Thanksgiving Far from Home

This was a unique Thanksgiving, observed far from family and familiar settings. Nevertheless, I spent it with honored comrades and my spiritual family. Most of the day was spent with National Guardsmen serving their nation and state far from home. I prefaced the prayer for our meal with readings from Psalms 105 and 106, emphasizing the phrase from Psalm 106 that states, "Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right." As these soldiers help to maintain security for our nation by identifying smugglers and others who would endanger our way of life, they help keep Americans safe and comfortable, even those who do not recognize their sacrifices or appreciate what they are doing.
Did you give thanks after the elections for living in a nation where the government can change without riots, insurrection, or assassinations? We truly are blessed. May we maintain this ability to work in harmony even when disagreeing.
My Thanksgiving included telephone conversations with family and loved ones who are too far away. Several friends sent emails to remind me of their care for me. The day concluded with festive sharing of dessert with my local church family. The church, when it functions as the body of Christ and the family of God, provides the ultimate support group for sinners, which is what we all are. There are those who believe that the church's role is fruit inspecting or preliminary judging. However, the Scriptures teach that it is encouraging, healing, and helping the broken-hearted.
Give thanks for our God's amazing grace.

Favorite Songs

Some of my favorite songs:

"The Impossible Dream," Neil Diamond's "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show," "The Hallelujah Chorus," "While on the Sea (a hymn with a haunting minor key melody)," and songs by Meatloaf and Kansas. Lately "Forever and for always" by Shania Twain has caught my attention (and I usually don't like country songs that much). I do tend to like love songs that focus on relationships that are phenomenally good. I appreciate songs that reveal depth of pain and loss, but am deeply troubled by songs that spew hatred and profanity. How do these songs improve people's lives?
Goals? Remember the song "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony"? My goal is to see harmony not only in singing but in speaking and listening.
What are your songs? And what do our favorite songs say about us?

Checking the facts

In discussions of politics and religion, people often respond emotionally to issues before they check the facts. That, at least, is how it appears to me. Whether discussing issues like military involvement overseas, the economy, ethics, or the treatment of religion in a popular novel or movie, first responses frequently come from visceral reactions, rather than a reasoned consideration of what has been said or depicted. Several weeks ago, I heard a preacher state that we are baptized "into death" in a sermon on Romans 6, not because of death to sin. I began to feel my blood pressure rise; I disagreed with his statment. Fortunately, my Bible was open in my lap to the passage, and I read it before I opened my mouth after the service and removed all doubt that I was a fool. My assumption was wrong; the preacher was right! Our beliefs begin in our parent's words to us, our experiences, what we hear respected leaders say. Sometimes those foundations are faulty. Check your sources before you lash out. Read, then rebut (or repent).

First Century Night

This past Sunday evening I attended a church of Christ which observed "First Century Night." Basing the idea on 1 Corinthians 14:26, the leaders of the congregation invited any male member to lead a prayer or a song, read a scripture, or preach a short sermon. The service was inspiring and was centered around the theme of "Heaven." Sermons ranged from memories of a devotional in Africa to the last words of a preacher to his son (my dad to me: "Son, see you later!"). Prayers were thoughtful and songs were inspiring. It just seemed right. Later about seventeen of us enjoyed a meal together at a local restaurant. It was an evening of fellowship: spiritually and socially.

A terrible choice

I just finished reading a remarkable book entitled The Memory-Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards. In it, a physician makes a startling, even horrifying decision which alters his life forever. The book addresses important questions about attitudes towards the handicapped, family relationships, and the keeping of secrets. In the novel, Dr. David Henry gives away his daughter, a twin born with Down's Syndrome, just after her birth, without the knowledge of his sedated wife, whom he later tells that the second child had died. His secret alters the lives of his wife, the remaining "normal" twin, and those they meet.
Another sacrifice of a daughter is recorded in Judges 11, where Israel's military leader, Jephthah, vows that if God gives him victory in battle, he will sacrifice what he sees first when he returns home. To his horror, his daughter rushes out of the house to meet him. Remarkably, Jephthah appears in the "Hall of Fame of Faith" in Hebrews 11. His dedication, his willingness to sacrifice anything for God probably explain his appearance there. Still, his is an unexpected entry alongside Abraham, Noah, and Enoch. Like Samson and Barak, he is an unexpected faith hero.
What do you think? I think his story parallels also Abraham's, when Abraham was asked to sacrifice his "only-begotten" son, Isaac. God spared Abraham from performing that terrible act at the last moment; some argue that Jephthah too was spared and that he "devoted his daughter to God" in some other fashion. His horror suggests otherwise to me.
Sometimes redemption emerges after terrible choices; sometimes it does not. I pray that your life will be filled with hope and redemption.

Self-leadership

A looking within marks many of David's psalms in the Bible. He cries out in anguish; he asks why God has forsaken him. He also rejoices when he discovers, or remembers, the Lord's presence in his darkest hours. In Psalm 31, he laments "the utter contempt" of his neighbors. David's psalms, and the trek of self-discovery they divulge, provide an example of what may be called self-leadership. David was a dynamic leader. He inspired others to do well. He had been a good follower as well, refusing to abandon humility and to revolt even when Saul attacked him. David struggled mightily, and at times failed miserably. But he remained a friend of God and a great leader because he was willing to do what it took to return when he left the will of God. Psalm 51 records repentance after one of his best known sins. Self-leadership includes the ability to see one's faults and correct them. Continuing one's personal growth through lifelong learning and prayer are also part of self-leadership. When we become content with where we are and what we already know, we stagnate. Self-leadership also means being able to discern when to take a break and when to let others lead. So, grow! Lead, if only yourself! The Lord will bless your leadership as it remains focused on his will.

Travel Ramblings

I drove two thousand miles last week, travelling almost all the way across the United States. From the live oaks of Georgia to the rolling hills and rivers of Tennessee to the isolated wilderness (and a meteor crater) of West Texas to the almost alien landscapes of New Mexico and Arizona, I witnessed great natural beauty and evidence of God's greatness.
Human interaction also provided intriguing insights into God's workmanship. I saw several friends I had not seen for a long time. With one, it was as if we had seen each other the day before. Hopefully, it will not be nearly so long before the next meeting. With each, I marvelled at how they had changed, and what our relationship said about who I am. Could it be that our friends define us?
I visited the campus of Abilene Christian University. May its leaders keep alive a hunger for being Bod's people among their students and may they always honor those whose love for the Lord and desire to build leaders for a restoration of New Testament Christianity was a catalyst for great sacrfices as they laid the foundation for today's university.
I visited several churches of Christ. They ranged greatly in size and in personality. One was thoroughly integrated racially, another had elderly members, another had a large number of high school and college students. Yet, in each the people loved to sing God's praises and the preacher proclaimed a message from God's word. Each church had problems, I am sure, but I had not come to search for them.
Now I begin a new phase of life and ministry. This blog will continue, but may at times reflect my different geographic setting. Pray for me as I do for all who read this, that I may know courage and hope.
I saw an intriguing bumper sticker as I traveled: "May God give you twice what you wish for me." My first thought was, "What a wonderful sentiment, to wish so much good." Then I had a more cynical thought; perhaps this was an admonition for those who wished him ill. Let's break away from hurtful wished and road rage. Wish the stranger in the next car the best. He or she may be having a much worse day than yours. As I drove through an Ohio city years ago, a man who passed me blew his horn and flashed an obscene gesture at me. Then I saw his bumper sticker, "Christians aren't perfect, only forgiven. How true. You and I may make horrible mistakes, but if we keep our eyes on Jesus (Read Hebrews chapter 12), we may discover that God has not given up on us yet. Show God's grace wherever you go.

Who helps you when you're down?

Who encourages you when you are down? Perhaps it's an old college roommate, a former teacher, or your spouse. The prototype encourager in the New Testament was a man named Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus who became a disciple of Jesus. Repeatedly, this man took actions that comforted and encourage. He sold his own land and gave to the poor in the church. He took the side of new converts with whom established church members were not comfortable (one of those unaccepted new converts whom Joseph stood up for is better known to us as the apostle Paul). He mentored less-seasoned preachers and groomed them for greater service. Joseph encouraged so well that he earned a nick name - Barnabas, the son of consolation or the encourager.
Maybe you are the encourager in your group and don't even realize it. Military chaplains sometimes talk about the "ministry of presence," encouragement and spiritual assistance that is somehow given simply by just being there. Your presence may make it easier for another to do what is right. Your attendance at worship services may inspire someone who is discouraged and might drift away if not for your example. Sometimes a simple smile from someone at the right time helps me. So, keep smiling. Give a hug to the downcast. Give a cup of water to the thirsty. The ministry of encouragement is not always dramatic. It is, however, crucial. Thank you to my encouragers. It would be so hard without your prayers, hugs, e-mails, and brilliant smiles. Keep the Barnabas tradition going.

When People Just Won't Leave You Alone

It seems that it is almost impossible to get away these days. When you settle back in a secluded spot to read a good book or cast a fishing line or just spend a few treasured moments with a loved one, your cell-phone interrupts. Your automobile is equipped with GPS, which helps others to find you when you're in an accident and disabled, or any other time, for that matter. Meanwhile, work schedules grow increasingly more intense. You want a break. I know I do. Jesus did, too. On several occasions, he broke away from the crowds for some quiet time to pray, or fish, or just do what ever a Messiah does on vacation. In Mark 7:24-30, for example, Jesus makes a rare excursion outside Palestine. He goes to the vicinity of Tyre. If you have watched the news recently, you've seen reports of Israel's attacks on southern Lebanon. Among the cities bombed was Tyre. Jesus went to a house in Tyre and the Bible says that he wanted no one to know it. Why? Perhaps he just needed some down time. However, it was not to be. He could not keep his presence a secret, even far from home. A non-Jewish woman from that area, who had a daughter who was demon-possessed, heard that the miracle-working teacher from Galilee was in her city and tracked him down. How do you react when someone intrudes on your personal time? Are you more abrupt, perhaps even a little rude? Jesus replies to her initial request with a cryptic remark that seems almost rude and perhaps even racist. "First let the children eat all they want, for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs," he said. Gentiles were unclean, as were dogs. This woman was on a mission, however, and she would not be pushed aside. With just a touch of humor, the desperate woman responded to the curt dismissal, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Jesus was impressed. "For such a reply, you may go," he said. "The demon has left your daughter." She went home and found that her daughter had been healed. This story has much to say to us. First, like Jesus, we may have times when we want to be left alone, but people, maybe even people we do not like, really need our help. We may have to struggle to contain our frustration or even revulsion. They still need our help, and most of us have probably had a time when we needed help but it seemed that no one cared. We have to take a deep breath, and listen, then help if we can. Second, like the woman, we may be brushed aside by someone who is preoccupied or off-duty or on vacation. Their treatment of us may sting, may even cut deeply. This woman's grace when rejected speaks to us. Responding with anger or cursing rarely helps. Humor and good-mannered persistence may. We may even need to ask if we might come back at a better time. Third, Jesus's initial response may remind us that cultural values and environment influence our responses. Even if Jesus was just testing the woman (as many commentators suggest), his response was just what this Gentile woman might have expected from a typical Jewish man of the time. Later, Peter the apostle would have his own struggles with cultural bias (Acts 9, Galatians 2). Fourth, Jesus's ultimate response demonstrates that racial or ethnic prejudice have no place in a Christian's worldview. Jesus reached out repeatedly to people whom his cultural peers found disgusting: Gentiles, lepers, tax collectors, Roman soldiers.
Jesus helped this woman. It was not a good time for him (perhaps a fifth lesson here is that everyone needs to take some time off), but he still came through. Sometimes, we don't. It is at those times that we need to remember this woman and her statement that "even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the children's table." We're more like the dogs in those moments when we fail to show grace. We need the crumbs of grace, too. Jesus will help us, too.

AWOL: a book you need to read

Among the unsung heroes of any war are military families. Some time ago I saw the author of a new book being interviewed on television. Frank Schaeffer, whose father's books about religion and worldview I read in college, talked with the wife of a military chaplain about his new book AWOL, which he had co-written with Kathy Ross-Douquet. General Tommy Franks wrote the foreword to the book and Senator John McCain writes a glowing note of approval on the cover. Schaeffer is a Republican; Ross-Douquet is a Democrat who actually worked in the Clinton White House. This is not a book written from the fringe. The book discusses a new phenomenon in American society which has emerged since World War II, and that has accelerated since the Vietnam Conflict: the failure of children from wealthy or politically powerful families to enlist in the military. Five of President Franklin Roosevelt's children seved in the military. Their cousin, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., was the only American General on the beach on D-Day. John F. Kennedy and his brother Joseph served in the military; Joseph died in action. Today, some private colleges prevent military recruiters from visiting their campuses. Schaeffer began his pilgrimage towards writing this book when his son decided to join the Marines rather than attend an Ivy League university. Ross-Douquet, after establishing a successful political activist career, married a Marine officer, only to receive sympathetic comments from friends who could not understand how so talented a man would choose the military rather than a civilian career. The book reminds us about the importance of duty and honor in military service, and the potential dangers of having people who have not served or who will not let their children serve make the decision to send less fortunate people's children to war. Both the nation and military suffer when all parts of society are not represented in the military. This is a significant issue; I encourage you to read the book and weigh its argument for yourself. I have served in the active duty and reserve components of the military; I encouraged my children to talk to recruiters. Especially if you support our nation's current military expeditions, have you or your children volunteered to serve? If not, why not? Is it because you have sincere moral objections or do you think your family is too privileged to share in the responsibility of defending our nation?
I want to encourage the parents, spouses, and children of our military members. I've spent a lot of time this summer with military families; their pain, pride, love, and sacrifice stand in stark contrast with some I have met during my travels who had almost forgotten we were at war. A new "greatest generation" is emerging; sadly, too many are opting out. I commend those who who are at least talking to recruiters and telling their grown children to do so. Thank you for your integrity.

Unexpected heroes: Gideon

Gideon is another occupant of the Hall of Fame of Faith whose recognition might be unexpected. His story begins in Judges chapter 6. When an angel informs him that God has a mission for him, he tries to beg out. Admittedly, he is not unique in such a refusal. Moses, Jeremiah, and Jonah, to name a few, also tried to avoid calls to service. Like Moses, Gideon objected that others were better qualified. He also questioned the source of his call and demanded a sign. God provided a sign. The skeptical Gideon then asked that the sign be repeated - in reverse. After the reversal, Gideon went to work. Even then, he registered some shock as God reduced radically the number of soldiers in his army. However, in the moment of truth, Gideon used ingenuity, deception, and initiative to lead Israel to victory. By faith, Gideon prevailed. By faith, we can also endure. If God could make Gideon a hero of faith, what can he do with you?

Independence Day

Independence Day - fireworks, concerts, cookouts, movies, reflection. How are you spending your day? As many relax today, it's tempting to forget the stress and fear that the men who signed the Declaration of Independence felt as they signed that document. Even John Hancock's bravado as he signed signal an awareness of the risk that they were taking. As we commemorate that day and their embracing of risk, let's make choices that demonstrate an appreciation of what they did that day. Today, thousands of our fellow citizens are away from home fighting for freedom. Let's honor them also by valuing our freedom, using it responsibly but remaining alert to attempts to attack it.
Freedom requires discipline, otherwise it deteriorates and becomes anarchy. Freedom requires flexibility and toleration, otherwise it morphs into fascism. Celebrate freedom by exercising power under control and by protecting the freedom of others.

How are these people heroes? (July 13, 2006)

Christians often regard Hebrews 11 as a Hall of Fame of Faith. As they wander through its corridors, viewing the displays (otherwise known as "reading the chapter"), they gasp at the achievements of Abraham, Noah, Jacob, and Joseph. But as I did when I visited the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and had only a brief time to visit, they sprint past "less important" exhibits and only scan the more important ones. Even the curator (writer) lamented that he did not have more time to talk about heroes like Barak, Jephthah, Gideon, and Samson. So, if I had more time in the Hebrews 11 museum, how could I learn more? All four names of the overlooked come from the book of Judges, arguably one of the most depressing books in the Old Testament. It is a catalogue of failures by the people of God. Even our four heroes had notable spiritual lapses. With Barak and Jephthah, we may even scratch our heads, and say, "How is this man a hero of faith?" Barak was a military leader of Israel during a time when the tribes of Israel were overrun by a Canaanite king named Jabin, who had his own military leader, Sisera. Barak's (and Israel's) spiritual/political leader was a woman named Deborah. Of course, Deborah's leadership status would seem to conflict with patriarchal stereotypes sometimes ascribed to ancient Israel. Deborah informs Barak that God will give him the victory if he leads Israel against Jabin and the Canaanites. The great hero of faith responds that he will indeed lead his people into battle, but only if Deborah goes with him. Remember, despite Deborah's status, this is still a traditional patriarchal society. Deborah herself almost seems sarcastic as she assents to Barak's request. Our question is simply, "How is Barak a hero of faith?" Simply, despite his fears, Barak still believed God's promise. He led Israel into battle. They won the victory. People sometimes rely on the vision and faith of leaders. That does not negate the reality of their own faith. It may not be so bold or expansive, but faith still exists and provides the resources for victory. They may not be the headliners, but they often are the heroes of those who get the glory.
(More to come about Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, and other unsung heroes of Hebrews 11)

Blackberries

I love blackberries. No, I'm not writing about communication devices but about the original blackberries, those succulent dark purple berries that do so well in cobblers and jam. I remember going with my parents and brothers to a friend's farm in Northern West Virginia as a preteen. We hiked across a field and up a hill to a bramble infested area where we discovered a treasure-trove of blackberries. Why does that day linger in my memory?
Earlier this week, as I mowed the grass in my yard, I spied familiar berries in an area that had grown out of control this spring as my sons mowed the grass. So, at noon today, I took a bowl from the cupboard and hiked the the fifty feet across my level yard to the blackberry patch. Picking blackberries carries a cost. The most treasured moments in life do. Scratches on my legs and arms testify that the vines do not give up their fruits without a struggle. I picked only enough to fill my small bowl. Those berries tasted great; I thanked God for this treat.

666 and Seeking the Will of God

In the beginning, God...
Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness...
Love the Lord your God with all your heart...

These excerpts from the Bible remind us who it is all about - not me, not you, no celebrity, no politician - Life is about God and being his person. When we seek to find ourselves, but leave God out, we ensure we will discover only a shadow of our potential, for we have excluded our Creator and Designer, the one who knows already what we seek to learn.

Recreation, advancement at work, et al. clutter our calendars and our minds. Pop psychology and superstition distort our faith and our view of God. Prime example: Today is June 6, 2006, which may be written 6-6-06. It brings to mind for many, apparently, the number of the Antichrist from the book of Revelation. Revelation is literature written in an apocalyptic figurative style. Taking it literally creates all types of nonsense. Television news reported about a women who had had her child's birth induced a day earlier so it would not be born today. Students in a public school history class didn't want to complete an assignment that came from page 666 in their textbooks. Remarkably, some of those same students had no problem with using profanity, showing disrespect to teachers, being unproductive in their schoolwork, and with making sexually suggestive statements. Their religious mentors had taught them superstition rather than the will of God for a holy lifestyle.

"Fear God and keep his commands, for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Why go to church?

Why go to church? As one man expressed it to me years ago, one can worship God as well alone by a babbling brook. Yet, when we read biblical accounts of the early church, we discover a resounding emphasis on the importance of community: Christians grow stronger when spending regular time together.
Acts chapter 2:42-47 records that the earliest Christians met together in homes daily. Other passages suggest meetings that took place on at least a weekly basis.
Hebrews 10:25 is a frequent focus for discussion on this topic. At times, it is approached as a command - "Don't forsake the assembling of the saints." Certainly, it underlines the importance of assembling with other Christians. It supplies several reasons why such attendance is imperative.
We worship together as a means of drawing near to God. This term often is used to refer to prayer and prayer can be done alone. Prayer in community has great power. We worship together to encourage other Christians. The original readers of Hebrews included discouraged Christians. They were drifting away. The assembly provides a context for remembering that others share our beliefs and that someone else cares about us.
We worship together to "stir up" each other. That expression can mean to provoke to anger, and some Christian assemblies may seem focused on criticism, but the reason for the assembly is to stir up to love and good works. Ephesians 2:1-10 teaches that God created Christians to do good works. "Church" reminds us what our mission is.
Hebrews 10 has horizontal reasons for church attendance (encouraging) but also vertical (we have had our consciences sprinkled with the blood of Christ and our bodies washed with water, drawing near to God through the intercession of our Great High Priest) reasons. This chapter which talks about the importance of church attendance for remaining close to God also describes judgment for those who do not. The verse in this chapter "It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" is addressed to Christians about Christians who have turned their backs on their Savior.
I write this not to scold forsakers of the assembly, but to encourage attenders to participate actively in the services, to make the assembly where you are an encouraging experience. Smile at others. Don't rush out the door when the final amen is spoken. Stay and talk. Someone may need your help. The answer to your problem may be in that room. Sing out, focus on the prayers, readings and sermons, be there. Stir someone up to love and good works.

Graduation

My sons graduated from high school this past weekend. At times, I feared this moment would never come; at others, I feared even more that it would. Now it has arrived, and as they prepare to go on to new adventures, I must learn to disengage when they are determined to go it alone, but be prepared to dive back in if they begin to drown in seas of uncertainty and inexperience. Like many others before me, I feel unequal to this task. I can only pray that we (my sons and I) will act wisely and work together so they may forge futures that will please God and help to make this world a better place.

Faith, hope, and love

Hope keeps us alive. Without hope, faith founders. Without hope, love languishes. Hope sustains and promises a future better than today. Faith, hope, and love form a survival triad for Christians. These three, which appear together in passages like Hebrews 10, Colossians 1, and most famously, 1 Corinthians 13, keep the church and individuals alive - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Hope is the root that springs forth when the seed of God's word is planted in the fertile soil of a receptive mind. Faith grows from hope as the new believer acquires more and more evidence for his hope. Finally, love blossoms from the practice of faith and the sustainment of hope in life, in relationship, in the church, in Christ.

Evidence of the Grace of God

News of the rapidly growing church in the northeast reached the mother church in the south. Some reports disturbed seasoned leaders - suggestions that disciples there had introduced innovations, and that the congregation had achieved a first for the church - a majority of members were from a different ethnic group which had a vastly different cultural background than most Christians.
The older church sent a trusted evangelist to investigate. This preacher would hear preaching. He would observe interaction between the various ethnic groups within the fellowship. He would notice differences - clothing, greetings, diet - that existed among the members of the burgeoning young church.
The Bible records that Barnabas "saw the evidence of the grace of God" at Antioch (Acts 11). He approved, and he stayed to help these young disciples mature in faith. The church in Jerusalem would send other messengers; some would not like what they saw. Ultimately, however, spirit-led leaders like James, Peter, and Paul would join Barnabas in seeing the evidence of the grace of God in Antioch. That church in turn would sponsor the first extensive missionary forays into the Gentile world.
It's easy to criticize when one visits a new congregation. Subtle, and sometimes obvious, differences from home rattle and irritate us. It's harder, but much more exhilarating, to step back, take a deep breath, and probe for evidence of the grace of God.
Jesus and the apostles encouraged deliberate unity. Unity begins with looking for evidence of the grace of God.

Returning soldiers

During the past week, I have talked to several who recently have returned from serving our country overseas. Some have talked and shown pictures about Iraqi families they helped to regain some sense of normalcy. Others have shared information about their visits to archaeological sites associated with biblical characters. I have witnessed great joy as families reunited. I have seen anger, frustration, and confusion bottled up in men and women still trying to cope with what they have seen, touched, tasted, smelled, and heard. One would go back tomorrow if he could. Another cannot even talk about the horror he desperately wants to forget.
All these people are beginning an adventure. Yes, they are starting a journey down a path where random noises and smells will trigger memories and reactions. They will relive moments of achievement. They also will stagger as waves of depression or fear overwhelm them.
They need love - our love and God's love - as they and their families struggle to learn what they have become. Pray for our returning soldiers - National Guard, Active, and Reserve from every branch - and thank God for their courage and for their survival. Pray that they will know peace. Act to make their return a success. Ask how you may help, and when told, do something that will make a positive difference.