Cats, Wives, God...

I know this may come as a surprise to some of you...But, I'm not a morning person. Not at all. I don't like the morning. I'd like to stay up late at night and sleep in every day. I think the perfect time to start the day is around 9:30am. That's about the time I need to start consuming coffee. Around noon, the creative thoughts begin to flow...prior to noon...we'll you're lucky to get words out of my mouth. That's why I really wish our church services were in the evening...I'd really be on top of things...totally with it.

Anyway, sometimes in the morning I'm not the friendliest person in the world. Some people may refer to my state as grumpy. I'd have to say I come by it naturally, honestly...I believe it just flows down the family tree...Now, I'm not going to name which side of the family tree...But, those of you that know me and my family can probably make a fairly educated guess! Am I a bit of a grouch in the morning? Yeah, I'll admit it.

However, the fact that I'm not a "morning person" does not validate the way I treat those around me. For example, this morning I was a little short, just a tad impatient with my wife. Yep...before my wife even got to work this morning I made her cry. And, it was for very stupid reasons...I was just being impatient. Now, I didn't swear or yell at her...I just didn't treat her with kindness, gentleness, compassion, patience, and other admirable qualities. And, so, I feel a bit like a jerk. I'm terribly sorry...and I did tell her that. No excuses...the time of day is not an excuse for being mean.

Then, there's the cat...Now, I'm never mean to the cat. But, many times she just begs for attention. And, because it's the morning, I ignore her. She just wants to be loved and I just want to be left alone. So, instead of saying, "Good morning, Gatsby!" and petting her head I say something like, "Stupid cat...stop chewing on the bottom of the Christmas tree."

But look at her...isn't she cute?

So, this morning, I am fully aware of my need to think about my words, actions, and attitude...no matter the circumstances.

I read this verse yesterday and it has stuck with me since..."Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13)

Check This Out...

This is hilarious...click on this link and listen to the concerned pastor and concerned pastor dance mix...Good times!!!

Concerned Pastor

Only in Ohio

On Thanksgiving morning, my father-in-law and I went on a search for one of the most redneck vehicles we've ever seen. Dan had spotted this vehicle on his way to work one day and wanted me to see it. So, just before our Thanksgiving lunch, we went on a little mission to find the truck...the truck with double covers. Freakin' hilarious...I wonder if the guy knows they make extended versions of those tops??? This truck can be found just minutes away from my wife's home.

You see, we have this little contest of which state is more hick...Indiana or Ohio. Needless to say, both states are pretty backwards. However, it's stuff like this that helps me in my case against Ohio. And, let's face it...Ohio is closer to West Virginia...and you don't get much more hick than West Virginia.

Shane Hartman Loves Dale!!!

This is a shot of my friend, Shane Hartman! He loves his NASCAR. He loves Dale (R.I.P.)!

I just thought you'd all enjoy a picture of his complete devotion to NASCAR at this years race at Bristol...or Talledega...or wherever this picture was taken. 

What Do People See...

Salt and Light...We've read the Scripture...We've heard countless sermons on the passage...While many church-going Christians should have a good handle on this concept, it seems like we still need some work on putting the concept into practice.

This morning, I'm wondering to myself..."What do people see when I'm going about my daily activities? Do they see salt and light? Do they see good deeds? Or do they see someone trying to avoid them at all costs? Do they see someone with his own agenda, his own priorities, his own interests in mind?"

I think these are good things consider because they help keep us on our toes...Are we adding a bit of salt to the world around us...Are we bringing light into the world...Are we abundant in good deeds that reflect the awesome glory of our Father in heaven???

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your lights shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

(Matthew 5:13-16)

Advent Sermon Prep...

So, this Sunday, I'll be kicking off our Advent journey. I've been reading all these thoughts for the first Sunday of Advent that talk about starting the season off with a bang. There are all of these ideas for a light-weight message that focuses on the joy of the season. And, they sound great...sound like they would leave people with that warm-fuzzy feeling.

Can I be honest? I hate that warm-fuzzy feeling...It makes me feel like nothing has been accomplished. If I feel warm & fuzzy...If I feel good about myself after wrestling with the Scripture, well, it seems like some thing is just not right with that picture. God is good...we are not...In light of His mercy, His forgiveness, His salvation, I can understand feeling full of joy, peace, and excitement...But, it's because of what He has done. Okay, that's just a little ranting tangent...back to my preparation for Sunday.

The Scriptures I'm using Sunday paint a pretty desperate picture. They show the sinful state of the people...of us...and our need of rescue...our need of a Savior...our need for God to do something. They talk about being prepared for the coming of our King. They talk about a continual pattern of repentance. Sounds warm and fuzzy, huh???

Well, I guess you'll have to come and join us on Sunday. I'll do my best to show our desperate condition and make us feel good about ourselves too...(can you sense the hint of sarcasm???)

Something Else to Think About...

My dad wrote an interesting article on his blog about Thanksgiving, individuality, conformity, and uniqueness. I think the ideas in this sort of give us something to think about the church...We all have gifts, but they are to be used to better the whole...

Check it out...Be Thankful

a good morning...a good day

This morning, I cleaned out the attic and then took some time to listen to music. I listened to Medeski Martin & Wood for a while. Then I turned on some old Vigilantes of Love. I really dig Bill Mallonnee...I really home he comes to the area sometime soon.

Then I headed over to the Heorot for lunch. I spent some time talking to Hans...it was good stuff. We talked about politics, religion, family, and more. Hans said something that really hit home with me. He said that maybe we don't need a welfare system...maybe we just need more people to contribute to their churches and more people looking out for other people. He said that maybe if people cared more about each other that the world would be a better place.

As Hans and I were finishing up our conversation, Rick Cooper walked in the door. We ordered some pizza and waited for Caleb, Carlos, and Andrew to show. We had a good time...and finished it off by walking down to Walnut at the Crossing for some awesome dessert!

It's been a good day...promising to stay that way as Emily and I are having dinner with Matt and Lindsey tonight! Good times!

Holding Your Tongue

Sometimes, I find the need to literally hold my tongue. I know that seems a little odd, but I have a tendency to just burst out and say things without thinking things through or weighing out the consequences of my words.

There are times when I struggle with whether or not to say what's truly on my mind. If I say it, it could cause anger, frustration, disappointment, or other thoughts/feelings in the person I speak my mind to. If I don't say anything, it could allow people to think that I am with them...in agreement with the issue at hand.

This may be hard for some people to grasp, but there are many times when I hold my tongue when it comes to my thoughts on the church (I even manage to hold my fingers back from typing away). There are things I'd love to speak my mind on, but I know it would probably come across the wrong way and cause more damage than good. And, I think that's why I find myself holding my tongue today. I have come to the realization that I need to hold my tongue when my words are not going to bring about good. I can endlessly rant on things, but to what end???

James tells us, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." (James 3:9-12)

I really have to try and take this passage to heart. Praise and cursing from the same source...it's an unbalanced equation. I hope and pray that today I will be able to hold my tongue and only speak words of praise, peace, love, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

Does this mean I will stop speaking my mind? Of course not! It just means I'll try to be more understanding and thoughtful...seeking good rather than simply blasting aimlessly away.

Something to Think About...

I came across this passage of Scripture and it made me think...do I know anyone like this?

"They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good." (Titus 1:16)

Just something for you to think about!

Being a Good Person

I think we all know that this Christian journey is about so much more than simply being a "good person." However, lately, I've been struck by the great need for Christians to be good people. Over the last several weeks, it seems like I've daily come across Scriptures that remind me to be kind, gentle, patient, compassionate, loving, forgiving, generous, and the list goes on and on.

One of the things that stands out most is the call to be abundant in good deeds. We're to be on the look out for opportunities to do good...not just for ourselves, but for others. Yet, it seems like everything in our consumer-driven, individualistic society stands against doing good.

Last night, I was reading a passage in Eric Schlosser's book Fast Food Nation that made me think about our "religion." He was writing about Peter Lowe, a guy that puts on "success" seminars. He brings in big name speakers...Colin Powel, Barbara Bush, Christopher Reeve, Henry Kissinger, Charlton Heston, George Bush. Hmm, I wonder if this Peter Lowe is a conservative evangelical???

Anyway, all of the speakers give messages about how to better our lives...to become successful, which I guess means to be wealthy. Peter Lowe, whose parents were missionaries, extends a call for salvation at the end of one of his talks. The author has this take on Lowe's religion...

"Lowe has broken from the Christianity of his parents, a faith that now seems hopelessly out of date. The meek shall no longer inherit the earth; the go-getters will get it and everything that goes with it. The Christ who went among the poor, the sick, the downtrodden, among lepers and prostitutes, clearly had no marketing savvy. He has been transfigured into a latter-day entrepreneur, the greatest superstar salesperson of all time, who built a multinational outfit from scratch. Lowe speaks to the crowd about mercy. But the worship of selling and of celebrity infuses his literature, his guest lists, his radio shows and seminars. 'Don't network haphazardly,' Lowe preaches in his $19.95 Peter Lowe's Success Yearbook. 'Set goals to meet key people. Imagine yourself talking to them. Plan in advance what questions to ask them...When there is an important individual you want to network with, be prepared to say something insightful to them that shows you're aware of their achievements...Everyone loves to receive a present. It's hard to be resistant or standoffish to someone who has just given you a nice gift...Adopt the attitude of a superstar...Smile. A smile tells people you like them, are interested in them! What an appealing message to send!' These are the teachings of his gospel, the good news that fills arenas and sells cassettes."

The author goes on to add in something that Christopher Reeve said at one of these success seminars that sort of cut through and silenced the crowd. "I've had to leave the physical world,' Reeve says. A stillness falls upon the arena; the place is silent during every pause. 'By the time I was twenty-four, I was making millions,' he continues. 'I was pretty pleased with myself...I was selfish and neglected my family...Since my accident, I've been realizing...that success means something quite different.' Members of the audience start to weep. 'I see people who achieve these conventional goals,' he says in a mild, even tone, 'None of it matters.'"

I think Reeve learned that you can be a successful person. But, if you don't realize that this life is about more than gaining success, celebrity, and power than it is all worthless.

I just found this all to be interesting.

Crowder, Seay, and Two Other Guys

Last night, Emily and I went to see the David Crowder Band in concert at Anderson University. Of course, Crowder rocked the house! He was awesome! The highlight of his portion of the show may have been the use of the key-tar...you know, the famous 80's combination of the electronic keyboard and a guitar...Well, not really...it's more just a Casio keyboard that has a strap on it to wear like a guitar. Anyway, they were outstanding...a wonderful blend of their new music and the old standards. Oh, on the encore, they brought out members of the first two bands and had a nice little bluegrass jam!

The Robbie Seay Band (pictured) was an excellent surprise. The last time I heard Robbie Seay was probably five years ago at a conference where he filled in for someone that was unable to attend. I really enjoyed their set. It was a really nice, laid-back praise and worship feel. I'll probably go buy the CD today! His set was too short.

The second band of the night was Shane & Shane. I guess they are supposed to be good and a lot of people like them. I will say they are talented..I guess. But, I definitely don't like their music. I can only take so much of the same two-part harmony...Each song sounded like it was in the same key, the guy singing the harmony parts sang the same intervals in each song...I just wasn't into it. However, it seemed as though many in the crowd were...I simply sat back and sang funny harmonies along with them, imitated their voices, and clapped odd rhythms along with their attempted white man funk (which they didn't quite accomplish, but you could tell they were going for it at times). No sir, I didn't like it. Their set was too long.

But, overall it was a wonderful evening! Great music (except Shane & Shane...if they had done two or three songs, I probably would have said, "that was nice"), a great wife, and Dairy Queen after the show!

Trying to Follow Jesus

Many of you know that I'm a huge fan of Rob Bell and his book Velvet Elvis. I'm doing a second read of the book right now...it's such an excellent piece of Christian literature. Anyway, I thought I'd share an excerpt that I thought was moving...

"As a Christian, I am simply trying to orient myself around living a particular kind of way, the kind of way that Jesus taught is possible. And I think that the way of Jesus is the best possible way to live. This isn't irrational or primitive or blind faith. It is merely being honest that we all are living a "way." I'm convinced being generous is a better way to live. I'm convinced forgiving people and not carrying around bitterness is a better way to live. I'm convinced having compassion is a better way to live. I'm convinced pursuing peace in every situation is a better way to live. I'm convinced listening to the wisdom of others is a better way to live. I'm convinced being honest with people is a better way to live. This way of thinking isn't weird or strange; it is simply acknowledging that everybody follows somebody, and I'm trying to follow Jesus."

What would the world look like if we started living generous, forgiving, compassionate, peaceful, open, honest lives?

Giving Generously...Giving Cheerfully

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work...You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."
(2 Corinthians 9:6-8, 11)

I think this passage of Scripture is quite interesting. It calls us to give generously and cheerfully. We are called to give from our hearts. We are called to be abundant in doing good. As we find ourselves being blessed, it isn't so we can store up things for ourselves but it's in order for us be even more generous in our giving.

I know there have been times when I have given my time, talents, and finances out of a sense of duty...I know there have been times when I have given reluctantly. God calls us to search our hearts in our giving so that we can be generous and cheerful givers...rich in good deeds.

Maybe you are already a cheerful and generous giver...But, if you're not, what would it take to get to that point? For some, that may mean cutting back some of what we do and give in order to focus more on the things that God has really called us to give our time, talents, and finances to. For others, it may mean giving more of our time, talents, and finances to the things that God has laid on our hearts. For me, I find that I am able to become cheerful and generous in the giving of my time, talents, and finances when I'm focused on glorifying God through each and every situation I find myself in.

I know I'm just rambling on...I just want to see more of us giving cheerfully...You should see the looks people have on their faces when it's time to pass the offering plates!

Giving and Contentment

"...Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief's." (1 Timothy 6:6-10).

We've all seen it before...a person gets lost in the pursuit of happiness. And, if you live in the USA, it seems like the pursuit of happiness means the pursuit of financial prosperity. Walk into the Christian bookstore and you'll see all kinds of books that talk about finding financial freedom, financial blessings, and the blessing of many possessions. I read not long ago a statement that said, "We live in most blessed nation, in some of the most blessed times and yet much of our Christian literature is focused on how we can become more blessed." Don't believe me? Just go to the Christian bookstore and look through some of the books.

While I don't believe financial prosperity is a bad thing, I do think focusing on financial prosperity can be dangerous...Paul's words to Timothy seem to warn us of that. It's all about a proper perspective. I've talked about this before...If we are financially blessed (which, if you live in the US you are automatically financially blessed compared to the rest of the world), it's okay as long as our focus is on Christ and what we can give, rather than what we can get. If our lives are continually focused on moving up to the next step on the ladder, well, I'm not sure we have the proper perspective.

Paul calls for us to be content with what we have...That's a good word for me! I'll be honest...I get caught up in the materialistic, consumer-driven society that we live in. I'd love to have a Porsche Carrera GT. I'd love to not have to worry about paying bills. So, this call to be content with what we have is a bit of a challenge. I can pay lip service to and say, "Yeah, I'm content." But, I'm not sure I truly am.

Paul goes on in 1 Timothy 6 to say, "Flee from all of this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness..."Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant not to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (verses 11, 17-19).

We should all be looking for ways to be "rich in good deeds, to be generous and willing to share"...no matter how much or how little we feel we have. "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measure to you." (Luke 6:38)

So, be content with what you have and give all you can!

Doing Good or Damage

This morning, I saw a picture of a man holding up a cross at the scramble light on the Ball State University Campus. The caption talked about how the man and his family yelled at students passing by, warning them of the impending judgment day and that the students needed to repent or they would burn in hell. The caption also talked how various student groups came and tried to urge the man and his family to leave...

I'm sitting here pondering this whole thing...When I was a student on the BSU campus, I used to sit around and listen to the various "street-preachers" telling us that we were all sinners doomed to burn in hell forever unless we repented. While I knew this was true, I was always offended at the nature of how this message was proclaimed. It seemed to come out of a spirit of hate rather than a spirit of love. I always had feelings of judgment and anger, rather than grace and mercy...So, I wonder what students that don't know Jesus think about this stuff.

I'm going to venture over to campus this afternoon to see if this guy is still out there. I want to watch the reaction of the students and maybe ask him a few questions.

My big issue with this is I wonder if the actions of this family are doing more damage to the Message of Christ than good? I'm sure they feel like they are doing the right thing...But, I just can't get this thought out of my head that this style of Bible-thumping, fire & brimstone, turn or burn evangelism is turning more people off to the message of grace and hope and love than it is bringing towards Christ.

I just wonder if maybe this family would make a larger impact if they handed out free meals, free cups of coffee, and just told people that Jesus loves them???

Set An Example

Today, I was doing some reading...I came across a very familiar verse of Scripture...When I was a youth pastor, I used this verse on a regular basis (meaning at least once a year I'd make reference to this verse)...And, almost every junior or senior high camp I've been a part of has used this verse in some manner.

Here's the verse:

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)

What struck me this morning about this verse is how much focus is put on the first part of this verse..."Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young." Some youth ministries I'm familiar with use this as their battle cry. It is a good thing...a call to stand up...a call to not be intimidated because of ones age.

So, this morning, I'm being challenged to think more about the second part of this verse..."set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." I think those of us who many be considered "young" could make an incredible impact on our churches, our communities, our world if we would take seriously the call to set an example.

My question for you to ponder this morning is "What kind of an example are you setting for those around you?"

Troubled

This morning I'm deeply disturbed by the re-zoning approval for an Ag Park surrounding Shideler.

It appears that the prosperity of a few outweighs the negative effects this will have on many living in and around Shideler.

While the approval of this re-zoning does not guarantee that ag businesses will come into the area, it seems inevitable. It sounds like, because so many areas refuse to let this type of business come in due to pollution and other negative effects, they are lining up.

However, it seems like the planning commission rushed into a decision. It seems as though Joe Russell and his posse communicated that if we failed to approve this now, the businesses would move on to another area.

Question: If this is the next big thing and there are all kinds of options, would it really hurt to put it off a while longer to better examine the proposal?

Some farmers in favor of this were blasting Commissioner Brooke's proposal to include local regulations of the facilities. They said they already have enough regulations from the federal and state levels....Hmm...

If that's the case, why does a farmer outside of Eaton who runs a CAFO continually get brought up on charges for improper disposal of waste? Why does he continually pay fines in the tens-of-thousands? Probably because the state and federal regulations are not adequate and any fines he faces are less than the costs of proper disposal.

This is a mess...My hope is that, though the zoning has been approved, the potential companies looking to come into the area will find another, more suitable place to go.

Giving

This month at Center Chapel, our focus is on giving. I really think it seems like a natural progression from last months focus on prayer. Anyway, from time to time, I'll probably share some of my thoughts on giving here(as I won't be preaching during the three week series, I'll be getting us started with our Advent journey on November 27th).

As I think about giving, I often think about how it is somewhat foreign to our individualistic, consumer-driven society. We live in a culture that is focused on earning all we can and getting all we can...a nicer car, a bigger house, designer clothes, fancy vacations, $4 cups of coffee, whatever else we may desire. There are even "Christian" leaders that tell us to pursue these desires, these wants. I heard a guy say that we should do everything we can do to get what we want...because we wouldn't want something if God didn't want us to have it. That thought is weird to me, because I read Paul's words in Romans 7 that tell us how they things we want to do we don't do and the things we don't want to do, we do. So, that would tell me that maybe, just maybe not all of our desires are things God wants for us...But, that's going in another direction than giving...sort of.

If we are continually focusing on getting a higher paying job, with better benefits so we can buy a nicer house in a nicer neighborhood...then maybe we have the wrong focus. Look at these words of Christ and think about what they are trying to tell us about giving:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be." (Matthew 6:19-21).

I know it sounds like I'm bashing the pursuit of comfort...and that's not all together true. I guess I'm trying to expose our motives and our focus. Is our focus on what we can give away or what we can get?

With a proper focus, we can use our earthly possessions and prosperity to further Gods Kingdom. Dallas Willard says that "possessions and prosperity can allow us to give much more away and do much more good for others and the promotion of God's purposes." So, the more we have, the more we can do. John Wesley said one should "gain all you can, save all you can, and give all you can." I'll talk more about Wesley's comments on a later day...but they do allow us to gain the proper perspective...the more I have, the more I can do to advance God's Kingdom.

What can you give?

Listen

Often, when we talk about prayer, we talk about the importance of listening while we pray. I don't know about you, but, for me listening is one of the most difficult aspects of prayer. By the time I get done praising God for who He is, confessing/repenting of my sins, offering up all kinds of requests, and thanking God for listening, I hardly have the energy or focus to listen.

I think I probably need to set aside some time simply to listen to what God is trying to say to me. Often, I'll read a passage of Scripture and quickly say, "God, what are you trying to say to me through this passage?" Then, I'll rapidly move on to my next "task" for the morning. Or I'll be praying and attempt to listen, but I must have ADD or something because I often stop listening within a few seconds of starting to listen. I guess I just assume that if God wants to say something to me, He'll get my attention. In all honesty, I guess that's just laziness on my part. I'm too lazy to listen. Sometimes we cover up our laziness with busy-ness. You know what I mean? We look really busy...but, in reality, we're avoiding things that we aren't disciplined enough to do..."I can't really take time to listen right now because I've got to get dinner ready, I've got an appointment, I've got to make a phone call, I've got to ______."

This morning, the importance of listening is on my mind. I guess it came up during my morning prayer time...as I realized my lack of listening...and as I read the following statement:

"In the silence of my innermost being, in the fragments of my yearned-for wholeness, can I hear the whispers of God's presence?

I'm struck by a couple of things here...a) Do I quiet myself enough (in a given day, let alone ever) to hear God's whispers? b) the whole thought of yearning for wholeness...it just strikes me...we're all looking for wholeness...some of us look for it in different ways...I've found the only healthy way to pursue wholeness is to pursue Christ.

Hello Baby

Yesterday, Emily and I heard the heartbeat of our first child! It was really amazing. At first, it was really hard to hear (Emily knew what she was hearing immediately). So, the nurse got a louder monitor and we could hear the beat loud and clear...160 bpm! She said 120-170 is normal because babies have resting and active stages. She said it could have been high because it was moving around or because she was messing around in that area or because Emily had two pop tarts and a root beer prior to her appointment! It was absolutely awesome!