Seek the Source

When the stream is flowing, life is nourished by its refreshing waters. The stream itself is alive and there is something reassuring about lying down beside those still waters. The promise of the Shepherd is made complete there, and we are at peace.

How quickly that security departs when the stream seems to dry up. Fear sprouts where faith once grew and doubt begins to remove life from our spirits. We wonder why our Provider abandoned us. “What will happen to me now?” we ask ourselves and we question why we let ourselves trust in the first place.

It is in these dry seasons that we need to look deeper and further ask ourselves, “Is there a bigger picture than I can see right now?” We were not foolish to trust in God, but there is something for us to learn in this moment.

An insight into that lesson can be seen in the nurture and provision of the eagle for its young. When the time comes for eaglet to fly, Its mother takes some very bold action to motivate this new step in her young one's life. This majestic bird which builds one of the most comfortable nest of all the birds, begins to remove the softness of the nest and allow the eaglet to feel the pokes and prods of the twigs that formed the framework for its rest. By making the only home this baby knew so uncomfortable, the mother is lovingly motivating the little one to take one of the most important steps in its life. It is a step that will lead to what it was made to do.

In a similar way, when our stream dries up, God may be asking us to take a step into a deeper relationship with Him. Instead of simply resting by the stream, we are being called to the Source. Where once our goal involved seeking the hand of God to provide the things we need, now we are growing into people who will seek His face for relationship with Him. What seems like neglect, as if we were forgotten, is actually the exact opposite. God is so interested in us, that He is leading us into a more mature experience of Him.

In the classic text of the Twenty-third Psalm, the psalmist reminds us that our Shepherd takes us to green pastures and still waters as He restores our soul. We like that part. It is good news in the midst of a chaotic world to have the promise of divine renewal and provision. However, before the psalm ends, we are reminded of God’s promise to be with us even in the valley of the shadow of death. Clearly, it will not always be about basking in natural beauty while everything is delivered to us with ease. Parts of the journey will be challenging, but the Shepherd will be with us no matter where we are.

The real promise of the psalm and, for that matter, all of Scripture is not of easy days by the river, but the promise of the presence of God Himself. God promises us, God. He commits Himself to an intimate relationship with us that goes beyond all expectation. He loves us so much that He is willing, like the mother eagle, to create discomfort in order for us to learn to soar. He will permit the stream to dry so that we will seek the Source and know the power, perspective and providence of our God.

Wherever you are on the journey, experiencing the refreshing of the stream or seeking fresh water in a dry time, you are not alone. Both seasons are part of the rhythm of the life of faith. The most important thing you can do right now, is draw near to God and let Him draw near to you.

Birds, and Other "Little" Things

“Pay attention!” I was occasionally told in school. I understood the teacher’s goal, but I never thought it would have a spiritual application, but it did.

On Monday, July 25, 1984, I purchased a new journal and that evening I made my first entry. I was awed by an amazing electrical storm that took place as I drove home from the city that evening. Reflecting on the event, I wrote, “The highlight of the trip was a spectacular light show that we watched as we followed a major storm home from the city. We were entertained by this natural wonder for nearly two hours. It was a marvelous display of beauty and power. What an image of God.”

That experience sent me on a quest to be more attentive to the “little things” around me, things that often go unnoticed, or become the source of aggravation rather than inspiration. I realized that I often missed great opportunities to learn, grow, and experience because I was too busy, or blind to see. I wanted to view the world with new eyes that recognized the meaning and the feeling hidden in events, places and things.

My quest did not disappoint me. Two days later, I returned from a Finance Committee meeting to find an orphaned bird sleeping in a ball. It was curled up on a dirt pile next to our garage. If I had not been looking, I would never have noticed. In the morning, I looked again, only now the young bird was joined by another just like it. Neither of my new avian friends seemed able to care for themselves. I was humbled, wishing I do something to help these tender creatures, but I did not know where to begin. I even said a little prayer for them and in that moment my mind flooded with images of the God who’s “eye is on the sparrow.” That night, my journal read, “I am glad that the God I serve is even concerned about that little bird in my driveway. I pray that I might know that level of compassion for the world.” In contrast to the powerful image of Monday night’s storm, I now saw the expression of nurturing care.

We easily fill our lives so full, that there is little time to see the “little things.” Yet, it is often those overlooked experiences that can be the most rewarding. In them God is present in unique and special ways that do not shout for our attention. Instead, they invite us to know and experience more of His creativity and love, and then they way for us to respond.

We should be encouraged to look for the hidden moments with God, to keep our heart’s eyes open to God’s presence in the world and in our life. When we do, we begin to see the hand of God in the thunderstorm, the bird, and ourselves. Then we are able to give thanks for these gifts of God and the way they point us toward the Giver.

Even now, as I reflect on those events, I am awed once again by God’s attention to detail. I remind myself often that it is amazing what you can learn from a thunderstorm and two little birds in your driveway?

“What happened to the two birds?” you ask. One week later they flew away, without my help.

An Overcoming Testimony

Jesus said, “In this life you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) He shared this truth in the middle of a discussion on the challenges that lie ahead for the disciples and all who would be faithful to the Gospel, for there were persecutions, oppositions and obstacles yet to come. Jesus wanted His followers to understand that no matter what challenges they experienced, He was with them and He would empower them to overcome all they would face.

I find this promise especially meaningful, even as I navigate my day to day activities. While I know that Jesus’ focus was persecution due to faithfulness to the Gospel, I do not think it is a big stretch to apply this verse to the other challenges of my life. Jesus’ victory was not just over persecution, but over everything. The Bible tells us that, “at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow.” Certainly it is not hard to understand that He is with me in all of the challenges I face and that He is guiding me and empowering me to emerge victorious from whatever struggle I am in, and the promise applies to all of us who have Christ as our Lord and Savior.

 A few years ago, our region went through a very challenging time, and many of our neighbors struggled with the effects of that severe October snowstorm. The cleanup and recovery was with us for a while as the challenges associated with this storm continued. Like all storms in life, the impact extended far beyond the initial damage, but so did the opportunity to encounter God and to experience the overcoming power of the cross.

I learned more than I expected in the days following the initial power outage. With the television, internet and other technologies I’ve become dependent on silenced, God received significantly more of my attention. He was very present throughout our week and met all of our needs as they arose. From the simple, yet meaningful gifts of hot soup and rolls to the offer of a generator to help us drain the water from our basement when it seemed we could bail no more, we felt the provision of God in very tangible ways.

We receive the wonderful opportunity to experience the care of our loving God in the midst of our challenges, and we also gain the blessing of being the extensions of that care to others. The Bible reminds us that we are able to comfort others with the comfort we ourselves received from God. What a tremendous blessing to be comforted and cared for by our Savior and then to share that same gift with others on His behalf.

Just as people enduring the loss of power needed to hear about the places where it was being restored, and needed to see the presence of NYSEG and National Grid trucks in their neighborhood, the people around us need to hear the testimony of God’s love and grace and they need to see the demonstration of His love and power. As Christians, we should be looking for opportunities to bear witness to the provision of God in our lives. We also need to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit to know how we can use our gifts and graces to minister to the needs of others.

Our faith is a 24/7 way of life. It defines who we are and what we do. Leaders in the kingdom of God set an example for others by sharing their testimony and their witness. Together, we demonstrate the joy, wonder and power of a Spirit-led life. The test, when navigated with God will produce a testimony. I pray that you can see the hand of God in your life, and that you are ready to share your testimony with those around you so that God may be glorified and your neighbors strengthened.

Failure's Fall

Failure dreams of prominence
in my vision of this life.
It strives to deny me
access to the truth.
Memories wished forgotten
cry out over the still small Voice.

Given just a moment's thought,
my heart would cease to hold its trust
that forgiveness embraces failure's demise
and yearns to release new sight.

Beyond the chiding veil
the promise waits, untouched.
Preserved in all its splendor
it unceasingly declares,
"It is finished."

Sharing the Heart of God

Today, is the culmination of our congregation's annual stewardship campaign. On this Consecration Sunday, we ask people to reaffirm their commitment to be stewards of all God gives them. Yes, this involves a financial pledge, but in includes so much more.

Stewardship can be an unpopular topic. We like our privacy. We tire of the media voices inundating us with requests for money, and honestly, we've seen far too many over-paid people asking for our support. Thankfully, real stewardship is far more than a financial pledge, so far beyond paying church bills. Stewardship is an attitude of the heart; a way of life that responds to the generous heart of God with a willingness to be generous ourselves. Real stewardship acknowledges that we are blessed and seeks to be a blessing to others.

On my first mission trip to Brazil, I attended a worship that changed my life and my understanding of Christian stewardship. Sitting in a cramped pew within a crowded church, I watched as people who clearly fit within my definition of poverty came forward to place their offerings in the collection box at the front of the sanctuary. I asked one of the young women who sat next to me why they did not pass plates like we did back home. She explained to me that they believed it was important for the young people of the congregation to see their parents, family and friends putting their faith into action by giving.

I went on to ask her what the significance was of a large basket that sat behind the collection box. I'd watched as people put their tithes in the box and then placed something in the basket. She replied, "Oh, those are our gifts for the poor." The shock on my face must have been evident as I tried to make sense of the scene - poverty stricken people collecting gifts for the poor! The young woman smiled and said, "You don't get it do you?" I replied, "Apparently not/" Her face beamed as she said, "We have everything, because we have Him. How can we not share what God has given us with those who need it too?"

I was speechless, and moved with deep emotion. Earlier, I'd been lamenting things I, and the church I served, did not have. Now, I was sitting in the face of the most powerful sermon on stewardship I'd ever experienced. Here were people who understood that what really mattered was more than a collection of things, but a connection with people and with the heart of God.

This year, as our church celebrates its Consecration Sunday, I pray that we can capture some of that same awareness and generous spirit. I hope I can as well, as I still have much to learn. Maybe, as we embrace how richly God provides for our lives, we can embrace the opportunity to share richly with others, for that is where the real blessing lies.

Taking Your Time

"Frequently when I come to a certain part of 'Our Father' or to a petition, I land in such rich thoughts that I leave behind all set prayers. When such rich, good thoughts arrive, then one should leave the other commandments aside and offer room to those thoughts and listen in stillness and for all the world not put up obstructions... I have learned more from one such prayer than I could have received from much reading and writing" - Martin Luther

It is so easy to get so caught up in our routine that we miss the new creative moments that God is forming in our midst. Our comfort with the well-worn methods and paths makes it difficult to see new adventures awaiting us if we would only chart a new course.

As a pastor, I know that some of the scariest words I hear are, "We've never done that before," or their partners, "We've always done it this way." I know some others who shiver at them as well, because they are a verbal expression of spiritual eyes partly, or completely closed to new things, even those that God is doing. The scariest times are when those words come from my own mouth.

In the 43rd chapter of Isaiah, God tells the prophet, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (NIV) God makes clear the divine desire to do something new; something that will bless the world and glorify God. The image of a clear path in a barren land and flowing water in the arid wasteland are beautiful and amazing.

Can you picture lost people, parched with thirst hearing those words? Can you imagine the hope that they stir?

We can envision the comfort and sense of relief the promises of the Creator bring to those in such need, and we can see how we too, crave the promise of similar blessings in our own lives. Maybe we are safely in our homes, with plenty to drink, but we know times of being spiritually and emotionally lost - times when our hearts and spirits seem dry and empty. What grace it is to hear that in those difficult times, God is doing a new thing that will show us the way and water our souls.

Martin Luther was right. Sometimes, we have to lay aside the prescribed activities, even if they are spiritual, to open ourselves to the precious moment with God that is before us. We may need to let go of what we held onto in the past, to take hold of the blessing God has for our future. It may be time to change our words of concern into words of hope declaring, "Thank God! We have never done it this way before! Now is our opportunity to embrace God's new way and walk in it. God's blessing lies down the path the he is revealing even now. We've always done it our way, now we can do it God's way!"

Can we forget the past, not dwelling on the former things and envision a future designed and blessed by God? If so, then the adventure is just beginning and the refreshing waters of the Spirit are just ahead. May God's blessing be ours for the journey.

212 Degree Christian

At 211 degrees, water is simply very hot. Add one more degree and it becomes powerful enough to drive engines and produce electricity. When it reaches its boiling point, a world of potential energy is released and the results of that energy can be quite impressive.


Our Christian life can be viewed in a similar way. We can live our lives with Christ just below the boiling point, warmed by the Spirit, but shy of releasing our full potential to impact the world for the kingdom of God. We can attend church, read our Bibles and participate in studies and projects and yet never allow Christ to have full authority in our lives or experience the full release of the Holy Spirit’s power.

Jesus warned the early Church through the revelation he gave to John on the island of Patmos, to avoid being lukewarm. Many of us heed that warning and commit ourselves to being fired up for Jesus Christ. The next step in our journey, however, is to move from “fired up” to “on fire.” As the beloved children of God, we are the joyful partners of the One who is, “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20), and as such, our lives should reflect that awesome power in all that we do.

W.H. Murray, in the book The Second Himalayan Expedition, wrote, "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power in it.” These are amazing words for a man writing merely about the human capacity to dream and achieve. Imagine the possibilities when that capacity is linked with the unlimited vision and power of Almighty God. What could Christians willing to dream God-sized dreams and minister in great faith be able to accomplish for God’s kingdom?

Such a life of power and impact requires more than a wish and a prayer. It requires more that hoping it could be true. In fact, it demands complete surrender to Christ and a tenacious commitment to see God’s plans through to the end in spite of the obstacles, the doubts and the things that cause us fear. Vince Lombardi, speaking on success, said, “There is only one way to succeed in anything… and that is to give everything. I do, and I demand that my players do. Any man’s finest hour is when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle… victorious.”

If we are going to see the fullness of the Spirit’s power at work in our lives, our families, our workplaces, our church… community… and world, then we must give everything of our lives to God and allow Him to give us all that we need for the work assigned to us for this day, or this season. When we put our complete faith in Him and surrender our lives to His will, then we become effective conduits of His power and we will begin to experience the awesome wonder of living the life of a 212° Christian. It is an awesome challenge, but the results are worth it. Will you accept the challenge? Will you, as our Lay Leader asked recently, “give up what you cannot keep in order to gain what you cannot lose?” Will you say, “Yes!” to God’s vision for you today?

Part of the Lord's Song

Irving Berlin, who lived to the age of 101, was a Russian Jewish immigrant who wrote nearly 1,000 songs, including “God Bless America,” ”White Christmas,” and “Easter Parade.” Until the end, he never stopped making music. The aging composer once said, “The question is, ‘Are you going to be a crabby old man or are you going to write another song?’”


We all know life is difficult. Sometimes, it seems amazingly unfair. However, there is also tremendous beauty to be seen and times of joy to be savored. As Christians there is our Savior’s promise of peace and an eternal hope that gives us more reason to celebrate the wonder of life and to guard our hearts and spirits against the brokenness that dries our bones. We need a merry heart. We need laughter and joy that comes from the deepest well of all, our relationship with Christ.

Billy Sunday, in a sermon given in 1914 made the challenging assessment that, “The trouble with many men is that they have got just enough religion to make them miserable. If there is not joy in religion, you have got a leak in your religion.” Our faith should not make us miserable, it should fill us to overflowing with joy. Jesus wants us to know and experience His joy and the enemy works hard to keep us from it because just as the Word of God proclaims, “the joy of the Lord is our strength.”

Don’t settle for just enough of the Christian faith to miss the blessing of God’s overflowing joy. Don’t allow a small dose of the faith to inoculate you from catching the fullness of the promise. Press on to experience the joy of the Lord.

At times, I am drawn back to the simple prayer of St. Theresa of Avila, “From somber, serious, sullen saints, save us, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.” We need to let go of that which squelches joy and celebration and embrace the glorious party that is the kingdom of God. There is life in our humor and in our laughter, not only for us, but for the world as well.

As we move into the fall season, where many of us are tempted to retreat into our home, and into ourselves, let us make a commitment to make this year different. Let’s look for humor; for reasons to smile and to laugh. Let’s not take ourselves or our circumstances too seriously, and enjoy the life that we are given. Jesus himself said that he came, “that we might have life and have it abundantly.” Let’s live as those who continue to receive the abundant life that He promised.

I invite you to start with this prayer of Rev. Charles H. Spurgeon, “come and help us, Lord Jesus. A vision of your face will brighten us; but to feel your Spirit touching us will make us vigorous. Oh! for the leaping and walking of the man born lame. May we today dance with holy joy, like David before the ark of God. May a holy exhilaration take possession of every part of us; may we be glad in the Lord; may our mouth be filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing, ‘for the Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad.’”

With that in mind, are you going to be a grumpy old soul, or are you going to be part of the Lord’s beautiful song?

Family

Last night our church held its annual Fall Festival for our children and their families and friends. This year we began with "Trunk or Treat" where families decorated the trunks of their cars and vans and then stood by them to hand out candy as the children made their way around a part of the parking lot sectioned off for the event. The children had a great time and the adults did too. It was amazing to see some of the elaborate decorations. You could tell a lot of thought went into the preparation.

After the outdoor portion of the program was over, we went into the Fellowship Hall to share in some food and games. I cleaned up the back of our van and made my way to the indoor festivities. As I walked in, there were people gathered in groups all around the hall, and the room was filled with conversation. The evening was filled with laughter, smiles and great fellowship.

One of the women who came to the event commented that her family (which is quite large) enjoys using our hall for their special gatherings, then she added, "It feels like that tonight, just like a large family gathering. Maybe this is an opportunity for people who don't know the joy of family to find it here."

Of course, the comment made me smile, and I pray that the people there felt like family, but her thoughts started me thinking that we often talk about the Christian community as the "family of God," but is that what we experience and share when we are together?

I know that even in families their can be challenges and dysfunctions, but shouldn't the church be more than just a gathering of like-minded people. As United Methodists, we claim a mission to, "make disciples for the transformation of the world," but making disciples is more than making members. It is more than simply increasing attendance. Making transforming disciples involves being real community - a place where real people can interact with authenticity all under the banner of the love of Jesus Christ.

Last night, was one time we got it right. Now my prayer is that we can continue to recreate experiences like that until that is the norm. I want it to be our DNA to be authentic community based on real relationships and the Spirit of God. I know that as imperfect people, we will always have room to grow, but I pray that we can be a living example of the living Christ.

We need the church to be the church, and so does the world. That is a prayer worth praying and a goal worthy of our work.

Faithful Roots

My adult Sunday School class recently asked me if we could find a study of how the early church fathers read and understood the Bible. I must say that as a pastor, a request like this really warms your heart. I spent some time looking for possible studies to use, but in the end, chose to write the study myself.

I started working on the lessons today since my schedule was opening up and because we will begin our new journey the first Sunday of November. It has been some time since I read the thoughts of the early Christians, and the time spent in preparation today ended up being a meaningful devotional time for me personally.

One faithful, anonymous voice shared these words that spoke to my heart today:

So let us always reflect the image of God in these ways:
I do not swell up with the arrogance of pride;
nor do I droop with the blush of anger;
nor do I succumb to the passion of avarice;
nor do I surrender myself to the ravishes of gluttony;
nor do I infect myself with the duplicity of hypocrisy;
nor do I contaminate myself with the filth of rioting;
nor do I grow flippant with the pretension of conceit;
nor do I grow enamored of the burden of heavy drinking;
nor do I alienate by the dissension of mutual admiration;
nor do I infect others with the biting of detraction;
nor do I grow conceited with the vanity of gossip.

Rather, instead, I will reflect the image of God in that I feed on love;
grow certain of faith and hope;
strengthen myself on the virtue of patience;
grow tranquil by humility;
grow beautiful by chastity;
am sober by abstention;
am made happy by tranquility;
and am ready for death by practicing hospitality.
It is with such inscriptions that God imprints his coins with an impression made neither by hammer nor by chisel but has formed them with his primary divine intention. For Caesar required his image on every coin, but God has chosen man, whom he has created, to reflect his glory.
(Incomplete Work on Matthew, Homily 42)

I was especially blessed by the line, "I will reflect the image of God in that I feed on love," though there is much more to be mined from these thoughtful reflections. May some of those treasures be yours as well as we see to be reflections of the divine image for the transformation of ourselves and the world.

Do Something

Have you ever noticed that sometimes life simply gets in the way of your plans? For the past two weeks or so, I have planned on posting something meaningful, but the busyness of those days consumed my time and to be honest, my creativity. I would look at the blank page and think, "I really need to post something meaningful," but felt that there was nothing meaningful to say.

Today, was another overly busy day. The Bishop, Superintendent and other Annual Conference leaders were at our church for the Bishop's Day on the District. Between meetings and various hospitality commitments, the time went quickly - or I should say, is going quickly, as there are still a few more hours to go.

It was in the midst of all of this activity, that I realized that possibly I was phrasing my thoughts to myself the wrong way. What I needed to say was, "I need to post something." I would like it to be meaningful, but nothing was going to happen if I did not do something.

I began to think of something that a friend of mine often says, "No one can do everything, but everyone can do something." Sometimes, we simply need to do something, no matter how small. We need to take whatever action we can and see where it leads us. Often, that first action will lead to more opportunities and ideas for future actions and before long, we are moving forward with speed.

I have faith that my action today, will lead to to more for the future. It is time to trust God and take a step. Could it be that time for you? What step could you take in your life right now? Maybe it will be the step that unlocks God's vision and future for your life. Just imagine the possibilities.

Thanks for your patience. It is good to be back.