Tim Tebow and Turning Pages

I am a big-time fan of Peyton Manning. I was a big-time fan of his dad Archie. I have followed Peyton’s career throughout college and professional football. I falsely hoped when Indianapolis decided to let him go that Seattle might aggressively seek Peyton’s services. Alas, the Seahawks are another story.

I’m also a big-time fan of Tim Tebow. Not only does his faith and life inspire me but his work ethic in the game excites me. The Broncos drive through the playoffs last fall was the most entertaining football I’ve seen in a long time.

Now Peyton is becoming the Broncos starting quarterback. What will happen with Tebow? Will he be a backup to Manning and learn from one of the best? More likely I think Tebow will be traded. The Tebow mania in Denver could be too much for the business of football to happen effectively in the Broncos organization.

A trade to another team is what I call a “turning of the page”. If God is the Author of life and each of our stories become a part of God’s metanarrative, then Tebow’s move to a new team will be the turning of a page into a new chapter in his life.

AND, Tebow will be just fine. In fact I predict he will flourish. No, I don’t have an inside scoop on what team will pick up the Heisman Trophy winner. It really doesn’t matter. I hope that Tim will have success in the game wherever he goes but if he doesn’t it won’t matter. Since football is “A” passion of Tim’s and not “THE”Passion of his life he will be just fine wherever he is and whatever he does.

Tim has made it clear that following Christ is his all-consuming first priority in life. Knowing Christ, serving Christ and seeing the difference that Christ makes all around his life won’t change. Just the city and team will change. AND, I predict that the graceful, classy way Tim handles the transition will likewise bring honor to Christ.

I’m looking forward to the next chapter in Manning’s career. I’m especially looking forward to the next chapter in Tebow’s life.

Is there such a thing as "Wrongful Birth"?

A Portland area couple was recently awarded nearly $3 million because their daughter was born with Down syndrome. Around 13 weeks into her pregnancy the mother had gone into a clinic and received the chorionic villus sampling or CVS. The results showed that the child had a normal chromosomal profile. When the child was born it was then discovered that she did in fact have the chromosomal abnormality referred to as Down syndrome. Statistically the test has a 97.7% accuracy rate.

The couple sued the clinic claiming that had the test been accurate and they knew that their child was Down syndrome they would have aborted her and thus never gone through the ordeal of raising a special needs child.

The child is now 4 years old. The parents say that they love her. They simply want the clinic to pay for their error. If you’re interested in the specifics of the testing and trial you can read the story at the Oregonian.

The whole case is a reflection of our times and the questions that modern medical science is presenting to society. Upon what basis will we make such life and death decisions?

The term “wrongful birth”, like other current euphemisms in the news such as “after-birth abortion” and “selective reduction”, sends a chilling message that many of us can be misled by the changing of language.

Those of us who are guided by the Bible through the questions and values posed by contemporary culture have to see this crafting of words for what it is. Most of our society would not tolerate the murder of babies but would give little attention to someone preventing a “wrongful birth”.

Yes, I’m aware that scientifically a sperm and egg unite and from that conception a developmental process is launched until there is a birth. Increasing numbers in our society are having to reject the notions about life beginning at some point of viability or at birth because science has convincingly demonstrated that life begins at conception.

But theologically the Bible contends that life begins in the heart of God which precedes the uniting of sperm and egg. In the story of God’s call to Jeremiah to be a prophet, God informed Jeremiah,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

The implication of this verse is clear. God conceives our lives and has determined the value of our lives and has plans for our lives before our parents even come into the picture.

Was there a wrongful birth of this little girl 4 years ago? No. Were it known that she would be born with Down syndrome should there have been a selective reduction? God forbid. Within minutes of her birth when her condition was discovered should there have been an after-birth abortion? Are we insane?

Changing the language does not change the fact that we are “playing God” when we make decisions for death instead of life.

When God Works in Unique Ways

About a week ago I had the privilege and unique opportunity to travel to Nicaragua as a part of a service team for a newly established village. While in the village our team of 16 served alongside the members of the community harvesting and planting crops, building friendship, offering support and sharing life.

I use the word “unique” because of several factors. First, the trip was planned by my Rotary Club in Sammamish, not by my church. Some months ago Charlotte, the chairperson of the international committee of our club discovered a Seattle based non-profit ministry called Agros. She was impressed with their model of offering help to the poor in ways that empower them to bring about change in their lives (more about that later) and she led our club to partner with Agros in a multiyear commitment of several thousand dollars. As far as we can tell this partnership between Rotary and Agros is a first.

Regarding the uniqueness of partnership, for this trip Sammamish Rotary was teamed up with church members from three churches in Spokane. Though Rotary holds many values and goals that are common in churches, Rotary is also careful to not embrace Christianity over any other religion but mutually respect all. In my estimation the partnerships with Agros and the churches was terrific.

Second, God was a work in a unique way by sending me on the team. Yes, I’ve been on international mission teams before but my participation has been around my skills and abilities. I’ve done teaching and leadership training for church leaders and various outreach efforts. But those that know me laughed or smiled broadly when they learned that I was going to go do work on a farm. I’m about as unhandy as a guy can be when it comes to working with my hands but there I was milking a cow, picking peppers and watermelons and cutting plantains.

Third, my experience was unique because of the way the events of the week unfolded for me. Most of the team from Spokane did not know that I was a minister and none in the village did. Though our team had devotions and prayer together and we experienced chapel services with the people in the village, I never led a meeting, led a prayer, or led a devotional time. I didn’t facilitate any of the debriefing sessions in the evenings. These are the kinds of things that I do all the time but in the first part of the week my role was simply servant and friend. It was refreshing for me and I enjoyed watching others do a great job leading. I love being led well by others.

But midway through the week the Spokane friends had hoped that our team might be able to have a communion service with our friends in the village. The leadership council kindly said that this would not be possible without an ordained minister to oversee such a service. At that point someone mentioned that I was an ordained minister. After I sat down with the leadership council and we discussed various issues of difference between the Catholics and Protestants in the village we were able to have the Lord’s Supper together in our Thursday afternoon chapel service. It was one of the most special communion services that I’ve officiated.

Now that I was “outed” as a minister various villagers asked me to pray blessings on their homes and families and crops. In my last hours there I was privileged to serve with the gifts and abilities that God has given me.

During my time in Nicaragua God spoke into my heart and addressed several lessons for my life that I’ll share in the next couple of posts.

I’ve been following Christ for over 35 years. I still marvel at the new and unique things that He does in and around my life.

Finishing Well: A Reminder from Joe Paterno

Sunday Joe Paterno, the all-time winningest college football coach died after a battle with cancer at the age of 85. He coached the Penn State Nitanny Lions for 61 years (46 as head coach) winning 409 games, playing in 37 bowl games and winning two national championships.

Paterno will most likely be remembered as a man of determination and dedication to the sport, the University, his family and friends. Paterno will also be remembered for failing to do more in the protection of children that were allegedly abused by one of the members of his coaching staff. For all of his accomplishments and respect in the world of football, Paterno will also be remembered for being fired by the University for the child sexual abuse scandal.

It is hard to live life well and finish life well.

My family and friends began a journey January 1 of reading through the entire Bible in 2012. In these first few weeks several have commented to me, “I didn’t realize that the people in the Bible who did great things for God also committed such awful sins.”

It’s true. I tend to look at Moses and David as heroes in the faith. God used them in powerful and eternal ways. But they also committed terrible sins and finished life poorly.

For over a couple of decades now I’ve intentionally concerned myself with the challenge of how to live lovingly, adventurously, generously, holy and also finish well so that when I breathe my last I’ve not been an embarrassment to God, my family or my church. I’m not talking about sinless perfection but rather a consistent godliness that honors the Lord and encourages others.

I regularly meet with some men with the same heart. We’ve made a commitment to each other to be accountable. We confess our sins to each other. We pray for each other. We call each other whenever we think the needle on our heart-gauge is getting in the red zone of danger. We regularly exhort one another, “Let’s finish well.”

As a fan of college football I’ve admired Paterno for years and with respect to the game I probably will never forget him. I’ll also not forget the final few months of his life.

What Is Your Experience In Church?

Do you attend church? If so why? If not, why not?

Recently the Barna organization surveyed Americans who have attended church sometime in the past and discovered what they say about their experiences.

1. Connecting with God was most important. Around 66% said they have had a personal connection with God when attending a church. That would mean that roughly a third would say that they haven’t connected with God when attending a church. What’s more, those who said they have connected with God when in a congregational setting describe the encounter as rare.

What about you. How frequently do you connect with God when attending a church? What helps or hinders?

2. Experiencing Transformation or that life had been “greatly affected” by attending church was said by 26%. Another 25% said attending church had been “somewhat influential”. The other half said that their lives had not been changed at all by attending church.

This is an interesting factor. One of my passions is life transformation. I pray and serve people with the hope of seeing transformation. However I would probably say that I’ve experienced little if any transformation by attending church. I can be inspired, informed, encouraged, and equipped but the life change really comes when I put into practice the things I feel stirred about. Obedience to God changes my life.

3. Gaining New Insights was a disappointing factor in the survey. Asked to describe what insight they gained the last time they attended church 61% could not remember anything of significance related to faith.

This of course is one of the frustrating and perplexing realities to those who speak in church every week. I’ll typically spend a dozen hours preparing for a 25 minute talk which is similar to a lot of other pastors. Yet we know that many of the people listening attentively in the moment will not remember 95% of what they hear because they are not writing any notes or deciding on any action steps to take in light of what they have heard.

The rest of the story is that many of us don’t grow in our ability to communicate. Means of communication are exploding all around us yet the Sunday message can often be a talking head that seems to drone “blah, blah, blah, blah.”

4. Feeling Cared For measured whether church attenders felt significantly connected to other people at church. Around 68% said they feel like they are a part of the group. Another 23% opined that being at church feels “like a group of people sharing the same space in a public event but who were not connected in a real way.”

If a church has over 100 people and regularly has new guests showing up it’s difficult for everyone to connect with everyone. This is one of the reasons that I’m a strong proponent of small groups. When I have meaningful connections in my small group of a dozen people I then have a capacity to reach out to and connect with several people on Sunday. I don’t feel as great a need regarding who, if anyone is attempting to connect with me.

5. Helping the Poor was the final factor measured by the survey. The question was whether you believed your church prioritizes caring for the poor outside of the congregation. Adults who attended a church said their church cared a lot (44%) or somewhat (33%).

What’s your opinion about the way your church cares for the poor? What part do you play in caring for the poor?

The survey addressed additional influences on the above factors like church size, age of participants, and denominational affiliation that you can read about here.

I’ve served the church for 35 years. I’m very acquainted with how churches fall short of God’s calling and I’ve been blessed to experience the church at her best. Many find healing and hope through the church while others find it boring and irrelevant. Some have even been abused by the church.

Nevertheless, the church is a primary expression and experience of God in our world. I’m committed to see the church as a people and place that glorify God and edify people. I’m convinced that sacrificing my life on behalf of God’s work in and through the church is worth it.

What about you?

A Dead Duck and a Lesson in Forgiveness

We’ve launched into a New Year. Are you ready?

Like many others you may be taking up new commitments and resolutions, things that you’re going to add to your life. Of course we can only carry “so much” in life’s journey and the question becomes, “What are you going to let go of in order to take up the new things?”

Life is a series of trades. I trade in late night television so that I can rise early to pray or exercise. I trade in junk food for healthy food. I trade in careless spending for thoughtful stewardship.

How about trading in a little guilt and experiencing forgiveness?

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods; but he couldn't hit any target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. On impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!

In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all--but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally replied, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally just smiled and said, "Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help, didn't you Johnny?" She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny helped Grandma.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's, he couldn't stand it any longer. He finally went to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. I was wondering how long you would let Sally make you her slave. I love you. I forgive you."

You know that God has seen and known all that you have done. Do you also know that He loves you and is ready to forgive you? Today would be a great day to pray, confess your sins to God, experience His love and forgiveness and trade in your guilt for a fresh start, not just on the year but in your journey with God.

Steve Jobs: Living As If You're Dying

October 5, 2011 Steve Jobs breathed his last in this world. Succumbing to pancreatic cancer the technological pioneer finally saw his last day that he had anticipated since being diagnosed in 2004.

Jobs was first told a very grim prognosis; six months to live. Later it was discovered that his form of cancer was responsive to treatment and thus Jobs lived a few more years.

At age 56 Jobs’ death strikes close to home since I’m only a year behind him and prompts me to once again reflect on my own mortality. Jobs gave a memorable commencement speech at Stanford in 2005 which is one of my favorite Ted Talks. In light of his diagnosis Jobs challenged the graduates to live before they die. Among his helpful comments he said…

Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

Without a fatal diagnosis is it possible to live as if you are dying? The fact of the matter is that we are all dying but most of us have the presumption that it will be far into the future.

If I lived as if I was dying I think I would give more generously, love more freely, forgive more quickly, make amends thoroughly, enjoy friendship daily, frequently kiss, hug, cry, laugh and know and worship God as deeply as possible.

What about you? What would be different if you lived as if you were dying?

Gambling on Life, Death and Faith

Recently I read an update on film critic Roger Ebert that prompted the following reflections.

Most of you know who Roger Ebert is. For years he has been one of the more popular film critics and was the long time co-host of “At The Movies” with Gene Siskel and later Richard Roeper.

In 2002 Ebert was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He has endured years of treatment and surgery, including the removal of his jaw in 2006.

In his memoir, “Life Itself”, Ebert speaks of his impending death—

I know it is coming, and I do not fear it, because I believe there is nothing on the other side of death to fear.

Many readers have informed me that it is a tragic and dreary business to go into death without faith. I don't feel that way. "Faith" is neutral. All depends on what is believed in. I have no desire to live forever.

What I expect to happen is that my body will fail, my mind will cease to function and that will be that.

Mr. Ebert has made a bet. He is betting that there is no Creator God who has given life to each person with an expectation on how that life will be lived and for which there will be accountability and possible judgment.

If Mr. Ebert is correct then it truly doesn’t matter that he hasn’t lived with a view of having a relationship with God or attempting to please God. If he is wrong then death will be a very undesirable experience.

This has led many to philosophically and theologically conclude: “If I bet that there is a God and live that way, then die and find out I was wrong, it is no big loss. However, if I bet there is not a God and live that way, then die and find out I was wrong, it is the all-time biggest loss.”

Of course most of that thinking is around the notion of spending forever either in heaven or hell. I’m sympathetic to the rationale and the concern for people to go to heaven when they die.

Of greater concern to me is this: If God is real (all powerful, all knowing, etc.), and if God has invited us to know Him (forgiveness of sin, justification, redemption and reconciliation), then not knowing God and experiencing His gracious gift of life would be the all-time greatest loss.

So here’s my challenge for Mr. Ebert and everyone else who shares his thinking: Don’t make a blind bet. Investigate, explore, and search regarding whether the claims about God and life with God are true. Don’t settle for a few superficial caricatures of faith based living that are weird, cheesy, flaky or a turn off (and there are many).

Investigate Jesus and Christianity as thoughtfully and carefully as you examine movies. If you do so, I bet that you reach a different conclusion.

Reflections on the Cross

Ryan Holladay is pastor of Lower Manhattan Community Church which meets two blocks from the World Trade Center site. His article in Christianity Today, “Why The 9/11 Cross Should Offend All of Us” is worth a few moments of your reflection.

A cross is on display at the memorial site and this is literally making some atheists sick. The atheists claim that the presence of the cross has caused them to suffer “dyspepsia, symptoms of depression, headaches, anxiety and mental pain and anguish”. Though many are not finding the atheists’ claims to be credible Holladay wonders if the atheists are taking the cross more seriously than do most believers.

Holladay reminds us that the cross “tells the world’s strangest story in an image.” The Apostle Paul said that the cross is to some a scandal and to others a joke (1 Cor. 1:23). Simultaneously and paradoxically the cross declares that mankind is sinful and condemned AND that God is merciful and full of grace.

When the Apostle Peter preached this dual message of condemnation and salvation in the cross the Bible says that “when the people heard this, they were cut to the heart.” Kind of sounds like the first century audience was at the same time sickened and hopeful.

Holladay opines, “The atheist litigants have called the 9/11 cross an ‘ugly piece of wreckage,’ arguing that it speaks of ‘horror and death.’ On the basis of the New Testament, these statements are difficult to contradict.”

How should one respond to the cross? Peter advised, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” The Book of Acts reports that thousands of people believed Peter’s message, responded with repentance and faith and their lives were changed forever and their lives changed our world.

In conclusion Holladay ponders, “Suppose God Himself has suffered and died at the hands of evil men. Suppose God Himself has shown the capacity for taking what was intended for harm and using it for good. Might this affect the way we ourselves face evil and suffering?”

Five Vows Worth Repeating

Ray Orlund, the late and longtime former pastor of Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, California, made the following vows to God that are worth our reflection and emulating.

1. Vow to give God all the glory in all your success.
2. Vow to confess your sins and do a thorough job of repentance.
3. Vow never to say anything slanderous or destructive against any of God’s children.
4. Vow not to own anything. Leave all ownership to God.
5. Vow that while you live you will seek to live with enthusiasm and joy by the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 56:12
“I am under vows to you, O God.”

God's Sovereignty: Painful, Powerful, Purifying

Some of you won’t be ready to read and consider this post. I pray that you’ll bookmark it for another day.

God’s sovereignty is a glorious and painful subject. Glorious because when we think about or see a life event or circumstance rightly (biblically) we behold something great and grand about God. When we are unable or unwilling to see rightly we can be consumed and destroyed by disappointment, anger, resentment and grief.

John 9 tells the story of a man who was born blind. One day Jesus’ disciples notice him and they inquire, “Was this man born blind because his parents sinned or because of his own sin?” Jesus replied that neither speculation was correct. Rather, the man was born blind so that “the works of God might be displayed in him.” (9:3)

Jesus is basically saying that God, in His sovereign will, caused this man to be born blind and did so in order that God might be glorified because of it. The implications of that text are extremely difficult for many of us. When you apply the theology of that text to your own circumstance it can be very difficult to comprehend and accept.

Did God intend and cause your cancer or bodily defect or disability for His glory? Is God capricious, unkind or cruel?

I’ve wrestled with these questions through the years and feel like I’ve been able to land at a biblical conclusion but rather than sharing my musings allow me to introduce you to John Knight.

In the video below John Knight, a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis is interviewed by his pastor, John Piper. Knight is the father of a son who was born without eyes. Knight’s testimony may be the clearest biblical articulation I’ve heard on God’s sovereignty and it is totally authentic as his words and inflections drip with pain of his journey.

As you view the video (those viewing through a reader may need to click through to the web site) prayerfully seek the Lord, asking Him to speak into your heart and reveal His ways to you. There is a reason connected to God’s sovereignty that you saw this post and that you’re reflecting on this subject.

Wrestling With an Angel

Greg Lucas is a police officer, husband, father, Christ-follower and now an author. For some time I’ve read his blog, which describes Greg’s awakening to and experience of God while providing care for a special needs child with cerebral palsy, autism and a variety of other challenges. Now Greg has a book by the same title as his blog, “Wrestling With an Angel”.

When you have 5 minutes check out the video (those viewing through a reader may need to click through to the web site) and reflect on the grace of God while listening to Greg’s testimony.

Wrestling With An Angel from Brian Patton on Vimeo.

Easter: Exalting Christ, Removing Idols

As we approach the Easter celebration of the resurrection of Christ let us exalt Jesus by removing our idols. David Powlison's list of questions in Seeing With New Eyes are good for a diagnostic test on our lives now and again to help us identify idols.

1. What do I worry about most?

2. What, if I failed or lost it, would cause me to feel that I did not even want to live?

3. What do I use to comfort myself when things go bad or get difficult?

4. What do I do to cope? What are my release valves? What do I do to feel better?

5. What preoccupies me? What do I daydream about?

6. What makes me feel the most self-worth? Of what am I the proudest? For what do I want to be known?

7. What do I lead with in conversations?

8. Early on what do I want to make sure that people know about me?

9. What prayer, unanswered, would make me seriously think about turning away from God?

10. What do I really want and expect out of life? What would really make me happy?

11. What is my hope for the future?

How Things Start

Jim Joyce and Why I'm in Celebrate Recovery

This past summer one of the more memorable professional baseball episodes happened the night the Detroit Tigers played the Cleveland Indians. Armando Galarraga was pitching a perfect game for the Tigers, a rare feat in major league baseball.

Veteran umpire Jim Joyce was at first base. In the ninth inning on what should have been the final out and therefore a perfect game for Galarraga, Joyce missed the call and said the runner was safe. I blogged about it here and commented about what a tremendous picture it became of confession, accepting responsibility, forgiveness and reconciliation. Joyce publicly confessed his error and asked Galarraga to forgive him; Galarraga forgave Joyce; the next night the two teams played again and Joyce was plate umpire and walked into Tiger’s stadium and the crowd graciously cheered him.

Seven months later ESPN has written a story on how the controversy has continued to play out for Jim Joyce. He and family members have received hate mail and death threats. Joyce admits that he thinks about the missed call every day. Though some support and encouragement has continued to come his way from baseball fans, MLB management, and other professional officials of various sports, Joyce has struggled to forgive himself and put it behind him. Though a veteran umpire and well respected in professional baseball, Joyce believes that all of that has been wiped away by one bad call and that he will be remembered and defined by that bad call the rest of his life.

Perhaps you’re like me and you take your work and your life seriously. I am a perfectionist to a fault and when I make an error in my professional or personal life I often struggle to let it go. I tend to replay the scene over again in my mind and relive the anguish of the mistake.

When I read the ESPN story tears started forming in my eyes as I thoroughly identified with Jim Joyce. My failings and sins have never been as public as Joyce’s since millions have no doubt viewed the television and print and Internet coverage. Still, I erred in the way I treated my wife a few weeks ago and though she was quick to forgive me I’m still struggling to let it go.

Regret, shame, embarrassment and sadness are powerful emotions. I believe the biblical promise that when I confess my sin Jesus is faithful to forgive me and cleanse me (1 John 1:9). I pray that prayer every time I err and sin. In my head I sometimes acknowledge my forgiveness while in my heart I harbor harsh feelings toward self.

Sound sick? It is. That’s why I participate every week in the Celebrate Recovery program at my church. Perfectionism messes with me just as much as drinking or drugs or other habits mess with other people. By consistently practicing the 12 steps that are based upon scriptures I’m being set free from my craziness.

I pray that Jim Joyce likewise finds deliverance from his anguish in relationship with Christ and the practice of biblical truths.

Win The Day

Tonight the Auburn Tigers face the Oregon Ducks for the college football national championship. Two undefeated teams, two high scoring offenses and one Heisman Trophy Winner would seem to be a formula for a great game.

Though I’m a Washington Husky fan I’ve enjoyed watching the Ducks all season and I’m always curious about what their next uniform look will be. They are definitely the champions of style.

Oregon is in the championship game for the first time. Under second year head coach Chip Kelly, the team appears to have bought in to Kelly’s philosophy, “Win the day”.

Kelly preaches a single message to his team, “Win the day”. Who cares about tomorrow, who cares about yesterday, all that is demanded of you is win the day. If it is a practice day, win that day, practice with excellence. On your day off have an excellent day of rest. On game day, play an excellent game.

Mondays can be difficult for a pastor if he feels like he didn’t preach well on Sunday. Mondays may be difficult for you as you dread the coming week of work or school. Win the day. All we’ve got for now is today.

And, since I’m a West coast, Pac-10 guy, may the Ducks win the day.

Three Ways to Live

There are 3 ways to live.

The gift of Christmas is the Gospel.

Christmas Reflections, Part 8

After the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, the shepherds promptly left their sheep in the field unattended so that they might see the baby Jesus. When the shepherds came to Mary and Joseph they told the story of their encounter with the angels and the message about Jesus that the angels delivered.

And at the story of the shepherds Luke 2:18 says that “all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.”

Who wondered? Who is “all”?

Certainly Mary and Joseph are included in the “all” and perhaps there were a few other people around that are not mentioned in the Bible.

But why would Mary and Joseph wonder? They had both separately had an encounter with an angel as they were “briefed” on what God was doing. Though Mary and Joseph were willing participants in the Christmas story, there was still much that was mysterious and significantly outside of their previous experience with God.

This same wonder continues in us (followers of Christ) when we see Jesus “birthed into the heart of a new believer”. Though we have some understanding of what is taking place and we’ve personally experienced Jesus similarly, there is still something marvelous, stirring, and awesome that takes place every time we see new birth and new life in Jesus come forth. It causes us to “wonder”.

To wonder is to reflect on how great God is; how unique; how glorious; how gracious; how loving; how matchless.

John Jacob Niles captures this splendor in his Christmas carol, “I Wonder as I Wander”—
I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.
For poor on’ry people like you and like I…
I wonder as I wander out under the sky

When Mary birthed Jesus ‘twas in a cow’s stall,
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all.
But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall,
And the promise of ages it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing,
Or all of God’s angels in heav’n for to sing,
He surely could have it cause He was the King.



(If viewing through a reader click through to the blog site to view the video)

Christmas Reflections, Part 7

Joe McKeever points out when God incarnates Himself as a human in this world, what types of people become “players” in His story?

There are the young and the old--
(Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus; Simeon and Anna in the temple, Luke 2)

There are the rich and the poor--
(Wise men and Joseph & Mary)

There are Jews and Gentiles--
(Wise men are non-Jews)

There are the highest (angels) and the lowest (shepherds)

John 3:16 tells us that “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” From the beginning “the world” and “whoever” are central to God’s redemptive activity.

Christianity has always been inclusive as all are invited to believe and receive Christ.

Christmas Reflections, Part 6

There’s an old saying, “God is never early and He is never late.” In other words, God’s timing is perfect. However there are certainly those occasions when we are asking for God’s help and it seems like He is taking too long. There are other occasions when we’re not ready to do something He’s stirring us to do and it seems as if the opportunity is too soon.

Our timing is often different from God’s timing.

What’s happening in your life today? In what ways do you need God’s help? Wisdom? Financial provision? Healing? Direction?

In the Christmas story Joseph and Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem for a census. While in Bethlehem Mary delivers the baby Jesus. Some months later wise men from the East travel to Bethlehem, find the Christ child and worship Him. A part of their worship involved presenting gifts to Jesus. One of the gifts was a sum of gold.

Meanwhile, King Herod decides that he cannot allow a potential threat to his throne to grow up in Bethlehem so he sends his soldiers to the town and surrounding region with orders to kill all the male children that were two years of age and younger.

Before a soldier could be dispatched God approaches Joseph in a dream, warns him of Herod’s plot and directs Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt.

The holy family who are poor and certainly don’t have the means for international travel were provided gold at just the right time.

In your life circumstances, God will not be early, nor will He be late.