Great Insights

I borrowed the following from a good friend who has great insight. She has given me permission to use it here. I hope it helps you.

Investments that Last
by: Robbie Bender

Perusing through articles in the news today I was shocked and dismayed to read an editorial about how a fairly popular alcho-pop was being discontinued. The shock and dismay didn't come from the discontinuation of the product itself, I am in support of things which encourage teenage drinking from being discontinued, but rather my disgust came from the attitude of the editorialist himself.The entire article was devoted to his deep love of a product. The discontent over losing this product could be felt throughout his words, as he began to speak of hording it as though it was a precious jewel. He would do everything within his power to enjoy the last few weeks that this product would be available on the shelves. A comparison of this article to others in the media made my frustrations rise even higher. For, throughout the media we read articles about who is sleeping with whom, and the continual onset of discarded relationships. We devour them, not with distaste or sadness, but with a lusty joy over lost relationships, yet we cannot bear to lose a beloved product. Our consumerism has seemingly driven us to caring more for something we can purchase off a shelf, than the flesh and blood relationships that go on around us every day. In fact, the very language used to describe this fizzy alcoholic beverage could be seen in a poem written out of love for someone one truly cares for.There are people all around us who are hurting. Who need love and devotion, not to mention many, especially this year, who are just struggling to keep their electricity on, and yet for many Americans, there seems to be more sadness over not getting what they want, rather than focusing on the people that surround them. Though this editorialist may have deep care and concern for those around him, I honestly can't say, as I do not know this individual, I fear that his article showed something that I have seen in my generally interactions with people. People love stuff. Today, for example, I made the mistake of pulling into Target's parking lot. I thought that maybe I would grab a last minute Christmas gift, however, it was a disaster. After discovering my mistake I quickly tried to make a retreat, only to find myself trapped in a conglomeration of cars. Is this what we have become? Sinking slowly in a quick sand that makes us believe that in order to be satisfied on Christmas morning, in order for us to believe that those around us feel loved and appreciated, we must buy them a bunch of stuff, that will ultimately end up in the garbage or given to Goodwill anyway. What has happened to us? The myth is deep and bombards us wherever we go. Jesus even talks about it in scripture, that we truly cannot serve both God and mammon. The love of stuff and having more than our neighbor has, is a disease as old as Adam and Eve longing to have the one thing they were told not to. A disease which we choose to live in. Instead of destroying we choose to let it destroy us. That's exactly what diseases do if you choose to let them live within you. Conquering this attitude can only happen if we choose to resist it. To resist the system that is so available to us. People will think we are crazy for doing so, for seeing more value in spending time with loved ones than spending money on them, but relationships are the only thing that lasts. As the stock market plummets and the economy is in ruin the solution isn't to buy more, it should be to love more. To realize this Christmas, of all Christmases that the Christ was born in the most lowly of states, in the most poor of places, to an oppressed people, that we might realize that there is more to life than popularity, status, and money. It won't be the brand new gadget or widget or outfit that gets us through life, it will be those around us cheering us on, loving us through everything that will make even the hardest times seem a bit easier. For relationships are truly, the only thing that lasts, and that's an investment that won't crash.

Always on time!

I have heard it said that God is never late, and never early but that he is always on time. Just when you think that things are going down in flames, he seems to send the answer to your prayer. Over the past several months we have learned to depend more and more on God and his goodness, and his timing. He has proved himself faithful over and over again over the last six months or so. He has come through so many times, and I am learning to trust his timing. I hope that I can help others learn to trust him and his timing.

Christians and democracy

Tomorrow is election day. I plan on voting along with other Americans for the person I think is the best candidate for President and for other offices in our government. I have already made my decision and I doubt it will change before I go to the polls tomorrow. I hope that each of you will go to the polls and vote. But this post is not really about voting, although that is an important aspect of life in America. What I want to write about is how the church has become so entangled with the state. No I do not believe in a "wall" between the two, but I do have a problem with the current state of mind of many in the church. The problem is how we in the church have not fulfilled our responsibility to follow the great commission. What I mean is that we can not expect to legislate morality or ideals, but we need to help change the hearts of people. If we as the church would work to win the lost, and disciple those we win, then this would be a very different country. If we, the church, were about the kings business, instead of worrying about legislation, we would not need the legislation. God would rule in the hearts of men and America would be a different nation. So please vote, but also share Christ with someone you know.

Election 2008

It's hard to believe that in is just a little more than two weeks
we will be electing the next President of the United States. Not only that but if I remember correctly the entire Congress, that's House and Senate, are up for election this year. Needless to say this is an important election. I like you am concerned over the economy, my parents lived through the Great Depression, and I don't want to go there. I am concerned about our troops and our national security. Like you, I am also concerned about the environment, and how we have failed to really be good stewards of what God has blessed us with. But who do you vote for? That is the question! To be perfectly honest there are things about each candidate that I like. But then there are also things about each candidate that I don't like. So again I ask, "Who do you vote for?"

Well this is not an endorsement for either side. It is a plea for each of us to take time to really pray and seek God in this situation. Ask him who it is that we should put into office. I don't mean a sentence here or there in a prayer, but intense, heartfelt seeking after the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the voting booth. This is an important election, I know you hear it each election year, but I do believe that this election will shape our country for years, if not decades into the future. So I ask you to pray and not to vote because you have always voted for one party or the other. Don't vote for the best speaker, or the war hero, or the tax break guy, or the taxer, vote for the person that God leads you to vote for. That is all I ask, and I think that is what God is asking of us as well.

100 Years

This past Sunday the Church of the Nazarene celebrated the 100th Anniversary of its founding. While I know there are many who oppose denominations and separation, I was excited to participate. I do believe that there are things about denominations that have been detrimental, but that is not what I want to discuss here. I want to express here why I am a Nazarene and why I am excited that the Church of the Nazarene exists.

The thing that makes the Nazarene's different from most other churches is their teaching of holiness and sanctification. I grew up in a different theological tradition and I always struggled with the idea of holiness and sin. On the one hand I was taught that I should be holy because God was holy. Then on the other hand I was taught that I would sin everyday. I was taught that I was covered by the blood, and so when God saw me he saw the blood, not my sin. The idea of being changed and a new person, was taught but if I sinned how could I be considered a new person. All of these questions battled within me. Now the Nazarene's teach that you can be a new creation in Christ and that you don't have to live with sin in your life. The Holy Spirit can give you the power to overcome sin and not have to sin.

When I found the Church of the Nazarene, it was like a light bulb went off in my head. All of my questions were answered, and it all made sense. I am excited that the Church of the Nazarene exist and I pray that God will continue to bless it and help it grow to give this hope to others.

Family Time

We have always had dinner together as a family, except on rare occasions. Since I have had to take a job working in the evenings, we only get to have dinner together 2 or 3 times a week. It has been very strange for all of us, but it has made us appreciate the time we do have together. In a funny way it makes me wonder if God is trying to teach us to appreciate each other more. Yesterday I was thinking about how sometimes in the past I have taken my time together with my family for granted. Maybe in a strange sort of way I am learning to appreciate the limited amount of time I have with my family.

Secular -vs- Sacred

As a Christian I have compartmentalized my life sometimes into two different parts. The sacred and the secular. But is that really what life is supposed to be. Isn't our whole life supposed to be sacred. Or dedicated to the sacred. Well as some of you know I recently began working at a national pharmacy chain since losing my ministry position. Some of the things we sell I don't use and I am concerned about those who do. We sell cigarettes, beer, wine and liquor. Some of the people show the signs of abuse and you wonder what are the needing in their lives? Well, I am not able to witness to them, but I do pray for them. I learned the practice of breath prayers during my studies and I practice that each time I sell some of these things. A breath prayer is a brief prayer that can be said basically in the time it takes to take a breath. I simple pray that God will show his love to this person and help them with whatever is affecting them in life. At times I even continue to pray after they leave, because I sensed a deep need in their life. No, I am not some super spiritual guy, but I have discovered a way to minister in my current situation. I do pray that God will show his grace to those who are suffering from some pain or hurt. Those who live without the hope of Christ. I hope that this experience is teaching me that my whole life is sacred and I need to know that my whole life should be one of ministry.

Remembering 9/11

This is one of those days that seems to be frozen in time. Everyone that I know can tell you where they were and what they were doing. I remember exactly where I was and who was there with me. It was a horrible day, but as we remember the day, lets not forget those who still suffer. Today I would like to encourage everyone to pray for those who are still suffering. We should pray for those who lost family and friends and those who have suffered physical and psychological trauma. Today should be a day of prayer.

It Drives Me Crazy!!

Do you have something that drives your crazy? I mean something that really makes you nuts!! Well this is one, only one, of many that make me totally crazy. I am in bed or reading or anywhere and I have this most fabulous thought about something very insightful to write for my blog. But then when I sit down later to write it, I have totally forgotten what it was that had occurred to me. I mean it is like a total blank sheet of paper in my mind. I know there was something that I had thought of and I even remember thinking that it would be something great to share on my blog. And now it is totally gone!! ARGH

So anyway, I think the best thing I can do at this point is to keep some paper with me so that I can write these things down. Otherwise, I might end up in an institution. (Some would say I should be there anyway.)

What's free?

This past week I started my job at CVS Pharmacy. One of the displays that we have hanging from the ceiling says "What's Free, check your receipt." As I was looking at it one night I began to think about what really is free in this world. Not a lot, but there was one thing that did come to my mind. God's grace is free and available to all people. It is a wonderful message filled with hope. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8

Since we have such a great message about hope, salvation, and grace then why are people so turned off by Christianity? Could it be that we as Christians are not living it out in a way that really shows what it means to be a follower of Christ? Maybe, we need to really begin to think about that and see what we come up with? Maybe we need to ask the question "What's Free, check your Bible."

Bulls eye?

I have been doing some thinking lately about God's will. We have all heard of The Purpose Driven movement and all that it entails. God has created us for a purpose, but is there a specific will or purpose that God has for me, or is it more general. According to Purpose Driven, if I understand correctly, our purpose is to have a relationship with God. Is that good enough though. Does God have a target out there for us, a bulls eye so to speak, that we are to hit. If we miss the exact center and end up doing something a little different does that mean that we are out of God's will. Is God's will for our lives very narrow, or is it a little bit broader than we tend to believe? Does God have a particular position out there for me, in a particular church, in a particular city, state, etc. Is there a house that God has reserved for me, a school that he wants my children to go to, a street that he has picked out for my family to live on? All very good questions, but sometimes I think that God's a little bit more open than we think. I wonder if maybe the fact that God has called me to be a minister is fulfilling his will. Not that I have to be at a particular place at a particular time, but that I obey his leading when it is very direct and specific, and when it is not so direct and specific, that I continue to minister. Maybe, God wants us to just do the thinks we know to do. Worship him, serve God and our neighbors, share the good news of Christ with others, no matter where we find ourselves or what position we end up in. Just some random thoughts and questions.

On a lighter note

As you might know I have been serving as a Children's Pastor. Well kids love jokes, and I thought I would lighten up the mood a little and share some of my recent discoveries. ENJOY!

Q: If 20 monkeys run after one banana, what time is it?
A: Twenty after one!

Q: What kind of key doesn't open a door?
A: A monkey!

Q: What did the banana say to the monkey?
A: Nothing. Bananas don't talk!

Q: Where does a 2,000 lb. gorilla sit when he's tired?
A: Anywhere he wants!

It's a Matter of Timing

How many times have we all heard that it is "a matter of timing?" The problem becomes who's timing? As a Christian I have been taught and I believe that God's time is not our own. The best example I can come up with is of a little child. For those who have kids you will understand. When Junior wants to do something we tell him that he will need to wait a minute, even if we are true to the 60 second minute, for him it seems like an hour has passed. Our children do not have a good perspective of time. For them an hour seems like an eternity, and sometimes it is the same for us.
As I said before I fully believe that God will act in his time and in the best manner possible, but sometimes in my human body (captured in time and space) it is difficult to wait. I pray daily that God will give me the patience I need to see his hand at work in my life and I pray that he will prevent me from trying to take control of my situation and make things happen. I want him to do his will in and through my life. Please join with me in that prayer. If we could all just submit to the Christ as the head and allow him to function through us, what amazing things we might accomplish for the kingdom.

Waiting can be hard.

I just got off the phone with a man I have come to have a great respect for. He called to check on my family and myself during this very difficult time. He was concerned for us, he and his wife wanted to know how we were getting along and if we had any new information about where we were going to go in our ministry. Of course right now I don't know. We are still continuing to trust God and wait on his timing. Why is this significant, you might ask? So what, if someone you respected called you today. It is very important when you consider how down I was feeling this morning. This is my 5th week since leaving my position at First Church and it is the beginning of the 4th month since it was announced that I would be let go. So to be honest I was feeling a little discouraged and then the phone rang. God always has a way of sending just the right encouragement at the right time. I know that with such great friends who love, pray for and encourage my wife and me that everything will be fine.

What do I have to say?

I was just reading some of my friends blogs and thinking, "What, if anything, of importance do I have to say?" I mean with every Tom, Dick and Harry out there posting onto a blog, what do I have to say that could add one thing of value to any discussion. My friends are much better writers than me, and they are much more open to God than me (at least I feel that way sometimes). What can I say that will make a difference? I don't know if anything I write will make a difference, but I know that God uses each of us in different ways. He takes our strengths and uses them, he helps us grow and develop our weaknesses, so they are not so troubling.

I guess in some small measure my lack of confidence today stems from the fact that yesterday was my last day in my place of ministry. Today I am a man without a position and without a church. It's in these times that you can feel like you have failed and accomplished very little. I know that is what the devil wants me to believe. But I know that I have made an impact, and I know that God will use my work, because I feel like I have served in his name, to bring glory to himself. So anyway I will continue to add my thoughts from time to time, along with all the other Tom, Dick and Harry's out there.

Where to now?

Where is the Lord leading us now? As I think about this question and talk to others about what God is doing in my life, I can't help but see the look in their eyes. They wonder how I can just trust that everything will be ok. How do I know that my family and I will be taken care of? How do I know that God will open a door and provide a new ministry position for me? And more importantly, how can I say that I will go where ever God opens the door?

I guess it comes from the trust that I have developed over the past few years. God has taken care of me in the past and I know he will in the future.