My Lesson For Today

 
Having been a "church" musician\choir director\organist\pianist, all long before I became an ordained member of the clergy, it has always been my assumption that the music is the very "most" important part of any service of worship. After serving as a "pastor" for a number of years I became convinced that it was the sermon that was by far the most important part of any worship service. Today I woke up in the midst of a wedding and realized that, although my impressions were not entirely wrong concerning worship, they were not entirely correct, either. I am entering the next phase in my spiritual journey. This time I'm convinced by virtue of God's Holy Spirit that His Word is to be first and foremost in any service of worship. I've been naive most of my life. I don't apologize for it, it's simply a fact. There is a part of me that remains "innocent" enough to remain faithful in the journey in spite of riding many different steeds. My favorite steed these days, of course, is a two-tone red Ultra Classic built by Harley Davidson. Even this noble ride must take a back seat to where she(my wife hates it when I embellish cycles with feminine persona)takes me for the presentation of God's Word. Today the bride and groom were bikers. The folks in attendance were, for the most part, bikers. The rest of our gathering was made up of family and friends that are part and parcel of the whole scene. Pierced everythings were there, along with tats of every imaginable variety. My wife composed the lyrics for the song that accompanied the lighting of the unity candle, and I recorded all of the background music and processional, recessional stuff. It was wonderful! I'm not certain anyone thought so but us, and therein came the realization. Every "book of services" has a way of doing things that is in keeping with denominational beliefs. I have always worked weddings from my "little black book" until today. You see, it was in the final moments before the wedding began, and throughout the service that God revealed to me that the most important element in our worship is the sharing of His Word for our lives, whatever the occasion. Yes, it's nice to have a wonderful sanctuary and beautiful instruments, and great clothes and shiny crosses and candleholders. Even the ambiance of our hallowed building is great, but it all becomes meaningless if we are not sharing to our best ability the words of eternal life that we have been blessed to have in our possession. So, there you have it, my lesson learned today. I pray this is one you will consider as well. In Christ's Love, Preacher. 

Praying God Listens

I love the shot of the little girl all wide eyed as everyone bowed their heads. Her mom was busy telling her dad to be quiet "the pastor is praying." The picture, of course is a borrowed one, my shots never turn out this good, and usually I'm far too occupied to get the really candid shots. This one was snapped in a hurry. I've heard many prayers, said even more, but most interesting of all seem to be the prayers that I see in people's lives. Prayer can be group offerings or of an individual nature. There are volumes written on "how" to pray, and, best of all, there are places we can go to hear prayers in process. Everyone has their own way of excercising this spiritual ability. Most interesting to me is how prayer impacts our daily lives. Have you ever been in a hospital walking down the hall and glanced into a room where prayer was in process? It's amazing to me how many people are doing that very thing that I am writing about. Maybe the reason that I'm writing is because lately it seems there is never enough time to pray, and yet that is the very thing that will help in any and all circumstances. One of the questions we hear often is, "Does God really hear my prayers?" I know for certain that He does, but it really is hard to explain. Sometimes the answers to prayer are even more difficult to understand. A young lady in our youth group was ill with mononucleosis(I pray I spelled that correctly)as a result of working two jobs and going to high school. She was a senior at the time and her car was more important than almost any other thing she had. She knew that her tires were really getting bald and with winter approaching she was worried about having an accident. One Wednesday she brought it up at youth group(this was just one week before the mono)and we all prayed about it.
Is it okay to pray for tires for your car? Yup! And anything else that you really need! One of the most beautiful promises to be found in the Bible is the one about God having already prepared the very things we need before we know we need them. Which puts me in mind of that TV thing, "I needed that!" The new year has been one of constant prayer in our home. Not because there are needs(show me a home where there aren't)but because of the needs of others which seem to be so great in the midst of this winter. That picture of the mist rising in the mornings from the water is how I envision the prayers that are constantly lifted to our Creator. An offering and acknowledgement of His presence in our lives. Recently it was pointed out to me as a reminder sort of, that God wants our attention. We were created(as were all things)for God's pleasure. Looking at this from a human point of view I would have to say that there is nothing I enjoy more than being appreciated. How about you? If you really have needs God wants to hear them along with your thanks and praise, of course! Oh yeah, about the young lady....while she was recovering from mono and forced to stay home, someon came along and donated a new set of tires for her car. Funny thing about it, we never did find out who did it but we all gave thanks. One of the young men in the group took the car down to the tire place for her. Everybody in the youth group donated for the cost of mounting and balancing. Her life was blessed by an answered prayer, and we all got to help. I know, life isn't always filled with such perfect endings, but, it never will be either if we aren't using that God-given right to pray to our God. Out here on the Great American Desert prayer is often the only answer we have with which to address the difficulties in life. Maybe it's like that everywhere. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Peace In Our World

 
Recently I received a letter from a colleague decrying the state of people's spirituality. The diatribe ran for 18 pages. Well intentioned, heart felt and sincere, also accurate to the point of causing considerable mental anguish. Tonight our body of Christ began one of the programs that(I'll call him Bob)Bob wrote me concerning. He wasn't specific about ours, just programs in general. I'm keeping what I like to refer to as an "open" mind, although mine is anything but! I realized that both of these occurrences in my life have simultaneously brought about the same emotional response. I want to search scripture and talk face to face with the person who is presenting the ideas whether it be on paper or on video tape. I can accept the faceless writers of the Bible. I can accept new thoughts and ideas when they are presented in an eyeball to eyeball manner, even on the telephone! What I have a hard time with is buying into someone else's "program" without the opportunity to have conversation with them. The words of a much loved man come to mind..."We work out our salvation with fear and trembling with the author and instigator of our faith, Christ!" Others can present ideas, personal thoughts, even share how they got there, but when the rubber meets the road the final confrontation is one on one between us and God. No person can stand in the gap for us. We can seek in the company of others the truth, but when it is found it is no longer a group thing. It is very personal and the most deeply spiritual experience we will ever encounter. I'm not setting aside the tools that are available to us. I'm also not suggesting that others are not helpful. What I am saying, Bob, is that no matter how we cut it nobody can do it for us and nobody can "make" it happen for someone else. It's a road we must travel alone. Before our bones were knit together in our mother's wombs God knew us, everyone of us. The choices "we" make during the course of this life determine our eternal fate. God loves us and is always there for us, but we must take the first step. That is how it is, and that is how it has always been, and how it must be. If we sojourn but for awhile together and are parted let it be with the knowledge that we shall be rejoined in eternity singing God's praises. Love ya brother! Be at peace. In Christ's Love, Preacher. 

Soul Food!

The final moments marking the close of this year's Epiphany celebration approach as we burn another yule tide log and sing around the burning branches of the tree. Norman Rockwell would have been tickled with our celebrations this year. I can picture him now in my mind's eye feverishly capturing each moment with his unique gift for seeing more than the eye could possibly take in. I think there are times when I truly understand his sense of humor. Like this evening as the final goodies of the festive season began to magically emerge from the dark recesses of our oven. The cookies were great(even though they have not been iced or properly decorated as yet. I have the unique position of final examiner, there were some from these batches that did not meet my high standards and as a result were disposed of properly)and will get better tomorrow. The cherry pie was the epitome of perfection though, and has passed with flying colors the taste test! With this season over and a new one about to begin on our christian calender, I wonder how many of the world's faithful are ready to deny themselves something? Today's world does not really provide us with a clear background of what it means to be in denial unless you're undergoing therapy or counseling for some mental aberration. In an age when we pop prozac to make life bearable and analgesics to alleviate pain we are presented with an opportunity to take the road less traveled. The cleansing of the body and subjection of it were part and parcel of the early church. Even now in the 21st century there are those who espouse the enlightenment that comes through fasting. Obviously, as you can imagine from the table, I am one who enjoys the epicurian delights poured forth from our kitchen as though from a virtual "horn of plenty!" There are times we worry more about the ten(alright20\25)pounds we need to drop than the baggage we carry with us spiritually that bogs us down and prevents our rising above the mortal shell. Perhaps that is what the coming weeks were intended to be for the believer, an encouragement to grow inwardly in contrast to outwardly. I'm going to give this some thought as we move into our congregation's "Forty Days Of Purpose." Author Rick Warren has provided us with a wonderful resource for helping us discern why we are here. I usually respond off-handedly to that question with, "Well, everybody has got to be someplace!" My goal is to become more Christ-like. The daily walk is not an easy one, and throws a lot of water in the direction of the old adage, "Getting there is half the fun!" If we could but consider that the journey we share in life is one of "becoming," then perhaps we would have a mutual starting point. As for where I am today, I have no doubts. I also have the insight of knowing where my destination is. As for the journey that will be accomplished....I pray about that. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Seeking the Son?

We had been without sun for a lot of days when yesterday morning began. It was as though a pall had fallen on the Great American Desert and was refusing to be removed or released by the sun that was shining somewhere above. I went about my morning accomplishing little tasks and found myself arriving at a local tannery(is that what they call these places?)to bathe myself in artificial rays. Ky waited patiently for me as I proceeded to seek the sun in a cubicle. It was not a great improvement, but it was a start. Traveling the streets we kept an eye on the sky until it was schooltime and then our paths diversed until 3:30. It struck me as significant enough to write about how, in the course of our lives, we are seeking greater enlightenment for one reason or another. The true light which came into this world is to be found everlastingly in the context of God's Son. Looking out through the mirrors of my soul I was not finding what I sought. Looking inward to my heart I found a bright and shining place where my Savior resides. As the day progressed from shades of gray to a glimmer here and there the thought stuck with me that no matter how gray life has become at times we can always look to the source of all spiritual light to be found in Christ and therein find great cause for rejoicing. The clouds slowly cleared, and the sun appeared just in time to provide us with a beautiful sunset. Perhaps there is that gray place in your life that is in need of brightening. My Lord can help. Prayers are answered, everyday, just not always as we would perhaps like them to be. I am thankful for sunshine, and even more thankful for Sonshine! In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Peace

The history of humanity is not one of peace! Students of ancient eras will agree that the one element that is consistently missing throughout mankind's march toward tomorrow is peace. Perhaps it is simply not a part of our collective nature to be "peaceful." My Savior spoke the words, "My peace I give to you, not as the world gives give I unto you." This is good, for there is little peace to be found in our world. I seek it daily, in moments of meditation, time spent with the piano, and in my relationships with people. Rarely, if ever, is it more than momentary, but I find it so deeply satisfying that I continue to try and attain that state of mind. Spirituality is one of the keys that can unlock the door of peace within each of us. Along with that is the need for true wholeness in ourselves. Body, mind, and spirit, coexisting as one is another key. Don't take this as an attempt to get you to embrace a philosophy or religion, it's not. This is just one writer's way of addressing the personal issue of peace in life. I know without a doubt when I have returned to the world from my moments of peace, everything changes to a degree. I believe that what Christ was leading us in the direction of was a greater understanding of ourselves in relation to all that surrounds us. That may be one of the arenas in which the master of deception works most diligently. Anything that is truly peaceful is an opposing force to the chaos and disruption that is part of our lives. No, we cannot escape the commotion, but we do have a choice to make as to how it impacts us. If you have ever been on a guided meditation you know that the primary focus is on that "place of peace" that only you know within yourself. Mine happens to be near the water, the sun is warm on my skin and the sand beneath me is warm as well. Close by the water is gently lapping at the shore, and sounds are felt as much as heard. In my mind's eye I can look on this place of peace as though from a distance and appreciate it for what it is to me. It is an opportunity to gently rest my head in the comfort of creation as I commune with the Creator and His Son by means of the Spirit He has given to dwell within me. For everyone it is probably different, but I claim this one and urge you to find one of your very own to enjoy when you slip away from a world that is anything but peaceful. God bless, Preacher.

Novel Indulgence!

I love wheels! Always have, from my earliest memories on I have been fascinated by them. Maybe it is because the circle is so perfect. This vehicle is an antique by today's standards. Built back in '60 or '61 with a four cylinder, aircooled engine and a new vision on ease of mobility. Forerunner of the van and the PPVs and SUVs, a hybrid! The cyber age is upon us, and I don't think the world has a clue as to what we'll be seeing by way of innovations during the next 40 years. I do know this, though, we are losing much of the importance of communication in our haste to do it better. I've been informed recently that the book is going to be obsolete. Already people are changing the manner in which they communicate with one another at an intimate level. Through the coming of age of the computer we have drawn away from one another, and away from our collective Creator. Perhaps a "new god" has appeared and turned our hearts and minds away from the true God. I think this is a part of what is happening across the globe. In the midst of the declining christian church we are struggling day by day to keep alive the "old" ways. This puts me in mind of many of my native friends. We can learn a lot from their culture. Right here in the midst of all the changes the 21st century brings with it we can find the means by which to keep alive the "true" paths to righteousness. God holds a crown for His followers which surpasses any and all worldly knowledge or wealth, even that which rolls on wheels. The crown is awarded to those who choose to follow Christ and believe. Now, why is it so hard for folks living in an age of cyberspace to grasp the truth of the unseen? Perhaps it is for lack of understanding. Or, perhaps it is because so many of the religious leaders of the past 50 years have fallen prey to worldly ways. Maybe our faith has become unfashionable. Or maybe we just have not been able to crack the nut of understanding which is afforded us through the new tools of communication. Thought for tonight....Christ did not set forth on His ministry journey following in another's footsteps. He blazed new trails! He opened hearts and changed lives by giving His own. In Christ's Love, Preacher.