He Dropped the Ball

The NFL playoffs are in full swing. Are you even paying attention? The Houston Texans are sitting at home watching the New Orleans Saints and maybe wishing they had drafted Reggie Bush. If you are a fan of the Texans, you have yet to experience the elation of the playoffs.
On the other hand, if you are a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, you are well versed in playoff frenzy. Every year you expect Dallas to go deep into the playoffs and vie for the Super Bowl (maybe you, like a few members in my church expect to win the Super Bowl every year). But… this won’t be their year, as you can now attest. In fact, you may still be wearing black to work every day and may still be in mourning for your beloved ‘Boys. Most fans can’t believe it happened the way it did. For those who don’t know… the Cowboys only needed a very short field goal to defeat the Seattle Seahawks two weeks ago with a few seconds left on the clock. The field goal unit trotted onto the field with little doubt that the kick would win the game and they would move forward in the playoffs. But, something happened on the way to the victory party! Starting quarterback Tony Romo also is the place holder for the kicker. He catches the snap and places the ball down on the ground as the kicker boots it through the uprights. On this particular play, he dropped the ball!!! He has practiced hundreds of times and this hasn’t happened all season, but it happened then… he dropped the ball! He failed to score and the game is history and Seattle moved on to face and lose to the Chicago Bears,
Do you think Tony Romo will be back next year? Will he be cut or traded for his debacle? Do you think they will ever let him hold the ball again… or play quarterback? Can they ever trust him again? I think the Cowboys will move on and forgive Romo and he will continue in his duties. I also think that Romo will bounce back from this failure and he will become a better player in the long run.
Matthew 22:39 says that the second greatest commandment, the first being to love God, is to love your neighbor as yourself. In other words, put yourself in another person’s position. Treat people the way that you want to be treated, love them as you want to be loved. Anyone who saw that football game saw many mistakes by Cowboy players besides Tony Romo. A missed block, a missed tackle, a dropped pass, or even a called play that failed can take some responsibility in the loss. Like many sports, football is a team game where individuals must rely on one another. Life is that way too, when we work together as a team, we can accomplish great things. We forgive the mistakes and give praise for the effort. How would you feel if you had dropped that ball? Some fans may have wanted to kill Romo, figuratively and, sadly literally. But, most fans will forgive and forget. Isn’t that the way you and I want to be treated? I think that is what God wants for His children. Why else would He have commanded it? God loves you!

Counterfeits of Christ

It seems like a long time ago, but when I was a kid, there were only three television channels to watch, ABC, CBS, and NBC. There was very little in the way of late night programming outside of Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. The other two channels often carried television evangelists.
For a long time, “televangelists” were very well respected. Occasionally you would see a powerful, uplifting, spiritually charged Billy Graham crusade. On the other hand you might see a Rev. Ike plead weekly to send him money so you could receive “a lucky coin” (which was of no value of course).
During the 1980’s we had scandals that rocked the country. Both Rev. Jim Bakker and Rev. Jimmy Swagart were caught with women to whom they were not married and their ministries crumbled. Recently, Rev. Ted Haggard from Colorado, who was involved in national politics, was exposed for his behavior. It seems that the word “televangelist” has taken a beating and is often looked at with suspicion.
Successful televangelists have remembered not to get too caught up in the “celebrity” of it all. I am reminded that the first such evangelist in the New Testament was careful to point to Jesus as the real Savior, the One to be celebrated. His name was John the Baptist. In the gospel of John 1:19-27, John the Baptist was questioned by the crowds and Jewish leaders about his status. John did not hesitate to make it clear that he was “only the messenger” who was making the path clear for the Messiah, Jesus. John makes it unmistakable that he is merely a human who “baptizes with water” yet he is not even good enough to untie Jesus’ sandals. How easy it might have been for John to get caught up in his own celebrity. Suddenly a guy from the wilderness becomes popular as the crowds gathered to hear him. Even the leaders wanted to know if he was Elijah who had returned. John serves as a wonderful example for preachers and parishioners. We should never forget that we are to be the messengers of the Good News of Jesus Christ. There are people out there that simply want to sell us the next version of Christianity. It may be self-help, feel good entertainment, or even social/justice versions of faith, but anything other than Jesus, that is, the Jesus of the Bible, is counterfeit. The real Jesus is alive in the pages of the Bible, and through that text, you will know He is alive in the world as well. A relationship with Jesus is vitally important in a world that seeks to seduce you into believing that it’s all about you. That relationship is the only thing of real value in this whole universe.

“Two turtle doves and a Partridge in…a dumpster?”

The other night, I sat and watched an interview with Danny Bonaduce. You may remember him. He was the wise cracking, red headed kid on the 70’s television show The Partridge Family. When the show was canceled, Danny had a difficult time transitioning into life without “the psychedelic bus” and the rest of the Partridge clan.
He fell into a life of drugs, sex, and wild behavior. When asked what his most bizarre experience was, he said, “I would get up in the morning from (sleeping in) my car parked by the dumpster in the back of Mann’s Chinese Theatre (in Hollywood) and go out front and sign autographs for people. They were so excited to meet a TV star out in the street. They had no idea that I was living around back in my car and eating out of the dumpster.”
Late in the interview, the reporter asked him about the cross around his neck. He pulled it from inside his shirt and smiled. He said that at one time, he thought God was making a big joke in his life, but now he is a man with faith. Not that he’s perfect, but now he is an imperfect man with a perfect God. How did such a change happen in his life? His wife is a devout Christian. He went to church with her many times and got nothing from it, but one day… it was “as if a light went on.” He now believes that God is healing his soul.
Today, Bonaduce is fairing much better. He has a wife and children, but his self destructive behavior still gets him into trouble. He has had success in reality TV and is a disc jockey by trade.
After hearing this interview, I was struck by the fact that Danny made no claims of change. In other words, just because he is now a Christian, his life hasn’t taken a 180 degree turn. There was no “magic” conversion. He is still mischievous and, at times, self destructive. But he is off alcohol and drugs and is trying live a clean life. He says, “I knows what I am capable of and it is scary.”
I think one reason we are fascinated by someone like Danny is because we all see a little of him in us… the excess… the self motivation…the immorality and so on. We are fallen creatures who on our own have no shot at goodness and redemption.
Isn’t that what Christmas is really about. What God offers to us in Jesus Christ is a second chance (or a third or fourth or more)! In Jesus, we have “the undoing of Adam”. Suddenly the good news spoken by the angel to the shepherds is true in Luke 2:10. “Do not be afraid, I bring you Good News of great joy that will be for all people. Today a Savior has been born to you.” That is the Christmas gift! Through no work of our own, God has chosen to bring us into right relationship and adopt each one of us. We are the children God always wanted! I think Danny Bonaduce knows that now and I hope you do too. So…come on get happy! God loves you. Merry Christmas!

Me and Ricky down by the Schoolyard

A few Saturday nights back, I was standing by the fence watching my son play football with the Orange County All-Star (6th grade) team. Ricky was there to watch his grandson. We began to talk about the game and what was happening on the field. Slowly, we began to talk about our lives. Once I told him I was a pastor in Port Arthur, he told me that he was active in his church and worked in Port Arthur for the school system.
Over the next couple of hours we watched football. Have you ever noticed how little action actually takes place during a football game? The players would get up to the line, the ball would be snapped and our conversation hesitated for the brief 5 to 15 seconds of action. The whistle blew and we picked up right where we left off.
Our conversation centered on our faith. I had never met Ricky before, but I could tell that this was a man who really studied his Bible and he often used scripture to make a point. I was most impressed by his theological views and insights. My favorite was when he quoted the scripture about God creating people in Genesis 1:26, “God said, let us make man in our image.” It is just as the Gospel of John states, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him…” We human beings are created in the image of Jesus. We both thought the fact that Jesus is in the Old Testament is sometimes overlooked. Jesus was there from the start. I had a great time talking to Ricky. Time passed quickly as we found ourselves chatting.
Did you know that in ancient Rome when Christians were persecuted for their beliefs, they couldn’t simply walk up to just anyone and speak about their faith? In those days they had a secret sign. A Christian would walk up to a person and casually use his or her foot to sweep the dirt or dust in a semi-circle. If the other person were a Christian believer as well, they would use their foot to complete the figure. What was the figure you might ask? It was the sign of “the fish” which can often still be seen on cars and trucks today. Fortunately, we didn’t need to be secretive. Just bold enough to claim our faith. By the way, not that it matters much, but Ricky is an African-American man and I am white. What was most important was clear from our conversation…we are brothers in Christ Jesus. We also discussed racial issues and politics. It was a lousy football game… we lost. But the company was heavenly! Share your faith. We are all God’s children.

Jesus’ Passion Should Be Our Passion

Pastor Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church tells the following story. “A few years ago I went back to the church where I grew up. I looked around at the church and realized how little things had changed and yet how many things had changed. The service was still going on the same time each Sunday. The music was the same hymnal that had been used for years. In other words, I’m sure the choir had bought new robes and there had been many preachers since I was a kid, but little seemed to have changed. But then, I began to look around. Yes, some things had changed. The attendance had stayed steady but the church had not grown. All around the church over 10,000 people had moved to the area and yet for some reason, this particular congregation had failed to make a significant impact.” Hybels goes on to say, “many people in the pews want to make an impact, they just don’t know what to do… so they do nothing. They sit in their comfortable pews and watch a line of pastors go in and out of the door and wait for them to bring in the people, and it never happens.” (Hybels, Courageous Leadership 66-67)
Maybe you can relate to this story. Maybe you have sat in those pews and waited. Maybe you waited to be led. Stop waiting! Be a leader. It is not just pastors who are called to lead the Church, you are a leader as well. Let me remind you of a scripture, Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” God has placed leadership skills within many of you. You can lead people in many ways such as service, witness, evangelistic outreach, and education. You have been given leadership gifts to some degree, even if it only to speak to the unchurched in an effort to spread the news that Christ loves them and accepts them.
What is at stake if you lead? I agree with Bill Hybels when he says, “it is the world itself!” We often hear of a jury giving a large settlement to someone over the loss of life, so how much is a life worth? According to our court system human life is worth millions of dollars. Can a price be put on introducing Christ to someone? That is priceless! What does it cost us? Maybe someone will be offended, maybe we will be laughed at, maybe worse, but no matter the cost, Jesus asks us to speak up for our faith. You can lead people into relationship with Jesus. You can make a difference in the lives of those in the Church and those outside of the Church. Was Jesus passionate about this? Absolutely! Jesus was never laissez-faire about the immediacy of getting up and following Him. He loved the lost and wanted to reach people so much so that it took Him to the cross. I don’t think Jesus has changed one bit! And yes, devoting your life to God will come at a price. Why would we think we are any different from Jesus? But, if that’s all that’s holding you back then know this, it is better to live for Jesus and inherit eternal salvation, than to live for something else and inherit death. Luke 9:25 says, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?”

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.