Sunday, November 27, 2011

Here's a Thought

Here's a thought. God does not wait for everybody to get involved but looks for somebody to do so.
We will never get "consensus" on what and how God works.
We will never get everybody on the same page as God.
We can expect somebody to be in tune with God.
We can expect somebody to catch the breath of the Spirit that stirs.
We can expect somebody to respond to God's nudge.
We can expect somebody to commit themself to the Lord's work.
So the question is - are you somebody?

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Reflections From Sunday Evening - the art of saying no

This idea goes against my basic ideas. I want to specialize in affirmation, encouragement and saying yes to opportunities. In Christ we learn that the response is YES.
With that said here is a thought about the fine art of saying no. Sometimes the gracious thing to say is no.
"Dad. Can I go jump out of the top of the tree?" "No."
Sometimes it is easy to tell our children no. We know it is in their best interests.
But things get more complex as we move through life. When is it best to say no in the context of the life of faith?
We have many people come by church seeking assistance in various forms. Frankly we help the majority of people. Sometimes we wonder if their story is true. Still we seek to error on the side of grace. But there come times when it becomes clear to us that someone is abusing the grace offered. That is when we say no.
I find myself in a position in our conference where people offer themselves for ministry in the church. The group I work with is responsible for discerning a person's call. There are times when the best response is saying no. Here is another way to serve.
We learn to say no to ourselves. We say no to self-destructive behavior. We say no to things that would harm us or others. We say no to the kind of self indulgence that will come back to hurt us. At least we hope we can say no.
It is a fine art to be able to say no in ways that build up rather than tear down.
There are times when saying no is the best way to encourage and affirm so people find the best of God's will.
We had a great day at church. Some long time friends visited and we were able to go to lunch. Always a joy to renew friendship.
Worship was alive.
It has been good to be with God's people today.
I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Recently finished re-reading "Lectures on Preaching" by Phillips Brooks. It is a series of lectures given at Yale in 1877. It is pretty amazing to read something from another era that sounds relevant today. Brooks' definition of preaching is "communicating truth through personality." Another point that stands out is the strong emphasis on the preacher's responsibility to care for souls.

In our days we often find ourselves tending to many things but not necessarily souls. It is a good reminder to take stock of what is really important in our service to the Lord. People's spiritual well-being and eternal destiny are of utmost importance.

While we live out our faith remember to seek the Lord's active and redemptive presence in ALL aspects of life - including and especially our spiritual lives.

It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Reflections From Sunday Evening

So the announcement comes that the University of Missouri will be joining the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Should be interesting. I have been a Missouri Tiger fan since I was a little kid. I grew up following the home state school. It just made sense to me. I guess I have always put a lot of emphasis on geography. Missouri was my team because they were my home state school (even though I actually lived closer to Lawrence, Kansas, than Columbia, Missouri).

I probably could have played football at MU - if I had been bigger, stronger, faster, smarter, more athletic - you get the picture.

Now my home state team moves away from the Midwest area for competition. Off to the Southeast. No more MU-KU, MU-KState, MU-Nebraska (oh yeah, they already left).
Now it is hello Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama.

I think I'll still be a Tiger fan. But it seems like something is being lost in this transaction - for those who did not attend Mizzou or compete there - but have always cheered for them - just because.

Really MU is one of three teams (that would be football and basketball) that I find myself getting invested in when they play. Get excited - get nervous. The other two are the Royals and the Chiefs (not so much on the Chiefs today).

Oh yes, there is another that I feel invested in. That would be Baker U. Nice small college in Baldwin City, Kan. They don't have TV contracts. They don't have million dollar budgets. They don't have thousands of fans all over the country. But I went there. Also played a little football and ran some track. Had a great time. I like to follow them.

I will keep hoping MU does well as they make their transition to the SEC. But I may try to catch a BU game more often.

There is your update on the local sports scene.

I could make a spiritual application to this - but not this week. Cheer for your team!

It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.