Praying or Preying

"The church is changing," the cry was heard throughout the land. "Faith has taken on new significance in people's lives!" These are sayings from 1800 years ago, 1500 years ago, 1000 years ago, 100 years ago, and yesterday! "In America we have not seen a revival in the past 50 years," one author writes. It seems that most of us that are believers in Christ are in need of revival, or so some would have you believe. Many say that the state of affairs with the church is the very worst that it has ever been, and they will continue to say it, just as they have since the first "reorganization" of the church. It amazes me that there are so many that want to help us. Here we are on the Great American Desert dying in our pews on Sunday morning because we haven't figured out the true way, the "right" way to worship God. And this is not just here, it's everywhere, and it always has been. My personal opinion is that wherever there is a dollar to be earned with religion you will find someone hawking their own personal version of how to worship God. The radio, the TV, the internet; these days if you just gave a dime to every person that would like to help you get closer to your creator you would soon be out of dimes and more than likely still languishing in a state of being "lost." The Bible teaches us that there is "nothing new under the sun." It also admonishes us not to go chasing rainbows and pretty butterflies that someone has caught up in their net(we usually end up being the ones "caught" in the net). The church is ever changing, this is true, but faith is no different today than it was for the disciples of my Savior 2000 years ago. Beware of those who would "pray" for you and "prey" upon you. They are nothing new. These same people were around in the ministry of my Lord. God's grace is free! Forgiveness cannot be purchased again. Once was sufficient. "People are more in need now than ever before," and if you've heard it once you've got to have heard it several times over. "Times have changed, and we need to change with them." When was the last time you heard that one? It would seem in the ecclesiastical world that there are always those who are more than ready and willing to tell you and I what we need, and then follow that up with an estimate of how much we need to contribute to fill that need. The church is not Walmart, but the selling techniques are used in much the same way. The same folks that put out the commercials for Budweiser work in the advertising campaigns for denominations. That's their job, selling! You cannot buy your way into heaven, nor can you purchase a righteous seat in the congregation of the faithful. That fellow on the TV has fifty people working for him to open your envelope, and if you were to walk up to him on the street(if you could get that close to one of those individuals - they have to hire a lot of protectors)you would be more than a little surprised at the person you met. Not everyone is in ministry for the money, in fact very few are really in it for that reason. Faith is now just as it has always been, and there may be new words to sell, programs to participate in, events to attend, and music to hear, but the true sounds of faith are not heard loudly. They are heard in the quiet moments that take us within ourselves and join us to God as we reach out seeking the truth that is there to be found. It's a simple thing. It's a prayer. And that is how close our God is right now to each of us. "The church is changing," the cry was heard. What they don't hear is "faith is the same, yesterday, today, and forever!" In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Warmer Days

 
This is just the beginning of winter on the Great American Desert. I haven't bothered with a coat yet(although I have gotten out some gloves), anything above zero without wind is sweater weather. The snow fell beautifully for a short time today. A "light" dusting for the ground, just enough to keep it looking fresh. Pile up on the interstate involving a semi, schoolbus and a few cars. Nobody seriously injured, but a good reminder for those of us that travel often, the overpasses are particularly tricky when weather conditions are like we have had lately. I give thanks tonight for the summer we had. So much beauty, and so little time. Thanks to my lovely wife we have cactus flowers blooming all over the house. I'll get some pics of them the next few days and see if they perk up your spirit the way they do mine. Some days seem so bleek, and yet there are always opportunities to be found. I've felt much like hibernating lately, but the opportunities knock on the door and call on the phone, once in awhile they pop up on this little 'puter screen, too, and I'm thankful. Every living moment we have is time freely given for us to make choices. We can choose to do nothing(some days I lean this way when it's cold), we can choose to get out there and do something, or we can take a little time to 'DECIDE' what God is calling us to do. I don't mean that we make the decision, what I mean is deciding what He is actually telling us. Prayer is very helpful, but you really can't beat listening to the voice of that spirit that dwells within each of us. Tonight I've been listening, and I love the answers that I have received. It is good to be in the midst of life, even when it's cold. God bless, Preacher. 

Long Ago A Mansion

This home was spotted about six months ago when the weather allowed me to roam freely on the Harleys. Once the trees have leaves this forgotten mansion on the Great American Desert becomes virtually invisible. Today I drove(four wheels unfortunately, the temp was only 16 degrees)the frozen ground and found no obstacles to prevent my intrusion on this sleeping giant. The age of the trees which have begun to push the wrap-around porch out of alignment indicates 75-80 years of disuse. Once warmed by two huge fireplaces and a wood cookstove in the kitchen, this relic now feels like a walkin freezer. I don't know if that would change in warmer seasons, but I may have the opportunity to find out now that I know it is safe to explore. The main staircase has rotted to the point of no return, but the stairs up from the kitchen were in workable condition. Seven bedrooms and immense halls and closets greet the visitor on the second story. Ceilings in excess of 10 feet everywhere, and the door you see standing open on the south side upstairs was to gain access to the porch above the porch. All of the old railings were beautiful, but sadly fallen down and buried in the refuse that collects in places like this. My imagination has a tendency to run wild when I explore and today was no different. This house was so filled with life long ago that even the years cannot still the holidays that were celebrated in grand style. The formal dining room is large enough to seat at least 20 people to dine with appropriate cabinets built into one end large enough to house my entire kitchen. Remnants of wallpaper and paint shared indications of decore commensurate with affluence. The residents were well to do back when the 20s were roaring in the US. The day room opens directly on to the porch on the north side, almost like we would have a deck built on our modern homes. There was one indoor "water closet" upstairs, and another immediately below on the main floor. It seems like I shouldn't go to these places alone, but for the most part I don't know anyone who would care to be there with me. The master bedroom was a true joy to behold. It has two immense closets and a third room on it's north side that was probably for the babies and there must have been a lot of those here. Floors, as always, have to be tested slowly for the bearing of weight. This place has been pushed so hard by the trees that there is hardly an area that doesn't creek and tremble at every footfall. I did happen to think during one heartpounding moment as a bedroom floor began to sag perilously fast over in a walk in closet that someone would surely find the car and investigate, someday! God never deserts me, nor allows me to get into anything I can't get out of, so my prayers of thanks for that watchful angelic presence were winging there way heavenward in a stream of conciousness that keeps me tuned in to my Creator. As I wandered the rooms I pondered the fate of those who dwelled here long ago. Perhaps one day we will have an opportunity to choose what kind of home we would like to have in heaven. I think I'd enjoy one like this! Needs a little fixing here and there, but all in all it has some great stories to tell. God bless, Preacher.

Yesterday's Time!

It would seem in our lives that there are always some things that we have not the time to complete. For one reason or another we simply don't get it done. There is always another day coming, is a thought which crosses our minds on a frequent basis. So it was this year with winter prep here on the Great American Desert. Some things are ready, some are not. When it comes to our salvation many of us put off making the commitment far too long. Tonight I pray for one such individual who was laid to rest this afternoon. Dave passed away at the ripe old age of 53 last Friday, alone in his home sometime late Thursday or early in the am. His passing wasn't really important until he didn't show up for work, then he was missed. I wonder if he had everything ready? How about me, am I ready? My own persoanl answer is a resounding, YES! I'm ready to go home, but I fear there are many out there that have no clue as to where home is or what it takes to be certain of getting there. Last week it was easy, I just kept driving until, finally, I was in my own driveway. We are never going to have the time, energy, resources, or wherewithall, to complete all of the things we have begun. That, for me, is the perfect reason to be taking care of last things first. I may not have my back patio cleared and ready for winter, but everything at a distance is done, including a way to get out the trash. Getting the garbage out of our lives is the first step towards being prepared for going home. If you're anything like me just living day to day for 50 plus years means that you have accumulated a fair share of refuse. We do not have to keep it with us, and we do not have to live in the midst of it. We can be free! In Christ we can find the freedom to be who we are, how we are, and where we are in the midst of the years that God has granted us. If you have a plan for your life, I pray it includes a "how to" plan for when you are no longer experiencing a beating heart. They say our brain activity continues for well over a day after we pass away. I wonder what we think about! As for me I don't want to be regretting the things I didn't finish. Plan now for that early retirement and you can be assured of a peaceful hereafter(that's a lot better than working in the snow tomorrow)and also gives us an opportunity to live fully today! In Christ's Love, Preacher.

It's Good To Be Home

We have returned safely from our journey to Tennessee! A beautiful trip accompanied by personable people and weather that was fantastic! Memphis is always a joy and this return did not disappoint us. BB King's backup band had me wound nearly as tight as I ever get. The return miles were done in one 30 hour day. I would have made it all the way without sleep but just south of Sioux City, Iowa there were snakes jumping up and down on the highway. The next thing I saw was my Savior carrying His cross down the center line so I knew it was time for a short nap. The Iowa department of highways provides a rest area at exactly the right place for catching some much needed sunrise shuteye. It took about 40 minutes to rejuvenate my battery(I didn't need these "rest" stops 30 years ago, but back then they weren't quite as nice so I suppose I need to be thankful for that, too)for the 2 hours necessary to pull us up in the driveway of our present home. I use the term "present" simply because we did find a few places that appeared to be suitable for us to reside in if doors should open in that direction. I heard that the temps are not always as warm as we experienced, but then, anything has to be better than 20 below on the Great American Desert! I give thanks tonight for a safe journey(2800 miles in all)and the protection that God offered over the course of my birthday week. I also extend thanks to all of the folks who E-mailed congrats. While we were in Nashville I think a lot of people knew it was my birthday. Everywhere we drove people were honking at us as they went by. It's always good to know that folks care even when you're a long ways from home. Today being Sunday I was back at First Baptist at the piano enjoying the relaxation that music affords me in the context of worship. You know, things do not always go as we plan, and there can be some really rough bumps in the road while we're traveling. It's good to know that at the end of each day God is with us, and at the beginning, too, and everywhere inbetween He is beside us, guiding us as best we allow. I'll be back with my stories about the days between these past two Sundays this week. I pray your life is good! In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Life Is A Journey, Not A Destination!

Tomorrow is Sunday. I'm not as prepared this week as I would like to be, but then who can really be prepared for a Sunday of communion? When we come forward to partake of the elements of communion we are supposed to be really aware of the state of our hearts and in the process of doing everything we can to cleanse them before God. From my faith perspective this is the ultimate test, short of meeting my Savior face to face, of the strength of belief that is within me. Can I really forgive every wrong that has been done me? Can I truly find it in my heart to repent of the evil thoughts that have floated to the surface of my mind when confronted with an abolute idiot on the streets? Do I truly repent of that desire to throw a punch instead of share a kind word? How far removed must I be from my human side as I step forward once again? In our humaness there is some of this that I am certain sounds impossible, but when god speaks to our hearts and knows our repentence for the vile creatures we are He does add forgiveness to the long list of blessings we receive in faith.
I'm going to be gone for about a week starting tomorrow. My wife, Cheryl, and I are headed south a thousand miles or more and visiting with friends I have yet to meet. Tonight I am both excitedly expectant and sadly hesitant. I haven't begun to pack yet(if this were a journey on two wheels I would have had that done yesterday)and I wonder if that is a sign that I am not really ready for the journey? In my heart of hearts I believe that my preparation for the journey begins tomorrow with the moment of communing with my Savior. Each day is a new beginning, and each journey provides opportunities to serve. Our unique opportunity to commune within the Body of Christ is so important that it has often been on my heart that we whould commune together in the fellowship of the sacred meal each time we gather. I'm afraid most church attenders would rapidly tire of this event and decry it's frequency. Perhaps it is good that we celebrate communion only once a month. I also keep in mind that we celebrate a personal "communion" with our Lord each time we offer prayer. Maybe that is why we need to cleanse our hearts so well. Much of life is a mystery as is the celebration of the Holy Sacraments. But then, the events of each day are a surprise, too! So it is good that we have the opportunity to share with brothers and sisters in the Lord wherever we meet them. I pray that your Sunday is a blessed one and that your heart is constantly being mended by the love of our God that cares for each of us so beautifully. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Helpful Hints 329-335

When preparing a "scalloped" meal use a baking dish that is slightly smaller than the portion you wish to prepare. Carefully line the pan\dish with aluminum foil and let it extend about an inch above the edge. Cleaning time afterwards is a breeze and your oven will thank you for helping to keep it from exuding smoky odiforous emanations during the baking process! When seeking a "center" of calm in your life it is useful to draw upon images that guide you toward that sense of calm you seek. When traversing mountainous regions in a 1937 Dodge pickup take care to have all the tools necessary for rebuilding the engine in the back along with a host of spare parts and, whenever possible, have your mortorcycle along on a trailer or flatbed conveyance! When in Frankfort Germany be certain to dine exclusively on the local quisine. I realize it is a temptation to drop into the "American" fastfood emporiums, but what with the sentiments concerning our country running at an all time high, it is best to avoid giving away your country of origin. When seeking to share your christian heritage it is always good to have prepared well ahead of time by actually knowing in whom you believe. When using a computer becomes a frustration rather than a joy it is time to quit! Upon completion of a thousand mile journey to meet your enemy make certain the journey is his! Finally.....When the days grow short(I'm talking about life here)is a good time to begin making plans for your eternal future, but not the best time! The best time is right now, today. The free gift of Salvation in my Savior is yours for the asking. Christ is ready to receive all who will come to Him and desire the freedom of truth and light! In His Service, Preacher.