What a great start we have had to summer! As a boy, I remember summers as a long season of slow days and fun activities, and the months seem to crawl along at a slow pace, allowing us to drain every drop of sunshine from each day. My, oh my, how things have changed! Given the earlier start of schools, summer seems so much shorter these days, but the fact that I am in my mid 40’s also makes the weeks go by quicker. Vacation Bible School was a wonderful week at First Baptist Church, and our Minister to Children, Susan Allen, along with Beth Sands (VBS Director) poured their heart and soul into the week. Our youth return today from a week-long mission trip to Birmingham, Alabama, and a group leaves next week for a family mission trip to Santiago, Dominican Republic. The Youth Choir also heads out next week to Orlando for the annual SonPower Conference, and our mission team to Russia leaves July 1. Summer days are indeed busy days!
Given the hot temperatures of the past few days, I decided to spend some time this afternoon in the pool. I usually don’t swim in the daytime—not for modesty reasons but because of the sun and its best friend, sunburn! But I couldn’t resist the urge, so I lathered myself in sun block and jumped in. The water was warm, and the fun was plenty. I got a little burned by the sun, but my pregame strategy of sun block overload seemed to work well. As I splashed, floated, and relaxed in the pool, I remembered the many days in my childhood when I spent all day at the local pool. For some reason, sunburn didn’t seem to be an issue back then, and my friends and I filled those long days with special memories that still bring a smile to my face. A lot of years have passed since those days, but I hope this summer will be just as blessed as those fond ones from years ago. God has truly blessed me and family in so many ways, and I hope you will see His blessings on your life this summer as well.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Godology
I began reading Christian George’s newest book, entitled Godolgy, with much excitement. He sent me a personalized autographed copy (actually he sent two—the first one got lost in the mail), so I began reading it with much interest as soon as I received it. His previous book, Sex, Sushi, & Salvation, was one of the best books I had read in a long time, so I had high hopes for Godology. I was not disappointed. Christian George is a gifted and talented author, w
eaving modern language and ancient classics into a seamless portrait of the person of God. Even though the book is limited in length, George does not short us on the depth of his presentation. In a mere 160 pages, the reader is introduced to the eternal attributes of God—His three-in-oneness, His holiness, His power, His love, and even His mystery.
What Godology lacks in length is made up for in content. Using many personal stories and modern images, Christian George explains the unfathomable riches of an eternal God in a compelling, interesting way. But his presentation is not just an academic exercise. George also demonstrates how the practice of classic spiritual disciplines reminds us and teaches us about the greatness and nearness of the Almighty God. Godology not only explores the deep recesses of God’s nature but also challenges you to return to the disciplines of solitude, labyrinth walking, fasting, prayer, and journaling. To know God is to desire God. To worship God is to obey God. A “godological” experience is not measured in the twilight zone—it is measured in how I respond to God with each breath I take. I am a huge fan of Christian George and believe that he is God’s gift to the Body of Christ. To sum it up: What Charles Spurgeon did with a pulpit, Christian George will do with a pen. He will touch a generation. He will frame the spiritual conversation of the day. He will leave a legacy that lives longer than himself.
eaving modern language and ancient classics into a seamless portrait of the person of God. Even though the book is limited in length, George does not short us on the depth of his presentation. In a mere 160 pages, the reader is introduced to the eternal attributes of God—His three-in-oneness, His holiness, His power, His love, and even His mystery.What Godology lacks in length is made up for in content. Using many personal stories and modern images, Christian George explains the unfathomable riches of an eternal God in a compelling, interesting way. But his presentation is not just an academic exercise. George also demonstrates how the practice of classic spiritual disciplines reminds us and teaches us about the greatness and nearness of the Almighty God. Godology not only explores the deep recesses of God’s nature but also challenges you to return to the disciplines of solitude, labyrinth walking, fasting, prayer, and journaling. To know God is to desire God. To worship God is to obey God. A “godological” experience is not measured in the twilight zone—it is measured in how I respond to God with each breath I take. I am a huge fan of Christian George and believe that he is God’s gift to the Body of Christ. To sum it up: What Charles Spurgeon did with a pulpit, Christian George will do with a pen. He will touch a generation. He will frame the spiritual conversation of the day. He will leave a legacy that lives longer than himself.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Silence & Solitude
I gained a new appreciation and understanding today of the spiritual discipline of silence and solitude. I have been reading a book by Christian George entitled Godology, and one of his chapters touches upon this often neglected and forgotten discipline of being quiet and still before God. Our world is a busy, noisy place, and our lives are filled with constant motions and notions about how to spend our time wisely. Taking the time to be quiet and still before the Lord gets lost in the shuffle, and we miss the blessing that a moment of solitude brings.
Today I was traveling home from the graveside service of Benjie Thompson, who was buried in Jenkins County at Elam Baptist Church, when I took advantage of the call to solitude. Benjie’s death was so sad, but this 40 year old father had struggled for several years with a brain tumor and cancer. I was honored to have been asked by his family to conduct his funeral. As I got into my car in Jenkins County, I quickly turned on the air conditioning to the full-blast-make-it-like-the-artic setting. A few miles down the road, I reached over to the radio and scanned a few of the local stations. But as I ran through the radio settings, I noticed the beautiful blue sky above me that held billowing clouds. The green trees lined the horizon, and the scenery was just beautiful as I drove south back toward Statesboro. I decided to shut the radio off, take in the wonderful view, and remind myself of God’s blessings that were all around me. I tried to seize the 20 minutes or so that my drive would take as a moment of solitude with me and the Lord. Since I was traveling about 60 miles per hour, I wasn’t very “still” before the Lord, but I was quiet before Him. I sometimes sing in the car—not with the radio, just with me and whatever song comes to mind—but I decided to enjoy the silence (something which my family appreciates from time to time too…). It was a nice drive home. Silent before the Lord. Looking at the beautiful scenery of His creation. Remembering His greatness and goodness in my life.
Perhaps we all need more silence and a better discipline for solitude. That doesn’t mean we have to hike into the mountains or spend 40 days in a desolate desert. Maybe it means we cut the radio off. Maybe it means we watch less television. Maybe it means finding a few moments in any ordinary day to steal away with our God—remembering His creation, remembering His purposes, and remembering His love and grace. I did it while traveling down the highway. Perhaps you can find a way to be still before God too.
Today I was traveling home from the graveside service of Benjie Thompson, who was buried in Jenkins County at Elam Baptist Church, when I took advantage of the call to solitude. Benjie’s death was so sad, but this 40 year old father had struggled for several years with a brain tumor and cancer. I was honored to have been asked by his family to conduct his funeral. As I got into my car in Jenkins County, I quickly turned on the air conditioning to the full-blast-make-it-like-the-artic setting. A few miles down the road, I reached over to the radio and scanned a few of the local stations. But as I ran through the radio settings, I noticed the beautiful blue sky above me that held billowing clouds. The green trees lined the horizon, and the scenery was just beautiful as I drove south back toward Statesboro. I decided to shut the radio off, take in the wonderful view, and remind myself of God’s blessings that were all around me. I tried to seize the 20 minutes or so that my drive would take as a moment of solitude with me and the Lord. Since I was traveling about 60 miles per hour, I wasn’t very “still” before the Lord, but I was quiet before Him. I sometimes sing in the car—not with the radio, just with me and whatever song comes to mind—but I decided to enjoy the silence (something which my family appreciates from time to time too…). It was a nice drive home. Silent before the Lord. Looking at the beautiful scenery of His creation. Remembering His greatness and goodness in my life.
Perhaps we all need more silence and a better discipline for solitude. That doesn’t mean we have to hike into the mountains or spend 40 days in a desolate desert. Maybe it means we cut the radio off. Maybe it means we watch less television. Maybe it means finding a few moments in any ordinary day to steal away with our God—remembering His creation, remembering His purposes, and remembering His love and grace. I did it while traveling down the highway. Perhaps you can find a way to be still before God too.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Reading Update
One of the two books I finished reading recently is entitled The Heart of a Great Pastor, written by H.B. London and Neil Wiseman. Long associated with the Focus on the Family ministry, H.B. London is a mentor and encourager to pastors, so I purchased the book sometime ago, eagerly awaiting the time to dive into it. Since returning to the ministry of a local church pastor, I have be reunit
ed with the love of caring, leading, and serving a congregation in the pastor/shepherd role. As I began to read this book, I was hopeful that it would offer plenty of good encouragement and challenging thoughts to help me as pastor, but I was somewhat disappointed. Although the writing was sound and the encouragement was plenty, the subject matter chosen by the authors did nothing more than just scratch the surface, and it seemed to be targeted for younger pastors who have just begun their pastoral ministry. H.B. London has been a great champion for pastors over the years, so I am hesitant to grade his book poorly, but I honestly was not inspired and excited by it. The more I read, the less excited I became. Don’t misunderstand me—his stories, emphases, and content were all on target—but the book didn’t resonate with me. The final chapters were the best, so I am glad I stayed with it even though I considered giving up several times. The closing of the book focused on the importance of a pastor’s personal spiritual growth, the need for moral purity, and the necessity of integrity and credibility in ministry. These topics are both timeless and timely, so the final few chapters provided some good information and instruction. My recommendation to pastors in the same life stage as myself is to skip the first two-thirds of the book, and just read the last section. There’s good stuff in there, but only at the end.
Another book I finished was the action thriller by Steve Berry, entitled The Venetian Betrayal. The story describes the international adventures of a man named Cotton Malone, a former government agent turned rare-book dealer. He and several others are
chasing down clues as to the secret burial place of Alexander the Great, because a supposedly powerful medicine—capable of curing AIDS—is also buried with the former conqueror. In a novel of this sort, there is plenty of globe trotting action, and the plot jumps from Scandinavia, to Asia, to northern Africa, and to Venice, Italy. I was mostly interested in the book because of my visit last year with my family to Venice, and the title seemed to indicate that this Italian city played a prominent role in the story. Some of the story takes place inside St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, and it was nice to retrace my own steps inside that cathedral as the action unfolded. The book was an enjoyment to read, providing a little escapism and fun along the way. If you like adventure stories that have the character traveling to various parts of the world, then this book might be for you. Berry weaves a little history into the story, so it is a chance to learn a few things as well as you follow the story from one location to another.
ed with the love of caring, leading, and serving a congregation in the pastor/shepherd role. As I began to read this book, I was hopeful that it would offer plenty of good encouragement and challenging thoughts to help me as pastor, but I was somewhat disappointed. Although the writing was sound and the encouragement was plenty, the subject matter chosen by the authors did nothing more than just scratch the surface, and it seemed to be targeted for younger pastors who have just begun their pastoral ministry. H.B. London has been a great champion for pastors over the years, so I am hesitant to grade his book poorly, but I honestly was not inspired and excited by it. The more I read, the less excited I became. Don’t misunderstand me—his stories, emphases, and content were all on target—but the book didn’t resonate with me. The final chapters were the best, so I am glad I stayed with it even though I considered giving up several times. The closing of the book focused on the importance of a pastor’s personal spiritual growth, the need for moral purity, and the necessity of integrity and credibility in ministry. These topics are both timeless and timely, so the final few chapters provided some good information and instruction. My recommendation to pastors in the same life stage as myself is to skip the first two-thirds of the book, and just read the last section. There’s good stuff in there, but only at the end.Another book I finished was the action thriller by Steve Berry, entitled The Venetian Betrayal. The story describes the international adventures of a man named Cotton Malone, a former government agent turned rare-book dealer. He and several others are
chasing down clues as to the secret burial place of Alexander the Great, because a supposedly powerful medicine—capable of curing AIDS—is also buried with the former conqueror. In a novel of this sort, there is plenty of globe trotting action, and the plot jumps from Scandinavia, to Asia, to northern Africa, and to Venice, Italy. I was mostly interested in the book because of my visit last year with my family to Venice, and the title seemed to indicate that this Italian city played a prominent role in the story. Some of the story takes place inside St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, and it was nice to retrace my own steps inside that cathedral as the action unfolded. The book was an enjoyment to read, providing a little escapism and fun along the way. If you like adventure stories that have the character traveling to various parts of the world, then this book might be for you. Berry weaves a little history into the story, so it is a chance to learn a few things as well as you follow the story from one location to another.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Pictures from Israel
The trip we took to Israel was an amazing experience, filled with sights and sounds that stirred our emotions and strengthened our faith. We traveled throughout Israel March 25 - April 2, 2009, seeing the coastal region, Galilee, the Dead Sea, and Jerusalem. Below are some of the pictures, separated into 4 viewing albums:
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Miss USA & Gay Marriage
There has been a lot of talk, second guessing, and controversy surrounding the events of this week’s Miss USA pageant. Carrie Prejean, representing the state of California, was apparently the clear favorite heading into the final stages of the pageant when she was asked her opinion about gay marriage. Her response clearly indicated her belief (and coincidental
ly that of the voters of California) that marriage should be between a man and a woman only. Many critics, including celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, ranted against her with accusations of narrow mindedness and intolerance toward gays. Perhaps her critics forgot that even our new president, Barack Obama, does not support gay marriage either. Instead of offering some generic, bland answer, Carrie Prejean gave an honest answer that represented her deeply felt religious beliefs. Contrary to what many in the world may say, not favoring gay marriage does not mean that a person is homophobic, intolerant, and mean spirited. If the truth be known, most of the mean spirited and narrow minded attacks on this issue have come from the supporters of gay marriage who are quick to lash out against anyone who does not agree with them.
In several interviews since the pageant, Carrie Prejean has stated that she would rather be biblically correct than politically correct. In a moment when millions of viewers were listening to her response, she chose to stand with her convictions that are rooted in God’s Word. Instead of being politically correct and offering a predictable answer, she gave her honest opinion. She was kind. She was clear. She was true to her beliefs. But apparently those aren’t the qualities we are looking for in a Miss USA. Have we come to a place in this country where a person cannot even express his or her honest beliefs? Have we become so politically correct that you cannot publicly express your support of traditional marriage any longer? Supporters of gay marriage seem to be quick to label those who don’t agree with them with terms that are demeaning, unfair, and unfounded. While crying out for tolerance and open mindedness, militant gay marriage supporters offer just the opposite. Carrie Prejean, speaking in kindness and love, received angry criticism in return. What a shame it was that those who didn’t agree with her could not respond in the same humble spirit in which she spoke. Carrie Prejean didn’t win the Miss USA crown this week, but she won the hearts of the American people instead. And that is worth more than a beauty pageant title could ever be.
ly that of the voters of California) that marriage should be between a man and a woman only. Many critics, including celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, ranted against her with accusations of narrow mindedness and intolerance toward gays. Perhaps her critics forgot that even our new president, Barack Obama, does not support gay marriage either. Instead of offering some generic, bland answer, Carrie Prejean gave an honest answer that represented her deeply felt religious beliefs. Contrary to what many in the world may say, not favoring gay marriage does not mean that a person is homophobic, intolerant, and mean spirited. If the truth be known, most of the mean spirited and narrow minded attacks on this issue have come from the supporters of gay marriage who are quick to lash out against anyone who does not agree with them.In several interviews since the pageant, Carrie Prejean has stated that she would rather be biblically correct than politically correct. In a moment when millions of viewers were listening to her response, she chose to stand with her convictions that are rooted in God’s Word. Instead of being politically correct and offering a predictable answer, she gave her honest opinion. She was kind. She was clear. She was true to her beliefs. But apparently those aren’t the qualities we are looking for in a Miss USA. Have we come to a place in this country where a person cannot even express his or her honest beliefs? Have we become so politically correct that you cannot publicly express your support of traditional marriage any longer? Supporters of gay marriage seem to be quick to label those who don’t agree with them with terms that are demeaning, unfair, and unfounded. While crying out for tolerance and open mindedness, militant gay marriage supporters offer just the opposite. Carrie Prejean, speaking in kindness and love, received angry criticism in return. What a shame it was that those who didn’t agree with her could not respond in the same humble spirit in which she spoke. Carrie Prejean didn’t win the Miss USA crown this week, but she won the hearts of the American people instead. And that is worth more than a beauty pageant title could ever be.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter Thoughts
If something happens every year, shouldn’t it become commonplace after a while? Easter appears on the calendar during the spring of every year, and the date marches closer as the weeks of a new year roll on. Nobody gets too excited about Easter when they see the harmless date on the calendar weeks or month in advance, and it almost hides among the many other activities that greet us during the spring. Even preachers are tempted to see Easter as another annual event, having become too familiar with it as just another special emphasis on an all-too-crowded church calendar. But Easter is different—Easter has a surprise. Although it does not demand weeks of anticipation and 6 weeks of celebration (like its cousin “Christmas”), Easter never disappoints. When the unassuming day finally arrives, it is always filled with excitement, celebration, and God’s blessings. We prepare for Christmas months in advance, and we begin celebrating the Christmas “season” weeks ahead of time. And when Christmas Day finally arrives, it sometimes is anti-climatic. After all, the celebrations, parties, special events, etc. have been occurring for so long, the arrival of Christmas Day is almost a relief to acknowledge that it is now all over. But Easter is not that way. It quietly arrives—without much advanced notice and warning—but the day never disappoints. It is a day filled with God’s wonder. A day of celebration and amazement. A day when God reminds us that He alone is God.
Easter at FBC Statesboro was a great day, and it was a reminder of the glory and wonder of God. I was fighting a lot of sinus problems, congesting, etc., but God gave me the ability to preach through two messages. It was exciting to see all of our worship services and Sunday School classes filled with record numbers because it reminded us that Easter is a special day. It is a day we acknowledge the power of God over the grave. A day to look back at Christ and look forward to heaven. A day to gather with loved ones who represent God’s blessing in our lives. A day to worship. A day to celebrate. A day to praise. Easter may not be a season, but it certainly is a great day.
Easter at FBC Statesboro was a great day, and it was a reminder of the glory and wonder of God. I was fighting a lot of sinus problems, congesting, etc., but God gave me the ability to preach through two messages. It was exciting to see all of our worship services and Sunday School classes filled with record numbers because it reminded us that Easter is a special day. It is a day we acknowledge the power of God over the grave. A day to look back at Christ and look forward to heaven. A day to gather with loved ones who represent God’s blessing in our lives. A day to worship. A day to celebrate. A day to praise. Easter may not be a season, but it certainly is a great day.
Monday, April 6, 2009
A Good Tired
There are two kinds of tired – a weary tired and a ‘good tired.’ After a long return trip from Israel this week and an amazingly busy weekend at FBC Statesboro, I now truly understand what a ‘good tired’ is all about. I flew more than 13 hours from Tel Aviv to Atlanta on Thursday night/Friday morning, rode nearly 4 hours on the church bus home, and then conducted a wedding rehearsal that night. On Saturday, I performed two weddings, and then experienced a great day on Sunday, which included a baptism service, two sermons, a meeting during the Sunday School hour, a luncheon and mission team work session, a 2 hour meeting with the Facilities Leadership Team—all followed by the church wide Passover Seder meal that night. When I got home Sunday night, I was indeed tired, but it was a good tired.
A good tired saps you of energy & emotions, but you don’t seem to mind. It comes from doing things that you love, and there is not much that I love more than working with the people, families, and lives of the people at FBC Statesboro. Being the pastor of such a great church has brought so many blessings to my life, so I don’t mind the times when a “good tired” completely drains me. I went home Sunday night without much energy left in my tank, but I knew that I had spent it on the lives and hearts of a congregation that I love dearly. Like most people, I have experienced a “weary tired” many times before, but a “good tired” leaves a smile on your face and a peace in your heart. Long hours and multiple projects don’t seem to matter much when you are doing something that brings joy and fulfillment to your heart. Weariness and tiredness do come, even when you are doing what you love, but the recovery seems quicker and the emptying seems less taxing during a “good tired.” I had a professor and friend early in my ministry talk about how even the good work of loving and leading people will drain you and make you tired. That certainly is true, but draining yourself in the work with people that you love is just not an ordinary tired—it is indeed a good tired.
A good tired saps you of energy & emotions, but you don’t seem to mind. It comes from doing things that you love, and there is not much that I love more than working with the people, families, and lives of the people at FBC Statesboro. Being the pastor of such a great church has brought so many blessings to my life, so I don’t mind the times when a “good tired” completely drains me. I went home Sunday night without much energy left in my tank, but I knew that I had spent it on the lives and hearts of a congregation that I love dearly. Like most people, I have experienced a “weary tired” many times before, but a “good tired” leaves a smile on your face and a peace in your heart. Long hours and multiple projects don’t seem to matter much when you are doing something that brings joy and fulfillment to your heart. Weariness and tiredness do come, even when you are doing what you love, but the recovery seems quicker and the emptying seems less taxing during a “good tired.” I had a professor and friend early in my ministry talk about how even the good work of loving and leading people will drain you and make you tired. That certainly is true, but draining yourself in the work with people that you love is just not an ordinary tired—it is indeed a good tired.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Reflections on a Rainy Monday
As I sit here on a rainy Monday, it is difficult to realize that yet another week has come and gone, with a brand new week stretching out before me. These past few days have been up and down, with plenty of events to keep us going. I headed home from church last Wednesday night to spend the next 24 hours with a stomach bug, but I finally began to recover my strength and return to some semblance of normal. Isn’t nausea one of the worst feelings in the world? It doesn’t happen to me often—I usually get the sinus congestion thing and such—but the nausea that comes along with a stomach virus is a terrible thing. This week was Trisha’s 23rd birthday, and I was able to muster enough strength so we could get together to celebrate. It had been a long time since the four of us had dinner as a family, and it was a nice evening. After a so-so day at the office on Friday, I headed home for a quiet evening with just Cynthia and me.
Saturday was loaded to the gills with the VBS clinic hosted at our church. A state sponsored training event by the Georgia Baptist Convention, this VBS clinic drew nearly 300 people to our property for an all day learning and training session. Susan Allen, our minister to children, had worked so diligently to prepare for this event, and she and her team of volunteers represented FBC Statesboro extremely well. People from all across south Georgia came to the clinic, and everybody left with a great impression about the fine folks in our congregation. After the VBS clinic ended late afternoon, we headed to the home of Greg and Julie Anderson to celebrate Greg’s 50th birthday. It was a nice gathering of some good people, and we all kidded Greg about reaching the half century mark. But don’t worry—Greg gave back as good as he got.
Sunday, as usual, was loaded from morning until night, anchored by wonderful times of worship. My third installment of my “Facebook & Friends” series was received so well, and it was an emotional & draining experience, but a blessed one all the same. A meeting of our deacons in the afternoon and the evening worship rounded out the day, but I was reminded once again how blessed I am to pastor such a great congregation. So, here it is Monday again, and the comng days are loaded up with appointments, deadlines, projects, and meetings that mark the passing of time. And before I realize it, another week will have come and gone, another Sunday of worship will have been experienced, and many more blessings will have been had. And then it starts all over again. I just hang on for the ride, trying to be faithful while serving and loving the congregation where God has planted me.
Saturday was loaded to the gills with the VBS clinic hosted at our church. A state sponsored training event by the Georgia Baptist Convention, this VBS clinic drew nearly 300 people to our property for an all day learning and training session. Susan Allen, our minister to children, had worked so diligently to prepare for this event, and she and her team of volunteers represented FBC Statesboro extremely well. People from all across south Georgia came to the clinic, and everybody left with a great impression about the fine folks in our congregation. After the VBS clinic ended late afternoon, we headed to the home of Greg and Julie Anderson to celebrate Greg’s 50th birthday. It was a nice gathering of some good people, and we all kidded Greg about reaching the half century mark. But don’t worry—Greg gave back as good as he got.
Sunday, as usual, was loaded from morning until night, anchored by wonderful times of worship. My third installment of my “Facebook & Friends” series was received so well, and it was an emotional & draining experience, but a blessed one all the same. A meeting of our deacons in the afternoon and the evening worship rounded out the day, but I was reminded once again how blessed I am to pastor such a great congregation. So, here it is Monday again, and the comng days are loaded up with appointments, deadlines, projects, and meetings that mark the passing of time. And before I realize it, another week will have come and gone, another Sunday of worship will have been experienced, and many more blessings will have been had. And then it starts all over again. I just hang on for the ride, trying to be faithful while serving and loving the congregation where God has planted me.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Disappointment with God
Have you ever been disappointed with God? As we journey through life, we are constantly taught about who God is and how God works. We are told to pray and offer our requests t
o Him. We are told to trust Him during the tough times as He carries our heavy load. We are told to listen to His voice, making certain that we are following His will instead of our will. But what happens when God doesn’t act like He’s supposed to? What happens when God doesn’t come through? In his book, Disappointment with God, Philip Yancey asks these questions and more, framing the discussion with “questions no one asks aloud.” Yancey is an exceptional writer, one of my favorites, and I have yet to be disappointed with any of his books. Written more than 20 years ago, Disappointment with God is as timely today as when it was first published. Yancey asks three direct questions about God: (1) Is God Unfair? (2) Is God Hidden? (3) Is God Silent? Yancey quickly tells his readers that many don’t ask these questions out loud—especially at church or in Sunday School—but that most Christians at one time or another have asked these very things. After all, why do bad things happen to good people? Is God unfair? Why is God so easy to see in the good times but seemingly so distant in the tough times? Is God hidden? And why doesn’t God give us clear, unmistakably guidance during a decision or crucial moment? Is God silent?
I bought this 20-year-old book for one cent from a used book seller. That’s right—I paid a penny for this 200 page hardcover book, but had to pay $3.99 to get it delivered, bringing my total investment to an even $4.00. Not bad, especially for a Philip Yancey book. I am preparing to preach a sermon series later this spring from the book of Job, entitled “Making Sense of Suffering,” so I invested the four bucks to do some reading and thinking on the subject. Going through brokenness and suffering is a common experience, and I am looking forward to teaching & preaching through God’s purposes and plans for suffering. We learn a lot about ourselves and God during times of suffering, and Yancey’s book provides good insight. I certainly would recommend this book to any person wanting to think through the purposes of suffering. You won’t find many easy answers in this book, however, and Yancey is careful to acknowledge how trials often bring unbelief and doubt in people’s lives. In a nutshell, he writes that suffering doesn’t require stronger faith—suffering actually produces stronger faith. Give it a read, even if it costs you more than a penny.
o Him. We are told to trust Him during the tough times as He carries our heavy load. We are told to listen to His voice, making certain that we are following His will instead of our will. But what happens when God doesn’t act like He’s supposed to? What happens when God doesn’t come through? In his book, Disappointment with God, Philip Yancey asks these questions and more, framing the discussion with “questions no one asks aloud.” Yancey is an exceptional writer, one of my favorites, and I have yet to be disappointed with any of his books. Written more than 20 years ago, Disappointment with God is as timely today as when it was first published. Yancey asks three direct questions about God: (1) Is God Unfair? (2) Is God Hidden? (3) Is God Silent? Yancey quickly tells his readers that many don’t ask these questions out loud—especially at church or in Sunday School—but that most Christians at one time or another have asked these very things. After all, why do bad things happen to good people? Is God unfair? Why is God so easy to see in the good times but seemingly so distant in the tough times? Is God hidden? And why doesn’t God give us clear, unmistakably guidance during a decision or crucial moment? Is God silent?I bought this 20-year-old book for one cent from a used book seller. That’s right—I paid a penny for this 200 page hardcover book, but had to pay $3.99 to get it delivered, bringing my total investment to an even $4.00. Not bad, especially for a Philip Yancey book. I am preparing to preach a sermon series later this spring from the book of Job, entitled “Making Sense of Suffering,” so I invested the four bucks to do some reading and thinking on the subject. Going through brokenness and suffering is a common experience, and I am looking forward to teaching & preaching through God’s purposes and plans for suffering. We learn a lot about ourselves and God during times of suffering, and Yancey’s book provides good insight. I certainly would recommend this book to any person wanting to think through the purposes of suffering. You won’t find many easy answers in this book, however, and Yancey is careful to acknowledge how trials often bring unbelief and doubt in people’s lives. In a nutshell, he writes that suffering doesn’t require stronger faith—suffering actually produces stronger faith. Give it a read, even if it costs you more than a penny.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
The Oscars
Did you watch the Academy Awards presentation last week? I didn’t either. The Oscars used to create a lot of excitement, and I remember watching them with my Pulitzer-Prize-winning brother as a kid. He was—and still is—a huge movie buff, and we really looked forward to seeing which movies would win the coveted Oscar trophy, as well as which actors & actresses would be honored for their work. But I can’t honestly remember the last time I rushed home on a S
unday night to make certain I caught the Oscars. I do rush home on Superbowl Sunday night, but that’s a different story. Surely even the Lord is a fan of football… Hollywood seems to be drifting farther away from main street America, where people gather in coffee shops, attend Little League baseball games, and stop in the aisle of Wal Mart to talk to one another. I am pretty confident that soccer moms in Bulloch County rarely discuss the social impact of Sean Penn’s riveting performance in the left-leaning, intolerant movie entitled “Milk.” Life is too short to be dragged down by the likes of Sean Penn and his crowd, but Hollywood moguls don’t seem to get it. So let’s take a test to see if my theory is correct. Three questions:
1. Can you name the 5 movies nominated for Best Picture?
2. Did you see any of them?
3. Do you care?
Somehow the entertainment industry thinks we all live on the edge of our seat, just waiting for the next brilliant portrayal of some timely issue on the silver screen. Ha! Maybe the dream world in which they are living is why only 7 people watched the Oscars. That’s right—all across America, only 7 people tuned in, and 3 of them were family members of the producer. Just kidding, but the dismal ratings are the proverbial proof in the pudding.
The greatest danger, however, is that the Hollywood entertainment industry is very powerful and very influential. Even though I wouldn’t give two cents for the misguided political opinions of Susan Sarandon or George Clooney, they represent a formidable foe in the war for the minds and hearts of our children. People crave great entertainment, as represented in the successes of family-friendly movies like Fireproof and the National Treasure movies. But if Hollywood beats the drum loud enough and long enough, their ideas eventually seep into middle America where our kids become the victims. I grew up watching movies and spending time at the movie theatre. My Pulitzer-Prize-winning brother and I even sneaked into a theatre a time or two, just to save a few bucks. But even if the majority of movies being produced today were offered free of charge, I am not certain that I would even attend. Instead of sneaking in, I just might be sneaking out. Sean Penn may not like it, but he shouldn’t cry over spilled “Milk.”
unday night to make certain I caught the Oscars. I do rush home on Superbowl Sunday night, but that’s a different story. Surely even the Lord is a fan of football… Hollywood seems to be drifting farther away from main street America, where people gather in coffee shops, attend Little League baseball games, and stop in the aisle of Wal Mart to talk to one another. I am pretty confident that soccer moms in Bulloch County rarely discuss the social impact of Sean Penn’s riveting performance in the left-leaning, intolerant movie entitled “Milk.” Life is too short to be dragged down by the likes of Sean Penn and his crowd, but Hollywood moguls don’t seem to get it. So let’s take a test to see if my theory is correct. Three questions:1. Can you name the 5 movies nominated for Best Picture?
2. Did you see any of them?
3. Do you care?
Somehow the entertainment industry thinks we all live on the edge of our seat, just waiting for the next brilliant portrayal of some timely issue on the silver screen. Ha! Maybe the dream world in which they are living is why only 7 people watched the Oscars. That’s right—all across America, only 7 people tuned in, and 3 of them were family members of the producer. Just kidding, but the dismal ratings are the proverbial proof in the pudding.
The greatest danger, however, is that the Hollywood entertainment industry is very powerful and very influential. Even though I wouldn’t give two cents for the misguided political opinions of Susan Sarandon or George Clooney, they represent a formidable foe in the war for the minds and hearts of our children. People crave great entertainment, as represented in the successes of family-friendly movies like Fireproof and the National Treasure movies. But if Hollywood beats the drum loud enough and long enough, their ideas eventually seep into middle America where our kids become the victims. I grew up watching movies and spending time at the movie theatre. My Pulitzer-Prize-winning brother and I even sneaked into a theatre a time or two, just to save a few bucks. But even if the majority of movies being produced today were offered free of charge, I am not certain that I would even attend. Instead of sneaking in, I just might be sneaking out. Sean Penn may not like it, but he shouldn’t cry over spilled “Milk.”
Friday, February 20, 2009
Final Thoughts from Maryland
It’s around midnight on our last night of our high school winter retreat at Wisp, Maryland, but I couldn’t help but jot a few words about this fantastic group of students. These four days have given me a chance to interact with them in ways that don’t seem to happen back in Statesboro, and I have come to love each of them. Every student is different—facing different issues, blessed with different talents, and each is a unique creation of God—a
nd I have truly been blessed to be with them. In addition to speaking to the entire group each morning, I have also been a family group leader that met with a small group of students at the close of each day. There were eleven students in my small group (also led by Everett Smith), and the more intimate setting gave us a chance to talk more personally and share on a more individual basis. Wow...what a blessing it was to sit in a room with eleven students and hear their heart each evening. Traveling with these 50 high schoolers has reminded me of how important it is to invest in the lives of young people, and I am encouraged about their love for the Lord and His kingdom work. I don’t suppose I will ever be able again to pass one of these students in the church hallway or the aisle of Wal-Mart without remembering these special days. I want to be the kind of pastor that the students know has a love for them, and a pastor that is authentic before them. And these days in Maryland have been a big step toward that.
nd I have truly been blessed to be with them. In addition to speaking to the entire group each morning, I have also been a family group leader that met with a small group of students at the close of each day. There were eleven students in my small group (also led by Everett Smith), and the more intimate setting gave us a chance to talk more personally and share on a more individual basis. Wow...what a blessing it was to sit in a room with eleven students and hear their heart each evening. Traveling with these 50 high schoolers has reminded me of how important it is to invest in the lives of young people, and I am encouraged about their love for the Lord and His kingdom work. I don’t suppose I will ever be able again to pass one of these students in the church hallway or the aisle of Wal-Mart without remembering these special days. I want to be the kind of pastor that the students know has a love for them, and a pastor that is authentic before them. And these days in Maryland have been a big step toward that.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Snow Skiing in Wisp, Maryland
When the alarm clock rang at 3:50 a.m., I thought it was still the middle of the night, only to rise and realize that it was! But I rolled out of bed anyway to meet our chartered motor coach for the FBC Winter Retreat for high schoolers. We loaded the bus by 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday and headed north with about 50 high school students for a couple of days of snow skiing, Bible study, and worship in Wisp, Maryland. I have only missed one of this retreats since becoming pastor, and I have really looked forward to spending this time with these teenagers. The bus route took us through Orangeburg, SC, and then through Charlotte, NC, and Morgantown, WV, finally to the western edge of Maryland to a town named McHenry where the Wisp Ski Resort is located. We traveled on a motor coach chartered through Kelly Tours out of Savannah, and once again were pleased with their service. Both our student ministry and senior adult ministry have been using Kelly Tours for a couple of years, and they continue to give us great, friendly service that is reliable and professional.
Spending nearly 14 hours on a bus loaded with high school students is an interesting and unique experience. To be confined in such close quarters with so many students familiarizes you with the sights, sounds, and even the smells that are a part of student ministry. The bus ride was uneventful, but we did come upon a huge accident that happened on the southbound side of Interstate 77. We were traveling northbound, but we saw were a tractor-trailer truck had crossed the median, broken through the guardrail, and completely demolished the cab of another tractor-trailer truck headed southward. All of this happened on the opposite side of the interstate highway, so our lanes continue to flow through, albeit at a snail’s pace. An emergency helicopter was sitting on the southbound lanes, and all traffic on that side was stopped. The cab of the truck that was hit was flattened like a pancake and charred, apparently following a fire. Emergency personnel and vehicle were everywhere, and the debris from the collision was scattered all across the southbound lanes. I am certain it must have taken hours for it all to be cleaned up and cleared away. We made our trip safely, but seeing the wreckage reminded me that none of us should ever take safe travel for granted. We pray before leaving on such trips, always asking for God’s protection and care, and to arrive safely is a blessing of His grace upon us. We have an excellent professional bus operator from Kelly Tours, but we ultimately thank God for safety in travel.
As I write these words, I am sitting in the lobby of the ski lodge while most of the students are hitting the slopes. I gave up skiing years ago because I loved life and unbroken bones, but I get a chance to visit with students as they come and go from the lodge area. Even this morning I’ve had four or five students come through and talk for a little bit, telling me about the skiing or something else. Some may view these as chance encounters, but I see them as opportunities given by God to connect with this great high schoolers in a casual way. I spoke to the students this morning during our opening worship & devotional time, telling them about Jesus’s call to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Him. For the next couple of mornings, I will challenge them with the though of following Jesus—even as a high school student. I am praying that these days will be a life-changing experience for them as they learn to surrender their all in order to follow Christ.
Spending nearly 14 hours on a bus loaded with high school students is an interesting and unique experience. To be confined in such close quarters with so many students familiarizes you with the sights, sounds, and even the smells that are a part of student ministry. The bus ride was uneventful, but we did come upon a huge accident that happened on the southbound side of Interstate 77. We were traveling northbound, but we saw were a tractor-trailer truck had crossed the median, broken through the guardrail, and completely demolished the cab of another tractor-trailer truck headed southward. All of this happened on the opposite side of the interstate highway, so our lanes continue to flow through, albeit at a snail’s pace. An emergency helicopter was sitting on the southbound lanes, and all traffic on that side was stopped. The cab of the truck that was hit was flattened like a pancake and charred, apparently following a fire. Emergency personnel and vehicle were everywhere, and the debris from the collision was scattered all across the southbound lanes. I am certain it must have taken hours for it all to be cleaned up and cleared away. We made our trip safely, but seeing the wreckage reminded me that none of us should ever take safe travel for granted. We pray before leaving on such trips, always asking for God’s protection and care, and to arrive safely is a blessing of His grace upon us. We have an excellent professional bus operator from Kelly Tours, but we ultimately thank God for safety in travel.
As I write these words, I am sitting in the lobby of the ski lodge while most of the students are hitting the slopes. I gave up skiing years ago because I loved life and unbroken bones, but I get a chance to visit with students as they come and go from the lodge area. Even this morning I’ve had four or five students come through and talk for a little bit, telling me about the skiing or something else. Some may view these as chance encounters, but I see them as opportunities given by God to connect with this great high schoolers in a casual way. I spoke to the students this morning during our opening worship & devotional time, telling them about Jesus’s call to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Him. For the next couple of mornings, I will challenge them with the though of following Jesus—even as a high school student. I am praying that these days will be a life-changing experience for them as they learn to surrender their all in order to follow Christ.
Monday, February 16, 2009
High School Winter Retreat
I am headed to the western edge of Maryland this week with about 50 high school students for our FBC Winter Retreat. Although I am not looking forward to the 14 hour bus rid
e—which begins at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday—I am truly excited about spending 4 days with our high schoolers. Since becoming pastor, I have only missed one of these winter retreats, and it gives me a great chance to travel with and spend time with these outstanding students. Under the leadership of our Minister to Students, Tony Pagliarullo, we recently started separating the middle school students from the high schoolers with separate retreats. The middle schoolers take their winter retreat during the week in between Christmas and New Year’s, and it usually involves an easier travel schedule and focuses on lots of recreation. The big snow skiing event is reserved for high schoolers, and it gives our students something to look forward to as they move upward in the youth program.
We are truly blessed to have an outstanding group of high school students at FBC. The younger generation often gets bad press, but I have found the rising younger generation to have a great passion for the Lord and a tremendous capacity to serve. I do not fear passing the proverbial baton onto the next generation—they are ready for the task, excited about the challenge, and prepared to do greater things than any of us thought possible. Now that I am in the mid-40’s, I sense more than ever the need to raise up the young people who follow us. The teenage years are difficult indeed, and all of us remember those awkward days of adolescence. But the teenagers who are part of the so-called Millennial Generation are a wonderful group! The world has many challenges, growing crises, and seemingly unsolvable problems, but the younger generation is up to the task! To spend four days with them in Maryland at this retreat is a great joy for me. I will be speaking to them each day, and I hope I will be a blessing to them. There’s no doubt that they will be a blessing to me.
e—which begins at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday—I am truly excited about spending 4 days with our high schoolers. Since becoming pastor, I have only missed one of these winter retreats, and it gives me a great chance to travel with and spend time with these outstanding students. Under the leadership of our Minister to Students, Tony Pagliarullo, we recently started separating the middle school students from the high schoolers with separate retreats. The middle schoolers take their winter retreat during the week in between Christmas and New Year’s, and it usually involves an easier travel schedule and focuses on lots of recreation. The big snow skiing event is reserved for high schoolers, and it gives our students something to look forward to as they move upward in the youth program.We are truly blessed to have an outstanding group of high school students at FBC. The younger generation often gets bad press, but I have found the rising younger generation to have a great passion for the Lord and a tremendous capacity to serve. I do not fear passing the proverbial baton onto the next generation—they are ready for the task, excited about the challenge, and prepared to do greater things than any of us thought possible. Now that I am in the mid-40’s, I sense more than ever the need to raise up the young people who follow us. The teenage years are difficult indeed, and all of us remember those awkward days of adolescence. But the teenagers who are part of the so-called Millennial Generation are a wonderful group! The world has many challenges, growing crises, and seemingly unsolvable problems, but the younger generation is up to the task! To spend four days with them in Maryland at this retreat is a great joy for me. I will be speaking to them each day, and I hope I will be a blessing to them. There’s no doubt that they will be a blessing to me.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend
I traveled to Perry, Georgia, on Monday to bury and say goodbye to an old friend. While at the FBC marriage retreat this past weekend on St. Simons Island, I received a phone call telling me that a former church member, Bill Nipper, had died. I first met Bill when Cynthia and I moved to Perry so that I could pastor Rehoboth Baptist Church, a mission start congregation just north of town. Bill and several of the men from the church traveled to Bethune, South Carolina, to help us load the U-Haul truck and take our belongings to our new home in Perry. I quickly recognized his easy going approach to life, his tender heart, and the love he would have for his new pastor. Bill had recently retired from a 30 year career with the Sears Company, but he stayed busy with a variety of activities, one of those being his wife’s daycare business called “The Sugar Plum.” Bill and Ann’s daycare will always be special to our family because that is where Bethany stayed during the day as a preschooler while I pastored and Cynthia taught school. Even as a college student today, Bethany still speaks fondly of the warm memories from The Sugar Plum, and the entire Nipper family became very special very quickly. Our church elected and ordained Bill as a deacon in the congregation, and he and I shared some great memories. He was the age of my father, but he was a dear brother and friend.
Bill and Ann’s current pastor was to bring the message for the service, but the family asked if I could sing in order to be a part of his memorial service. Cynthia and I loaded up the pastoral chariot, also known as our Chevy Suburban, and we set off to middle Georgia to honor this dear friend. During the service, I sang “The King Is Coming,” and Cynthia joined me for a duet of “Beulah Land.” Many of our former church members were there, so it become a type of reunion—reminiscing and re-living some of the great memories from our wonderful ministry in Perry. I have had the great privilege of forming warm and meaningful friendships in every place we have served, and I have left behind dear friends every time we have moved. Bill Nipper was indeed one of them. Whenever there was an out-of-town funeral that I needed to attend, Bill was always ready and willing to travel with me. Two of those trips took us to Mississippi and Kentucky, and I will always remember those long drives as God’s gift to me to share some great time with this great man. But this week the drive to the funeral was not with Bill—instead it was for Bill. We honored his life. We said goodbye. We parted with a smile . . . and a tear.
Bill and Ann’s current pastor was to bring the message for the service, but the family asked if I could sing in order to be a part of his memorial service. Cynthia and I loaded up the pastoral chariot, also known as our Chevy Suburban, and we set off to middle Georgia to honor this dear friend. During the service, I sang “The King Is Coming,” and Cynthia joined me for a duet of “Beulah Land.” Many of our former church members were there, so it become a type of reunion—reminiscing and re-living some of the great memories from our wonderful ministry in Perry. I have had the great privilege of forming warm and meaningful friendships in every place we have served, and I have left behind dear friends every time we have moved. Bill Nipper was indeed one of them. Whenever there was an out-of-town funeral that I needed to attend, Bill was always ready and willing to travel with me. Two of those trips took us to Mississippi and Kentucky, and I will always remember those long drives as God’s gift to me to share some great time with this great man. But this week the drive to the funeral was not with Bill—instead it was for Bill. We honored his life. We said goodbye. We parted with a smile . . . and a tear.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
One Book One Community - Fahrenheit 451
Cynthia and I participated in Statesboro’s recent “One Book One Community” campaign, which highlighted Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. The goal of this special emphasis is to get the entire community (or at least a large portion of it) to read the same book and then to participate in various discussions, lectures, and other events related to the chosen book. La
st year was the inaugural “One Book One Community” event with the book To Kill a Mockingbird, and this year’s book was chosen by a vote of community members, who subsequently chose the classic Fahrenheit 451. I was particularly interested in reading F451 because it was an assignment in one of my classes years ago at Rumble Junior High School in Warner Robins that I never completed. We were supposed to read the book, write a short paper about it, and also give an oral report. Somehow some way, I was able to write a short paper and give an oral report even though I never went through the trouble to read the book! Don’t ask me how—but I’m certain it involved some creative writing skills and some coaching from my Pulitzer-Prize-winning brother, albeit a few years before his days of glory. To the best of my recollection, my Pulitzer-Prize-winning brother described the book to me and walked me through what to say in my report. But, hey, don’t be too hard on me….I was just in the eighth grade, and reading a book about burning books just didn’t light my fire (pun intended….) The story of burning books didn’t strike a match with me, and the flame of interested didn’t burn very brightly—okay, enough of the bad puns…. When F451 was announced as the community book, I finally realized that I had my chance at redemption!
Fahrenheit 451 was an interesting read, and I am now sorry that I robbed myself of the pleasure those many years ago. The key character is Guy Montag, a fireman whose job is to set homes (and sometimes people) on fire where hidden books are found. Bradbury’s classic novel takes place in a future world where people have forsaken the joy—and sometimes challenges—of books and have chased mindless and meaningless entertainment instead. Sort of sounds like the world today, eh? In order to preserve this self-induced numbness, society treats books as evil, and homes are burnt when they are found to contain them. To me, the meaning of the story is found in the imagery of fire. The roaring flames of a fire can be used to burn—as they do often in the novel—or they
can be used to provide warmth, as they do near the end. The learning, challenging thoughts, and new ideas provided in books can either threaten a person (like a burning fire), or they can provide insight, knowledge, and expanded understanding like the welcoming flames of a warming fire. Books will either be a conflagration that burns violently, or they will be a warming fire that welcomes all to come near. It’s your choice.
st year was the inaugural “One Book One Community” event with the book To Kill a Mockingbird, and this year’s book was chosen by a vote of community members, who subsequently chose the classic Fahrenheit 451. I was particularly interested in reading F451 because it was an assignment in one of my classes years ago at Rumble Junior High School in Warner Robins that I never completed. We were supposed to read the book, write a short paper about it, and also give an oral report. Somehow some way, I was able to write a short paper and give an oral report even though I never went through the trouble to read the book! Don’t ask me how—but I’m certain it involved some creative writing skills and some coaching from my Pulitzer-Prize-winning brother, albeit a few years before his days of glory. To the best of my recollection, my Pulitzer-Prize-winning brother described the book to me and walked me through what to say in my report. But, hey, don’t be too hard on me….I was just in the eighth grade, and reading a book about burning books just didn’t light my fire (pun intended….) The story of burning books didn’t strike a match with me, and the flame of interested didn’t burn very brightly—okay, enough of the bad puns…. When F451 was announced as the community book, I finally realized that I had my chance at redemption!Fahrenheit 451 was an interesting read, and I am now sorry that I robbed myself of the pleasure those many years ago. The key character is Guy Montag, a fireman whose job is to set homes (and sometimes people) on fire where hidden books are found. Bradbury’s classic novel takes place in a future world where people have forsaken the joy—and sometimes challenges—of books and have chased mindless and meaningless entertainment instead. Sort of sounds like the world today, eh? In order to preserve this self-induced numbness, society treats books as evil, and homes are burnt when they are found to contain them. To me, the meaning of the story is found in the imagery of fire. The roaring flames of a fire can be used to burn—as they do often in the novel—or they
can be used to provide warmth, as they do near the end. The learning, challenging thoughts, and new ideas provided in books can either threaten a person (like a burning fire), or they can provide insight, knowledge, and expanded understanding like the welcoming flames of a warming fire. Books will either be a conflagration that burns violently, or they will be a warming fire that welcomes all to come near. It’s your choice. The book discussion was held at the Statesboro Regional Library on Monday night. Cynthia and I gathered in the library’s meeting room with about 50 other community members (not exactly widespread participation…) to talk about the impact of this classic novel and its timeless themes. After a few opening comments from our discussion leaders, group members then began sharing their thoughts and insights as well. It appeared that Cynthia and I were the youngest ones in the room, so I guess nobody from Jr. High other than myself felt the need to make up a missed reading assignment. The discussion lasted about an hour, and I truly enjoyed it. We talked about the different images of the book and about how the relentless lure of sensational entertainment often keeps a society from reading. And with the loss of reading, we move another step closer to the loss of learning. And when we don’t learn, do we really live?
Friday, January 23, 2009
President Barack Obama
This week witnessed an historic moment as our nation inaugurated its first African-American president, Barack Obama. Regardless of individual political views, none of us can dismiss this event as nothing less than a defining moment in the unfolding history of our nation. There was a day in our nation when black slaves were nothing more than pieces of property to be bought and sold. There was a day when black Americans were denied even the most basic
civil rights. There was a day the failed philosophy of “separate but equal” ruled the day. There was a day when we judged someone by the color of his skin instead of the content of his character. But this week we saw a day when an African-American rose to the highest and most powerful political office in our land. As I heard it put by one commentator, the inauguration was a great day “in” America, even if you don’t think the new president is great “for” America.
I logged on via internet streaming to catch a little bit of the inauguration as it happened live. A few minutes after President Obama took the oath of office, I prayed for him—asking God in His sovereignty to guide Obama’s decisions and leadership in a way that would bring glory to Him. Even if you did not vote for or do not support our new president, have you taken time to pray for him? As a follower of Jesus Christ, we honor God by praying for our leaders, because they hold leadership only because of the sovereignty and allowance of Almighty God.
The political pendulum swings back and forth in this country, so Christians must be careful not to align themselves too closely with any political personality or party. After 8 years of a Republican president, it is not too surprising that the pendulum swung back to the Democrats. There are plenty of things that I do not like about our new president. There are plenty of issues upon which he and I disagree greatly. There are plenty of times when I just shook my head when listening to his lofty rhetoric and learning about his questionable circle of friends. But the election was held, the votes were counted, and the new president is now in office. Believers ought to make their convictions known and their voices heard, but we ought to resist the language of hate that so characterized the political conversation over the past 8 years. Pray for the president. Be educated about the political issues of the day. But keep your eyes on Jesus. Stay busy with the Father’s business. He is still in control.
civil rights. There was a day the failed philosophy of “separate but equal” ruled the day. There was a day when we judged someone by the color of his skin instead of the content of his character. But this week we saw a day when an African-American rose to the highest and most powerful political office in our land. As I heard it put by one commentator, the inauguration was a great day “in” America, even if you don’t think the new president is great “for” America.I logged on via internet streaming to catch a little bit of the inauguration as it happened live. A few minutes after President Obama took the oath of office, I prayed for him—asking God in His sovereignty to guide Obama’s decisions and leadership in a way that would bring glory to Him. Even if you did not vote for or do not support our new president, have you taken time to pray for him? As a follower of Jesus Christ, we honor God by praying for our leaders, because they hold leadership only because of the sovereignty and allowance of Almighty God.
The political pendulum swings back and forth in this country, so Christians must be careful not to align themselves too closely with any political personality or party. After 8 years of a Republican president, it is not too surprising that the pendulum swung back to the Democrats. There are plenty of things that I do not like about our new president. There are plenty of issues upon which he and I disagree greatly. There are plenty of times when I just shook my head when listening to his lofty rhetoric and learning about his questionable circle of friends. But the election was held, the votes were counted, and the new president is now in office. Believers ought to make their convictions known and their voices heard, but we ought to resist the language of hate that so characterized the political conversation over the past 8 years. Pray for the president. Be educated about the political issues of the day. But keep your eyes on Jesus. Stay busy with the Father’s business. He is still in control.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Quick Trip to Warner Robins
In observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, the church offices are closed, so I found myself looking forward to a quiet day at home Monday. I usually take each Monday as a day at home anyway, but the absence of an Administrator-Administrative Pastor has caused me to be in the office on more Mondays than usual. But instead of staying at home this Monday, Cynthia and I headed to Warner Robins to see my mother who was admitted to the hospital a couple of days ago. Mom got dehydrated last week and was hospitalized, but we didn’t have a chance to see her over the weekend. So we decided to take advantage of the free day and drive to Warner Robins to see her. Dad was at the hospital with her, so we had to chance to visit with him as well. My three siblings live in the middle Georgia area, so they are able to see mom and dad more frequently. Sometimes we drop by their apartment when we are traveling to or from Atlanta for a denominational meeting, but we don’t see them as often as we should. We had a great trip to Warner Robins and back, and it certainly was nice to see her and help her pass the time. Our best guess is that she will be coming home in a day or so, and we are glad that the doctors have helped her to recover.
I was so pleased that our church congregation agreed that Keith Hagan is the man God has prepared to be our first Administrative Pastor. Keith’s experience as an accountant and internal auditor, as well as his CPA License, blend perfectly with his heart for ministry and calling from the Lord. I have had the advantage of spending several months getting to know Keith and his family, but I am confident that everyone will come to love him and his family as I have once they get to know him better. I hope you will do whatever you can to welcome him, Debbie, and Anslee as they transition to a new ministry in Statesboro.
I was so pleased that our church congregation agreed that Keith Hagan is the man God has prepared to be our first Administrative Pastor. Keith’s experience as an accountant and internal auditor, as well as his CPA License, blend perfectly with his heart for ministry and calling from the Lord. I have had the advantage of spending several months getting to know Keith and his family, but I am confident that everyone will come to love him and his family as I have once they get to know him better. I hope you will do whatever you can to welcome him, Debbie, and Anslee as they transition to a new ministry in Statesboro.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Axiom - Book Review
The title of Bill Hybel’s newest book caught my attention in the bookstore, and I was particularly interested in purchasing it once I skimmed it for a few minutes. His boo
k, entitled Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs, contains 76 short chapters, and each of them focuses on a simple leadership truth that he has learned or experienced in his ministry. Hybels is well-known for his ministry through Willow Creek Community Church, a large church near Chicago that was well ahead of the curve when megachurches started appearing across the country. Hybels is known around the world for his ministry, writing, and leadership conferences, and God has used him to lead an impactful work through Willow Creek. Not everyone is a fan of Bill Hybels, and he is often the object of criticism for the unique and creative methods used by Willow Creek. I have never let things like that bother me too much, understanding the God uses myriad approaches and vessels to accomplish His work.
As a collection of short reflective essays, Axiom is easy to read and is a great resource for leaders, particularly those in church or ministry settings. I was especially interested in the book when I realized that it was Bill Hybels reflecting over his past 30+ years of ministry. Some of the best and most meaningful books, sermons, lectures, etc., are those when a seasoned leader/pastor takes time to reflect upon his life and draw out lessons he has learned. This type of counsel and direction from a gifted leader is far more valuable than any kind of seminary training, because it reflects the real-life lessons forged on the anvil of true experience, with the dynamic of working with imperfect people in actual settings. None of the 76 chapters took more than 5 minutes to read, so Axiom was like sitting down with Bill Hybels and listening to him reflect about lessons he has learned over the years. He spent a lot of time talking about staff relationships, and his insight about working with staff have made me more aware of the need to strive toward the most health staff relationships as possible. We have a great staff at FBC Statesboro, so every ounce of effort invested into this area is worth the effort. Axiom can be useful to any person in any profession who wants to pull up a chair and hear the thoughts of a gifted, skilled leader like Hybels.
k, entitled Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs, contains 76 short chapters, and each of them focuses on a simple leadership truth that he has learned or experienced in his ministry. Hybels is well-known for his ministry through Willow Creek Community Church, a large church near Chicago that was well ahead of the curve when megachurches started appearing across the country. Hybels is known around the world for his ministry, writing, and leadership conferences, and God has used him to lead an impactful work through Willow Creek. Not everyone is a fan of Bill Hybels, and he is often the object of criticism for the unique and creative methods used by Willow Creek. I have never let things like that bother me too much, understanding the God uses myriad approaches and vessels to accomplish His work.As a collection of short reflective essays, Axiom is easy to read and is a great resource for leaders, particularly those in church or ministry settings. I was especially interested in the book when I realized that it was Bill Hybels reflecting over his past 30+ years of ministry. Some of the best and most meaningful books, sermons, lectures, etc., are those when a seasoned leader/pastor takes time to reflect upon his life and draw out lessons he has learned. This type of counsel and direction from a gifted leader is far more valuable than any kind of seminary training, because it reflects the real-life lessons forged on the anvil of true experience, with the dynamic of working with imperfect people in actual settings. None of the 76 chapters took more than 5 minutes to read, so Axiom was like sitting down with Bill Hybels and listening to him reflect about lessons he has learned over the years. He spent a lot of time talking about staff relationships, and his insight about working with staff have made me more aware of the need to strive toward the most health staff relationships as possible. We have a great staff at FBC Statesboro, so every ounce of effort invested into this area is worth the effort. Axiom can be useful to any person in any profession who wants to pull up a chair and hear the thoughts of a gifted, skilled leader like Hybels.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Musings about the New Year
I love the start of a new year. When the calendar rolls over to another year, it reminds me of the joy and privilege of starting fresh, almost like a “do-over.” God’s grace and the love of Christ allow us to start fresh and to renew commitments at anytime of our lives, of course, but a new year makes us more aware of this great truth. I never make a lot of resolutions, but I do spend time reflecting and trying to learn from the previous 12 months. I have a dear friend and mentor, named Dennis Hooper, who has taught me a great deal about reflecting and learning from my experiences, and I always think of him when I find myself doing such things. He is a leadership coach who works out of Perry, Georgia, and he is one of those special people who continually adds value to other people’s lives. Our paths cross every now and then, but I certainly miss the more frequent encounters we had when we lived in closer proximity to one another.
My hope and sense is that 2009 is going to be a great year! Many good things are happening at FBC Statesboro, and I truly believe it is going to be a breakthrough year. I have continued to grow and learn so much since becoming pastor several years ago, and I am looking forward to charging ahead into the next 12 months. Schedules seem to get overcrowded so quickly, and the days of the calendar seem to flip by at ever increasing speed, but I am starting this new year with a commitment—not necessarily a resolution—to keep a proper and biblical balance in my schedule between church responsibilities, family time, study needs, and other activities. I hope you are as excited and hopeful for this new calendar year as I am. Blessings to you and your family for 2009.
My hope and sense is that 2009 is going to be a great year! Many good things are happening at FBC Statesboro, and I truly believe it is going to be a breakthrough year. I have continued to grow and learn so much since becoming pastor several years ago, and I am looking forward to charging ahead into the next 12 months. Schedules seem to get overcrowded so quickly, and the days of the calendar seem to flip by at ever increasing speed, but I am starting this new year with a commitment—not necessarily a resolution—to keep a proper and biblical balance in my schedule between church responsibilities, family time, study needs, and other activities. I hope you are as excited and hopeful for this new calendar year as I am. Blessings to you and your family for 2009.
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