The Father’s Love

I love NASCAR! I grew up in eastern North Carolina. My father took me to the track when I was very young and I fell in love with the sport. Back then my favorite driver was Richard Petty. Weekly his Dodge #43 battled for the lead and often he won. Now the sport has exploded and become a nationwide sensation. In all parts of the country NASCAR plays to hundreds of thousands. That is a long way from the early years when drivers stood for hours outside of the ticket booths and signed autographs for fans who just bought tickets, usually during the week before the race. As a kid, I remember meeting Benny Parson, now an announcer, and actually touching his car. What a thrill! Now my son, Daniel, roots for Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson (not the one from Port Arthur). He even got Johnson’s autograph after a race in Charlotte.
Boy that was a special night. I remember it so very well, as if it were yesterday. Why? Because that night was special for my son. Oh yes, I had fun too, but it wasn’t the same as it was when I was a kid… it was better! There was nothing like the grin and excitement of watching my child meet one of his heroes, if only for a moment. Johnson took the time to speak to Daniel, asking his name and his age. He didn’t have to take the time either, Daniel was standing there with his hat and pen waiting and being a boy, Johnson could have walked on by, but he didn’t. He made a fan for life… make that two.
You may or may not know that I have four kids; Daniel 10, Hannah, 8, Abigail, 6, and Lydia 1. Yes life is busy, but as I write on Lydia’s first birthday, nothing is more special to me than those children, except Christ. But the most wonderful thought is that that is the way it is supposed to be. You see, I did not take a special course on loving my children or a magic “good daddy” pill. No I simply get to be a conduit for the love of God for those children. The love I have for them doesn’t and never did come from within me. That love, that wondrous and most incredible love comes not from any human being, but from the Triune God. This is the love that is shared between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is as if you are simply a light bulb. The energy to make the light does not come from within. In fact, the power to produce electricity is not even in your home or office unless you are using a generator. That power often comes from a long distance and we cannot see it by simply looking out our window. We have to trust that the power company is operating when we plug in or turn on anything electric. That too is how God’s love operates. We are simply enjoying the love that is generated between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit acts as the power line to bring all that is God to us, like revelation, knowledge and yes, love. And what love it is that flows! God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son. (John 3:16)
As we approach Easter, I hope you will think of those people and things you love. Stop for a moment and consider… your spouse, your child(ren), a relative, a friend, a hobby, a sport, even your job. Anything that you love is loved first by God. Now think about how great it is to see others when they love something… a pet, a gift, etc… Isn’t that even better! We love because God loves and you are His beloved.

In the Midst of Fear, We Can Be Assured of God’s Love

I serve as the new pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Port Arthur. This year we have all become keenly aware of the destructive force of a major hurricane. While I am new to the Texas area, I am a native of North Carolina and I have had prior experience with these awful storms. Hurricanes are a fact of life when you live on a shore line, but the recent devastation to the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama coast have brought renewed awareness and fear to us all. As I write, Hurricane Rita is battering lower Florida and headed for Texas. The loss of life and property looks to be overwhelming.
Fear is a basic human instinct, but it is one that can be rational or irrational. Some people fear things such as spiders, snakes, even bugs. Others may fear less rational things such as flying, crowds, or even a trip to the dentist’s office. In fact, studies have shown that the number one fear is that of public speaking… even more so than death which comes in at number two. Ironically, when I preach a funeral, people present to say goodbye to their loved one may fear getting into the pulpit more than getting into the box!But, fortunately, we don’t have to live in fear of salvation on a daily basis. We know that God is a loving God who doesn’t send awful storms… or tornadoes… or disease… or disability. Jesus, God in the flesh, spent his days trying to help people who suffered affliction, spiritual deprivation, even death itself. Our God is a loving God who Jesus referred to as Father and told us to do the same. A Father loves his children, when we are well and especially when we suffer. God does not delight is human suffering, even for those who we might think “deserve it”. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, some said the city of New Orleans deserved God’s wrath. Respectfully, I disagree! We live in an imperfect world where bad things happen to good people and bad people alike. God loves all of His children, that’s everyone… whether they know it or not. Therefore, you and I can live lives with the full knowledge that God loves us. Each day, no matter if a hurricane is on the way or the sky is blue, we know that God loves us and our eternal salvation waits. Once we know this, we can live here on earth with a new found freedom. We no longer fear death, but know it to be a homecoming. We can live for our Lord and set our priorities accordingly.

Sometimes, Greed Sees What It Wants To See

This past week the National Football League (NFL) handed down a one year suspension for substance abuse to Green Bay wide receiver Koren Robinson. First, let me say that Robinson went to college at my alma mater North Carolina State. During his days there, he was in trouble on occasion, but nothing seemed too serious. Unfortunately, after being a first round draft choice of the Seattle Seahawks he began to show signs that his life was out of control. After numerous other incidents he was released. Last year he joined the Minnesota Vikings and again was cited for driving under the influence (DUI). On the field however, he performed so well that he made the Pro Bowl as a special teams return specialist. Finally, Robinson in denial of his addiction and was cited again for another DUI and was subsequently released from the Vikings.
Remember, I did say that Robinson was a Green Bay player. After Robinson had been released twice for substance abuse, maybe you are wondering as I did why the Green Bay Packers would sign Robinson with full knowledge of his situation (facing a mandatory one year suspension and jail time). The answer: Green Bay knew that due to the appeals process, Robinson would be available for the first few games of the season. In essence the Packers said, “forget his personal baggage we can use his speed and talent for a couple of games.” And use him they did!
What does this have to do with the Christian faith? This situation reminds me of Galatians 6:7-8 “What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.”
The ultimate question is why did Green Bay do this? The answer is they wanted to win… at all costs. I actually know the Defensive Coordinator and his family and they are good Christian folks, but somebody (likely the General Manager) made the decision to bring Robinson aboard. I certainly believe in second chances and Robinson has been given chances. But, this is a man who is still in denial of his own alcoholism. He needed to focus on getting well, not learning the Packers offensive plays. Where have the ethics gone in our society? This is callously using a human being without seeing the obvious larger needs in his life. Now, Robinson faces a year away from football. What will he do? I hope he will check himself into treatment program (fully paid for by the Green Bay Packers). But I won’t count on it. He pleaded NOT guilty to DUI and speeding over 100 mph. I just pray that we will not read about Koren Robinson having killed himself or others while drinking and driving. That is a sad story, but it can be turned around. Let us all pray for more than weeds in our lives and others around us! Sow love, kindness, and honesty and you will reap what you have sown. God loves his child Koren, the Packer management, you, me, and everyone else and wants the best for us.

The Power That Frees You

Have you ever heard of “The Power Team?” This is a group of men who are known for their amazing acts of physical strength. They rip thick telephone books in two. They bend steel bars with their bare hands. They break chains in half. They are a real sight to see.
While, human strength can be built up to demonstrate mighty Herculean feats, there are some chains which can only be broken by God. In the story from Luke 8:26-39, we see Jesus dealing with a man who is possessed by demons. In our world, we find it hard to fathom someone who is possessed by demons. Today, we know that there are so many physical and psychological diagnoses that the thought of possession harkens back to a non-enlightened understanding of medicine. But, putting all of that aside, Luke tells us that this man is possessed by demons who call themselves Legion. This man exhibits the destructive behavior of the evil inside of him. He causes anguish to himself and to those around him. The Locals have tried to restrain him with chains, but to no avail. He finds himself isolated and alone due to his behavior. In this situation, only Jesus Christ and His power can restore this man and rid him of the demons.
Evil has no power over God. As soon as the demons realize that it is Christ with who they are engaged, they cry out for mercy and beg Jesus not to destroy them. While the month of October is full of Halloween movies and images of scary things, none of that has real power over those who love the Lord. Evil cannot simply possess an individual. People who are possessed have submitted to such and allow Satan to control their lives, either consciously or unconsciously. Christ intercedes for those who love Him and breaks those chains which hold us from living the lives that God has chosen for each person. Once the man from Gerasene was healed, he pleaded with Jesus that he might go with Jesus. Surprisingly, Jesus refuses the request and tells the man to return home and tell others what God had done.
When I read this story, I do not think of anyone who has returned from demonic possession, but I think of all those people, including myself, who have been profoundly impacted by God’s grace, love, and renewal. If you are honest with yourself, you know that you are one of these people too. When has God stepped into your life and changed things? I suspect that you have many stories of God’s work in your life. Now… have you done what Christ commanded concerning your story(ies)? Go tell!!! Tell others what God had done for you! Until next time, Blessings!

A Mother’s Pain

I pray to God that I never have to experience the pain that Linda went through on Saturday night. I pray the same for you too. That is, if you have a child, I pray that you never know the pain of a child’s death. On Saturday evening, after a multi-year bout with depression, medications, psychiatric treatment, and paranoid schizophrenic behavior, Zachary walked outside with pistol in hand and shot himself dead. Twenty four years of life was ended with an explosion that rocked one side of the house and stunned a family who never expected such an ending. Just a few hours earlier, Zachary prayed over the family meal. It was, according to his mother, the most beautiful prayer she had ever heard. In retrospect, maybe Zachary knew that he would be at peace soon. Maybe he knew of his plans and had made his peace with God.
I learned of his death on Wednesday through glancing at the local paper I occasionally view online. I was Zachary’s pastor in a prior pastorate. He was one of three brothers, he was the middle child. His younger brother, Nathan, and I are very close. Nathan even flew out to visit last year just after I moved here. When I called on Wednesday evening after Zachary burial, Nathan was still in shock, but he was at peace. He knew that Zachary was no longer suffering. It had been a hard two plus years of seeing his brother’s mind deteriorate into such paranoia. But the comments I will remember the most are that of Linda, his mother. She said that in the midst of her grief, the most painful thing that she could imagine- but worse, she felt the presence of God with her. Giving her the strength to do what was needed, making arrangements and such. Edward, the father, is a private man and I know that is why he didn’t speak to me on the phone. I’m sure his pain is unimaginable. Linda spoke of the friends that came. “I never knew I was loved by so many” she said. She also said that she “had never truly leaned on other people before, now, when I had to, I understand now how important it is to have a church family.” I heard all this with what felt like a bowling ball in my own throat! John 14:27 speaks of God giving peace beyond anything in this world. I believe God gave that to this family. God gave that peace to Zachary before he died. And I know that God was crying with that family and He supported them in burying a son and brother. Frankly, suicide is neither glamorous nor right, yet Zachary was a very sick young man. While I will not debate the morality of the act, I have full assurance that God welcomed him into the Pearly Gates and into a place where his mind is now sound and clear of all things harmful, whether they were earthly or demonic. There will be hard days for his family, but God will see them through it. I knew Zachary when he was well and sick. There will come a day when I will know him again… now that he is better.

Faith-Day In Day Out

The other day I walked into a restaurant for lunch and I looked around at the crowd. There was an array of folks who were on their lunch break from work, business suits and dresses, refinery jumpsuits, and even the restaurant workers in matching outfits. Does your Sunday morning worship have any relevance during your work week? Is there any connection between the two? This is a question with which I believe most people struggle. Perhaps there are good reasons for this seeming divide.
The world of the Church is about grace freely given by God. On the other hand, the world of the workplace is about production and evaluations which focus on our ability to get our job done and done well. Church is about love and forgiveness given abundantly. Work is about efficiency and effectiveness in order to rise above the competition in an effort to maximize profit. Church is the world where the meek shall inherit the earth. Work can be dog eat dog… a place where only the strong survive. When you think about it, is it any wonder that often there is a disconnect between these two seemingly different environments?
In Luke 16:1-3, Jesus tells this story, “There was once a rich man who had a manager. He got reports that the manager had been taking advantage of his position by running up huge personal expenses. So he called him in and said, 'What's this I hear about you? You're fired. And I want a complete audit of your books. The manager said to himself, what am I going to do? I've lost my job as manager. I'm not strong enough for a laboring job, and I'm too proud to beg. Ah, I've got a plan. Here's what I'll do… then when I'm turned out into the street, people will take me into their houses. Then he went at it. One after another, he called in the people who were in debt to his master. He said to the first, how much do you owe my master? He replied, a hundred jugs of olive oil. The manager said, here, take your bill, sit down here—quick now— write fifty. To the next he said, and you, what do you owe? He answered, a hundred sacks of wheat. He said, Take your bill, write in eighty. Now here's a surprise: The master praised the crooked manager! And why? Because he knew how to look after himself. Streetwise people are smarter in this regard than law-abiding citizens. They are on constant alert, looking for angles, surviving by their wits. I want you to be smart in the same way—but for what is right—using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival, to concentrate your attention on the bare essentials, so you'll live, really live, and not complacently just get by on good behavior.”
Going to work is no simple thing! As Christians, Jesus calls us to do more than mindlessly follow the crowd. We are asked to do four things; 1) We must always strive to do our best, 2) build community by being trustworthy and kind to those around us, 3) work for justice by seeing that everyone, including the customer, is treated fairly, and 4) we have to share our convictions about the importance of Jesus in our own lives. If we do these four things we can be assured that our work will relate to our faith. Sunday will be the day when we charge our internal batteries in worship so that we can go out into the mission field to fulfill our calling as disciples. This week, you will be unique. You will be among people whom only you can speak… whom only you can influence. Be faithful and use the tools you are given on Sunday to make a difference for those around you Monday through Friday. Until next time, Blessings!

We Went to Meet Jesus

A few weeks ago, our church took 32 people on a family mission trip to Bogalusa, Louisiana. Our ages ranged from retired to my daughter of 16 months. Before going, I was asked why we were going to Louisiana when there was much work to be done here. And yes, there is much work to be done from Hurricane Rita. And yes, we in the church have and will continue to help. However, before Hurricane Katrina or Rita hit, we had planned to go on a mission trip to eastern Kentucky. Once Katrina hit (before Rita) we diverted and made plans to go to Louisiana. So we went!
I am reminded of the scripture from Matthew 25:31-46 where Jesus discusses who will enter into heaven. In this scripture, Jesus says people will be divided into two categories, sheep or goats. Jesus says, “Where did we see you Lord?” “ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Mission work is important and while it alone will not save your soul, it is an outward sign of the inner manifestation of Christ in your life.
That is the point of mission work, stewardship, and really most things of which Christ commanded. Do things for others because the kind of heart Christ wants us to have is one of giving. You see, mission work can be done “down the street”, but it is also important at times to get people out of their comfort zone, away from ringing phones (especially cell phones), television, and the bustle of daily life. You can talk about helping someone or send a check, but on a mission trip you put yourself into a time and place where you commit to being in relationship with those individuals in their difficult circumstances. There is a change, the Holy Spirit blows upon both the helper and the one being helped. It is an act of service and yet it is a blessing to serve and humbling for those who are being served. We went to a new place to meet God. That new place for our people was in Bogalusa, a city hit by the high winds of Hurricane Katrina. Thanks to some skilled workers to whom I am indebted, we installed new sheetrock on ceilings and walls, lifted a sagging floor, scraped and repainted, sorted clothes at the Salvation Army, cut trees, and got to know many new brothers and sisters in Christ. The work was… work, hot and sweaty in the Louisiana summer heat, but I don’ think that the heat will be remembered. I think that no one will ever forget the people and personalities that we discovered there. The people we served were wonderful people who were suffering through a difficult situation. We went to Bogalusa to meet Jesus… and He was HOME!

Why Bother With Evangelism?

One of the great preachers of all-time was a man by the name of Dwight L. Moody. He was also a bit of an odd ball. On more than one occasion he would walk out into the streets of 19th century Chicago with a sandwich board strapped across his shoulders with messages on them. One of his favorites was one which said on the front, “I am a fool for Christ” and asked a question on the back, “Whose fool are you?” You see, Moody lived through the Chicago fire of 1871 when hundreds of people lost their lives. He decided that he would always present the gospel message to everyone he could because he wanted everyone to accept their salvation.
Who among us today has such determination to present this message? Moody, while sometimes considered weird made it a practice to interrupt with the gospel message for which he was so zealous. He was told by one particular woman, “I don’t like the way you do evangelism!” To this he replied, “I understand that there are some objectionable ways in which I do evangelism. Tell me, how do you do it?” She said, “I don’t do evangelism.” To this he retorted, “Well then, I like my way better!”
Today all Christians have great opportunities for evangelism. Are we taking those opportunities? If not let me give you reasons for sharing with someone the fact that God loves them and has already made arrangements to receive them into heaven. First, if you had the cure for cancer would you tell anyone who is suffering from such a dreaded disease? Of course you would! In Jesus Christ, you have the cure for the sickness of sin and death itself. Your friends, co-workers, neighbors, and acquaintances are dying in this life dominated by dread, fear, lust for material goods, and earthly power. Sure it might feel weird or even scary, but have you spoken to anyone about the saving power of Jesus that exists both here and in the afterlife? I think people are hungry to know God and have peace within their life. But to whom will someone listen? Maybe someone has been wondering what it is that makes your life different from theirs. No, it’s not that you are less of a sinner or a “perfect” person. That is false pietism. It is simply the fact that you know who you are and whose you are. You are a fool for Christ! So start acting like it and spread the Good News, not fear of Hell, but the love God has for each and every person. Simply understand that God’s grace is for you and know that God gives life, earthly and eternal to anyone who will accept it.

Why Is It Called “Good Friday?”

When I was a kid, I remember people using the phrase “Thank God It’s Friday.” There was a song on the radio and even a movie by the same name. It seemed that everyone was waiting to get to that wonderful day, Friday. Friday would be the last day of work and subsequently the first night of the weekend. A night that would be spent… going to the football game, dancing, dinner, partying, at the movies, or anything you can think of fun. So when I went to church and they said next week is “Good Friday”, I naturally smarted back, “Aren’t they all!”
Not exactly! While most Friday’s are certainly enjoyable, there is one particular Friday that stands alone. This particular Friday is one of the three most important days for Christianity. Yes, Christmas, whatever day that falls on is important as well as Easter Sunday, but let me tell you why Good Friday is so crucial. You see… there would be no Easter morning without Good Friday. Some might think that it was a bad day. After all, Jesus, the Son of God, did go to the cross after being tortured, beaten, and humiliated and died as a common criminal. How can there be any good in that?
That is the day that Jesus went to cross and took all the sins of the world and heaped them upon himself and destroyed them. The fact that Christ died on that day for our salvation makes it “good” for you and I. In that event, Christ’s death cleaned us all from our transgressions. This “good news” is what early Christianity is founded upon. In the crucifixion, Christ, God Himself, made us whole and worthy. He gave His blood so that you and I can have life eternal. We could never have earned our own way to heaven. It took a dramatic and decisive act on the part of God to enable us to be made worthy of life eternal. The power of sin and death had to be destroyed so that we understood that living our earthly lives in obedience and discipleship could be done free from the law. What is the law? Living under the law is a life of wondering constantly if we are loved and accepted and relying on our own actions and often trivial movements to win God’s favor. Christ broke those chains and freed us to live a life of deep, heart-felt, thankful response instead of a shallow existence built upon following rules to the letter. Good Friday is the day we were set free and justified by God.
It reminds me of a story of a small boy who came to our church during a communion service. As the elements were being passed around, the father reminded the boy about his baptism and what the elements of bread and juice meant. The boy came forward to receive the bread and juice. After taking the bread into his mouth and drinking the juice he responded, “that was good’ with loud excitement. Suddenly it hit me that this boy had echoed the appropriate sentiment. Indeed… it is very Good! Find yourself a church and attend this week!

Who Stole Christmas?”

One of my favorite holiday traditions is watching the wonderful Dr. Seuss tale about the mean old green skinned Grinch who lives on the top of the mountain overlooking Whoville. He cannot stand the noise or sight of the Who’s celebrating the Christmas holiday season. He sneaks in during the dark of night and steals all things associated with Christmas and proudly journeys back to the top of the mountain in anticipation of hearing all the “boo-hoos” rising up from the village when the Whos realize that Christmas is not coming. But there are no “boo-hoos” just joyous singing. The Grinch then realizes that Christmas is not about all of the boxes and bows, toys, glitz, glamour, and food. Christmas came. The Whos joined hands and The Light came down and joined with them. Of course we know the rest. The Grinch’s heart grew three sizes that day and he returned all the stuff he had stolen. He even joins in the celebration by carving the roast beast!
This lesson is timeless. It is not about stuff at all. Christmas is Christmas because it’s not about us. It’s about Jesus and Jesus alone. He was a child born of a miracle birth, fully human… fully God. Jesus grew up to preach salvation and love. He called people accountable for their lives and had mercy and compassion on the poor, healed the diseased, and forgave the repentant. He showed us who God is so that we would know the Triune God. He suffered and died as a criminal, yet He returned to tell us that death has no hold upon us if we believe in Him. He continually pointed to God the Father and promised the Holy Spirit would be with us always. He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and Living Water for those who thirst. There is no other!
Is this what you think about when you think about Christmas? It should be! Put aside for awhile Rudolph, Santa, and Frosty. Fairy tales are fun and have a place in children’s imaginations but they should not be our primary focus.
Our focus should be on Jesus Christ and His birth. For the true story of Christmas can be found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Know these stories by heart and tell your children so they can repeat them back to you. Let the children know that Christmas is about more than a trip to the mall or waiting on a fat guy in a red suit. Without these timeless truths it may be that the Grinch who steals Christmas will turn out to be….YOU!
God loves you, forgives you, and wants to know you.