Mike's Memo (December, 2008)
"So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger" (Luke 2:16 NIV).
For many of us, Christmas is the busiest time of the year. We no more than wash the Thanksgiving plates and we're outside putting up lights and decorations. One activity piles on the other as the pace quickens. We find ourselves leaving one event early while arrivng at the other one late. And all the while we are constantly reminded that we only have so many shopping days left until Christmas. Each year we promise not to get caught up in all the frenzy. And yet, when the season comes round again, we're right back in it and with a little extra to boot. Some of us, I think, even thrive on it.
Rather than bemoan or belittle our tendency to be overly active at this time of year, I am more inclined to help us gain some perspective. Our whirlwind of activity at Christmas time does have a precedent. Luke reminds us that the shepherds "hurried off" to find the Christ child. The KJV reads it this way: "with haste." Either way, the point is the same.
The Christmas rush was born. They knew what their speedy activity was all about. They "made haste" to find the Savior "born to you this day." This got me to thinking that there is a sense in which all of our partying, eating, shopping, event attending, decorating, and gift exchanging is worth it if it brings us closer to the manger. It only becomes a problem and a hassle when it wears us out so much that we can't even get to Bethlehem. The shepherds help to keep our focus. They were so energized by the message of the angels that they "went as fast as they could" (Phillips) to see what God had now provided. Far from arriving at the manger exhausted and worn out, the shepherds were not only motivated to make the trip but were also equipped to spread the word once they had seen the baby. And when you consider all this took place in the middle of the night, "while they were keeping watch over their flocks," it becomes even more astounding!
But then again, maybe not. Few things keep us up more at night than a new-born baby! Yet, somehow, young parents like Mary and Joseph find the same energy coming to them that came to the shepherds on that first Christmas eve. How come? Because they realize that this baby belongs to them. "For to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior..."
So no, I don't think all this hurrying and scurrying at Christmas is all bad if, in the end, we still find ourselves worshiping at the manger and then find ourselves empowered to get up and tell others what we've encountered. In that way, the rush is worth it.
For this Christmas, let's join the shepherds and hurry ourselves "to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord told us about." We, too, might discover we have more energy than we think.
Christmas Blessings,
Pastor Mike
Mike's Memo (November, 2008)
The word "stewardship" has come to mean little more than asking money for the church. Mention stewardship and many church members flee, clutching their wallets and pocketbooks with a tight fist. For others, it has come to be associated with the once-a-year request to fund the budget for the coming year.
The church does not bill for services. Its members are not required to pay dues. It does not ask for handouts. It does not look for tips to be casually tossed its way by those who hope to score some points with God.
Stewardship is not about giving at all. It is about sharing. It is realizing that we really are not in want of anything, but rather have been entrusted with what really belongs to God. Stewardship is the concept of taking care of what God has given to us. It is a year-round style of life and our answer to God who has left us in charge of God's entire creation. It is the way in which we take care of plants, animals, air, water, and our fellow humans.
Stewardship is the use we make of our sharings of time, talent, and treasure. But why is it so hard for us to grow in this particular discipleship, especially when it comes to how our money is used in conjunction with our faith? Here is my rendition of the "top ten reasons."
10. We think too much. Just knowing what God is calling us to do isn't the same as actually doing it. We need to involve ourselves.
9. We're culture bound. We base our values on whatever is seductive, addictive, and immediately gratifying. We do not ask whether these cultural messages are in line with biblical truth.
8. We disassociate ourselves from need. We have allowed the irresponsiblity and abuse of the few to dull us and desensitize us from those who needs are legitimate.
7. We overly focus on the self. Its all about me, myself, and mine. We don't see, let alone believe, that because of God's love we don't have to prove how "special" we are. We are freed to love as we are loved.
6. We think worship is feeling good. This is complete misunderstanding. Worship is holding onto God--regardless of feelings. To be so conditional is to return to the same, old, faulty patterns whenever things get rough and tough.
5. We lack spiritual discipline. A pattern of daily prayer, reflection, meditation, worship, Bible study, tithing, witnessing, and worshiping is essential to overall spiritual development, but as with exercise, we often find excuses for not doing it.
4. Our sense of community is too narrow. All too often we focus on "my family," "my church," "my town," "my country," "my friends" to the extent that we fail to see ourselves connected to the wider global family of God's people.
3. Our sense of church is too provincial. We think all that matters is our own local congregation. As long as we feel good about ourselves, who cares about what other churches are like or are doing. And please, don't ask us to associate with them!
2. We are biblically illiterate. We not only do not know where to look up a passage, but worse, we don't have a clue as to what it is saying or meaning. We say we believe in Jesus, but our understanding of who he is and why he is a mixed bag of legend, myth, and wishful thinking.
1. We don't trust God. We may say it, but we really don't believe it. We trust ourselves and our securities (national and others) more.
No wonder people cringe whenever stewardship is mentioned. What about you? Do you use your time, talent, and treasure to proclaim that God is the ruler of your life and universe? Are you grateful for the gifts of working, creating, sharing, caring, parenting, teaching, healing, administering? Do you use those gifts to glorify God or yourself? Are you grateful for employers, clients, and paychecks? How do you treat them? Are you grateful for the gifts of home, family, history, future, food, and life? Do you show it?
Yes, God has given us everything we need. How do we use it? Are we partners in God's continuing creation or are we exploiters and abusers in big ways and small?
Do you see how petty we are whenever we recoil at pledge time in church? Stewardship is not the process of asking for money. It is our oppportunity to express our thanks to God for all we have in very tangible ways.
See You Sunday,
Pastor Mike
Mike's Memo (October, 2008)
One of the more pleasurable times I have whenever I visit Chicago is commuting aboard the rapid transit system. Of course, being a rail fan helps. But to ride aboard one of these streamlined commuters, traveling at speeds up to sixty miles an hour, stopping at various stations, and seeing and mingling with all types of people is not only thrilling but also a lot of fun. Other "transits" from one place to another, however, may not be so enjoyable. They certainly aren't thrilling; nor do they allow one to sit back and relax.
I'm referring to the transitions you and I face as human beings, of which I find two: positive and negative. The positive ones are those we make plans about, prepare for, follow through on and, though these transitions may have their moments, they are relatively painless. Of course, most of these transitions are taken for granted. Not so with the unplanned, unwanted, unexpected, or sometimes forced transitions--those usually born out of some mistake or some loss. The in-between time here is frustrating, confusing, miserable, anxious, and stressful.
Reasonably, we can assume from past experience that transitions are a part of life. You and I are going move from one point to another; from one experience to another;and from one situation to another. And with each stop we need the help of resources and skills.
I have often found good friends to be most helpful to me during my in-between times. They, too, have had their experiences, and experience is an effective teacher. Books dealing with stress, change, and recovery are also helpful and can be easily attained. Planning and goal setting can also have positive effects and can be learned rather quickly. Still, time spent in prayer and reflection is invaluable as this help us to gain perspective and needed insight.
Most importantly, we need to realize that transitions are constant. The sooner we can accept that, the quicker we can move from the ruts of blame and self-pity to the paths of readjustment and renewal.
David understood transitions and so was able to write, "even though I walk through the valley of the dark shadow, you (God) are with me" (Psalms 23:4).
The power of God's presence is what enables our transitions to achieve order and perspective. Even though, during the time, the way seems unsure and foreign, God's constant care will always take us to the next stop.
In fact, I think even now I'm hearing "Now arriving....."
See You Sunday,
Pastor Mike
Mike's Memo (September, 2008)
From the time I was born the church has held an important place in my life. From infancy my parents saw fit to have me come under its guiding influence. I can't even remember when there wasn't a fine, dedicated person there to teach me in church school, or a youth adviser who encouraged me, or pastor who didn't inspire me.
Because of the care of all these people, because of the convictions they freely shared, because of their love and desire to teach and mentor, a meaningful relationship developed and a purpose in life was instilled. I didn't want to be separated from people like that. I admired them. I wanted to emulate them. It was because of them that I affirmed the Lord and later responded to his call to ministry.
Since that time, of course, there have been many reaffirmations and experiences with Christ and the church that have confirmed and enhanced my Christian journey. But I'll never forget to appreciate those who first helped to make my experience possible.
I often wonder where I would be today had not the church cared? What would have happened if no one in the church helped me to know Christ's love and life? To what would I now be giving myself, if those precious people hadn't let a young boy know that he was important to God and to them? How could I have known of this "abundant life" if I had not been surrounded by those who were committed to God's will and way?
Now, as I recall, it wasn't always fun and games. The lessons were sometimes a little boring. The activities were sometimes a little corny. The attendance was never anything to brag about. We could have all found something else to do besides go to church. But we chose instead to be there because we knew who would be there and we didn't want to disappoint them.
There was a lot about these caring folks I didn't know. But it didn't matter. What I did know was what was a priority to them. I know who held first place! And because of that, they became my mentors. I believed in them. I trusted them. I loved them and I knew they loved me. Yes, they expected much. I knew that. But what they offered me was so much more.
We often sing the chorus, "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the bible tells me so." True. But before the Bible had much opportunity to reach me by the printed page, I saw the Bible lived out in the people who nurtured me. I'm sure none of them ever realized how impressively they served. These folk weren't ones who tried to be impressive. They were simply living out what they had become in Christ.
Today, with all the competition that comes from entertainment and organized sports, the break up of the home, the predatory schemes of some unscrupulous churches to bribe kids away from their home congregations and the view for some that church is irrelevant and faith something that you can figure out on your own when you're ready, it leaves many of us discouraged that our kids are not as responsive. We struggle with how best to serve and what we can do better in order to keep them interested. Persons step up to lead but parents don't encourage or support. Still, we will not give up. Our kids are important.
I thank God for the church, in particular the church in which I grew up. Though I have long moved on, a part of them is still nestled within me. They made the Word flesh. Their efforts to instill were not in vain. What's more, I thank God I am able to help return their favor. Its the least I can do. What do you owe your church?
See you Sunday,
Pastor Mike
Mike's Memo (August, 2008)
Ever have that feeling that in order to be considered valuable you had to be someone who was "special," someone who stands out from the rest, someone who sets the world on fire, someone who possesses "real" talent? What if you end up being an assistant, an associate, a team member, a volunteer, or a helper? What if instead of being in the lime light you just plodded along with the rest of us? Would you consider yourself valuable?
Check out I Corinthians 12:28. Tucked away among all the great appointments of God to work in the church is one word of encouragement for all those who specialize in assisting, accomdoating, and sometimes even filling in for others who are already recognized as valuable.
It says, "And in the church God has appointed...." Then follows a list of eight particular callings. Pay special attention to number six. It says, "those able to help others." That's all. Just one brief expression of support. It leaves it to us to figure out. Eight opportunities to serve the Lord, and one of them is simply to "help" people out.
Now don't get the idea that this is some leftover in case you don't see yourself fulfilling the other seven. No way! Notice how "helpers" are listed right between the healers and the administrators. Why? Because neither of the other two would be able to accomplish much if it were not for the many "helpers" to assist them. So no, helping is not some leftover job. It is a special calling of God, a place in the church that ranks right up there with preaching, teaching, and healing. So, if you find yourself being "just a helper," rejoice and be exceedingly glad. You are fulfilling an important role that was planned for, commissioned by, and vitally essential to the mission and ministry of Christ and his church.
What makes a helper helpful? Well, for one thing, a helper is someone who is on the alert for people who personally need help--sick folks, poor folks, sad folks, young folks, old folks, new folks, and lonely folks. A helper is someone who is self-motivated to pitch in and meet needs. A helper helps!
A helper is also an assistant, someone who stands in the background and makes it possible for things to get done. A helper is an encourager, a supporter, a pal who lends a hand rather than someone who merely offers lip.
Maybe you're someone who says, "I can't really do too much." Oh, yes you can! God has appointed everyone in the church to something. And if you can't seem to figure out what that something is, try helping. It's a good place to begin.
One thing is sure, however. If you don't become involved in doing something, don't expect God to use you. God isn't looking for people who are doing nothing. God looks for people who are willing to jump in, get involved, volunteer, or lend a hand. And oftentimes, it is from these "helpers" that the pieces of the Body find their proper ministry.
Do you remember all the moon flights from Cape Canaveral? Only three guys were in the Apollo capsule. But how many "helpers" were there back at the Kennedy Space Center making it all possible? Helping is not only necessary, it is dignified. It is a special call from God, not always recognized, but greatly appreciated.
Take pride all you helpers........and THANKS!
See You Sunday,
Pastor Mike
Mike's Memo (July, 2008)
"Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me...." is the refrain from a chorus once popular in worship services. Its message, however, is still being authenticated in the lives of those who possess a well-balanced faith.
Like the harmony of an orchestra, there must be both major and minor chords to produce beautiful music. Like the strength of scripture, there must be both theological and practical revelation of truth. Likewise, in the Christian experience, there must be both positive and negative if we are to develop a balanced faith.
But how tragic it is when cultural ideas and situations are allowed to throw life out of balance. For example, there are those who have lost a sense of balance in regards to an overemphasis on the positive. They create a sort of earthy euphoria, where everything is always good--good day, good world, good life, good evil(?). While sounding bubbly and upbeat, they acutally deny the existence of anything in regards to sin, failure, or disappointment. Joy, they say, is the ineffable sign of the presence of God. And so, in all situations they are happy, happy, happy. But being too positive can get us out of balance because it can distort our witness and cheapen our message.
It is equally tragic when one gets caught up in the power of cynicism and negativity. Certainly, negatives--when viewed in perspective--help make life attractive. But when they become obsessive, coloring every picture and influencing every decision, they become destructive.
One of Satan's most powerful weapons against the church is not the allurement of the world, nor human suffering, and not even the bizarre and macarbe. That which most often defeats the church is the power of negative thinking--the refusal to believe God is still in control. When gripped by such an outlook, we are never able to see the good in life, let alone the possibilities as the Holy Spirit leads the church forward.
Often the reason why congregations struggle with growth issues is the result of thinking too negatively. "Growth creates problems." "We like things the way they are." "New people might take over." "We've never done it that way before." "That will cost too much." "We don't have the resources." How often are such statements made? Even such a personal experience as healing can be hindered by those who, because of disappointments in the past, don't really believe God still heals.
God has, however, given us examples to help us deal with the problem of going to extremes. On the one hand, there is the story of Elisha training the young prophets in 2 Kings 6. In the midst of their negative thinking, the young prophets could not recognize that God was still in control. But with a balanced, believing faith, Elisha prayed for them to "see" how God was working, "and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire..." On the other, we have the story of the rich young ruler who thought that by doing all the right things his blessings were assured. But when Jesus made him realize life was not the accumulation of abundance, "he went away sorrowfully."
Make no mistake about it, God is in control--of the world, of the church, and of your life. God's promises are sure and with the help of a balanced faith we can press on in our spiritual journey and avoid the hinderances of going to extremes.
See You Sunday,
Pastor Mike
Mike's Memo (June, 2008)
What does it mean to be a member of the church? We concern ourselves a lot these days with church membership, namely on how to attract more. We see some congregations attracting large crowds and we assume they've got something "special," until we realize that that specialness is a highly privatized and aggressively political agenda that prostitutes the name of Christ to promote a crusade to conquer the world. They advocate a personal faith but demand a conformal allegiance. You're either in or you're out! Up or down! But is that what church membership is all about?
On the other hand, we have congregations (generally much smaller) who are dedicated and devoted, who work tirelessly for Christ, and who struggle to make ends meet. No glamour. No glitz. Just faithfulness. Yet, because of a lack of self confidence and because of a cultural pressure that says, "bigger is better," they open their hearts and hands to any one who affirms faith. The problem that often occurs, however, is that the congregation does not address what it means to be a member. So glad they are that someone has aligned themselves with them, they are afraid that if they "require" anything, they'll lose the person or family. As a result, they not only accept people who are not all that serious about Christ, they also see to it that these same persons are incorporated into the church's life by placing them into some office or leadership position. Not knowing, let alone investigating, where these persons are coming from, it isn't long before serious internal problems arise because of attitudes, actions, beliefs, values, and mannerisms that are not supportive of the congregation's culture or value system. The congregation is viewed as something to be remolded into the person's perceived image and, as a result, the congregation's life and witness is dramatically impeded and adversely affected. This, too, is not what church membership is all about.
Most of us as Americans believe that religion is a private matter. Each person has the right to arrive at his or her own religious beliefs independent of any church or worship center. This makes the Walmart approach to religion so attractive to many. If its big, glitzy, and cheap, I'll buy it! You just pick and choose what elements you want and disregard the rest, even if those elements have nothing to do with Christ or his gospel!
It is much more attractive to rally around the flag, to be against the devil, to stand for morality, and to alienate and isolate yourself from all those "sinners." You may even take pride in that you are "born again," but you are certainly not born full grown into the life and meaning of Jesus Christ.
If becoming a member means anything at all, it means that you and I make an informed and conscientious decision to commit ourselves to becoming growing and developing followers of Jesus Christ. And to learn about Christ is to unlearn much that has and still is being said and done in his name.
Ask yourself three questions:
1. Do I know Christ? (Who is Jesus to you? Does your perception fit what is presented in the gospels?)
2. Do I love Christ? (What does loving mean to you? Can I still love Christ even if he doesn't grant all my wishes?)
3. Do I witness for Christ? (Do I respect others as I expect others to respect me? Is it Christ I'm sharing or something else diguised in his name?)
By definition the church does not belong to us, any more than it does to a denomination, organization, or renegade preacher. It belongs to Jesus Christ, which means it is inclusive of any one who is serious about following him.
Jesus envisioned a church living and growing under his Lordship, not a civic club regulated by Robert's Rules of Order or a community worship center dictated by the vainity of a self appointed demagogue. The gospel calls us to a life that is both personal and communal.
Some churches may indeed be increasing their number because they choose to focus on morality, nationalism, social action, the end of the world, or the fear of whatever, while ignoring the more Christlike matters of justice, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and humility. Well, no thanks.
When it comes to being a member of Christ's church quality always outweighs quantity (See Matthew 7:13-23).
See You Sunday,
Pastor Mike
Mike's Memo (May, 2008)
Oftentimes when people speak of divine healing it is with a strong note of cynicism. We conjure up images of flamboyant, tent meeting faith healers who promise miracles with a slap on the head in exchange for a monetary gift. Or we ridicule the idea altogether as a deceptive ploy to swindle naive and desperate people. I can only respond by saying that every good thing has been abused. I have no defense for those who would prostitute the gospel. But that in no way diminishes my belief in God's ability and desire to heal. Not only is it affirmed in scripture, it has also been an integral part of the ministry of the church. It is a unique and special consequence of our faith and, for many of us, it has been a moving and meaningful experience. In my own life, I have not only experienced healing, I have also had a part in helping others to find healing as well.
The healing ministry Jesus introduced was an integral part of the whole purpose for which he came. In fact, it was largely through his miracles of healing that catapulted Jesus into prominence. But while Jesus' healings did bring recognition, Jesus' purpose for healing was not merely to express pity on the human condition. Jesus healed as a sign of God's redemptive love. The fallout resulting from humanity's sin left a wake of guilt, shame, sickness, suffering, alienation, and death. Jesus came to restore spiritual and physical wholeness. Healings are a sign that that restoration is ours to claim.
However, because of the many advances that have been made in medicine, God today is often overlooked, except when it is convenient to exert blame. As a result, two old heresies are still floating around. One is that the sick person is being punished for his or her sinfulness. The other is that sickness and suffering are "God's will.," that God sends sickness and suffering in order to teach us something. Well, that's pure nonsense! No where in the New Testament will you find Jesus condemning the sick or telling them to "endure" their condition. He healed them! Sickness, disease, and death are not in God's plan for humanity. Wholeness--physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual--is! Healings attest to God's love and involvement.
None of us should stand alone in time of need. As Christians, as Disciples, we are part of the Body of Christ, the fellowship of believers. This is also a part of our wholeness. We belong together. We need each other. Our Lord even promised to be present whenever we come together in his name. We were never meant to struggle alone. It is in the midst of a caring fellowship where many of our finest experiences of healing have been known to occur.
But this doesn't just happen. It is developed over time by positive teaching and example. One way in which this is done is by offering a special service of healing where persons come either for themselves or on behalf of others to receive prayerful support and the graceful provision of annointing with oil and the laying on of hands.
Such a service is being planned for Wednesday, June 4, at 7:00 p.m. It is entitled, "Healing Stream: A Service of Prayer and Provision." At that time you are invited to come and, in the fellowship of caring friends, acknowledge your need and receive this special intercession on your behalf or in behalf of one whom you represent.
It is not the intent of this service to be a prefunctory or superficial exercise. And there is certainly no magic or charm attached to any of the provisions offered. This is intended to be a vicarious experience in which those of us who are relatively well and of good spirit enter into the hurts and needs of those suffering or hurting. We come to "bear one another's burdens."Â We come to lift up those weakened and discouraged by the contagion of our faith and the affirmation of God's provision.
The ministry of healing is an integral part of any congregation. That is to say, as a recognized body of believers, we have within us the grace to enable growth and renewal because the presence of Christ is in our midst. I therefore introduce Healing Stream as a means to uplift this important ministry where in a loving, caring fellowship, provision and prayer can be offered, where the undergirding of Christian friends is present, where continuing encouragement and support can be offered, and where healing can become a known reality.
See You Sunday,
Pastor Mike
Mike's Memo (April, 2008)
What difference does Easter make? After we have attended all the services, after we have celebrated all the feasts, after we have absorbed all the rituals (pagan and otherwise), how can we continue to be aware of Christ's saving presence? How can we continue to rejoice in his victory over evil and death? How do we respond to this divine intervention so that its purpose can be completed in us?
In the closing chapter of John's gospel, the risen Christ appears to Peter and, in repsonse to Peter's re-affirmation of love, invites Peter to do more than pay lip service. The commission is to "feed my sheep." Central to the meaning of the resurrection for all of us is our response to that same charge. As you and I encounter the risen Lord we are at the same time called upon to act on that experience in concrete ways.
An encounter with the risen Christ sets us on a twofold path: internal and external. The internal path provides us with the motivation to be personally fed and nourished by Christ's presence, while the external path requires that you and I work at being faithful to "feed, care, and tend" those God calls us to serve.
However, over the last one hundred or so years, American Christianity has been deeply divided between those who emphasize the inner path and those who insist on the external path. This tragic division among American Christians, particularly American Protestants, has led to a great weakening of the Church's witness.
On the one hand, are those who privatize the presence, insisting that "Jesus is mine!" The world and all its troubles is something to be avoided, even rejected. As such, the internal encounter with Christ has been misused as a means to escape from one's involvement with the world. The only valid reason to have anything at all to do with the world is to "save sinners." The scriptures are read very selectively in order to concentrate on those texts which pronounce judgment upon such social ills as abortion, fornication, divorce, adultery, female leadership, and homosexuality but which ignore the same texts that denounce such societal epidemics as lending money with interest, greed, gluttony, racism, bigotry, nationalism, exploitation (human and environmental) and violence.
On the other hand, are those who, for the most part, have tossed off the internal path all together. They focus instead on what will corporately and collectively rectify all the injustices and bring about the Kingdom of God. Seeing Jesus as the supreme Liberator, they seek to live out their faith through their actions of compassion and sensitivity to human need. They have seen through the hypocrisy of much of what has been proclaimed as Christian but in reality has been nothing more than harsh, uncaring, self-centered, and individualistic judgmentalism. Their witness in the world of unfair economic systems, racism, the exploitation of women and children, opression of unjust governments, evironmental destruction, and global nuclear war have been vital and essential aspects of Christianity.
The trap of the external path, however, lies in its aversion of internalizing the presence. Fear of anything that even remotely sounds like a religious experience has led to a loss of touch with the Source of strength for action within the world. As such, many external devotees are now "burned out" activists who have either become cynical or who have become highly successful in the very enterprises thay once attacked.
The net effect of this division upon the average church member in the pew has been either neutral or negative. Lay people have either ignored the whole effort or have shown their displeasure by staying away from church all together.
That is why I believe a review of the resurrection story is important. We very much need a wedding of deep personal piety with a passionate concern for the world. Piety without passion gets reduced to sanctimonious sentimentalism. Passion without piety easily degenerates into self-righteous pride that "damns" those who do not see properly or agree with the platform.
By realizing the need to equally blend compassion with spiritual depth, the internal with the external, the love of God with the love of God's world, we will produce disciples who do not pit one over against the other. We will rather join the great cloud of witnesses who, over the centuries, have been met by the risen Christ in personal experience and who meet the risen Christ in the faces of human need.
Whenever we begin to take seriously the presence of Christ, Easter will no longer be just a day of spiritual euphoria but rather will cause us to discover that true friendship with Christ means to daily encounter that new life and love which sends us out in his name with a passion to "feed, care, and tend" the sheep of the world.
See You Sunday,
Pastor Mike
Mike's Memo (March, 2008)
By now I am sure you are aware that there is a strange mixture of spiritualism and superstition that is gaining immense popularity among disgruntleds of "traditional" religion. It is called "new age." It is identified by such words as "celestial beings," "tutelage," "chakras," "harmonic convergence," "reincarnation," and "chronicler." Walk into any bookstore and you will find it has its own section. It's gurus are many and varied.
The concern here, as with other fads that have come and gone over the centuries, is still the overwhelming need for some people to discover meaning and purpose. Somehow they are not convinced by tried and true standards. The need is for something "more." Many are hungry for new answers to life's preplexing problems. They ask, "How do I tap into and learn from what I know is beyond me?" Unfortunately, many are finding themselves wasting a lot of time (not to mention money) on a fad and farce simply because it's new and promoted by some celebrity.
Maybe you are one who is finding yourself at a place where you feel your spiritual side needs a jump start. Maybe you even think that God isn't enough. Something more must be known or understood. "Enlightenment is just around the corner if I can only plug into the right resource." If so, then during this Lenten season ( a long time proven practice to improve one's spiritual consciousness and life) let me offer you this timely alternative.
First, begin to recognize and appreciate that God is already acting in your personal experiences. Open your eyes and atune your ears. Let you prayer be, "Lord, how does what is happening to me or what has happened to me give meaning?to me? to others? to life?
Second, begin to recognize and appreciate that God acts in order to be in relationship with you. This will not only help you to understand grace but to also equip you to give grace to others.
Third, begin to recognize and appreciate that God acts best in Jesus Christ. Rediscover who Jesus is, why he came, what happened to those he touched and taught, how we can encounter and experience his life-changing presence now, and learn about our destiny in him tomorrow.
Lastly, recognize and appreciate the invitation to discipleship and do something specific in response to how God has acted. What that may be will be revealed to you as you allow God to walk daily with you in relationship.
The result of such a spiritual journey will include peace of mind, clarity as to who you are and what you are here for, God becoming more real and personal, and, because of your growing awareness of God's participation and partnership in life, confidence in being able to cope more effectively with life's perplexities and problems.
Don't allow Lent to pass you by without taking another look at God. It just might make Easter more a reality.
See You Sunday,
Pastor Mike
Mike's Memo (February, 2008)
During this season of "hearts and flowers," we would do well to define what is meant by the word love. For too often we have been guilty of intellectualizing that word by doing in-depth word studies. We have veered into the Greek when all people wanted to know was how the word was being used and the intent of the speaker.
Love, it is true, has been manipulated and exploited until, for most people, it means simply, "what I want." If I love something, it is to fulfill my own needs. If I love someone, it is to satisfy my own desires. If I love God, it is to achieve my own ends. That someone would abuse love in this way is tragic, but it is common.
True love, however, is evidenced more by total giving than personal receiving. Love that is divine is not conditional. God loves us because it is God's nature to love, not because God expects something in return. "God so loved...that he gave..." (John 3:16) is still a helpful insight into what love really means.
There is a completeness about God's love that fills every area of life and meets every need. To exemplify this quality of love in human relationships implies that while we recognize our individual differences, strengths, and weaknesses, our love for one another nonetheless remains steadfast and sure. This is the love that makes for harmony in the home, in the church, and in society.
Such love, of course, is not always understood, let alone received. To love others as God loves us leaves us open to hurt and, at times, mistreatment. Such love goes beyond mere romanticizing. It is the kind that gives one's self in sacrifice, bears a cross without rancor or revenge, and always remains reliable no matter how foolish it may appear.
As Christians, as Disciples, each of us possesses that gift of love to express. The more we open ourselves to God's love and work to express that love, the more love is understood and experienced. It becomes "the pearl of great price" for which you would be wise to give up all in order to enjoy its value.
Blessed indeed are those who are tied together by the bonds of love; you have found the way of excellence.
See You Sunday,
Pastor Mike
