Walking The Beat

LIKE A ROLLING STONE

Is there a redemptive value in blogging? Why is it worth one's time to blog? And why should anyone read my blog or anyone else's?

Blogging is a fad for some. Some who at one time blogged now post notes on Facebook instead of blogging. No problem. To each his own. Others are up-to-date on every nuance of technology. I really do admire these folk, but I am not one of them. I'm still trying to learn how to prevent spam from coming through on my Blackberry.

Bloggers differ in their approaches. Whether informational, marketing, focusing on issues, preaching, or a simple comment or homily (I do that from time to time), each blog distinguishes itself by the thread of posts and comments. Think of a genre and there is likely a blog somewhere that fits it. Some say things well, others not so well. And some, who view themselves as "prophetic" (to be certain, some are) can also really get under the skin of those people and/or practices against whom they blog. But consider this.

In the Scriptures, prophets of truth seldom if ever got a second invitation and most of them didn't get the first. They were sent by God to deliver a message of truth to people who did not want to face their own sin. Sometimes sin is individual. Sometimes it is within the structures of society. Read Walter Wink's books on spiritual warfare. I do not agree with all of his exegesis and conclusions, but he is worth the read when dealing with the demonic in its relationship to structures of society, both religious and secular.

Prophets of old used the communication tools of their day. Those today do the same, which is inclusive of blogging. Some do go overboard in their criticism of personality rather than issues. Some prophets (and bloggers) might walk into a room and see a snake. Instead of taking a hoe, a rake, or some other tool and excising the snake, some simply dynamite the room! 

But for everyone serious about following Christ, the real question is how shall we live in such a way as to extend God's kingdom and not our own or another's agenda?

Speak truth. If you are reading a blog, ask the truth question. Relationships are important, but far too long truth has been sacrificed on the altar of relationship. Without truth, there is no authenticity and without authenticity we cannot achieve biblical community. Relationships can be utilitarian. Perhaps that is why much of the church in the West today is indeed, utilitarian, refusing to deal with real issues and encouraging constituents to just move on or fit in for the sake of the organization or some other larger-than-life entity that crushes all in its proud way.

What C. Peter Wagner and others identified as one descriptive principle of church growth called the "homogeneous principle" has now become prescriptive in many places. Translation: "We only want our kind here."

A number of years ago a young pastor had scheduled me for a revival meeting. He wanted to check me out. The Conservative Resurgence was in full swing in Southern Baptist life. He said, "I am Baptist born and Baptist bred, and when I die, I will be Baptist dead." Cute, but really stupid and utilitarian. And I am a Southern Baptist!! You see, it does not matter who you are in terms of denominational identity, if you are that sold out to anything other than Almighty God, His Word, your spouse and children, you are already dead as far as usefulness in the Kingdom of God is concerned.

Speak truth in love. The love chapter is still in 1 Cor. 13 and still inerrant, inspired, God-breathed. Think of it - the breath of God is His word (2 Tim. 3:16, "inspired by God" is literally, "God-breathed"). I often hear, "I just love you." Really? Read Paul's definition then talk to me.

Practice Matthew 18 in your relationships and stay out of that which you do not know and is not your business. Whether you are a leader, a wannabe, or like so many of us - just one of the common folk seeking to live and serve Christ, these words from Proverbs are helpful in determining character.

"A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends." Prov. 16:28, NASB

"Drive out the scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease." Prov. 22:10, ESV
"Drive out he scoffer, and contentions will go out, Even strife and dishonor will cease." NASB

"For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down." Prov. 26:20

These are indeed words for all of us. But it seems there are some these days who are ready to destroy other people's lives. I have been on the receiving end of such activity. One's dignity and honor can be destroyed because congregations typically hear a word of criticism and seldom check it out for its truthfulness. Unfortunately, there are too many "friends" in low places who are unwilling to simply let people "be" and get on with their lives.

There is another verse from Proverbs.

"He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him." Prov. 26:27

I am praying and waiting. I determined long ago I would not call out people on my blog. I trust the Spirit to use whatever I may do or say to open hearts. Closed hearts will never be opened by man...only by the Spirit of God. And I am far from He. I do not know all that goes on inside someone else, and really struggle with all that inside myself (Jer. 17:9).

What I do know is "He who rolls a stone....". As my friend Freddie Gage has said, "There are no qualified stone throwers."

IT IS BEST...

The rain is cold and very wet. It is also much needed. And, perhaps the cold and wet day has also dampened other things.

Hopefully I can be vague enough to not reveal identities and yet specific enough to speak to the issue. God himself knows that there are certainly enough examples, so protecting identities may not be all that difficult. But I heard it again today.

"It is probably best he leave the church." That statement has been uttered about men and women who (1) have failed; (2) who have alienated someone; (3) who have disagreed with leadership or someone who thinks they are a leader; (4) who are different; (5) who are hurting and having difficulty working through the hurt, the loss, and the faith questions raised; (6) etc., etc.

I intentionally ended on 6 because that is the number of man, and 666 is the number of the anti-Christ. I did that because I believe none of the above to be the biblical response.

I last heard the statement uttered about a pastor having some difficulty. I am aware that there are certain situations, especially in willful and unrepentant sin, where the church must discipline. That is indeed biblical. And, there are situations where a leader (whether staff or otherwise) may need to step aside for a period of time or even find other employment in order to refresh, heal, deal with issues, etc.

But "it is probably best he leave the church"??? For Christ's sake, what is the church for? No, not at all taking the name of the Lord in vain. Seriously...For Christ's sake! What is the church here for?

Again, I am not talking of one living in willful and unrepentant sin. I am speaking of those who find themselves in situations not of their choosing and having difficulty working through it. I am speaking of those who just don't fit. They may not be "cool, man!" Or maybe they don't answer to "Hey dude!" They may have different tastes in music, they may or may not reflect your favorite worship pose, raise hands, close eyes, or shake their heads. And if a woman, she just may not be able to wiggle her backside in beat with the latest 4/4 hot worship song.

Now for those of you just offended, unscrew your halo a notch and think. By the way, each of those are real examples encountered more than once.

One elderly friend of mine whom I regard as a true hero said to me a few years ago, "we are worse than I have ever seen us." He is right. It is very popular in some places for new member classes to require the signing of a document that you will (1) tithe (2) attend, and (3)not cause trouble. I've not seen an example of one that asks people to sign that they will be great parents, share the gospel on a regular basis, pray, etc. But we sure do want them to sit up, shut up, and ante up.

Just when someone needs the people of God most, it is best they leave! And we seriously are having conferences on why church attendance is declining in America? You've got to be kidding me!

This thing we call "church" is messy. It is dirty. The church is a light and all lights attract bugs. And some days, we are all a bug.

Galatians 6:1 says "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you are are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

At what point will the church wake up and although it may have to make difficult leadership decisions or it may have to discipline members, it will not push people out but will say to them, "we love you enough to walk with you through this situation to the glory of God." When? Who?

I was reading in 1 Peter this morning. I highly recommend 1 Peter 3:8-4:11 in the NIV. I was reminded that my prayer life is connected to my attitude and behavior. A few years ago when our world had cratered we reached out to a couple. Instead of love, we got firehosed in a lecture that basically said, "Get over it!" I listened, then asked, "can you tell me how?" The answer? "I have no idea." The antithesis of Gal. 6:1. Well, we did get over it and we learned valuable lessons and the most important is that God is very, very faithful and our validation is from him, not people.

My pastor friend, I love you. This post has largely been related to how people in ministry are treated by others when they themselves have issues. But it was broadened to apply to other situations.

I quote an old E. Tennessee mountain preacher who said, "The reason most of these churches are so cold is because they have a polar bear in the pulpit." He was right. Let's us look in the mirror. Are we simply seeking to have trouble free congregations or are we about the ministry of Jesus? You ain't leadin' where you ain't been, dude! (See, I do know a few hip words).

I recommend something. Find a place of privacy, get on your knees, open your Bible to Psalm 51 and pray through it verse by verse. We often speak of preaching verse by verse. I also recommend praying verse by verse. Let God speak to you. Then go do what He speaks.

THRIVING IN A TIME OF SURVIVAL

I purchased Tim Keller's new book, The Prodigal God, which is based upon what is normally referred to as the parable of the prodigal son. Keller uses the term "prodigal" as an adjective to describe God because the word means (1.) recklessly extravagant and (2.) having spent everything.

I am two-thirds through the book. Recently I made a statement to my wife that it had been far too long since I had heard a sermon or read anything that simply gripped my heart. I hear and read good stuff, but sense little if any anointing of the Holy Spirit or the Spirit's conviction.

Not so any longer. Yesterday as I read Keller's book, I found myself leaving my favorite coffee shop to find a place of privacy for meditation. For the first time in a long time, the tears were not tears of grief. They were tears of joy for what God was doing in my heart through this wonderful book.

I have read other blogs that comment on this book. The ones I have read seem to quote the same quote regarding the church. That isn't what captured me. I was captured by Keller's exposition of the elder brother. Too often, I have had similar attitudes. God is gracious to allow one to see himself/herself in the pages of Scripture.

The stocks continue to tank. The election of Obama has not halted the global slide. Pessimism and fear are prevailing attitudes.

I am reading through the "sin lists" of the New Testament. In Romans 1 the wrath of God is revealed against all the godlessness of human beings who suppress the truth by their unrighteousness. God has revealed himself and people suppress the truth by their wickedness. Three times in the remainder of the chapter it is said that "God gave them over to their sinful desires".

This chapter discusses sexual sin. But in the downward progression of wickedness that suppresses the truth of God, Romans 1:29-32 also includes envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossips, slanders, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventing ways of doing evil, disobedience to parents, no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy, and they continue to do all of these knowing God's righteous decree and even approve others who practice the same. These are discussed in the same context as sexual sin and perversion.

The saddest of all is that God Himself gives people over to their favorite brand of sin when they suppress His truth. Romans 2:1 tells us we have no excuse when we judge others because in so doing, we are condemning ourselves. Now that is sobering.

Keller points out that lostness can be the extreme of the younger son who demonstrated his rebellion against the Father through his own desire for self-discovery or that of the older son who demonstrated his rebellion against the Father through a moral conformity that tried to control the Father. Either way, neither of the sons knew the Father's heart.

The root sin in Romans 1 is the suppression of God's revelation (truth) of Himself which leads to exchanging his truth for a lie. When one does that, one begins to live a lie.

Dependence upon the creations of man will not allow one to thrive when others are trying to survive. I have no crystal ball. I do not know what the stock market will continue to do nor do I know what the next four years of an Obama presidency will bring. But I know this. So long as the people of God trust their own devices and creations, we suppress the truth of God in our unrighteousness and God will give us over to our own desires. And they will destroy the very things we built.

Do you have an elder brother spirit? Keller characterizes the spirit of the elder brother as (1.) being angry and bitter when life doesn't go as you want; (2.) one who has a strong sense of his own moral superiority; (3.) one who has a joyless, fear-based obedience; and (4.) a lack of assurance of the Father's love.

To fully grasp the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is to grasp the love and acceptance of God in Christ and to live one's life out of the perspective of grace. Paul gave a laundry list of sinners in 1 Cor. 6:9-10. He then says "And this what some of you were" (1 Cor. 6:11). These were people who knew they needed grace and they not only received His grace in Christ, but lived out of that relationship. Little wonder the Apostle almost blurted out (Gal. 6:14), "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ...".

God's grace and God's kingdom are more than reciting a prayer that gets you "in". In fact, if that is all one has done, that one may not even be "in". Far too often ministry is more about ourselves than God.

Are religious institutions created for God? Or are they created for ourselves?

I once heard Leighton Ford tell of meeting Mother Teresa. He observed her ministry among the diseased and dying in the poorest district of Calcutta, India. He asked her, "How do you do it?" Mother Teresa replied, "We do our work with Christ, for Christ, and to Christ."

When this becomes the heart motive of we who profess Christ, I believe we will experience one of the greatest spiritual awakenings in history.

P.S. added: Regarding the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, Mart De Haan has an excellent post here.

 

MONDAY'S POST, Revised

I will be writing a couple of articles each month for sbc voices. I am told my first post will be Monday, October 6. You can read it here.

Let's explore the question of the conclusion of the last post. IMO, the church in North America largely does not know what it does not know. I recently read an article in The Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry by Ed Stetzer on the American emerging church. You may read it here. Download the pdf and scroll through the articles until you come to Ed Stetzer's.

There is a statement I have heard before and with which I am in agreement. That statement refers to Stetzer's (and mine) denomination and says: "Should the 1950's return, we will be ready." This has little if anything to do with whether or not one embraces the emerging or emergent church dialog. It has everything to do with whether or not we as a denomination can distinguish between biblical truth and methodology.

Consider the culture wars when a President nominates a candidate for the Supreme Court. Almost all of these nominees are capable in terms of judicial expertise. The difference is their world view. The same principle exists among our denomination. Almost all Southern Baptists believe the Bible and are orthodox in their theology. But the huge issue is world view in relation to practice.

My wife and I shared an hour or so with a friend this past Saturday. I asked this person, "What do you see that has the imprint of God?" This individual believes the real move of God is not in the headliners or the large churches, but rather in the small groups and networks that transcend artificial, non-biblical man-made boundaries.

I often walk into a worship service hungry to meet God. I usually go home the same way. We sit at one end of the building and watch the performances at the other end of the building. Prayer segues us from one aspect of the "worship" to another. Heck, at my church we even have theater seats! A previous leadership obviously built a platform for a 'sage on the stage'. My pastor inherited all that. May God help him to lead the right transitions and give him wisdom and patience to do so!

The point is we in the church do not know what we do not know. Nor are we willing to stay before God until he teaches us. We know how to build crowds (at least some do) and events but do we know how to build lives?

Prayer guides, a day or so of fasting (ours seem to be significantly different from Isaiah 58:6-7), a "revival" emphasis, an event to guilt people and fire hose them with four little summary truths, do our best imitation of an old crusade method, slogans, timelines, etc., etc., gospel blimps (or dvds, etc.) - all to reach the masses while the guy next door or at work or school is simply wanting a friend and might really like our Jesus if he or she could ever see what a Jesus saturated life looks like in someone they know.

You think that's a stretch? I taught a small group a couple years ago. One man whom I regard as a wonderful friend came at the invitation of "Joe". I watched my new friend grow. Months into the small group study, my new friend and I were talking. "Joe" did not come that day. My friend said, "You know, I have watched "Joe" for 10 years as we have worked together. He is real. That's why I am here." Amazing, isn't it? Ten years. I thanked God for "Joe's" consistent Christian testimony and wondered how many of the rest of us had a ten year stretch of consistency (not perfection) before a watching world.

Pastors sometimes ask me, "Ted, can you help our church in evangelism?" I say "Yes". And I can. Then they say, "What would you do?" I tell them, "Let me visit with you, then your leadership, and let's design small groups in communities and work places where your church members can reach out to their friends and neighbors through small community groups. We will teach them not only how to share the gospel but also how to live the gospel in community. I promise you - it is New Testament and it will transform your church."

I am still waiting for those pastors to call me. Others do, but these haven't. Why? Many seem to want a rabbit's foot method of spirituality and evangelism and they are afraid of "competition" with an outdated method that is no longer reaching the lost. A quick read of Oswald Chambers for sanctification and a gospel tract stuck someplace for evangelism is sufficient. It is the "Lite Gospel" for a "lite church". Pastors are often put on some kind of spiritual quota system regarding baptisms.

We seem to not know that people are aching for friendship, bound by stuff Satan has dumped all over them, and want to believe oh so bad. But they want to know it is real in us.

I contend that we need to know that we don't know the times, the pervasiveness of the kingdom of God (God's activity, if you please) in those times, and how to build authentic long-term relationships that transcend generation, gender, geography, and our huddle. I often read the book of James with shame when I consider much of the American church. No wonder Martin Luther did not think it inspired! But it is, and is likely James' exposition of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount!

Little wonder the Big Fisherman wrote, "For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17, NASB Update)

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SPIRITUAL GROWTH?

I was in a recent discussion with some friends who are serving on a task oriented team at our church. The question was asked, "How do we measure spiritual growth?"

Most measurements are in areas that can be counted with sequential numbering: number of church members, number in attendance, how many a church baptizes, how much the giving, etc. But how does on one measure that which they cannot visibly count?

This issue has been huge in Willow Creek's new "REVEAL" surveys and materials. I have not been to this conference, but I have read their initial book and applaud not only their honesty but their willingness to face such issues and help others. You may go here and follow the links to learn about REVEAL.

Church activity has limited impact upon spiritual growth. They discovered a spiritual continuum that did not emerge as a result of increased church activity. You can view that continuum and their findings by the following the links on their site.

Such surveys and studies are very helpful to those of us who do want to measure and maximize our efforts in (1) our own obedience to God and (2) helping people know and follow Jesus. But what of our own spiritual development? How does an individual monitor and measure their closeness to Christ and whether or not they are Christ-centered? I am sure REVEAL helps, but as I was reflecting upon this some other thoughts came to mind.

For example, what are you overcoming? In the book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, there is a message to the seven churches of Asia. Each message addresses and issue, and closes with a promise to the one who "overcomes". So I would conclude from the Scriptures that one measure of spiritual growth is "overcoming".

Some in church life often make things far more 'spiritual' than God ever intended. By that I mean we dress it up in pious language that only the 'illumined' understand and put a halo over it when in truth it was intended for the nitty gritty here and now of real life. In fact Jesus taught in such a way that the Bible says of him, "the common people heard him gladly" (Mark 12:37, KJV).

Years ago I was leading an evangelistic meeting in North Dakota. My gracious host in whose home I was staying took myself and another to play a round of golf. He was then in his late fifties and I got the idea that he had been somewhat of a ladies' man and an overall good old boy character. He teed off with a shot that hit square on a huge oak tree about 25 yards to the left of the tee box and ricocheted behind us to the next fairway. He paused and took a deep breath. He exhaled, smiled and said, "You know, this (meaning his new faith of less than six months) is working. Six months ago I would been angry and cursing." Overcoming - in the real world.

What are you overcoming? There will always be something. This is the importance of your own private journal. Write your journey. Monitor yourself. Overcome, in the power of a risen Christ.

DESCRIBED OR DEFINED?

This is the season for politics and religion. Hillary isn't throwing in the towel, Obama has almost claimed the Democratic nomination and McCain is probably hoping Obama and Hillary battle until convention.

In my denomination, annual conventions are coming up. The national convention meets in June and the two state conventions (yep, you read that right - two, woo-hoo!) in my state are already publicizing their fall convention.

On a matter more likely closer to home, Wall Street is up and down. One day things look good, then somebody comes out with some statistics and sends the DOW down a couple hundred points.

Sound bites have become the descriptors. Public Relations firms garner huge fees for marketing people and products.

In the Christian world, we have become modern, post-modern, conservative, liberal, moderate, fundamentalist, emergent, emerging, missional, and (you fill in the blank).  One can win huge prizes and get a free t-shirt by simply filling out a registration form at most events.

Cheryl and I recently walked Grapevine Main Street during our city's recent festival. From North to South we found all kinds of goodies. But the south end was the "biggie". There we registered for huge prizes, including a Hummer and Jet Ski (I wouldn't mind the jet ski, but a Hummer? Talk about killing a "love offering"!!!). All of these registrations wanted information that would serve to categorize us by gender, age, income, and some preferences.

I do not complete all the information, so my "registration for the drawing" probably gets kicked out. Certain information I do not give, such as annual household income. If they ever have a box to check that says, "not as much as I would prefer", then I might just check that one!

But then you all know this stuff, don't you?  So here is the question.

Why do we continue to choose to allow ourselves to be categorized by marketing descriptors, whether religious or secular.

Do these descriptors define you? Or are you more than your gender, age, income, denomination, etc.?

Descriptors are sometimes shallow and discrediting. They are polarizing and segmenting. At other times, they are code words to the dna of desired peers. But one can categorize and dismiss without being accountable in relationship.

We who follow Christ are defined by who we are in Christ. Warts and all, we are new creations. We have His life and our lives should be centered in Him.

I know a man. I can describe him. He is in his 80's, wears very casual loose fitting clothes, and wears sandals. In fact, they look a bit like Clogs. From a distance he is a bit slow. He hangs out in places where younger people attend. What kind of guy would do that?

But that doesn't define him. He is all I have described and more. He is the most brilliant New Testament scholar I have known. He is radiant in his personality and seems to have time for almost any of those younger people he hangs out around. In fact, no matter who he hangs out with they will likely be younger. He and his wife have been married for over 60 years. He works out on a regular basis.

Those who live their lives by description miss so much of what God has for them.

Description is not definition. Others may describe you; don't let them define you. Take a brief inventory. What defines you?

IS PRAYER THE ANSWER?

What, may I ask, is the question? And, let me say up front that the answer to the title, "Is prayer the answer?" is almost always "No". Why? Keep reading. Hey, I'm a creative challenged guy. I've got to try to do something to keep you engaged, so read on. :)

Some congregations still have a mid-week "prayer meeting". Others have forsaken that method (and it is a method). Very often in these meetings as well as Sunday School classes, the prayer requests are filled with things people either want or need. The old John R. Rice definition of prayer ("Prayer Is Asking and Receiving", updated) is the norm in these prayer times. We need healing, a job, kids to behave, neighbors to behave, the church to grow, etc. These prayers are self and institution focused. They are church centered. Dr. Rice was a Fundamentalist Evangelist from another generation and his definition had its impact not only on his generation, but also on the niche called Fundamentalism.

Revivalists decry certain ills of society and speak of revival. Although the great scholar and practitioner on Spiritual Awakening, Dr. J. Edwin Orr, makes no distinction between "revival" and "spiritual awakening", many contemporary revivalists do (revival happens to the church; spiritual awakening happens to the lost). Some of these revivalists see no signs of revival or spiritual awakening on the horizon today. But they hope, pray, and preach. As I listen to many of these, it appears they are looking for an experience and a sociological paradigm resembling the days of the Pietists. And, their call to prayer is a call to "pray for revival/spiritual awakening".

Others, especially Baptists, are buzzing about the recent report that SBC statistics have taken a down-turn. As a Baptist who is "out and about", I am not surprised. In fact, I think the official statistics are years behind reality. Baptists should clean their rolls and should change the way things are measured.

Several years ago I challenged one pastor who was a friend. I said to him, "You are counting the same people several times. You have Bible studies in which the same people attend and you are counting them as if they are different people." His response was, "I didn't create the form. We only answer the questions."

Are we asking the right question(s)? Is prayer the answer? Is that the right question?

I do not believe prayer is the answer to the in-fighting among Baptists, spiritual awakening, revival, etc., etc. I do not even believe it is the answer to healing or anything else. So why pray?

Because God is the answer. I know - that seems "preachy" and the obvious. But the sad reality is that we have taken disciplines and methods and elevated them to the status of Deity. It is similar to making the path to Grandma's Grandma.

I won't fire hose you with my seminar on prayer. If you want that in your church, email or call me. But consider.

The biblical role of prayer is communion with God. We must have a mediator. No human enters the presence of God alone. Our mediator is Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Romans 8:26-27 shows the role of the Holy Spirit in prayer.

God is gracious. We are told in Scripture to take our needs to him. So it is valid for us to "ask" in prayer. It is the beginning point. I am not so spiritual as to have no needs. There is much beyond my abilities and resources and I passionately cry to God for help. That is the beginning point.

But one must take all of the Bible's teaching on prayer and bring it together systematically (I know - modern term. Bad, but useful).

Prayer is communion with God. It goes beyond asking. But even in asking we are acknowledging that He is beyond us and we to Him. Prayer is an act of humility.

Have you heard prayers that sounded as if the meaning was, "not your will but mine be done?" Have you heard prayers that announce to God what is happening here on earth, even to the extreme of telling him the time and date some church events will take place and asking his blessings on them? No wonder some have no interest in prayer. Who wants to pray to a God dumber than we ourselves? Some public prayers do remind one of the movie title, "Dumb and Dumber". That is a very unattractive and inaccurate picture of our God.

In the early church, prayer was a huge part of the public worship and private devotion. In fact, in Acts 16 when looking for a believing community, Paul and his troupe looked for the place of corporate prayer. Prayer characterized those early believers. And it should characterize us today.

Statistics often describe. But do they define us? Only if we let them by default.

Prayer is designed by our God to draw us into communion with Himself. It often, in fact almost always, begins with our need. But as we continue, the Holy Spirit does not seek to bring God into alignment with our desires; but rather, seeks to bring the petitioner into alignment with the purpose(s) of God. It is here that we experience wholeness and a heart attitude of "not my will, but Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Prayer is the discipline God has given through which we learn to live in humility. It is the discipline he has given through which the Holy Spirit works to bring us into communion with God. Through prayer and Scripture, our lives are brought into alignment with the purpose(s) of God. This is both individual and corporate and through our obedience to God will of God is expressed corporately and individually and the kingdom of God is pervasively extended through each of us in our circles of influence and relationship.

Is prayer the answer? No. It is the path to the answer, God, His purpose, and even His methods. He meets us and reaches us where we are.

Are you defined as a person of prayer?

MUSINGS....

RELAXING...

Have you ever had French pressed coffee? I had my first cup yesterday. Simple pleasures of life. I enjoy good coffee. A few days ago I met a friend at a favorite coffee shop. It was warm so we chose to sit outside. A couple of guys sat at the table next to us - mid to late twenties. On the table they lay a pipe, tobacco pouch, and a lighter - the long barrel kind with which to light a fireplace or outdoor grill. Then they went inside, presumably to order.

When they returned, they carefully filled the pipe, lit up, and began to swap puffs. For a western movie buff like myself, it was reminiscent of the Old West with the Calvary officer and Indian chief passing around the peace pipe. The waiter then brought them coffee - French pressed, I found out. I was curious as to what was happening. The apparatus had plunger, and after pressing the plunger, they poured the coffee.

Then they pulled out a Bible and opened it. My friend is a church staffer and was wearing dress shirt, tie, and blazer. I was more casual with baseball cap, unshaven, jeans, and sweatshirt. I'm sure it looked like a ministry to a homeless person to those guys. But in a few minutes we engaged in conversation and had a wonderful conversation related to what God was doing in each of our lives.

The next day I was writing, and returned to the same coffee shop. I ordered the French pressed coffee. I recommend it! I'm not yet up to the pipe, but the coffee, conversation, and Bible study is good. Hey, I'm three out of four. If it was baseball, that's .750!   :)

ENJOYING...

Some helpful sites for your own exploration.

Russell Moore is Dean of Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and one of the great minds of the 21st Century. To some he is a lightening rod and one of those damnable Fundamentalists. I find him very intelligent, thoughtful, and right on target on most issues. I appreciate people that engage my thinking and I find it very offensive to label folk in such ways that discredit them because they don't wear your uniform. Read him for yourself here.

Moore has a good review of the new Charles Schultz biography by David Michaelis. It can be found here.

I am enjoying reading the NET Bible. Many of the notes are helpful. You may download a copy for free. The website has many, many helps to the serious Bible student. I like their philosophy of ministry. These are guys from the Dallas Theological Seminary and fit under the category of "I wish I had thought of that". You can begin surfing the site here.

Added Friday, March 28:

"Homilificating" - you'll have to follow the links to understand this, but...if you want some good analysis and to read/hear the notorious Jeremiah Wright sermon, follow these links and the links within the articles.

Jeff Weiss at Dallas Morning News has a good analysis. Follow the links.-

http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/03/religion-sneak-peek-unpacking.html

and, Russell Moore has a good article on Liberation Theology"

http://www.henryinstitute.org/commentary_read.php?cid=459

and that's all I'm going to say about the Jeremiah Wright sermon.

THINKING...

about blogging, relationships, responsibility, and sin. Scripture teaches us 'the wages of sin is death'. Have you given serious thought to all that means? I'm sure I do not know "all" that means. But I do know it goes far beyond the summary of gospel presentation that speaks of ultimate death in a place called hell. I have trusted the Lord Jesus so I have every confidence that by his grace demonstrated at the cross and resurrection, I will not be in a place called hell.

But I live in a real world with real relationships. My responsibility goes far beyond myself. I have and will sin and have and can be forgiven. But what of the effect of my sin upon others? And for sake of the topic, what of the effect of my blogging words upon others?

Does my advocacy of a certain cause help the cause or does it simply re-victimize those whom I use as illustration?

Does my desire to find the truth of an issue or expose a perpetrator actually find the truth and expose the real perpetrator, or does it disparage a host of innocent people (family, friends, co-workers) captured in that relationship?

Does the requirement of some congregations of public confession of sin fulfill the biblical requirement of confession with a view to repentance, forgiveness, and restoration? We have not modeled the gospel until we move beyond that which is simply punitive.

Sin always hurts the innocent. It is best seen in the cross - the innocent Son of God, the ultimate in innocence, dying for the guilty. It is seen everyday. One sins and is exposed. The shame goes beyond that one to their family and friends. Victims are re-victimized every time the story is told.

Is that the way of Christ? I think not. Yes, we must deal with sin. No doubt about that. But how we deal with sin is also of extreme importance. If in our dealing with sin we are only punitive, we have not fulfilled the gospel; we have abused and twisted the gospel for our own purposes.

We are instructed in Galatians 6:1-10 in the NET Bible (you can go to the site for the notes):

6:1 Brothers and sisters, ¹ if a person ² is discovered in some sin, ³ you who are spiritual ⁴ restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. ⁵ Pay close attention ⁶ to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 6:3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 6:4 Let each one examine ⁷ his own work. Then he can take pride ⁸ in himself and not compare himself with ⁹ someone else. 6:5 For each one will carry ¹⁰ his own load.

6:6 Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches ¹¹ it. 6:7 Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. ¹² For a person ¹³ will reap what he sows, 6:8 because the person who sows to his own flesh ¹⁴ will reap corruption ¹⁵ from the flesh, ¹⁶ but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 6:9 So we must not grow weary ¹⁷ in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. ¹⁸ 6:10 So then, ¹⁹ whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith. ²⁰

So where is your heart? Even the great Paul himself was once (when known as Saul) zealous for righteousness and in his zealousness destroyed the truly righteous thinking he was doing God a favor.

Again, where is your heart? Another way of asking is, "what is your true motive?" Are you, the accuser, truly spiritually and emotionally healthy? Or are you simply venting your own pain and trying to find support among others?

We in Christian ministry deal with eternal matters. In one episode of MASH, Father Mulchahey was struggling with his failed efforts to minister to someone. The doctors were attempting to console him and said, "Father, we lose people every day." But in passionate eloquence he pushed back and said, "When you lose someone you lose a life. And that is tragic. But when I lose someone, I lose a soul."

Folks, that is a reality of ministry that is Christian. And to quote an unknown saint of another time, "We owe one another a tremendous debt of love."

May we live and be effective in the Christian ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).

LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE CONTRARIANS!

I've been doing a lot of pondering lately. I have a CD of Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson singing an old Smiley Burnett song in which one line says "a lot of deep thinkin' can drive a fella to drinkin'". I'm not yet there, but methinks I can see it. :)

I had a conversation last week with a person deeply involved in the Kingdom work of Jesus. He made a statement, "the church culture in North America is dead". I've pondered that and related it to my own experience and to conversations I have had recently with some un-churched people.

The "God talk" in church life gets sicker by the day. Whether the background is traditional or contemporary or otherwise, it seems only the buzz words change. The essence does not.

"The call of God" is big stuff in church life! Here is how that works. When a religious institution is looking for someone, the "inviting" conversation often takes the mystical tone - "God has called so and so as our  church, staff, etc. (you fill in the blank). When people "join" a church or even what they think is a church but turns out to be a family chapel, it is often said of them, "God has sent us..(again, you fill in the blank). On the front end of that arrangement, the God-talk is about call, about gifting, about involvement, and about a glorious future.

But before you wet your pants with glee, let's look at the backside.

Why is it that so many people whom "God called" often find themselves being put out by men? How do these "callings" degenerate into expendable jobs through restructure; or shunning those whom you do not like or perhaps feel threatened by under the excuse of "they just don't fit in here"; or a forced termination that causes unspeakable grief to a pastor, staff member, and their children? What happened to the call of God?  If you are a heretical open theist, I suppose your God just didn't know it wouldn't work out. But if you believe the God of the Bible is Sovereign, then what happened? Maybe the real issue is that the person just didn't fit your agenda.

You see, church culture in America just does not believe what it professes. We really do not believe in the calling of God, the gifting of God, or the value of people when those people are different or do not automatically "get on board", even when the ship is sinking! Most "visions" are little more than a synthesis of the latest in corporate thinking. Hey - it works for Wall Street, so why not the church? Someone like Larry the Cable Guy would probably say it was just gas!

A friend and I meet frequently. We agreed to begin a look at prayer. Today was Exodus 32 and the intercession of Moses. You likely know the story. Moses went to Mt. Sinai to meet with God. The people built a golden calf. It is humorous in the first of the chapter. God says to Moses 'these are your people' and Moses says to God 'these are your people'. The people really blew it. These wonderful sheep quickly turned to a bunch of idolatrous goats.

But as one reads further one discovers the nuggets in the passage. Here is the key to Moses leadership. He was an intercessor of such magnitude that he said to God "Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold! Yet now, if You will forgive their sin -- but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written" (Exodus 32:31-32, NKJV).

Did not the Apostle Paul have that attitude in intercession for Israel? He said, "I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that i myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,..." (Romans 9:1-3a, NKJV).

We live in a world of hurt. And much of that hurt is inflicted by those who are supposed to be healers. Don't be so pious you turn your head the other way and claim non-involvement. Jesus gave a parable about you and you don't come off so well if that is your attitude.

Can a dead church culture be revived? I'm not so sure it should be. Church culture is not our goal.

But if our goal is the Kingdom of God, and we find ourselves in a dead church culture (and we do), then perhaps a key for leaders is to cry out to God until they are consumed with the same passion that drove Moses and Paul to so identify themselves with sinning believers and unbelievers that they were willing to suffer their judgment if only God would spare them!

Some are getting it. I hope I am one.