavoring in my daily life to be more this way, asking the Lord continually for wisdom to know who needs what and when. If I, by His grace, can be more and more like Him in my desire & ability to do this, just maybe I can improve on my ability to give each person what they need most...the love of God with skin on!

The next time you're tempted to cry out, "Hey, that's not fair!" Remember that it's "the coach's call" and with our Heavenly Coach, he's never lost a game yet! What may seem quite unfair to us, may indeed be the very best thing that can happen.

Rest

2009-09-04T09:06:00.013-05:00

Rest - that ever elusive ideal which far too many experience far too little of. We go on vacations, try to get to bed earlier (or sleep in a little on the weekend), find something mindless to do, or get together with "old shoe" friends. Yet, far too often, in spite of our best efforts, we find ourselves more tired than ever. Why is this so?

I believe we find the key to this dilemma in the words of Jesus Christ: "Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened down, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Kind of funny, isn't it, that for many people, one of the first things that is negotiable when they're trying to make room in their schedule for some rest is their attendance at church, Sunday school, or Bible study. Not that those are guarantees of rest, but they can really help us with what Jesus wants to make sure we don't miss in this verse (actually, you'll only really see His emphasis in the Greek language).

Let me type this verse out for you as it would appear in the Greek: "Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened down, and I will give you rest." Notice the difference? Both "me" and "I" are what we call emphatic. They mean, "pay special attention here." And if Jesus were to speak out loud to us right now, He'd emphasize the very same thing...maybe something like this:

"Hey! Don't work so hard to find rest. You're wasting your time to do all the other things you do in seeking rest if you're not coming to Me first. You're never going to find what you really need if you look everywhere else but to Me." Ok, so you get it, but how do we do this?

By taking time each and every day (morning is best, before the tyranny of the urgent kicks in), quieting ourselves, asking the Lord to speak to our hearts, and spending some time in His Holy Bible. I simply say to Him (following the example of Samuel in the Old Testament): "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." Then I read, listen, and pray about what He shows me. I cannot tell you how many times this discipline has brought peace & rest to my spirit and life.

Needing some rest, are you? Go ahead and do all your other things (there's nothing wrong with them...usually); but first, take some time, even a few minutes, everyday, to spend with Him. Come unto Him and He will give you rest!

Watching the Lines

2009-08-25T14:12:00.008-05:00

Tonight, I enter into the potentially exciting, always challenging and "it will be a miracle if someone doesn't yell at me" world of officiating. To be specific, I'll be watching the lines for the varsity girls' volleyball team, the "extra eyes" of the net official who will be counting on me to see what he cannot clearly see. Sounded like fun when I volunteered (I was wanting to be around the teens more), but I have a feeling it may be more work than I imagined.

"Line watching" may not sound like a very glamorous position, but in reality, it's the kind of person each of us need in our lives. You know...someone who helps us to know when we're "in bounds" and "out of bounds"...or hopefully, giving us the "high sign" when we're getting close to the lines.

Funny how the "expert" line watchers in our lives often come from the most religious of circles: our churches, small groups & Bible studies. Some actually pride themselves on being professional "line watchers," and are quick to point out when we're either headed for trouble or already "out of bounds."

The problem with so many "line watchers" is that it's so very easy to be watching for the wrong things. I found myself at a "practice" line-watching session the other night, intensely focused on the "big things" and suddenly missing the more subtle things (I'm going to have to work on that). I easily spotted the ball way out of bounds, but almost missed entirely the nudge of a toe on the backline by the server as they served.

And I thought, this is so like life! We (or other "line watchers") emphasize the "big" violations, yet so often are almost (or completely) unaware of the "little" things...the unseen things.

You know, Jesus was a "line watcher," but not like you might think. While we can probably come up with a short-list pretty quickly of obvious "line violations," those tended not to be the ones Jesus focused on. No, He focused on the ones that everyone else misses. Not because He's picky, but because He knows which ones matter the most.

I find it interesting that Jesus was surrounded by "line watchers" and yet they absolutely couldn't stand that He was also one. Why? Because the "professionals" of Jesus' day were content to let the "little" ones go by and give all their energy to the "big" ones. Jesus, on the other hand, was very adept at picking out the ones considered "little" - matter of fact, He specialized in them, because He knew that what most of us write off as "little" were indeed the most important, and thus the most dangerous if left untouched.

The "professionals" focused on the "big" ones of actions; Jesus precisely nailed the ones thought "little," i.e. attitudes, motives, and rationales. And in doing so, He spoke to the very heart of not only those aware of their "line violations" but those who were certain that they hadn't any. Ouch!

If you ever dare look a little deeper, you'll find that Jesus had only one "line" to watch (as opposed to the "professionals" who were trying to keep track of hundreds). His one "line"? Love. In every situation with every person at every time, He watched to see if what was being done was motivated by Love. Being the very embodiment of Love (1 John 4:8), He could spot it a mile away. If it layed under any word, thought or action, your "ball" was "in" - if not, your "ball" was always "out" because it had "crossed the line." It was always His only reason for acting & speaking, and thus He was always "in bounds."

Whether I go down in volleyball history as a great "line watcher" or not remains to be seen. But much more importantly, I pray that I will always be a great "line watcher" of first my own heart, and then of those entrusted to me, according to the "line" of Jesus Christ. Sooner or later I'm sure I'll miss a call in volleyball, but may the grace & power of our Lord always keep me "in bounds" and a great "line watcher" on the most important things!

Steps & Stops

2009-08-19T13:12:00.010-05:00

Infamous Pastor and prayer warrior, George Mueller, is quoted as saying, "God not only orders our steps, but also our stops." Referring to Psalm 37:23, I have to admit that I am a lot more secure in Him being in charge of my steps than my stops. That's probably because I am one who likes to keep moving. Just last week in an editorial to our local paper, I said something to the effect of, "I can't just sit here and do nothing!"

For some reason, it's a lot easier to live a life (in all it's varied forms) that's feels like it's going someplace than to live one that feels like it's in neutral. I'm sure it has something to do with things like self-worth, self-esteem and pride. And frankly, it's a lot easier in my preaching and personal theology to focus on a God who wants us to do something than on One who is begging for us to stop.

How often we've been caught up in the rat-race of our lives and looked at others (who seem to be relatively unconcerned about our latest passion) and thought, "For Pete's sake, don't just sit there...do something!" And granted, there are definitely times to get busy and do something. But I'm sure I'd be surprised at how many times God would like to yell (and at times, often through adversity, He does yell), "For Pete's sake, Kirk, don't do something...just sit there!"

If you read me often, you know that I have been wrestling with what to do...what is the next step God has for me? And I've concluded that for now, at least, He wants me to "just sit here." Now that doesn't necessarily mean that I'm to go inactive (I don't believe that at all), but it does mean to continue to bloom where I am planted. After all, He knows the desires of my heart, and I know that if and when they are best for all involved, He'll orchestrate a change.

In agreeing with Him to stay "stopped" for now, He is speaking fresh volumes to me through more time in His Word, the Bible; and challenging me to pray more directly about things that I know need His touch. You might remember the old adage, "A rolling stone gathers no moss"? Well, if I can stretch an analogy a bit with you, my life needs some "moss" - the kind of growth that comes from being in the "shady, cool, moisture-laden" places of life.

I need the "shadow of His hand" and the refreshment that comes only from His living water and Sabbath rests. And apparently, if I am intent on always stepping, those things have a tendency not to happen. So I need to welcome His stopping, make the most of this season, and prepare my spirit for whatever lies ahead (because when He says "move!" again, I want to be ready).

How about you? Is your life characterized mostly be stepping or stopping? Whichever it is, why not join me in embracing the stops, as something equally essential, and a critical part of God's perfect plan for our lives? Just maybe it's time to let some "moss" grow on your rock as well!

Bad News Or Good News?

2009-08-12T09:20:00.004-05:00

"I hate to tell you this, but your plates are expired," said the officer. "Great," I thought, just what I need. First, I get stopped for doing 33 in a 25 and now my plates are expired!" Thus began my trip home one recent late afternoon as I left Williamsburg, Iowa. The day had already been long and I was anxious to get home, and frankly, I hadn't been paying much attention to the signs marking the new speed limit as I entered the school zone.

Suddenly it occured to me that my plates couldn't be expired...I had received no notice of it from the automated state system that always reminded me ahead of time. I had never had expired plates before. As the officer made out his paperwork, I pulled out my cell phone, rang my wife, and asked her if we had received any such notice. She assured me that we had not.

When the officer returned to my vehicle, my attitude had already modified from embarrassment to confusion. When I told him I couldn't understand how this happened (the expiration, not the speeding), he reminded me that I had just days before the expiration would cost me another fine.

Because I had a "clean" record, the officer graciously allowed me off with a warning, and I pledged to investigate the plate expiration immediately. Come to find out, when we had purchased the lease on our van, its "owner" had never been changed from the lease company to us. Hence, the reminder had gone into "limbo" - some never to be opened file in an unknown email or P.O. box.

Within an hour the next morning I had it all cleared up, but I couldn't help wondering what could have, would have happened had I not been stopped by this man faithfully doing his duty. I would have been fined for sure for expired plates is what! And once again I was reminded that God has an almost humorous way (at times) of taking care of us. I learned to slow down, was spared the ticket, and an even greater ticket because of this slightly embarrassing incident. All in all, a relatively cheap, but very powerful lesson...and reminder of God's faithfulness.

I can't tell you how many times in my life this type of thing has happened (not with tickets, but with God taking care of me). The next time you're absolutely sure that something bad has just occurred, remember that our God is a master of using and redeeming any and all circumstances as He seeks to take care of us. You may just find that the bad thing ends up having some very good results.

"We know that God causes all things to work together for good, for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). Don't ever let the idea that this verse has become almost cliche detract from the fact that it is true!

Fear

2009-08-04T15:17:00.014-05:00

"The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else." Oswald Chambers

I came across this quote just a few days ago and have been pondering its validity - you know, not everything that sounds good is. For a whole ton of people, the idea of "fearing God" has fallen out of fashion in their personal theologies, being outvoted by perspectives of God that keep Him a lot more on the gracious, forgiving, compassionate side. Nonetheless, I agree with Mr. Chambers, and increasingly realize that if I don't have a healthy fear of God, I am destined to fear everything else.

I've been dealing with some fear recently (you might have picked up on it in my recent posts). And let me tell you, fear can be absolutely paralyzing. It can make you freeze when you need to move, hesitate when you need to decide, cower when you need to stand and run when you need to advance. Fear has caused inumerable panics, illnesses and broken relationships and keeps the vast majority of people from ever discovering what they truly could do if they tried.

But since God is a master of redeeming things, He has given us the opportunity to not be controlled by our fears, but to be in control of our fears, utilizing them to bring out the best in us. It is fear that causes a parent to run into a burning building to rescue a child. It is fear that causes a spouse to reach out for help when the marriage is getting rough. It is fear that compels the wise steward to keep some funds in reserve. It is fear that causes us to intervene in the life of a troubled person whom we love. And it is fear that motivates us to seek out & expand our wisdom with God's wisdom before we begin any new venture.

You see, fear is primarily caused by the things we don't know. Markets, weather, terrorists, bosses - they all can bring a measure of fear into our lives because they are unpredictable...we just don't know what they're going to be like in any given moment. Apart from God, those terribly unpredictable things are what we are left to base our decisions & choices on, rolling the dice with such frequency that uncertainty becomes the hallmark of our lives.

And that's why I choose to fear God instead. Not the kind of fear that thinks He's ready at any moment to strike me right between the eyes with a bolt of lightning and turn me into a grease spot on the floor with my eyes bugging out, but the the kind of fear that recognizes my violations of His guidelines & principles always bears a high cost...for me and others.

Contrary to much thought, there is no unpredictability with God. That's right, I don't worry about how He's going to respond or act. As I alluded to in an earlier blog, I may not know how He's going to act, but why He acts is absolutely consistent, rock-solid & unshakeable. He acts because He loves me. And love, pure love (beyond what we can know in any earthly relationship) will never act out of spite, jealousy, revenge or anger; it will always act for my ultimate good, because that's what love, by definition, does (see 1 Corinthians 13 for more on this).

Tomorrow continues to carry a mark of uncertainty, but only an uncertainty of what it will look like. And I am reminded every day that in choosing to fear God, I need not fear why it will occur...I need only be diligent in making sure that I don't approach those days apart from Him. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 1:7).

The Measure of A Man

2009-07-28T17:01:00.004-05:00

I know that it's only been five days since my last post, but a lot is going on and the time is available, so here it goes (short as it may be). While I believe I'm getting some direction in my walk of faith, frankly, I woke up this morning feeling scared again...afraid of the unknown...all of the things I can't control. Been there? I'm sure you have!

One of the interesting things I am realizing is that "fear of the unknown" is quite a misnomer, because frankly, it's about 99% unknown. Matter of fact, the more I know, the more I am aware that I know almost nothing at all. The things that tend to bring me peace, calm, stability and assurance are not known at all - but the regular gifts from my Heavenly Father (on a totally unpredictable, but perfect schedule).

What I do know is that whether my current faith venture "succeeds" or not will depend a great deal on how well I obey...how well I follow where the Lord leads me. Graciously, He doesn't force me to go anywhere (love doesn't do that). But He does bid me to come and follow where He leads, and His paths are always for the ultimate good of both others and myself. So, last week's question remains: Will I trust Him?

I have no idea where the path of obedience will lead me, other than the fact that it will lead me towards Christ...and to be more like Him. The path might bring prosperity, notoriety, influence or power. On the other hand, it might bring want, obscurity, or isolation. Contrary to most thinking, though, what I perceive to be "the destination" won't be at all, for the purpose of this faith walk is not to take me somewhere as much as it is to teach me to walk.

Thus, "success" in this journey will not be measured by the end result, but whether I take the journey at all. If Scripture has taught me anything, it is that "obedience is success." May the Lord find me obedient...wherever it ends up taking me...so that others may see Him in me.

Where's The Line?

2009-07-23T11:49:00.009-05:00

I have a confession of sorts to make: It is frequently easier to tell someone what they should do than to actually do it for yourself. No surprise, huh? You all have known this for years (as have I) but recent circumstances have led me to a fresh wrestling with a question that I'd like to pose to you...and I welcome your input and feedback.

Here's the question: Where is the line between "faith" and just being "stupid"? It's usually not hard to discern this in hindsight, but doing it in "real time" can pose quite a challenge. I could easily recount many times where a step of faith has been taken and there have been some tremendous rewards/benefits/blessings from doing so. But I can just as easily remember times where I was just plain stupid (upon looking back) and brought about some pretty significant challenges (actually, that's an understatement - some really hard things had to be dealt with).

As a pastor, I'm quite familiar with the Bible's teaching (and absolutely believe it) that rather we make the "right" or "wrong" choice, God is more than capable of using it, redeeming it, and making it into something pretty amazing. But truthfully, I'd rather not "screw up" in the first place! So how do you know where the line is? How can I make sure I'm making a true "faith" decision and not being plain "stupid"?

As you might have guessed, I'm trying to make some decisions right now that, to me, appear to be fairly significant, and I want to get it "right" so badly. One of the ironies of this predicament is that while it hasn't arisen recently, it has been accentuated recently through my very own preaching (as the Lord has led me). Believe me, if my goal had been to avoid dealing with this, I wouldn't have asked the Lord (as always) for help in my sermon preparation...I'd have just picked something "safe" that everyone else needed to hear!

Sorry - you're not going to get any more details than that on my situation, but I'd love to hear from you. God has directed me so often from people, places and situations that were "off the radar" - so He may just want to use you right now to help me. Go figure! And I'm the one who's supposed to have the answers! Email me at necchurch@netins.net - I promise that I'll respond and let you know how this all turns out. "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Perseverance

2009-07-15T14:21:00.004-05:00

“Let us not become weary in doing what is right, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not get tired and give up.” Galatians 6:9

A very common leisure activity for people in the summer is water-skiing. I’ve always been amazed at the gracefulness of those skilled in this refreshing sport, but never embraced the challenge of trying to do it for myself until after my wife, Tonya, and I started dating. While her parents did not have a monster boat for skiing, it was more than adequate to get my 200# out of the water…and then some. Understand this: Tonya and her family all ski beautifully, and Tonya’s mother skied until she was 70 years old…there were no “skiing slouches” in her family!

Well the day came for my “baptism” of sorts behind the ski boat and frankly, I was nervous. Water and I got along just slightly better than water & electricity do, but I was determined (by vanity & a desire to “fit into” this family) to learn to water ski. I had never received instruction, but simply observed the rest of the family, so with their encouragement to “just stand up after the boat starts pulling,” I donned my ski vest and plopped into the dark, deep, but calm reservoir waters of Mississiniwa Reservoir in Indiana. They assured me that “it’s easy,” but as my father says, “Anything’s easy if you know how!”

Fifteen minutes passed…then thirty…then an hour…I still hadn’t “stood up” while being pulled, and I was getting beat up! Every time I tried to stand, I’d get pulled over the front of my skis and make some pretty spectacular crashes, I’m sure. They began to encourage me with words like, “Guess today’s not your day…we’ll come again and you can start fresh,” but I was determined to persevere.

Finally, at about the ninety-minute mark, the determination (or pride or fear of embarrassment) paid off and suddenly I was up, cruising along and having the time of my life. I certainly needed the rest, so I rode around the reservoir for quite a while before I “wiped out” and was picked up by the boat. I’ll never forget what Tonya’s dad, Bob, said as I climbed into the boat: “I’ve never seen anyone try so long to get up, not succeed, and not give up in my life!”

It was a great day of accomplishment, and I’d love to tell you that my entire life has been characterized by this attitude, but it hasn’t. What I can tell you is that perseverance is one of the great characteristics Christ wants to be a part of our daily lives. It absolutely needs to be in our lives, or we’ll never “reap [the] harvest” that God has waiting for us. I don’t know what you’re facing right now, but I want to encourage you to “not become weary…do not get tired and give up” and persevere until your harvest...it is more than worth the effort!

What Matters Most

2009-07-07T13:37:00.001-05:00

I have been blessed! I mean it...ridiculously blessed. Those of you that know me may or may not be aware of that, but I dare say that your perspective on my life might be a little different if you knew that:

I have moved so many times that it exceeds both hands to count
I have seen my father crushed twice - by a falling tree & a concrete beam
I have a family member who is partially disabled from an accident
I have watched my family lose everything in a bank foreclosure
I have two family members who have had to deal with life-threatening tumors
I have watched a large portion of our farm burn to the ground (as a teen)
I have undergone multiple back surgeries - all before the age of 40
I have wrestled with life & death more times than I can count
I have survived a totalled vehicle when we could have all been dead
And there's more (just not here today)

I list those things because sometimes it's easy to look at any given person and think, "Wow - they've got it made!" and have little or no idea as to what their lives really look like...you know, out of the public eye. It's far too easy to assume that because someone's life looks good, that it has been easy. The simple fact is that one of the biggest lessons I've learned in my life is that everyone has a story (and often it's an amazing one that is just waiting to be told and heard).

Those of you who frequent this blog might remember that I had the opportunity to "get away" like I've never done before, spending a week with family in the Caribbean. What you don't know is that last week I also got to spend some wonderful days with the rest of my family in Indiana.

And as I've paused and reflected on both first-rate experiences, I have been overwhelmed with the fact that I have been blessed! Not necessarily with the things you might first think of, but with the things that matter most. No, my life has been far from easy (just like yours), but in spite of all the trials, pains & fears, it has been good!

Part of me wishes that I could give you a secret formula for enjoying this "good life" but a much more real part is glad that I cannot, because frankly, if this blessing had been dependent upon my own skills, abilities or merits, it would have been forfeited long ago! No, it has nothing to do with what I deserve and everything to do with whom I serve...the Lord Jesus Christ (I guess you might argue that He is the formula).

Now some would say, "But if you serve Him, why has He let all these things happen to you?" And the truth is, I don't know (at least not fully - some things maybe never). But what I do know is that no matter what has come my way, He has always been faithful to provide me what I need (not what I want, thankfully, for my wants are too often misinformed).

He has blessed me with many deep friendships, always placing people around me who have loved me, prayed for me and encouraged me. He has given me opportunities to see His working as He transformed lives every place I have been. He has given me a family I don't deserve: a beautiful wife of almost 24 years, 3 amazing kids (after we were declared "infertile"), and 2 sets of parents who model Christ to me unwaveringly. He has spared me when I was foolish, forgiven me when I was rash, healed me when I was broken, and restored me when I despaired. On top of all that, there are inumerable things I have not had to endure!

I'm sure that you don't have all the things your heart desires (just like me), but if you'll pause, even for a moment, I believe you'll find that even the roughest journeys have been blessed with so many of the things that matter most...the things we need. I pray that even in this moment, you will have a fresh realization of the goodness of God. Not because you've got it all, but because He's been faithful to give you what you need. Trust His promise today from 2 Corinthians 9:8, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

The Circle of Life

2009-06-25T19:23:00.011-05:00

The Circle of Life...seems like only yesterday I was taking my toddling boy (now nearly 19) to see "The Lion King" in a little town north of Des Moines, Iowa. Whether or not you liked the movie, it was hard not to be moved as Elton John's lyrical magic resonated "The Circle of Life" to begin the movie...I was physically & emotionally moved by the powerful truth and soaring harmonies of what has now become an Elton John classic.

It's one thing to sing such a song, often times quite another to live it. In the last 2 weeks, I have been privileged to welcome a brand new baby girl into our fellowship of believers. I've also been honored to remember a passionate believer who no longer has to dream about eternity...he's enjoying it now. And in less than 48 hours, I'll be humbled to unite a beautiful young couple in holy matrimony (too archaic? they're gettin' married!).

In all this, I'm reminded of King Solomon's words in the Bible book of Ecclesiastes (yes, I spelled that without looking it up - just one benefit to Bible college). While you may not be familiar with the book, I bet you are with his words: To everything (Byrds fans, "Turn, turn, turn"), There is a season ("Turn, turn, turn"), And a time for every purpose under heaven.

Like so many truths, Elton John was not this one's author, nor were The Byrds, but God Himself speaking through King David's son, Solomon. You don't have to read far in Solomon's book to discover that he had pretty much seen it all: death & life, war & peace (long before Tolstoy), sorrow & joy. And while at times he teeters on the edge of cynicism, you realize he had gained enough perspective to recognize that each season has its perfect place in this journey we call "life."

I have no idea if you, as a reader, are engaged in any of these phases of life or not, but I want to assure you that while some are more fragrant than others, they all fit together as complementary scores in the grand concerto of creation. No matter where you are, I invite you to rest in the knowledge that "The Circle of Life" has as its author God Almighty, and every piece will fit together in its time...perfectly. Enjoy & celebrate each and every one!

Am I A "Rascuell"?

2009-06-17T13:14:00.011-05:00

Don't worry, I don't expect you to have any idea of what a "rascuell" is (pronounced ras-kyooll). You won't find it in any dictionary, and only a very select group of people could give you the inside scoop on this original term. Fortunately, I am one of that select group.

When I was a teen-ager, a group of my "mature" friends and I decided that the little wannabe teen-agers were definitely more immature than us (which was obvious by the way they annoyed us all the time). Based on this "fact," we began calling them "rascuells" (a derivative of rascals), and were often merciless with our use of the term towards them, much to their chagrin. We were soooo mature!

I came across an interesting quote today by Author M. Scott Peck, "Maturity is defined as the ability to delay gratification, scheduling the pain & pleasure of life in such a way to enhance the pleasure by meeting & experiencing the pain first & getting it over with." What jumped out at me (I believe at the Lord's prompting) is the question it posed directly to me: Am I the mature person (now at 48) that I think I am or should be?

Without a doubt, I should be more mature than I was 35, 25 or even 5 years ago, but am I? While just a day ago, I would have assured you that I am, based on Peck's definition, I'm not so sure. I've tried to instill this in my children by challenging them with my own adage: If you play first, the work never gets done; if you do the work first, there's always time to play (not sure if this is a "truth" or not, but I hope it has made a point).

I think that the most obvious area of challenge to my own "maturity" in this area is in finances, because if I really embraced Peck's truism, wouldn't I be saving more, using the credit card less, and laying up my treasure in heaven? (Matthew 6:19-21). Wouldn't I be more satisfied with what I have, and less desirous of what I don't? The simple fact is that, as author Skye Jethani puts it, "formation into the likeness of Christ is not achieved by always getting what we want" (italics mine).

With Father's Day right around the corner, I can't help but wonder what my kids have really learned from me in all my "maturity"? Christian musicians & pastors, Philips, Craig & Dean, recorded a beautiful little piece a few years back entitled, "I Want to Be Just Like You" that powerfully reminds each of us dads & parents of the role God has placed us in "to be just like Him, because [our kids] want to be just like me [us]."

I invite you to accept the challenge with me today to not measure our maturity by years, titles, educations, or salaries, but by our hearts...hearts that are prepared to do what should be done, what needs to be done on a daily basis. Only as we model true maturity by doing the hard work first will we ever enjoy the fruits of delayed gratification...on this earth and in our eternal home. If our kids don't learn this from us, then from whom? Besides, who wants to be a "rascuell" anyway?

Perhaps My Greatest Challenge Yet

2009-06-02T15:02:00.005-05:00

I am preparing to do one of the very most difficult things in the world for me to do: Take a break. And I'm willing to bet that there are a number of you reading this who know exactly what I am talking about! The prospect of stepping away from the privileged responsibilities I carry as pastor & chaplain almost frightens me, as the sense of accomplishment, worth and value that I gain from these is often more important to me than I'd like to admit.

As foolish as it sounds, silly questions (I'd call them "childlike," except I doubt if a child wonders such things) like this run through my head (if only for a few moments), "Will I be less pleasing to God though I'm not serving Him next week?" "Will God be less available to me because I'm not writing a sermon, or visiting the sick or encouraging the disheartened?" And even as I ponder these and other questions, I realize how very easily I can become ensnared in one of the many traps that I regularly preach and teach about: the Performance Trap.

And then, as I reflect on the increasingly long history which God and I share, I remember just how often He has used me when I least expected it, when it seemed least likely and beyond common sense. And as usual, He begins to lovingly chide me as He reminds me that ministry has very little to do with where I am located, official titles, or well-crafted agendas. It has everything to do with being available. The truth is that even while taking a break, my life, as a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12), is, by His grace, a continual act of service - public and not so, conscious and not so. And His connection to me is only a matter of location when I realize that the only place I need to be is with Him.

Fortunately, that can happen any and everywhere. And as I prepare to "take a break" for a few days, the only thing He asks of me is to continue to include Him in those days. I may not be "punching the clock" for this time, but I dare not "punch out" of my relationship with Him. Things will be just fine without me...I don't worry about that at all (I have a great church family!). But will I be just fine without them? I need to be. And the more comfortable I am with this, the more likely it will be that God will use me somehow, somewhere, with someone in these next few days...and I won't even know it. I don't need or want to know it!

As I come to grips with this challenge, I realize that one of the best things I can receive from...and give to...the Lord, my family and my two congregations, is a refreshed, focused, relaxed, prioritized husband, father, and godly man. Which means embracing this gift, resting in His care, and humbly facing perhaps my greatest challenge yet, that of trusting in His unconditional love for me, just as I am.

Hidden Treasure

2009-05-26T17:02:00.000-05:00

Contrary to my "Trekkin'" persona, I'm not much of a daredevil (seems like you'd almost have to be in order to be a dyed-in-the-wool Trekkie). Watching people do crazy things like bungee jumping, skydiving, and extreme thrill rides is as close as I'll ever get to actually participating. BUT...I do like to explore! Give me a new trail, timber, cave or mountain, and I am quick to lace up the boots, put on some comfortable clothes, and come back in a couple of hours (or days, if I can pull it off).

Thus, when we moved to a new farm as I turned a teenager (one that was rumored to be full of Indian artifacts), it didn't take me long at all to head off into the woods and across the fields on an artifact expedition. Now, 30+ years later, an ordinary looking box tucked away in our storage closet bears silent witness to the discoveries made on those journeys. If you were to peer inside this not-so-impervious vault of my own design, you'd find arrowheads, axeheads, scrapers, spear points, grinding stones, and an odd assortment of yet-to-be-classified treasures, borne as the fruit of my ventures on that farm. I've often dreamed of taking my own kids back out there some day for a little exploring of their own!

I had the opportunity just a week ago to drive past the old farmstead, taking literally miles of backroad gravels to our familiar place out in "the sticks." It was incredibly fun to point out to my kids all the locations and sites where I had worked...and played...so hard with friends and family. They had often heard me recount my artifact hunting and obviously, had seen the treasures in my worn out box. It was about time to actually show them the treasure-laden land first-hand.

As we came around the last bend in the road before our old farm, I was absolutely shocked by what I saw. No longer were there fertile fields, neatly manicured with orderly rows of what would soon be the Fall harvest. Instead, there were new homes built in several places (not shacks, either!) and hundreds of acres of only pasture - beautiful and green, but perfectly concealing the treasures laying hidden below the surface. You couldn't tell that they are there, but I knew they were!

I couldn't help but wonder if the new homeowners, with their finely trimmed lawns and quaint little horsebarns had any idea as to what lay just below the surface of their prized properties? Did they know what treasures lay just inches under their "Turfbuilder" yards and concretized driveways? I couldn't imagine that they did, or why would they not be looking for those treasures, discovering and sharing the joy of antiquities revealed?

While those acres of beautiful soil may never be turned again, and thus, maintain their treasures in silence for all eternity (which about drives me crazy!), I realized that as is so often the case, there was a great lesson in the whole trip. I found myself wondering how many people I had passed in my life, due to busyness, prejudice or self-centeredness...people who were full of hidden treasure that I never took the time to discover. How many missed joys, cherished memories and exciting adventures had I forfeited by not taking the time to do a little "digging" in their lives?

I may never again have the opportunity to find hidden treasure in open fields, but I certainly am given the opportunity to dig for, find and share the hidden treasures in the people around me...maybe even you. Want to go exploring with me? You can do it right where you're at by taking the time to discover the very next person you meet. I'd love to hear about your adventures! And if you ever want someone to join you, just drop me a line at necchurch@netins.net. Whether it's a person or a field we get to explore, the time will be well spent and the treasure well shared!

One Year Later

2009-05-21T14:34:00.000-05:00

I confess...I've been just a little sentimental for the past few days. You see, it was almost exactly one year ago that I had to let go of my "little boy." Attending this year's graduation exercises at his high school, somewhat surprisingly brought a flood of emotions once again. Though he has just completed his first year of college, in my mind's eye, I could envision him, his mom and me sitting down there on the floor nearly as real as the day it occurred.

Remember being a kid and listening to all the "old people" (anybody your parents' age or older) talk about how fast time flies as you get older? Well, as you probably have experienced, just like me, they knew what they were talking about...again.

To see that fresh crop of graduates excitedly toss their caps in the air, see the gleam in their eyes as they rush towards their futures, and (if you looked closely) catch the occasional moistening of their cheeks as tears escaped from their "I got it together" exteriors, brought a great deal of empathy from me as I watched family and friends cheer them on...every single one of them. It also brought a fresh sense of wondering about things I thought already settled.

Did I do enough to prepare my son for his future? Will he remember the lessons I sought to instill? Is he irrevocably scarred by the mistakes I made? Will he become another "statistic" who will one day appear on Oprah (or whover takes her place), telling the sad story about a dad who never spent enough time with him, or said, "I love you, Son"?

Now, some of you parents are way ahead of me on this...I'm probably still in the "rookie" stage, as I just let go of my firstborn last year. But I have no doubt that you have wondered some of the very same things. Any answers yet?

What I do know is that I serve a God who, while He's never thrilled by my mistakes & inadequacies, specializes in what I'll call, "making up the difference." Not that this gives me license to presume on His grace and live my life solely for me, but it does help me to rest well (okay, better) at night, knowing that He can handle anything that needs handling. I know that He is never limited in His ability or capacity or desire to, as artist Crystal Lewis used to sing, bring "beauty from ashes."

Now, that may sound a little dramatic (I can get that way), but the question is this: Did I make mistakes? Of course. Is God limited by them? Of course not! I have a quote about 3 feet away from me on my wall by noted author, Max Lucado. It goes like this: "It's not everyday you find someone who will give you a second chance, let alone a second chance every day. But in Jesus, you find both."

Whether it's me, my son or someone unknown to me, the promise still stands. With Jesus, we have God incarnate, ready to intervene and help us in our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:14-16), to "cover our backs," to "make up the difference" when we are lacking. Does that mean there will never be problems to face...that He'll always just fill in the gaps so that life has this "seamless" quality to it? No way!

What it does mean is that we'll never have to face the future alone...be overwhelmed by the present...or plagued by our past...for He is Lord over all. And if we'll continually bring Him each of these (future, present & past), He will be faithful to hear and answer, for one year and for all the years of our lives, granting us opportunity after opportunity to pour into our kids the same grace & wisdom that He showers on us. Don't believe me? Why not try it and find out? Regardless of the age of your kids, it's never too early or too late to start!

Three Needs - Two Ways

2009-05-13T16:16:00.000-05:00

Sorry that my Tuesday blog has become my Wednesday blog - hope you don't mind while my life adapts. I'm sitting here typing with a probe down my throat for 24 hours, and let me tell you, I wouldn't wish this on an enemy. It's so attractive that I decided to cloister myself away until I get it out - about 18 hours from now. Hopefully it will tell the doctors something, but you just never know...

Anyhow, I find myself with this week's message done, bulletin printed and storms coming, but none of them on the forefront of my mind. Rather, I've been given an incredible privilege and opportunity to address about 150 colleagues on Friday in Minneapolis. And the topic the Lord has led me to just won't leave my mind (I suppose that's a good thing).

Now, I get an hour in MN, but in just a few bullet points, let me share what's on my heart most in this moment:

All of life's needs can be boiled down to three Core Needs: Initimacy, Security & Significance. Every need and/or desire we can feel in this life is rooted in these three.
There are two ways to go about meeting each of these: My Way or God's Way
My Way fills the three, in order, with: Sex, Accumulation & Achievement. The problem is that each is incomplete. Sex, like any other drug always requires more and unfortunately, in our current culture, almost always more people. Accumulation is plagued by the unanswerable question of "When do I have enough?" (and thus always requires more stuff). And Achievement has it's own worst enemy in it's passing nature (and thus always requires more work).
God's Way, on the other hand, fills the three, in order, with: Worship, Release & Identity. Worship grants me unlimited capacity for intimacy in the purest way imaginable. Release allows me to stop trusting me, and begin to trust God for my security. And Identity focuses on who God declares me to be, which is requires no work on my part and is permanent.
My Way always leads to Death (at multiple levels) while God's Way leads to Life (also at multiple levels). If I embrace the former, I get to not only enjoy Life but be a distributor of it. But if I embrace the latter, I not only speed along towards Death, but end up taking many others along for the ride.

As one who takes very seriously my purpose and impact in this life, I am challenged continuously to evaluate not only What I am doing, but Why (sounds a bit like an earlier topic, huh?). My answer to this question, and my commitment to meet my Core Needs God's Way will make all the difference in this life...and the life to come.

I told you a couple months back that we were going to "boldly go...", so I hope you're enjoying the journey. And yes, just in case you're wondering, I did see the new Star Trek and it was GREAT! I just pray that my desire for the next one (which will surely come) will always be eclipsed by my desire to be God's man...and Captain.

Rare Moments

2009-05-06T16:13:00.000-05:00

Life is full of rare moments: sunsets, spontaneous laughter, profound words from a child...these are just a few of them. Now, let me clarify - "full of rare moments" can come off sounding a lot like an oxymoron (look it up if you need to!), because "rare" usually means "not many of " which would lead one to ask, "So how can life be full of something that there's not many of?" To make sense, I must define "rare" as meaning "the only one like it." Thus, life can be "full" of many moments that will never happen again, and thus, they can be "rare."

I got to have one of those last Sunday when I baptized my daughter. Truthfully, there's an incredible amount of difficult things you get to deal with as a pastor, but there are also some unbelievable blessings that come your way. For me, some of these have come in the form of getting to baptize all three of my children. Has each one fully "gotten it" as they were dunked? Probably not - no more than I did as a boy. But they certainly knew what they were doing, and in choosing to enter into this moment, they gave me the opportunity to create a bit of eternity with them and make it rare - for nothing will ever take from us that shared moment of faith & trust!

I must say that this moment was quite unlike most of the rare moments I've experienced in my life, for I knew it was coming. Quite the opposite, the vast majority of the rare moments in my life have occurred totally unannounced. Just "Bang!" there it was - incredibly special and gone forever except for the imprint it made on my heart and mind.

I can't help but wonder how I'd live each of my days differently if I always knew when the rare moments were coming. Think about it: If I told you that tomorrow you were going to change someone's life forever through what appeared to be a random encounter, wouldn't you approach the day a bit differently? I believe you'd find yourself slowing down and paying more attention to each person, each event, each moment, knowing that the next one could be THE one I told you about.

But we almost never get that luxury, which means that we need to take Scripture at face value, slow down and make the most of every moment, because it might indeed become one of those rare moments if we give it a chance. Unfortunately, most of us (myself included) are moving way too fast to ever find out. I can't help but wonder how many potentially rare moments I've squandered along the way?

Author Erwin McManus points out that the word "moment" is derived from the same Latin root which gives us "atomic." History documents quite well the power that lies within an atom. And the two can be quite similar:

They're all around us
They're almost always invisible until "broken open"
They're both full of unbelievable power when seized

I've found this out from personal experience (and you probably have, too). You know, when you've stopped to give something or someone a little extra time, care or attention, and that moment has become something you could have never imagined. I believe that this potential lies within each and every moment that's seized for Christ. Not to advance my own agenda, popularity or wealth...but to advance Him.

Thus, I have a challenge for you (as God challenges me): Focus on the moments in your life. You know, all the ones that appear to be quite mundane and ordinary. The people you'd usually pass by, the opportunities you'd usually ignore and the time you'd usually waste. Grab onto one or more of them, for the sake of Christ, and see what happens. They won't all become miraculous, life-changing, rare events (because life has a lot of ordinary moments, too), but I believe you'll be amazed at how many of them become something more than you'd have ever imagined.

Just a note: You can count on this one, because God has promised it. Check out 1 Corinthians 2:9 if you want to see for yourself. Start enjoying more rare moments and missing fewer of them...I'd love to hear about them! (And if you'd like to read some more on this idea, give some moments to Erwin McManus' book, "Chasing Daylight.")

Seeing Clearly In the Fog

2009-04-29T08:31:00.000-05:00

I know that most of you don't check in often enough to realize that I just returned from a mission trip to Guatemala with 15 others...and that's OK. As I drove through the fog to my "other job" as Chaplain at Highland Ridge Senior Living Community, it reminded me of the fog that was often present in that beautiful Central American country...and in my life.

"Fog" (as I define it today) is all the stuff that makes it tough to see clearly in our lives: trials, busy schedules, health issues, financial concerns, broken relationships, etc. Sometimes the "fog" can get so heavy that it becomes almost impossible to move. I'm sure you've been there (or maybe even ARE there as you read this).

To be sure, there was plenty of "fog" in Guatemala; not just rolling off of the mountains in the early morning and late evening, but in the things that challenged us:

Totally different climate (resulting in numerous sunburns & heat exhaustion)
Totally different food (making several ill for several days)
Incredibly perilous daily journeys through the mountains to our ministry destinations (try getting 2 10' wide vehicles side-by-side on an 18' wide road!)
Language barriers (not just Spanish, but mountain dialects as well)
Lack of sleep (dogs, roosters, people and strange beds all contributing)

That's enough to "fog" anyone in...but it didn't. In fact, just the opposite. I believe that those who participated in this great work see more clearly than they have in a long time. If you've ever done something like this trip, you know exactly what I mean. Some of the things that are more clear than ever are:

We have no idea of how good we have it here in the U.S. with freedom of choice, opportunities to learn and an incredible number of conveniences
We have no idea of how far we've drifted from God here in the U.S., choosing to make Him into just about anything that pleases us
We have, by and large, lost sight of the joy of a simpler life here in the U.S., a life that focuses on serving, helping and caring for others
We have discarded, by and large in the U.S., the joy of family working and growing together: sharing meals, time, dreams and life

Now, you might think, "That's easy for you to say, being in another country - it's so different there!" Granted, it IS different there, but it's different by choice. There's not a one of us that has to be as busy, involved or immersed as we are. I believe that more often than not, we choose to live like this because we are trying to fill some need in our life that only God can fill. We are convinced that if we just do more, we'll feel or experience something that will satisfy us...but we're wrong.

One theologian of old put it this way, "Our hearts are restless until we find our rest in Thee." And I can tell you for certain that though there were many reasons to feel "fogged in" while in Guatemala (600+ pairs of shoes distributed, 2 houses completely constructed, 550 salvation bracelets given out at 4 remote sites...on top of the previously mentioned potential obstacles), we are seeing more clearly than ever, and are choosing to still our restless hearts in the One who can...and does...calm the storm. We're choosing to live our lives differently here and recapture how God intended our lives to be.

What's really great, is that you don't have to go overseas to discover this. If you'll take a breather today and seek God Almighty, He will begin to remove your "fog" as well, help you see clearly, balance your life and hear His approving words of "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Master's happiness" (Matthew 25).

I'd love to hear from you, either via a response here, or at my email of necchurch@netins.net. If you'd like to see any of the Guatemala footage, get on Facebook, search for me (we can become "Friends") and it will all be available to you!

Shifting Gears

2009-04-14T17:01:00.000-05:00

Well, here I am. Just as I knew would happen (because He is faithful), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter morning came and went - each amazing in their own ways. It was fun to watch God do "His Thing" after He had helped me to do "my thing." By His grace, many worshipped together, and many were encouraged as they were reminded of the nearly unimaginable love of God poured out through His Only Son, Jesus Christ.

But now it's time to shift gears. As many of you know, in three days I'll be leaving the friendly confines of my home, town and family, and setting off with 15 others for a country that will be largely foreign to me. What a diverse group we are! 5 men, 11 women, 3 teenagers, 1 senior, 1 brand new Christian, 15 who have known the Lord a while now, 11 missions "rookies," 5 "veterans," 1 who has never flown, 3 skilled laborers, 13 "gophers," 2 medical personnel, 1 couple, 2 singles...the subsets go on and on in this group of 16. But by His grace, WE ARE ONE. In purpose, focus, dependence, heart and mind.

Makes me think of Jesus as He assembled His ragtag bunch of men that would soon be called "disciples" and later "apostles" by so many. But I'm just about sure that they didn't look like that when He called them! Yet look at what He did with them, in them and ultimately, through them. Frankly, I can't imagine our world today without them...without their commitment to live what they believed and their inshakeable determination, their unwavering perserverance to be what Jesus knew they could be when He called them. The Apostle Paul echoes this when he expresses his determination to "press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Philippians 3:12).

You'd have never put together that collection of men...and you'd have never put together the 16 who are just days away from continuing one of the great faith journeys of their lives. But God knew (and knows) exactly what He's doing. If you talked to the team right now, they'd unanimously agree on this, but if they were honest, they'd also each confess that they weren't so sure when they said "yes" to God's call several months ago! I'm constantly reminded that though we sit here now with our support raised, 600+ pairs of shoes donated, VBS materials for 1000 kids in hand, and a fire in our spirits, we certainly didn't start that way.

You see, when each of us said "yes," to this invitation to be used by God (myself included), we had little or no idea of where the money was going to come from, what we'd be doing, how we were going to get there, or with whom we'd be serving. I think it's safe to say that more than one of us weren't even completely sure as to why we were going (that "big" question I always ask). What we did know is that Jesus was calling...inviting us to step out in faith and trust Him to fill in those blanks.

The really interesting thing is that God has answered each of those questions, and about 99% of the time, He's done so in ways none of us could have predicted (He's even answered things we don't know are answered yet!). And I find an incredible attitude has sprung forth from watching God do what only God can do: TRUST. While we might have had our own ideas early on of what this process would look like, the where, what, how and whom no longer matter - we know that God is going to use us (He already has been) and we don't really care at all how. We've prepared, studied, designed, crafted, examined, planned and packed...now it's time to relax and let God do His thing. I can hardly wait to see what it will look like! Probably far different than what we thought, but perfect for His purposes. Pray for us, won't you, as we seek to be whatever God needs us to be...all the time, for sure...but specifically April 17-26. I know that what we look like after this experience will be much different than before we started, for we'll look more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). To the glory of His matchless name!

Just When You Think You're Ready...

2009-04-08T16:49:00.000-05:00

Sorry I'm a day late with this week's blog - had one of those afore-mentioned "unplanned" things sneak up on me and suddenly it was Wednesday! Some of you might be aware that I'm getting ready to take 15 others to Guatemala on some mission work next week. This has created a bit of a dilemma for me, as I'm trying to focus real well on this most beautiful of weeks leading up to Easter (with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter morning services going) and simultaneously make sure I am preparing well to lead the 15 people entrusted to me April 17-26. I thought that this was fairly complicated, but oh no, God decided I could use some other fun things thrown in for variety. For instance:

Started losing the use of my voice a few weeks ago and found myself with a camera on the end of a long tube going down my throat yesterday. No serious problems detected, but what I figured would be a couple hours out of my day ended up taking the entire day...a day it didn't seem like I had to spare.

I made a well-intentioned but not thought-through-enough decision with my church and have had to spend quite a chunk of time "mending fences" - time it seems I didn't have to spare.

I showed up for my "other job" as Chaplain at Highland Ridge Senior Living Community in Williamsburg, Iowa, to discover that in the span of 48 hours, three of our dear residents had been placed on hospice. As of this writing at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, two of them have passed away. I was more than happy to give the time these required, but it seemed to be time I didn't have to spare.

As I walk out these doors in a few minutes, I will head to Cedar Rapids Mercy Hospital to spend time with a dear saint from my church named Betty - and her outlook is challenging, to say the least. I truly love this woman and will do whatever it takes to bring comfort, peace and assurance to her, but it sure seems I didn't have this time to spare.

Now, I know that you know exactly what these kinds of weeks are like - you may well have them more often than I. And if you have, you may very well be thinking right now, "Kirk, God's trying to teach you something here." And you know what? I'm sure that He is. Matter of fact, I think I know what He's doing (or at least part of what He's doing). Ready for this? Here it is:

Regardless of how random, crazy, disjointed, whopper-jawed and unplanned life appears to be right now, it is NOT. Contrary to how I may find myself from time to time, God is NOT wringing His hands, saying, "What am I going to do now? I'm so confused - which way should I turn? What should I do? I don't think I can handle this mess - it's just too much for Me!"

The simple fact is this (I wish this was original with me, 'cause I love it): Has it ever occurred to you that nothing ever occurs to God? (Thanks, Steve Moore). By definition, to "occur" in this context means to think of something that you haven't thought of before. And with God, that's simply impossible, since He's all-knowing and all-prepared for all situations. That means He knows exactly What's going on and exactly Why...and He's working it all for my good, even when it doesn't make sense to me (good old Romans 8:28 - notice the "condition" there).

Thus, when Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter and departure time for Guatemala roll around (and who knows what else in between), I'll be ready. Not because I am "super pastor," but because He is ready...all the time...which means that I can trust Him...all the time. I'm sure glad He knows what's going on! Rest assured that He knows your life as well. Go ahead, trust Him...give Him a try. He's much more ready than you or I will ever be!

Here On Purpose

2009-03-31T12:54:00.000-05:00

Well, it's Tuesday again, and amid the flurry of "planned" activities that I simply "must" get done today, I have been keenly aware of (and at times almost overwhelmed by) the number of "unplanned" things likely awaiting me. In the life of a pastor these can range from funerals, to family crises, to people in need of a ride. On a more personal level, you just never know when the school is going to call, the doctor's appointment you've been waiting for is suddenly available, or your spouse just needs some time with you.

You might guess that one of the potential perils of being a pastor is the tendency to not always DO what you're so good at PREACHING about. For instance: Our church just finished a series entitled, "Here On Purpose." Now, I'll not take the time today to lay it all out for you here, but suffice it to say, it challenged us each to take a good hard look at Why we do What we do. The simple fact is that if our Why is wrong, it won't make a whole lot of difference What we do - we'll always end up a bit frustrated (and that could easily be an understatement).

For some things, the Why is very clear for me - other things, not so. Most of the time, ministry "stuff" falls into the former (I want people to find hope, peace and joy in Jesus Christ)and the balance of my life falls into the latter (because I have to do it). But recently, I was challenged as I read through the Gospel of John again (it's amazing what's in the Word of God if you just keep looking...try it!). In Chapter 4, verse 27, the disciples have returned from town to find that Jesus is engaged in a conversation that is definitely not run-of-the-mill. A woman (absolutely taboo in that culture)...a Samaritan woman (you could get excommunicated - or something like it - for this) is having the interaction of a lifetime with Jesus - seriously!

I think it's safe to say that the disciples were a bit shocked to see What Jesus was doing, but what jumped off the page to me is that none of them were shocked a bit at Why He was doing it (take a look for yourself). Believing and having discovered that all of the Bible is recorded for a reason, I found myself pondering for a moment its Why...and then it hit me. The disciples didn't ask Why because they knew Why...it was the same Why Jesus always had...to bring hope, peace and joy to her (the Why I only sometimes have).

Note: this was not a "ministry" setting - it was at a well in a foreign country during a conversation with someone most of us would normally avoid if given the chance. It wasn't in a church, or on a Sunday or during a class of some sort (though there was much being learned and taught). It was by all measures a rather ordinary day with an average person who was engaged in a routine and probably mundane task. But Jesus' Why was rock-solid...as always.

Now, if I'm going to call myself a "Christian" (which means "Christ-like one") I better pay attention to this. Because to be a "Christ-like one" I need to endeavor to have my Why straight in every situation, not just the "ministry" ones. That means during the planned events of my life and the unplanned. I need to take it up a level and better DO what I PREACH. Without question, I am "Here On Purpose" (so are you)...and that purpose is to be a "Christ-like one" all the time. What do you think? I'd love to hear your perspective and thoughts!

About Front Porches...

2009-03-24T19:39:00.000-05:00

You might have already wondered why on earth I chose the "The Front Porch" as the name for my blogging adventure. I mean, it has nothing at all to do with being a "Trekkin' Pastor," right? Well, let me throw a couple of thoughts at you and then you can tell me what you think:

I have been blessed with many people throughout my life who have impacted my thinking. One of them, Joe Myers, first introduced the idea of "The Front Porch" to me through his book, "The Search to Belong." In it, Joe proposes that one of the things that has almost completely disappeared from our culture as it has "matured" is the front porches off of our houses. While you'll still find a few, by and large, they have become non-existent. He further proposes that this is indicative of not only a shift in construction, but a shift in our relationships.

You see, historically, the front porch was the safe place to tackle nearly any topic with nearly anybody. More friendly than the street, yet not as intimate as the living room. Weather, politics, markets, schools and sports (to name a few) were all fair game on the front porch. This space also implied to those who interacted there a friendship of sorts, budding though it may be. It was a "safe space & place" - free from both danger and vulnerability. But alas, as we've already mentioned, they are for most people only a dim memory of another time, if that. Unfortunately, for many, the demise of the front porch has in turn led to a demise of any safe place to have those and other friendship-building conversations.

The challenge for me (and for any of you so inclined) is to carve out of our technology-laced world, virtual "front porches" of sorts...thus, places just like or similar to this blog. From here, there is an implied friendship (you've been invited in) yet not a great deal at risk, since we're still separated by our respective computer screens and relative anonymity. Nevertheless, the connection is (or at least can be) significant if we want it to be, for there are no topics off limits, no perspective rejected, and no experience minimized. Here, we are equals, each seeking to explore and learn from this God-given path we're on called "life."

And there it is...kind of snuck up on you, didn't it? What? The connection to the "Trekkin' Pastor." Don't tell me you missed it! You see, each time I venture into this nearly overwhelming world of blogging, I once again choose to explore (like the Starship Enterprise of old) places unknown, ideas undiscovered, and friendships unrealized. Who knows? If not already, we might just become friends and actually grow from one another. So don't be hesitant...come join me on the Front Porch. I can't wait to see what God has us to learn from one another!

To Boldly Go...

2009-03-18T16:43:00.000-05:00

Okay, it's no secret...I'm a "Trekkie" - with a name like "Kirk," what do you expect? To the uninitiated, this means that I am a follower of most any and everything having to do with "Star Trek" - original series, new series, spin-offs, movies...makes no difference to me. While us "Trekkies" take our knocks (especially as pastors), there's no question that "Star Trek" has pushed the limits in our thinking, technology and our relationships with others.

While I've always dreamed of being able to embrace a life-challenge championing the Star Trek motto, "To boldly go where no one has gone before," realistically, there are very few (if any) things that haven't already been tried by someone. That being the case, it would be pretty foolish of me to undertake any endeavor without looking to see what can be learned from others that have "boldly gone where I've never gone before." To that end, I did quite a bit of looking around before deciding to venture into the unknown world (to me) of blogging. We'll see how the journey goes.

So, one of the best questions (seems to me) is: Who am I going to learn from? There's no end to the number of "How To" books on the market, so where do we start? It's overwhelming! Now, if only there were a book from which the "How To" books drew from...wouldn't that be nice? Well, I believe that there is, and it comes in the form of a letter written by someone with incalculable amounts of experience and millions of readers - the kind of person I want and need to be in touch with.

This source? None other than the Holy Bible. Now, I can sense barriers going up right away with some of you; believe me, I've heard ALL the excuses. "I can't understand it" "It's so out of date" "It's just a bunch of myths" "It's so irrelevant" are among the most common. But I have one question for you: Do you know this from personal experience or because someone else told you so? The point being, if you have never really tried the Bible, how can you be so sure that it's not for you?

I challenge you to the following: Get yourself a good, modern translation (not a paraphrase). The New Living Translation is good, as is the New International Version, among a few others. Next, commit yourself to reading just 5 minutes a day. Start with the Gospels (you know, Matthew, Mark, Luke & John - the good old boys). Each time before you read, find a quiet place free from distractions and simply say as little boy Samuel did in the Old Testament, "Speak, Lord, for I am listening" (Don't worry, He'll do this part if you sincerely ask). Make sure you have a notebook or pad of paper handy. As soon as something jumps out at you, write it down, thank God for it and try to apply it to your day. I think you'll be amazed at how often what you read will remind you of something you've either gone through or are going through.

But be prepared, for in all likelihood, God will begin to take you where you've never been before! Where's that? Exactly where you need to be; with growing purpose and direction in every day. I'd love to hear from you, and you don't have to go to the Alpha Quadrant to find me; just post your thoughts and let me know what's going on in your universe.