Friday Thoughts

Reflecting

2012-02-10T10:25:00.001-05:00

This week I had quite the silly day and it showed up on Facebook. A friend of mine from high school celebrated in his comment, "Kessler's back!" The next day I posted that I was feeling more "dignified" to which my friend expressed a "boooooo" and his desire for "yesterday's Kessler." A thought I'm sure my wife and he would have to sit on opposite sides of the aisle on.

I know he was referring to the lighter post of the day before, but I was stuck on the words "yesterday's Kessler." (Which by the way does need to happen more often. I am a very firm believer in we could all stand to lighten up a little.)

Let's be honest, other than a simpler lifestyle, less flesh on TV, lower prices, and a 90 kazillillon dollar nation debt, yesterday has little to offer me. So, although "yesterday's Kessler" wore pants that had a smaller waistline I was thinking through some reasons why I'm glad he's not around.

1. He didn't know how to be himself. He was really focused on watching other people and trying be them. He had a hard time just being who God made him to be.

2. He didn't know he was human. There's nothing like a physical limitation to remind you of how human you really are and how precious and fragile life really is.

3. He didn't take the faith journey seriously enough. No excuses. You know in your heart of heart when you're taking it serious and when you're not. For too long I don't think I did.

4. He didn't know how to be a husband. That takes time. I'm still learning. But, the "old Kessler" didn't know what he didn't know.

5. He didn't know how to reflect. Maybe that's a phase I'm going through now. I like thinking on God, friends, prayer, the Word. I think reflecting is cleansing. "Old Kessler" thought only mirrors reflected, and they were for girls.

6. He didn't know how to walk on the water. Now that I'm flawless I realize how easy it is to be me. That's why I wouldn't want to be the "old me," it was too much work to pretend to be flawless. Oh, but not pretending anymore, that's liberating.

7. Of course I know #6 isn't true. And the "old Kessler" knew that too. The difference is the "old Kessler" hated and hid the truth of it and the "new Kessler" is learning not to. I'm a follower of Christ. I'm not flawless - He is. I'm not a Savior - He is. I'm not the leader - He is. I'm not called to save the world - He is. I'm not the miracle worker - He is. I am a follower. The "old Kessler" didn't understand that.

I do.

Dave

language...

2012-02-03T09:34:00.001-05:00

I read about orthomyxoviridae. Those pesky little viruses that have been visiting so many of our homes. Flu. “Hemagglutinin and neuraminidase molecules cluster into a bulge in the cell membrane.” I know that because I read it on Wikipedia.

No wonder some of us didn’t feel good our hemagglutinins were clustered with our neuraminithingys! Nothing good can come of that.

Reading the about the common flu is like reading the list of possible side effects of a prescription. Intimidating. Read the possible side effects for a prescription for an antibiotic and you may need an antidepressant too. Frustrating. Read the possible side effects of an antidepressant and you need a vacation. Overwhelming.

I don’t understand the language.

Super Bowl! Just the word will cause some to salivate and others to yawn. And let’s be honest, drop the male female stereotype here - both do both. Forget the intricacies of the game, the strategies of timeout management, the passing game and running game, penalties, shots on goal, birdies, double dribble, and what partner’s best even mean.

If the voice wasn’t on the commercial most wouldn’t even know what in the world a Super Bowl XLVI was! How do you even pronounce Xlvi?

There’s a language issue.

When people don’t understand the language they tend to devalue what isn’t understood. “It’s only____________. It’s not that big of a deal. I really don’t care.”

Think this through - the last thing that you “devalued,” was it something that someone else valued and you didn’t understand why? The last time someone devalued something you valued was it possible that they didn’t understand the code?

Now think about being someone who is walking into your church as a guest. We just talked to them about our “hemagglutinin and neuraminidase” or our “half back option.”

I think we should keep the good news real. I think we should keep the good news reachable. I think we should not get too big for our own religious britches. I think we should be sure we are there for those who might not know our language.

Dave.

Excited

2012-01-27T09:26:00.001-05:00

I got a couple new books this week. I thought it would be a good idea to read from this author since he will be leading the Doctoral program I intend to start later in the year. I just picked a couple titles from the long list he's written. One was recommended to me and one that I… I just picked because I couldn't get the one I really wanted.

I write this on Thursday night (which is troublesome for the literalist and the "friday thought" thing) because I have a funeral to attend in the morning and it is my intent to spend most of my evening in that "other book." It turns out that the one I "just picked" is the closest book I have see in years to communicating my heart for the church and pastoral ministry. As I thumb through it, it makes my heart race!

It also turns out that it is on the very word that I have been preparing to preach on for over two weeks now.

I'll give you a hint to the key to your call and mine. I'll tip my hand. Brace yourself. It's all about following Christ.

Yawn.

We are good at believing in; we love knowing about; we will even dabble in talking about Christ. But following is rare. At least Biblical following is. Maybe it's time for us to be honest about it. If we don't have the fruit of Christ it's safe to assume we are not following too close.

I think we've misunderstood what that means. I think I'm going to spend some time getting into that topic. It'll be a good book only to the degree that it draws me to the Word. I'll let you know what I find out.

Excited,

Pastor Dave

Politics!

2012-01-20T09:31:00.001-05:00

I almost couldn't believe my ears. I heard a Democrat say that the national unemployment rate was coming down. A Republican followed the point with the claim that the number was inaccurate because it didn't account for those who have given up on finding a job. The Republicans said the Democrats hid the real numbers.

Two days later. The Republican Governor of Michigan shared the news that the unemployment rate of the State was coming down. The news story was followed by a Democrat saying that the numbers aren't accurate because they didn't account for those who have given up on finding a job. They said they hid the real numbers.

I remember conversations a lot like that when I was in Mrs. Black's 3rd grade classroom. The issue wasn't unemployment but the basic tone was the same (for the record it was my friend Spike's fault - I remember).

Is anyone getting tired of this? My trust-o-meter is running low. Talk shows, editorials, blogs, debates, comments on blogs, and even conversations are including more visceral anger and insults to having a differing view.

At the risk of sounding arrogant as a pastor I would like to proclaim that there is hope for our Nation and it is not in the election of a Congressman, Senator, or President. The answer is not in adding another law or reforming an existing one. We will not fix this Nation by choosing the right side and defeating the wrong side. And it will not be found in hunting down and killing every enemy we can find.

God has woven the answer for the nations into the fabric of the churches of the nations. When they stop being self centered and self seeking, when they find the heart of priorities that are eternal, when they throw programs aside and minister to souls, when they hold the call of Christ higher than the traditions of man, when they let the Spirit of God empower them to be the men and women of God in work places and schools, when they quit fighting with each other and carry the cross they've been given, when they quit shopping for the perfect church and give themselves to servanthood, when they spend their life being the Church rather than going to church - then we will be in a healthy condition to help elect leaders to direct a nation.

Until then, I'm afraid we're just adding to the noise,

Praying For the Church,

Pastor Dave

I'm Grinning

2012-01-13T11:03:00.001-05:00

As I sit in my office at home and look out the window at the trees I find myself singing, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" - on January the 13th. I wonder, if Winter starts a month and a half late does that mean it has to last a month and a half longer? I'd be o.k. if it didn't.

There's something about this day, and the few inches of snow that fell overnight, that hums a tune of newness. It kind of feels like a New Years Day. I'm smiling.

Let me share with you a few things I'm grinning about this morning.

1. I had an appointment with my Neurologist yesterday that went very well. On the way out he told his receptionist that if I needed him she was to remember that I was on the "short list" and he wanted to know about it right away. He said, "You're a good guy, I wanna take good care of you." That made me feel good.

2. I used my snowblower this morning. That always makes me smile.

3. Leah and I were at a wonderful church near Toledo last Sunday. It was exciting to feel the atmosphere of God's presence there. I left knowing that God is moving in many ways and in many places. I'm glad that I have a church family that I miss when I'm not there. Today I'm looking forward to Sunday and the atmosphere that the Holy Spirit brings to our church through the wonderful people that gather to worship and grow.

4. Jesus is not a politician. I've been listening to some of the political news and trying to make sense of some things this week. I can't. Inherent within elected office is the need to exaggerate self and discredit opponents. There is a constant finger on the pulse of compromise to attempt to please as many people as possible and still be able to represent the label you claim. Jesus would have made a terrible politician. I don't think he'd care about interest rates when there are more people in slavery now than at any time in history. There are more people persecuted for faith now than in any time in history. Jesus doesn't need my vote. That makes me smile.

5. A friend Skyped me this morning to talk. It still cracks me up that we can have video chats. Encouragement comes in many forms. Seeing a friend's smile that lives a long way away is one of them.

6. I am learning about courage as I study and meditate on the topic for this sermon series. I'm grinning about that because only God would ask you to be something, show you what it looks like to be that, give you the ability to live it, and love you as if the whole thing was your idea.

It's Friday, it snowed, it's God's Kingdom, and I'm just grinning,

Pastor Dave

Some of the Stuff I Read This Year

2011-12-30T11:45:00.001-05:00

Story,by Steven James.

This is my daughter’s book that she will probably neverget back. A very creative and poetic look at the Biblical account oflife. I really liked his writing style.

“Somepeople picture God as a doddering grandpappy in heaven. But intruth, he’s more like an impassioned young lover swinging his bride acrossthe dance floor. Jesus didn’t arrive on earth to debate theology but topropose marriage. In a very real spiritual sense, God is courtingus.”

TheRelationship Principles of Jesus, by Tom Holladay.

The point of this bookis healthy relationships. The book is based on 6 relationshipprinciples. It is a 40 day look at the foundation of relationships. Would be a good book for a small group to travel through together.

“Youcan’t command an emotion, but you can command and action. When Jesus says,‘I command you to love one another,’ he’s not saying ‘Feel this way’; he’s saying,‘Act this way.’ Act with love toward another person.”

Follow,by Floyd McClung.

I read three books that really cut pretty deep. Idon’t recommend you read them together, it’s a little overwhelming. Follow, and Richards Stearns, the Hole in our Gospel, and David Platt, Radical. All great books with a lot of challenge as to how we view and live life in America. All of them have a lot ofgreat quotes I could share, but consider this from Follow:

“Thosewho are considering becoming, or are already committed to being fully devotedfollowers of Jesus must count the cost of putting Him first in theirlives. That doesn’t mean renouncing who He created you to be, butrenouncing the false beliefs and behaviors that have kept you from being all Hecreated you to be.”

Calledto be Holy, by John N. Oswalt.

This is a reading meal that requiresputting your thinking cap on. Oswalt is a theologian that comes from theperspective that I closely align with. This is a great understanding of aBiblical view of holiness.

“WhenGod calls his people to be holy as he is holy, he is not merely asking them tolive lives exclusively dedicated to him. Neither is he asking them to be especiallyreligious. Rather, he is calling them to share his unique character, onethat will alter how they approach every aspect of their lives.”

TheNecessity of Prayer, by EM Bounds.

I got hold of a classic collection byEM Bounds on prayer that has 8 of his books in one volume. I’m readingone at a time over a the period of the next couple years. Some of myfavorite reads are classics. They were written before the publisher andaudience dictated how something was said. It wasn’t about selling a book,it was about saying the truth.

“Prayeris an essential phase of spiritual habit, but it ceases to be prayer whencarried on by habit alone. It is depth and intensity of spiritual desirethat give intensity and depth to prayer.”

“Theearly Methodists had no heating apparatus in their churches. They saidthat the flame in the pew and the fire in the pulpit must be sufficient to keepthem warm.”

TheDekker trilogy, Black, Red, White, is my fiction reading that was a totalblast!

Everymarried couple should read Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. This is amust read!

Ravi Zacharias, Has ChristianityFailed You? I liked a lot.

Bonhoeffer:Pastor, Martyr, Spy, by Eric Metaxas was very interesting if you’re intohistory during the Hitler regime.

If youlike to look at church issues I liked, Rethinking Church by James Emery. Ignite, byNelson Searcy has some good ideas in it.

TheThree Hardest Words, by Leonard Sweet was good also. I’m sure I’m goingto read a lot more of his stuff. He is leading the Doctoral program Iwill start later in 2012.

OneConversation at a Time, by Michael Henderson is great on telling your Godstory.

They allmust be closed and put on a shelf with the others that I read. Each bookis of value only to the degree that is leads me to the truth of the Bible andbrings me to a place of growth.

Lookingforward to a new year of learning!

PastorDave

Christter

2011-12-23T09:05:00.001-05:00

In my reading the book of Mark I just noticed that on Christmas day I will be on the 16th chapter. I will start Christmas day with the account of the resurrection.

I'm finding that interesting to think through. The account of the birth and the account of the empty tomb are not so far apart. The traditional songs and decorations are different and we celebrate them in different ways, but they are both about life.

God brought life on both Christmas and Easter.

Christmas is the cry of an infant and Easter is the cry of a warrior. Christmas is the humble beginning and Easter is the dazzling restart. Christmas is about being human and Easter is about being divine. The days are different and yet they are inextricably linked. We can celebrate the birth of Christ because of the resurrection.

I won't mess with years of tradition or the liturgical calendar, but I wonder what would happen if we combined days. What if we celebrated "Christter?"

If the day represented both the birth and resurrection of Christ would we still have to buy each other presents and wear our best clothes? Would we still sit on the red guy's lap and hunt for plastic eggs filled with candy?

If we were starting a new holy day (holiday) to celebrate the life and re-life of Christ how would it be different from the two days we have now? I wonder, what would the songs be like? How would we decorate? What foods would be appropriate? What would be the traditions that would be born that would be passed through the generations? What would Christter be like? Would we say, "Happy Christter" or "Merry Christter" or "Hapry Christter?"

Maybe rather than start a new day we could include an awareness in both. The Christ we celebrate on Christmas defeated the power of death, and the resurrected Christ we celebrate on Easter came to earth as a human.

At our church this year we will celebrate Christmas Sunday by baptizing people. Celebrating life in Christ. Maybe this year it really is Christter!

May God bless you with a new revelation of Himself to your heart as we celebrate Christ, and may He bless you with the passion to continue the celebration on the 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd…

Celebrating,

Pastor Dave

Sometimes maybe simple is better

2011-12-16T10:15:00.000-05:00

According to the Global Language Monitor the English language has 1,013,913 words… or will have by 1.1.2012. A new word is created every 98 minutes. That's so wowazing! (1,013,914)

Having more words hasn't lessened confusion or strengthened communication. Has it?

Too many words can mess up an apology. Have you ever had someone start an apology that seemed to ring true and then shot the heart of it full of so many holes with the word "but" that it was empty?

Too many words can mess up everything. I know… I'm a preacher. I have a Master's degree in making faith complicated. I once went to a seminar where the speaker took 90 minutes to explain why sermons should be 20 minutes.

It's not easy to know when to stop making a point. The need to be understood propels us into the world of unnecessary verbiage. It's as if additional words will make the issue more important. (That was 34 words to say "we talk too much")

Sometimes maybe simple is better.

"I love you."

"I believe in you."

"I'm sorry."

"Thank you."

"I miss you."

Maybe even, "I'm disappointed."

So…

May God bless you with a week of growing anticipation as each day brings you closer to celebrating His Son's birth.

Or…

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Dave

Close

2011-12-09T10:09:00.001-05:00

When you think "you've got it" and someone tells you you're "close to getting it," how would that impact you?

In the 12th chapter of Mark a religious hot shot asked Jesus which of God's commands were the most important. Jesus answered with the call to love God and love others. The dialog continued as the hot shot agreed to the extent of saying that living those two commands were more important than offerings and sacrifices. (Mark 12:28-34)

Then Jesus said it. We don't know how the religious guy responded. It's kind of hard to confidently discern what the reaction was when Jesus told him - he wasn't far from the kingdom of God!

Ever had someone tell you you're almost there where you're convinced you're already there? Why didn't Jesus go into detail on what he needed to do to get there? What was it that was remaining that kept him "close" rather than "there?"

I have a hunch it was heart. This man knew what needed to be done to fully embrace the kingdom but, according to Jesus just a few verses later (38-40), he may have been caught in the pride of his "rightness." His clothes made him. How people greeted him with respect made him. Where he sat in meetings and meals made him. How proud he was of himself made him.

He knew what was most important and yet continued to value what was less important over what was most important. He was close.

One day I asked Jesus what was most important about Christmas. He told me it was worshipping him. I agree with him. I told him worshipping him was more important than all the trappings of this secular/religious celebration. I told him I agreed with him as I hurried off to buy something, decorate something, meet someone, wrap something, eat something….

As I was leaving I think he said something about being "close to Christmas." But that's silly, I know what Christmas is all about. "He's the reason for the season."

Sometimes I know what is most important, but my heart values what is less important over what is most important.

Close,

Pastor Dave

December

2011-12-02T09:29:00.001-05:00

It happened again. December. I'm thinking of 10 ways to live through December.

10. Don't be within 5 miles of the Birch Run outlet mall until 1.4.12.

9. When cooking, dip everything in chocolate. It's a little known fact that there were 4 wise men - the 4th brought Joseph and Mary chocolate covered pretzels and chocolate covered peanut butter balls. It's a tradition.

8. Don't buy your wife a new generator for Christmas - unless she asks for one… in which case be very careful, it may be a trap to see if you know what she really wants.

7. Don't buy your husband a new ab-roller for Christmas - unless he asks for one… in which case be very careful, it may to be trap you see if you're ok with him not having rock abs.

6. Don't get all offended when someone says "happy holidays." If they don't understand the importance of baptism, communion, or Easter to Christians they don't understand the importance of the birth either. (note - living Christ-like is more important than saying "Christmas")

5. Never try to beat a grandma to a reduced sale item.

4. Only snuggle up to a cozy fire in the living room if you have a fireplace.

3. Cancel one of your parties, events, meetings, trips, gatherings, and errands and enjoy a quiet moment with God.

2. Give something to someone without them knowing who it's from.

1. Reflect on the grace of God that knows no limit. Stand in faith in God in ways that has no exceptions. Worship the love of God that drove Him to give His Son for you. Swim in the warm pools of gratitude because His power is not attached to our calendar.

Living Through December,
Pastor Dave

Wondering

2011-11-18T09:38:00.001-05:00

Do you ever wonder the same thing I wonder?

If perspicuous means "clear" or "easy to understand" why don't we teach the word in kindergarden?

Why do we make the union of "gh" result in a "f" sound in cough, but no sound in "though?" Why isn't "thouf" a word?

If the speed limit is 70 why would we make cars and motorcycles that can easily more than double that, then write a ticket for doing what the vehicle was designed to do?

There's another one! Why are "write" and "right" pronounced the same? Following their example shouldn't "canoe" and "candle" be pronounced the same? They both have some of the same letters!

Note: my questions are facetious (yes, I used spell check since that word is an example of my point) and I am not hoping for an answer to the above questions.

Here's where I'm going - "Christian."

I wonder about that word. I wonder about what that looks like as compared to what it means. I wonder why one Christ would change the world forever and a bunch of the followers (literally "little-Christ") would work so hard at being like the world that He changed.

I wonder why prayer is so hard for us to make personal and intimate.

I wonder why the Bible is something that we would avoid.

I wonder how we lost the focus that Christ had - the Kingdom of God. We are working so hard on improving our kingdom that we don't have time or energy for His.

I wonder how we got the reputation that you're not welcome in church unless you have the right clothes or are free from the wrong habits.

I wonder about why we have taught people that following Jesus is easy and "sacrifice" is what you do to advance a runner in baseball.

I wonder why God loves me. I wonder how I am going to respond to that love today... even if it's not really perspicuous.

Wondering,

Pastor Dave

I Was Shocked

2011-11-11T08:59:00.001-05:00

#1 I was shocked at how rotten it was. As soon as I saw it I made a decision that something must be done right a way.

In my home office the windows have "window quilts," an insulated material that unrolls over the window forming a pretty tight seal. I couldn't tell you the last time I pulled the quilt up and looked out the small window behind my chair.

When I heard wind I thought maybe I should. I was shocked. The window is falling apart. I had no idea. I just never checked.

Please don't feel the need to drop me a line about condensation accumulating over time and the need to let more air get to the window. The thing is, I just didn't have the need to open that window or look through it. So it stayed covered. Because it was covered I really didn't think about it.

#2 I was shocked at how rotten it was. As soon as I saw it I made a decision that something must be done right a way.

There's a place in my attitudes that I have sealed quite tightly. I really don't need to deal with it because it's not obvious. In fact I never let it show. It hides behind the fabric of religion so effectively that it remains unseen.

In my quiet times I can hear it, but nothing really needs to be done because it's hidden. If it's hidden and no one knows about it - it's unimportant.

Please don't feel the need to drop me a line and tell me how I should have known better. I know that rotten attitudes spread and soon the soul is unable to keep the effects of storms or the cold out. It's covered so I just didn't think about it.

#1 I have replacement windows on order and a contractor to install them. We'll start with the upstairs this year because it's quite expensive. It turns out there's a problem with more than one of the old windows. As we go to a new winter season I'm looking forward to having better windows.

#2 There are replacement attitudes available and I have a Contractor to install them. It's no easy task to replace attitudes. The Contractor I work with is equally licensed for both demolition and installation. Turns out He found more than one attitude that needs replacement. As we go to a new season of growth I'm looking forward to more protection from the elements and a greater level of warmth. It's a very expensive job, but the Contractor told me He would cover the cost.

It's going to be a warmer winter.

Pastor Dave

Former Ding Dong

2011-11-04T10:05:00.000-04:00

I finished a reading a book last night, closed it, thought about it, skimmed back through the pages, and proceeded to log it on my reading list. I then realized - I am a ding dong.

As I scrolled through the list of books I’ve read this year I was astounded at the titles I don’t even remember reading. Most of them I have underlined so I can go back and find quotes I can’t remember, but I was struck by the fact that the content of some of them made no difference. After I thought about that I went to the “to be read stack” to get the next book to read!

So, I came to the conclusion - I am a ding dong.

Imagine spending time reading so many books and not allowing them to impact me (be careful, you’re being set up). It’s as if I read because it was the right thing to do (you know where I’m going?). I liked the title, the topic, the author, or it was recommended to me, so I read it. I read them because I can and I enjoy doing it… little impact (hang on).

Here’s the issue, the problem wasn’t the books. I’ve come to the conclusion I am too often a distracted reader (wait for it). My eyes run over the words like a greased steam-roller while my mind is on the edge thinking on unrelated issues.

Who would repeatedly go through the motions without the heart engaged? (here it is)

Then I thought about my worship, encounters with God that have little impact because of my distraction. I hurry through time with God like a greased steam-roller while my mind wanders to things… stuff… more interesting?!

Then I thought about the Bible. Do I read that with hunger?

I thought about my faith. Distracted?

I wonder why I don’t consider distraction a sin? I wonder how many diamonds of truth I am missing because my undisciplined mind is busy counting grains of sand? I wonder if that’s why the author of Hebrews told me to “fix [my] eyes?” (12:2)

I’m going to go back through the books I’ve read this year and spend some time with what was underlined.

I’m going to ignore distraction during my moments with the Lord.

How ‘bout that - I learned from books I didn’t think I learned anything from.

Former Ding Dong,

Pastor Dave

What If...

2011-10-28T08:42:00.001-04:00

"CUT! That's not right. We've gone over the lines. We've gone over the placement. We've gone over the facial expressions. You're doing it all wrong. We will all stand here till moss grows on our shoes doing it over and over until you get it right. Do it again!"

What if God were a crabby temperamental director?

"No, No, No! That's not repentance! Do it again."

"Stop! I told you that you can't work here unless you forgive them."

"For the one millionth time it's 'love your enemies' and 'hate the world' you keep doing it backwards."

What if God kept making us redo the scene of showing grace to someone else until it was convincing.

What if He interrupted worship and proclaimed, "You're doing it wrong! You keep complaining about (or worshipping) song selection, volume, and personal taste. You don't even have me in mind while you're doing it. Start over!"

"You're ad-libbing things that I would never write in the script. Do it again!"

What if God sat by, in one of those high cloth chairs with the word "Yahweh" monogrammed in gold on the back, with a bull horn yelling out directions and clarifications of the scenes of our lives. "Kessler - wake up! The waitress in this scene needs you to pay attention to her, she's at the end of her rope… Action!"

"David, pay close attention to this scene. You're alone. You're discouraged. You wonder if there is any point. You're going to enter a place of profound fear. But faith is still going to be stronger than temptation… Action!"

"Kessler, this scene requires you being honest. Quit hiding behind stuff and excuses. I can't deal with these egos! There are other people that could do this better. I knew I should have contacted Matt Damon for your roll! You're fired!

What if God really was involved in all the scenes of my life? What if he really did observe everything? What if the script is given to me by God's Holy Spirit? What if he really were the director in my story? Not crabby or temperamental. Not wishing I was like other actors. Not barking out cold commands. But - directing. Directing a real story of events that grow me and His Kingdom at the same time. What if I really am supposed to listen for His direction and follow His script?

What if…

Action!

Pastor Dave

What Should a Pastor Say to His Church Today

2011-10-21T08:56:00.001-04:00

According to one person the world is going to end today. I've done a bunch of research into the person and the theology he holds. There's not much we agree on. But, my heart aches a little today.

The skeptics of faith are ready to add another failed prediction to the basket of reasons to question the Bible.

Comedians will have new material.

Jaded Christians will have a person to point at, distance themselves from, and join in the mocking so as not to appear as one of "them."

Gullible Christians will wonder why God didn't come through… again.

I've thought about what I should say to my church and friends. Should I give my views on the predictions and the theology behind them? Should I detail why I disagree with Harold Camping? Should I quote Bible verses to further discredit someone who claims to have God's calendar figured out? Should I try to stick up for God because some are making a mockery of His plan? Should I not even bring it up since many may not even know what I'm talking about?

What should a pastor say to his church today?

My conclusion - very little.

I don't have a lot to say.

Serve Jesus today. Don't get caught in debates. Don't malign someone you don't know. Don't err on the side of arrogance or pride. Pray for people a lot. Read the Bible. Withhold rudeness. Help someone smile. Look for an opportunity to share the love of Christ. Be generous. Encourage. Fill the life roles that you have with the faith of someone who loves God with all they are. Spend this day as if it were your last day. Serve Jesus today.

And if he gives us another one - do it again.
And if he gives us another one - do it again.
And if he gives us another one - do it again.
And if he gives us another one - do it again.
And if he gives us another one - do it again.
And if he gives us another one - do it again.
And if he gives us another one - do it again.
And if he gives us another one - do it again.
And if he gives us another one - do it again… etc.

Until Then,

Pastor Dave

Files

2011-10-14T11:49:00.001-04:00

Page One:
I have a file that I put manuals and users guides in. Probably most of us do. They are labeled; dishwasher, refrigerator, furnace, washer, dryer, television, grill, miscellaneous house stuff, and others. The truth is I never look at the manual after it's put in the file. The files are the black hole of information that I couldn't use if I wanted to. If I need the electrical schematic of my oven I could get it - but I don't know how to read it anyway. I just keep it.

What is interesting to me is when I hold on to manuals of something that I don't have anymore. If I have the desire to read about the Sears dishwasher we had two dishwashers ago I could. You never know when useless information will be valuable (never).

The other day I cleaned out my files. What I don't own anymore I don't need to know how to maintain.

Page Two:
I have a file that I put mistakes and sins in. Probably most of us do. They are labeled; husband, father, employee, boss, student, Christian. The truth is I always go back to them to review what I have asked God to forget. The files are the black hole of information that I can't do anything about. If I need to dwell on that time I lost my temper I can pull it out and carefully remember everything about that event in exaggerated form - but I don't know how to undo it. I just keep it.

What is interesting to me is when I hold on to mistakes and sins that I don't have anymore. If I want to dwell on something that I've given to Christ two million times I can. You never know when old information about a forgiven sin will be healthy (never).

The other day Jesus offered to help me clean the files of what He had already erased the print from. He told me that what I don't own anymore I don't need to maintain.

Page Three:
Clean files are a good idea.

Thankful,

Pastor Dave

Three things I know about being lost. ‘Cause I’ve been there.

2011-10-07T12:39:00.003-04:00

1. Awareness of limitation
I don’t know everything or how to get everywhere. I am limited in my knowledge.

2. Increase of passion
When I am not where I should be my intensity increases and that usually increases the weight of my foot on the gas pedal (which people with lights on the top of their car are not fond of). Getting where I belong is less of a leisurely drive and more of an emotionally engaged search.

3. Focused vision on the destination
When I am lost I become very focused on the confidence of knowing where I am going. My eyes are eager to find signs and landmarks that will point me to the right place. I long for the completion.

Three things to know about being lost in the love of God.
1. Awareness of limitation
I can’t work hard enough or be good enough to cause love to happen. I am very limited and must be aware of where the Source is unending.

2. Increase of passion
I am most passionate in my desire to respond and be with God when I am most aware of the love that He is and has. There is a sense of eagerness in my spirit when I know I am surrounded by love.

3. Focused vision on the destination
When I am lost in the love of God my spirit is very focused on the God of love. I know where I am going. My decisions and actions are different. I am on journey and I know it.

I’m thinking this morning about the two ways of being lost, one of them is miserable and the other is healing. Two different types of being lost, one reveals my humanity and the other teaches me about spirituality.

I intend to get lost today - guess which one I hunger for.

Getting Lost,

Pastor Dave

Songs

2011-09-30T09:59:00.001-04:00

I never know what's going to be on my mind first thing in the morning, often it's a song.

This morning it was a kid's song from years ago, "So Noah, he built him/He built him an arky, arky/Noah, he built him/He built him an arky, arky/Built it out of gopher barky, barky/Children of the Lord"

I don't know why I remember a lot of the words to Tennessee Ernie Fords, Kiss Me Big. Often it's a song I hear bouncing around in my mind (there's a story behind that we need not unpack).

I love it when a song we sang in church gets stuck in my mind. The hymn Salvation's Song is one of my favorites right now, "So with every breath that I am given/I will sing salvation's song/And I'll join the chorus of creation/Giving praise to Christ alone/Singing glory, honor…"

Waking up to "Giving praise to Christ alone" is better than "Kiss me baby till my eyes pop out."

I wonder what God sings? I'm sure it's not a hymn from 2010, 1975, 1840, or 1532. God has his own list of songs that He sings over the people He has redeemed.I'm guessing His songs aren't sappy. His songs would be about a love that would pay a huge price and be strong enough to break the power of death. His songs would be in minor keys and have intense rhythms. A song that God sings would be about His grace that is beyond exact duplication. A God song would somehow be about both Himself and those created in His image, about how He makes all the difference and can defeat any enemy that stands in my way.

Imagine hearing a song that God was singing with all of heaven. I can't grasp what that would sound like in my feeble imagination. I can't find any human expression of music and velcro it to God assuming they match. But, I can imagine it happing even if I can't imagine the sound. I can live in the poetic expression of its reality even if I can't feel the vibrations of it in my ear. I can be free because of the song of love and victory that God sings.

I can sit with the Psalmist and listen with my faith...

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7)

Maybe I'm taking it out of context. Maybe the Psalmist is hearing the songs of deliverance that the people are singing because of God's protection. Maybe you can't handle the thought of God singing. Zephaniah could -

Zephaniah 3.17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

We think of God being the Audience of our worship. Have you ever thought about being the audience of His concert? Listen well today.

Surrounded,

Pastor Dave

Who do people say that we are?

2011-09-23T09:54:00.001-04:00

"The wrong question for the church is, How many people are present. The right question is What are these people like?"

Quoted from Rethinking Church, James White

Jesus asked his followers the question, "Who do people say that I am?" (Mark 8:27)

Jesus was asking a deeper question than I will ask. He always does.

This was not an insecure poll to find out what Jerusalem's TMZ was saying about him. He really didn't ask the question for his insight. Jesus was dusting the junk off the spirits of the disciples that had been placed there by people who didn't know who He was.

Who do people say that we are? The answer for Jesus involved the sins of the world. The answer for us - not so much.

But, it's not an insignificant question, Who do people say that we are?

Your name is a copout answer. "People say I'm Dave."

Church people should "be" something. They should be able to be described. They should be able to have characteristics that are identifiable and attachable to the One they serve.

It may surprise you, but I'm not looking for the word "holy" here. "Everyone in that church is holy."

If we don't have people in the church who are not "holy" yet, we are not being obedient to the call of the One who makes us holy.

What are we like?

I'm somewhat fond of the thought of changing. If we aren't being changed we aren't getting to the point of our need. I want to be a church of changers, a church of growers. People who are being transformed from whatever we were to whatever He called us to.

Everyone, even people who haven't crossed the faith line yet, can be changing so they are closer to Christ. That's what happens when you gather where Jesus shows up - you change.

Growing,

Pastor Dave

Why I'm Smiling

2011-09-16T09:43:00.001-04:00

This morning I read Psalm 31 and a word picture has made me grin… almost laugh.

This Psalm of David may have been written while on the run from a jealous King Saul. In the fifth verse is the famous last line that Jesus breathed from the cross, "Into your hands I commit my spirit." The result for Jesus was reentrance into the eternal presence of the Father. The result for David was trusting that God would protect his life.

A few verses later in the Psalm David sang these words, "You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place."

That's the line. "Set my feet in a spacious place." It could read "a big room."

Imagine being surrounded. I was a young man sledding down a hill in the woods when a bunch of dogs surrounded me. There were four or five of them and were snarling and barking at me as I stood frozen. Thinking back, I think they were each 400 pound dogs with teeth the size of meat cleavers, but my mind may have grown reality.

I do remember fear. I remember feeling surrounded. I remember knowing I couldn't out run them up the hill. I remember standing outside and feeling like I was in their cell.

They left. I slowly thawed out and went home looking around at how big the space was around me. When I wasn't in the cell of dogs the woods were huge! I walked through the field where the neighborhood played baseball - it was a gigantic, vast, wallless stadium. My feet were in a spacious place because they weren't in the cell of angry dogs.

So, this morning I grin, almost laugh with joy. I have been released from the hand of the enemy who longs to bind and constrict me. I have been delivered from the foot shackles of bondage and the enclosing walls of sin.

I have room to run and investigate all I can see of God. There is ample space for me to stretch within the covenant of His love. I am not frozen in fear of what the enemy has, my feet have been set in a spacious place - God's love and grace.

Don't tell my wife, but the picture I have in my mind is the closing scene of the 32 hour long movie The Sound of Music. You know, the family running on the top of mountains over looking the rest of the earth. It's a spacious place. Guilt isn't roomy. Sin isn't freeing. The enemy of my soul doesn't give me room to run. But... "You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place."

"The hills are alive with the sound of music"

"la la la la"

Pastor Dave

Flexed Muscles

2011-09-09T10:21:00.001-04:00

Someone flexed their muscles and took down some buildings.

Someone else flexes their muscles and builds a new building.

Flexed muscles make a speech on how to fix the nation and others flex their muscles in disagreement.

Nations flex. Unions flex. Bosses flex. Athletes flex. Spouses flex. I flex.

Everyone attempts to show how much power they have. Then a river rises and reveals how little we all really have. A virus shows up and exposes hidden weakness. A limitation is found and strength can’t be seen anymore.

I’m struck this morning with the arrogance of humanity and the frailty of humanity. It’s all over the news. “Terrorists will not defeat us!” “Fire displaces 100,000 people.”

In 30 second soundbites we proclaim how powerful and resilient we are, and how limited and helpless.

The Psalmist knew about flexing. He watched it. He was in awe.

Psalm 29
1 Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Believers, let’s let God do the flexing.

In awe,

Pastor Dave

Supernatural

2011-09-02T09:27:00.008-04:00

I'm reading a book by G. Campbell Morgan that was written in the early 1900's. This morning I found myself camping on these words, "Supernatural is an awkward word; it will become obsolete when we have more light. If we could climb to the height where God dwells, things we call supernatural would be perfectly natural…."

That made me think about the moment when I will step from this side of eternity to the other. It made me think about God. I made me think of how little we know in the midst of our "understanding."

I've known peace during moments of turmoil. If the elements of my situation were to have been put in a life blender and mixed together the flavor, texture, and taste would not have been peace. But… I had it. It was somehow supernatural.

I've known strength during times of weakness. There have been times my physical, spiritual, emotional tank was like three day old leftover Thanksgiving turkey - dry. I had nothing to give. And yet, at just the right time something (Someone) filled the reserves of my soul and the miracle of perseverance happened. It was somehow supernatural.

I've known confidence during seasons of brokenness. When my spirit was fractured by outside sources and I questioned everything about me. When I searched for value in me and what I've done and came up empty. When I didn't find hope. Somehow I was reminded Whose child I am. When I remembered God's love for me brokenness was revealed as temporary, and a deep, foundational, mountain-like confidence erupted and grew. It was somehow supernatural.

Peace. Strength. Confidence. When I taste them here it's supernatural. It's an interruption of the normal. That taste is a finger of an eternal God leaving a print inside a limited universe. But….

There will be a day when I will swim in what I now know as a drop. There will a day when what is a miracle will be life. Not a humdrum "normal" that is bored with abundance, but an awe filled celebration of the Father's full provision of what I long for now. When I walk into a land whose calendar has one page on it labeled "forever" what is supernatural now will become natural.

Until then - I'm am His.

In faith,

Pastor Dave

Sent

2011-08-26T10:19:00.001-04:00

I sit in a coffee shop this morning thinking about the fact that school is about to start.

When I shake the trees of my mind to see what memories fall to the ground I find that it is quite a mixed bag.

I remember my first crush. Not what she looked like or her name or anything about her. I just remember having a crush on someone in grade school.

I remember my favorite teachers and the ones who parachuted down from Mars in time for the first day of school and remained on our planet for the whole school year. I know they were from another planet because entry into our atmosphere burned the expression of their face in a constant frown, and God told me that they were required to leave their personality on Mars when they left.

I remember the different levels of humanity that Jr. and Sr. High divided people into.

I mourn over the things I said that should not have been said.

I thank God for the times He protected me and guided me.

I grin over the pranks that….

I'm thinking about the schools in our area that are about to start. I'm praying that this year would be different.

I'm thinking about the number of teachers who have faith in Christ that live life in front of students and praying that the Author of truth would show up in the topic they teach.

I'm thinking about the number of students that find their way into Bible believing churches every weekend and then enter the sea of potential compromise each weekday.

I'm thinking this year we need to get involved as a church. We need to send them to school in the name and power of Christ. Not so they would be a Bible thumping- annoying-arguing-religious walking billboard, but that they would be Jesus.

I am excited about the role we are going to fill this year as a church - senders. Watch for information on the September 7th event. Students and teachers need to be there with the people who believe in prayer and witness the miracle of God's call.

Excited to Send,

Pastor Dave

Fear and Discouragement

2011-08-12T10:13:00.001-04:00

First:

Last Sunday the Word spoke to us on the topic of fear and discouragement. To be honest, I'm still learning how to apply the words the Lord gave me.

Fear freezes me so that I don't step out in obedience.

Fear freezes me so that I don't reach out for intimacy.

Fear freezes me so that I don't speak out against injustice.

Fear freezes me so that I don't look for divine appointments.

Discouragement holds me so that I don't care about what I am missing.

Discouragement holds me so that I don't believe life could be different.

Discouragement holds me so that I don't let go of pervious failures.

Discouragement holds me so that I don't taste freedom of spirit.

(there's a new outline for a new sermon)

I can be frozen by fear and held by discouragement.

Second:

This morning I started reading Jeremiah (I have a hunch I'm going to be there a long time). I found myself camping on 1:12 "I am watching over My word to perform it."

Our God didn't speak to fill the universe with words. He didn't give us the Word as a historical diary. I am stuck this morning that the Bible gives me a heads up on the modus operandi of God. He behaves in line with His word. God speaks and stays involved to complete His word (sorry agnostics).

Third:

This is the connection between the first and the second. My fear and discouragement don't fit in a faith walk with a holy God that is performing His word. In fact - fear and discouragement bring a disconnect in my life between myself and the God who is actively performing His will.

The truth of the second point liberates me to let go of the lie of the first point. In other words, we don't conquer fear and discouragement alone or with positive thinking. Victory is found in being close to the God who is doing His word! God's "doing" what He said directly releases me from the grip of fear and discouragement!

The second point renders the first ineffective.

Living the Second,

Pastor Dave

bumper-car state of mind

2011-08-05T10:00:00.001-04:00

This morning I'm thinking about confusion. That bumper-car state of mind. The one where you can't go outside the oval, you never get anywhere valuable, there is no discernible goal, and your pushed most by what you couldn't see coming. It's road rage in your brain.

Do you ever know that kind of thought life? There are so many thoughts that are pushing each other around that it's almost impossible to find a safe place.

Bumper car thought life; waiting for the music to stop and the cars to lose their power so the exit can be found.

I'm there sometimes... today.

Here's my bumper car-less plan.

1. I'm going to be honest with God about what's going on. I've got a hunch he knows, but somehow it's healthy to admit what he knows so we can work together on it.

Luke 5.22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?

2. I'm going to declare my trust in God for this day. I trust in his love that it is stronger than my thoughts. I trust in his grace that it will help me with the stupid ones. I trust in his guidance for the ones that demand a choice. I trust God with the dark ones that have "I don't care" written on them. "God, I trust you with me!"

Isaiah 26.3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

3. I'm going to ask for help. "Lord, the eyes of my mind are darting around and somehow I need to focus on what matters to both of us. Will you help me know what to ignore? Will you help me know what is wasted time to think on? Will you reveal the dangerous?"

Psalm 119.37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

4. I'm going to use the filter he gave me. I get to pour the contents of my mind through a filter. It's like the guy at the bumper car ride that lets the people in - only so many, right age, right height. God has given me the guide for my thought life.

Philippians 4.8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

5. I'm going to start now.

Applying,

Pastor Dave

Here’s a thought

2011-07-29T11:04:00.001-04:00

Events don't have to dictate my thought life.

When events drive my thought life I am subject to dramatic change within moments. In fact, a 30 second news clip could own me for days, a word from my boss could change the direction of life, the accident could claim my mind when the random is promoted over the eternal. Events should not be given that power.

To be sure, all events are not to be trivialized as if they don't matter. But, nor should they be promoted so that they can claim authority over the atmosphere of my mind.

Suggestions:

1. Look at the rut your mind has been in and trace that rut back to the event that started to dig the rut.

2. Invite God to be part of the event so that you can hear his heart again.

3. Let him show you truth that may have be overlooked or ignored.

4. Start digging a new rut based on that truth.

5. Be sure the journey takes you to the presence of Christ. If it doesn't, it's the wrong rut.

Colossians 3.1-2

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Digging,

Pastor Dave

A Reminder

2011-07-15T09:27:00.000-04:00

2Peter 1.12-14

So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.

Peter is reminding his readers to live in a Christ-like manner. The first line of these verses really got me thinking. What would I remind the church of? What would I feel the urge to ask us to hold on to tightly with the grip of our souls?

If I felt the urgency of remaining time shrinking what would be priority words? I can't pick a Bible verse because the Bible didn't tell me which one to pick.

The "great command?" The "great "commission?" The last words of Jesus? The words when he was in the most turmoil? The words that Matthew records as the sermon of Jesus? What about when Jesus said, "Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her?"

Too many options and too much weakening of the Word to make it a slogan or a cliche.

So, I'm thinking what would I remind you of? What would I remind me of?

On this day I would remind you to know Jesus and to live Jesus. In a way that's what it's all about for me.

"So I will always remind you to know Jesus and live Jesus, even though you know that already and are learning to do that. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as God gives me breath."

Get rid of the excuses. Know and live what you know about Jesus.

A reminder,

Pastor Dave

Ordination

2011-07-08T10:14:00.001-04:00

Tonight Pastor Eric will receive ordination as an Elder in the Free Methodist Church. He will become Reverend Eric Wing. The halo is getting finishing touches now.

In honor of his call, work, and accomplishment, and in light of the series we are working through on our thought life, I thought I'd let you in on something. Tonight God will do something in Eric's mind that He already has done in mine years ago and in Pastor Scott's last year.

When you are ordained God builds a steel wall around your mind that is impenetrable! You have reached a height that is so lofty that it automatically results in a supernatural thought life. We don't even have to try!

This Holy Spirit covered mind never deals with temptation anymore, never has the weight of discouragement, and never lets insecurity anywhere near it!

God does this thing for an ordinand that makes it so ungodly thoughts don't even try to come near our minds - there's no use! We have flawless minds that are feeding our always healthy emotions. And we never exaggerate to make a point!

Reality - I would ask for your prayers for your pastoral team. Pray for:

1. Protection against pride and discouragement. Both stand in the way of the Holy Spirit's work.

2. Clarity of thought. Each of us need to grow in hearing from the Lord clearly. That requires discernment to know what is a voice from God and what is not.

3. Humble boldness. When the word is clear it still needs to be acted on. It's hard to learn to care more about what God says than what others say... for all of us.

4. __________________

Take a moment through this week and talk to God about your Pastor's thought life. Then risk finding someone so that you can pray for each other's thought life. Let's pray for each other through the summer!

Needy,

Pastor Dave

Thought Life

2011-07-01T10:10:00.001-04:00

I've missed the last couple of weeks of "Friday Thoughts." To be honest, I was going to take the summer off. But, it doesn't seem the right thing to do right now.

Throughout the summer I'm going to continue to think and write in the area of our current sermon series, "Brain on a Leash." I'd like to keep us focused on our thought life... I'd like to keep me focused on my thought life.

Why?

1. God knit me together with a thought life so that I could be more aware of him.

This is a tool God has given me that is so easily unused or misused, but it is a gift of God.

2. There's gold in them thar' hills.

I think my thought life is an untapped arena of richness, strength, and God's grace. I want to learn how to tap into them and more.

3. My design is hidden under the stuff.

What if a clear awareness of who I am made to be is buried under the thoughts that don't belong?

So, this summer I'm going to continue to call us to growth in this area. Even when the sermon series is done, I'd like to keep digging. And, I'd like to hear from you. How's the battle? What works, what doesn't?

Fellow Servant,

Pastor Dave

Favorites?

2011-06-03T09:06:00.001-04:00

People ask, "what's your favorite scripture?" I've even heard people talk about a "life verse." A verse that goes beyond being a favorite to be one that guides your life, impacts your decisions, and in a way defines you.

I read Colossians the 3rd chapter this morning. As I was reading and underlining and thinking about key words I found myself thinking about the "favorite verse" issue. Here's my conclusion on the best verses in the Bible.

The one God is teaching me about right now is my new favorite and is the best.

I just finished Ezra a few days ago. That was my favorite last week. I will finish Colossians tomorrow and then go to John. Next week John will be my favorite.

Right now, it's Colossians 3. It tells me what to seek (verse 1), where to set my mind (2), what to put to death (5), what to get rid of (8), not to lie (9), what the new life is doing (10), how to "clothe" my soul (12), bear with others (13), forgive (13), and to wear love (14).

But he wasn't done.

There are a multitude of things that I "let happen" through the day. Listen to the two things Paul told to church to let happen: "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" and "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."

After a list of things that I must actively do Paul tells me that there are a couple of things to let Someone else do. I need to let the peace of Christ and the word of Christ invade me. Let it happen.

Based on that I must assume that the peace of Christ and word of Christ are waiting to do that. Today.

Letting Christ be Christ in my life is how I am able to be what I am called to be.

"Lord, I will live the new life you call me to and I will surrender, letting you do what you long to do."

Today Colossians 3 is my favorite - can't wait until tomorrow.

Pastor Dave

4 Thoughts for Friday

2011-05-27T10:39:00.001-04:00

Thought #1.

About the time we think we are in control and have built a life that cannot be shaken a river and a tornado remind us of how vulnerable we are. The elements are different, the result the same - devastation.

Thought #2.

I'm am constantly amazed how impossible it is to disagree in a civil way. For some reason disagreement must include personal attacks.

Culture. If someone doesn't like the new "American Idol" they say, "they stink, they can't sing, - the whole thing is rigged." Why can't I just say, "it wasn't my favorite" and move on?

Politics. It's not enough to disagree and let content carry the argument. There must be distortions and personal attacks. Rather than engage in a discussion they shut down the opposing view. The result is warfare between the political and non-political. The political spend their time trying to convince the non-political that they are representing them while they make a career of discrediting each other. Meanwhile the non-political ignore them and try to pay their bills.

Faith. In my own life I have probably crossed lines with the recent end of the world predictions. Rather than attack an 89 year old man I don't know why can't I just say, "I don't agree and would recommend you weigh carefully what is said?" Why does disagreement have to include insult?

Thought #3

Saturday, the 28th of May, will be the 273rd anniversary of a key experience of Methodism. It was on that day that John Wesley was at a meeting when he felt his heart "strangely warmed" because he realized that he did trust Christ and Christ alone for his salvation. It was an event that personalized a faith that was institutionalized in his life.

What started a warming was kindled into a flame and became part of the fires of revival across England. As I think about that 273 years later I wonder whose heart God is warming now? Who is the person that will realize that they can't earn salvation? Who is the person that will embrace victory over sin? Who is the person who will answer the call to live a transformed life that is the beacon of unity for the body of Christ and the draw for those who don't know?

I wonder, who is God getting ready for a new move of His Spirit? (Note: see Isaiah 6:8)

Thought #4

"Jesus, thank-you for people who have given their lives for my freedom. Today I remember them. This weekend I am filled with gratitude for young people whose lives were cut short so that I could be free. This weekend I think of families who are in need of the grace of Your presence because of an empty chair at the table.

Not all war is just. Not all warriors have good motives. But, somehow I can't help but think that we have learned from you that some things are worth giving your life for."

Freedom.

Have an Anointed Memorial Weekend,

Pastor Dave

It’s Friday

2011-05-20T09:43:00.001-04:00

It's Friday. Tomorrow is the return of Christ. I know, because I read it on the internet.

I am tempted to quote Bible verses and enter the arena of debate with Harold Camping of Family Radio (note: not Family Life Radio of our area). But, to be honest it's an arena I that have no interest, desire, or call to enter.

Harold says, Saturday at 6pm the Rapture of the church is to take place. According to the Family Radio web-site, complete with a daily countdown, "the Bible guarantees it."

So I thought I'd share my plans for the day. Today I am going to write out some of the bills and get them in the mail. I am going to finish writing the sermon for Sunday. I just finished a book, Rethink Your Life by Stan Toler, today I'll skim back through it and log some quotes. Today I'll go for a walk. I'll follow up on some phone calls that need to be finished. Today I'll pray and read from the Psalms. I'm on Psam 24.

Today I'll hold my tongue and not be angry about a false prophet that makes a public mockery of Christ, His return, and the Word of God (like he did in 1994 the last time he said the Bible guaranteed the return of Christ). Today I'll pray that God will do and continue to do real work in the midst of people who are distracted and mislead. Today I'll live for Christ.

Tomorrow at 6 pm Leah and I will have dinner with some new friends and together we will pray about our future and the sermon for Sunday. Tomorrow I will face the day without fear, excitement, or disdain because of a man's prediction.

The unique thing about the return of Christ is that we are to always be ready for what we can never predict. We are to have faith in the One returning not the one mathematically determining when it will happen. We are to live in awe of the mystery of God's kingdom not in arrogance of a claim to have a hidden insight.

"Hey Harold, you might be right, it might be tomorrow. It might be today. It might be Sunday. The return of Christ might be when my great great grandchild has his 65th birthday."

"That's not the point."

"Be ready."

"That's the point."

Maranatha,

Pastor Dave

It’s time for humility

2011-05-06T11:39:00.001-04:00

I'm treading boldly and carefully as I write this.

This week the completion of a military mission resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden. I felt the pride that many felt at the extreme price our military pays to complete missions with expertise. We owe much to those who are underpaid and overworked yet serve our nation at the risk of their lives.

My pastoral opinion is not addressing issues of justice or revenge. I will not take a side on "torture" in this writing. I will not second guess the actions or results of things of which I have such limited insight.

My issue - This week I really felt we revealed an ugly side of our nation. From the New York headline that read, "Rot in Hell" to the speech the President gave in which he said, "America can do whatever we set our mind to."

I miss humility. I felt as if we were celebrating by toasting with a cup of poison. Humility doesn't avoid victory, it experiences it with an awareness of how fragile victory is. Humility would be aware of how limited our success really is.

Maybe we haven't had it for a long time. Maybe I long for what we haven't had. Success that is celebrated in arrogance is cheapened. It's that way with sports. I've felt it in the awards of stars. I've seen it in business. And, most unfortunately, we've seen it in the church. How we take loss says something about our character, as does how we respond to victory.

Here's the deal - the President ended his speech with "May God Bless America." But can He? We want to know God's blessing in our homes. We want God to bless our church. We want God's blessing.

But, God's blessing does not find itself resting where there is the absence of humility.

Personally, I have no problem with what was done. I do not condemn the action, I am saddened by the attitude.

America can do whatever it sets its mind to. Quit spending more than we have. Quit politicizing every action. Quit pushing faith into the arena of fable. Quit pointing the finger at others. Quit demanding God remain silent until we claim His blessings. Quit with the arrogance that has caused the downfall of so many cultures.

America can do humility.

The church must show them how.

Ezekiel 33.11 Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?'

Please note - this verse does not find its most accurate application in the terrorist, its most accurate application is found in the life of the people of God. The nation that called to God for blessing.

It's time for humility,

Pastor Dave

This morning I thought about God

2011-04-29T09:31:00.001-04:00

I thought this morning about God.

That isn't a strange thing and most would expect that a pastor does that all the time. But, this morning really I thought about God.

Devastation through storms and earthquakes seem to fight for the right to the top news slots. When one storm gets the top billing another comes and takes the headlines.

Prince William is getting (has gotten) married. The world takes a deep breath and holds it until we can see what people are wearing and who was invited... except the people who just lost everything in a tornado or flood.

Gas prices. Ya, no comment.

There are so many people dealing with huge life issues right now.

This morning I thought about God. I entered the room of my soul and sat down to say, "Hi, I need you. There's too many issues and I feel so out of control."

He smiled and said he knew.

He was sitting at the table of my imagination writing in his journal. He set his pen down and looked to my eyes and saw the weight that was behind them.

We talked about this weekend and the sermon and the service. We talked about the emergency that is called living. We talked about my expectations. He said he cared about all of it.

This morning I thought about God. Before the day started and I walked from the table of fellowship in my mind I glanced at his journal to see if I could see was what on his mind.

He'd written, "This morning I thought about Dave."

I woke to think of God only to find that he was already thinking of me. He knew about the headlines. He knew about my concerns. He knew about... about all of it.

Just so you know, I saw a page there with your name on it too.

Looking Forward to Sunday,

Pastor Dave

Good Friday

2011-04-22T10:11:00.001-04:00

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

John 3:16, 17

Questions

2011-04-15T10:17:00.001-04:00

I have lots of questions about next week.

1. I wonder about which complaint to have ready, "It's too hot" or "it's too cold."

2. We're going to have short times of communion on Good Friday night. I wonder how many people will come?

3. With gas prices going up, should I buy stock in Harley Davidson (by getting a bike)?

4. Will this Easter be our highest attended service ever?

5. Ham?

6. How many eggs is my wife going to hide for the kids? And, how many peanut butter eggs am I going to steal from my grandchildren?

7. New tie or old?

So many questions. So little value. It's interesting how most of our questions have everything to do with what doesn't really matter.

New questions.

1. Will I hear from God next week as I learn more about how to worship Him?

2. It is possible that I will reach that new place of deeper surrender?

3. When I take communion will my heart be hungry?

4. On Easter Sunday will I let the truth of a risen Savior call me to new levels of obedience?

5. When I leave Sunday will I be different because the Holy Spirit showed up and filled me?

6. How do I get myself ready for the miracle of God's presence?

7. Will I make time to talk to God through the week - asking for Him to reap a harvest of souls in churches across our community on Sunday?

So many questions. Such important answers. It's interesting how my life questions change as my focus does. If my priority is God's will the answers I seek will require God's hand.

Will you join me in praying for this Easter. Will you let God cause this week to be a week of passion as we prepare to celebrate the Christ event? Will you be part of the miracle?

Pastor Dave

A Few Requests Before Easter

2011-04-08T15:49:00.001-04:00

“Lord, it’s getting closer. I can feel the vibrations under my feet. The Sunday when we will gather to celebration the risen Christ is almost here.

I have a few requests for me and the faith family I worship with.

Help us to start early. Celebration of the risen Christ is not reserved for a spot on our calendar. We forget that sometimes. But, will You remind us to live your grace and power before we even get to that day of remembrance.

Help us to find that person. You’ve been working on the heart of a person that needs us to kindly ask them to join us in our journey of faith. You’ve done the ground work and given us the call to join You in the task. Give us the wisdom to follow Your finger as You point them out to us.

Help us loosen our grip. Sometimes we hold so tightly to what keeps us from You. Sometimes we reduce the potentially miraculous to nostalgic emotions. We really need to look higher and dream bigger.

Help us ready our hearts. Preparation is often postponed, because of our patterns and schedules, until it is turned into panic. What should be a faithful growing expectation of You is morphed into hurried half-hearted wishes that our life would be better. We need to take the time to let You ready us for what You long to do.

That’s my prayer, Lord, for my friends and I. That’s the direction my faith is pointed. That’s my hope for the Easter season... and beyond. That’s the prayer while I feel vibrations under my feet.

Love,
Your Friend,
Dave,
Amen.

Easter Preparation

2011-04-01T09:33:00.001-04:00

missing the point:

easter my friend
i'm looking forward to seeing you again
spring makes me happy
family makes me smile

you're one of my favorite holidays
on your day the songs are upbeat
they make me happy
i'm glad you're coming close

it's good to talk about life
it's encouraging and gives me hope
i'm glad your story is happy
i hope it doesn't rain

you visit us every year
i don't have to plan - you just happen
i like days that make me happy
i think i'll wear my blue suit

getting the point:

easter my friend
every year you make me change
a little more like him
death didn't have the last word

you're not just about laughter
you remind me to live power
i can say no to sin like him
stones are made to move

i'm sure it's hard to be reduced
you're not about eggs or arrogance
you have a bigger meaning like him
i need to be reminded

i'm glad you're almost here
i need to start over
i need to stand tall like him
maybe I'll be freed from a grave too

Four Things to Know about Most Temptations

2011-03-25T09:52:00.001-04:00

1. They are Possible

The strongest pull away from obedience and holiness comes not from the fleeting thoughts of impossible grandeur; they come from the action that is close at hand and far removed from God's will.

2. They are Desirable

Let's face it - not much temptation to steal a boa constrictor to wrestle it. I am tempted by what appeals to the senses. Eve wouldn't have taken a bite if the Serpent was holding elephant dung.

3. They are Strategic

Timing is huge in growth and in sin. The enemy of my soul knows how to bring the wrong things at the right time. And, he also knows how to make the right things look like the wrong time. I am tempted to do what shouldn't be done and to leave undone what is required. The tempter is aware of my moods and patterns.

4. They are Optional

This would be a wonderful truth for followers of Christ to embrace. "I don't have to!" I don't have to disobey God. I don't have to compromise my thought life. I don't have to dwell on what is sin. I don't have to repeat what I have confessed.

However you define temptation, whatever it looks like in your life, whenever it slithers into your soul, remember this descriptor - IT'S OPTIONAL.

Choosing Obedience,

Pastor Dave

Digging

2011-03-18T11:32:00.001-04:00

I went for an ice free walk around the block this morning. The dog and I enjoy non-winter outdoor exercise.

I saw something that I find myself thinking through. A man breaking apart a huge pile of snow in his front yard.

I know that's not a big deal - but, he's the one who made it. Through the winter he shovels his driveway and part of his yard into a large pile. Through much of the winter you can see his lawn because he clears it off (I think he does it for his dogs). The result is there is a huge pile of snow in the middle of his front yard.

This morning he went to his front yard with a shovel and broke up the pile scattering it around so that the sun and warmth could do it's job. I watched him aggressively dig and throw repeatedly as I walked by.

I thought about how many times we build our own piles - worry, regret, and even sin. I pictured the mountain of bad choices and bad attitudes that we accumulate on the front yard of our souls. I imagined coming to grips with the fact that the Son and I working together could tear down what I have built.

Spring is a good time to allow the Son to melt what doesn't belong. Today is a good day to determine that the pile should be torn down. There is growth that is waiting to happen. There is life that is ready to bring color. There is value that has been covered.

Let the warmth of God's Spirit motivate you to use your empowerment to scatter a pile.

Digging,

Pastor Dave

List

2011-03-11T08:57:00.001-05:00

The list of things that are going to happen.

1. Setting the clocks ahead one hour. Saturday night we "spring ahead" one hour. It's kind of interesting - statistically this week is one of the lowest church attendance Sundays of the year. Loosing a hour of sleep when you're already tired is a hard thing.

2. Spring. There continues to be a rumor that Spring will come and the snow will melt. Ah, remember the 70's of summer?

3. The new Ministry Center will be complete. We are working on getting the downstairs finished up. It feels like we've been at this for a very long time. I'm told that in "construction months" it's really not that long. I was unaware that contractors, city inspectors, and builders all live on different calendars than the rest of us do.

4. Easter. We will soon celebrate the risen Christ. Easter is about who Christ is and who we are in Him. This is a great season to draw nearer to Him and live the victory He has won.

5. Christ will return.

Note: These points are not necessarily in order of occurrence. Number 5 could be deposited at any point in our list of things that are going to happen. And the moment number 5 happens all points and events that were to take place become null and void.

I prepare for number 1 by changing the clocks in my home and car.

I prepare for number 2 by putting away my snowblower and starting my lawnmower.

I prepare for number 3 by thinking through the details and changing ministry structure.

I prepare for number 4 by buying Cadbury eggs and getting my suit cleaned.

I prepare for number 5 by....

Now that I think about it - I've put entirely too much energy in preparing for things that will be a blip on the calendar. The great thing is I am ready for number 5 as I do numbers 1-4 in faith and obedience to the One who is returning.

I will change my clocks, get my lawnmower ready, plan for change, and celebrate the risen Christ, all while being the Christ-following husband, father, grandfather, pastor, son, employee, friend, servant that I am called to be.

How do you get ready for number 5? Are you ready for number 5?

Ready,

Pastor Dave

Pre-Lenten Question

2011-03-04T10:17:00.002-05:00

The last couple of weeks I've found myself getting excited about the Easter season. Starting Wednesday I am going to take a journey focusing on the words of Christ. We've been working on daily devotional thoughts that will be available on-line as well as in hard copy.

However, as I consider what Christ has said I'm wondering today about something else.

Please understand it is not my intent to reduce the importance or power of the words of Christ found in the Bible. They have the life and healing we crave. They have the conviction and judgment we need. They have the power and grace we search for. I am standing in faith that through the Lenten season the words of Christ are going to bring dramatic dynamics to a hungry soul.

The something else is, what is Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, saying to me right now?

Listening,

Pastor Dave

Spring Thoughts

2011-02-25T15:08:00.001-05:00

Rumor has it that Spring is coming. The melt-off one day will be complete, the resulting lake in my backyard will soak in, the furnace will run less, and I will be able to walk around the block again without cleats.

For this Spring I’m thinking of a few things I’d like to do. There’s the standard stuff like, get the yard fixed up, a new roof, new windows, paint the house, replace some carpet, organize the garage, and start a lama farm. But, most of that probably won’t happen. So what will the Spring hold?

1. I’m reading more this year. This Spring I’ve got a few books I’d like to learn from.

2. My neurologist tells me I need to evaluate my schedule and involvement's.

3. I’d like to take a few prayer and planning days in a quiet place.

4. Some ministry gaps need to be filled in.

5. There will be more pieces to the puzzle of our call to grow people put in place.

6. More teaching and equipping tools will be available to people.

7. I’ll say “yes” to God quicker.

I guess the last one is really what a new season is about isn’t it? We have goals and objectives, but the issue really comes down to our response to God’s call on our lives. The “yes” may come from inside turmoil. The “yes” may come through clinched teeth. The “yes” may catapult me into the unknowns that I have tried avoid. But, there will be a “yes.”
This Spring I will eagerly listen for what God is doing, I will push aside my baggage and excuses, and I will let my spirit respond to the Lord with a resounding “yes.”

So, I’m looking forward to Spring - but I’m not waiting till then.

Starting Now,

Pastor Dave

Today's Moment

2011-02-18T09:53:00.001-05:00

Locked somewhere within the unknown moments of this day is an opportunity that has unique fingerprints on it. It has not been placed there just to make my life better or to make me smile. That moment, that I can't see yet, is not about comfort or healing. That moment is not placed there so that I could feel good about me or have insight to the rest of the moments.

Somewhere in this day God has placed a moment of miraculous communion. It's a moment where I know He has intersected my world - the mundane infused with the supernatural. It's a moment of obedience. It's a moment when I will be faced with a choice. It may be obvious, or it may be more subtle. But, it will be a moment when I will point my will to God and take a step of obedience with no motive other than to be obedient.

Locked somewhere in this day is a moment with God's fingerprints on it... in fact it's filled with them. I will take them one at a time and be faithful with that one. Then I will set it down and pick up the next one.

The expected cost - everything. The expected challenge - huge. The expected result - intimacy.

"Lord, forgive us for missing them yesterday. May today be filled with my awareness of Your fingerprint covered moments."

Looking,

Pastor Dave

My Valentine

2011-02-11T09:20:00.001-05:00

To My Other Valentine,

Thank you for being the person I didn't know how to imagine you would be when we fell in love.

Thank you for believing in me.

Thank you for letting God make you into who you are.

Thank you for your commitment to us.

Thank you for the joy of dreaming about tomorrow with you.

To My Valentine,

Thank You for being the Savior I didn't know how to imagine You would be when I fell in love. You have shown me more and more of who You are and it makes me a better person the more I know You.

Thank You for believing in me. You know me better than anyone in the world and You still love me and have faith in what I was created to be. You know what Your grace and power could fully do and You don't give up on me when I miss that.

Thank You for letting God make You into who You are. You are the Savior that took on my sins so that I could know the Father. You paid the highest price because of Your love for the Father and Your love for me. I'm glad You were the willing Sacrifice, and now the reigning King.

Thank You for your commitment to us. You have shown me what it looks like to be committed. You are much better at it than I am, but You never judge me for that. You keep loving when I am weak. You keep teaching when I am slow. You keep reaching when I fall down.

Thank You for the joy of dreaming about tomorrow with You. I can't fully picture what it will be like, but I know that we will spend eternity together. I can only imagine a world free of pain, loss, doubts, and limits. But, You've built one for me. Someday we'll be together without any barriers.

By the way, thank You for my other valentine too.

Dave

Last Night

2011-02-04T10:54:00.001-05:00

Last evening I spent most the night in quiet. I wasn't feeling super, but a headache wasn't the main reason I wanted to be in solitude. I needed to talk with God. No TV. No conversations. No games. No work. No facebook. Just time with God.

Last night I talked to God about you. You who are hurting. You who are ignoring. You who are stuck. You who are growing. You who are saying, "yes." You who are aimless. You who are fruitless. You who are touching new levels intimacy with God. Last night I talked to God about you.

Last night I talked to God about our world. There is tension building. The battle that has been for pundits and academics is becoming a battle for soccer moms and office parties. We may not be aware of how many Biblical events are on the radar of life. The reason we are not aware is that we are largely busy buying groceries and driving from activity to activity. The Kingdom of God is still God's. Our role is to be ready.

Last night I talked to God about our church. He reminded me that we are still His. The gathering of people that make up our faith family are placed in this community for a reason. That reason has little to do with ourselves. Growing people reach people to help them find Christ so that they can be growing people too.

Last night I talked to God about me. It was the most painful part of the dialog. Giving yourself to God again and again and again.... is not easy. I had to place questions at His feet and hear the silence of no answer. I had to make commitments that were embarrassing (because they have been made before). I had to find the place of passion again. I had to find the place where I remind myself that I love God with all that I am and will follow Him no matter what.

Last night God and I talked. No big agenda, just time with my God.

Today is busy. This morning He told me it was good to spend time together. I asked Him to come to the office with me. He did.

Tonight I'm going to...

Dave

10 Things I Need to be Reminded of -

2011-01-28T09:04:00.001-05:00

10. Spring has not been canceled. I looked ahead on my calendar to make sure it's still on there. It is.

9. There is such a thing as thing as too much hot sauce on a taco. I am being reminded of that right now.

8. The Kingdom of God is not about buildings. A new office doesn't excite me as much as a new Christian.

7. I don't make the rules about what is sin and what is not. I asked God if I could, He said that He's already got that covered.

6. Blessing comes in unique ways. I called a friend today to encourage him. He encouraged me more than I him.

5. Kids can teach you neat things. Example: Cheese balls really are fun and good. In fact I think they are a vegetable (orange = carrot) - they go great with meat.

4. We need to lighten up. Ya, there's bad things going on in the world. Ya, there's profound hurt being carried around. But, faith/joy shouldn't be buried by headlines.

3. There will always be things we don't understand about each other as a church - but we can still love each other.

2. Prayer works. It's about more than just getting answers, it's about learning to be like Jesus. He believed in talking to the Father... me too.

1. Jesus does the saving. We do the living.

Living,

Pastor Dave

Empty Pockets

2011-01-14T08:54:00.001-05:00

When the Master came to spend the day with me I really wasn't prepared. He stopped by my home and asked if we could visit. I nodded hoping he didn't know what was in the pocket of my soul.

As we talked, the scenery changed to match the topic. He told me about his love for me as we stood in the middle of some vast ocean. We visited the Grand Canyon when he told me of his grace. When he called me to calm in my busyness we walked on the beach of some tropical island. We floated in the vastness of space when he brought up the topic of worshipping the Father.

When he asked me about what was in my pocket I found we were slouched over in a dark closet. My feet seemed to be stuck to the floor. The odor was bad enough that my sense of smell couldn't contain it, so it spilled over to include my sense of taste.

"Can we go back to the beach?" I asked.

"Yes, I'd love to show you more there," he relied. "But, I need you to know this place is real and impacting all other places we visit. I know about your pocket."

I reached in my pocket and pulled out fear. It was just a handful and didn't seem like that big of a deal.

"Your fear that you exposed robs you of the joy of the ocean, the canyon, the beach, and the universe."

I waited for him to continue as I held the tarry substance in my hand.

"You are afraid that you aren't good enough, that your faults will be common knowledge, that your past will be discovered, that your hidden thoughts will be revealed, that what is broken can't be mended, that I am really too good to be true, and that you're missing what is real. You travel with me, but the pocket of your soul limits the places we can go."

"What do I do? No matter how far I throw it the lump seems to end up back in my pocket," I confessed.

"You must quit keeping it in your pocket. Stop pretending I don't know it's there. We can throw it as many times as it takes. As we spend time together it will shrink and when it's smaller we can throw it so far that it won't find you again."

We instantly stood on the rim of an active volcano as we talked about His power. The rumbling earth vibrated under my feet. As I looked at the scene I felt what was in my hand start to shrink.

"I have a lot of places to take you this year," he said as we threw fear away again.

Empty Pockets,

Pastor Dave

My Friend

2011-01-07T10:17:00.001-05:00

Saturday is the memorial service for a friend.

Some might say calling him a friend is a stretch. Let's face it, we only knew each other a handful of months. He was older than me. He had lived a life that was drastically different from mine. He did time in jail. He made a bunch of the bad choices that I wasn't even tempted to make. We had different backgrounds. We had different heritages, different gifts, different diseases, different... everything. Oh, yah, and least important of all - different skin colors.

It's interesting to me that we had almost nothing in common.

Jesus.

Sometimes in conversation and fellowship there is a heart connection. You don't have to know everything. You don't have to spend mountains of time together. You don't have to have much in common. You end up just enjoying the interaction as if it's a favorite pair of jeans. Sometimes people just fit.

It's amazing how some hearts can be so quickly sewn together when the common thread is a Savior. Two completely different materials can make a wonderful garment for the Holy Spirit to wear.

Jesus.

I find myself asking the "why" question. Not the "why did he have to die" question, that's for a different moment. Right now I'm wondering a little bigger than that. Why did our Father God sew our fabrics together for such a short time?

It's possible I had something that he needed before he faced eternity (the arrogance of that thought makes it hard to even read). My friend was ready for eternity before our fabrics came together. God knew how short his time was - I don't think He brought him into my life for him, but the reverse is what I am talking to God about. What did God want to teach me through him? What patches did he bring that my soul needed to be complete?

Jesus.

Many of us cross paths for such a short time. Have you ever wondered why? Have you learned from that person who was just "dropped" into your life? Can you hear the Holy Spirit whispering to you through people? We are often too busy or guarded or angry or selfish or weak or....

God and I will continue to talk about how the Holy Spirit used James to grow me. Right now I'm just saying "thank you" for my friend with whom I had one thing in common -

Jesus.

That's enough.

Dave

Imagine

2010-12-31T10:28:00.001-05:00

A blue 2003 Buick drives north on Eastman Avenue. There are four people in the car, dad, mom, and a couple of friends. They are on their way to Applebees for dinner. They drive by the Midland Free Something-or-other building where the Church meets and all four of them do a quick glance at the sign without making it obvious.

"Do you have hope for 2011?"

One of them thinks, "it's about time they took the "Merry Christmas" down. Another remembers last year when she saw her name on the sign. A third hears his mind think, "no," before he can control it. The forth is thinking about fajitas.

It's that third person that we work with, that we live next to, that we are friends with. It's that third person that we need to talk to. It's that third person that needs to know about the hope of knowing Christ.

I think about the church people that the third person knows. I wonder if they are able to live hope in front of him. I wonder if they know how important their life is to Him. I wonder if they know that they don't have to preach. I wonder if they know the third person doesn't need religious clichés or memorized answers to questions they aren't even asking.

It's that third person they we wanted to reach in 2010. It's that third person that I have in my mind as we start the New Year. Sometimes that third person comes to our church. Sometimes that third person may be... you.

Imagine

The hope of love that won't leave you.

The hope of faith that won't give you easy answers.

The hope of a tomorrow that's deeper than what I get or what I lose.

The hope of a spirit that is confident that it will remain solid through any storm.

Imagine that for you. Imagine that for your relatives. Imagine that for the person you've given up on. Imagine that for the 3rd person. If I can imagine it I can pray it.

I'm starting the New Year looking for the 3rd person. "Do you have hope for 2011?"

Answering "Yes,"

Pastor Dave

Merry Christmas

2010-12-17T10:33:00.001-05:00

This morning I thought about changing a Christmas tradition. I know it's easier to steer a freighter with a spoon, but let's at least talk about it. Some things that we do we don't think through why we do them.

Have you ever heard where the tradition of Christmas trees comes from? But, that's not the one.

Do you know that we really have no idea how many "magi" there were. Just because there were three gifts doesn't mean there weren't 40 givers. But, "we forty kings of Orient are..." doesn't role off the tongue as easy - but that's not the one.

Everyone has favorite songs to sing during Christmas, Why don't we sing "Ding Dong Merrily on High?" or, "Good King Wenceslas?" or, why don't we actually eat "figgy pudding." That's not the one either.

My crosshairs are aiming at "Merry Christmas." You can do the google search and see where and when it came up, and I'm not saying it's bad... it's just not enough.

Is that the best followers of Christ can do? Is being "merry" what we are really longing for people? In light of the full Christ event do we want to limit people to a "merry" day?

"May you have a true encounter with a repentant heart and an awareness of His forgiving grace Christmas," doesn't seem to be marketable even if it might be more theological. That wouldn't fit on cards or in songs.

"Have a deep realization of the eternal ramifications of the incarnation." may not be the best replacement either.

"I hope the anointing of the Holy Spirit of God heals and makes you whole bringing His gift of salvation, His complete sanctifying work, and His seal for your eternal home with God." isn't going to cut it either.

Maybe asking for a change in the phrase isn't a good plan. What about a change in heart? What about believers saying, "Merry Christmas," and praying in their spirits, "I pray that you would know Jesus in a new way." We could say what tradition has said and mean something much deeper. Hidden in those two words there could be intercession, and longing, and passion, and blessing. They could be said from a heart set on fire. They could be said with eye contact when possible. The same thing could be said in a new way.

I'll go first.

"Merry Christmas"

Pastor Dave

Expectations

2010-12-10T11:46:00.001-05:00

Expectations. As I sat in my chair reading this morning my grandson quietly discovered a stash of grandpa's "candy." He was curious enough that he had to see what they tasted like and sneaky enough to be sure that his back was to me so I couldn't see him sample the treasure he found. He knew the treat would be wonderful.

Expectations. Sometimes they are flat unfair. It's when I inflate the potential of the unknown to be enjoyable without a hitch. It's when I think people will change when they find out I want them to. It's when I plan for situations to change solely because I don't like them.

Expectations. In some areas they are too high and in others they are too low. We have high expectations that our spouse will never miss a cue, and low expectations when we meet with God. Sometimes we don't have the faith that God will move.

Expectations. Ours of God should be high and should be purified by a strong faith in God. This is a great season to let your faith grow, and your let faith lift your expectations. It's Christmas.

Expectations. What are your Christmas expectations? Flawless dinner - the perfect gift - family harmony - snow on the lawn and not the road? Do you expect certain flavors, sounds, smells, and emotions?

Expectations. Isaiah found himself huddled around a handful of grandpa's candy - Fisherman's Friend cough drops. His sample licking did not produce the flavors he was hoping for. Determined, he licked a few of them to see if they were like jelly beans, "there must be one here that tastes like candy!" If you haven't had them before - imagine a fuel oil and rotten egg popsicle. He was quite disappointed when he placed them in my hand, shook his head, refused to close his mouth so he wouldn't have to taste the remnants on his lips, and proclaimed, "yucky!"

Expectations. Our expectations on the "things" of Christmas are too high. Our expectations on the Christ of Christmas are too low. The result is - yucky. The thing is - I set my expectations.

Expectations. Faith based expectations that come from an accurate view of God's nature are never disappointing. Having my "expecter" set on high when I worship God is not a waste of energy. Spending time with God is not a disappointment. Opening my will to Him is not a let down.

Expectations.

Mine for God are high. Mine for a new Corvette are low.

Mine for the move of God's Spirit are high. Mine for perfect weather are low.

Mine for a demonstration of God's strength is high. Mine for stuff to satisfy me are low.

Going to buy some real candy for my "hiding place" because I don't ever want to see that look on my grandson's face again,

Pastor Dave

Preparing

2010-12-03T10:06:00.001-05:00

The decorations are up... most of them. Presents are bought... most of them. Plans are made... most of them.

Preparation is an interesting thing. Preparation itself is an expression of faith. We are behaving in faith that the end of the month is going to be here. We are counting on the repeat annual event. The calendar page has been turned and we can see the 25th coming. Planning. Faith.

How do you prepare for Jesus to revive your soul through this Christmas season? How does our church plan for the Spirit of God to demonstrate Himself in a new way?

1. Looking Forward. As this is being written we are getting regular calls from Nathan and Lynsee about them coming home. Monday they will be on their way back to Michigan. We're looking forward to it.

Somehow we need to find the hope to look forward to the good thing that God wants to do in and through us. We don't manipulate God into action; we know enough about Him to look forward to what He longs to do without us even knowing what that is.

I'm excited about what God is going to do in our lives this month!

2. Be Willing. This is a willingness to participate not a just a willingness to witness. "God, I will take my place in what You long to do and make myself available to You as You see fit."

Sometimes we are only willing to know what we have already known and do what we have already done. The problem with that is God may have something new in mind.

3. Pray. 'nuf said.

Ask God to do more than we could ask or imagine. Not because He has something to prove to us, but because that's His will for us. His will for us is greater than what we can understand.

Let's prepare. That's what Advent is all about.

Pastor Dave

Know Your Role

2010-11-19T17:01:00.001-05:00

In a relationship people need to know their roles.

In a marriage both the husband and the wife must know what being a mate means to them and what they expect it to mean to the other person. Husbands know their role is to go to work, eat dinner, watch tv. Wives know their role is to raise the kids, clean the house, cook the meals, mow the lawn, milk the cows, shovel snow, repair the water heater, wax the cars, and be in awe of how amazing their husband is. Roles.

There are work relationships, friend relationships, relative relationships, dating relationships, family relationships, acquaintance relationships, and a myriad of other ones too. Each of us has relational roles that need to be filled. If your view of the relationship is as abusive and twisted as the description in the paragraph above I'm guessing you don't have many solid relationships.

The Psalmist gave a good summary of the God/human relationship in the 63rd Psalm and the 8th verse, "My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."

I am the clinger, He is the upholder.

I am the needy one, He is the meeter of those needs.

I am the hungry one, He is the distributer of nourishment.

I need enough energy to hold on, He has the strength to hold me up.

I have a soul that is empty, He is what fills the void.

God and I have a pretty good understanding of our roles. He's God - I'm not.

When I live like that I find there is good guidance that helps me in the other roles I have to fill. When God is my God and I am His servant I am a better spouse, boss, employee, dad, friend, and acquaintance.

I'm thankful I'm learning more about my role as a follower. Part of my role is to be thankful. Sunday we'll talk about doing the work of a thankful person.

Hoping you didn't stop reading after the first paragraph and start writing me a note,

Pastor Dave

Evidence

2010-11-12T19:29:00.001-05:00

Acts 11

22 News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

I read this passage of scripture and hoped that it would be true of us... of me.

The message of Christ is spreading to Jews and Gentiles and a "great number" have come to faith in Jesus. But, that's not what I am praying for for this Sunday (don't misunderstand, a "great number" of people being brought to faith would be a blessing).

I'm thinking right now of the line in the 23rd verse, "saw the evidence of the grace of God."

What is that? What does it look like? What is the proof of God's touch? What did Barnabas see in those people that he might not have seen in others?

People go south and see the evidence of a hurricane. Hunters go to the woods and find the evidence of deer. Investigators check out a crime scene and look for the evidence of a perpetrator. I had an m.r.i. done so the neurologist could look for evidence of a brain (I have copies of the scans - I have one).

What is the evidence of the grace of God?

Whole relationships.

Changed patterns.

Sins vanished.

Bodies and souls healed.

Visible joy.

Passion.

Gratitude.

Go ahead, have some fun in your mind. What is the evidence of the grace of God? The point is not to live the list, it's to receive the grace so that the list is the by-product.

What would Barnabas see if he walked in on us?

Thinking,

Pastor Dave

The Report

2010-11-05T10:19:00.001-04:00

They came from different backgrounds. They came with different expectations. They came with different levels of baggage and freedom. They came with varied degrees of understanding of who Jesus is. They came to the same river.

Some of them watched the flow from a safe distance. They limited their exposure and refused the risk of being wet. They enjoyed the thoughts of getting in the water but they remained far from its current.

Others stood in the same shallow spot they have always stood. They even applauded themselves because they stood in the river and encouraged others to share in their mediocrity.

Others went deeper with the predetermined knowledge of drying off as soon as possible. They temporarily splashed and floated in the waters, but they knew that they remained land lovers and had no intention of swimming long enough to let the water make them whole.

Others pretended. They wore what blends, said what fits, and did what is in line with the average.

But, there were those for whom watching was not enough, wading was not acceptable, splashing was not real, and pretending was distasteful. There were those who saw the current and longed to be caught up in it. They were thirsty enough to let moments be gigantic as they took new steps. They allowed the very molecules of the water to find places on their souls that had remained hidden and barricaded. They let, and welcomed, even longed for, a cleansing that would empower them to know new levels of intimacy and wholeness.

They are the ones this report is about Lord. For they are the ones who found cleansing that changed them according to Your will, they are the ones that received something to take back to their homes, they are the ones that found the value You have given them, they are the ones that allowed You into their relationships, they are the ones that have something new to take back.

It is an honor for me to report to You that Your Spirit brought strength where weakness had kept them stagnant. Your grace taught them to see themselves through the lens of Your Son not the lens of their world. Your power broke reefs that had held them captive in less than You had reserved for them.

I am sure as a result of this new activity we all are going to be busy with celebration as You continue to work through them.

Submitted in Worship

Galmila, Angel Over Women's Retreats.

This weekend around twenty women from our church will meet with about 400 other women for the Deeper Life Retreat. May they never be the same and may we all experience renewal and revival as they do.

Ezekiel 47:9 "...so where the river flows everything will live."

Revival Ready,

Pastor Dave

Lukewarm

2010-10-29T11:40:00.001-04:00

There's not a market for luke-warm coffee.

Gas stations, coffee shops, and fast food restaurants heat their coffee to 1.38 degrees below lava and people seem to be ok with that. They also have iced coffee. Coffee with ice cubes on purpose!

It's interesting that we're o.k. with the extremes but the in-between (for most people) is... yucky. I sit at my desk this morning with a mongo-sized-multi-bathroom-trip thermal coffee cup that is now effectively holding my coffee at that swampy fuel oil temperature. I thought about warming it up but that would involve a walk. Drinking it like it is only involves a scrunched up face to swallow the sludge taste.

The words of the Angel of the Lord to the church Laodicea in Revelation 3:15&16 come to mind, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either one of the other! So, because you are luke warm... I am about to spit your out of my mouth."

Nearby Laodicea was Hierapolis, known for its hot springs that were medicinal and healing. Also near by were the pure mountain cold waters of Colossea providing refreshing nourishment for the weary. Laodica is being called to task for its works ("deeds") not its spiritual temperature. I don't think God would want anyone to be "cold" in their spirit. The believers are being warned about being indifferent and ineffective in their actions.

Not being a place for healing and refreshing is a dangerous place for a church to be. Christianity needs to be about bringing wholeness and nourishment into the lives of the people who come in contact with us. It's that stinky mediocricy that is of no value. What mocks God is an attitude of, "I don't care" that shows up in actions of, "I don't care" even if our mouths say, "I'm a Christian."

What engages a Supernatural gag reflex is providing grace and power that remain unused while they're talked about as if they are being used.

"Lord, this Sunday may an exhausted traveler find the pure springs of your strength. Lord, this Sunday may a wounded soul bathe in the healing springs of your love."

Walking My Coffee to the Microwave,

Pastor Dave

The Arena

2010-10-22T11:30:00.001-04:00

I went to my cousin's memorial service this week. You would've loved Ed, he was a great pastor and a fun guy. I find myself sitting next to some of you in the stadium of questions. You know the place - it's the crowded arena that holds all of us who have had an experience that doesn't seem to fit in the game of life.

I hugged Ed's wife, who now is without a husband, a father for their kids, a pastor, and even a church. I stood in the stadium next to her and felt a fraction of her pain. We cried. I walked and talked with my other cousin who is now without his younger brother and himself racked with pain from cancer - we talked about God, about questions, about hanging on.

The stadium is often quite full.

As I work my way out of the stadium I'm looking back making some observations.

1. The stadium of questions rarely has answers.
I went in with a list of things that didn't make sense to me. I went in with a bunch of suggestions for God on how he could have handled this one differently. I went in thinking I should be exempt from having to be there again. I went in knowing I wasn't alone - but feeling like I was. Being answerless makes what I "feel" bigger than what I "know."

2. The stadium is often the birth place of anger.
It is amazing to me how close we are to an angry response. Please know that God can handle our anger, but in most cases it's a huge waste of our energy. We get angry over what we can't change and don't like. The danger is that anger not given to God grows into a poison that infects all of our life and is usually expressed on innocent bystanders.

3. The stadium of questions is where I am most selfish.
I couldn't count how many people were there. When I'm in the arena I'm not usually aware of anyone else. I see people, but I don't notice souls if I'm not careful. My questions become my identity and the absence of answers is my evil twin. We're not good for each other.

4. The stadium of questions some how grows me.
After I sit in my chair for a while and search for illusive answers I eventually notice that Someone is sitting close to me.

At some point He asks if I am ready to leave.
"But I don't have an answer yet," I reply refusing to get up.
"You know, you can leave without one don't you?" He kindly asks.
"But if I have questions doesn't that mean I am weak and have no faith?"
"No," He didn't hesitate to answer.
"Are you willing to keep walking without an answer? Are you bold enough to let my Father have the answers and not share them with you? Are you able to have faith and questions at the same time?" He asked the series of rapid fire questions not waiting for my response.
"Yah, I think I am." I finally said.
"I'd love to have a person like that walk with me," He smiled.

We stood together. I don't have answers - I have a Friend.

Leaving the Arena Again,

Pastor Dave

Rescuing the Church!

2010-10-15T14:29:00.001-04:00

Rescuing the Church! I have watched with interest as the 33 miners from Chile have been rescued from their extended overtime (technically they were on the job the whole time, over 1600 hours - what's overtime pay in Chile?).

It was fascinating the story that the media is feeding us with a front end loader right now. Already the event itself is not news enough, now we hear all the scandal about individuals.

So far one line captivated me. As the rescue was happening someone was sharing that the key to survival for them was that everyone of them had a job. Everyone was involved in helping everyone live through the ordeal.

Petty opinions are of little value when you might die. Pride is revealed as shallow when it's about survival. Selfishness must evaporate when 32 people are counting on you to live.

I wonder about the church. We have become so program guided and oriented that we wait for a program to be implemented to do what is right to do. In light of that I have to be invited and sold on the program before I chip in.

So, I'm thinking about the church being a place where I belong and where I am active. Do people know you love them? Have you meet someone new? Have you asked how you could pray for a new friend this week? Have you taken someone out for a coffee? Have you made sure that person doesn't have to sit alone in church? Have you risked?

Everyone had a job. Everyone did the job. Everyone was rescued.

Thinking about all of us being rescued from ineffectiveness.

Praying for you,

Pastor Dave

In Awe

2010-10-08T10:23:00.001-04:00

Last night I went to the hospital and held a newborn.

Beauty finds new meaning when it is wrapped tightly in a warm blanket. Innocence is more obvious when life hasn't hardened a soul. Dependance seems more healthy when an infant sleeps in your arms.

I found myself looking again to the eyes of a proud (albeit exhausted) mom and dad. They had waited for this moment. Holding their newborn daughter and standing next to my not-newborn daughter made me think of all the "moments" that are in front of them.

Perhaps it's not theological enough, maybe I'm not in the mood for depth right now, it's possible I'm more sentimental than I am dignified - but have a picture in my mind that won't go away. My Father God finds beauty in his creation. He looks close as the Creator - "they have my soul in them. Sometimes it hard to see, but I can see Myself in them. Man, I'm proud!"

If your view of God doesn't include a God that loves you enough to wrap you in a blanket of grace and dote on you, you don't know God's heart. My heavenly Father provides innocence. Through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus, God is able to look at me and hold me tightly enough so that I can't mistake His affection. He is able focus on the innocence his grace provides, while I demand to look at what He has had to forgive. He sees me as He made me, too often I see me as what I made me.

My provider God knows how dependent I am on Him even when I don't. He knows when it's time for solid food or the milk of His Spirit to grow me to solid food. He knows when I can walk and when I need to be carried. He knows how to teach me to talk and how I will fall short if others fill the role of my provider.

He's my Father God.

The scene in heaven may have played out like this -

God: "Hey, look at that! See that baby in David's arms. I created them both, they are my creations and I can see myself in them. Look closer. Do you see the innocence of the souls? Look at what grace does! Can you smell the fragrance of dependance from that room - both of them are completely helpless without a provider. That's me! I'm their provider. Quick! Take a picture! Two of mine. I made them both. I did a great job."

Angel: "Wow."

Last night I held God's creation in my arms. God held two.

In Awe,
Pastor Dave

Summer Reflections

2010-10-01T10:02:00.001-04:00

I suppose summer's over, it's time to start "thinking" again. As I start this day I have some things on my mind that I've learned this summer. What have you learned?

1. Some stuff is out of my control.
It's much easier and safer to not "beat your head" with a bat over things you can't control. The Lord helped me to set aside my agenda and be ok with the fact that not everything runs the way I would like it to.

Too often life doesn't run in the grooves I've made for it.

2. Birthdays happen.
I'm not fond of getting a greater distance from thirty, yet the distance keeps growing. The hair on my head is thinner and the hair on my chin is grayer. While the world struggles to add years that have little meaning I'm learning to be sure that each one I have matters.

Too often I don't live on purpose.

3. The soul matters more.
My relationship with God is more important than my relationship with my doctor. The end of the summer season included physical challenges that I would rather have skipped. But I know what matters most.

Too often I care most about what isn't the most important.

4. I love my church.
I just like being here. I like seeing people grow. I like meeting new people. I like hearing people sing. I like hearing the pages turn when I say, "turn with me in your Bibles to...." I like being a MFMCer.

Too often I forget to thank God for the church I attend.

5. The call is crucial.
I heard from the Lord this summer about my call - what it is and what it isn't. The Leadership Team and the Pastoral Staff are making adjustments so that we spend most of our time swimming in the ocean of God's call for us.

Too often I wade streams of business.

6. Relationships happen on purpose.
I've had some of the greatest times having dinner, playing games, drinking coffee - being with people. It's our error when we are too busy to be with people and risk building relationships.

Too often I don't make time for fun.

7. God's good at making new starting lines.
Hint - Sunday we're looking at starting lines for individuals and our church. Come ready to be blessed by God's grace. Bring a friend who needs to start over.

I'm getting in position for a new season of the soul and a new season for our church. I'm listening for the starting pistol to fire. I'm ready to run the race. It's been a good summer. It's time to move on!

Pastor Dave

Summer

2010-06-25T11:23:00.001-04:00

I'm looking at what the summer includes. I really sense in my spirit a few things need to adjust for the next month or so. Weekly "Friday Thoughts" is one of them.

"Friday Thoughts" is often a good unloading for me of some of the overflow thoughts and questions that run through my head like 5th graders fighting over a gallon of Mt. Dew.

Thanks for your feedback and for spending a few moments with me each week. What started a few years ago as silly has really grown to a sometimes less silly branch of my investing in people.

I'm going to take July (and maybe some of August) to focus on some other projects and clear my head for a new season of thoughts and challenges.

Be watching - I have a feeling I will be much more holy and wiser and taller and thiner and younger and awesomeer and abunchofotherthingser come August.

Please be in the Word this summer!
Please risk godly relationships this summer!
Please listen for the Lord this summer!
Please grow in your faith this summer!

Following,

Dave

Why I’m excited about summer

2010-06-18T14:13:00.001-04:00

It’s time for a Dave list.

Why I’m excited about summer:

1. Some people, including me, will grow in the Lord.

It’s not about a building, a vacation, or a celebration - I’m thinking about being closer to God.

I’m thinking about the kind of thing that will not change with a Presidents pen or politicians promise.

What makes me smile right now has nothing to do with “success” or comfort.

This is not about the right person doing the right thing so that I will be happier.

Knowing who to blame for an oil spill or it’s clean up isn’t registering on my “wow-o-meter.”

I am excited about those of us who will:
Cross lines with the Lord that He has been asking us to cross,
Stand for something that matters for eternity,
Let go of what has held us captive,
“Taste and see that the Lord is good,”
Swim in the refreshing pool of anointing,
Put away arguments that weaken our impact,
Say “forgive me,”
and follow Christ with abandon.

Ya, that’s it. That’s my list of one. Right now I’m excited about supernatural transactions that are taking place, and will take place, this summer.

Oh, how I want to be one of those growing people - will be be one with me?

Excited,

Pastor Dave

Almost Finding

2010-06-11T10:49:00.002-04:00

I didn't have it so I thought it best to do some searching.

I looked inside money and couldn’t seem to see any reflection of it at all. With money there is always more, and always someone who has more. And besides, there were too many external factors that determine money’s value.

I looked in success and found what I thought was it, but it kept changing no matter how much I pushed and climbed. I soon grew tired and disillusioned from grasping what looked like it until it was in my hand - then it wasn’t it.

I was sure it was in relationships, so I looked there. They were very close but I still couldn’t find it there. Mostly because there seems to be an inherent selfishness that I bring into most relationships. Between selfishness and insecurity I knew that was not the place to find it.

I jumped into religion, suspecting that it was formed there. Surely I would find it inside the walls of being and doing the “right things.” But, the more I looked the more I found nothing that even resembled what I was looking for. It often seemed close, but wasn’t there.

I spent time looking inside me. Bad idea. I didn’t have what I couldn’t find - that was just silly.

My soul was exhausted from looking and confused from repeatedly almost finding.

One day I walked through a park looking under benches and behind random trees and saw a man watching me. He asked me what I was looking for. I told him, annoyed that it wasn’t obvious, “I’m looking for the right container... isn’t everyone.”

The “it” that I was looking for was the right container and I found it no where. I wandered away from the stranger hoping he would stare at someone else - he didn’t.

“What is it you need to contain?” he continued to press.

I reached in the worn bag I had carried on my journey, it was far from a worthy container for such important cargo, and I showed him my soul passion. “I can’t find the right container for my passions and I have looked everywhere! Every one I have found is shaped wrong, or cheap, or too small, or has holes. I can’t waste such a valuable part of me!”

He looked at what was cupped in my hands and grinned, “I agree. That is very valuable cargo. You need a container that will allow it to grow.”

He and I walked and talked for quite a while. “Passions must be held in a place that is safe enough to grow and accessible enough to be spent,” he said. I found out he was a carpenter and in the days that followed he talked to me about his passion costing him everything. He built the perfect container for my passion.

We spend a lot of time together. He taught me to find others who need a container for passion. He showed me how he mends them. Did you know most containers do more damage than they do good? Some people give up and waste their passions by placing them in the easiest or most popular container. He said the right container lasts forever, is priceless, and is free.

He’s an amazing man - turns out he’s a shepherd too.

Spending and Growing,

Pastor Dave

Friday Thoughts...

2010-06-04T10:52:00.001-04:00

July 10th, 1861 - "Yesterday afternoon I preached on 'Being led by the Spirit.' God assisted me and shed light on many minds, and especially on mine. At the close we had a prayer meeting for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It was a gracious time. The Lord held me to a fuller consecration to Him than I had ever made. I was led to consecrate myself (1st) to deny self, (2nd) to redeem the time, (3rd) to go forward in the work of God as much as I feel I ought to. The Lord accepted and blessed me, and gave me His Holy Spirit."

From the journal of B.T. Roberts founder of the Free Methodist Church about one year after it was started.

The seeds have been planted.

Consecrated,

Pastor Dave

Memorial Day Week-End

2010-05-28T09:02:00.002-04:00

Memorial Day Week-End

To those who have served in the Armed Forces in the past or currently, thank-you. Your memories may be filled with training, pain, and sacrifice on our behalf. For many, the memories are difficult to even verbalize.

Our memories are filled with the freedom that you have defended.

To those who have lost loved ones in a battle to protect this nation, thank-you. Your memories were painfully cut short of the one that you will always love. Your memories may be filled with good times of the past and hard news that was delivered.

Our memories are filled with the freedom that your loved one believed in.

To the One who gave His life so that we could really be free beyond what any nation could afford or protect, thank-you. You have thrown from Your memory my sin so that I would know relationship with Your Father.

Our lives are filled with the freedom that You gave Your life for.

Remembering,

Pastor Dave

being reminded of our rights

2010-05-21T10:36:00.001-04:00

Samuel Adams wrote on the topic of the rights of Colonists in 1772. He said that individual rights, "may be best understood by reading and carefully studying the institutes of the great Law Giver and Head of the Christian Church, which are to be found clearly written and promulgated in the New Testament."

Sometimes we need to be reminded of our rights.

We have the right to have an open, intimate, and growing relationship with God. This basic right is not based on our merit or value, it is based on and empowered by the merit and value of the sacrifice of Christ. The Christ event is the core of our Christian rights.

We have the right to forgive people. The mercy we receive from God is to be distributed to others. Sometimes we think we have the right to hold a grudge - we don't.

We have the right to full surrender. Everything we have we are stewards of as God's family. Sometimes we think we have the right to selfishness - we don't.

We have the right to persecution. Suffering for Christ is part of the call and example that has been given to us. Sometimes we think we have the right to comfort - we don't.

We have the right to serve. Giving of moments, muscle, and money is a reality of Christ-like living that bears the fruit of God's kingdom. Sometimes we think we have the right to be served - we don't.

We have the right to hold our tongue. Words damage when delivered from a skewed motive or a platform of anger. We think we have the right to "free speech" - we don't.

We have the right to live holy lives. The behavior and actions of a Christ-follower are to be behaviors and actions through which the Holy Spirit can point to the Father as our empowerment. We think we have the right to do what we want - we don't.

We have the right to be dependent. We need God for everything! Our hunger for God should only be surpassed by our worship of God. Worship of God produces a greater hunger for him. We understand the work of God to the degree that we are honest about our need for God. We think we have the right to be self-sufficient - we don't.

We have the right to follow. Life is not about impacting others it's about being impacted by God so he can impact others through us. We think we have the right to lead - we don't.

Today I will exercise my rights as a Christ-follower.

Thinking,

Pastor Dave

Missing the Point

2010-05-14T10:12:00.000-04:00

"Jesus, I thought I'd bring a few issues to you this Friday.

1. It seems that bitterness is growing in our nation. We've built our sand castles on success and the "American dream" and the waves have exposed them as far less than sturdy. It's even in the church. We've forgotten how to define ministry the way you do. Appearances are valued more than substance even in the gathering of your people. When our castles don't support us the way we would like we get angry and blame people... usually the wrong people.
I think the church needs revival

2. There are a a lot of people who are dear to me that are really having a hard time right now. I keep trying to come up with the right words that will cause people to know your power and find that my words don't cut it. I guess we need to quit trying to find ways to "fix" people and risk loving them through what often doesn't make sense. We're not enough. The stuff is too big for us. We have no quick solutions. We really need to learn how to be more dependent on you and less dependent on comfort.
I think the church needs revival

3. Our idols keep us too busy for you. I didn't mean to say "idols," that was a slip on my part. They aren't idols - they are priorities. It's not like I bow down to them... I just hold them higher than you. That's not an idol is it? It's just that everything is so important right now. You are eternity, but I'm doing "right now" right now. Sometimes I wonder what single surrender looks and feels like. I'm trying to surrender to a lot of different things.
I think the church needs revival.

4. Too many people haven't placed their faith in you and that doesn't really worry us. I think we are not as passionate about the lost as you are. We can send a check or let someone else carry that load.
I think the church needs revival.

5. Toleration has pretended to be unity. It's too risky to be real. I guess it's better to be a surfer than a deep sea diver. Staying on the surface is ok isn't it? The busy thing is part of this. I don't have the time to really walk with someone through the journey. The journey is best left as an individual thing. I know you had different plans, but that's how we've learned to do it.
I think the church needs revival.

6. We care so much about what I can't find in the Bible.
I think the church needs revival.

The answers seem to be the same.

I'm going to work on a list of people that need to let you bring revival. I know if they would get on the ball life would be different for them and the church.

Well, It's been nice talking with you Jesus.
Amen."

Missing the Point,

Dave

Friday Thought

2010-05-07T11:38:00.001-04:00

Paul to Agrippa "I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." (Acts 26:29)

Is that part of the heart of the Christian church? Have we surrendered so fully to what God is doing in our spirits that we can proclaim, "I want you to have what I have? I pray that God would do for your soul what I have let him do in mine."

In context Paul wasn't hoping people would mimic his personal characteristics, he was proclaiming a desire that all listening would know Jesus and let Him change their worlds like He did Paul's. What Paul "was" was a believer.

Requirements before I can say what Paul said:
1. I must be fully repentant for who I have been and what I have done. I've got to cross through the fire of conviction and repentance before I can wade in the waters of freedom.
2. I have to let grace do its job. In other words If I confess and repent I must not demand to continue to punish myself for what I have been forgiven of. Paul had regrets, but he moved on.
3. I have to be willing to engage in what God has for me. I can't long for God to bring you to where I am if where I am is on the couch of spiritual stagnation. I would never wish that someone else would know mediocrity.
4. I must embrace the ever growing and changing nature of the spiritual journey. There is never to be a time when I stop growing and learning of God.
5. I must be honest about what is negative. "I don't want you to have to deal with ______, but I want you to know Jesus."
6. I need to surrender to what He has called me to - even if it is chains. And when the chains happen (whatever form they take) I am to remain focused on what is eternal.
7. I need to let God make me what He longs for me to be. Now I am angry - He will make me compassionate. Now I am feeble - He will build up my spirit. Now I am faithless - He will move mountains through me. Before I can say what Paul said I need to let God be who God is.

The reason that's important is because He wants us to be able to say what Paul said!

My Sample:
Today I struggle with a cold and I hunger to be in the center of God's will. I pray that you would all know what God is doing in me... except for the cold.

What would happen if we all had prayers like that?

Your Sample:
"Lord I pray that _____ would know the freedom that you are taking me to, but protect them from the scars I have."

I dreaming about what could happen to our church/city if...

Servant,

Pastor Dave

Psalm 121

2010-04-30T08:42:00.001-04:00

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

"Lord, on this day would you help me lift my eyes. Sometimes it's the very thing that I need the most help with that I refuse to lift my eyes from. May this weekend be a string of hours that find me looking to you and knowing your filling."

He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

"Thank-you for never checking out on me. I count on you watching me and on you knowing about what I can't understand. I'm kind of like the little child that is always saying, 'Dad watch this.' I know I don't have to say that to you... but, 'Hey God, I'm facing another day - Watch me!'"

The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

"Lord, I don't know of many things that are really consistent. You are. Watching the sun come up on this new day I know you will be with me through it. Each night I rest knowing you will be with me as I close the day."

The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

"Lord, is it ok that I don't understand why sometimes harms seems to find its way to me? There is a confident living that you call me to, a confidence in your protection. I guess I will never know what you have protected me from because I get my eyes on what has been allowed to touch my life. Help me lift my eyes and see you in faith. 'Both now and forevermore'."

Praying the Word,

Pastor Dave

Welcome to Spring

2010-04-23T16:05:00.000-04:00

There are a lot of things that the wonderful season we are going into involves.

1. I'm thinking again about cleaning my garage. For months I've tattooed the excuse, "it's too cold" on my tongue so it was ready to be used when the temptation would arise in my mind. I have a small window before the, "it's too hot" tattoo comes out. It's time to do it.

2. The yard projects have mocked me through the winter reminding me that soon I would not be able to hide them under a thin layer of snow. The layer is gone. They are not. Their mocking is louder when it's not muffled by a few inches of snow.

3. I love walking around the block when there is no ice. This time is a mixture of exercise, dog walking, and talking with God. I look forward to a new season of walks. I love being able to walk.

4. Trees aren't depressing anymore! Through the winter the trees in my back yard allow the neighbor's house and ours to seem uncomfortably close. When I look out my dining room window and ask the neighbor to "pass the salt" it's... weird. Now that the trees have those green things on them again it gives us a little more privacy.

5. Car warming it over! I don't have to start the car early to protect frostbite from setting in while I drive to the office. Did you know most car heaters are programmed to start to work when you arrive at your destination and not before? I like not having to remember to turn the car on early.

6. New life. Spring reminds me of life. It has responsibilities, and even its frustrations (pollen counts), but it screams life into our moments. God, through His Spirit longs to bring a season of Spring and newness into your life. The gunk of winter is over (old things pass away) and the hope of spring is here (all things become new again). [2Corinthians 5:17]

A Spring Prayer:

"Lord, thank you for bringing me through the season you have brought me through. I trust you to lead me and bring a new work into my life. Cause the pain and sin of yesterday to melt away. Infuse me with a new warmth that will replace the stiffness that has attempted to render me ineffective. Plant new seeds of your power that will grow into the pure fruit of knowing the center of your will.

This season is a season of joy because of your work and my surrender to that work. I give you all of me. I throw open the windows of my soul to let the breeze of the Holy Spirit force out what is stale and toxic that I have been breathing in. May this season find me ready for all that you have in store and all that you permit me to face. May the song that echos through the ages, because of the grace and gifts you have poured out, be heard from the voice of my soul and seen through the activity of my hands and feet.

Praying and Living in Jesus Name."

Welcome to Spring,

Pastor Dave

Repentance

2010-04-16T11:30:00.001-04:00

I've been thinking a lot, reading on, and talking with the Lord, about repentance. In the 3rd chapter of Matthew John the Baptist confronted the Pharisees and Sadducees who came out to observe what was going on. He publicly called out their motives to told them to "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance (verse 8)."

They weren't there to repent or be baptized, they were there to arm themselves with information so they could control the movement of God (my opinion).

So, I've been thinking, what is the "fruit" that gives evidence of a repentant heart?

Intimacy

I think the result of repentance includes intimacy with God. When God puts His finger on an area of my life that is standing in the way of knowing Him, and I confess and repent, allowing the work of Christ to cleanse me and the Spirit to empower me - there is intimacy.

I'm known by God, but I can know God too. When both of those are in place I am experiencing the relationship I was designed to experience.

Joy

There is another fruit that is designed to be in the Christ-follower - Joy. Repentance opens the flood gates of God's presence which will result in a change of my spirit. The world may not change a lot, but my view of it will.

I fear that Christ-followers so quickly sit on the "crabby couch" because they have not had a full taste of turning from what offends the God they serve.

Agreement

Another fruit of truly turning to God and turning from sin is that I agree with God on what is offensive. For too long we have asked God to agree with us about what is offensive. If I think it is sin, I assume God does too, and everyone else should also.

I repent because I agree with God about what is sin. After I do that I need to continue to align myself up with His heart and His plan.

Confidence

The result of repentance should always plant a growing seed of confidence in my spirit. A seed that God will grow as He cleanses and matures me. I should have a firm foundation that is not shaken by "stuff." "Stuff" doesn't weaken my grasp on God, or His grasp on me. What I face, I face as a child of God.

I think we need to stop running from and ignoring our doubts and weaknesses and face them through a season of repentance that will bear the fruit of humble confidence.

Learning as I Dig,

Pastor Dave

Thought list ...

2010-04-09T09:08:00.001-04:00

It's time for a thought list again -

Thought 1. Spring will be fun when it really gets here.

Thought 2. American Idol most often does not produce someone worthy of the title. But we love idolizing talent and looks and ignoring what is valuable and worthy of emulation.

Thought 3. We watched the movie "The Blind Side" and loved it. I wonder why there are not more stories of investing in people in ways that changes them. There is a great lesson in this movie of what Christ does for us.

Thought 4. I think it's interesting that there are people who want to make Ronald McDonald illegal because "he makes kids obese" and there are people who want to make marijuana legal because "it's not dangerous." Both of them are wrong.

Thought 5. Politicians should be held to a higher standard of morality and ethics. A sports star is paid for their ability, a movie star entertains, a political figure takes an oath to represent people. By definition the political figure should be the one that we trust and respect.

Thought 6. Movements grow into organizations and lose the original passion and ability to be flexible and remain true. They then spend the rest of their existence trying to figure out how to be a movement again... churches too.

Thought 7. The "great commission" is just as much a command as the "great command." Disobedience to either is... disobedience. "Loving God" and "going" with the truth to people, ya, not options for the follower of Christ.

Thought 8. I've been wondering what miracle God wants to do this summer. I've got a hunch we should go into the summer expecting God to do something new. How do you ready yourself for a miracle - repentance.

Thought 9. Communication isn't anywhere near as much a problem as we claim. It's a buzz word that we throw out as a way of deflecting the issue in marriages and churches. I think the problem is really listening. There is more communication than ever, less listening.

Thought 10. Genesis 18:13 "Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?"

Occasionally it's time to let random thoughts find expression so that priorities can be sorted out. Have you ever just written out the stuff that clutters your mind? As you look over this list can you see the difference between opinion and truth? Which of the above most needs to be expanded and more fully explained?

Aware of God,

Pastor Dave

Grateful for Friday, Waiting For Sunday

2010-04-02T11:28:00.001-04:00

I stood next to the cross. I had just done my job. As the frenzy of the crowd evaporates, the anger of the Pharisees turns to quiet shame, and the horror of his followers becomes reality - I stand frozen.

I have nailed many criminals to pieces of wood. I have used my training on torture, my experience as a solider, and my pride as a Roman. The trio has grown in my spirit until I am little more than a machine that is released on the deserving scum that has infected our culture with crime.

But, the events of this day are different. They've had many of the same actions, but somehow they are ending in such a different way. I feel no satisfaction this time. I can't find justice in the air. It seems that if the world had it to do over they would have done it differently... at least I would have.

So, now I stand at the feet of the "criminal" Jesus. I have heard his last words that were void of bitterness. I have watched as sincere followers wept at the dashing of their hopes and the brutal treatment of the one they loved.

I'm trying to remember - what was the crime again? Why did I do what I just did?

It's my job.

Our culture must be protected from...

"The blood that runs by your feet is for you."

I looked to see where a voice came from, who had whispered in my soul? There are many people near by, but none close enough to whisper into my soul.

"The blood that runs by your feet is for you."

I find myself looking to the man I have executed. Instead of feeling manly and powerful I am aware of how small and weak I am. What if I didn't take his life? What if he gave it to me? Why would he do that? I have weapons and strength, yet I am completely powerless. Somehow the dead man is stronger than the live one.

"The blood that runs by your feet is for you."

I don't know why, I don't understand how, I'm not sure how this changes anything, but in ways I have a hunch today changes everything. I have no care of who hears it. I've got to say it. I'm not even sure what this means but, "Surely this man was the Son of God."

Grateful for Friday, Waiting For Sunday,

Pastor Dave

A break next week?

2010-03-26T10:17:00.001-04:00

We tend to almost hold our breath for breaks. The pace of living often makes a reprieve something that most of us look forward to. A break from the daily schedule, the weight of work, the impact of the urgent, the frustration of repetition, it's all interrupted with what we like to do.

Next week many people will find different ways to live a week of break, even if it is without a vacation or trip to some place that is really warm. Many will do what they have been holding their breath for.

The Spirit of God wants us to know some of the things that the Father will not take a break from.

1. He will not take a break from the plan. God's plan is eternal and includes a home that has been prepared for those who have faith in him. Driving an SUV will not end the world - God will. Dishonest governments will not end the world - God will. Satan himself will not end the world - God will. He's got a plan for the universe; we should not be too arrogant with our messes.

2. He will not take a break from loving. For us love is an emotion that can be turned on and off with physical appearance or relational status. God's love isn't as shallow as ours. His love is as deep as His nature and touches every fiber of His being. Even punishment and judgment are filtered through the fingers of love. The fact that such love is hard to understand doesn't make it a fable. His love is more real than we know.

3. He will not take a break from grace. Grace is what draws us, sustains us, restores us, grows us, and glorifies us. Every moment of God's eternity will include the scent of His grace... including the one right now. Grace is that channel of interaction between the created and the Creator. It requires God sized hands to open that channel - we can't work hard enough to deserve it.

4. He will not take a break from restoration. He is about restoring people to who they were made to be. He is about chipping off the edges and making whole the gaps. God is about people knowing and living in the freedom and power they were made to know.

5. He will not take a break from listening. He listens to the cries of His people. He listens to the laughter of His people. He listens to the silence of His people when their souls are too busy to talk. God does more than hear... he actively listens.

6. He will not take a break from being worthy. He is worthy of my praise. He will not stop being that. He is not hoping that some dirty indiscretion will never finds its way to the public - He is worthy. God is not pretending or puffing himself up to impress people - He is worthy. God is not demanding what is undeserved - He is worthy.

7. He will not take a break from believing in you. God has a faith in you that will not waver. He believes in your holiness, your ability to grow, your power to choose what is better, the healing of your soul that is damaged, and your desire to know revival. God has faith in you that you can be what he empowers you to be.

God is not thinking about taking a break next week!

Counting on it,

Pastor Dave

A Question for Jesus

2010-03-19T10:14:00.001-04:00

David:
Jesus, I have a question. It might not be the most spiritual question you've ever been asked, but I was just wondering something. Sometimes I have questions because I don't think, but I've been thinking this one through.

I know I've asked you some pretty goofy questions before, (like the one - what were you thinking when you created giraffes?) but I think this one is better. It's not like the one about why do bad things happen to people who don't deserve it, or why don't you make it so child abusers arms fall off before they hurt a child.

Sometimes I can imagine what the answer might be. By the way, thanks for my imagination. It kind of bugs people sometimes, but I'm glad you gave me one. But, I can't use my imagination and let what I know about you push this question away.

Is it ok? Can I ask you a question again?

That's one of my favorite things about our relationship - you let me ask questions without making me feel like a dingbat. You've never mocked me for what I don't understand.

Sometimes I come up with real religious sounding answers to my questions. You've said you're not fond of answers that pretend to be deep. You've never liked it when I ram the Bible into a question so I don't have to think anymore or even really listen for your heart in the words.

Here it is - What were you thinking about two weeks before you died?

We're two weeks away from Good Friday and I was thinking, were you too busy to think about what was coming? Did you have to psych yourself up to go through with it? Did you avoid thinking about it? What was it like to know that you only had two weeks left? Did you ever wonder if you heard your Father right? Did you think about going to Egypt instead of Jerusalem? When I know something bad is coming I do everything possible to avoid it. Is that why you cried at the garden? When you got to go back to heaven did you ask your Father why He didn't stop them from beating and killing you?

I guess that's a lot of questions. You don't have to answer if you're too busy or it's too personal... but, what were you thinking about two weeks before the cross?

Jesus:
That's a good question David. I'm glad you asked. I would love people to ask that question so I could give them all this answer.

I was thinking about how much you would love getting rid of sin and how big your smile would be when you were free. I was thinking about how willing I was to do anything to be able to spend eternity with you. I was thinking about what a wonderful time you and I would be able to have when you let my Spirit fill you, and guide you, and teach you, and love you, and calm you, and heal you, and even correct you. I was thinking you would be worth it. And I was right, you are!

David, I know this is hard for you to understand - the answer is you.

David:
Oh.

Jesus:
Can I ask you a question?

David:
Yes.

Jesus:
It's two weeks before Good Friday, what are you thinking about?

Thinking about Jesus,

Pastor Dave

Loving the Thought of Two Springs

2010-03-12T11:55:00.001-05:00

In the spirit of a good attitude and in light of the fact we [probably] aren't done with snow and freezing weather, I thought it would be good to list out the Ten Things I like about winter.

Um...

After having thought this through and not wanting this post to be too lengthy, it seemed good wisdom to reduce the list to the five things I like about winter.

Um...

As a result of further consideration it seemed appropriate to share with you the single thing I like about winter.

Um... Maybe this post should be "Inspirational thoughts from the book of Lamentations" instead.

I do like snowmobiling. Or, I did as a kid 400 years ago when I last did it, had access to one, and a yard bigger than a city lot.

The first big snow is pretty. But, so are postcards of the Eiffel Tower, I don't need one of those in my backyard.

It's fun to run a snowblower. Well, in that compared-to-shoveling kind of way it's "fun."

But, most important, the thing I can't reduce, the one thing about winter that I can't complain about or discount in any way is... ya, sorry, I got nothing. I thought something would come to me - but it didn't.

However, I do like the season that precedes it and the one that follows it.

Every one of us has seasons in our life we would rather skip. All of us know the "winters of the soul." We all have those times when it seems that bitter cold and slippery sidewalks have taken over.

What we may not be aware of is that God the Holy Spirit was in the season before. We didn't know it but He was strengthening our souls getting us ready for what He knew was coming and we didn't. He is also there to bring warmth, healing, and new life when the season is over. By the way, He is also there through the middle of the season we would have liked to avoid.

If you're in the season before the storm (which is hard to know), let the Lord strengthen you. Drink in the strength and preparation God can bring you. Be strong in your faith and don't take God for granted.

If you're in the season of the storm, let the faith of His presence sustain you. Let God whisper to you and promise to go with you through it. Be strong in your faith and don't let the storm loosen your grip on God.

If you're at the end of the season you would have rather skipped, let the new life that God wants to give you bring healing and wholeness. Let Him restore the joy. Be strong in your faith and don't forget about the God that has brought you through.

Loving the Thought of Two Springs,

Pastor Dave

Wanting the Real

2010-03-05T10:02:00.001-05:00

I've been reading a book by B.T. Roberts, the founder of Free Methodism. I love it when I read something that makes me stop, reread, and dwell.

"The more valuable a currency, the more liable it is to be counterfeited. It is so with religion - both as a whole and in all its parts."

I thought about the pure work of the Holy Spirit in a person's life. Valuable. Often counterfeited by the enemy and by attention seekers. But, the counterfeit does not reduce the value of the genuine. We need the Spirit to move.

I thought about what the Most Important Person (Jesus) said was the most important thing, "...love God with all your heart, soul, and mind." Fake and shallow love for God will never fool Him and it will never be a foundation for growth. But, the fact that the imitation exists doesn't mean the real doesn't.

I thought about the role of the church. The truth of game playing doesn't deflate the purpose that Christ has given the "called out" (church). There is a mission to accomplish. It's not found in our charter, our personality, or our dreams. The mission is found within the consistent heartbeat of our Cornerstone, Jesus. The mission is to proclaim the truth of the gospel by living it.

I thought about prayer.

I thought about grace.

I thought about passion.

I thought about friendship.

All can be faked and all can be real. What is real will make us more like Christ, and what is not real will be exposed. God is better at sorting them out than I am.

So, there is fake money floating around and passing through our hands. The best thing to do is to do away with all money - can you say "bon-fire?" Or, wouldn't it be better to continue to use and appreciate the real, learning its characteristics? We want to know the real so well that the imitation is obvious. We want to live the real so well that the imitation is obvious.

Wanting the Real,

Pastor Dave

lessons from a boo boo

2010-02-26T10:04:00.001-05:00

Leah talks quite a bit with our grandsons on the phone. Isaiah is getting more words and Eli is just having fun. They both love talking with gram-gram. Eli had to get one of his routine I'm-growing-up-and-don't-wanna-be-sick shots the other day. I heard Leah talking with him about his boo-boo on his leg trying to get more than the word "boo-boo" out of him. As she talked with Lynsee, after his attention span wore off (he is my son's son), she found out he was pointing at his leg where he got the shot. He was showing gram-gram where the the boo-boo was.

In their mind if they can hear the voice they assume the voice can see them, even if they can't see where the voice is coming from.

I wonder if that's part of the child-like faith that Christ called his followers to. "There will be times you won't be able to see me, you may wonder where I am, it might not make sense, but if you listen to the voice..."

I want to have the faith that points to the pain assuming that my God loves me enough to care about that pain, and is able to help. I want to be able to be honest enough that I can point to the source of the problem and know that He understands. I want to listen to Him say, "I love you." I want to know that there is no such thing as God having to say, "good-bye." I mean, I know that, but I want to remember it. Remember it at the right time. Like now.

As our grandkids grow they will figure out that gram-gram can't see through the phone. As our grandkids grow I want them to know God doesn't need one, but wants to talk about the boo-boo's.

Pointing to Spots on My Soul, Hoping You Do the Same,

Pastor Dave

Recall

2010-02-19T15:11:00.001-05:00

I listened to the latest report about Toyota recalls (another reason why my next car should be a Harley Davidson).

I received a recall notice for my car (a Buick, because I'm old and don't have a Harley). Apparently there's a problem in the engine compartment and should be fixed. It's about something silly like the engine catching on fire.

A recall is all about a manufacturer slapping itself on the forehead saying, "Oops, we made it wrong! You paid for it assuming we didn't, but we did, so we'll fix it."

I've tried to do this with things I've said.

Words are harder to recall than cars. Once they have left my pie hole and found their way to their intended target they can't be recalled - the damage is done. So the best I can do is to attempt damage control. By the way, have you notice that when we attempt to do damage control over words spoken we usually make it worse? Words are hard to recall.

Words damage innocent people too. A brake pedal that doesn't work can obviously impact an innocent person, but so do words that are not thought through. Most often the damage that is done is more devastating to the innocent then it is the intended. Exhibit A - children who have to listen to sewage coming out of their parents mouths that are intended for each other. Words hit the innocent too.

Words that can't be recalled and damage other people are really expensive. Toyota can measure precisely how much it will cost to fix a steering problem with a car. Know the number of vehicles sold with the problem, calculate the cost of repair, make sure you have 3.2 zillion dollars in the checkbook. How much does lost trust cost? What is the price of no respect? How expensive are words that find more homes than they were intended to find? Words can cost more than I'm willing to pay.

Words that can't be recalled and damage other people that are really expensive have two tools that have more power than the biggest checkbook and the most intelligent engineer - a sincere apology and a changed behavior. God has designed it so that His power would flow through those two human actions.

In religious terms, as it relates to a relationship with God, we call them confession and repentance. They unlock the door to healing the relationship between God and those created in His image.

In human terms, as it relates to damaging words I have said, sincere apology and changed behavior also have unlimited power and can unlock doors to healing and provide room for God to touch lives.

Or, we could just spend our time and energy figuring out how to recall the words from people's minds, erase the damage they caused, suck them back into our mouths, resend them to our brain for adjustment or elimination, and then redeliver them repaired.

Yah, if you come up with anything on that let the rest of us know - until then we're sticking with apology (confession) and change (repentance).

Harleyless,

Pastor Dave

Being Done & Placing On

2010-02-12T09:38:00.001-05:00

Let us be done!

The things of this world have grasped for our attention and too often they stand victorious. We clamor for success and worry more about an income to provide what we don't really need than we do wisdom to show us what we can't live without. Let us be done with those.

The attitudes of pride and "self-esteem" have become banners of life until we have lost all sense of a call to humility and forgotten who we are in light of the God we serve. As a result, the message we hope will penetrate those who don't know God has had a hard time sinking through our own souls. Let us be done with those.

The government of rights and opinions has taught me to demand that I be constantly massaged with what I like and free to shun what doesn't please me. Consumerism is in the church as it is in the grocery store, for too often our tastes take priority over our needs. It's hard to serve God when I have to be served while doing it. Let us be done with those.

The actions of anger and frustration ride checked within our spirits until the moment when release seems justified and victims stand deserving. Bitterness hides ripening and waiting for excuses to set it free. When it is free Christ is not honored, but our load is lightened. Let us be done with those.

Let us place them on!

The robes of righteousness have been provided by our Creator. They have been tailored to His Son and His Spirit longs to dress us in them. They bring wholeness and cleansing with them, they at times may seem heavy, but the empowerment they provide is daily and supernatural. Let us place them on!

The fruit of the Spirit are attributes of a life surrendered to the Lover of our souls. They bring with them the taste of God and find ways of touching the hearts of those we come in contact with. They seem to always grow when provided the soil of surrender and the nutrients of obedience. Let us place them on!

The eyes of holiness cause us to view life in a way that impacts even those bad situations that refuse to change. The holiness of the One we worship brings a tint of His presence to every fiber of our existence, and in turn changes us enough to be a channel of His holiness to those around us. Let us place them on.

The wings of revival are held in the hand of our Savior and allow us to soar to places that are beyond what we can ask or imagine. They take us to the heights of God's grace and propel us through the most violent storms. They are affixed to us through hunger and repentance and are stronger than any scheme hell has invented. Let us place them on!

Being Done & Placing On,

Pastor Dave

A fly on the wall

2010-02-05T11:17:00.001-05:00

Have you ever heard the expression, "I would have loved to have been a fly on that wall?" The point is that something took place that we wanted to be part of, or most often just listen to.

Problem: Originally I think the fly came from Egypt. They don't even understand English!

Problem: My luck – someone would see me and just before they started talking about what I wanted to hear and squash me.

Problem: Flies never seem to be able to leave a room. I'd hear the conversation, not understand it because I only understand Egyptian, then I'd find a window, bump into it three thousand times, fall on the window sill and get all stiff- I'd never get to tell anyone what I heard.

Somehow I don't think that's a good saying.

But, I was thinking about being an English speaking fly on my office wall this week. You would have loved it.

It would have been great to hear the conference calls I was part of as we discussed some really exciting things for the East Michigan Conference of the Free Methodist Church. There are some great things happening – even if some are hard.

It would have been a blast to listen to some of the plans for new ways we will be able to do and live ministry as we get closer to Spring and the building project.

It would have been fun to hear as someone talked about the future and how excited they are to be part of the church and what God is doing.

It would have been a blessing for you to hear the conversation about the person who is experiencing a peace in their heart for the first time that is changing their countenance and outlook.

It would have been interesting to watch the pastor dig through the Creator's love letter and find more verses than could possibly be used and watch the Holy Spirit whisper in his ear.

It would have been unique to hear about some trials that are resulting in growth and a new confidence in God's plan.

You would have seen a great big smile as the pastor read another testimony of how God is using the Unifier as a tool to bring people together.

It would have been a good week to be an English speaking fly on the pastor's wall. Sunday I'll be glad I'm not a fly on the wall, I am created in God's image! I want to worship God and hear His Word. I'm excited about being a Dave in the chair! That's how God made it!

Coming to Church Ready for a Soul Miracle,

Pastor Dave

Dear "Hollywood"

2010-01-29T10:10:00.005-05:00

Dear “Hollywood”,

I trust this letter finds you doing well and knowing peace with the Creator you and I will one day face. I thought it would be appropriate to notify of your roll in my life. I fear that you have strayed beyond the scope of your expertise and giftedness.

Please note: I do not receive my political views from you. I know you are well traveled and have the admiration of people around the world, but you are not elected to lead or empowered to set policy on my behalf. A Political Science class in college doesn’t make your opinion right and mine wrong. I drive to the polling place the same way you do… just in a less expensive car.

Please note: I do not look to you for social guidance. Living in the home you live in and flying to an occasional third world nation with a camera crew does not make you the conscience of the nation. You have driven to the bank with money we have freely given you and I find it a little disingenuous to live the lifestyle you live, while asking me to sacrifice to your social project.

Please note: I do not consider your spiritual input as valuable. Too many of our kids are following your weak pluralism that has not calmed your soul or impacted your eternity in a positive way. Trust me on this, I know, a microphone and platform doesn’t make you an expert on God. Our souls are important and I’m afraid you have taken advantage of them and even disregarded them.

Please note: I do not look to you for marital example. Humans are not animals that can’t control their urges. The picture you have painted of marriage, with your occasional commitment, undermines the holy design of human relationships. We all have to answer for our own decisions, but you need to accept your role in glamorizing immorality and trivializing the weakening of the family and the institution of marriage. I do not have to embrace the moral compass you’re showing us, and I will not take the label of religious prude because of my convictions.

I’m sure it sounds strange to you, but I think the Bible is a much better guide in each of those areas (and all other areas) than you are.

I don’t want to sound unjustly harsh, but I thought I should remind you of a reality you may have forgotten. You are filling a very important role in my life – occasional selective entertainment.

Thank you for some laughter and a few tears. Thank you for some excitement and some really great stunts and acting. Thank you for helping me enter a world of where hero’s win and death is temporary. Thank you for an occasional escape from the pressures of life. But, don’t take your role too seriously and don’t over estimate your power over me, don’t assume that I want to be like you and don’t pretend you’re better than me because you’re thinner than me.

You are a form of entertainment and I hold your career in my hand – the remote.

Have a nice day,

Dave

Psalm 146

2010-01-22T12:49:00.001-05:00

Psalm 146:1-10
"Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
I will praise the LORD all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—

the LORD, who remains faithful forever.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.

The LORD sets prisoners free,

the LORD gives sight to the blind,

the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,

the LORD loves the righteous.
The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow,

but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD."

The Psalms are full of truths that are timeless in application, as I read the words in my mind my spirit seems to be praying as if they were written the day before yesterday.

Notice how the Psalmist started off with a testimony of his life purpose, " I will…." It was an expression of Hebraic poetry to repeat the two "I will" lines with the second one building on the first.

"I will praise… in fact I will do more than that - I will SING my praise."

The second "I will" line is more personal than the first. It's not just "the LORD" that is the recipient of my praise it is "my God" – this is personal, and it is lifelong.

Then the choir leader goes from personal testimony to challenge. No matter how well intentioned, smart, rich, powerful, respected or victorious, don't forget people are people and can't build an eternal kingdom.

Then there is a list of nine things we should know about God. As I looked them over and over I found an application in my mind for each one of them today. Each descriptor can lead me to intercession.

"LORD, I know you set prisoners free. I trust in your power to set free those friends of mine that are in bondage to the enemy."

"LORD, I know you can provide food to the hungry. Right now there are people who are starving in Haiti in ways that go beyond poverty."

"LORD, I know you will, and do, reign forever - teach me how to combine joy with servanthood.

Find a few moments this weekend and meditate on Psalm 146 and see what the Lord leads you to pray.

Listening,
Pastor Dave

Thoughts on Haiti

2010-01-15T11:34:00.001-05:00

This morning I'm praying about Haiti (like countless other people). As a church we feel a small degree of the sting that Haitians know as an explosion of pain and destruction.

Corruption, crime, poverty, starvation, and hopelessness have been profound in their grip on these people. In the midst of what is evil there have been bright lights of the Gospel of Christ and consistent efforts of His people to make a difference.

As I watch the news and hear the stories of death and devastation, as we (fellow humans) take the immediate steps of getting food and water to the people, as we attempt to find living souls displaced or underneath rubble, as we search for answers to a crisis that has changed the face of a nation, I respectfully cast the vision of my faith down the road a little farther.

I'm thinking about what might be elements of the "rebuild." I don't claim to be a sociologist. Pastoral statements in this realm can quickly be reductionistic or painfully simplistic and expose my lack of understanding of a culture or the depth of their need. But they're my thoughts –

1. The "strong man" must be bound (Matt 11:29). Where evil has claimed ownership and produced its fruit there needs to be a rebuilding that takes away its largely unchallenged reign.

2. Change is a buzz word everyone likes to claim but few will be held accountable to its value. Every politian I remember has been elected on a platform of change, but there are still the problems they claim to have fixed; and most often their "change" has created new ones. The issue isn't just change – it's advancement. Haiti will never be the same. I wonder if the coming change will bring advancement.

3. People are the issue. Politics will never fix a greed problem. Charity will never fully end poverty. Laws will not eradicate crime. Who people worship determines the way people are, how people think, and what people value. The hearts of people need to hear, experience, and live the message of Jesus Christ. This is a soul issue. A repentant and humble nation before God will value people and know His blessing.

4. God can. There is a nation that is ready for revival in ways that we are not. Churches have a new platform with or without buildings. Christians have a message that is needed. Light can overtake the darkness. God can use this in ways that go beyond our ability to imagine. There is hope for a new foundation!

Right now we pray for the immediate needs – water, food, medical care, rescue, mourning, shelter. But there is a part of me that is thinking and praying deeper, beyond the immediate that is so real. I pray for a transformation that will demand the world's attention and be a standard for us to reach up to.

Praying for Haiti,

Pastor Dave

Interview with Al and Dave

2010-01-08T09:49:00.001-05:00

Interview with Al and Dave (DK). Al is a pretty non-descript person. They say he appears like the person he is closest to at that moment. He looked an eerie amount like me as we talked.

(DK) Thanks for this opportunity to talk with you. I've wanted to do this for a long time.

(AL) Sure. To be honest, I'm a little surprised you got around to it. It's not like I'm an important person or anything. I'm sure you've got much better things to do.

(DK) That leads me to my first question. What exactly is it that you do?

(AL) I guess I help people with their priorities and activities.

(DK) Can you give me an example?

(AL) Let's take you for example. You've wanted to take some big steps in your prayer life haven't you?

(DK) Ya, but, I don't think I have yet.

(AL) But, you've gotten very close haven't you? That's what I do. I help people get close.

(DK) You seem to be very busy right now.

(AL) It's my favorite time of the year. I need to make sure that people who have made good spiritual and physical decisions get really close to a life changing experience. My employers love it when people get close to newness.

(DK) That brings up another question. Who are your employers?

(AL) Let's just say you and I work for different people.

(DK) I don't understand. Could you fill that in a little more?

(AL) No.

(DK) You talk a lot about people "getting close," what about completion? What about when people do take life changing steps and allow the power of God's Holy Spirit to take them to new places? Do you help with that too?

(AL) Let's get something straight. I'm all about helping people make decisions and getting close to actually doing it. But I find the actual change and doing it to be a waste of time. It's the thought that counts, not the actions. My goal is to keep people right where they are.

(DK) But don't they get discouraged? Don't they feel like a failure? Don't they get tired of not quite growing?

(Al) I don't think so. I don't know. I've spent a lot of time with you and you never seemed to mind being close to real change but not quite getting there.

(DK) That's been you? You're the one that has kept me living with good ideas stuck in my mind that never really make it to my spirit so that they move my hands and feet? You're the one that keeps me from growing?!

(AL) Well, I can't take all the credit. My boss has been involved in your stagnation, um, I mean idleness, um, I mean mediocrity, no, that's not right either - my boss and I help you be strong enough to stay just like you are. There's no need to thank us, we're glad to… hey, where are you going? Wait! We're not done yet! You didn't ask about our plans for 2010!

I left the interview with Al Most.

He has not been invited to join me this year. I heard he's lonely and looking for a companion – but I'm not going to hang out with him anymore. Are you?

Empowered to Complete,

Pastor Dave

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T17:44:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

As I look ahead there are a few things I know about 2010 for the Midland Free Methodist Church.

1. We will continue to sign the deed over to God. There is nothing that we can claim ownership of.

2. We will need more people to get on board with their finances. The new budget will require more of us to be involved with trusting God with our money. Giving is part of your worship, obedience, and surrender to the God that owns it all.

3. Change will happen. It is impossible to grow spiritually or numerically without change.

4. No one will know everyone. It can't be done. Meet a few and risk deeper relationships. It's better to have quality than quantity.

5. There are people God has brought across your path for the express reason of you touching them in the name of Christ.

6. We will adjust what is temporary and hold high what is eternal. Putting things in their right category will save us a lot of strife.

7. There is going to have to be an increase in involvement. Ministry has to continue to touch lives and we will need more people to get into giving themselves for a greater cause.

8. Flexibility and creativity are mandatory. Our structure is limited, even with a new building. There are four generations of people who use our facilities and we've got to be willing to be inconvenienced for the greater good.

9. There are people right now that are going to hell that will meet Jesus because of our obedience.

10. Humility and sincerity are required for unity. We long to see the prayer of Jesus answered through us (John 17). But it won't happen with arrogance and shallowness. The Holy Spirit of God longs to do more than we have let Him do. Let's let Him do it this year!

There are more things that I don't know than there are things I do know. But what I know is that God is God and we are following Him. The Kingdom is growing! Be praying for the willingness to be part of what He is going to do in us and through us in 2010!

With Growing Passion,

Pastor Dave