What's Up With That?

Fan or Follower??

2010-08-23T12:28:00.002-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I read a blog (I don't remember who wrote it) about being a fan of Jesus. I used it as a jumping off point and discussed in my sermon why being a fan was not enough.

To start off the sermon I had the sound man playing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game." I entered the sanctuary dressed in my Columbus Blue Jackets jersey (NHL), my Ohio State scarlet and gray hair, waving a checkered flag and a giant foam hand from the Peoria Chiefs baseball team. I got the congregation involved singing the song and then doing a couple of cheers, like "I've got spirit, yes I do...."

We then looked at the dictionary definition of the word fan and follower:
Fan - 1: an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or performing art) usually as a spectator 2: an ardent admirer or enthusiast (as of a celebrity or a pursuit)

Follower - 1a: one in the service of another b; one that follows the opinions or teaching of another c: one that imitates another 2: one that chases

Jesus has enough fans, what he needs are more followers. We are called to be followers, we are supposed to serve Christ and others. We are to follow his teachings and live our lives to bring honor to him and his Father, God. So you can see why my sermon focused on the fact that being a fan of Jesus is not enough, we must be followers.

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." Matthew 16:24-25

Influence

2010-08-19T09:47:00.002-05:00

Over the past week or so I have heard a great deal about influence. At our District Assembly and at some other services I have been to, they discussed influence as it relates to discipleship. We are constantly influencing others. Whether we intend to or not. People are always seeing us and reacting to how we behave, talk, live our lives. Sometimes they adopt what they see, hopefully only the good. That is why it is important to understand our influence on others. I find my Mama or Daddy's words coming out of my mouth many times. It was their influence that helped mold me in many ways into the man I am today. My children are under my influence all the time. Sometimes, to be honest, I really mess up. But my goal is to be a positive influence in their lives. I pray that they will see Jesus living in me and know that my goal is to live like He (Jesus) would want me to. In my last post I spoke about my Aunt Doris and her influence in my life. I know that there are hundreds, even thousands of people all over this country and maybe even the world who could share about her influence on them. We also must remember that our influence may seem like it hasn't done much for Christ during our lives. But I remember the story of DL Moody and his conversion. Moody was a shoe salesman and one day a man came in to buy shoes. In the process he lead DL Moody to the Lord and the rest, as they say, is history. Most Christians know how DL Moody is, but very few know the name of the man who lead Moody to a relationship with Christ. Yet, through that man's influence millions have heard the gospel through Moody, and through those who followed and went to his school in Chicago. We never know what will result from our influence. John Maxwell wrote this in his book "Leadership 101"

My Influence

My life shall touch a dozen lives

Before this day is done.

Leave countless marks of good or ill,

E'er sets the evening sun.

This, the wish I always wish,

The prayer I always pray:

Lord, may my life help other lives

It touches by the way.

May that also be our prayer everyday.

Don't Wait

2010-01-27T08:36:00.003-06:00

On January 11th I lost a dear Aunt and encourager. Doris was always in our lives, her husband was our pastor for all of our life as children. She was there at church playing the piano and worshiping the Lord. I can still hear her as she sings about Jesus or heaven. She was there when our Mom died and she did her best to insure that we were taken care of. Although I was 19 when Mama passed away, Doris felt it her duty to take care of us. She always said that she had promised Louise, that was my Mom's name, that she would take care of her boys.

I had just completed my freshman year of college when Mama died. One thing that Doris did was to encourage me to go to Bible College. I had absolutely no desire to go to Bible College. But Doris was persistent, that is one thing you could say about her. Once she got something in her head she would not let it go. She kept after me while I completed my second year of college. I was going to a 2 year school, so I was finished. But Doris wasn't anywhere near finished. I finally agreed to go to the Bible College in Nashville. I had it in my mind to go for a semester and then go home and tell her that I had tried it and I didn't like it. But God had other plans. God is funny that way.

I went to Bible College and really loved it. I meet a wonderful girl who eventually became my bride. I entered ministry and am now serving my Savior. A great deal of the credit goes to Doris. She encouraged me (constantly) to go, she prayed for and encouraged me after I went and always supported me throughout this journey.

When she died, I wondered if I had ever told her what she meant to me. I know that I had told her that I loved her, and I know that she loved me. But, had I ever told her what an influence she had been in my Christian life. What a model of Christlike love she had been. I don't know if I did. I believe that she knows it now, in heaven, but I wish I had told her myself. So my advice to you is "Don't Wait!" If someone has influenced you, tell them now. Let them know what their life has meant to you. I wish I could do that now.

School's Out For The Summer

2009-06-01T12:06:00.003-05:00

I am reminded of that old song today, "School's out for the summer!!" Today was the last day of school for my three boys. They are excited that school is out, and so am I. It just seems that we have more time to spend with each other in the summer. We don't have to worry so much about being in bed at a set time and we have a little more freedom to do things during the day. My greatest concern is to not let this time get past me. You know what I mean, we think we have so much time so we put off doing things and spending time with our children, and then before you know it, your busy shopping for school supplies. I don't want that to happen this year. I want to spend time with them, I want to be a great Dad. My Dad is in heaven now, he was not a Christian for most of his life, but near the end of his life he accepted Christ. He was not a bad Father, he provided for his family and he taught us right from wrong. But, he was not a very hands on kind of guy. He did not spend time with us and he did not show affection. I regret that aspect of our relationship. I wish that we would have had a better relationship as we grew up, but we did have a good relationship when he passed away. All that said, I don't want to be like my father though. I want to spend time with my boys, I want them to know that I am there for them, I want to show them that I love them. I want to help them develop into godly men who follow the Lord with a passion, who want to see people come to know Christ. That is the kind of legacy that I hope to leave when I leave this world.

Palm Sunday

2009-04-08T14:04:00.002-05:00

This past weekend we held our Easter Egg Hunt at the church. It was a lot of fun. We had approx. 80 people here. A lot of parents with their kids and most of them were new people that the church had not had contact with before. Everyone had a great time, and Donna and I were exhausted after it was all over.

This past Sunday was of course Palm Sunday. The kids did a march around the sanctuary waving palm branches, while the congregation sang "Hosanna." It was a very good service and everyone really enjoyed seeing the kids be a part of the service. It was also a very exciting day because we had 7 visitors. We have been praying for several of them for a while and it was thrilling to see them in the service.

We have been really pushing Easter Sunday and asking everyone to invite their FRAN's -Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors. I think that everyone is excited about it, and I have had many reports of people inviting others to attend. We are expecting a great day, and we are praying for the Holy Spirit to do a great work among us this coming week. I am excited by the excitement of the people in the church. They are getting excited to see people coming to our church and hopefully that excitement will just build and not diminish. God has great things in store for us, all we have to do is trust Him, pray and follow His direction.

Time

2009-02-02T09:24:00.002-06:00

Where does the time go? How many times a day do I ask myself this question? It seems like just yesterday when I last posted, but really it has been over a month ago! Where does the time go. Just last night I was talking with my wife about this subject and I just started singing that song - "Time keeps on ticking, ticking, ticking into the future
Time keeps on ticking, ticking, ticking into the future."
I told her that I remember as a small child how slowly, so very slowly time seemed to move. I remember my grandmother and my parents telling me how quickly time seemed to fly as they had gotten older. As a small child, I could not even begin to conceive of time moving quickly. Twenty minutes seemed like an eternity to me. Now twenty minutes is just a flash of light that zooms quickly past my eyes. Where does the time go? I continue to ask myself that question. As I have gotten older though, I have added another question to that one. What I have done with my time. It seems that time is moving ever faster into the future for me, and I don't see any signs of it slowing its pace to the ultimate end, death. So my question is this - "What have I done with my time?" Have I used it to be a good father, husband, pastor, servant, man? Or have I wasted it with fun and games and idle thoughts and chat. Not that fun and games are all bad, but the point is, have I done enough for the Kingdom of God, or have I been wasteful with the time he has given me. No answers, just some thoughts to ponder.

Great Insights

2008-12-27T19:20:00.002-06:00

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!

2008-12-07T21:10:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-03T13:17:00.002-06:00

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

2008-10-20T13:07:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-07T14:30:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-29T11:45:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-17T20:35:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-11T12:34:00.002-05:00

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!!

2008-09-05T09:35:00.000-05:00

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?

2008-08-31T15:30:00.000-05:00

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?

2008-08-27T09:05:00.000-05:00

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

2008-08-25T15:19:00.000-05:00

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

2008-08-25T10:31:00.001-05:00

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.

2008-07-29T10:49:00.000-05:00

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?

2008-06-30T13:53:00.001-05:00

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?

2008-06-16T21:26:00.000-05:00

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.