He had no burial insurance but plenty of life assurance.
A prominent churchman will be buried this week, thanks to help from friends who have collected the money necessary to bury him. He spent a lifetime working in the church, helping the poor, and lifting the spirits of others. In fact, he used most of his personal resources in the service of others.
One of the areas of his personal life he left undone was to secure insurance on his life to bury himself and care for his wife in the event of his death. He left her with the bill for his funeral and no means of sustaining herself; she depended solely on him.
He was a dutiful husband in life. He made the ends meet. His heart was big, so big that he gave and gave and gave until there was nothing more.
Like him, there are many today without life insurance, not to mention medical coverage. With all of the other problems they have in life some have decided to roll the dice and risk each day's outcome, hoping they will never need healthcare or death coverage.
There is a bright side, though. My friend may not have had a burial insurance, but his faith bought him a "life assurance" that requires no premiums because it was paid in full on Calvary.
1 Timothy 3:13 "Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."
I know I have the assurance of life everlasting, but I think I'll check my policies to make sure I have enough insurance to care for those I may leave behind.
I plan to pay premiums for a few more decades.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
I saw the movie Invictus, then remembered the last four lines of the poem
I watched Invictus; it was extremely powerful
I'm considerably late, but I watched the movie "Invictus" last night. It was a very powerful, engaging and inspiring account of Nelson Mandela's struggle as the first black president of South Africa, especially after spending 27 years in prison for speaking against Apartheid.
Morgan Freeman as Mandela gave an Academy award level performance as he depicted Mandela trying to tear down the walls of racial hatred including black hatred. It also addressed several other important themes including:
--Forgiveness is a powerful weapon that creates better human relationships.
--True leadership is not a popularity contest
--We must exceed our own expectations
I was clearly awed by the poem "Invictus" which I was required to read in high school. An old English Teacher made us read the poem and memorize the last four lines. Each one of us had to stand in class and recite the last four lines. So today poem's last lines linger:
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Mandela showed the powerless masses of South Africa that they could either accept conditions or change them. He derived his strength and inspiration from the poem "Invictus" by William Henley, but there are thousands of Christians who do the same thing, deriving their strength not from a poem but from the Lord.
Isaiah 40:29 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
In High School I was a young idealist who internalized the words of "Invictus." Today, I'm an old idealist who has changed the last lines of Invictus to read:
I am the master of my fate:
Christ is the captain of my soul.
I'm considerably late, but I watched the movie "Invictus" last night. It was a very powerful, engaging and inspiring account of Nelson Mandela's struggle as the first black president of South Africa, especially after spending 27 years in prison for speaking against Apartheid.
Morgan Freeman as Mandela gave an Academy award level performance as he depicted Mandela trying to tear down the walls of racial hatred including black hatred. It also addressed several other important themes including:
--Forgiveness is a powerful weapon that creates better human relationships.
--True leadership is not a popularity contest
--We must exceed our own expectations
I was clearly awed by the poem "Invictus" which I was required to read in high school. An old English Teacher made us read the poem and memorize the last four lines. Each one of us had to stand in class and recite the last four lines. So today poem's last lines linger:
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Mandela showed the powerless masses of South Africa that they could either accept conditions or change them. He derived his strength and inspiration from the poem "Invictus" by William Henley, but there are thousands of Christians who do the same thing, deriving their strength not from a poem but from the Lord.
Isaiah 40:29 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
In High School I was a young idealist who internalized the words of "Invictus." Today, I'm an old idealist who has changed the last lines of Invictus to read:
I am the master of my fate:
Christ is the captain of my soul.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
They knew her, but fired her just like that
They knew her, but fired her just like that
It's a bad feeling when the people who know you best, believe the first thing they hear without a thought that what they they heard may have heard may not be true.
That's the case of the black woman who was a former Agriculture Department official who resigned under pressure after a video clip surfaced of her discussing how she considered giving a white farmer less than her best effort because of racial feelings she had 24 years ago.
In a video, Shirley Sherrod seems to tell an audience at an NAACP function in March that she did not do her utmost to help a white farmer avoid foreclosure.
Her bosses didn't ask her anything. They didn't check to see if the video was real or taken out of contact, she was just fired. They didn't even wait for her get back to her office she was required to pull her car over to the side of the road and text in her resignation.
However, Sherrod later said the clip only shows part of her comments, and that she tells the story of her experience -- from nearly a quarter century ago when she was not a federal employee -- to illustrate the importance of moving beyond race.
When the public saw the full video and protested and the White House responded:
"We're not sure what the ultimate result will be, but it's clear that with new information through the full speech, a longer look needed to be taken," a White House official announced the next day after her forced resignation. "The White House contacted the department last night about the case and agreed, based on her evidence, that it should be reviewed."
Sherrod said, "When you spend your life helping others and see people try to turn that around to try to make it look like you're a racist when that's not been what your life has been about -- that doesn't feel good," she said.
Those who worked with her judged her on hearsay and never bother to consider that what they heard may not have been true.
Jesus felt the same way about hid disciples. John 14:9 records this statement he made to his disciples, "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?"
Harold Melvin and Bluenotes put it this way, "If you don't know me by now, you never, never, know me."
It's a bad feeling when the people who know you best, believe the first thing they hear without a thought that what they they heard may have heard may not be true.
That's the case of the black woman who was a former Agriculture Department official who resigned under pressure after a video clip surfaced of her discussing how she considered giving a white farmer less than her best effort because of racial feelings she had 24 years ago.
In a video, Shirley Sherrod seems to tell an audience at an NAACP function in March that she did not do her utmost to help a white farmer avoid foreclosure.
Her bosses didn't ask her anything. They didn't check to see if the video was real or taken out of contact, she was just fired. They didn't even wait for her get back to her office she was required to pull her car over to the side of the road and text in her resignation.
However, Sherrod later said the clip only shows part of her comments, and that she tells the story of her experience -- from nearly a quarter century ago when she was not a federal employee -- to illustrate the importance of moving beyond race.
When the public saw the full video and protested and the White House responded:
"We're not sure what the ultimate result will be, but it's clear that with new information through the full speech, a longer look needed to be taken," a White House official announced the next day after her forced resignation. "The White House contacted the department last night about the case and agreed, based on her evidence, that it should be reviewed."
Sherrod said, "When you spend your life helping others and see people try to turn that around to try to make it look like you're a racist when that's not been what your life has been about -- that doesn't feel good," she said.
Those who worked with her judged her on hearsay and never bother to consider that what they heard may not have been true.
Jesus felt the same way about hid disciples. John 14:9 records this statement he made to his disciples, "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?"
Harold Melvin and Bluenotes put it this way, "If you don't know me by now, you never, never, know me."
Monday, July 19, 2010
He lived in the pulpit, he died in the pulpit
He lived in the pulpit, he died the way he lived!
Friday night, The Reverend David Brown, Jr. died.
The Reverend Brown was the pastor pastor of nine congregations in Louisiana and Mississippi, died Friday night during a religious service at the Calvary Baptist Church in West Monroe.
He was singing a song preparing for a sermon to be preached by another minister when he suddenly collapsed.
Last year Brown was featured nationally on the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) as one of the nations last surviving "circuit pastors." The broadcast, shown around the nation, featured Brown's role as a man who pastored multiple small congregations across Northeast Louisiana and in parts of Mississippi.
Brown was a self described country preacher who had a powerful pulpit delivery, some said that could have expanded his ministry beyond rural Louisiana if he wanted. However, Brown always explained that his mission was to bring the word of God to the area he was assigned by God to cover.
He remained faithful to that calling for over three decades.
He has officiated so many funerals and marriages that he couldn't count them, worn out two dozen cars, and preached thousands of sermons to "God's people in the rural."
"If everybody goes to the big city, who pastors the country folks?" Brown once said about his ministry. He died as he lived... in the pulpit.
This passage from Revelation says it all, Revelation 2:10 "... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
So we live on earth, so we continue to live with Him.
Friday night, The Reverend David Brown, Jr. died.
The Reverend Brown was the pastor pastor of nine congregations in Louisiana and Mississippi, died Friday night during a religious service at the Calvary Baptist Church in West Monroe.
He was singing a song preparing for a sermon to be preached by another minister when he suddenly collapsed.
Last year Brown was featured nationally on the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) as one of the nations last surviving "circuit pastors." The broadcast, shown around the nation, featured Brown's role as a man who pastored multiple small congregations across Northeast Louisiana and in parts of Mississippi.
Brown was a self described country preacher who had a powerful pulpit delivery, some said that could have expanded his ministry beyond rural Louisiana if he wanted. However, Brown always explained that his mission was to bring the word of God to the area he was assigned by God to cover.
He remained faithful to that calling for over three decades.
He has officiated so many funerals and marriages that he couldn't count them, worn out two dozen cars, and preached thousands of sermons to "God's people in the rural."
"If everybody goes to the big city, who pastors the country folks?" Brown once said about his ministry. He died as he lived... in the pulpit.
This passage from Revelation says it all, Revelation 2:10 "... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
So we live on earth, so we continue to live with Him.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Everybody is praying for everything; does God get spam?
Too much Spam in my inbox; does God get Spam?
I get plenty of email everyday either from business, church or personal connections. I also get nearly 500 spam emails everyday; those are the ones that get through my primary spam filter and end up in my delete box. They are time consuming, nonsensical and frivolous. Some are even insulting. It gets to the point that certain names or addresses are automatically blocked because they are always spam.
Since God hears and answers all prayers, is it possible that we flood our heavenly inbox with spam prayers?
A spam prayer is one in which we ask God to do what we can do ourselves. When we ask God to visit the sick but we don't; help the poor but we won't or to create more love in the world but our hate list hasn't diminished; those are spams prayers.
Then sometimes we can be a nuisance; with frivolous prayers. We pray that the water for our coffee will be hot or that the train won't stay on the track too long. We pray for grades when we have not studied; or that that we are not pregnant when we have not abstained.
Some pray that that their favorite singer wins American Idol.
There are people who sell trick prayers guaranteed to get instant results. There are groups that offer mass prayers for jobs, money, luck, sex, and victory. It all goes up to heaven.
Mixed in there somewhere are our real prayers and concerns.
Wouldn't it be a shame to pray so many frivolous nuisance prayers that heavenly spam checkers tag our prayers as those coming from that person in Louisiana or California or New York that sends up prayers for money, cat food and winning lottery tickets. -Spam box!
I'm sure God gets spam, but He has no spam box. He hears them all and answers.
Spam prayers, though, seem to be a waste of His time.
Here's an interesting thought from Jesus himself in Matthew 6:7-8.(Msg) It says, "The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need."
I think it best for me to be selective with my prayer requests. I'll prayer about the big things, I won't bother God with the little things, He knows them all anyway.
When a prayer appears before the throne with my name on it, I would hope it is moved to the top of the pile and not shuffled to bottom with all of the spam of the day.
That's my prayer anyway! (Lol)
I get plenty of email everyday either from business, church or personal connections. I also get nearly 500 spam emails everyday; those are the ones that get through my primary spam filter and end up in my delete box. They are time consuming, nonsensical and frivolous. Some are even insulting. It gets to the point that certain names or addresses are automatically blocked because they are always spam.
Since God hears and answers all prayers, is it possible that we flood our heavenly inbox with spam prayers?
A spam prayer is one in which we ask God to do what we can do ourselves. When we ask God to visit the sick but we don't; help the poor but we won't or to create more love in the world but our hate list hasn't diminished; those are spams prayers.
Then sometimes we can be a nuisance; with frivolous prayers. We pray that the water for our coffee will be hot or that the train won't stay on the track too long. We pray for grades when we have not studied; or that that we are not pregnant when we have not abstained.
Some pray that that their favorite singer wins American Idol.
There are people who sell trick prayers guaranteed to get instant results. There are groups that offer mass prayers for jobs, money, luck, sex, and victory. It all goes up to heaven.
Mixed in there somewhere are our real prayers and concerns.
Wouldn't it be a shame to pray so many frivolous nuisance prayers that heavenly spam checkers tag our prayers as those coming from that person in Louisiana or California or New York that sends up prayers for money, cat food and winning lottery tickets. -Spam box!
I'm sure God gets spam, but He has no spam box. He hears them all and answers.
Spam prayers, though, seem to be a waste of His time.
Here's an interesting thought from Jesus himself in Matthew 6:7-8.(Msg) It says, "The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need."
I think it best for me to be selective with my prayer requests. I'll prayer about the big things, I won't bother God with the little things, He knows them all anyway.
When a prayer appears before the throne with my name on it, I would hope it is moved to the top of the pile and not shuffled to bottom with all of the spam of the day.
That's my prayer anyway! (Lol)
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Why do we take pictures of ourselves with our cellphones?
New trend: Taking a picture of yourself with your cellphone.
Have you paid any attention to the grown number of self portraits appearing on social networking sites such as Myspace and Facebook? Increasingly there are photos of individuals taking pictures of themselves with their cell phones. Some even stand in front of mirrors to capture themselves taking a picture of themselves. It could be a very high self esteem that prompts such actions; it could also be just a touch of vanity.
Most of us are happy with ourselves. Occasionally, someone comes along and wants more hair than they inherited or eyes foreign to their DNA. However, generally we are pleased with our appearance.
Some have gone a step further; they are not simply pleased with themselves they have fallen in love with their own appearance. That's when we have an inordinate number of photos of ourselves. We jump on every photo that someone else is taking; and when that is not enough, we take our cellphones and take dozens of pictures of ourselves.
No matter how well I appear to others, I'm often very disappointed with my own self portrait. I see too many flaws in my personality; too many weaknesses, too many insecurities in areas that should be secure.
A true self portrait forces us to look deep into the mirror and observe closely what we see.
When the mirror is God's word. our reflection usually reveals distortions of which we are not proud. We won't post that picture for anyone to see. The one we want to post is the glamor shot that hides our flaws.
Rather than taking a picture of myself with my cell, I'd probably do better taking a long hard look at what I see, then try to correct as many of my obvious imperfections.
James 1:23-25 "Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror,
walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.
But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action."
I'm rather pleased with my 61 year old appearance, but I'm not pleased with the man in the mirror; that guy has too many flaws.
Have you paid any attention to the grown number of self portraits appearing on social networking sites such as Myspace and Facebook? Increasingly there are photos of individuals taking pictures of themselves with their cell phones. Some even stand in front of mirrors to capture themselves taking a picture of themselves. It could be a very high self esteem that prompts such actions; it could also be just a touch of vanity.
Most of us are happy with ourselves. Occasionally, someone comes along and wants more hair than they inherited or eyes foreign to their DNA. However, generally we are pleased with our appearance.
Some have gone a step further; they are not simply pleased with themselves they have fallen in love with their own appearance. That's when we have an inordinate number of photos of ourselves. We jump on every photo that someone else is taking; and when that is not enough, we take our cellphones and take dozens of pictures of ourselves.
No matter how well I appear to others, I'm often very disappointed with my own self portrait. I see too many flaws in my personality; too many weaknesses, too many insecurities in areas that should be secure.
A true self portrait forces us to look deep into the mirror and observe closely what we see.
When the mirror is God's word. our reflection usually reveals distortions of which we are not proud. We won't post that picture for anyone to see. The one we want to post is the glamor shot that hides our flaws.
Rather than taking a picture of myself with my cell, I'd probably do better taking a long hard look at what I see, then try to correct as many of my obvious imperfections.
James 1:23-25 "Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror,
walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.
But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action."
I'm rather pleased with my 61 year old appearance, but I'm not pleased with the man in the mirror; that guy has too many flaws.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
She was the bad driver, but he got the ticket
She did wrong, he got the ticket; a case of injustice.
Have you ever been the victim of an unjust decision? Most of us have. It's not a great feeling.
Yesterday our bus driver began negotiating at right turn in a busy Atlanta intersection. As he swung out a woman decided to squeeze pass the bus as it turned. Her move resulted in a fender bender. She apologized to the driver, saying she thought she could make it through the tiny space between the bus and curb. She was very polite, apologetic and humble. When the police arrived, both accounts were told but the officer gave the bus driver the ticket.
The driver was stunned. The lady was surprised because she fully expected to get the ticket. She drove off smiling, leaving our driver frustrated because he felt himself the victim of an injustice.
Injustices may come on a small scale in the case of fender benders or in larger situations such as racial discrimination, intimidations or unfair practices. All injustices, whether large or small, leave victims.
We are surrounded by injustice but we are encouraged to remain just ourselves, remaining firm in our faith.
Habakkuk 2:4 "Behold, ...the just shall live by his faith."
It was an injustice, but our driver is strong. He is a man of faith.
Have you ever been the victim of an unjust decision? Most of us have. It's not a great feeling.
Yesterday our bus driver began negotiating at right turn in a busy Atlanta intersection. As he swung out a woman decided to squeeze pass the bus as it turned. Her move resulted in a fender bender. She apologized to the driver, saying she thought she could make it through the tiny space between the bus and curb. She was very polite, apologetic and humble. When the police arrived, both accounts were told but the officer gave the bus driver the ticket.
The driver was stunned. The lady was surprised because she fully expected to get the ticket. She drove off smiling, leaving our driver frustrated because he felt himself the victim of an injustice.
Injustices may come on a small scale in the case of fender benders or in larger situations such as racial discrimination, intimidations or unfair practices. All injustices, whether large or small, leave victims.
We are surrounded by injustice but we are encouraged to remain just ourselves, remaining firm in our faith.
Habakkuk 2:4 "Behold, ...the just shall live by his faith."
It was an injustice, but our driver is strong. He is a man of faith.
Friday, July 09, 2010
So, Lebron made up his mind, so what about us?
Lebron made up his mind, we must decide things, too!
The nation waited anxiously last night for basketball star Lebron James to announce whether he would stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers or make a move. For seven years he was loyal to Cleveland bringing major dollars to the team but always falling short of his goal to own a championship ring. Since he is a free agent, decision time loomed. He narrowed his choices to six teams then switched back and forth between choices keeping the nation on edge.
Last night he made his choice, he chose to move to Miami and play with the Miami Heat.
Life is about choices. We choose whom we play with; we choose our own team.
There are many who make choices about whether to choose to live a Christian life or one that is contrary to God's will. We choose the high road or the low road. Some of us switch back and forth between the two without really making a choice.
We have to choose a team because all of heaven waits our decision. LeBron James' basketball choice was made in line with his personal goal. He left $30 million on the table to do it.
We have to make choices in line with our goals as well. Some choices are hard and may cause us to leave a lot on the table but they are necessary to get where we are trying to go.
The world has made us an offer.
God has made us an offer, too, backed up by the blood of Christ and confirmation of the Holy Spirit.
1 Kings 18:21 (MSG)Elijah challenged the people: "How long are you going to sit on the fence? If GOD is the real God, follow him; if it's Baal, follow him. Make up your minds!"
Make your move.
The nation waited anxiously last night for basketball star Lebron James to announce whether he would stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers or make a move. For seven years he was loyal to Cleveland bringing major dollars to the team but always falling short of his goal to own a championship ring. Since he is a free agent, decision time loomed. He narrowed his choices to six teams then switched back and forth between choices keeping the nation on edge.
Last night he made his choice, he chose to move to Miami and play with the Miami Heat.
Life is about choices. We choose whom we play with; we choose our own team.
There are many who make choices about whether to choose to live a Christian life or one that is contrary to God's will. We choose the high road or the low road. Some of us switch back and forth between the two without really making a choice.
We have to choose a team because all of heaven waits our decision. LeBron James' basketball choice was made in line with his personal goal. He left $30 million on the table to do it.
We have to make choices in line with our goals as well. Some choices are hard and may cause us to leave a lot on the table but they are necessary to get where we are trying to go.
The world has made us an offer.
God has made us an offer, too, backed up by the blood of Christ and confirmation of the Holy Spirit.
1 Kings 18:21 (MSG)Elijah challenged the people: "How long are you going to sit on the fence? If GOD is the real God, follow him; if it's Baal, follow him. Make up your minds!"
Make your move.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
They named me the barbecue king? Even I laughed!
They named me King of the Pit. Me, the barbecue king? Ha, Ha!
Sunday, our church celebrated the 4th of July with a worship service followed by a big barbecue. All persons in attendance were treated to plates of barbecue ribs, chicken, baked beans, salads, etc. The men of the church participated in the annual "King of the Pit" contest to determine the congregation's barbecue king. There was also a potato salad contest as well.
I entered the contest for the fellowship. I barbecue once in every blue moon. I don't really consider myself very good, probably passable. I set up my pit the day before and relaxed while I barbecued my portion of ribs and chicken. I read my bible, knocked out half of a watermelon and basically relaxed. Then I mixed my sauce. I like sugar, cat sup and other items added to the off the shelf brand of sauce I use. I bathed my little rib and chicken samples in my sauce.
If a part of the meat didn't appeal to my eye, I added more sauce on it.
After the worship they presented me with a trophy as the "King of the Pit"
Who me?
I wasn't trying to win. I was just having fun. They said it was tasty and neck and neck with the first runner up, but I won.
They said the difference was my sauce.
I thought the honor was suspicious, especially since my wife was named potato salad queen. They insisted that the judges didn't know the names of the contestants and the results were real.
The runnerup's meat was just right, tenderized and perfectly cooked, but it had no sauce. Just a touch of sauce would have made the difference.
I guess life is the same way. We are all a little singhed, tough to swallow at times and not really pleasing to ourselves. However, terrible we see our lives we are often not judged by our overcooked or singhed edges but by the fruit of our spirit and the labor of our hands.
That may make the difference.
There is a bible passage that tells about our "sauce" Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
I don't think I'm the King of the Pit by any means, but I did have a mighty tasty sauce!
Sunday, our church celebrated the 4th of July with a worship service followed by a big barbecue. All persons in attendance were treated to plates of barbecue ribs, chicken, baked beans, salads, etc. The men of the church participated in the annual "King of the Pit" contest to determine the congregation's barbecue king. There was also a potato salad contest as well.
I entered the contest for the fellowship. I barbecue once in every blue moon. I don't really consider myself very good, probably passable. I set up my pit the day before and relaxed while I barbecued my portion of ribs and chicken. I read my bible, knocked out half of a watermelon and basically relaxed. Then I mixed my sauce. I like sugar, cat sup and other items added to the off the shelf brand of sauce I use. I bathed my little rib and chicken samples in my sauce.
If a part of the meat didn't appeal to my eye, I added more sauce on it.
After the worship they presented me with a trophy as the "King of the Pit"
Who me?
I wasn't trying to win. I was just having fun. They said it was tasty and neck and neck with the first runner up, but I won.
They said the difference was my sauce.
I thought the honor was suspicious, especially since my wife was named potato salad queen. They insisted that the judges didn't know the names of the contestants and the results were real.
The runnerup's meat was just right, tenderized and perfectly cooked, but it had no sauce. Just a touch of sauce would have made the difference.
I guess life is the same way. We are all a little singhed, tough to swallow at times and not really pleasing to ourselves. However, terrible we see our lives we are often not judged by our overcooked or singhed edges but by the fruit of our spirit and the labor of our hands.
That may make the difference.
There is a bible passage that tells about our "sauce" Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
I don't think I'm the King of the Pit by any means, but I did have a mighty tasty sauce!
Thursday, July 01, 2010
She believes in God but not in a personal way.
She believes in God but not in a personal way.
I recently shared with a brilliant young lady who is going places in life. She obeys the law, is climbing in her career and has great prospects. She was exposed to faith training as a girl but has since adopted a different views. She told me that she believes in God but not feel that God is personal.
I told her that she will change that view when life sends her scrambling for the God of her youth for nurture, strength, protection and guidance.
In my 41 years of ministry I have encountered many who share this belief. They believe in an all powerful creator of the universe, but their belief stops there. They feel no need for worship, fellowship with other believers or study of His word. They especially reject any formalities or limitations that may be associated with anything beyond a simple belief in a divine creator.
They believe in God. That's enough for them.
That works fine until we need God to respond to our life situation but our lack of faith keeps Him at a distance.
I believe that God is a person and is personal. As such, God loves: creates, destroys, angers, cares, rewards and punishes, saves, forgives and blesses. Since God is personal, we each have our own unique ID through which he identifies with us, hears us, guides us, correct us and opens doors for us.
Only those who believe in a personal God pray, otherwise prayer is a useless exercise because God does not take calls from mere mortals unless He's personal.
The trick in life is to allow God to be personal with us. In our thoughts we commune with Him and share our aspirations. In return He shares with us through inspiration, spiritual epiphanies, and teachable moments. When we pray we invite God into our business. Once invited God encourages, strengthens, inspires and renews. He also troubles us when we break or bend His rules; He works on our conscience.
It is the personal God who answers our prayers, lifts us when we we down, and gives us that second or third chance to get it right when we have failed.
Believing in God is the first step of faith. The second is to open the door of your heart and invite Him in. He knocks and waits for the invitation.
Revelation 3:20 "I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and sit down to supper with you."
When call on Him, we open the door and let Him in. That's when our lives change for the better.
Those who know Him personally begin to live fully functional, happy, blessed lives that meet life's challenge with the confidence that the God they believe in knows them personally and will hear their prayers and direct their paths.
I recently shared with a brilliant young lady who is going places in life. She obeys the law, is climbing in her career and has great prospects. She was exposed to faith training as a girl but has since adopted a different views. She told me that she believes in God but not feel that God is personal.
I told her that she will change that view when life sends her scrambling for the God of her youth for nurture, strength, protection and guidance.
In my 41 years of ministry I have encountered many who share this belief. They believe in an all powerful creator of the universe, but their belief stops there. They feel no need for worship, fellowship with other believers or study of His word. They especially reject any formalities or limitations that may be associated with anything beyond a simple belief in a divine creator.
They believe in God. That's enough for them.
That works fine until we need God to respond to our life situation but our lack of faith keeps Him at a distance.
I believe that God is a person and is personal. As such, God loves: creates, destroys, angers, cares, rewards and punishes, saves, forgives and blesses. Since God is personal, we each have our own unique ID through which he identifies with us, hears us, guides us, correct us and opens doors for us.
Only those who believe in a personal God pray, otherwise prayer is a useless exercise because God does not take calls from mere mortals unless He's personal.
The trick in life is to allow God to be personal with us. In our thoughts we commune with Him and share our aspirations. In return He shares with us through inspiration, spiritual epiphanies, and teachable moments. When we pray we invite God into our business. Once invited God encourages, strengthens, inspires and renews. He also troubles us when we break or bend His rules; He works on our conscience.
It is the personal God who answers our prayers, lifts us when we we down, and gives us that second or third chance to get it right when we have failed.
Believing in God is the first step of faith. The second is to open the door of your heart and invite Him in. He knocks and waits for the invitation.
Revelation 3:20 "I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and sit down to supper with you."
When call on Him, we open the door and let Him in. That's when our lives change for the better.
Those who know Him personally begin to live fully functional, happy, blessed lives that meet life's challenge with the confidence that the God they believe in knows them personally and will hear their prayers and direct their paths.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Would you pay your enemies to you allow you to fight them? That's what we are doing!
Are we paying our enemies to let us fight them?
A surprising report in the Wall Street Journal this week noted that $3 billion in cash money, shrink wrapped and loaded on pallets, has been shipped to Afghanistan. Much of the money goes to private security firms who pay off U.S. enemies to allow shipments of supplies into the country so that U.S. soldiers can turn around fight the same people we paid off.
Sound crazy?
Maybe so, but there are some in Congress who keep sounding the alarm that young men and women that we know are thinking they are supporting freedom but in actuality are dying so that we can continue lining the pockets of the big guys who run the corrupt government of the country.
Speaking before Congress yesterday, Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio raised the specter of the $12 billion shipped in pallets from the United States to Iraq just after the Bush administration's "shock and awe" bombing campaign.
"Vanity Fair reported in 2004 that 'at least $9 billion' of the cash had 'gone missing, unaccounted for,'" he noted. "$9 billion."
Kucinich continued: " Last week, the BBC reported that 'the US military has been giving tens of millions of dollars to Afghan security firms who are funneling the money to warlords.' Add to that a corrupt Afghan government underwritten by the lives of our troops ... And now reports indicate that Congress is preparing to attach $10 billion in state education funding to a $33 billion spending bill to keep the war going. Back home, millions of Americans are out of work, losing their homes, losing their savings, their pensions and their retirement security.
"We are losing our nation to lies about the necessity of war. Bring our troops home. End the war. Secure our economy."
The thought of so many have lost lives, suffered maimed bodies and destroyed futures so that the rich can get richer is frustrating.
Our only hope is in God. He doesn't like war and wants to see all war end.
Micah 5:10 says, "The day is coming" —GOD's Decree— "When there will be no more war. None."
Those who profit from war won't like that; but right now they appear to be cleaning up and pocketing billions.
God's word lingers: No more war. None.
A surprising report in the Wall Street Journal this week noted that $3 billion in cash money, shrink wrapped and loaded on pallets, has been shipped to Afghanistan. Much of the money goes to private security firms who pay off U.S. enemies to allow shipments of supplies into the country so that U.S. soldiers can turn around fight the same people we paid off.
Sound crazy?
Maybe so, but there are some in Congress who keep sounding the alarm that young men and women that we know are thinking they are supporting freedom but in actuality are dying so that we can continue lining the pockets of the big guys who run the corrupt government of the country.
Speaking before Congress yesterday, Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio raised the specter of the $12 billion shipped in pallets from the United States to Iraq just after the Bush administration's "shock and awe" bombing campaign.
"Vanity Fair reported in 2004 that 'at least $9 billion' of the cash had 'gone missing, unaccounted for,'" he noted. "$9 billion."
Kucinich continued: " Last week, the BBC reported that 'the US military has been giving tens of millions of dollars to Afghan security firms who are funneling the money to warlords.' Add to that a corrupt Afghan government underwritten by the lives of our troops ... And now reports indicate that Congress is preparing to attach $10 billion in state education funding to a $33 billion spending bill to keep the war going. Back home, millions of Americans are out of work, losing their homes, losing their savings, their pensions and their retirement security.
"We are losing our nation to lies about the necessity of war. Bring our troops home. End the war. Secure our economy."
The thought of so many have lost lives, suffered maimed bodies and destroyed futures so that the rich can get richer is frustrating.
Our only hope is in God. He doesn't like war and wants to see all war end.
Micah 5:10 says, "The day is coming" —GOD's Decree— "When there will be no more war. None."
Those who profit from war won't like that; but right now they appear to be cleaning up and pocketing billions.
God's word lingers: No more war. None.
Monday, June 28, 2010
A man with three birthdays, really four
I'm a man with three birthdays, really four!
I celebrate three birthdays. My father told me that my birthday is June 22nd. My driver's license and birth certificates list June 28th. My mother told me that my birthday is actually June 29th. She said she knew the birth certificate date was wrong but was in pain and just signed it anyway. When I lived with my father for a short time, I celebrated June 22nd. Of course, when I was with my mother for a short time, I celebrated June 29th.
That me makes a man with three birthdays, only one of which is correct. To get the right one, I celebrate all three.
There is another birthday that is not celebrated with a party, cake or candles. That was the day that I was born into the kingdom of God.
I joined the Tabernacle Baptist church in 1957 and was baptized. I was "born again" into the kingdom of God on Friday, August 12, 1966.
This idea of being born again is addressed John 3:3-5 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
So, I have all of these birthdays to celebrate, but only one of them counts.
I celebrate three birthdays. My father told me that my birthday is June 22nd. My driver's license and birth certificates list June 28th. My mother told me that my birthday is actually June 29th. She said she knew the birth certificate date was wrong but was in pain and just signed it anyway. When I lived with my father for a short time, I celebrated June 22nd. Of course, when I was with my mother for a short time, I celebrated June 29th.
That me makes a man with three birthdays, only one of which is correct. To get the right one, I celebrate all three.
There is another birthday that is not celebrated with a party, cake or candles. That was the day that I was born into the kingdom of God.
I joined the Tabernacle Baptist church in 1957 and was baptized. I was "born again" into the kingdom of God on Friday, August 12, 1966.
This idea of being born again is addressed John 3:3-5 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
So, I have all of these birthdays to celebrate, but only one of them counts.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The Boogie Man didn't get me although they said he would
I was afraid of the Boogie Man; he never showed up.
My father's home was next to the cemetery. I slept in the back room only about 15 feet from a row of tombstones that were harmless in the day but struck fear in my heart at night.
In my room, the wallpaper was loose and hung from the wall in places. However, at night the room was dark. I was alone and it seemed that someone from the graveyard was looking in the window. The hanging paper seemed to breathe. I was terrified because I was told that when I did wrong that the Boogie Man would get me. I remembered I was supposed to feed the chickens that day and didn't. I was terrified that for punishment the Boogie Man would get me. I hid my head under the covers and would not move. I was too afraid to go to the bathroom; I wet my bed. I believed that the Boogie Man would get me if I came from under the covers.
The next day I looked out the window only to learn that the graves had not opened. The wall paper still hung and that there was no one lurking in the bushes. The boogie man didn't get me.
For many years my actions were controlled by the threat that the "Boogie Man" would get me if I strayed.
The Boogie Man" is the composite of everything that we fear. He's the unseen character that lurks behind every bush, corner and turn, looking for a chance to prey on us.
The fear of failure or ridicule stops many from gaining the opportunities they should have in life. They are afraid of the Boogie Man.
God has promised to be with us in every situation. We are constantly told to have no fear as we daily work in his will. We should never be dismayed, overly frustrated or afraid.
Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
When God shows up the Boogie Man disappears.
My father's home was next to the cemetery. I slept in the back room only about 15 feet from a row of tombstones that were harmless in the day but struck fear in my heart at night.
In my room, the wallpaper was loose and hung from the wall in places. However, at night the room was dark. I was alone and it seemed that someone from the graveyard was looking in the window. The hanging paper seemed to breathe. I was terrified because I was told that when I did wrong that the Boogie Man would get me. I remembered I was supposed to feed the chickens that day and didn't. I was terrified that for punishment the Boogie Man would get me. I hid my head under the covers and would not move. I was too afraid to go to the bathroom; I wet my bed. I believed that the Boogie Man would get me if I came from under the covers.
The next day I looked out the window only to learn that the graves had not opened. The wall paper still hung and that there was no one lurking in the bushes. The boogie man didn't get me.
For many years my actions were controlled by the threat that the "Boogie Man" would get me if I strayed.
The Boogie Man" is the composite of everything that we fear. He's the unseen character that lurks behind every bush, corner and turn, looking for a chance to prey on us.
The fear of failure or ridicule stops many from gaining the opportunities they should have in life. They are afraid of the Boogie Man.
God has promised to be with us in every situation. We are constantly told to have no fear as we daily work in his will. We should never be dismayed, overly frustrated or afraid.
Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
When God shows up the Boogie Man disappears.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Are Boy Scouts crooked because they desire to be straight?
Are scouts bad because they are straight?
In recent years the Boy Scouts of America have been shunned by many people in the nation because it desires to limit its membership to young men and women who are "morally straight." Scouts also pledge themselves to be "reverent" and to respect the religious beliefs of others. That has rubbed gay groups across the country; suits have been filed, one of which reached the Supreme Court. The court ruled the scouts are a private organization and have right to be "straight."
So, across the nation scouts have been tagged as bad people and millions of dollars in donations have been lost because scouts "discriminate" against gays.
This month the City of Philadelphia lost a case in which it tried to evict scouts from their headquarters unless the scouts reversed their "morally straight" position. The city lost.
Scouts are holding their ground around the world. They teach young men to lead morally pure lives not only sexually but also in matters of family and public decorum.
The bible encourages us to be morally pure in every area of life; it is what God expects.
1 Timothy 5:22 says "Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
Three cheers for the Boy Scouts, who still choose to be straight even if it is not politically correct.
In recent years the Boy Scouts of America have been shunned by many people in the nation because it desires to limit its membership to young men and women who are "morally straight." Scouts also pledge themselves to be "reverent" and to respect the religious beliefs of others. That has rubbed gay groups across the country; suits have been filed, one of which reached the Supreme Court. The court ruled the scouts are a private organization and have right to be "straight."
So, across the nation scouts have been tagged as bad people and millions of dollars in donations have been lost because scouts "discriminate" against gays.
This month the City of Philadelphia lost a case in which it tried to evict scouts from their headquarters unless the scouts reversed their "morally straight" position. The city lost.
Scouts are holding their ground around the world. They teach young men to lead morally pure lives not only sexually but also in matters of family and public decorum.
The bible encourages us to be morally pure in every area of life; it is what God expects.
1 Timothy 5:22 says "Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
Three cheers for the Boy Scouts, who still choose to be straight even if it is not politically correct.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Chasing storms? Not me; they chase me
They chase storms, I try to stay out of their way.
A van passed me recently; it was beautifully painted "Storm chasers." It sported several pieces of equipment that indicated that chasing hurricanes, tornadoes and windstorms was the nature of its business. Storm chasers seem to enjoy the whole idea of being in the middle of a storm with cameras rolling at full blast to record its every movement. They enjoy the thrill, danger and the sudden adrenalin rush and of course, the science. Sometimes the storms they chase catch up with them and overtake them.
I do just the opposite. Like most people I don't relish storms, whether they are hurricanes or the storms of life. Instead of chasing them, I'm usually trying to go the opposite way. I'd get fired from a storm chasing job.
When it comes to storms, believers have the joy of knowing that our savior can speak to the storms of our lives and command their silence. He can still the winds and ways.
We don't have to chase life's storms they will chase us without fail. When they do, our faith points us to Jesus, to speak to the situation.
I am reminded of this truth when I read, Mark 4:39-40 which says, "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"
Storm chasers enjoy the chase; I enjoy staying away.
A van passed me recently; it was beautifully painted "Storm chasers." It sported several pieces of equipment that indicated that chasing hurricanes, tornadoes and windstorms was the nature of its business. Storm chasers seem to enjoy the whole idea of being in the middle of a storm with cameras rolling at full blast to record its every movement. They enjoy the thrill, danger and the sudden adrenalin rush and of course, the science. Sometimes the storms they chase catch up with them and overtake them.
I do just the opposite. Like most people I don't relish storms, whether they are hurricanes or the storms of life. Instead of chasing them, I'm usually trying to go the opposite way. I'd get fired from a storm chasing job.
When it comes to storms, believers have the joy of knowing that our savior can speak to the storms of our lives and command their silence. He can still the winds and ways.
We don't have to chase life's storms they will chase us without fail. When they do, our faith points us to Jesus, to speak to the situation.
I am reminded of this truth when I read, Mark 4:39-40 which says, "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"
Storm chasers enjoy the chase; I enjoy staying away.
Monday, June 21, 2010
The President praised gay fathers, then took it back
The President praised two-father families, how can that be?
Yesterday, in his Father's Day Address, President Obama praised the fathers of America, past and present, for serving as the role models. His address included words of praise for those who serve as role models and mentors for youth. However, two phrases in the address, were disturbing. He praised "two father" families and those who are showing our daughters how to be fathers.
I read it. Then, instantly I saw that others read it, because web shares were moving it around the world quickly, This morning, yesterday's message has been completely rewritten to hide what was said yesterday; the phrases that obviously endorse the gay and lesbian agenda were omitted.
It was removed, but not before the damage was done. Nothing the President says goes unnoticed.
I like President Obama personally, but I am uneasy about his willingness to use the bully pulpit of the White House to promote the Gay and Lesbian agenda, inclusive of gay marriage and endorsement of the homosexual lifestyle.
Make no mistake Gays and Lesbians are American citizens. They should be afforded every right enjoyed by every American citizen, unabridged. There should be no laws that discriminate against them for exercising their lifestyle choices.
However, the nation has no requirement to endorse, encourage or promote the lifestyle choices of individual groups of citizens.
Sexual expression is designed for the marital relationship between a man and a woman. Homosexual behavior is outside God’s created intent and desire for us.
The moral tone that God has expressed on the subject of homosexuality is reflected in many passages such as 1 Corinthians 6:9 "Don’t you know that those doing such things have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who live immoral lives, who are idol worshipers, adulterers or homosexuals—will have no share in his Kingdom."
Even though Americans have the right to engage in the homosexual lifestyle, it should not be encouraged or endorsed by the President of the United States.
It's good the President took back his endorsement of two fathers, but it never should have been given in the first place.
Yesterday, in his Father's Day Address, President Obama praised the fathers of America, past and present, for serving as the role models. His address included words of praise for those who serve as role models and mentors for youth. However, two phrases in the address, were disturbing. He praised "two father" families and those who are showing our daughters how to be fathers.
I read it. Then, instantly I saw that others read it, because web shares were moving it around the world quickly, This morning, yesterday's message has been completely rewritten to hide what was said yesterday; the phrases that obviously endorse the gay and lesbian agenda were omitted.
It was removed, but not before the damage was done. Nothing the President says goes unnoticed.
I like President Obama personally, but I am uneasy about his willingness to use the bully pulpit of the White House to promote the Gay and Lesbian agenda, inclusive of gay marriage and endorsement of the homosexual lifestyle.
Make no mistake Gays and Lesbians are American citizens. They should be afforded every right enjoyed by every American citizen, unabridged. There should be no laws that discriminate against them for exercising their lifestyle choices.
However, the nation has no requirement to endorse, encourage or promote the lifestyle choices of individual groups of citizens.
Sexual expression is designed for the marital relationship between a man and a woman. Homosexual behavior is outside God’s created intent and desire for us.
The moral tone that God has expressed on the subject of homosexuality is reflected in many passages such as 1 Corinthians 6:9 "Don’t you know that those doing such things have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who live immoral lives, who are idol worshipers, adulterers or homosexuals—will have no share in his Kingdom."
Even though Americans have the right to engage in the homosexual lifestyle, it should not be encouraged or endorsed by the President of the United States.
It's good the President took back his endorsement of two fathers, but it never should have been given in the first place.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
"You just like your daddy"; Compliment or insult?
You just like your daddy! Is that an insult or a compliment?
There are many who don't celebrate Father's Day because their memories of father are not flattering. To some, father is just the name on a child support check, a blank line on a birth certificate, or a weekend visitor, but not a loving presence.
This thinking is reflected in many popular songs over the years. Lowell Folsum started it all with a song called "Tramp" in which he criticized his father severely but praised him for being a lover. Otis Redding and Carla Thomas later came out with their version of "Tramp" with Redding saying he had no money, bragged much and had little but he too was a lover.
Joe Tex also sampled Lowell Folsum's song with a popular song called, "Papa was too." In it Papa was projected as a man who was poor, wouldn't work and "covered the holes of shoes with the daily news." His redeeming factor? He was a lover.
Most memorable is the hit by the Temptations: "Papa was a rolling stone" a song that depicted papa as a man who moved from woman and very irresponsible and unstable, but he too was a lover.
Those song paint a dreary picture of fathers. They characterized as no counts whose only asset was their ability to make love and babies. Many today have the same image of their fathers.
But along comes Luther Vandross who lifted the spirit of millions who have fond memories of their fathers when he produced, "Dance with my father again." He painted a picture of a loving dad who cared for his daughter and loved his wife till death.
They were beautiful lyrics:
Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around �til I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved
If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him
I�d play a song that would never, ever end
How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
The ultimate depiction of a father's love is this:
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
No matter how many bad attributes fathers have; they all have a few positives,too. We are a summary of of everything all that father is or was; both the good and the bad.
It's those positives that endear us and make some yearn to "Dance with my father again."
There are many who don't celebrate Father's Day because their memories of father are not flattering. To some, father is just the name on a child support check, a blank line on a birth certificate, or a weekend visitor, but not a loving presence.
This thinking is reflected in many popular songs over the years. Lowell Folsum started it all with a song called "Tramp" in which he criticized his father severely but praised him for being a lover. Otis Redding and Carla Thomas later came out with their version of "Tramp" with Redding saying he had no money, bragged much and had little but he too was a lover.
Joe Tex also sampled Lowell Folsum's song with a popular song called, "Papa was too." In it Papa was projected as a man who was poor, wouldn't work and "covered the holes of shoes with the daily news." His redeeming factor? He was a lover.
Most memorable is the hit by the Temptations: "Papa was a rolling stone" a song that depicted papa as a man who moved from woman and very irresponsible and unstable, but he too was a lover.
Those song paint a dreary picture of fathers. They characterized as no counts whose only asset was their ability to make love and babies. Many today have the same image of their fathers.
But along comes Luther Vandross who lifted the spirit of millions who have fond memories of their fathers when he produced, "Dance with my father again." He painted a picture of a loving dad who cared for his daughter and loved his wife till death.
They were beautiful lyrics:
Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around �til I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved
If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him
I�d play a song that would never, ever end
How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
The ultimate depiction of a father's love is this:
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
No matter how many bad attributes fathers have; they all have a few positives,too. We are a summary of of everything all that father is or was; both the good and the bad.
It's those positives that endear us and make some yearn to "Dance with my father again."
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Grits in one minute, what about an 8 minute sermon?
One minute grits, now the 8 minute sermon!
I was really amused to read that the Pope has recommended that all of the Catholic Church's priests and deacons shorten their sermons, called homilies, to 8 minutes. The Pope reasons that people have short attention spans, so priests should get to the point quickly. He made their job even harder because he also recommended that their sermons address the issues and concerns of the day; all in eight minutes.
One priest in Ireland took it one step further. He has cut the sermon out altogether. He offers his parishioners a full 15 minute worship, without the sermon; attendance doubled.
Eight minutes won't won't work among evangelicals. It certainly won't work among traditional Black Baptists like myself. It sometimes takes us 8 minutes to read the text and say, "The Lord has been good to us; better than we have been to ourselves."
An eight minute sermon? What will that do to the people who can only sleep at church? It will ruin their sleep! Those who send texts during the sermon won't have enough time to complete their conversations?
On the other hand those who actually come to hear a word from the Lord could be cheated. They blocked out several hours for their worship experience, the highlight of which is "A word from the Lord." Some drive long distances, wait in traffic and undergo severe weather for the expressed purpose of hearing "The Word." Obviously, there are times that they are relieved to receive a "quickie" but most prefer that their minister would give them a full serving.
In many black rural churches a deacon will yell out, "Take your time, Reverend, take your time."
Somehow the appeal of the 8 minute sermon is lost on those who truly want to hear an inspired message from heaven. These are the faithful who come to worship and praise, but dare not leave until they learn from God's watchman, the thoughts God has put on his heart for them; however long it takes.
They are like the people in Isaiah 21:11-12 who asked, "He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come."
We all want to hear from the watchman who stands on the wall of our future, what will the night bring; is there hope for the coming morning?
Wouldn't it be a shame if just before the pastor came to the part of the sermon that offered us hope and inspiration that he looked at his watch and said, "Sorry, 8 minutes have passed; that's it for today."
8 minutes sounds like a great idea, but on second thought won't serve any purpose whatsoever.
When the quickie becomes what's regular then the next alternative is to have no word at all.
Some would like that..
I wouldn't.
I was really amused to read that the Pope has recommended that all of the Catholic Church's priests and deacons shorten their sermons, called homilies, to 8 minutes. The Pope reasons that people have short attention spans, so priests should get to the point quickly. He made their job even harder because he also recommended that their sermons address the issues and concerns of the day; all in eight minutes.
One priest in Ireland took it one step further. He has cut the sermon out altogether. He offers his parishioners a full 15 minute worship, without the sermon; attendance doubled.
Eight minutes won't won't work among evangelicals. It certainly won't work among traditional Black Baptists like myself. It sometimes takes us 8 minutes to read the text and say, "The Lord has been good to us; better than we have been to ourselves."
An eight minute sermon? What will that do to the people who can only sleep at church? It will ruin their sleep! Those who send texts during the sermon won't have enough time to complete their conversations?
On the other hand those who actually come to hear a word from the Lord could be cheated. They blocked out several hours for their worship experience, the highlight of which is "A word from the Lord." Some drive long distances, wait in traffic and undergo severe weather for the expressed purpose of hearing "The Word." Obviously, there are times that they are relieved to receive a "quickie" but most prefer that their minister would give them a full serving.
In many black rural churches a deacon will yell out, "Take your time, Reverend, take your time."
Somehow the appeal of the 8 minute sermon is lost on those who truly want to hear an inspired message from heaven. These are the faithful who come to worship and praise, but dare not leave until they learn from God's watchman, the thoughts God has put on his heart for them; however long it takes.
They are like the people in Isaiah 21:11-12 who asked, "He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come."
We all want to hear from the watchman who stands on the wall of our future, what will the night bring; is there hope for the coming morning?
Wouldn't it be a shame if just before the pastor came to the part of the sermon that offered us hope and inspiration that he looked at his watch and said, "Sorry, 8 minutes have passed; that's it for today."
8 minutes sounds like a great idea, but on second thought won't serve any purpose whatsoever.
When the quickie becomes what's regular then the next alternative is to have no word at all.
Some would like that..
I wouldn't.
Friday, June 18, 2010
If it's still there after four hours- ha ha ha-hee hee
Have you seen the disclaimers on TV ads? They are hilarious!
TV ads often carry some type of disclaimer or warning. Sometimes the disclaimer is longer than the commercial.
When you think about it, many church members have disclaimers on their godly relationship. Our official commercial says, "I am a Church member. I believe in God. I am a follower of Christ."
Then the disclaimer comes:
"The faith I talk about on Sunday may not be reflected in my everyday living so any recordings or videos of what I say and do cannot be made without my written permission. Be advised that my actions are subject to change without notice. If any of my actions resemble actual Christians, living or dead, it is purely unintentional.
I can be washed in the blood but hand washed only in water warmed to my pleasing. Handle me with care and do not expose me to any situations that may bend me, fold me or otherwise get on my last nerve.
I am a Christian but this claim is void where it is prohibited or unpopular. You must accept me on an "as is basis" without any warranties expressed or implied.
Be on guard when you hear me speak because some of you may find my language objectionable with explicit lyrics, so parental guidance is advised.
I am able to show love in limited quantities on a one time per day per family basis, but I don't always come with a pleasant attitude, some assembly is required.
I'm a church member but I don't do much, you see, action figures are sold separately. I don't pray much so I don't have much power and batteries are not included.
If your dealings with me result in rash behavior, irritating conversation or swelling develops discontinue your dealings with me for a while. I must not be placed in stressful or flammable situations because I blow easily; I must not be punctured, cracked on or laughed at or I could be hazardous to your health.
I'm saved but don't deal with me if you see that my safety seal has been broken or tampered with by the devil. Sometimes I might make you sick to your stomach, if so, do not induce vomiting and if my behavior persists remember me in your prayers.
If I promise you anything allow four to six weeks for delivery but don't expect me to help in case of flood, hurricanes, lighting, volcanic eruption, tsunami, earthquakes, oil spills or acts of God unless you pay me.
I tend to get settled in my ways so shake well before using me in any service. Being a church member is easy but being a Christian could be a challenge. If you see me acting as a Christian I am dysfunctional; if this condition exists for more than four hours, something is seriously wrong consult a physician at once.
Should we be ashamed and disclaim our faith? Romans 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.
See you in four hours. LOL
TV ads often carry some type of disclaimer or warning. Sometimes the disclaimer is longer than the commercial.
When you think about it, many church members have disclaimers on their godly relationship. Our official commercial says, "I am a Church member. I believe in God. I am a follower of Christ."
Then the disclaimer comes:
"The faith I talk about on Sunday may not be reflected in my everyday living so any recordings or videos of what I say and do cannot be made without my written permission. Be advised that my actions are subject to change without notice. If any of my actions resemble actual Christians, living or dead, it is purely unintentional.
I can be washed in the blood but hand washed only in water warmed to my pleasing. Handle me with care and do not expose me to any situations that may bend me, fold me or otherwise get on my last nerve.
I am a Christian but this claim is void where it is prohibited or unpopular. You must accept me on an "as is basis" without any warranties expressed or implied.
Be on guard when you hear me speak because some of you may find my language objectionable with explicit lyrics, so parental guidance is advised.
I am able to show love in limited quantities on a one time per day per family basis, but I don't always come with a pleasant attitude, some assembly is required.
I'm a church member but I don't do much, you see, action figures are sold separately. I don't pray much so I don't have much power and batteries are not included.
If your dealings with me result in rash behavior, irritating conversation or swelling develops discontinue your dealings with me for a while. I must not be placed in stressful or flammable situations because I blow easily; I must not be punctured, cracked on or laughed at or I could be hazardous to your health.
I'm saved but don't deal with me if you see that my safety seal has been broken or tampered with by the devil. Sometimes I might make you sick to your stomach, if so, do not induce vomiting and if my behavior persists remember me in your prayers.
If I promise you anything allow four to six weeks for delivery but don't expect me to help in case of flood, hurricanes, lighting, volcanic eruption, tsunami, earthquakes, oil spills or acts of God unless you pay me.
I tend to get settled in my ways so shake well before using me in any service. Being a church member is easy but being a Christian could be a challenge. If you see me acting as a Christian I am dysfunctional; if this condition exists for more than four hours, something is seriously wrong consult a physician at once.
Should we be ashamed and disclaim our faith? Romans 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.
See you in four hours. LOL
Thursday, June 17, 2010
She called the mortician and he was glad
Who encourages those who encourage others? Does anyone care about the caregiver?
A while back, there was a power outage in our city nearly everyone was powerless. We were prepared with an ample supply of batteries, candles and other necessities. We thought of the local funeral director and my wife picked up the phone and called him to inquire about his safety and to offer assistance. To our surprise he was floored by the outreach.
"In all my years of reaching out to others no one has ever asked me how I was doing or offered to help me," he said. He didn't need any help but the thought has lingered with him continuously and serves as an encouragement in lonely times, that someone does care about him.
He helped thousands of families through their grief; he inquired about and cared for them long after their mourning ended, but no one ever called back.
After many years, someone actually inquired about his well being, he was encouraged, strengthened and inspired.
We have a responsibility to encourage each other, especially those who are facing difficulties. A word of sincere interest and concern helps. That's why we are taught to encourage each other. In a way, we hold each other's hand in crises and draw strength from each other to continue.
We need a little more hand holding as we strive to survive and thrive in this life.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 says, "holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into his own kingdom, into this delightful life.
That one phone call to the mortician was a witnessesing moment that he has shared with hundreds of others. What would happen if thousands of us made one encouraging call a day?
Try it.
A while back, there was a power outage in our city nearly everyone was powerless. We were prepared with an ample supply of batteries, candles and other necessities. We thought of the local funeral director and my wife picked up the phone and called him to inquire about his safety and to offer assistance. To our surprise he was floored by the outreach.
"In all my years of reaching out to others no one has ever asked me how I was doing or offered to help me," he said. He didn't need any help but the thought has lingered with him continuously and serves as an encouragement in lonely times, that someone does care about him.
He helped thousands of families through their grief; he inquired about and cared for them long after their mourning ended, but no one ever called back.
After many years, someone actually inquired about his well being, he was encouraged, strengthened and inspired.
We have a responsibility to encourage each other, especially those who are facing difficulties. A word of sincere interest and concern helps. That's why we are taught to encourage each other. In a way, we hold each other's hand in crises and draw strength from each other to continue.
We need a little more hand holding as we strive to survive and thrive in this life.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 says, "holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into his own kingdom, into this delightful life.
That one phone call to the mortician was a witnessesing moment that he has shared with hundreds of others. What would happen if thousands of us made one encouraging call a day?
Try it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)