Yesterday I went to one of the neighborhood pools with my two youngest children. We had fun swimming and splashing, playing in the water. It was a nice summer day and the pool was pleasantly full but not crowded.
Another dad, younger than me, was in the water with his son who looked to be the same age as mine. This dad seemed to have been a competitive swimmer in the past and was teaching his son how to swim. I had also worked some with my two but mostly we just played.
After a couple of hours I took a time out to sit at our table while the kids kept swimming. My son Jack was on the ladder getting in when the other boy, also called Jack, was swimming with dad's coaching and a little assistance. The dad was focused on his son, as he should be. They were swimming towards the ladder when the dad noticed there was an obstacle in the path. "Look out kid, he's coming!" he shouted at Jack (my Jack, that is).
Now, if the boy on the ladder was someone else's son, I probably would never have noticed. There was no anger or menace in the other dad's tone, just an urgent command that must be obeyed.
I have written a lot on this blog about spiritual things, about love and forgiveness, etc. etc. etc. But I have a confession to make. I didn't like what this man said to my son, and I didn't like the way he said it. My first inclination was to march over there and explain some things to this guy: a) the boy on the ladder is NOT some kid, he is MY SON; (b) he can ask requests from my son but he has no authority to issue him commands, (c) he needs to start treating ALL people, including children, with the same respect he would like his own son to be treated, and (d) if he is unclear on any of the above I would be happy to explain it more clearly in the parking lot. He may be bigger than me, and he may end up on the top of the pile when it's all over, but he would know for sure he had messed with the wrong little boy.
Fortunately, I kept my mouth shut and the moment passed. I don't think Jack felt slighted or even thought a thing about it. But it has me thinking about how you treat other people's sons. You don't mess with them.
The Bible describes God the Creator of all as a Father. The Bible says that God has a Son. This Father loves His Son and is proud of Him, so much so that He has given all authority in heaven and on earth to His son. Pretty much it goes like this - if you are okay with the Son, the Father is good with you. But if you reject the son, you have put yourself on the wrong side of the Father. That's how I felt at the pool yesterday with my son. That is how God the Father feels about His son.
We better give the Son the love and respect He deserves. Look out kids, He is coming!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Say What?
What you say is what you get.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21
The tongue of the wise promotes health.
Proverbs 12:18
A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!
James 3:3-5
The Holy Spirit is reminding me, gently correcting me, patiently coaching me, to purposefully chose and carefully monitor what I say. He is reminding me what His Word says about me, His Word that can never be changed and will always stand, and He is asking me if every word from my mouth agrees with every word from His mouth.
Yes, I will pay careful attention. Yes, put a guard over my lips. I chose life. I chose peace and righteousness. I chose health. I chose abundance. I chose to build up those around me. I chose to agree with You, and say what You say.
Today we are speaking our very future into existence. Tomorrow I will be glad for the confession of my mouth today.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21
The tongue of the wise promotes health.
Proverbs 12:18
A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!
James 3:3-5
The Holy Spirit is reminding me, gently correcting me, patiently coaching me, to purposefully chose and carefully monitor what I say. He is reminding me what His Word says about me, His Word that can never be changed and will always stand, and He is asking me if every word from my mouth agrees with every word from His mouth.
Yes, I will pay careful attention. Yes, put a guard over my lips. I chose life. I chose peace and righteousness. I chose health. I chose abundance. I chose to build up those around me. I chose to agree with You, and say what You say.
Today we are speaking our very future into existence. Tomorrow I will be glad for the confession of my mouth today.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
A Day of Deliverance
It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations, from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. -- John Adams
John Adams, who later became the second president of the United States, understood clearly the momentous significance of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
He understood the results that would follow the publication of this Declaration, and the price that would be required from the new nation as a whole and many of the signers individually.
Today we remember and celebrate the tremendous sacrifices made by so many, that America could become the land of the free and the home of the brave. May we remain so always.
A very interesting rendition of the heroic signers of the Declaration of Independence is published by the US Senate Republican Policy Committee at http://rpc.senate.gov/releases/1998/founders.htm
"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." These men relied upon God, who established their work, and they called upon us to commemorate this day with solemn acts of devotion to Him and celebration.
No better way to spend the 4th of July.
John Adams, who later became the second president of the United States, understood clearly the momentous significance of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
He understood the results that would follow the publication of this Declaration, and the price that would be required from the new nation as a whole and many of the signers individually.
Today we remember and celebrate the tremendous sacrifices made by so many, that America could become the land of the free and the home of the brave. May we remain so always.
A very interesting rendition of the heroic signers of the Declaration of Independence is published by the US Senate Republican Policy Committee at http://rpc.senate.gov/releases/1998/founders.htm
"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." These men relied upon God, who established their work, and they called upon us to commemorate this day with solemn acts of devotion to Him and celebration.
No better way to spend the 4th of July.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
My family is part of The Branch Family Church.
When I think about the Branch today, there are 4 things that come to mind.
The first three, in order of importance are: people, people, and people.
1) People – the lost. The Bible says the Lord does not want anyone to perish, to be eternally separated from Him. Jesus paid a tremendous price to provide salvation to everyone. The Lord is not holding anyone’s sins against them, but many people are still blind to His love. God was, in Jesus, reconciling the world to Himself. He has given us the ministry of reconciliation. God’s heart is to use the people of the Branch to bring the Good News about Jesus to hundreds, thousands, who knows how many people. If we love God and love people, the Branch will see many people confessing “Jesus is Lord.”
2) People – believers who need to receive. Jesus said “I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly.” Over and over and over, the Gospels record miracle after miracle as Jesus met the needs of those who came to Him. Never did He turn anyone away empty. He healed broken bodies and broken hearts. He met financial needs and spiritual needs. He taught those who would listen and challenged those who would not. Pastor Derek has an anointing, and this church has an anointing, to minister restoration. As we love God and love people, the Branch will see hundreds, thousands, who knows how many being restored.
3) People – believers who are ministering in Jesus’ Name. Jesus commissioned his disciples to go forth into all the world and make disciples. These disciples were Peter, James, John, and (insert YOUR NAME here.) We do that in different ways, according to the gifts He has given us. The people of the Branch have an ingrained understanding that we are to take that which we have been given and share it with others. Jesus said “It is better to give than to receive.” Here’s another way to think about that: it is better to be living in abundance, and to share that abundance with others, than to live in lack and need others to share with you. We have been commissioned by Jesus Himself to minister in His Name. As we love God and love people, (insert YOUR NAME here) will begin ministering in our giftings and with the same anointing He shared with Peter, James, and John.
Here is another way to say it: The Branch is a place where people get planted, grow strong, and branch out.
Those are the first three things that come to my mind today as I think about the Branch.
The fourth I really should call the First. Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation. Everything was created through Him and for Him. He is also the head of the church.
He is first in everything.
The Branch is the work of God, created for His pleasure and the glory of His Son Jesus Christ. As we love God and love people, Jesus is honored and He is glorified. And He is pleased. Isn’t that really what it’s all about?
When I think about the Branch today, there are 4 things that come to mind.
The first three, in order of importance are: people, people, and people.
1) People – the lost. The Bible says the Lord does not want anyone to perish, to be eternally separated from Him. Jesus paid a tremendous price to provide salvation to everyone. The Lord is not holding anyone’s sins against them, but many people are still blind to His love. God was, in Jesus, reconciling the world to Himself. He has given us the ministry of reconciliation. God’s heart is to use the people of the Branch to bring the Good News about Jesus to hundreds, thousands, who knows how many people. If we love God and love people, the Branch will see many people confessing “Jesus is Lord.”
2) People – believers who need to receive. Jesus said “I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly.” Over and over and over, the Gospels record miracle after miracle as Jesus met the needs of those who came to Him. Never did He turn anyone away empty. He healed broken bodies and broken hearts. He met financial needs and spiritual needs. He taught those who would listen and challenged those who would not. Pastor Derek has an anointing, and this church has an anointing, to minister restoration. As we love God and love people, the Branch will see hundreds, thousands, who knows how many being restored.
3) People – believers who are ministering in Jesus’ Name. Jesus commissioned his disciples to go forth into all the world and make disciples. These disciples were Peter, James, John, and (insert YOUR NAME here.) We do that in different ways, according to the gifts He has given us. The people of the Branch have an ingrained understanding that we are to take that which we have been given and share it with others. Jesus said “It is better to give than to receive.” Here’s another way to think about that: it is better to be living in abundance, and to share that abundance with others, than to live in lack and need others to share with you. We have been commissioned by Jesus Himself to minister in His Name. As we love God and love people, (insert YOUR NAME here) will begin ministering in our giftings and with the same anointing He shared with Peter, James, and John.
Here is another way to say it: The Branch is a place where people get planted, grow strong, and branch out.
Those are the first three things that come to my mind today as I think about the Branch.
The fourth I really should call the First. Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation. Everything was created through Him and for Him. He is also the head of the church.
He is first in everything.
The Branch is the work of God, created for His pleasure and the glory of His Son Jesus Christ. As we love God and love people, Jesus is honored and He is glorified. And He is pleased. Isn’t that really what it’s all about?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
What I Believe about the Branch
There are some things I know, and some things I believe, about the Branch.
First of all, here is what I know.
I know that the Branch is a church. I've been a Christian for 33 years, have been a pastor at 2 different churches and an administrator at a third. I have a Bachelor of Theology degree. So I know some things about church. When I say the Branch is a church, I'm not talking about a building, or a tradition, or a meeting. I'm talking about the Biblical definition of church - God's people gathering together to worship Him, living for God without reservation and sharing their lives together. When we first visited the Branch, it felt like home. For 2 years we drove 45 minutes one way on Sunday morning. Wanting to be more involved, we sold our home in South Charlotte and moved to the University area. We were very hungry to experience God's presence and to worship with God's people. We are still hungry for that and are very glad to be part of the Branch.
I know that the Branch is a place where I have grown closer to the Lord. At the age 12 I was the first person in my family to become a Christian. I began praying and within the year saw my parents, my brother and my sister all become believers, and a church started in our home. (Today that church is one of the largest in my hometown.) So I know some things about walking in faith. I know that being part of the Branch has helped me love the Lord more, being more genuine and real in my relationship with Him, and has helped me better understand how much He loves me.
I know that the Branch is a place where my family has grown closer to the Lord, and closer to one another. I know that the Branch is a place where my children are flourishing, and our family relationships have become a higher priority than ever before.
I know that the Branch has been a place of healing and of restoration, a place where we have seen dreams fulfilled and new dreams born. While we've been here, God has fulfilled some promises He made to me a long time ago, and He has made some new promises that I am still standing on.
Those are some of the things I know about the Branch. And now, some things I believe.
I believe the Branch is lovely in God's sight. I belive that the Lord will fulfill every promise He made to Derek and Sarah. I believe that Derek is God's chosen man for this time and place, and that Sarah is also chosen for this task, and that we all are part of something eternally significant. I believe that God will use me in this place to be a blessing to others, and that He will use us, each of us here this morning, in ways we have not yet imagined. I believe that people here are genuine, and their love is genuine, and their faith is genuine. I believe that faithful are the wounds of a friend, and that even when we all try our best we each will have the opportunity to forgive. I believe that others will forgive me when I need it, and I will forgive them when they do, and we will walk in humility and grace and love toward each other. I believe this is a safe place to share my heart and that people here can be trusted. I believe the fields are white unto harvest, which I guess is a churchy way of saying that a lot of people are open and ready to receive God's love even if they don't know it. I believe God is about to do something in the worship portion of our services that is absolutely miraculous. I believe that as our children learn who God is and who they are, they will excel in every way. I believe that the Branch is God's planting, the work of His Hands, and that He will be glorified. I believe the best is yet to come, and that He will surprise us yet with His goodness.
First of all, here is what I know.
I know that the Branch is a church. I've been a Christian for 33 years, have been a pastor at 2 different churches and an administrator at a third. I have a Bachelor of Theology degree. So I know some things about church. When I say the Branch is a church, I'm not talking about a building, or a tradition, or a meeting. I'm talking about the Biblical definition of church - God's people gathering together to worship Him, living for God without reservation and sharing their lives together. When we first visited the Branch, it felt like home. For 2 years we drove 45 minutes one way on Sunday morning. Wanting to be more involved, we sold our home in South Charlotte and moved to the University area. We were very hungry to experience God's presence and to worship with God's people. We are still hungry for that and are very glad to be part of the Branch.
I know that the Branch is a place where I have grown closer to the Lord. At the age 12 I was the first person in my family to become a Christian. I began praying and within the year saw my parents, my brother and my sister all become believers, and a church started in our home. (Today that church is one of the largest in my hometown.) So I know some things about walking in faith. I know that being part of the Branch has helped me love the Lord more, being more genuine and real in my relationship with Him, and has helped me better understand how much He loves me.
I know that the Branch is a place where my family has grown closer to the Lord, and closer to one another. I know that the Branch is a place where my children are flourishing, and our family relationships have become a higher priority than ever before.
I know that the Branch has been a place of healing and of restoration, a place where we have seen dreams fulfilled and new dreams born. While we've been here, God has fulfilled some promises He made to me a long time ago, and He has made some new promises that I am still standing on.
Those are some of the things I know about the Branch. And now, some things I believe.
I believe the Branch is lovely in God's sight. I belive that the Lord will fulfill every promise He made to Derek and Sarah. I believe that Derek is God's chosen man for this time and place, and that Sarah is also chosen for this task, and that we all are part of something eternally significant. I believe that God will use me in this place to be a blessing to others, and that He will use us, each of us here this morning, in ways we have not yet imagined. I believe that people here are genuine, and their love is genuine, and their faith is genuine. I believe that faithful are the wounds of a friend, and that even when we all try our best we each will have the opportunity to forgive. I believe that others will forgive me when I need it, and I will forgive them when they do, and we will walk in humility and grace and love toward each other. I believe this is a safe place to share my heart and that people here can be trusted. I believe the fields are white unto harvest, which I guess is a churchy way of saying that a lot of people are open and ready to receive God's love even if they don't know it. I believe God is about to do something in the worship portion of our services that is absolutely miraculous. I believe that as our children learn who God is and who they are, they will excel in every way. I believe that the Branch is God's planting, the work of His Hands, and that He will be glorified. I believe the best is yet to come, and that He will surprise us yet with His goodness.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Watching and waiting
It has been a different season in my life. Jesus told a story illustrating what the Kingdom of God is like - a farmer planted some seeds. Then, night and day, whether he was asleep or awake, the seed grew all by itself. The farmer didn't even know how.
When the farmer was planting, you could see the physical activity. Later, when the farmer was collecting his harvest, you could see the physical activity. But in between, while the seed was sprouting and growing underground, you couldn't see much of anything. Just the earth where the seed had been planted.
That's kind of how I feel right now. By that I don't mean there is no physical activity going on right now - the kids are out of school for the summer so the house is hopping! There is a lot to accomplish at work. We're getting ready to visit family in AL for a week to celebrate a big birthday. But I'm thinking about my spiritual condidtion - I know I have planted some seeds, I am holding on to some promises, but right at the moment I don't see a lot of activity or results.
But, like the farmer in Jesus' story, I know what's going on. I don't understand all the how, but I know the seed has life in itself. I believe my heart is good soil. I must make sure to keep out the weeds, I must continue to remove the rocks. But the seed will grow all by itself. Night and day, whether I am awake or asleep, His word hidden in my heart will bring about His purpose in my life.
Thank you Lord for accomplishing your purpose in and through me. I will pass all the tests, for You are my Victory. I no longer stand accused, for You are my Advocate. I will be the one pleasing to You, for You are the Author and Finisher of my faith. I will reap a harvest of righteousness, all my hope is in You.
When the farmer was planting, you could see the physical activity. Later, when the farmer was collecting his harvest, you could see the physical activity. But in between, while the seed was sprouting and growing underground, you couldn't see much of anything. Just the earth where the seed had been planted.
That's kind of how I feel right now. By that I don't mean there is no physical activity going on right now - the kids are out of school for the summer so the house is hopping! There is a lot to accomplish at work. We're getting ready to visit family in AL for a week to celebrate a big birthday. But I'm thinking about my spiritual condidtion - I know I have planted some seeds, I am holding on to some promises, but right at the moment I don't see a lot of activity or results.
But, like the farmer in Jesus' story, I know what's going on. I don't understand all the how, but I know the seed has life in itself. I believe my heart is good soil. I must make sure to keep out the weeds, I must continue to remove the rocks. But the seed will grow all by itself. Night and day, whether I am awake or asleep, His word hidden in my heart will bring about His purpose in my life.
Thank you Lord for accomplishing your purpose in and through me. I will pass all the tests, for You are my Victory. I no longer stand accused, for You are my Advocate. I will be the one pleasing to You, for You are the Author and Finisher of my faith. I will reap a harvest of righteousness, all my hope is in You.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Southern Man's Cookbook
They say you should write the book you want to read.
Right now, I have a hankerin' to flip through the pages of a book titled "The Southern Man's Cookbook." Unfortunately, I can't cook so I can't write the book.
I am blessed to have a wife who is a very good cook. Very good. Here is just one of a thousand examples - she pays a lot of attention to what foods people like. So if someone is at our house and comments that they like a particular dish, they are likely to see a different but related dish next time they visit. See, that to me is the mark of someone who really likes to cook and really likes people to enjoy what they are eating.
Here is another example - she regularly tries out brand new dishes on company. See, if it was me, and we had company, I would make something I had made many times before and knew was really good.
OK, I'm on a roll - here's another example. Sometimes when she is doing some meal planning or looking over some recipes, she will ask me a question that starts something like this... "Does this sound good to you? 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 2 eggs, teaspoon vanilla..." I'm thinking, is this a dessert?
So, I have not learned to cook. Sure, I have a few standby dishes for the occasional weekend she's out of town. My repertoire runs heavy to breakfast foods but also includes Mexican Lasagna (a dish everyone who has ever tried it loves and is very easy to make), a few things like subs and tacos where the kids enjoy building what they eat, and of course grilling out. OK, I admit it - I need this woman!
When I was a college boy, I decided it would be quite witty to claim the last part of I Sam. 15:7 as my "wife verse." The Lord told Samuel that "man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart." So I began praying over this verse, saying "Lord, I want a wife that looks good to You and me both!"
My prayers were answered. My wife is outwardly beautiful (more now than ever before, if that is possible). And she has a heart that is pleasing to God. She is beautiful inside and out. Plus, she is a good cook.
(Soon after we were married I told her the only way she could have been any better for me was if she had been rich. Needless to say, she didn't think that was funny.)
The book that I want to read now is titled "The Southern Man's Cookbook." It would be funny, and have a lot of shortcuts about how to get good results with less effort, with a chapter on grilling and a chapter educating on various cuts of meat, a chapter on how to cook foods the kids will eat, and a whole section on breakfast and an entire chapter devoted to tools and gadgets of the kitchen.
Unfortunately my wife is a great cook and a great wife and a great beauty. It is all her fault I do not have the knowledge or experience to write the book I want to read.
Right now, I have a hankerin' to flip through the pages of a book titled "The Southern Man's Cookbook." Unfortunately, I can't cook so I can't write the book.
I am blessed to have a wife who is a very good cook. Very good. Here is just one of a thousand examples - she pays a lot of attention to what foods people like. So if someone is at our house and comments that they like a particular dish, they are likely to see a different but related dish next time they visit. See, that to me is the mark of someone who really likes to cook and really likes people to enjoy what they are eating.
Here is another example - she regularly tries out brand new dishes on company. See, if it was me, and we had company, I would make something I had made many times before and knew was really good.
OK, I'm on a roll - here's another example. Sometimes when she is doing some meal planning or looking over some recipes, she will ask me a question that starts something like this... "Does this sound good to you? 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 2 eggs, teaspoon vanilla..." I'm thinking, is this a dessert?
So, I have not learned to cook. Sure, I have a few standby dishes for the occasional weekend she's out of town. My repertoire runs heavy to breakfast foods but also includes Mexican Lasagna (a dish everyone who has ever tried it loves and is very easy to make), a few things like subs and tacos where the kids enjoy building what they eat, and of course grilling out. OK, I admit it - I need this woman!
When I was a college boy, I decided it would be quite witty to claim the last part of I Sam. 15:7 as my "wife verse." The Lord told Samuel that "man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart." So I began praying over this verse, saying "Lord, I want a wife that looks good to You and me both!"
My prayers were answered. My wife is outwardly beautiful (more now than ever before, if that is possible). And she has a heart that is pleasing to God. She is beautiful inside and out. Plus, she is a good cook.
(Soon after we were married I told her the only way she could have been any better for me was if she had been rich. Needless to say, she didn't think that was funny.)
The book that I want to read now is titled "The Southern Man's Cookbook." It would be funny, and have a lot of shortcuts about how to get good results with less effort, with a chapter on grilling and a chapter educating on various cuts of meat, a chapter on how to cook foods the kids will eat, and a whole section on breakfast and an entire chapter devoted to tools and gadgets of the kitchen.
Unfortunately my wife is a great cook and a great wife and a great beauty. It is all her fault I do not have the knowledge or experience to write the book I want to read.
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