We gathered this morning for worship and began the season of Advent. For the next few weeks we will be getting ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior. There are some things we may do to help prepare.
1. We may look forward with hope. As certainly as God has remembered His people through history He continues to do so. These are days to remember that though clouds form and struggles ensue God is with us. (Don't mistake the fact that God is with us for some notion that this makes life easy and always a bed of roses. You might want to read the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis and note that when he was sold by his brothers, falsely accused and jailed -- God was with him.) Our hope for today, the future and eternity is in God.
2. We experience joy. Christmas is potentially the most joyful celebration. How can one not find great joy in recognizing that God has come to save us. We look for ways to experience the joy of Christ.
3. We find peace. We pray for peace. World peace -- the peace of Jerusalem -- inner peace -- the peace of Christ. We seek peace in families and relationships. Our peace is grounded in the confidence we have in God. He calms our hearts and stills our souls. Peace.
4. We are grounded in love. God's love - family love - brotherly love - the love the world needs - the love we find growing in our hearts through faith in Christ.
5. It's all about Jesus. When we come together on Christmas Eve we will light the Christ candle. Christ is in the center of our hope, joy, peace and love. Christ is the source of all other light.
So we may build our anticipation of what life looks like when God is vitally involved in all we are about. During this Advent season I encourage you to make it a point to seek out others who may know little or nothing about hope, joy, peace or love. Share the good news. Discover the joy. Experience the Light.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Facebook, Virus, and Sin
The other day I hit the wrong thing on Facebook and set a virus in motion. After 24 hours it was taken care of. It took time to get the computer cleaned up. More importantly it took an emotional toll. It was pretty bad stuff that ended up in many people’s Facebook and it had my name on it! I did some reflection on the whole thing and made a fresh discovery.
Facebook is trustworthy. That is the assumption from which I was operating. When I got the Facebook email notice I was doing a couple of other things. The name associated with the message was familiar. I opened it. Soon when I looked closely I realized I should not have done so. Frankly had I gotten the message as an email I would have immediately deleted it. But Facebook has always been free from the objectionable material that is so prevalent on the internet. So I hit the button and the adventure began.
I soon realized that there was very questionable material going to every one of my Facebook friends. (most are still friends – I think) So I began the task of stopping it. Twelve hours later things were still going out. Twenty-four hours later we had it stopped. (Thanks for www.malwarebytes.org)
It was a malicious virus. It did not hurt people but it was embarrassing. It did not cost money but it created deep discomfort in me. I lost a morning’s prayer time searching my heart and trying to stop the spread of the virus. But I also received a fresh insight of a spiritual nature.
I recently preached a sermon on the topic of sin. I named five types of sin: sins of commission, sins of omission, sins of neglect, sins of ignorance and sins of errors. I could have added systemic sins which affect innocent people.
In light of this understanding of sin I saw what was happening with the Facebook virus. I was seeking to apply the lesson to my own experience and life. Here are the insights.
First I could have been operating from a totally deviate place. I could have been committing a “willful transgression against a known law of God.” I could have been taking an intentional, willful, malicious action. I assure you this was not the case. Whew.
On the other extreme I could have been a pure victim. A hacker could have randomly attacked my account and caused everything that ensued. If I could that is the picture I would like to believe. But I don’t think I can say I had absolutely nothing to do with the activity.
Two other type of sin are the sins of ignorance and neglect. Upon reflection this is where I find myself. My primary transgression in this process was neglect. Had I paid attention to what I was doing I would have simply deleted the post immediately and never had anything happen. But I was doing other things. I was on Facebook which I did not consider a source for this type of activity. I recognized a name and failed to pay attention to the message. So I see myself as guilty of the sin of neglect.
Stay with me on this. We teach that there are not degrees of sin. But at the same time we teach there are different categories of sin. In the category mindset a willful malicious act is worse than neglect which is worse than innocent complicity. But it is in the result of sin that we cannot have degrees of sin.
Here is what I mean. Had I been willful and malevolent in my action or ignorant or negligent, the result would be the same. The virus spreads and infects others. The fact that I acted out of neglect rather than malice did not keep the virus from spreading to others and infecting their computers. A virus is a virus. Sin is sin.
The world we live in is full of sin. There are some really heinous things going on. There are “little sins.” There are the things we call victimless sins. But the reality is that sin is sin and all sin spreads and infects others. We may have the best of intentions but if we error the sir spreads and infects.
If nothing else this reminds me of how important it is to recognize and work with the doctrine or original sin. This stuff is everywhere! Even those who act in good faith but are in opposition to the revealed will of God become agents for the spread and infection of the sin nature.
Thankfully there is an antidote. I turned to others for help. Some suggested I run a virus scan. (I had.) Some suggested I change my password. (I did.) We contacted our IT company and they referred us to a download that would remove the problem. Pastor Curtis helped me navigate through the process. The virus was cleansed. The problem stopped.
Here is the spiritual application. We have another to turn to. We turn to God in repentance. (virus scan) We look for help to point us out of our struggle through the fellowship of the Church. (IT company) We apply an application – the cross of Jesus Christ – and find our sins removed. Our savior, Jesus Christ, cleans up the problem of sin.
One more point to the story. I posted how we got my problem solved and shared with others. There were some who got hit pretty hard. We shared how to clean up their computer. The remedy went to everyone in my friends list.
We continue the story by sharing with others how the grace of God in Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin and unrighteousness. We have good news to share. We certainly tell others how to get rid of a virus on their computer. We may also tell others how to experience redeemed love and grace through Jesus Christ.
I wish I had not been negligent and “dumb.” But I think I am more thankful for learning something and gaining a fresh insight. I certainly am sorry for the inconvenience I may have caused others to experience. But I am grateful for the reminder that I have a great gospel to share. Good news.
Steve
The other day I hit the wrong thing on Facebook and set a virus in motion. After 24 hours it was taken care of. It took time to get the computer cleaned up. More importantly it took an emotional toll. It was pretty bad stuff that ended up in many people’s Facebook and it had my name on it! I did some reflection on the whole thing and made a fresh discovery.
Facebook is trustworthy. That is the assumption from which I was operating. When I got the Facebook email notice I was doing a couple of other things. The name associated with the message was familiar. I opened it. Soon when I looked closely I realized I should not have done so. Frankly had I gotten the message as an email I would have immediately deleted it. But Facebook has always been free from the objectionable material that is so prevalent on the internet. So I hit the button and the adventure began.
I soon realized that there was very questionable material going to every one of my Facebook friends. (most are still friends – I think) So I began the task of stopping it. Twelve hours later things were still going out. Twenty-four hours later we had it stopped. (Thanks for www.malwarebytes.org)
It was a malicious virus. It did not hurt people but it was embarrassing. It did not cost money but it created deep discomfort in me. I lost a morning’s prayer time searching my heart and trying to stop the spread of the virus. But I also received a fresh insight of a spiritual nature.
I recently preached a sermon on the topic of sin. I named five types of sin: sins of commission, sins of omission, sins of neglect, sins of ignorance and sins of errors. I could have added systemic sins which affect innocent people.
In light of this understanding of sin I saw what was happening with the Facebook virus. I was seeking to apply the lesson to my own experience and life. Here are the insights.
First I could have been operating from a totally deviate place. I could have been committing a “willful transgression against a known law of God.” I could have been taking an intentional, willful, malicious action. I assure you this was not the case. Whew.
On the other extreme I could have been a pure victim. A hacker could have randomly attacked my account and caused everything that ensued. If I could that is the picture I would like to believe. But I don’t think I can say I had absolutely nothing to do with the activity.
Two other type of sin are the sins of ignorance and neglect. Upon reflection this is where I find myself. My primary transgression in this process was neglect. Had I paid attention to what I was doing I would have simply deleted the post immediately and never had anything happen. But I was doing other things. I was on Facebook which I did not consider a source for this type of activity. I recognized a name and failed to pay attention to the message. So I see myself as guilty of the sin of neglect.
Stay with me on this. We teach that there are not degrees of sin. But at the same time we teach there are different categories of sin. In the category mindset a willful malicious act is worse than neglect which is worse than innocent complicity. But it is in the result of sin that we cannot have degrees of sin.
Here is what I mean. Had I been willful and malevolent in my action or ignorant or negligent, the result would be the same. The virus spreads and infects others. The fact that I acted out of neglect rather than malice did not keep the virus from spreading to others and infecting their computers. A virus is a virus. Sin is sin.
The world we live in is full of sin. There are some really heinous things going on. There are “little sins.” There are the things we call victimless sins. But the reality is that sin is sin and all sin spreads and infects others. We may have the best of intentions but if we error the sir spreads and infects.
If nothing else this reminds me of how important it is to recognize and work with the doctrine or original sin. This stuff is everywhere! Even those who act in good faith but are in opposition to the revealed will of God become agents for the spread and infection of the sin nature.
Thankfully there is an antidote. I turned to others for help. Some suggested I run a virus scan. (I had.) Some suggested I change my password. (I did.) We contacted our IT company and they referred us to a download that would remove the problem. Pastor Curtis helped me navigate through the process. The virus was cleansed. The problem stopped.
Here is the spiritual application. We have another to turn to. We turn to God in repentance. (virus scan) We look for help to point us out of our struggle through the fellowship of the Church. (IT company) We apply an application – the cross of Jesus Christ – and find our sins removed. Our savior, Jesus Christ, cleans up the problem of sin.
One more point to the story. I posted how we got my problem solved and shared with others. There were some who got hit pretty hard. We shared how to clean up their computer. The remedy went to everyone in my friends list.
We continue the story by sharing with others how the grace of God in Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin and unrighteousness. We have good news to share. We certainly tell others how to get rid of a virus on their computer. We may also tell others how to experience redeemed love and grace through Jesus Christ.
I wish I had not been negligent and “dumb.” But I think I am more thankful for learning something and gaining a fresh insight. I certainly am sorry for the inconvenience I may have caused others to experience. But I am grateful for the reminder that I have a great gospel to share. Good news.
Steve
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
First I'm saying a little prayer for my secret "friend" who has been sending inappropriate things out on facebook like it is coming from me. Why do people think this is fun? So I've been running virus scan and changing passwords - now I'll get to make sure any infections get cleaned up. Oh well, technology.
On another note -- I'm choosing not to Worry! I listened to myself preach today! Something that stuck with me today came from Gail's doing the "Our Town" speech. The basic question - do any people ever fully recognize all of life every, every minute? It is truly something to consider and work on.
This afternoon we hosted a community thanksgiving service. Pastor Angie brought the message and blessed everyone present. The music was great. Had folks from a number of churches in the choir and two different bell choirs combined.
The other cool thing today was the Chiefs won a game - and against a really good team. Strange things happen.
Now I am getting ready to go to Kearney where we will join with some other churches for a cluster charge conference. Thankfully we have already worked through all the things needing approval and we can enjoy the fellowship and learning time.
It's been a good day -- and a messed up one what with that crazy facebook junk. But all in all the Lord is alive and well. I'm going to keep on and see if I can't recognize the presence of God in all of life - every minute.
blessings.
steve
On another note -- I'm choosing not to Worry! I listened to myself preach today! Something that stuck with me today came from Gail's doing the "Our Town" speech. The basic question - do any people ever fully recognize all of life every, every minute? It is truly something to consider and work on.
This afternoon we hosted a community thanksgiving service. Pastor Angie brought the message and blessed everyone present. The music was great. Had folks from a number of churches in the choir and two different bell choirs combined.
The other cool thing today was the Chiefs won a game - and against a really good team. Strange things happen.
Now I am getting ready to go to Kearney where we will join with some other churches for a cluster charge conference. Thankfully we have already worked through all the things needing approval and we can enjoy the fellowship and learning time.
It's been a good day -- and a messed up one what with that crazy facebook junk. But all in all the Lord is alive and well. I'm going to keep on and see if I can't recognize the presence of God in all of life - every minute.
blessings.
steve
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
Do hard things -- Do new things -- Change things. Those were the ideas that surfaced in the message today. I have to say I really like the "rebelution" idea. (www.therebelution.com) "A teenage rebellion against the low expectations of an ungodly culture." Frankly that could apply to all of us - especially followers of Jesus Christ. I hope we hear the call to raise our expectations of what it is be Christians in our time.
It was a day of joyful worship. I found myself having a great time. The worship touched hearts. Baptisms always remind us of the grace extended to us. I had a feeling that people went home today having been in the presence of God and anticipating ways to raise their expectations of the life of grace.
On another note -- next Sunday at 7:00 we will join with other churches at Kearney UMC and have our annual charge conference. We've almost got our budget and it will be worked with this week by our finance committee. We plan to hold the line but at the same time want to be ready for anything God may have in store for us in the coming months!
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
blessings.
steve
It was a day of joyful worship. I found myself having a great time. The worship touched hearts. Baptisms always remind us of the grace extended to us. I had a feeling that people went home today having been in the presence of God and anticipating ways to raise their expectations of the life of grace.
On another note -- next Sunday at 7:00 we will join with other churches at Kearney UMC and have our annual charge conference. We've almost got our budget and it will be worked with this week by our finance committee. We plan to hold the line but at the same time want to be ready for anything God may have in store for us in the coming months!
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
blessings.
steve
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
If you are a Chiefs fan -- too bad.
If you are an MU fan -- too bad.
If you are a KU fan -- too bad.
If you are an OU fan -- too bad.
Today it is better to be a KSU fan and of course a fan of Baker University!
Even better this is a great day to be a God fan! We had a great day at church. I really enjoyed doing the sermon with Curtis and Angie.
I loved the Footsteps dance group. This was the groups first time out this fall and to see them in their new outfits (memorial in honor of Valerie Gooch) was a blessing.
And that's not all. We truly sensed the presence of God in our midst today. I had a couple of take aways from today.
When God's Spirit moves among the congregation and the people respond amazing things happen. We mentioned this in light of our "Today, Tomorrow, Together" finance campaign we held about three years ago. We greatly exceeded our goals - God moved and people responded.
I also hope you caught the part of perfecting your strengths rather than spending too much energy on compensating for your weaknesses.
The other thing to remember is what may happen when an environment is developed where people are free to engage in the ministry they sensed they are being called to. So if someone has an idea that honors God and ministers to the needs of people that should be enough.
All in all this has been a great day to be a fan of Jesus Christ. I hope you've had a great day too.
blessings,
steve
If you are an MU fan -- too bad.
If you are a KU fan -- too bad.
If you are an OU fan -- too bad.
Today it is better to be a KSU fan and of course a fan of Baker University!
Even better this is a great day to be a God fan! We had a great day at church. I really enjoyed doing the sermon with Curtis and Angie.
I loved the Footsteps dance group. This was the groups first time out this fall and to see them in their new outfits (memorial in honor of Valerie Gooch) was a blessing.
And that's not all. We truly sensed the presence of God in our midst today. I had a couple of take aways from today.
When God's Spirit moves among the congregation and the people respond amazing things happen. We mentioned this in light of our "Today, Tomorrow, Together" finance campaign we held about three years ago. We greatly exceeded our goals - God moved and people responded.
I also hope you caught the part of perfecting your strengths rather than spending too much energy on compensating for your weaknesses.
The other thing to remember is what may happen when an environment is developed where people are free to engage in the ministry they sensed they are being called to. So if someone has an idea that honors God and ministers to the needs of people that should be enough.
All in all this has been a great day to be a fan of Jesus Christ. I hope you've had a great day too.
blessings,
steve
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
Angie started our "Last Lecture" series this weekend. She did a great job with the message. Next week our pastoral staff will combine to do the message that speaks about mentoring. (Guess who is cast as the 'old' mentor?) It's shaping up as a very meaningful series.
I have come to the place of deeply appreciating reading the names of those saints who have preceded us in death during the previous year. When the names are read, the bell is rung and people stand in honor ... I feel a true sense of gratitude and appreciation.
This year we (great idea, Angie) added the opportunity to light a candle in memory/honor of another. Went great.
I have to confess that when I am not preaching I get pretty wrapped up in those details others take care of regularly. Are we "on time?" What if we go late? What if we run out of communion elements? What if we burn the church down?! But then I hear - the Word of God - legacy - thanks - hope - grace - life. It happened today. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to worship with you today.
Not only was church really good today, Cindy and I drove out to Baker U yesterday and watched the football team beat William Jewell 26-6. For a Baker grad it is always a great day when we win over Jewell. (Sorry all my Jewell friends.)
It's been a great weekend. I trust you will enjoy the wonder of God's creation. Have a super day and week ahead.
I have come to the place of deeply appreciating reading the names of those saints who have preceded us in death during the previous year. When the names are read, the bell is rung and people stand in honor ... I feel a true sense of gratitude and appreciation.
This year we (great idea, Angie) added the opportunity to light a candle in memory/honor of another. Went great.
I have to confess that when I am not preaching I get pretty wrapped up in those details others take care of regularly. Are we "on time?" What if we go late? What if we run out of communion elements? What if we burn the church down?! But then I hear - the Word of God - legacy - thanks - hope - grace - life. It happened today. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to worship with you today.
Not only was church really good today, Cindy and I drove out to Baker U yesterday and watched the football team beat William Jewell 26-6. For a Baker grad it is always a great day when we win over Jewell. (Sorry all my Jewell friends.)
It's been a great weekend. I trust you will enjoy the wonder of God's creation. Have a super day and week ahead.
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