It is said that in terms of its economic impact, depression, in its many forms, is the second most debilitating health condition in America, today. Its societal impact may be even greater, considering the great stress it can put on families. Depression is not an illness that cannot be treated or overcome, however. Medicines, counseling, dietary concerns, and other measures are all helpful tools when combating depression. Yet, is there an aspect of depression that is a blessing?
Consider the observation of H. Mark Abbott, whose sermon, Surviving Depression, appears in the March-April 2006 issue of Preaching magazine. In his sermon he states: Much of America “is preoccupied with therapy, with offering cures for whatever ails, including depression. But could it be that, instead of searching for cures for everything that ails us we ought to be listening for God’s voice in all the experiences of life, even in depression? Maybe there are some things we learn, some growth possible only through those low, dark times.”
He continues, “A sixteenth century monk we know as John of the Cross originated the phrase ‘the dark night of the soul.’ He described God’s work in us not through joy and light, but through sorrow and darkness. John of the Cross taught that night and darkness may be the friends, not the enemies of faith. He taught that God may lead us into a night in which our senses, that is, our usual ways of feeling and experiencing life, are emptied. Thus, we have no feeling of God’s presence.
“John of the Cross described this ‘dark night’ as a time when those persons lose all the pleasure that they once experienced in their devotional life. And there may follow a deep darkness of purifying and waiting. But that darkness ultimately leads to a dawn in which the vision of God is deepened and enriched.”
In his sermon, Abbott argues that depression may actually be “a signal of something in our lives to which we need to pay attention.” Perhaps an issue related to our health needs our attention: our eating and sleeping habits, our hormones, or other physical concerns. Perhaps some deep-seeded feeling or grief or guilt or inadequacy needs to be addressed. Perhaps it is a serious spiritual concern: a drifting away from God, or God using the time of dryness to reorientate our lives or to give us a new commission and calling in life.
Abbott includes a quote from Elizabeth Sherrill, who has struggled with depression intermittingly in her life: “A crisis, when it shows us our need for help, can be good news.”
Monday, June 25, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Confessions of a News Junkie
I am a “News Junkie.” On any given day, I will read from 2-4 newspapers, watch cable news for several hours a week, and check a variety of news sites on the Internet periodically through the day. I like to stay informed, and events and developments from throughout the world interest me.
I am often uplifted by what I read and hear in the news, especially goodhearted stories of a man helping a neighbor, a developmentally-challenged person overcoming and excelling, and of God being praised and uplifted (yes, there are such stories in the national press).
I am often saddened by what I read and hear in the news, especially by stories describing a horrific crime, national discord, corruption, famine, war, and so forth.
We cannot hide ourselves from the evil that is present in the world. We cannot deny that it exists or seek to ignore it. We cannot enclose ourselves within a cocoon. We are in the midst of the world, and an awareness of what is around us can prepare us for the onslaught and can help us shine our light with a greater effectiveness. Knowledge is power; ignorance is destructive.
We live in the “Information Age,” a time when technological advances have made a large world small. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to inform ourselves of what is happening in our community, in our state, country, and in the world at large. If we do not know something about our neighbor, if we are not cognizant of societal trends, and if we are not in tune with the worldview and paradigm of this postmodern world, how can we effectively communicate the wonder of the Gospel? And, how can we lead the church and our families through the crevices and pitfalls presented in society if we do not know the lay of the land around us?
I am often uplifted by what I read and hear in the news, especially goodhearted stories of a man helping a neighbor, a developmentally-challenged person overcoming and excelling, and of God being praised and uplifted (yes, there are such stories in the national press).
I am often saddened by what I read and hear in the news, especially by stories describing a horrific crime, national discord, corruption, famine, war, and so forth.
We cannot hide ourselves from the evil that is present in the world. We cannot deny that it exists or seek to ignore it. We cannot enclose ourselves within a cocoon. We are in the midst of the world, and an awareness of what is around us can prepare us for the onslaught and can help us shine our light with a greater effectiveness. Knowledge is power; ignorance is destructive.
We live in the “Information Age,” a time when technological advances have made a large world small. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to inform ourselves of what is happening in our community, in our state, country, and in the world at large. If we do not know something about our neighbor, if we are not cognizant of societal trends, and if we are not in tune with the worldview and paradigm of this postmodern world, how can we effectively communicate the wonder of the Gospel? And, how can we lead the church and our families through the crevices and pitfalls presented in society if we do not know the lay of the land around us?
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Are You Blessing Others with Your Speech?
When did the expression, “Oh, my God!” change from a statement uttered in the context of prayer to a flippant expression of surprise and excitement?
I suppose that since the advent of spoken language people have been irreverent in their speech, but it seems the irreverence is more pervasive in these days. Profanity, guttural speech (literally, “of the gutter”), and offensive expressions are commonplace: they are heard constantly in the media, at the worksite, in school halls, on sports fields, and in the home.
I sat in a booth at Denny’s yesterday, and overheard the most profanity-laced conversation I had ever heard in public. The four participants in the conversation were clean-cut, professional-looking, two young men, and two ladies. Yet, every-other word uttered was a four-letter invective or an irreverent utterance of God’s name. The words were not spoken in anger, but were accompanied by laughter and spoken in calm tones. Sadly, such language had become commonplace for those speaking them.
The apostle Paul comments on our speech. In Ephesians 4.29, he writes, “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear” (NRSV).
Paul is saying that our ability to communicate can be used in one of two ways. We can use our speech for destructive and shameful purposes — the term Paul uses for “evil talk” suggests anything that is foul, abusive, or ungodly. Or, we can use our speech constructively and to offer a blessing to those who hear.
As you speak, consider this: who has the biggest ears of all? Remember, the One above is always listening!
I suppose that since the advent of spoken language people have been irreverent in their speech, but it seems the irreverence is more pervasive in these days. Profanity, guttural speech (literally, “of the gutter”), and offensive expressions are commonplace: they are heard constantly in the media, at the worksite, in school halls, on sports fields, and in the home.
I sat in a booth at Denny’s yesterday, and overheard the most profanity-laced conversation I had ever heard in public. The four participants in the conversation were clean-cut, professional-looking, two young men, and two ladies. Yet, every-other word uttered was a four-letter invective or an irreverent utterance of God’s name. The words were not spoken in anger, but were accompanied by laughter and spoken in calm tones. Sadly, such language had become commonplace for those speaking them.
The apostle Paul comments on our speech. In Ephesians 4.29, he writes, “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear” (NRSV).
Paul is saying that our ability to communicate can be used in one of two ways. We can use our speech for destructive and shameful purposes — the term Paul uses for “evil talk” suggests anything that is foul, abusive, or ungodly. Or, we can use our speech constructively and to offer a blessing to those who hear.
As you speak, consider this: who has the biggest ears of all? Remember, the One above is always listening!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Talking About Jesus
Yet another Blog: Talking About Jesus!
It isn't because I have lots of idle time on my hands (I have more on my plate than I know what to do with!), but I believe that "blogging" is a powerful means of sharing the Gospel with people.
"Talking About Jesus" is a blog simply devoted to studying and discussing the words and teachings of Jesus . . . nothing more, nothing less. The Sermon on the Mount is up first.
Drop by Talking About Jesus . . . invite your friends. The blog is not intended to be philosophically or academically deep (translate, boring and stiff!) . . . but uplifting, inspiring . . . centered on Jesus and the words he has to speak to us.
It isn't because I have lots of idle time on my hands (I have more on my plate than I know what to do with!), but I believe that "blogging" is a powerful means of sharing the Gospel with people.
"Talking About Jesus" is a blog simply devoted to studying and discussing the words and teachings of Jesus . . . nothing more, nothing less. The Sermon on the Mount is up first.
Drop by Talking About Jesus . . . invite your friends. The blog is not intended to be philosophically or academically deep (translate, boring and stiff!) . . . but uplifting, inspiring . . . centered on Jesus and the words he has to speak to us.
You Still Lack One Thing
Nine Steps to Third World Living
1. Take out the furniture: leave a few old blankets, a kitchen table, maybe a wooden chair. You’ve never had a bed.
2. Throw out your clothes. Each person in the family may keep the oldest suit or dress, a shirt or blouse. The head of the family has the only pair of shoes.
3. All kitchen appliances have vanished. Keep a box of matches, a small bag of flour, some sugar and salt, a handful of onions, a dish of dried beans. Rescue the moldy potatoes from the garbage can: those are tonight’s meal.
4. Dismantle the bathroom, shut off the running water, take out the wiring and the lights and everything electrical.
5. Take away the house and move the family into the toolshed.
6. No more postman, direman, government services. The two-classroom school is three miles away, but only two of your seven shildren attend anyway, and they walk.
7. Throw out your bankbooks, stock certificates, pension plans, insurance policies. You now have a cash hoard of 5 dollars.
8. Get out and start cultivating your three acres. Try hard to raise $300 in cash crops, because your landlord wants one third and your moneylender 10 percent.
9. Find some way for your children to bring in a little extra money so you have something to eat most days. But it won’t be enough to keep bodies healthy – so lop off 25 to 30 years of life.
Does this exercise get your attention? When I first read this article (I don’t know the author), I bowed my head in reverence and praised God for his goodness and for the countless material blessings that he has given my family.
Americans are quite adept at losing perspective. We are quick to complain about our circumstances, to be jealous of others, and to be bitter about what we do not have. We forget that even in poverty, we are richer (in material measures) than the vast majority of the world.
A simple, yet challenging question: Does our wealth blind us to the plight of others? What do we make of Jesus’ command to the rich ruler? “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (Luke 18.22).
1. Take out the furniture: leave a few old blankets, a kitchen table, maybe a wooden chair. You’ve never had a bed.
2. Throw out your clothes. Each person in the family may keep the oldest suit or dress, a shirt or blouse. The head of the family has the only pair of shoes.
3. All kitchen appliances have vanished. Keep a box of matches, a small bag of flour, some sugar and salt, a handful of onions, a dish of dried beans. Rescue the moldy potatoes from the garbage can: those are tonight’s meal.
4. Dismantle the bathroom, shut off the running water, take out the wiring and the lights and everything electrical.
5. Take away the house and move the family into the toolshed.
6. No more postman, direman, government services. The two-classroom school is three miles away, but only two of your seven shildren attend anyway, and they walk.
7. Throw out your bankbooks, stock certificates, pension plans, insurance policies. You now have a cash hoard of 5 dollars.
8. Get out and start cultivating your three acres. Try hard to raise $300 in cash crops, because your landlord wants one third and your moneylender 10 percent.
9. Find some way for your children to bring in a little extra money so you have something to eat most days. But it won’t be enough to keep bodies healthy – so lop off 25 to 30 years of life.
Does this exercise get your attention? When I first read this article (I don’t know the author), I bowed my head in reverence and praised God for his goodness and for the countless material blessings that he has given my family.
Americans are quite adept at losing perspective. We are quick to complain about our circumstances, to be jealous of others, and to be bitter about what we do not have. We forget that even in poverty, we are richer (in material measures) than the vast majority of the world.
A simple, yet challenging question: Does our wealth blind us to the plight of others? What do we make of Jesus’ command to the rich ruler? “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (Luke 18.22).
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
What You Can't Control
This poem wasn't written by me. It is short, but it says so much!
You can’t control
The length of your life,
But you can control
Its width and depth.
You can’t control
The contour of your face,
But you can control
Its expression.
You can’t control
The weather,
But you can control
The atmosphere of your mind.
Why worry
About things you can’t control,
When you can keep yourself busy
Controlling the things
That depend on you?
Monday, June 18, 2007
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School. It never gets old. My three daughters literally spend the year waiting for the next VBS to roll around. Elizabeth, my oldest, can tell you about memories she has from VBS when she was 3 years old (she is now 8)!
We had fun today . . . throw Jesus in the mix . . . what a wonderful day. Check out part of the action . . . a photo of Hannah (my middle daughter) in the "Penguin Relay" (best name I could come up with).
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Man vs. Wild
I have a new favorite TV show . . . Man vs. Wild on the Discovery Channel. For the uninitiated, Man vs. Wild features Bear Grihl, a veteran of the British Army Special Forces in a variety of desparate situations . . . abandoned in the jungle, adrift at sea, lost in the Everglades, and so forth. His goal: find his way to safety and civilization. All he has with him are a knife, flint, and a water bottle. Along the way, Bear (great name!) demonstrates various survival skills and techniques.
If you haven't watched Man vs. Wild, do so. It is great TV.
If you haven't watched Man vs. Wild, do so. It is great TV.
The Souls of Our Children Hang in the Balance
Several years ago, Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Orel Hershiser observed Father’s Day in a most remarkable way. He purchased 1,600 copies of the Devotional Bible for Dads, at a cost of more than $60,000. He sent these Bibles to every baseball player and coach in the Major Leagues, to every PGA Tour golfer, and to every national and local sports broadcaster. Hershiser wanted to equip his fellow athletes and his friends in the press with the ultimate resource for fathers: the Bible.
Hershiser’s Father’s Day campaign was an admirable witness to his faith and to his conviction that fatherhood should be a God-focused activity. As we observe this Father’s Day, let us devote ourselves to sharing this conviction.
Fathers, your children are a gift from God. Through the greatness of his power and love, God has blessed you with your kids. He has given you the capacity to nurture your children, helping them to develop as persons loved by God. As fathers, we must never lose sight of this God-given nature of our role as parents.
As fathers, we must always be eager to search out God’s will in the things we do as parents. The image of God, the perfect picture of a loving father, should always be at the forefront of our mind. We should be people of God’s Word . . . reading, reflecting, and praying. And, we should facilitate the spiritual growth of our children in concert with their physical and emotional development. The very souls of our children hang in the balance.
Hershiser’s Father’s Day campaign was an admirable witness to his faith and to his conviction that fatherhood should be a God-focused activity. As we observe this Father’s Day, let us devote ourselves to sharing this conviction.
Fathers, your children are a gift from God. Through the greatness of his power and love, God has blessed you with your kids. He has given you the capacity to nurture your children, helping them to develop as persons loved by God. As fathers, we must never lose sight of this God-given nature of our role as parents.
As fathers, we must always be eager to search out God’s will in the things we do as parents. The image of God, the perfect picture of a loving father, should always be at the forefront of our mind. We should be people of God’s Word . . . reading, reflecting, and praying. And, we should facilitate the spiritual growth of our children in concert with their physical and emotional development. The very souls of our children hang in the balance.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Yes, Another Blog!!!
Okay, I admit it, I am addicted to this blog stuff. I've created a third blog.
"Mixin' It Up" is an ode to my love for youth ministry. I've taken a staple feature of many youth group activities and applied it to the blogosphere. "Mixin' It Up" is designed to be a "perpetual" mixer or ice breaker. Check it out, and tell your friends about it.
"Mixin' It Up" is an ode to my love for youth ministry. I've taken a staple feature of many youth group activities and applied it to the blogosphere. "Mixin' It Up" is designed to be a "perpetual" mixer or ice breaker. Check it out, and tell your friends about it.
Equipping Our Kids to Make Wise Choices
I read an interesting article this week: “Adolescent Pregnancy: Current Trends and Issues.” It was authored by Dr. Jonathan Klein, and was published in the July 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In his article, Klein presents some startling statistics. He writes, “Currently, more than 45% of high school females and 48% of high school males have had sexual intercourse. The average age of first intercourse is 17 years for girls and 16 years for boys. However, approximately one fourth of all youth report having had intercourse by 15 years of age.” He continues, “Involuntary sexual activity (rape, assault, foundling, etc.) has been reported by 74% of sexually active girls younger than 14 years and 60% of those younger than 15 years.” And, perhaps, most shocking: “Current surveys indicate that 11% of high school females and 17% of high school males report having had 4 or more sexual partners.”
Klein argues that there a number of “predictors of sexual intercourse during the early adolescent years.” They include “early pubertal development, a history of sexual abuse, poverty, lack of attentive and nurturing parents, cultural and family patterns of early sexual experience, lack of school or career goals, substance abuse, and poor school performance or dropping our of school.”
Klein lists a number of “factors associated with a delay in the initiation of sexual intercourse.” These include “living with both parents in a stable family environment, regular attendance at places of worship, higher family income, parental supervision, setting expectations, and parent/child connectedness.”
Parents, you would do well to consider the information in this article. Let us equip and empower our kids to make wise decisions.
In his article, Klein presents some startling statistics. He writes, “Currently, more than 45% of high school females and 48% of high school males have had sexual intercourse. The average age of first intercourse is 17 years for girls and 16 years for boys. However, approximately one fourth of all youth report having had intercourse by 15 years of age.” He continues, “Involuntary sexual activity (rape, assault, foundling, etc.) has been reported by 74% of sexually active girls younger than 14 years and 60% of those younger than 15 years.” And, perhaps, most shocking: “Current surveys indicate that 11% of high school females and 17% of high school males report having had 4 or more sexual partners.”
Klein argues that there a number of “predictors of sexual intercourse during the early adolescent years.” They include “early pubertal development, a history of sexual abuse, poverty, lack of attentive and nurturing parents, cultural and family patterns of early sexual experience, lack of school or career goals, substance abuse, and poor school performance or dropping our of school.”
Klein lists a number of “factors associated with a delay in the initiation of sexual intercourse.” These include “living with both parents in a stable family environment, regular attendance at places of worship, higher family income, parental supervision, setting expectations, and parent/child connectedness.”
Parents, you would do well to consider the information in this article. Let us equip and empower our kids to make wise decisions.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Second Blog: Beroean Spirit
I have started a second blog. "Beroean Spirit" will be devoted to the indepth study of Scripture.
The Blessing of the Sunset
Just as the sunrise is a wonderful blessing from God, so to is the sunset. With the sunrise, we are greeted with a new day filled with possibility and potential. At the sunset, the accomplishments of a day passed can be considered and evaluated. However, introspection is a valuable tool that many forget or refuse to employ.
I can remember a hike to Marble Falls, a scenic waterfall not many miles from Camp Blue Haven. My good friend, Chetlen Crossnoe, and I had hiked to Marble Falls and spent the afternoon scaling the rocks and enjoying the spectacular sights and were headed back to camp. We became distracted by this and that and found ourselves a couple of miles past the point where we should have turned onto the trail that led to camp. Instead of retracing our steps and returning to the trailhead, we decided to cut cross country and use our orienteering skills to find our way back to camp. We found camp, but only after hiking about 15 miles further and several hours longer than we would have had we followed the proper trail.
Introspection is the opportunity to retrace our steps, to look back down the trail we have taken, and to reevaluate where we are headed. Life is filled with missteps, many of which we could have avoided, and many of which would not have been as disastrous if we had taken the time to stop, think, and get our bearings. Most of our trouble comes when we keep barreling forward without any sense of caution or regret.
The sunset is a blessing. One day is drawing to a close. The long, still night lies before us. There is a moment of respite before a new, busy day dawns. The sunset facilitates, rather, invites introspection. Will we accept the gift as it is given?
I can remember a hike to Marble Falls, a scenic waterfall not many miles from Camp Blue Haven. My good friend, Chetlen Crossnoe, and I had hiked to Marble Falls and spent the afternoon scaling the rocks and enjoying the spectacular sights and were headed back to camp. We became distracted by this and that and found ourselves a couple of miles past the point where we should have turned onto the trail that led to camp. Instead of retracing our steps and returning to the trailhead, we decided to cut cross country and use our orienteering skills to find our way back to camp. We found camp, but only after hiking about 15 miles further and several hours longer than we would have had we followed the proper trail.
Introspection is the opportunity to retrace our steps, to look back down the trail we have taken, and to reevaluate where we are headed. Life is filled with missteps, many of which we could have avoided, and many of which would not have been as disastrous if we had taken the time to stop, think, and get our bearings. Most of our trouble comes when we keep barreling forward without any sense of caution or regret.
The sunset is a blessing. One day is drawing to a close. The long, still night lies before us. There is a moment of respite before a new, busy day dawns. The sunset facilitates, rather, invites introspection. Will we accept the gift as it is given?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Washing Cars
Our youth got together today to wash cars . . . for free. It was a great service project. We had 20 kids show up (age 4 to 9th grade). It was a great day. Fifteen cars were washed . . . well, showered with water and some soap. It was fun.
My youngest, Grace (4 years), got into the act, as well. Together with "Doodle" (great nickname), she washed her "car" . . . a rather well-used and beat up tricycle. It made for a great photo.
Our children are great servants. No wonder Jesus called on us be more like children.
The Blessing of the Sunrise
In a world filled with blessings from God, isn’t the sunrise among the most special? Think about it, the sunrise represents a new beginning, an opportunity to close the chapter that has preceded and enter into a new day filled with promise and potential.
Everyone takes a misstep here and there. Some of us take more missteps than we do correct ones. Everyone endures regrettable experiences, either because of one’s own misdeeds or foolish choices, or because they are in the path of calamity wrought by others, or because they are simply unfortunate. (It is a reality of the world that innocent people do sometimes suffer.)
Yet, God, in his infinite wisdom and mercy, blesses us with the sunrise. Every twenty-four hours, a new day dawns, and the regrets, unfortunate circumstances, and ills of yesterday, while not forgotten, are history. Rather, they can be made history if our perspective is what it should be.
Sometimes, many times, we are our own worst enemy. We allow our regrets, misfortunes, and mistakes to keep us down. We allow yesterday to seep into today and cloud our view of tomorrow. Some of us, many of us forget the sunrise (if we even take the time to view it!), and we allow the darkness to linger.
Now, the ramifications of yesterday do affect today, whatever our perspective. History still speaks, whether it be a day ago or a millennium. The path we have trod has led us to this moment and will influence the steps we take ahead. But, the sunrise is God’s subtle yet profound way of telling us that the opportunity for change, renewal, and a new beginning is real. While the past will always be a part of us we do not have to be captive to it. Let us master yesterday by living anew today.
Everyone takes a misstep here and there. Some of us take more missteps than we do correct ones. Everyone endures regrettable experiences, either because of one’s own misdeeds or foolish choices, or because they are in the path of calamity wrought by others, or because they are simply unfortunate. (It is a reality of the world that innocent people do sometimes suffer.)
Yet, God, in his infinite wisdom and mercy, blesses us with the sunrise. Every twenty-four hours, a new day dawns, and the regrets, unfortunate circumstances, and ills of yesterday, while not forgotten, are history. Rather, they can be made history if our perspective is what it should be.
Sometimes, many times, we are our own worst enemy. We allow our regrets, misfortunes, and mistakes to keep us down. We allow yesterday to seep into today and cloud our view of tomorrow. Some of us, many of us forget the sunrise (if we even take the time to view it!), and we allow the darkness to linger.
Now, the ramifications of yesterday do affect today, whatever our perspective. History still speaks, whether it be a day ago or a millennium. The path we have trod has led us to this moment and will influence the steps we take ahead. But, the sunrise is God’s subtle yet profound way of telling us that the opportunity for change, renewal, and a new beginning is real. While the past will always be a part of us we do not have to be captive to it. Let us master yesterday by living anew today.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Running the Race with Perseverance
Holding course is not easy for most people. We are too easily distracted or discouraged. Yet, perseverance is a necessary and indispensable component of success.
Lou Gehrig owed much of his success to a stubborn resolve to not give up. I once read a biography entitled, "Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig," by author Jonathan Eig. The book presents an in-depth and endearing look at the man who became one of America’s most beloved sports heroes.
Gehrig, of course, is known most for his consecutive games played streak: for over 14 seasons he did not miss a start. He played through slumps when his hitting and fielding were atrocious, he played through illnesses and injuries, he played the day after being knocked unconscious in an exhibition game, and he even played for an entire season while battling the onset of arterial lateral sclerosis, the fatal disease that now bears his name.
Gehrig was a clumsy child who found it hard to make friends, but who eventually found his way through participation in athletics. In high school, he began to excel in football, soccer, basketball, and baseball. In baseball, he could hit the ball a mile, but was quite awkward in the field. At the young age of 18 years old he secured a tryout with the vaunted New York Giants baseball team and their crusty, old coach, John McGraw. His session in the batting cage was impressive, but McGraw dismissed his big league potential when he saw Gehrig bobble ball after ball while covering first base.
Many would have become discouraged at the biting critique of a man such as McGraw. Some would have quit the sport all together and tried a different route, but not Gehrig. He enrolled at Columbia University with the goal of improving his play and of obtaining a degree (an incredible step forward for the son of German immigrants).
Gehrig did not earn a degree at Columbia; he only spent one baseball season there. A scout for the New York Yankees saw Gehrig play, and the 20-year old kid was signed to a Major League contract. His play at first base was still sub par, but Gehrig devoted himself to working on his fielding skills. Within two seasons, Gehrig’s hard work paid off: he replaced Wally Pipp in the starting lineup. The rest is history.
We must “run the race with perseverance,” says the Hebrews writer. Moments may be discouraging. There may be distractions. But, we must keep going. Let us hold the course. Our success depends on it!
Lou Gehrig owed much of his success to a stubborn resolve to not give up. I once read a biography entitled, "Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig," by author Jonathan Eig. The book presents an in-depth and endearing look at the man who became one of America’s most beloved sports heroes.
Gehrig, of course, is known most for his consecutive games played streak: for over 14 seasons he did not miss a start. He played through slumps when his hitting and fielding were atrocious, he played through illnesses and injuries, he played the day after being knocked unconscious in an exhibition game, and he even played for an entire season while battling the onset of arterial lateral sclerosis, the fatal disease that now bears his name.
Gehrig was a clumsy child who found it hard to make friends, but who eventually found his way through participation in athletics. In high school, he began to excel in football, soccer, basketball, and baseball. In baseball, he could hit the ball a mile, but was quite awkward in the field. At the young age of 18 years old he secured a tryout with the vaunted New York Giants baseball team and their crusty, old coach, John McGraw. His session in the batting cage was impressive, but McGraw dismissed his big league potential when he saw Gehrig bobble ball after ball while covering first base.
Many would have become discouraged at the biting critique of a man such as McGraw. Some would have quit the sport all together and tried a different route, but not Gehrig. He enrolled at Columbia University with the goal of improving his play and of obtaining a degree (an incredible step forward for the son of German immigrants).
Gehrig did not earn a degree at Columbia; he only spent one baseball season there. A scout for the New York Yankees saw Gehrig play, and the 20-year old kid was signed to a Major League contract. His play at first base was still sub par, but Gehrig devoted himself to working on his fielding skills. Within two seasons, Gehrig’s hard work paid off: he replaced Wally Pipp in the starting lineup. The rest is history.
We must “run the race with perseverance,” says the Hebrews writer. Moments may be discouraging. There may be distractions. But, we must keep going. Let us hold the course. Our success depends on it!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
For Such a Time Is This!
EvangelismThe story of Esther is remarkable. It is one of two Old Testament books that do not contain the name of God (can you guess the other?), but it is certainly a story with God at its center. The book provides a wonderful case study in the providence of God.
I find the words of Mordecai to Esther profound. He has been communicating with his niece through intermediaries, urging her to intervene with the king on behalf of her people. In chapter 4, he pleads, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this” (NASB).
These words spoken by Mordecai so long ago are timeless: they direct us today, if we will let them. Each of us has the possibility to affect our world, or at least our tiny corner of it. Through our faithful living and the sharing of the Gospel we can make a difference in a world troubled by the forces of evil. Our lives are not incidental. We have not been placed here to fill space. We are children of the King blessed with abilities and opportunities to make a difference.
“For such a time as this,” Mordecai counseled. Consider how blessed we are to live in this day and time. Yes, there are many troubling matters present in the world today, but think about the possibilities with which modern technologies and circumstances provide to us.
One such resource is the Internet. The Internet is accessed by over a billion people every day! A single page on the World Wide Web can be viewed the world over with little cost or labor. A blog devoted to Bible study and inspirational messages can reach an unlimited audience. What a tremendous resource for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
““For such a time is this!” Let us seize the opportunities God sends our way.
I find the words of Mordecai to Esther profound. He has been communicating with his niece through intermediaries, urging her to intervene with the king on behalf of her people. In chapter 4, he pleads, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this” (NASB).
These words spoken by Mordecai so long ago are timeless: they direct us today, if we will let them. Each of us has the possibility to affect our world, or at least our tiny corner of it. Through our faithful living and the sharing of the Gospel we can make a difference in a world troubled by the forces of evil. Our lives are not incidental. We have not been placed here to fill space. We are children of the King blessed with abilities and opportunities to make a difference.
“For such a time as this,” Mordecai counseled. Consider how blessed we are to live in this day and time. Yes, there are many troubling matters present in the world today, but think about the possibilities with which modern technologies and circumstances provide to us.
One such resource is the Internet. The Internet is accessed by over a billion people every day! A single page on the World Wide Web can be viewed the world over with little cost or labor. A blog devoted to Bible study and inspirational messages can reach an unlimited audience. What a tremendous resource for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
““For such a time is this!” Let us seize the opportunities God sends our way.
Monday, June 11, 2007
To Build a Wall, Or Not!
Today is the 20th anniversary of Ronald Reagan's powerful speech at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the moment when he said firmly, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" Ironically, today, some in our nation are demanding that a wall be built on our southern border.
The subjects of immigration and the status of millions of illegal aliens are sensitive and much debated these days. There are two extremes: on the one side are those who advocate an open border, with little done to thwart continued migration into America from other places, and nothing done to those who came here unlawfully; on the other side are those who demand that a wall be built from San Diego to El Paso and that every effort be made to punish and deport the millions of illegals who are already in our country. Put me in the middle of the debate . . . avoiding both extremes.
America is a land of immigrants. Trace our family trees far enough back, and we (rather, our ancestors) all "originated" from someplace on this globe other than the length and breadth of the United States. Yes many, if not most, came to these shores through "orthodox" ("legal" seems too restrictive) ways. But, at the risk of being accused of being "Politically Correct," who was present to stamp the visas of the earliest arrivals in this land?
To build a wall, literal or figurative, seems un-American to me. Certainly, there needs to be some control of the borders (we live in a dangerous world, after all), and there needs to be a process to welcome and assimilate those who wish to come to our country, but to build a wall . . . well, that reminds me of Berlin . . . of communism . . . of the Soviet state. Yes, I acknowledge, the Berlin Wall was built to keep a totalitarian society's citizens in (to prevent their escaping), whereas a wall built between America and Mexico is meant to keep others out. Different functions, for sure, but a wall stands nonetheless.
There is no easy answer to the problem of immigration and of the millions who are here undocumented and in the shadows. It seems to me, however, that a well-thoughtout and -intentioned process of welcoming and assimilating is best. A wall can only stand for so long before it crumbles (more so in the sense of wideing separation and deepening resentment than physical decay).
I have rambled, and I doubt that my thoughts have made any sense, but my primary interest in this debate is this: I want the Gospel of Christ to be served and opportunities for evangelism to be as prolific as they can. It would seem to be that the absence of a wall (literally and figuratively) would be more friendly to this aim.
The subjects of immigration and the status of millions of illegal aliens are sensitive and much debated these days. There are two extremes: on the one side are those who advocate an open border, with little done to thwart continued migration into America from other places, and nothing done to those who came here unlawfully; on the other side are those who demand that a wall be built from San Diego to El Paso and that every effort be made to punish and deport the millions of illegals who are already in our country. Put me in the middle of the debate . . . avoiding both extremes.
America is a land of immigrants. Trace our family trees far enough back, and we (rather, our ancestors) all "originated" from someplace on this globe other than the length and breadth of the United States. Yes many, if not most, came to these shores through "orthodox" ("legal" seems too restrictive) ways. But, at the risk of being accused of being "Politically Correct," who was present to stamp the visas of the earliest arrivals in this land?
To build a wall, literal or figurative, seems un-American to me. Certainly, there needs to be some control of the borders (we live in a dangerous world, after all), and there needs to be a process to welcome and assimilate those who wish to come to our country, but to build a wall . . . well, that reminds me of Berlin . . . of communism . . . of the Soviet state. Yes, I acknowledge, the Berlin Wall was built to keep a totalitarian society's citizens in (to prevent their escaping), whereas a wall built between America and Mexico is meant to keep others out. Different functions, for sure, but a wall stands nonetheless.
There is no easy answer to the problem of immigration and of the millions who are here undocumented and in the shadows. It seems to me, however, that a well-thoughtout and -intentioned process of welcoming and assimilating is best. A wall can only stand for so long before it crumbles (more so in the sense of wideing separation and deepening resentment than physical decay).
I have rambled, and I doubt that my thoughts have made any sense, but my primary interest in this debate is this: I want the Gospel of Christ to be served and opportunities for evangelism to be as prolific as they can. It would seem to be that the absence of a wall (literally and figuratively) would be more friendly to this aim.
The Greatest Mission of the Church
Our window of opportunity is narrow. They are with us for only a short time. Our obligation to them should be at the top of our list of priorities. For, if we allow the opportunity we are given to slip from our hands, another generation of the church will be lost. I am speaking of our youth and our responsibility to teach them and guide them and prepare them for a lifetime of faith and service to God.
Pardon my bluntness, but the evidence of our weak resolve and shallow commitment to the spiritual instruction and development of our youth is stark. There are so many churches in our land, including our own, that are filled with senior adults but are so visibly short of middle-aged and younger generations. I applaud the faith of those in the twilight of their years, but I lament the absence of those between the ages of 20-50. I attribute their absence, in part, to a neglect of our children, a neglect particularly visible in smaller congregations like our own.
We neglect our children when we invest little time or resource in our program of Bible classes. Those who teach our kids need to be constantly affirmed by the whole church, and more of us need to be involved in teaching. Our classrooms need to be comfortable and spacious places where it is easy to teach and to learn. Our curriculum needs to be practical and meaningful and contemporary. We need to make available resources that facilitate visual and experiential instruction, for a child will effectively retain only 10-20% of what they hear, but as much as 90% of what they see and feel and do. We need to understand the different maturity levels of our children (herding 7th graders and 12th graders into the same class environment is usually counterproductive).
We neglect our youth when we fail to appreciate the constant pressures that they are under. Adolescence is the most difficult and formative stage of a person’s life; it is said that 90% of a person’s “value system” is formed before the age of fifteen. So, the church must help parents equip children to make right decisions, to place themselves in proper environments, and to nurture healthy relationships. The church can do this by programming alternatives to the unwholesome activities that are so pervasive in our society. An active and vibrant youth group experience can provide a young person with a safe haven in which faith can grow and a person develop in a nurturing environment.
As I was growing up, the youth center of the Green Lawn Church of Christ was the safest and most encouraging place I knew to go. I would go there after school and hang out with my friends, I would go there on Friday and Saturday nights; it was my home away from home. I did not have to worry about being tempted to do unwholesome things while I was at the youth center. I knew that I was surrounded by people who cared about me and loved me and who shared my faith in God.
We neglect our youth when we do not prepare them for service and leadership in the church. We need to teach our young men to lead in worship. We need to instruct our boys and girls on how to teach a Bible class, on how to serve the needs of others, on how to use their artistic and creative skills to enhance the education programs and aesthetics of the church. We encourage our youth when we show them that they are not alone in this development (our kids need the affirmation of seeing their peers from other congregations engaged in the same activities).
The most important mission of the church is to raise up its own young to be faithful to God. For, if we cannot teach our own, how can we proclaim the Gospel to the world?
Often times we talk a good game, but are we serious about the task?
Pardon my bluntness, but the evidence of our weak resolve and shallow commitment to the spiritual instruction and development of our youth is stark. There are so many churches in our land, including our own, that are filled with senior adults but are so visibly short of middle-aged and younger generations. I applaud the faith of those in the twilight of their years, but I lament the absence of those between the ages of 20-50. I attribute their absence, in part, to a neglect of our children, a neglect particularly visible in smaller congregations like our own.
We neglect our children when we invest little time or resource in our program of Bible classes. Those who teach our kids need to be constantly affirmed by the whole church, and more of us need to be involved in teaching. Our classrooms need to be comfortable and spacious places where it is easy to teach and to learn. Our curriculum needs to be practical and meaningful and contemporary. We need to make available resources that facilitate visual and experiential instruction, for a child will effectively retain only 10-20% of what they hear, but as much as 90% of what they see and feel and do. We need to understand the different maturity levels of our children (herding 7th graders and 12th graders into the same class environment is usually counterproductive).
We neglect our youth when we fail to appreciate the constant pressures that they are under. Adolescence is the most difficult and formative stage of a person’s life; it is said that 90% of a person’s “value system” is formed before the age of fifteen. So, the church must help parents equip children to make right decisions, to place themselves in proper environments, and to nurture healthy relationships. The church can do this by programming alternatives to the unwholesome activities that are so pervasive in our society. An active and vibrant youth group experience can provide a young person with a safe haven in which faith can grow and a person develop in a nurturing environment.
As I was growing up, the youth center of the Green Lawn Church of Christ was the safest and most encouraging place I knew to go. I would go there after school and hang out with my friends, I would go there on Friday and Saturday nights; it was my home away from home. I did not have to worry about being tempted to do unwholesome things while I was at the youth center. I knew that I was surrounded by people who cared about me and loved me and who shared my faith in God.
We neglect our youth when we do not prepare them for service and leadership in the church. We need to teach our young men to lead in worship. We need to instruct our boys and girls on how to teach a Bible class, on how to serve the needs of others, on how to use their artistic and creative skills to enhance the education programs and aesthetics of the church. We encourage our youth when we show them that they are not alone in this development (our kids need the affirmation of seeing their peers from other congregations engaged in the same activities).
The most important mission of the church is to raise up its own young to be faithful to God. For, if we cannot teach our own, how can we proclaim the Gospel to the world?
Often times we talk a good game, but are we serious about the task?
Sunday, June 10, 2007
He Said When, Not If
Notice: he said when, not if.
I am speaking of James and the sentence he wrote in the opening verses of his letter. He wrote, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when, you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1.2).
Encouraging? James intended for his words to be encouraging. James was a wise fellow (of course, he was inspired by the Holy Spirit). He knew that life was not a bed of roses, even for . . . rather, especially for people of faith. After all, roses tend to have thorns.
My life has had its share of thorny moments, and I know that your life has, too. Many of my troubles have been self-inflicted. I have acted foolishly more times than I can count. Many of my troubles, though, have been the result of outside influences and forces beyond my control.
Life in this fallen world (yes, we still live in a world dominated by sin) is, at times, difficult and trying. After all, didn’t Paul once write something about “flaming darts”? And, didn’t Peter say something about a lion on the loose? And, didn’t Jesus warn of a world that “hates” and stands opposed to the person of faith?
James’s words serve as a warning; a gentle, yet direct, reminder that life can be rough. He wants us operating under no false illusions. He wants us to be prepared.
The thorny moments can be character-building, if we allow them to be. James continued to write, “. . . for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (vv. 3-4).
Perspective. Attitude. Faith. We give impetus to these qualities during the thorny moments of life. These are not responses manipulated by another. We hold the reigns, so to speak.
Bitterness. Confusion. Despair. Unfortunately, these are the qualities to which we most often surrender ourselves during our thorny experiences. These, too, are not manipulated by another. We’re holding the reigns.
I am speaking of James and the sentence he wrote in the opening verses of his letter. He wrote, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when, you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1.2).
Encouraging? James intended for his words to be encouraging. James was a wise fellow (of course, he was inspired by the Holy Spirit). He knew that life was not a bed of roses, even for . . . rather, especially for people of faith. After all, roses tend to have thorns.
My life has had its share of thorny moments, and I know that your life has, too. Many of my troubles have been self-inflicted. I have acted foolishly more times than I can count. Many of my troubles, though, have been the result of outside influences and forces beyond my control.
Life in this fallen world (yes, we still live in a world dominated by sin) is, at times, difficult and trying. After all, didn’t Paul once write something about “flaming darts”? And, didn’t Peter say something about a lion on the loose? And, didn’t Jesus warn of a world that “hates” and stands opposed to the person of faith?
James’s words serve as a warning; a gentle, yet direct, reminder that life can be rough. He wants us operating under no false illusions. He wants us to be prepared.
The thorny moments can be character-building, if we allow them to be. James continued to write, “. . . for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (vv. 3-4).
Perspective. Attitude. Faith. We give impetus to these qualities during the thorny moments of life. These are not responses manipulated by another. We hold the reigns, so to speak.
Bitterness. Confusion. Despair. Unfortunately, these are the qualities to which we most often surrender ourselves during our thorny experiences. These, too, are not manipulated by another. We’re holding the reigns.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Rough Ride
Hannah Foster, 6-year old bull rider!
Okay, it was a mechanical bull, and the operator had it going at its slowest speed. But, I'm still a proud father. Hannah laster 27 seconds! Is Roy Cooper up for a challenge?
Okay, it was a mechanical bull, and the operator had it going at its slowest speed. But, I'm still a proud father. Hannah laster 27 seconds! Is Roy Cooper up for a challenge?
Friday, June 1, 2007
From the Grand Canyon
From the Grand Canyon. Awesome sight. Awesome God! Picasso was a rank amateur compared to this Artist!
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