Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Across the Street
I think there are times when those of us who have been “in Christ” for a long time or those of us who do not have a “checkered past” by the world’s standards lose some perspective. At least I know that there are times when I take for granted “how easy” (“easy” and “consistent” being relative terms) it seems to be to live a life that includes commitment to Christ and a local church. I remember the first time I taught / preached on a Sunday night at Rockledge. I remember my Dad coming up to me afterwards and expressing how proud he was of me. I told him thanks but I didn’t think what I had just done was especially (not take it easy on me Greg, Randy, Steve, Puck, Keith, Brady, and John – I was as my neighbor would say, “young and dumb”) difficult. This probably came from the fact that I had been teaching for a couple of years and was familiar with being in front of folks and speaking.
I’ll never forget what my Dad told me. He looked at me with 20-something years of military experience eyes, forgave his son for being somewhat stupid, and said, “Son, everyone can’t do what you just did. It is a gift to be treasured and used properly.”
That memory came back to me last Wednesday night. We were discussing our latest lesson from the “Secrets of the Vine” video. One of our members told of a time that he felt God was disciplining him for living an un-Godly life. He said that he used to live in a dingy one room upstairs apartment that is some what across the street from our church. He said he could remember thinking that although our church building was just across the street from his place, he said it felt like it was hundred’s of miles away and that there would never be any hope of someone like him even stepping foot inside our church. Now this man is a brother in Christ and he is actively trying to grow spiritually each day. Like all of us he is a work in progress.
It made me wonder who else out there is “just across the street” without hope. My prayer is for God to use me to reach out to someone that is so close and yet so far away.
Have a good day family.
I’ll never forget what my Dad told me. He looked at me with 20-something years of military experience eyes, forgave his son for being somewhat stupid, and said, “Son, everyone can’t do what you just did. It is a gift to be treasured and used properly.”
That memory came back to me last Wednesday night. We were discussing our latest lesson from the “Secrets of the Vine” video. One of our members told of a time that he felt God was disciplining him for living an un-Godly life. He said that he used to live in a dingy one room upstairs apartment that is some what across the street from our church. He said he could remember thinking that although our church building was just across the street from his place, he said it felt like it was hundred’s of miles away and that there would never be any hope of someone like him even stepping foot inside our church. Now this man is a brother in Christ and he is actively trying to grow spiritually each day. Like all of us he is a work in progress.
It made me wonder who else out there is “just across the street” without hope. My prayer is for God to use me to reach out to someone that is so close and yet so far away.
Have a good day family.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Going Yard
"Cocoa vs. Eau Gallie Steven Walker, No. 1, for Cocoa High is congratulated at home plate by teammates after hitting a home run during Monday night's game." The above was the caption in today's "Florida Today Sports Section."
Man, you guys are “good.” The other day I asked for prayers on behalf of my son Steven who is a junior on our Varsity Baseball Team. He “had” been stuck in a slump and had dropped from the lead-off batter all the way down to the #9 batter and then he was being platoon and “D.H.” (Designated Hitter) for as of late.
This past Friday he played second base and batted going 0 for 2 with a pair of strike outs. He did make a couple of “sick” plays at second base in the field. His Uncle Greg (stoogelover) had to ask him if “sick plays” were good or bad. Steven responded by saying “sick plays” mean awesome plays.
Then there was our game last night with Eau Gallie. Steven started again at second base and in the 2nd inning he came up for his first at-bat. He worked the count to 3 balls and 2 strikes and then he did something he had never done, not even in Little League. Are we ready? O.K., can we say “yard,” “long ball,” “Barry Bonds on steroids,” yes, that’s right – the boy his a home run over the left-field fence! It was a line drive that got out of the park in a hurry. The smile on his face was priceless as well as the adoration his teammates and coaches gave him. I was keeping the scorebook so I was using it to give folks that were coming up to Barb and me giving us high fives.
He ended up going 2 for 3 with a home run and a single in the 7th inning. We came back from 5 to 1 in the 7th to almost pull it out losing 5 to 4. Steven being the team player told us that he would have been happier if we had won the game. Nevertheless, it was a good night and one I’m sure we’ll not forget.
BTW – my in-laws didn’t make the trip but they told Steven on our cell phone that the going price for hitting homeruns is $50! Makes me want to get back in the game.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Discipline or Pruning?
For the past few Wednesday nights we've been watching a video series produced by Bruce Wilkinson based on his book, "Secrets of the Vine." His book is based on the following passages from John 15:
15:1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.15:2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes 139 it, that it may bear more fruit.15:3 (emphasis mine) "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.15:4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.15:6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.15:7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.15:8 "By this is My Father glorified, that 140 you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples."
Discipline or Pruning?
Dr. Wilkinson states that there are 4 baskets being described here. They are baskets with:
1. No fruit
2. Some fruit
3. More fruit
4. Overflowing and abundant fruit
The “fruit” being described here are “good works.” Last night’s lesson was on going from basket #2 (some fruit) to basket #3(more fruit). If you’re in “basket (no fruit) #1,” God disciplines us (Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away;) by “weeding” and “scourging us.” It isn’t very pleasant but it is a sign of God’s activity in our life. Just as with weeds in a vineyard that must be pulled, sin that is preventing us from bearing fruit for the Kingdom must be “pulled” from our lives.
Then there is the “pruning” that goes on when God needs us to move from basket #2 (some fruit) to basket #3(more fruit). Dr. Wilkinson stated that for fruit to be more abundant and to taste good, the “Vinedresser” must prune some of the branches from the vine. If he doesn’t, the sap that makes the fruit sweet will be too spread out to make the fruit sweet. He knows that some branches must be taken away to insure that the remaining branches with their fruit will bear good fruit.
So if you buy this what are the implications? Here are some:
1. The pain you feel from God’s discipline when we are in sin and God’s pruning when He wants us to bear even more fruit can be essentially the same.
2. When you are going through this time and you’re not sure which is which, ask God to reveal any sin that you’ve done within a week. More than likely you’ll receive a call, email, or a visit from a brother who will reveal the sin if God is disciplining you.
3. If nothing happens after you’ve been praying for a week, smile! That’s right, smile for it means that God is pruning you in the hope that you bear even more fruit (good works) for the Kingdom.
I believe this lesson is applicable for churches as well. Perhaps when things are being removed (people, staff, programs) and a church and, or it’s leadership experience pain from these deletions, perhaps God is preparing that church for a time of bearing even more fruit.
Something to think about family.
Dr. Wilkinson states that there are 4 baskets being described here. They are baskets with:
1. No fruit
2. Some fruit
3. More fruit
4. Overflowing and abundant fruit
The “fruit” being described here are “good works.” Last night’s lesson was on going from basket #2 (some fruit) to basket #3(more fruit). If you’re in “basket (no fruit) #1,” God disciplines us (Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away;) by “weeding” and “scourging us.” It isn’t very pleasant but it is a sign of God’s activity in our life. Just as with weeds in a vineyard that must be pulled, sin that is preventing us from bearing fruit for the Kingdom must be “pulled” from our lives.
Then there is the “pruning” that goes on when God needs us to move from basket #2 (some fruit) to basket #3(more fruit). Dr. Wilkinson stated that for fruit to be more abundant and to taste good, the “Vinedresser” must prune some of the branches from the vine. If he doesn’t, the sap that makes the fruit sweet will be too spread out to make the fruit sweet. He knows that some branches must be taken away to insure that the remaining branches with their fruit will bear good fruit.
So if you buy this what are the implications? Here are some:
1. The pain you feel from God’s discipline when we are in sin and God’s pruning when He wants us to bear even more fruit can be essentially the same.
2. When you are going through this time and you’re not sure which is which, ask God to reveal any sin that you’ve done within a week. More than likely you’ll receive a call, email, or a visit from a brother who will reveal the sin if God is disciplining you.
3. If nothing happens after you’ve been praying for a week, smile! That’s right, smile for it means that God is pruning you in the hope that you bear even more fruit (good works) for the Kingdom.
I believe this lesson is applicable for churches as well. Perhaps when things are being removed (people, staff, programs) and a church and, or it’s leadership experience pain from these deletions, perhaps God is preparing that church for a time of bearing even more fruit.
Something to think about family.
P.S.
Thanks for the prayers on Steven's behalf. Keep them coming for he was in a great mood last night at church. Seems he might be pitching this coming Friday in our game with Merritt Island that will be broadcast by our local ESPN Sports Radio station. I hope he doesn't get disappointed. Thanks again.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Prayers for the Boy
Hello Blog Family.
I write tonight as a concerned / frustrated Dad tonight. Steven didn't get to play in tonight's game even though (according to him) he was penciled in to be the "long relief pitcher." He has played at 2nd and leftfield lately but the coach is "DH-ing" for him. This is frustrating Steven and beginning to wear on his confidence. Our next game is this coming Friday against Merritt Island. If you feel so inclined I would greatly appreciate you praying that Steven starts and gets to hit in the game. We'll even take a few innings pitching if that's the case.
I know in the grand scheme of what some of you are going through this pales in comparison and I'm almost embarressed to put this out there but I'm a Dad.
Thanks for your prayers.
I write tonight as a concerned / frustrated Dad tonight. Steven didn't get to play in tonight's game even though (according to him) he was penciled in to be the "long relief pitcher." He has played at 2nd and leftfield lately but the coach is "DH-ing" for him. This is frustrating Steven and beginning to wear on his confidence. Our next game is this coming Friday against Merritt Island. If you feel so inclined I would greatly appreciate you praying that Steven starts and gets to hit in the game. We'll even take a few innings pitching if that's the case.
I know in the grand scheme of what some of you are going through this pales in comparison and I'm almost embarressed to put this out there but I'm a Dad.
Thanks for your prayers.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Bound by the Past
Today's post emanates from 2 sources:
1. A conversation I had with Greg. I guess that means if you dislike this post you can blame Greg. Of course, remember Greg welds great power through his psycho dog, Cujo, I mean Chipper.
2. Events that have dominated my thoughts for the last few weeks. I guess that means if you like the post you can throw props my way.
It seems that the “past” and the remembering thereof, can be a powerful influence in the lives of organizations and people. Organizations such as businesses, schools, and churches tend to have a hard time with change. My good friend Ray who is getting his MBA, said that in one of his classes, it was postulated that people in organizations deal with change in the following steps:
1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Acceptance
4. Performance
As a classroom teacher with 26 years of experience, I can certainly identify with these 4 stages of dealing with change. I certainly don’t teach with the same methods and goals that I did in 1981. The kids I’m teaching in 2007 are not the same as they were in 1981. I have changed over the years in my approach to teaching, sometimes willingly and at other times reluctantly. Nevertheless, I can look back and say that all of those changes have been to the betterment of my students.
Then there is the church. Want to get a good church fight (some say they are the best) going, introduce, no, mention the “C-word.” In my conversation with Greg the other day, he mentioned that our fellowship seems to be stuck or loyal to the past and some what loyal to the present but we tend to give no regard to the future. It’s hard to deny the validity of Greg’s statements when you consider for the last 20 to 30 years, our fellowship has been in decline while our brothers in the Conservative Christian Churches are growing at almost the same rate as the Mormon Church.
You have to ask yourself, why? We share a common heritage in the American Restoration Movement. We approach Scripture the same way with the exception of our views on instrumental music. I don’t know but it does seem that we’re bound to our past to a fault while ignoring our present and not even wanting to think about how the world and the church will be in the future.
If you look at our relatively short history there has been “significant” theological change. For example, at one time the prevalent view among CoC’s with respect to the Holy Spirit was one only came into contact with the Holy Spirit through the reading of The Word, the old “retired author” theory. Some where, some one said, “Wait a minute, what about Acts. 2:38 “And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
There it is in plain sight, before the codex Bible as we know it today; you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. So, here’s an instance where over time, our Fellowship changed (for the most part) its view on this vital and central core belief. I’m sure it wasn’t without pain and “casualties” but nevertheless, changed occurred in the name of being Biblical with our understanding. You have to believe that over this time period there were folks who were bound by the lessons they had learned in the past, unwilling and, or scared to change. I’m sure they wondered about the status of those who had taught them, in light of this “new” understanding, falsely or perhaps that’s too strong a term. They taught them with respect to at that time, their level of understanding. I’m sure their “students” wondered about their status before God having believed and professed a belief in something that apparently turned out to be wrong.
Change and being bound by the past will make you lose sleep with these kinds of thoughts not to mention the worry that comes over the fear of losing people despite being true to what you feel is Biblical understanding. I’ve been there, sleepless in West Cocoa so to speak.
So, I think for all of us we at sometime will come to a place both personally and if one is in church leadership, with “corporate responsibility” hanging over us, will come to a point where men and women in our fellowship and others have been before;
Do I allow myself to be dominated by my alliance to the past, in fear of the future, or, do I listen to where I think God is leading me personally or the church as a whole in light of pressing on toward the goal as Paul said, the future if you will.
And in doing so, could I be wrong? Hey, we’re humans and in light of our own history the answer can be a yes. But I also hold on to this favorite scripture of mind:
Romans 5:6 – 9 - 5:6 “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.5:7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by 81 His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”
Have a good weekend family.
1. A conversation I had with Greg. I guess that means if you dislike this post you can blame Greg. Of course, remember Greg welds great power through his psycho dog, Cujo, I mean Chipper.
2. Events that have dominated my thoughts for the last few weeks. I guess that means if you like the post you can throw props my way.
It seems that the “past” and the remembering thereof, can be a powerful influence in the lives of organizations and people. Organizations such as businesses, schools, and churches tend to have a hard time with change. My good friend Ray who is getting his MBA, said that in one of his classes, it was postulated that people in organizations deal with change in the following steps:
1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Acceptance
4. Performance
As a classroom teacher with 26 years of experience, I can certainly identify with these 4 stages of dealing with change. I certainly don’t teach with the same methods and goals that I did in 1981. The kids I’m teaching in 2007 are not the same as they were in 1981. I have changed over the years in my approach to teaching, sometimes willingly and at other times reluctantly. Nevertheless, I can look back and say that all of those changes have been to the betterment of my students.
Then there is the church. Want to get a good church fight (some say they are the best) going, introduce, no, mention the “C-word.” In my conversation with Greg the other day, he mentioned that our fellowship seems to be stuck or loyal to the past and some what loyal to the present but we tend to give no regard to the future. It’s hard to deny the validity of Greg’s statements when you consider for the last 20 to 30 years, our fellowship has been in decline while our brothers in the Conservative Christian Churches are growing at almost the same rate as the Mormon Church.
You have to ask yourself, why? We share a common heritage in the American Restoration Movement. We approach Scripture the same way with the exception of our views on instrumental music. I don’t know but it does seem that we’re bound to our past to a fault while ignoring our present and not even wanting to think about how the world and the church will be in the future.
If you look at our relatively short history there has been “significant” theological change. For example, at one time the prevalent view among CoC’s with respect to the Holy Spirit was one only came into contact with the Holy Spirit through the reading of The Word, the old “retired author” theory. Some where, some one said, “Wait a minute, what about Acts. 2:38 “And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
There it is in plain sight, before the codex Bible as we know it today; you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. So, here’s an instance where over time, our Fellowship changed (for the most part) its view on this vital and central core belief. I’m sure it wasn’t without pain and “casualties” but nevertheless, changed occurred in the name of being Biblical with our understanding. You have to believe that over this time period there were folks who were bound by the lessons they had learned in the past, unwilling and, or scared to change. I’m sure they wondered about the status of those who had taught them, in light of this “new” understanding, falsely or perhaps that’s too strong a term. They taught them with respect to at that time, their level of understanding. I’m sure their “students” wondered about their status before God having believed and professed a belief in something that apparently turned out to be wrong.
Change and being bound by the past will make you lose sleep with these kinds of thoughts not to mention the worry that comes over the fear of losing people despite being true to what you feel is Biblical understanding. I’ve been there, sleepless in West Cocoa so to speak.
So, I think for all of us we at sometime will come to a place both personally and if one is in church leadership, with “corporate responsibility” hanging over us, will come to a point where men and women in our fellowship and others have been before;
Do I allow myself to be dominated by my alliance to the past, in fear of the future, or, do I listen to where I think God is leading me personally or the church as a whole in light of pressing on toward the goal as Paul said, the future if you will.
And in doing so, could I be wrong? Hey, we’re humans and in light of our own history the answer can be a yes. But I also hold on to this favorite scripture of mind:
Romans 5:6 – 9 - 5:6 “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.5:7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by 81 His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”
Have a good weekend family.
