I moved from my comfortable surroundings of rural Cleveland, Tennessee to the raging metropolis of Chicago, Illinois!
That was EIGHT YEARS AGO today! Wow, what a ride it has been.
I feel like I have lived here for much longer than just eight measly years!
God has been good! Life has been "interesting"--for lack of a more "bland" word that doesn't insist on further description.
Yes, it's "my kind of town."
Church Issue #3: Non-Abusing Churches
I wish I could say that my journey as a Christ-follower has been flawless, or almost near-flawless.
Alas, I cannot.
And neither can you.
One of the things that deeply troubles my spirit is the way some "local church" leaders carry out their "ministry." I have heard and seen way too many situations where the leadership was downright abusive to the parishioners under their care. I know of one pastor who absolutely will 'trash' anyone who dares to disagree with any given point that he proposes.
It is truly sad. Many good people have left that congregation, because they did not have the freedom to "disagree" with anything. I made the mistake of telling this pastor that I was responsible for maintaining my own household, paying my bills, working a full-time job, and making sure that "personal things" were accomplished. This pastor couldn't understand why I did not spend "every single available minute" at the "church doing things."
And I caught the "wrath" when I just couldn't take the abuse and deception any more.
I've seen it happen to many people in FAR TOO MANY places.
I've also seen "abusive congregations" who are terribly difficult on every staff person who ever comes to serve them. I've seen congregations who will withhold their offerings and tithes just because they don't like the pastor, or something the he/she has said, or supposedly done.
I've seen congregations who absolutely didn't want "those kind of people in our church"--and refused to entertain the thought that maybe GOD HIMSELF had brought the "undesirables" (in their estimation, not mine) to them.
It's time for the "church" to stop abusing itself. It's time for pastors and others in leadership to think about "God's sheep in their care"--not their sheep...but GOD'S SHEEP.
It's time for local churches to stop abusing the "shepherds" whom God brings to them. This is GOD'S SERVANT....not "your hireling."
A couple of years ago I was privileged to speak in a local congregation where a friend of mine is the senior pastor. Afterwards, one of the parishioners cornered me to tell me about how certain "people in this church" had abused their families, their positions, and their reputations.
I hurt for that person (whether they were telling me the truth or not), and I hurt for that local church.
I've been around 'the church' all my life. I know how wonderfully helpful and healing the "local church" can be. And sadly, I have experienced how very harmful and damaging and abusive the local church can be as well.
So one of the great "Church issues" in my opinion, is that we (the church) become "non-abusive"--and we can do it.
I know we can.
Alas, I cannot.
And neither can you.
One of the things that deeply troubles my spirit is the way some "local church" leaders carry out their "ministry." I have heard and seen way too many situations where the leadership was downright abusive to the parishioners under their care. I know of one pastor who absolutely will 'trash' anyone who dares to disagree with any given point that he proposes.
It is truly sad. Many good people have left that congregation, because they did not have the freedom to "disagree" with anything. I made the mistake of telling this pastor that I was responsible for maintaining my own household, paying my bills, working a full-time job, and making sure that "personal things" were accomplished. This pastor couldn't understand why I did not spend "every single available minute" at the "church doing things."
And I caught the "wrath" when I just couldn't take the abuse and deception any more.
I've seen it happen to many people in FAR TOO MANY places.
I've also seen "abusive congregations" who are terribly difficult on every staff person who ever comes to serve them. I've seen congregations who will withhold their offerings and tithes just because they don't like the pastor, or something the he/she has said, or supposedly done.
I've seen congregations who absolutely didn't want "those kind of people in our church"--and refused to entertain the thought that maybe GOD HIMSELF had brought the "undesirables" (in their estimation, not mine) to them.
It's time for the "church" to stop abusing itself. It's time for pastors and others in leadership to think about "God's sheep in their care"--not their sheep...but GOD'S SHEEP.
It's time for local churches to stop abusing the "shepherds" whom God brings to them. This is GOD'S SERVANT....not "your hireling."
A couple of years ago I was privileged to speak in a local congregation where a friend of mine is the senior pastor. Afterwards, one of the parishioners cornered me to tell me about how certain "people in this church" had abused their families, their positions, and their reputations.
I hurt for that person (whether they were telling me the truth or not), and I hurt for that local church.
I've been around 'the church' all my life. I know how wonderfully helpful and healing the "local church" can be. And sadly, I have experienced how very harmful and damaging and abusive the local church can be as well.
So one of the great "Church issues" in my opinion, is that we (the church) become "non-abusive"--and we can do it.
I know we can.
Church Issue #2 Authenticity and Integrity
I believe that "authenticity" and "integrity" go hand in hand. They really can't be separated, in my opinion. "Sista" OPRAH may not join these two terms together, but Scripture does.
We only need to look at the New Testament models of the Church (in the NEW TESTAMENT, of course) and we will see what it means to be truly "authentic." Authenticity isn't a difficult concept to understand. But, to hear contemporary culture tell it, "being authentic" is a tremendously difficult principle to live out in daily life.
What made the New Testament Church(es) models of authenticity?
1. They gathered together regularly (that "community" phrase again) for worship, prayer, meals, fellowship among other things.
2. They (the New Testament followers of Christ) were continually learning and growing in their ability to "follow the Lord". Their entire "relationship" with Christ was one of "following Him" and doing it with absolute obedience. Of course there are numerous examples of those who didn't "follow Christ" with absolute obedience--one need only read the Book of Acts, and the rest of the New Testament.
3. These Christ followers realized that their lives were not their own. Living in "community" was more than just being a "collection of individuals." It was "being the people of God"--people who are called out, and called together, and called heavenward. It meant realizing that we really are just "pilgrims and strangers" here on this earth.
4. Integrity was a way of life. And when any "follower" compromised their integrity, it was the responsibility of the church to gently, yet firmly called that Christ-follower back to the place of authenticity and integrity. Church discipline was not a "novel concept" that leaders were afraid to use.
What troubles me now is the very feeling/idea/concept that the "church" is nothing more than a very religious social club, and we like to welcome people in when we get bored with each other. It's a nice social club, but nonetheless a social club. Nothing tremendously different, or life-giving, or life-transforming.
Instead of having altars of repentance and weeping, now we just have "prayer partners" in case someone has a "spiritual issue that you want to talk about." Instead of preaching against greed, hording, selfishness, gossip, and personal sin, it's just so much easier to talk about the "national issues facing us in this election." (And I firmly believe THOSE ISSUES should be preached from the pulpit and preached ONLY from the biblical perspective.).
Instead of accountability, we really want people to "mind their own business." And the sins, struggles, failures in my life ARE "your business" if I am part of your family.
Whether I like it or not.
It's time be people of integrity and authenticity again.
We only need to look at the New Testament models of the Church (in the NEW TESTAMENT, of course) and we will see what it means to be truly "authentic." Authenticity isn't a difficult concept to understand. But, to hear contemporary culture tell it, "being authentic" is a tremendously difficult principle to live out in daily life.
What made the New Testament Church(es) models of authenticity?
1. They gathered together regularly (that "community" phrase again) for worship, prayer, meals, fellowship among other things.
2. They (the New Testament followers of Christ) were continually learning and growing in their ability to "follow the Lord". Their entire "relationship" with Christ was one of "following Him" and doing it with absolute obedience. Of course there are numerous examples of those who didn't "follow Christ" with absolute obedience--one need only read the Book of Acts, and the rest of the New Testament.
3. These Christ followers realized that their lives were not their own. Living in "community" was more than just being a "collection of individuals." It was "being the people of God"--people who are called out, and called together, and called heavenward. It meant realizing that we really are just "pilgrims and strangers" here on this earth.
4. Integrity was a way of life. And when any "follower" compromised their integrity, it was the responsibility of the church to gently, yet firmly called that Christ-follower back to the place of authenticity and integrity. Church discipline was not a "novel concept" that leaders were afraid to use.
What troubles me now is the very feeling/idea/concept that the "church" is nothing more than a very religious social club, and we like to welcome people in when we get bored with each other. It's a nice social club, but nonetheless a social club. Nothing tremendously different, or life-giving, or life-transforming.
Instead of having altars of repentance and weeping, now we just have "prayer partners" in case someone has a "spiritual issue that you want to talk about." Instead of preaching against greed, hording, selfishness, gossip, and personal sin, it's just so much easier to talk about the "national issues facing us in this election." (And I firmly believe THOSE ISSUES should be preached from the pulpit and preached ONLY from the biblical perspective.).
Instead of accountability, we really want people to "mind their own business." And the sins, struggles, failures in my life ARE "your business" if I am part of your family.
Whether I like it or not.
It's time be people of integrity and authenticity again.
Church Issue # 1: Community...
I've been in "the church" all of my life. Really, I have.
I came to Christ as a small child, and have faithfully desired to follow Him ever since that time almost 40 years ago....I've not been anything close to "perfect"--many times failing and falling from the "way"...but God in His grace has always seen me through.
One of the things that I glean from the Scriptures is that we Christ-followers really do belong to each other. This is not a difficult concept to "understand"--yet it seems, in our contemporary culture, supremely difficult to "live out." And I'm not even sure that I "understand" it as fully as I should.
We are "called out" from the world of sin, and transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God's Son, the kingdom of light. This makes Christ-followers a very special breed, indeed. It also means that Christ-followers have a new identity, a new family, and a new blood line. We really do belong to each other.
But, one would hardly notice this "belongingness" in contemporary society. Some of us are contented (or maybe a better word is "resigned to") seeing So-and-So on Sunday mornings, and exchanging small talk. We never really have a "connection" with them any of the other 166 hours during the regular week. We know little, if anything, about them. We continually exchange our "pleasantries" or our "politenesses" every week...
And we think that we are "community."
Maybe, we are more "good, occasional acquaintenances."
To face all that the people of God will be challenged with in the coming days, we must become MORE than just casual commarades in the "church family." We must become tightly-knitted together. We must know more about each other.
We must weep with those who weep. We must rejoice with those who rejoice!
We really do need each other.
More than 20 years ago, then-Pastor Chuck Swindoll preached a powerful message entitled "People of Refuge."
While I won't rehash the entire message here, let me say this:
We are all we've got. The family of God is the most precious possession in my life. Fame, fortune, recognition, ability, or anything else will NEVER replace the preciousness of this "family" in my life.
We really do need each other. And in the coming days, we will see just how much.
I came to Christ as a small child, and have faithfully desired to follow Him ever since that time almost 40 years ago....I've not been anything close to "perfect"--many times failing and falling from the "way"...but God in His grace has always seen me through.
One of the things that I glean from the Scriptures is that we Christ-followers really do belong to each other. This is not a difficult concept to "understand"--yet it seems, in our contemporary culture, supremely difficult to "live out." And I'm not even sure that I "understand" it as fully as I should.
We are "called out" from the world of sin, and transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God's Son, the kingdom of light. This makes Christ-followers a very special breed, indeed. It also means that Christ-followers have a new identity, a new family, and a new blood line. We really do belong to each other.
But, one would hardly notice this "belongingness" in contemporary society. Some of us are contented (or maybe a better word is "resigned to") seeing So-and-So on Sunday mornings, and exchanging small talk. We never really have a "connection" with them any of the other 166 hours during the regular week. We know little, if anything, about them. We continually exchange our "pleasantries" or our "politenesses" every week...
And we think that we are "community."
Maybe, we are more "good, occasional acquaintenances."
To face all that the people of God will be challenged with in the coming days, we must become MORE than just casual commarades in the "church family." We must become tightly-knitted together. We must know more about each other.
We must weep with those who weep. We must rejoice with those who rejoice!
We really do need each other.
More than 20 years ago, then-Pastor Chuck Swindoll preached a powerful message entitled "People of Refuge."
While I won't rehash the entire message here, let me say this:
We are all we've got. The family of God is the most precious possession in my life. Fame, fortune, recognition, ability, or anything else will NEVER replace the preciousness of this "family" in my life.
We really do need each other. And in the coming days, we will see just how much.
The State of the Church in 2008
Not too long ago, I wrote several posts about what I consider to be the "major national issues" facing the United States in 2008, as well as in the near future. While some folks agree/disagree with me, I just wanted to go "on the record" with how I feel about some of the more "pressing" items in the life of this nation.
But now, I want to explore the "state of the Church in 2008." What are the "real issues" facing the "Body of Christ"--those redeemed, blood-bought Followers of Jesus Christ in our contemporary society?
This post won't be as long as mine usually are (not that I'm ever overly wordy, by the way). I just want those of you who read my "blog" to respond on what you consider to be the "major issues" "challenges" facing the church now and in the very near future.
I'll write more...this week...I promise.
But now, I want to explore the "state of the Church in 2008." What are the "real issues" facing the "Body of Christ"--those redeemed, blood-bought Followers of Jesus Christ in our contemporary society?
This post won't be as long as mine usually are (not that I'm ever overly wordy, by the way). I just want those of you who read my "blog" to respond on what you consider to be the "major issues" "challenges" facing the church now and in the very near future.
I'll write more...this week...I promise.
Wounds....
A few years ago, someone gave me one of the most valuable gifts I've ever received. My good friend presented me an autographed copy of Healing the Masculine Soul by Gordon Dalby. And I'm still trying to process many of the concepts that Gordon presented.
On my way to the gym this morning, I was thinking about some of the "wounds" in my own soul--and how my life has been influenced by these "things" or "scars" or whatever else one could call them.
And sitting here today, I've been thinking about how most people have "wounds" in their lives...and the real issue becomes not the "woundedness" but what one does once they are in "recovery."
Think about Michael Phelps. YES, THAT MICHAEL PHELPS!
This marvelous athlete didn't grow up in the "lap of luxury" from all indications. He grew up in a single parent home (which is better than a NO parent home), and was diagnosed early on with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Many folks thought he would be mediocre at best.
And he's ANYTHING but mediocre. He can now claim the title of being the BEST OLYMPIAN of all time! He has exhibited that attitude of humility, confidence, gratitude, and great poise....all at the same time. And he's one INCREDIBLE swimmer on top of all that!
But we don't have to look to the field of "star athletes" to find "wounded" folks. I can start by simply looking in the mirror (which reminds me of another story, but then again MOST things remind me of a story). The "wounded" man I see in the mirror can overcome the worst obstacles that are placed in his path. But he must want to overcome them. Simply wishing it were so---or even wishing it were different, accomplishes nothing.
The Lord helps us overcome...because HE has overcome death, hell, and the grave. We can overcome the "wounds" because He was WOUNDED for us.
Starting today, I plan to "overcome" all the wounds I find in my life.
Starting today.
On my way to the gym this morning, I was thinking about some of the "wounds" in my own soul--and how my life has been influenced by these "things" or "scars" or whatever else one could call them.
And sitting here today, I've been thinking about how most people have "wounds" in their lives...and the real issue becomes not the "woundedness" but what one does once they are in "recovery."
Think about Michael Phelps. YES, THAT MICHAEL PHELPS!
This marvelous athlete didn't grow up in the "lap of luxury" from all indications. He grew up in a single parent home (which is better than a NO parent home), and was diagnosed early on with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Many folks thought he would be mediocre at best.
And he's ANYTHING but mediocre. He can now claim the title of being the BEST OLYMPIAN of all time! He has exhibited that attitude of humility, confidence, gratitude, and great poise....all at the same time. And he's one INCREDIBLE swimmer on top of all that!
But we don't have to look to the field of "star athletes" to find "wounded" folks. I can start by simply looking in the mirror (which reminds me of another story, but then again MOST things remind me of a story). The "wounded" man I see in the mirror can overcome the worst obstacles that are placed in his path. But he must want to overcome them. Simply wishing it were so---or even wishing it were different, accomplishes nothing.
The Lord helps us overcome...because HE has overcome death, hell, and the grave. We can overcome the "wounds" because He was WOUNDED for us.
Starting today, I plan to "overcome" all the wounds I find in my life.
Starting today.
Yes, I'm getting back into shape....
I decided (a while back, actually) that "round" is not the SHAPE that I wanted to define my life.
Six days ago, I started getting back "into shape" i.e., getting in a good exercise routine/workout. Strengthening my cardiovascular organs, strengthening my legs and arms, strengthening my back/chest/abdomen, and trying to look younger than I am.
Yes, I'm sore.
Very sore. I woke up this morning, and had to make REAL effort to get out of bed, and into the hot shower, to warm up my sore muscles.
I'm no athlete...but I do want to get myself in much better physical condition than where I currently find myself.
Six days ago, I started getting back "into shape" i.e., getting in a good exercise routine/workout. Strengthening my cardiovascular organs, strengthening my legs and arms, strengthening my back/chest/abdomen, and trying to look younger than I am.
Yes, I'm sore.
Very sore. I woke up this morning, and had to make REAL effort to get out of bed, and into the hot shower, to warm up my sore muscles.
I'm no athlete...but I do want to get myself in much better physical condition than where I currently find myself.
After all these years, it's ABOUT TIME...
that I get my flabby self back into shape.
And I started this morning. Really, I did! I actually got up and was in the local "gym" before 5:45 a.m.
A new "Cardinal Fitness" center opened one block from my apartment. I watched it go up several months ago...and when they had open membership registration, I was one of the first to "sign up." And the gym actually opened today.
I was there early...and I got a pretty good workout (for beginners, of course). I stayed until 6:30 a.m. I spent about 20 minutes on the treadmill, about 10 on the elliptical, and did some of the weight machines.
I'm actually very pleased with myself so far. I have committed to go to the "gym" five mornings a week--Monday through Friday. I might go on Saturdays, and I'm definitely NOT going on Sundays.
But this is the first day of a "brand new me."
So, here's what I want ALL OF YOU to do: Keep me accountable! Make sure that you ask if I have been "faithful" in my commitment to "fitness."
I need this to be a reality in my life.
Just because I am 40-something doesn't mean I have to look the part.
Well, not THAT part at least.
And I started this morning. Really, I did! I actually got up and was in the local "gym" before 5:45 a.m.
A new "Cardinal Fitness" center opened one block from my apartment. I watched it go up several months ago...and when they had open membership registration, I was one of the first to "sign up." And the gym actually opened today.
I was there early...and I got a pretty good workout (for beginners, of course). I stayed until 6:30 a.m. I spent about 20 minutes on the treadmill, about 10 on the elliptical, and did some of the weight machines.
I'm actually very pleased with myself so far. I have committed to go to the "gym" five mornings a week--Monday through Friday. I might go on Saturdays, and I'm definitely NOT going on Sundays.
But this is the first day of a "brand new me."
So, here's what I want ALL OF YOU to do: Keep me accountable! Make sure that you ask if I have been "faithful" in my commitment to "fitness."
I need this to be a reality in my life.
Just because I am 40-something doesn't mean I have to look the part.
Well, not THAT part at least.
Mr and Mrs Jeff Knapp: Congratulations!
A first for me:
Last Saturday, I had the awesome responsibility and HIGH privilege of being the "food manager" for the wedding of my great friend Jeff Knapp and his new wife, Melody.
Jeff and I have been friends for almost 8 years now. He is now 40 years old, and happily married so far!
The wedding was performed at The Moody Church (www.moodychurch.org), where Jeff and Melody are both active members. It is also my home church as well.
About a month ago, I offered my cooking skills and services to this wonderful couple--just a way of showing them how much I love them both, and how thrilled I am for their decision to "unite."
It was alot of work...ALOT of work, saints!
It was alot of fun too.
Whatever could go wrong in the first floor kitchen at the church--it did!
But the Lord helped me (us) through it all, and the Reception Buffet was flawless and seamless. I praise the Lord for that!
Someone came over and asked, "Phil, if you get married, who is going to cook for you?" My immediate answer, without even hesitating, was, "We'll all go to Cracker Barrel."
But I want to congratulate my wonderful, wonderful friends, Mr and Mrs Jeff Knapp.
May the Lord bless your marriage in every possible way.
Last Saturday, I had the awesome responsibility and HIGH privilege of being the "food manager" for the wedding of my great friend Jeff Knapp and his new wife, Melody.
Jeff and I have been friends for almost 8 years now. He is now 40 years old, and happily married so far!
The wedding was performed at The Moody Church (www.moodychurch.org), where Jeff and Melody are both active members. It is also my home church as well.
About a month ago, I offered my cooking skills and services to this wonderful couple--just a way of showing them how much I love them both, and how thrilled I am for their decision to "unite."
It was alot of work...ALOT of work, saints!
It was alot of fun too.
Whatever could go wrong in the first floor kitchen at the church--it did!
But the Lord helped me (us) through it all, and the Reception Buffet was flawless and seamless. I praise the Lord for that!
Someone came over and asked, "Phil, if you get married, who is going to cook for you?" My immediate answer, without even hesitating, was, "We'll all go to Cracker Barrel."
But I want to congratulate my wonderful, wonderful friends, Mr and Mrs Jeff Knapp.
May the Lord bless your marriage in every possible way.
Living SINGLE in a "Doubles Church"...
I am a "never married, no kids" very educated, military veteran. I'm very, very single--and have no "aching in my soul" for that "ideal woman." While I wholeheartedly endorse the institution of marriage, and believe that God created a wonderful thing in the marriage relationship, I am happily single.
In another forum, I posed this topic: "Living Single in a Doubles Church"....Here is just one of the responses that I received:
Ninety eight percent of the churches you see do NOT know what to do with a single individual. You let a Barbie and Ken couple with two or three kids drive up in a mini-van and three kids bail out-they will be all over them-the church is designed for them.
Go over a pastor's preaching schedule and you'll find at least half of it devoted to The Christian Home, raising kids, family day, Back to School Day, a Big Family Christmas sermon, Church Family Thanksgiving Supper. Then there's Father's Day-where they recognize all the dads and Mothers Day- and it goes on and on.
Since I left my pastorate and I don't have duties on Sunday AM I've taken occasion to visit a couple of churches incognito-and you would be SURPRISED at the reception I get as a single man coming in, compared to the reception I get when I carry a wife and two teenage daughters in with me. It's just the way it is-at most churches.
Families are the dual-income tithers, they are the ones who pump the numbers and only take up one parking space. They look better on State Reports, speaking of which actually call Wednesday night Family Training Hour.
Basically Phil-a single is a pariah. We don't want you in our church because you can do little for us.
____________
While I understand that the last statement was "tongue in cheek"...I often wonder how many "local churches" really do feel this way about their single congregants.
Here is my response to this person:
I'm glad that you labeled me a "pariah"....even though it is NO WHERE near the truth.... "you can do little for us"---oh, is that a fact?
Who else is going to head up the kitchen committee for the Sunday evening fellowship time after service (i.e, this means being at the church ALL day on Sunday...and spending the afternoon preparing for the "fellowship time" after the service).
Who else is going to help "give out a bottle of cold water" in the name of the Lord to all the "joggers" and "runners" who pass by the church neighborhood on a hot Saturday, or early Sunday morning?
Who else is going to take "vacation time" and work in Vacation Bible School five mornings a week...serving almost 300 kids?
Who else is going to help organize the "food and social time" after a large men's gathering of some 400 people on a Friday night in the dead middle of winter?
Who else will step up and fill in the last male part of an ensemble at the last minute on a Sunday that is already crammed full of activities--and lunch is probably NOT one of those activities..
Who else will be there to make the coffee for the entire Church (or those that will get there for Sunday School) at 6:15 a.m. on "Chicago Marathon Sunday"--the marathon runs right in front of the church...so getting to the facilities early is a MUST.
Yep, that is me...."Brother Pariah"...oops, aka Phil...and other single people that serve the Lord and their local churches faithfully, week in and out...
The only ones bothered by "singleness" seems to be those who are not single anymore.
Go figure.
What do you think?
In another forum, I posed this topic: "Living Single in a Doubles Church"....Here is just one of the responses that I received:
Ninety eight percent of the churches you see do NOT know what to do with a single individual. You let a Barbie and Ken couple with two or three kids drive up in a mini-van and three kids bail out-they will be all over them-the church is designed for them.
Go over a pastor's preaching schedule and you'll find at least half of it devoted to The Christian Home, raising kids, family day, Back to School Day, a Big Family Christmas sermon, Church Family Thanksgiving Supper. Then there's Father's Day-where they recognize all the dads and Mothers Day- and it goes on and on.
Since I left my pastorate and I don't have duties on Sunday AM I've taken occasion to visit a couple of churches incognito-and you would be SURPRISED at the reception I get as a single man coming in, compared to the reception I get when I carry a wife and two teenage daughters in with me. It's just the way it is-at most churches.
Families are the dual-income tithers, they are the ones who pump the numbers and only take up one parking space. They look better on State Reports, speaking of which actually call Wednesday night Family Training Hour.
Basically Phil-a single is a pariah. We don't want you in our church because you can do little for us.
____________
While I understand that the last statement was "tongue in cheek"...I often wonder how many "local churches" really do feel this way about their single congregants.
Here is my response to this person:
I'm glad that you labeled me a "pariah"....even though it is NO WHERE near the truth.... "you can do little for us"---oh, is that a fact?
Who else is going to head up the kitchen committee for the Sunday evening fellowship time after service (i.e, this means being at the church ALL day on Sunday...and spending the afternoon preparing for the "fellowship time" after the service).
Who else is going to help "give out a bottle of cold water" in the name of the Lord to all the "joggers" and "runners" who pass by the church neighborhood on a hot Saturday, or early Sunday morning?
Who else is going to take "vacation time" and work in Vacation Bible School five mornings a week...serving almost 300 kids?
Who else is going to help organize the "food and social time" after a large men's gathering of some 400 people on a Friday night in the dead middle of winter?
Who else will step up and fill in the last male part of an ensemble at the last minute on a Sunday that is already crammed full of activities--and lunch is probably NOT one of those activities..
Who else will be there to make the coffee for the entire Church (or those that will get there for Sunday School) at 6:15 a.m. on "Chicago Marathon Sunday"--the marathon runs right in front of the church...so getting to the facilities early is a MUST.
Yep, that is me...."Brother Pariah"...oops, aka Phil...and other single people that serve the Lord and their local churches faithfully, week in and out...
The only ones bothered by "singleness" seems to be those who are not single anymore.
Go figure.
What do you think?
A hand of fear gripped the crowd that dayAt Jairus's home
When the doctor shook his head
And said, "She's gone"
And, you could feel the mother's heart break,
and you could hear them cry and mourn
Their little girl was only 12 years old
Somewhere in the distance,
Outlined against the sun,
There came a Man with a mission from the Throne
They said, "Look, somebody's coming"
But, what they did not know
It was their Promise coming down that dusty road!
There's a Promise coming down that dusty road
From His Holy hands healing virtue flows
He's got the key to what you need
Death and hell He will defeat
There's a Promise coming down that dusty road!
The one who turned to mock Him
When Jesus did speak
He said, "your daughter's not dead,She's just asleep"
Then He turned to the unbelievers
And He told them all, "Go home"
They heard Him say, "Leave me and death alone"
Then He laid His hand upon the child,
He looked death right in the eye
He said, "All power in Heaven and earth belong to me"
And, with a voice that sounds like thunder,
He hurled death asunder,
And, then He said, "Little girl, rise and be healed!"
There's a Promise coming down that dusty road
From His Holy hands healing virtue flows
He's got the key to what you need
Death and hell He will defeat
There's a Promise coming down that dusty road!
______________________________
I am so thankful that I have experienced the "healing hands" of this Promise...that I know our God still heals and delivers today. I'm so humbled that God would reach down and heal someone like me. He is the healer of sick bodies, mender of broken hearts, and restorer of troubled souls.
Praising God for His healing power!
When the doctor shook his head
And said, "She's gone"
And, you could feel the mother's heart break,
and you could hear them cry and mourn
Their little girl was only 12 years old
Somewhere in the distance,
Outlined against the sun,
There came a Man with a mission from the Throne
They said, "Look, somebody's coming"
But, what they did not know
It was their Promise coming down that dusty road!
There's a Promise coming down that dusty road
From His Holy hands healing virtue flows
He's got the key to what you need
Death and hell He will defeat
There's a Promise coming down that dusty road!
The one who turned to mock Him
When Jesus did speak
He said, "your daughter's not dead,She's just asleep"
Then He turned to the unbelievers
And He told them all, "Go home"
They heard Him say, "Leave me and death alone"
Then He laid His hand upon the child,
He looked death right in the eye
He said, "All power in Heaven and earth belong to me"
And, with a voice that sounds like thunder,
He hurled death asunder,
And, then He said, "Little girl, rise and be healed!"
There's a Promise coming down that dusty road
From His Holy hands healing virtue flows
He's got the key to what you need
Death and hell He will defeat
There's a Promise coming down that dusty road!
______________________________
I am so thankful that I have experienced the "healing hands" of this Promise...that I know our God still heals and delivers today. I'm so humbled that God would reach down and heal someone like me. He is the healer of sick bodies, mender of broken hearts, and restorer of troubled souls.
Praising God for His healing power!
Some of my favorite words...
In times like these you need a Savior
In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Chorus:
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these you need the Bible,
In times like these O be not idle;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these I have a Savior,
In times like these I have an anchor;
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
____________________________________
Even though these words were penned many, many years ago...they are oh so true today! I am constantly reminded that I am living in the "last of the last days"...and that I must have a sure foundation in my life. That foundation is Christ Himself.
I heard someone say something very profound the other day: "There is a ROCK between me and a hard place." That Rock is Jesus!
In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Chorus:
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these you need the Bible,
In times like these O be not idle;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these I have a Savior,
In times like these I have an anchor;
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
____________________________________
Even though these words were penned many, many years ago...they are oh so true today! I am constantly reminded that I am living in the "last of the last days"...and that I must have a sure foundation in my life. That foundation is Christ Himself.
I heard someone say something very profound the other day: "There is a ROCK between me and a hard place." That Rock is Jesus!
Relationships matter...
About fifteen years ago, I remember hearing the guest speaker say something profound during a Sunday morning worship gathering at the church where I was a regular attender in west Texas. This lady said,
There are only two things you can carry from this world to the next: Your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and your relationship with other people.
Even though I remember her message was very good, that one statement seized my heart...and I've always remembered it. This lady was also diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. I don't know if she is still alive or not...but her words still are very much alive in me!
The Bible has so much to say about relationships. All kinds of relationships. And since God's Word says so much about them, relationships must be of paramount importance to God Himself.
Sadly, some of us (myself included) have experienced the painful reality of relationships that have gone sour. Some of these events have been my fault...some of them have not. But the pain has always been real.
I found out, a long time ago, that it is much easier and much better to keep relationships in good repair than it is to "repair them" once they have been damaged or broken.
Even in the family of God. And especially in the family of God.
There are only two things you can carry from this world to the next: Your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and your relationship with other people.
Even though I remember her message was very good, that one statement seized my heart...and I've always remembered it. This lady was also diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. I don't know if she is still alive or not...but her words still are very much alive in me!
The Bible has so much to say about relationships. All kinds of relationships. And since God's Word says so much about them, relationships must be of paramount importance to God Himself.
Sadly, some of us (myself included) have experienced the painful reality of relationships that have gone sour. Some of these events have been my fault...some of them have not. But the pain has always been real.
I found out, a long time ago, that it is much easier and much better to keep relationships in good repair than it is to "repair them" once they have been damaged or broken.
Even in the family of God. And especially in the family of God.
"Because I care...."
I was talking with a wonderful, wonderful godly man last night. He is now a retired minister, having served in the pastorate, and in several capacities for his denomination. I've known him for almost 30 years. He is a precious, precious man.
I try to call him about once a week or so, just to check up on him. His precious wife preceded him to Heaven, and he is a bit lonely. As a matter of fact, when I received his Christmas card last year, he had signed both of their names....it brought tears to my eyes.
But this wonderful man said something that hit me like a ton of bricks. We were talking about the pastorate, his years of serving in active/fulltime ministry, and he then stated, "Brother Phil, I never ever went to see someone in need or in the hospital or at their home because it was my job. I always went to see them, or called them because I CARED about them. I loved them, and wanted them to know that I CARED and that GOD CARED."
I was almost speechless! It has been such a long time since I've heard someone say they "cared"...and that was their only motivation!
It made me stop and think, "What is my motivation for all the people in my life? Why do I call these folks? Why do I want to stay in contact with them?" It is because I care!
So, now the question for all of us:
"Are you in relationship with people just because that is what you are being paid to do?"
In my humble opinion, that would be a HORRIBLE way to make a living.
Do you really, really care? How do you show it? How do people know that you are in their lives for the long haul?
I care because God cares...and you will know that God cares because I care.
I try to call him about once a week or so, just to check up on him. His precious wife preceded him to Heaven, and he is a bit lonely. As a matter of fact, when I received his Christmas card last year, he had signed both of their names....it brought tears to my eyes.
But this wonderful man said something that hit me like a ton of bricks. We were talking about the pastorate, his years of serving in active/fulltime ministry, and he then stated, "Brother Phil, I never ever went to see someone in need or in the hospital or at their home because it was my job. I always went to see them, or called them because I CARED about them. I loved them, and wanted them to know that I CARED and that GOD CARED."
I was almost speechless! It has been such a long time since I've heard someone say they "cared"...and that was their only motivation!
It made me stop and think, "What is my motivation for all the people in my life? Why do I call these folks? Why do I want to stay in contact with them?" It is because I care!
So, now the question for all of us:
"Are you in relationship with people just because that is what you are being paid to do?"
In my humble opinion, that would be a HORRIBLE way to make a living.
Do you really, really care? How do you show it? How do people know that you are in their lives for the long haul?
I care because God cares...and you will know that God cares because I care.
A nation of "Whiners"...I agree.
Several days ago, former Senator Phil Gramm (R-Texas) made a remark about how we are a "nation of whiners"...and took alot of flack for his comment.
But, alas, he was absolutely correct. We, the people of the United States of America, have indeed become a nation of "whiners". We will whine about anything and everything...just give us a chance....or suggest a topic. Most of the time, we don't even need that much help...we can find something to "whine about" all by ourselves. At least, I am honest enough to admit it.
Of course, anyone who has half an eardrum will constantly hear about how "bad the economy" currently is, and how it's all the fault of the President or Congress or the Federal Reserve or the Japanese or Batman (even though Batman did pretty well this past weekend with his new flick). Could it be that finally we decided that we don't need all the "stuff" that the consuming public is so accustomed to purchasing? Maybe we have reached an unfathomable point of saturation, and the bottomless pit of "consumer lust" does have a landing spot after all?
Yes, I think that gasoline that is more that $4 a gallon is outrageous. But I do remember President Carter warning us about "cheap oil" more than thirty years ago--when I was a teenager, and witnessed the oil shortage firsthand. But it's not the "end of the world." However, listening to people bellyache and moan about the price of petrol--yet some of these same 'whiners' would drive to the bathroom if they could get their car in the house. A really good idea: Learn to walk again, and also learn to use public transportation...both of them are good for you. (I know that public transportation isn't available or accessible to everyone, so I am among the fortunate few here that can rely on it...most of the time).
We tend to whine about the price of food--and we all like to eat. But look at some of our eating habits, and what we waste. I must admit that I am getting MUCH better about this. I am being very careful in how I grocery shop: I will mentally decide when and how I will use every item I buy at the grocery store. I do my best to not buy more than I will use....and I don't have to be a slave to "name brands" either. Yet, I buy what I need, and know I will eat before it spoils...
We tend to whine about our jobs...I'm just very thankful to have one. There are days when everything I touch turns to GOLD. Today is not one of those days. For some crazy reason, everything I've touched today has ROTTED IN MY HANDS! Not a single thing has gone "right" today...but I'm thankful that I have a productive, and mostly enjoyable job.
So, yes Senator Gramm was largely correct. We are indeed a nation of whiners. We need to stop all this whining.
But, alas, he was absolutely correct. We, the people of the United States of America, have indeed become a nation of "whiners". We will whine about anything and everything...just give us a chance....or suggest a topic. Most of the time, we don't even need that much help...we can find something to "whine about" all by ourselves. At least, I am honest enough to admit it.
Of course, anyone who has half an eardrum will constantly hear about how "bad the economy" currently is, and how it's all the fault of the President or Congress or the Federal Reserve or the Japanese or Batman (even though Batman did pretty well this past weekend with his new flick). Could it be that finally we decided that we don't need all the "stuff" that the consuming public is so accustomed to purchasing? Maybe we have reached an unfathomable point of saturation, and the bottomless pit of "consumer lust" does have a landing spot after all?
Yes, I think that gasoline that is more that $4 a gallon is outrageous. But I do remember President Carter warning us about "cheap oil" more than thirty years ago--when I was a teenager, and witnessed the oil shortage firsthand. But it's not the "end of the world." However, listening to people bellyache and moan about the price of petrol--yet some of these same 'whiners' would drive to the bathroom if they could get their car in the house. A really good idea: Learn to walk again, and also learn to use public transportation...both of them are good for you. (I know that public transportation isn't available or accessible to everyone, so I am among the fortunate few here that can rely on it...most of the time).
We tend to whine about the price of food--and we all like to eat. But look at some of our eating habits, and what we waste. I must admit that I am getting MUCH better about this. I am being very careful in how I grocery shop: I will mentally decide when and how I will use every item I buy at the grocery store. I do my best to not buy more than I will use....and I don't have to be a slave to "name brands" either. Yet, I buy what I need, and know I will eat before it spoils...
We tend to whine about our jobs...I'm just very thankful to have one. There are days when everything I touch turns to GOLD. Today is not one of those days. For some crazy reason, everything I've touched today has ROTTED IN MY HANDS! Not a single thing has gone "right" today...but I'm thankful that I have a productive, and mostly enjoyable job.
So, yes Senator Gramm was largely correct. We are indeed a nation of whiners. We need to stop all this whining.
These are hysterical....
http://www.pbs.org/wrenchturns/
Even though I do not own an automobile, I have been a fan of National Public Radio's "CAR TALK" for years. Tom and Ray Magliozzi, better known as "Click and Clack, the Tappet brothers" are absolutely delightful to listen to every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. (central time, of course). They do their broadcast from the Shameless Commerce Division of "Car Talk Plaza" in Cambridge (our Fair City), Massachusetts.
It's an absolute hoot! Wouldn't miss it!
Now, Public Broadcasting System (aka PBS) has come out with these 30 minute animated episodes featuring the voices of these two, in what will be some of the funniest television I've seen in a long time.
Enjoy!
Even though I do not own an automobile, I have been a fan of National Public Radio's "CAR TALK" for years. Tom and Ray Magliozzi, better known as "Click and Clack, the Tappet brothers" are absolutely delightful to listen to every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. (central time, of course). They do their broadcast from the Shameless Commerce Division of "Car Talk Plaza" in Cambridge (our Fair City), Massachusetts.
It's an absolute hoot! Wouldn't miss it!
Now, Public Broadcasting System (aka PBS) has come out with these 30 minute animated episodes featuring the voices of these two, in what will be some of the funniest television I've seen in a long time.
Enjoy!
Why the struggle?
I remember a famous musical artist in the "contemporary Christian" field who had some terrible "moral problems" more than a dozen years ago...
When she finally came "clean"...she said, "I just want to stand free and clean before the Lord, and His people..."
What a feeling! I want to always stand "free and clean before the Lord and His people..."
But sometimes there is tremendous fear...not from God, but from His people. And that's sad...
When we fear "God's people" more than we fear God Himself.
Right now...actually, for the last several months, I've been having an intense internal struggle...and haven't felt that I could share it with anyone...because of the fear that grips my soul.
Fear of:
Rejection
Isolation
Abandonment
Exposure.
Why such fear?
When she finally came "clean"...she said, "I just want to stand free and clean before the Lord, and His people..."
What a feeling! I want to always stand "free and clean before the Lord and His people..."
But sometimes there is tremendous fear...not from God, but from His people. And that's sad...
When we fear "God's people" more than we fear God Himself.
Right now...actually, for the last several months, I've been having an intense internal struggle...and haven't felt that I could share it with anyone...because of the fear that grips my soul.
Fear of:
Rejection
Isolation
Abandonment
Exposure.
Why such fear?
Jesse Jackson: SHUT UP!
Mr Jackson,
Let me say that I rarely want to "take any one to task" as much as I want to just let you have it with all barrels blazing.
Quite frankly, sir, you continue to prove that you are an idiot.
I have a couple of suggestions for you:
1) Stay off the television circuit. Make sure that your "spokesman" (who can't possibly be as incompetent with words as you've proven to be) tells whomever calls that you are "not available." He/She doesn't need to say anything else.
2) Get involved in some activity that doesn't bring "glory" or "recognition" to Jesse Jackson for a change. Go help the homeless in Chicago, or New York, or Zimbabwe. Do something constructive for a change.
3) Listen to Senator Obama and Dr Bill Cosby for a change. These are two of the very few men in this nation who will speak the "truth" to the Black community. You know they are speaking truth is the reason you dislike the message so much. You have pretended to be a "leader" in the black community for as long as I can remember. Where have you "led" these people? How have the lives of people in the black community improved "under your leadership"?
I submit this much: Their lives haven't improved significantly.
4) Finally, Go do something worthwhile...where no one (i.e, the media, your press people, and your "fans) will ever find out. Listen to your son...your name sake. He's the smart one in the family. You continually prove that "his father" isn't nearly as bright as the son.
Let me say that I rarely want to "take any one to task" as much as I want to just let you have it with all barrels blazing.
Quite frankly, sir, you continue to prove that you are an idiot.
I have a couple of suggestions for you:
1) Stay off the television circuit. Make sure that your "spokesman" (who can't possibly be as incompetent with words as you've proven to be) tells whomever calls that you are "not available." He/She doesn't need to say anything else.
2) Get involved in some activity that doesn't bring "glory" or "recognition" to Jesse Jackson for a change. Go help the homeless in Chicago, or New York, or Zimbabwe. Do something constructive for a change.
3) Listen to Senator Obama and Dr Bill Cosby for a change. These are two of the very few men in this nation who will speak the "truth" to the Black community. You know they are speaking truth is the reason you dislike the message so much. You have pretended to be a "leader" in the black community for as long as I can remember. Where have you "led" these people? How have the lives of people in the black community improved "under your leadership"?
I submit this much: Their lives haven't improved significantly.
4) Finally, Go do something worthwhile...where no one (i.e, the media, your press people, and your "fans) will ever find out. Listen to your son...your name sake. He's the smart one in the family. You continually prove that "his father" isn't nearly as bright as the son.
Happy Independence Day, everyone!
Wayul,
I'm just a few hours early, and that's alright with me. (I guess it has to be 'alright' since I'm the one doing the writing here, eh?)
I'm very thankful to be an American. I'm so grateful that I was born, raised, and nurtured here in this place called the United States of America. This is indeed the "land of the free" and very much so, the "home of the brave."
Of course, those who keep saying this is a "free country" obviously haven't looked at their pay stubs lately! And with energy prices soaring through the roof, it's anything BUT free in the foreseeable future.
Yet, there is no place like America. I've been privileged to travel in 34 countries on 4 continents, and have seem some absolutely breathtakingly marvelous sights. Some of these places were "distant dreams" from my childhood/teenage/college years. And just stepping on the ground of places like Seoul, South Korea and Budapest, Hungary and Bologna, Italy--all just a dream hidden in my heart many years ago.
But there is always the thrill of being back in the "nifty Fifty." Just something about when the plane touches down on American soil. Just something very special, very precious about looking out across the "fruited plains" of this continent, and knowing that "I'm home."
But even more important, is the fact that knowing while I was born an American, that "this land" is not my final home.
I really do have a citizenship in a land "Whose Builder and Maker is God" (Hebrews 11). That's my final home.
I'm just a few hours early, and that's alright with me. (I guess it has to be 'alright' since I'm the one doing the writing here, eh?)
I'm very thankful to be an American. I'm so grateful that I was born, raised, and nurtured here in this place called the United States of America. This is indeed the "land of the free" and very much so, the "home of the brave."
Of course, those who keep saying this is a "free country" obviously haven't looked at their pay stubs lately! And with energy prices soaring through the roof, it's anything BUT free in the foreseeable future.
Yet, there is no place like America. I've been privileged to travel in 34 countries on 4 continents, and have seem some absolutely breathtakingly marvelous sights. Some of these places were "distant dreams" from my childhood/teenage/college years. And just stepping on the ground of places like Seoul, South Korea and Budapest, Hungary and Bologna, Italy--all just a dream hidden in my heart many years ago.
But there is always the thrill of being back in the "nifty Fifty." Just something about when the plane touches down on American soil. Just something very special, very precious about looking out across the "fruited plains" of this continent, and knowing that "I'm home."
But even more important, is the fact that knowing while I was born an American, that "this land" is not my final home.
I really do have a citizenship in a land "Whose Builder and Maker is God" (Hebrews 11). That's my final home.
National Issue #10: Returning to Civility
This may be more "pipe dream" than anything else, but I believe that the "lack of civility" in these United States is a serious national issue.
I can't remember a time in my short life (46+ years) when people have been more ugly, more rude, and less well-mannered than in current times.
I'd like to blame it on "global warming"--but that can't possibly be the reason.
I'd like to blame it on "poverty" and the "plight of the poor"--but that can't be it either. I was raised WAAAAY below the poverty line, and I have almost impeccable manners---or at least I think so.
Where did all the name-calling, blame-gaming, and obnoxious behavior (all of which we tend to tolerate under the mantle of "free expression") come from anyway? Who said this is "acceptable behavior"? Where did they (whoever "they" happens to be) get such a horrific idea that this is "acceptable"?
What happened to "thank you", and "please" and "May I?" and "You're Welcome"? What happened to people playing their car stereos at levels where NO ONE else (and particularly not those of us who are trying to sleep in our homes (with our windows closed) can hear the music, or the reverberation?
What happened to people getting all the "facts" before they start spreading "lies" about those with whom they might disagree, politically, philosophically, or spiritually?
Whatever happened to the "truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth"? Did that disappear with the television series "DragNet"?
Whatever happened to adults being worthy of respect and attentions simply by the virtue of being "adults"?
I had a smart-aleck 14 year old kid give me more than a little "back talk" and "attitude" when I corrected something the other day. **I would have never lived to be "14" if I had exhibited that kind of behavior towards ANY adult, and my grandmother caught wind of it. She would have KILLED me. No questions asked, and no excuses accepted.**
What happened to national, state, and local leaders having "civil" discussions, and even vehement disagreements without regarding each other as the Anti-Christ of Revelation, or the BEAST from the same New Testament book?
What happened to people who are able to work, actually going to work, school, or something productive, other than the food stamp office, and the nearest and dearest handout facility?
We must return to civility....
I can't remember a time in my short life (46+ years) when people have been more ugly, more rude, and less well-mannered than in current times.
I'd like to blame it on "global warming"--but that can't possibly be the reason.
I'd like to blame it on "poverty" and the "plight of the poor"--but that can't be it either. I was raised WAAAAY below the poverty line, and I have almost impeccable manners---or at least I think so.
Where did all the name-calling, blame-gaming, and obnoxious behavior (all of which we tend to tolerate under the mantle of "free expression") come from anyway? Who said this is "acceptable behavior"? Where did they (whoever "they" happens to be) get such a horrific idea that this is "acceptable"?
What happened to "thank you", and "please" and "May I?" and "You're Welcome"? What happened to people playing their car stereos at levels where NO ONE else (and particularly not those of us who are trying to sleep in our homes (with our windows closed) can hear the music, or the reverberation?
What happened to people getting all the "facts" before they start spreading "lies" about those with whom they might disagree, politically, philosophically, or spiritually?
Whatever happened to the "truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth"? Did that disappear with the television series "DragNet"?
Whatever happened to adults being worthy of respect and attentions simply by the virtue of being "adults"?
I had a smart-aleck 14 year old kid give me more than a little "back talk" and "attitude" when I corrected something the other day. **I would have never lived to be "14" if I had exhibited that kind of behavior towards ANY adult, and my grandmother caught wind of it. She would have KILLED me. No questions asked, and no excuses accepted.**
What happened to national, state, and local leaders having "civil" discussions, and even vehement disagreements without regarding each other as the Anti-Christ of Revelation, or the BEAST from the same New Testament book?
What happened to people who are able to work, actually going to work, school, or something productive, other than the food stamp office, and the nearest and dearest handout facility?
We must return to civility....
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