God is good...all the time. He puts people in our lives that lift us up when we're down. He places friends and family in just the right place at the right time to "check up" on us and keep our heads where they're supposed to be. Yes, all the time...God is good.
Thanks for your concern, love and support! So many people are "on our side". It's hard NOT to see how God blesses me through them.
By the way...when we are at our lowest, we often need nothing more than to stop digging. :o)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Unsure, Unsteady
Ok...so 2009 has come in all it's glory. We are experiencing record breaking cold in northern Illinois and I'm confused...again. If you remember I came back to northern Illinois to pick up my work with a church I'd left after 3 years of work with them. I was gone for 8 months when I returned with great fanfare and enthusiasm from the members here. I left behind the single most satisfying ministry work I've ever been involved in to return here. I had the full support and encouragement of godly men as Shepherds and the friendship of many Christians. Except for my own personal failure to fit in to the community it was perfect.
But "home" called. The place that Sue felt most comfortable came knocking with promises of changes in the leadership style and focus, along with an amazing ministry with a volunteer Fire Department as a Chaplain. So I left Tallahassee, FL to come back to the north country and pick-up my ministry where I left off.
So after 9 months back it has become obvious that the leadership wasn't really ready to change...they simply wanted someone to "fill the empty ministry place" and not help them move forward. In fact, as it has turned out, the frustrations have been far worse than what I experienced toward the end of my first stint here. I honestly wonder how long they will "put up" with my pushing and prodding to move ahead and become the people God has called us to be.
All of this serves as a real assault on my sense of well being. I love ministry. I enjoy the challenges it brings. I believe God has given me a talent that allows me to challenge people in a way that helps them to become better. My Fire Department work defines who I am and helps me to remain well grounded and aware of what's really happening outside the walls of the church.
So...what's the answer? I think I've found the answer but I'm not sure I want to follow through. God has a plan. He will reveal it when He is good and ready. In the mean time what I can do is continue to give my energy and effort to helping the people of this congregation become true servants. God will move me when He's ready for me to go. He will provide the relief that I need when the time is right.
Lord, help me to see what you have in store for me. Help me to accept my proper place in life and in Your kingdom.
But "home" called. The place that Sue felt most comfortable came knocking with promises of changes in the leadership style and focus, along with an amazing ministry with a volunteer Fire Department as a Chaplain. So I left Tallahassee, FL to come back to the north country and pick-up my ministry where I left off.
So after 9 months back it has become obvious that the leadership wasn't really ready to change...they simply wanted someone to "fill the empty ministry place" and not help them move forward. In fact, as it has turned out, the frustrations have been far worse than what I experienced toward the end of my first stint here. I honestly wonder how long they will "put up" with my pushing and prodding to move ahead and become the people God has called us to be.
All of this serves as a real assault on my sense of well being. I love ministry. I enjoy the challenges it brings. I believe God has given me a talent that allows me to challenge people in a way that helps them to become better. My Fire Department work defines who I am and helps me to remain well grounded and aware of what's really happening outside the walls of the church.
So...what's the answer? I think I've found the answer but I'm not sure I want to follow through. God has a plan. He will reveal it when He is good and ready. In the mean time what I can do is continue to give my energy and effort to helping the people of this congregation become true servants. God will move me when He's ready for me to go. He will provide the relief that I need when the time is right.
Lord, help me to see what you have in store for me. Help me to accept my proper place in life and in Your kingdom.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Reflection
"O the weather outside is frightful," or so the song goes. I suppose that could apply to the weather here right now. It's a whoppin' 2 degrees with a winter storm warning for 8+ inches of snow forcast for the night to come. That means that the last official school day before the Christmas break will probably be cancelled and the kids will have an extra long weekend to get that much more excited about what they might get for Christmas next week.
But it's not the weather that has me thinking...instead, I can't help but look back at the year and stand in awe of how God has worked in my life. I'm still scratching my head about some of it, but I can't deny the fact that God has blessed me beyond measure...in spite of my best efforts!
As I look back I realize that our time in Tallahassee was way too short! Oh how I wish we could have found Meridian Woods several years ago and grown with it. As it turned out, our 8 month stay was a blessing that can't be overemphasized. The shepherds there worked hard to make us feel welcome and to support the changes that we were guiding. They pressed me to be God's man regardless of the fall-out or difficulty in doing so. I'm not quite sure why we had such a hard time with the community...I just know that those 8 months will live in my heart as among the best in my ministry (at least personally).
For some reason though there was a constant tug at us to try and return to Rockford and in particular to North Park. When the offer came, we felt tha God was speaking directly to us, telling us to "go home" and do His work.
The return was overwhelming. People expressing their love and support far beyond what we had experienced in our previous 3 years with them. There seemed to be a desire to move in a different direction, to step out into uncharted waters and discover all over again what God had in mind for this church. Of course, there continue to be huge challenges, particularly with some in the leadership...but the fact is, right now there is a spirit of cooperation that hasn't been felt here in many years.
Our living arrangements allowed us to bring Carla and Devon to stay with us for several months. While I know it was awkward at times, there is little doubt but what that time will be counted among my greatest blessings. To be able to spend time every day with my grandson was priceless!
Of course my parents celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary is a blessing beyond what most people will ever even dream. They have been, and continue to be shining examples of true agape love. To make that day even better, another grandson came into our lives. Cayden Daniel was born to Danny and Jenni. What a joy he will be as we move forward in our lives.
Completion of the vision for the church here is another hightlight that cannot be overstated. I was ready to throw in the towel on that process here at North Park. It seemed to be a dividing point instead of a unifying factor. Just when I was ready to give up on it, the Spirit stepped in and brought us all together in a unified understanding of what God has in mind for us.
The renewal of old friendships; the affirmation of godly elders; God working through knuckleheads like me to bring his church together; family that continues to make us scratch our head in amazement...what could be better than that?
God is good...ALL THE TIME!
But it's not the weather that has me thinking...instead, I can't help but look back at the year and stand in awe of how God has worked in my life. I'm still scratching my head about some of it, but I can't deny the fact that God has blessed me beyond measure...in spite of my best efforts!
As I look back I realize that our time in Tallahassee was way too short! Oh how I wish we could have found Meridian Woods several years ago and grown with it. As it turned out, our 8 month stay was a blessing that can't be overemphasized. The shepherds there worked hard to make us feel welcome and to support the changes that we were guiding. They pressed me to be God's man regardless of the fall-out or difficulty in doing so. I'm not quite sure why we had such a hard time with the community...I just know that those 8 months will live in my heart as among the best in my ministry (at least personally).
For some reason though there was a constant tug at us to try and return to Rockford and in particular to North Park. When the offer came, we felt tha God was speaking directly to us, telling us to "go home" and do His work.
The return was overwhelming. People expressing their love and support far beyond what we had experienced in our previous 3 years with them. There seemed to be a desire to move in a different direction, to step out into uncharted waters and discover all over again what God had in mind for this church. Of course, there continue to be huge challenges, particularly with some in the leadership...but the fact is, right now there is a spirit of cooperation that hasn't been felt here in many years.
Our living arrangements allowed us to bring Carla and Devon to stay with us for several months. While I know it was awkward at times, there is little doubt but what that time will be counted among my greatest blessings. To be able to spend time every day with my grandson was priceless!
Of course my parents celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary is a blessing beyond what most people will ever even dream. They have been, and continue to be shining examples of true agape love. To make that day even better, another grandson came into our lives. Cayden Daniel was born to Danny and Jenni. What a joy he will be as we move forward in our lives.
Completion of the vision for the church here is another hightlight that cannot be overstated. I was ready to throw in the towel on that process here at North Park. It seemed to be a dividing point instead of a unifying factor. Just when I was ready to give up on it, the Spirit stepped in and brought us all together in a unified understanding of what God has in mind for us.
The renewal of old friendships; the affirmation of godly elders; God working through knuckleheads like me to bring his church together; family that continues to make us scratch our head in amazement...what could be better than that?
God is good...ALL THE TIME!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
December!!!
That's right...it's December...in fact, we are quickly closing in on the middle of December. As I look out my window I can see snow falling as it has most of the day. The snow plow has already begun to make a nice little fence around the outside edge of my yard with the 3 decent snows we've had this month.
As I think about the snowfall and the season that has arrived I can't help but be drawn to the symbolism of the freshly fallen, pure white snow. Because God came to earth as a human baby, lived life just like we do and died like a common criminal, we are now seen, in His eyes as pure and white as that snow...before any cars drive on it or snow plows dirty it up with salt and sand. Like the gentle drifts of pure white that now cover my back yard, I am better able to reflect the Son because of the brilliant purity that has been given to me.
For many this is a season of depression. With the cold temperatures and slippery surfaces they are forced (or sometimes just choose) to stay inside, isolated from the routine of life and their circle of friends. But because I see the amazing work of God in the mounds of crystalized water, I find this to be a rejuvinating season. It exists to restore nutrients to the ground that were taken by a season of growth. It's a reminder that life follows death.
As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that God's plan continues to work in the lives of everyone who will allow him to work. Thank you Lord for making me pure and holy, for making me your likeness!
As I think about the snowfall and the season that has arrived I can't help but be drawn to the symbolism of the freshly fallen, pure white snow. Because God came to earth as a human baby, lived life just like we do and died like a common criminal, we are now seen, in His eyes as pure and white as that snow...before any cars drive on it or snow plows dirty it up with salt and sand. Like the gentle drifts of pure white that now cover my back yard, I am better able to reflect the Son because of the brilliant purity that has been given to me.
For many this is a season of depression. With the cold temperatures and slippery surfaces they are forced (or sometimes just choose) to stay inside, isolated from the routine of life and their circle of friends. But because I see the amazing work of God in the mounds of crystalized water, I find this to be a rejuvinating season. It exists to restore nutrients to the ground that were taken by a season of growth. It's a reminder that life follows death.
As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that God's plan continues to work in the lives of everyone who will allow him to work. Thank you Lord for making me pure and holy, for making me your likeness!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Who are they?
A rather "lively" discussion in our mid-week Bible class last night sparked some questions and thoughts in my mind. That discussion revolved around the possibility that more people may in fact be in a right relationship with God than we often care to admit. Of course, even the thought of that sends some people into a frenzied and angry feeding like the famed pirannah fish on a big fleshy arm, but it is an intriguing idea never-the-less.
As I think about my faith foundations and the concepts that I've been taught it would be safe to assume that they are generally rather traditional and conservative. In fact, at one point I would have been the preacher that stood in the pulpit each week making sure that everyone knew "we" were the only "real" Christians out there. But a deeper and more honest evaluation of the gospel of Jesus has helped me to be open to the idea that, as John writes, "whoever BELIEVES in Him (Jesus) will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). The ramifications of that concept are HUGE.
Contrary to what has often been espoused, John 3:3 is not necessarily a "baptism" verse. Instead, it speaks to an external event, produced and directed by God, that brings us into a proper relationship with Him. It is wholly God-driven. It is not a works based system that somehow entitles us to wear an "ONLY CHRISTIAN" sign around our neck. The event that brings us into that relationship? John 3:16...the greatest gift of all, given BY God TO His creation.
Since He is the giver and "the whole world" is the receiver, how can I, His creation, ever begin to make the determination that someone else hasn't opened the gift He gave? The only one I can answer for is me! Because I have been given that gift I KNOW where I stand in that relationship (1 John 5:13, see the Message for a GREAT translation of this verse). I don't KNOW where anyone else stands...because I'm not the giver of the gift.
Here's where I'm headed...I have many friends and associates in the religious world outside of my own tradition. There is little doubt in my mind about their sincerity, honesty and desire. They read the same Scriptures I read. They sing the same songs I sing. They make the same confession that I make and they accept the same responsibility that I accept. So...thankfully God is the One who will determine if they have opened His amazing present of grace. Only He has the right to put them in a particular category or "saved" or "lost".
With all of that in mind, I'm free to focus on how I say thank you for the greatest gift ever given. I'm able to rejoice in my salvation and to help others find their way to a life of rejoicing. God's the one with the answers...my challenge is to hear as He speaks.
As I think about my faith foundations and the concepts that I've been taught it would be safe to assume that they are generally rather traditional and conservative. In fact, at one point I would have been the preacher that stood in the pulpit each week making sure that everyone knew "we" were the only "real" Christians out there. But a deeper and more honest evaluation of the gospel of Jesus has helped me to be open to the idea that, as John writes, "whoever BELIEVES in Him (Jesus) will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). The ramifications of that concept are HUGE.
Contrary to what has often been espoused, John 3:3 is not necessarily a "baptism" verse. Instead, it speaks to an external event, produced and directed by God, that brings us into a proper relationship with Him. It is wholly God-driven. It is not a works based system that somehow entitles us to wear an "ONLY CHRISTIAN" sign around our neck. The event that brings us into that relationship? John 3:16...the greatest gift of all, given BY God TO His creation.
Since He is the giver and "the whole world" is the receiver, how can I, His creation, ever begin to make the determination that someone else hasn't opened the gift He gave? The only one I can answer for is me! Because I have been given that gift I KNOW where I stand in that relationship (1 John 5:13, see the Message for a GREAT translation of this verse). I don't KNOW where anyone else stands...because I'm not the giver of the gift.
Here's where I'm headed...I have many friends and associates in the religious world outside of my own tradition. There is little doubt in my mind about their sincerity, honesty and desire. They read the same Scriptures I read. They sing the same songs I sing. They make the same confession that I make and they accept the same responsibility that I accept. So...thankfully God is the One who will determine if they have opened His amazing present of grace. Only He has the right to put them in a particular category or "saved" or "lost".
With all of that in mind, I'm free to focus on how I say thank you for the greatest gift ever given. I'm able to rejoice in my salvation and to help others find their way to a life of rejoicing. God's the one with the answers...my challenge is to hear as He speaks.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
More Musings
Over a week has passed since the Presidential Election. We are just over 40 days from Christmas and less than 60 days from the turning of the calendar to another year. In just a few days I'll have another grandson. I have a new kitty in my home trying hard to replace the memories of one that had to be put down. The leaves have all fallen off the trees after bursting into brilliant color. Aged parents quickly approaching the end of thier lives on this earth.
Through all of that one thing remains constant...the God of heaven and earth is in control. That's right; no matter what else is going on in the world, no matter who occupies the various seats of governmental power, how fast the calendar turns or how many children are born, God is in control.
All of that reminds me of His observation when creation was complete..."God saw all that He had made and behold, it was VERY good." All that He makes is indeed very good. All that He plans is exceptional. No matter what our personal perspective...because He is in control...it's all good.
Through all of that one thing remains constant...the God of heaven and earth is in control. That's right; no matter what else is going on in the world, no matter who occupies the various seats of governmental power, how fast the calendar turns or how many children are born, God is in control.
All of that reminds me of His observation when creation was complete..."God saw all that He had made and behold, it was VERY good." All that He makes is indeed very good. All that He plans is exceptional. No matter what our personal perspective...because He is in control...it's all good.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
My how things change!
From the beginning things were built to change. That has never been more clear to me than in recent events in the life of my family. One day Sue and I were "empty nesters" and the next we had our daughter and 7 year old grandson living with us.
If it weren't for the built in ability to be flexible events like that would shatter our spirits and dash all hopes of having a "normal" life. But because we were made for change our lives are being enriched, built up, made fuller because of the things that are happening.
I've laughed through the years at those who assailed so called "change agents". While I fully understand the concept they are speaking of, the truth is we are all supposed to be agents of change. Our Lord was a change agent of the highest order. He challenged the status quo, offered alternative declarations and interpretations to the long held traditional views of the law given through Moses. He even proposed changing where and how God would be worshipped!
Creation began with a declaration of change (Gen 1:3) and if Paul has recorded it correctly, time will cease to exist as we know it with the same kind of declaration (1 Cor 15:50-54). In the mean time, as we mark our lives here on this ball of mud called earth, we will continue to face the challenges that come with change. We will continue to be pushed to look outside the boxes we have built and to find innovative ways to accomplish the mission God has assigned to us.
The fact is...as we look at life and Godliness, we must proclaim...change is good!
If it weren't for the built in ability to be flexible events like that would shatter our spirits and dash all hopes of having a "normal" life. But because we were made for change our lives are being enriched, built up, made fuller because of the things that are happening.
I've laughed through the years at those who assailed so called "change agents". While I fully understand the concept they are speaking of, the truth is we are all supposed to be agents of change. Our Lord was a change agent of the highest order. He challenged the status quo, offered alternative declarations and interpretations to the long held traditional views of the law given through Moses. He even proposed changing where and how God would be worshipped!
Creation began with a declaration of change (Gen 1:3) and if Paul has recorded it correctly, time will cease to exist as we know it with the same kind of declaration (1 Cor 15:50-54). In the mean time, as we mark our lives here on this ball of mud called earth, we will continue to face the challenges that come with change. We will continue to be pushed to look outside the boxes we have built and to find innovative ways to accomplish the mission God has assigned to us.
The fact is...as we look at life and Godliness, we must proclaim...change is good!
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