A fly on the wall

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"

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