Connecting with Pastor Mike

The Voice: New Testament Review

2010-02-04T14:48:00.005-05:00

I recently joined Book Sneeze (it's associated with Thomas Nelson Publishing) where I receive books for free and review them. They send me a book and I review it. I thought I would start with The Voice. It's another installment in the long line of new paraphrases being released in the bible market.

Having read the book of Hebrews, I felt that it was an interesting paraphrase that inserts opinion into translation so the reader needs to be careful. I found myself checking what I read against a translation often. Those who worked on the project, insert their thoughts into the text in italics. Sometimes those insertions are meant to help the reader follow the flow of thought. Unfortunately, it also inserts ideas that are not original to the text. One example may help:

The Voice: "Do not be carried away by diverse and strange ways of believing and worshiping." (Hebrews 13:9)
TNIV: "Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings."

In addition, there are devotional thoughts that are woven through the text to bring application into the present day. I found these thoughts the best part of the reading. They contained meaningful insights.

As far as recommending the bible, I would recommend it only as a devotional substitute to an actual translation. For deep study, I would stick to my TNIV or NLT.

Behind the Scenes - August 16, 2009

2009-08-24T11:43:00.002-05:00

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 8: Day 3

2009-08-21T08:34:00.003-05:00

Too often, we breeze through Leviticus with it's detailed instruction of animal sacrifice and legal code. It is one of the most quoted books in the bible in the NT. The second half of the Great Commandments comes from Leviticus 19:18. It is a book where love, grace and mercy run through it like a golden thread in a large tapestry.

Look at Leviticus 26 for example. God begins by talking about the blessings of obedience. If Israel sticks to God's commands then they are promised abundant harvests (plenty of food), peace, prosperity and an intimate relationship with God. We make a mistake if we look at this like a parent bribing a child. It's God outlining the original blueprint to life. Following His direction was always meant to lead us to a good life and good relationships (that's the point of the Garden of Eden).

Even in the punishment for disobedience, grace is a constant thread. He states and restates: "if you still continue..." Notice the underlying grace. He's not saying, "Mess up once and its over." He's promising patience and faithfulness. The whole sacrificial system is installed to deal with the wrongs He knows they will commit.

God ends Leviticus 26 by saying He knows they will blow it big but He won't reject their relationship. He will still find the means to bring them back home and restore their relationship. They are never in a hopeless situation. They may have to endure hardship but God won't let them go.

Grace is a constant theme throughout the whole bible. You just have to know how to look for it. It's like my son who can spot an exotic car on the highway traveling 70 mph in the opposite direction. He sees it because he's looking for it. What are you looking for?

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 8: Day 2

2009-08-20T15:24:00.002-05:00

The Covenant is laid out. The Tabernacle is finished. The worship system detailed. God's glory settles in tangible form in the middle of the community (the book of Numbers tells us that they laid out the tribes around the Tabernacle and followed it wherever it led). The structure for a community of God's people is complete.

The book of Exodus ends with a great picture of life on earth with God - we're a community of people with God at the center. He leads, we follow. He stays, we rest. We structure our lives around Him. He's given us the blueprint for living, the means for a relationship. The difference now is that Christ has replaced the sacrifices and the worship is focused. Where only a few could experience God, now we all can. Where sin was an obstacle, now Christ has removed it. But the desire for community stays.

It's remarkable when you read Leviticus (the blueprint for a relationship with God and people). So much of it is about imitating God and loving people. A worthy goal for today. We don't have to worry about the ritual but we need to be concerned about the imitation and love. Exodus 40 is a snapshot of heaven on earth. If only we could stay at those moments and not move (like a worship experience when God is tangible and life is good).

The day will come when we will live there for good, on earth, with God in the center, perfect in holiness and love. In my book, it can't come too soon.

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 8: Day 1

2009-08-19T07:41:00.003-05:00

I'm moved by the description of the community's response to the call to build the Tabernacle:

It was voluntary: "All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved..." (NIV) - no one gave out of compulsion, obligation or force. They gave because they wanted to give.
It was sacrificial: they took their personal possessions, including the jewelry that they wore and offered it over to God to be used on the Tabernacle.
It was humble: you have to imagine the impact of this announcement from Moses (the design for worship & blueprints for Tabernacle) following the incident of Exodus 32 (crafting a golden idol and worshipping it while Moses was on Mt. Sinai). God was teaching Moses how to worship Him while Israel was worshipping a false idol. That's humbling...
It was pesonal: everyone chipped in to make the project happen. They worked side by side on an important project together, giving their time & talent & treasure.
It was guided: God gifted some people to teach others and supervise the project.

This is the shining moment of community. This is like a special building project, outreach or missions trip. It reminds me of the 40 Days of Community - one of those moments when everyone in the church comes together to do something bigger than themselves. On their own, each person can only do a part. Together, they can do much more. You remember these moments in life with fondness.

This is why we like to do Synergy events. We're all focused together on the same subject, serving a common outreach, sharing life together. When we put aside our personal interests and partner with the larger church under the guidance of our leaders, we achieve tremendous goals.

I encourage you to look for those moments when a spiritual leader stands up and says, "We need to do this together." If the person has prayed about the charge and confirmed it, then we can experience a tremendous God-moment in joining together with others to serve.

Behind the Scenes - August 16, 2004

2009-08-17T16:54:00.002-05:00

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 7, Day 3

2009-08-14T15:12:00.002-05:00

Numbers 20:1-13 is a difficult passage for many people. God seems a little hard on Moses (and I can sympathize with Moses). But if you look at the passage, you can see a couple of things:

Moses doesn't follow God's command - God said to speak to the rock (not the people), not hit it with the staff. God wanted the miracle to be in the power of God's word spoken through the mouth of His servant, Moses.
Moses takes credit for the miracle - he says, "Must we bring your water from this rock?" It's God who provides the power for the miracle, not Moses & Aaron. It's a real temptation for a leader to begin taking credit for the great things happening in a ministry.
God makes clear that Moses' actions were somehow related to trust. We can't know for certain, but it seems that Moses doubted God's work somehow. The last time he got water from a rock, he struck it with his staff (Numbers 17). Sometimes we fall back to old ways that are familiar and comfortable and don't take the risk of new ways. Holding too tightly onto tradition can shift our trust from God to our traditions.

This is an important devotion for anyone who leads in a ministry. Leaders need to remember to follow God's commands closely, never take credit for what's going on and trust God - not the familiar ways of the past - for the future miracles.

At FCCH, I constantly ask, "Yes, it worked that way in the past but do we need to do it a differently next time?" If you are afraid that it won't work unless you've do it the way you've always done it in the past then you are trusting more in your own skill and capability than God's (you're also beginning to take credit for something that God did). How can you tell if you are starting to fall into this trap? Ask yourself these questions:

How has my ministry changed in the last 24 months?
Do you pray for your ministry like you did when you first started?
What is it that you are doing in your life and ministry that only God can achieve?

One last note: Moses may have not seen the Promised Land but from a distant but he did get to the true Promised Land to be with God in the end.

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 7: Day 2

2009-08-13T12:02:00.003-05:00

So many of the stories about the time between the Red Sea and the Promised Land have to deal with growing pains. This is a new community with a new relationship with God. Think of the issues you read about:

Will God continue to provide for our needs?
Who are our leaders? Why do we follow them? Who picked them?
Where do we go next? How do we get there? Is there where I want to be?
How can face the challenges of life?
What does God expect of us? Do I want to meet those expectations? Can I meet them?
Who is God? What does that mean to me?
How do I worship God?
How should we live together?

All these questions are similar to the ones we face in our walk with Christ. It's funny how we face them when we are new to faith, work out answers and move on. Then later in life, we constantly revisit them but at deeper levels, greater consequences, more intimate results. So much of my journey with Christ is wrestling with the question: "Will I follow through with this commitment?"

In these stories, the heroes aren't the people who do everything perfectly. They are the people who stay true to their commitment with God - even when it is hard. They resist peer pressure, stay passionate for God's presence, devote themselves to holiness, try their best to do what God has asked.

I learn as much through their mistakes as I do their successes. They are the people who dust themselves off and pick up where they left off. They own their mistakes and accept the consequences. No excuses.

Even as I work through this material, I wrestle through the same questions I've listed above. I guess that part of the success of the Christian faith is faithful endurance - just hanging in there can be an act of holy devotion.

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 7: Day 1

2009-08-12T17:20:00.002-05:00

This section of Exodus is always amazing to me. It begins with an incredible song of victory about God's power in delivering Israel from Egypt and quickly moves in some embarassing accounts about the people. They start complaining about the lack of water and food while in the desert, a fair concern unfairly stated. What did they expect? Did they really think that God would deliver them from Egypt only to let them die in the desert? If God could miraculously part the Red Sea, couldn't He miraculously provide water and food?

I guess I shouldn't be so hard on Israel. Afterall, how many times have I moved from a powerful experience of God at church, on retreat or missions, in a small group or some other experience only to complain when I encounter a difficult circumstance. Suddenly, conflict at home, problems at work, poor health or a myriad of other frustrations cause me to complain about God's love as loudly as I just praised Him for His compassion during the powerful encounter.

If I understand the stories correctly, each trial was an opportunity for another miracle - beginning with the miracle of trusting God even when the circumstances didn't merit it. Imagine reading a different story in Exodus 16? I could imagine that the people were hungry so they go to Moses and ask him to pray on their behalf. Only this time, they say, "We can't wait to see how God will provide for us this time! He's been so good to us in the past. This will be exciting!"

Behind the Scenes - August 9, 2004

2009-08-11T12:47:00.002-05:00

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 5, Day 3

2009-07-25T20:55:00.003-05:00

Psalm 136 is famous mostly because of the worship song that uses it's refrain: "His love endures forever." The evidence of God's love is intriguing. The Psalmist begins with the work of creation, moves through the exodus from Egypt, continues to the provision in the wilderness and ends with deliverance. God's love is first demonstrated through His motivation for creation and then through the liberation of a people oppressed. It's climax is in Christ on the cross.

We can so easily forget the powerful demonstration of love in creation and the cross. We live the routine of commuting, the mundane of the summer jobs, the monotony of life's busyness. Slowly the love of God fades into time schedules, mundane television programs and the worry of paying bills.

We can miss His love in the warmth of sunshine, the fellowship of believers, represented the cross in the worship center. It always there, around us all the time. Sometimes we just need to stop in the silent moments (yes they do come during the course of the day). Take a deep breath and think about the cross, creation, God's love. Breath it in. Relish it. Remember it. Thank God for it.

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 5, Day 2

2009-07-22T09:35:00.003-05:00

I love Psalm 37. It gives me peace: "The LORD makes firm the steps of those who delight in Him; though they stumble, they will not fall for the LORD upholds them with His hand." (Psalm 37:23-25 TNIV). It's the imagery of two people ascending a rocky incline. One stumbles and the other reaches out a hand to hold him up and steady him. God has done this throughout my life.

Woven throughout the Psalm is a description of the Godly life. Growing in maturity means we:

Seek peace
Invest in Scripture
Speak wisdom
Live generously
Act justly
Delight in God
Trust God
Do good
Wait on God to act in His time

When we live this life, He promises us: protection, provision, a future, justice, love, faithfulness, strength for life.

Last night, I was talking to Josh about moments when someone gives you qualities or characteristics of leadership. I said you should examine your life against them and ask God where you need to grow. A list like this one from the Psalms is a good tool for self examination.

For me, I'm drawn to "Delight in God". Sometimes I let the busyness of life so overtake me that I forget to slow down and enjoy God - find pleasure in who He is and what He has done. I think I'll do that while working on my projects today.

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 5, Day 1

2009-07-21T08:07:00.002-05:00

The story of Moses has always amazed me. The first chapter is a tribute to people who cannot compromise their faith and morals, even the face of great danger. The midwives are secret heroes to the story - we even know their names. Their defiance of Pharoah's edit slipped Moses into the world.

Moses' mother is another hero. We shouldn't minimize the story by removing the emotion. Setting your baby adrift in the waters, turning his safety and future over to God would have been heart wrenching. I love my children dearly. I can't imagine laying one down in a rowboat and setting them adrift in a river hoping that someone would give him life when the ruling powers have ordered death.

It makes me think about raising my children into adulthood. In many ways, I'm setting them off on their own, letting the currents of life carry them away. My hope is that the soveriegn God will guide them to a safe harbor where they can find people who will continue what Sheila and I have started. I hope that their siblings will even help as Moses' sister did for him.

God is still the great "I AM" - the one who has existed from before time and throughout time. Amazingly, He is also the God who watches over us - guiding even a child to a safe harbor.

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 4, Day 3

2009-07-18T16:33:00.003-05:00

I've been studying the life of Joseph in preparation for the sermon so I focused my devotions on Psalm 73. It's an interesting Psalm to read in light of Joseph's life. He could have written it as one who suffered wondering why those who don't love God prosper.

It's easy sometimes to envy people who don't follow God and yet do fine while we suffer for doing good. We can begin to resent the fact that they seem to have all the fun. They do whatever they want and it makes no difference. Sometimes they receive the promotion, get the spot on the team or get all the attention. They can do what is wrong yet there seems no reprisal.

We forget that our true treasure is a relationship with God. "My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." (Psalm 73:26 NLT). The value of following Christ is Christ. He is the gift and the joy that we gain. When I begin to envy those who seem to do fine (finances, health, possessions, career, etc.), I have to ask why I'm not content with Christ? Why isn't my joy complete in following Him? Why do I want more?

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 4, Day 2

2009-07-17T14:24:00.005-05:00

In reading today's devotion, I worked through the life of Jacob and Psalm 22. I love Psalm 22:30-31, "Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything He has done."

It's a great reminder to me why we keep reading and re-reading the bible to our children and teens. They need to know the stories of the people in the bible. They are our forefathers. I want my children to know who Abraham is (man of faith), Moses (great leader), David (child of courgage), Daniel (man of integrity). These stories take the truth that I believe and wrap them up into memborable stories that teach them how to live.

In truth, I want them to read the stories so that they can know we don't have to be perfect. Sometimes our children walk away with the feeling that they have to do it all right to be acceptable before God. Other times our children become disillustioned with their faith because we blow. They see what we do compared with what we say and they see hypocrisy. Thesestories of the bible record moments of imperfection. Our children learn that we stumble through life trying to do best and end up doing wrong.

Hopefully, this will encourage them. God loved Abraham even though he lied to the Pharoah about Sarah. He loved Moses even though he killed the Egyptian. He loved David despite the adultery. It doesn't justify the action. It just gives us peace knowing that faith is about a perfect God, not perfect people.

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 4, Day 1

2009-07-14T13:45:00.004-05:00

God's grace weaves a beautiful thread through the readings for Day 1:

Abraham sends his servant out to find a wife for Isaac and the servant "just so happens" to stumble into a relative of Abraham. It's a perfect fit (just read the specific request the servant makes to God in Genesis 24).
Rebekah is childless so Isaac prays for her. She becomes pregnant with twins - double the blessing.
Jacob, the Deceiver, tries to take matter into his own hands to force the blessing promised by God and ends up dividing the whole family. Still God meets Jacob in a dream, reaffirming the covenant he made with Jacob's grandfather, Abraham.

God is the real hero in the story. He keeps His promises, fulfills His plans, cleans up our messes. I'm humbled by the amount of blessing He pours out into my life. I make messes and still He gives me blesssing. All that I lost as a teenager has been given back to me a hundred fold. He keeps an eye out for the father-less. He's incredible.

Behind the Scenes - OTC: Abraham

2009-07-14T10:37:00.002-05:00

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 3, Day 3

2009-07-08T12:01:00.003-05:00

Genesis 21 is both inspiring and tragic. It's inspiring because God did exactly what He promised to do. He delivered a child to Sarah as He promised. There is a lot of imagery in the story of Abraham, Isaac and Sarah as compared with God, Mary and Jesus.

Both Mary and Sarah were unlikely candidates for motherhood. One had never been married. The other was too old for childbirth. Yet, both became pregnant by the plan and power of God.
Abraham offers up his only son on Mt. Moriah (the place where the temple would be built and Christ crucified). He is spared by the miraculous provision of a ram. Jesus (the lamb of God and the only Son of God) is offered up that He might be a blessing to the world.
Through Abraham, the word of the Gospel was meant to reach the nations. Through Jesus, it did.

I like reading big blocks of scripture, it helps me see God's plan unfolding. It's a like a map to me. When I'm driving on the road, I can see alot of beautiful details but I don't get to see the destination. When I'm looking at the map, I can see how the plan unfolds. I think we should read both smaller portions and larger portions. I just like seeing God move in miraculous ways, unfolding His plan and moving us to a bigger destination.

I can be impatient. I want God to fulfill His promises now. I want Him to lead me to the destination now. I always used to crave leading. I wanted to jump into leadership positions from the very beginning. I would envy those in charge. When I left college, I took a call that gave me a great first start. I was always looking to what was next. What could I do next?

Now I can see the wisdom in God waiting. Abraham had to grown in his relationship with God. He had to be refined into obedience, wisdom and leadership. Too much responsibility from the beginning would be disasterous. I can thank God now that He waited.

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 3, Day 2

2009-07-07T12:25:00.003-05:00

Genesis 15:6 is an important verse to Christians. Paul explains in Romans 4 that Abraham was considered right before God because of faith, not works. In other words, it's not what we do that makes us right in God's eyes. It's the fact that we trust in God to fulfill His promises that makes us right. This is an important distinction.

Some of us go through life hoping that we've earn some credit from God or that we deserve something better from Him because we work hard at going to church, reading the bible, giving donations to the poor and making good decisions. Yet, we don't have a deep sense of inner confidence about our destiny after death. Others struggle when life gets difficult - "It's not fair," they say, "I'm doing all the right things."

But faith isn't like that. Abraham trusted God to keep His word even though the circumstances of his life contradicted the promise. Abraham was a hundred years old and still childless despite God's promise. We need to remember that at least 13 years transpired between the promise in Genesis 15 and the fulfillment in Genesis 21.

God's looking for people who will trust Him with their lives (including their eternal lives), even when life makes that trust seem unreasonable. When we trust in Christ to secure our eternity, to deliver on His promises for today and to work through us as He promised, then we are demonstrating the same faith that Abraham had in God. God is pleased with that kind of trust.

Don't get me wrong, the practices I listed are good. They nurture our soul and help people. But, they don't give us a right standing before God. Only faith in Christ can do that.

Behind the Scenes - OTC Week 2

2009-07-06T14:02:00.002-05:00

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 3, Day 1

2009-07-06T13:26:00.003-05:00

Abram is an amazing man with an amazing relationship with God. The bible is conservative with words. I wish we had the full picture of what happens behind the words. Genesis 12:1 says, "The LORD said to Abram..."

The LORD speaks to Abram means that they had a relationship where Abram was listening. Abram reminds me that I need to listen when I pray. Sometimes I get caught up in the speaking and forget to slow down (a.k.a. 'shut up') long enough to hear God speak. What have I missed?
How did God speak to Abram? We have a great account of a burning bush in Exodus when it comes to Moses. What happened here? I wish I knew more. I don't want to miss God's voice. But then, if I have a familiar relationship with God (and He really wants my attention) I have a feeling that I won't miss His voice.
It must have been an incredible encounter because it moved Abram to change his whole life. Gen. 12:4-5 goes on to say that Abram took everything that belonged to him, his whole family and left the place that he called home, all for an outrageous promise. Something happened in the encounter that told Abram the reward was worth the risk. I long for those God-encounters when His presence is tangible and I know He hears my voice. The trick is to not let the passion of the encounter die.
It was a relationship that inspired a lot of trust. Leaving home, uprooting family, moving into a strange place already occupied by people - wow, that takes trust. Abram's relationship with God was such that he knew God would keep His word. Remember, all the promises deal with the future. I need to trust that God will keep His word to me if I hold tight to it, even when the circumstances don't seem promising.
Everywhere Abram went, he built an altar. He worshipped God everywhere he called home. Those altars would serve to remind him (on return trips) of special encounters with God. Memories are my altars. I try to record my God-encounters. They renew my trust in God and love for Him.

The OTC devotional reminds me that Genesis 12:2-3 is the "Great Commission of the Old Testament." The fact that I can trust in Christ is connected to the fact that Abram trusted in God (you can the reasoning for that in Romans 4). God always intended to restore His relationship with the world. He was never satisfied with just a portion of it. He loves all people. Global outreach begins here.

Expedition Africa

2009-07-03T07:29:00.001-05:00

So Matthew and I have a new favorite show for the summer. Just click on the title, "Expedition Africa" and you can see a preview. Mark Burnett (the guy who created "Survivor") has teamed up with the History Channel to produce a show based on the journey Henry Stanley took to find the famous "explorer" David Livingstone. I put "explorer" in parenthesis because David Livingstone was actually a great missionary from the 19th century.

I had the privilege to visit a missionary family, Dan & Janet McBride this past February. They live outside of Bagamoyo, Tanzania where "Expedition Africa" starts. It's a notorious town because it was the main port of Western Africa for transporting slaves to the Middle East and Asia. It was a heartbreaking visit.

What the History Channel doesn't tell you is that David Livingstone, the famous African missionary, was instrumental in fighting slavery in Western Africa. He was well loved by the Africans. When he died, they shipped his body back to England but buried his heart under a Baobab in Africa. They said that his body may be in England but his heart belonged to Africa.

We love the show because we're fascinated with expeditions, Africa and fighting the elements (hey, we're big "Man vs. Wild" fans). It's also a great study in leadership. There are four main people trying to replicate Stanley's journey. Three of them have extensive experience in extreme conditions as well as traveling in Africa. Three experts mean 33 opinions. We have a great time debriefing their decisions. Seeing Africa is bonus.

#569. The sermon illustration score card.

2009-07-01T16:43:00.002-05:00

OK - so this blog is very funny. I'm wondering how I'm doing on the score card. Let me know. And by the way, in no way do I want Baird to fulfill number 28!

#569. The sermon illustration score card.

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OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 2, Day 3

2009-07-01T16:18:00.003-05:00

I think one of the saddest verses in the bible is Genesis 6:6: "The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled." A verse like this should emphasize the horrible nature of sin. God loves His creation. Before the fall of Genesis 3, He declared that everything was good, very good as a matter of fact. We were given His divine image and He was pleased. By Genesis 6, He is troubled by humanity's development.

The flood is about another creation moment. Once again:

the world is covered by water
land mass rises out of the sea
birds precede animals
a covenant is made with humanity's best interest in mind
the mandate is to be fruitful and multiple.

One difference is the expectation of sin. This time, in Genesis 9, God has to place a curse in expectation of murder and killing. He didn't have to do that the first time.

The flood is all about grace as much as (if not more in my opinion) judgment. God honors with affection one man who walks in God's ways. He blesses this man with warning. Patiently waits for the ark to be built, the animals to be assembled. He shuts the door of the ark, protecting humanity. God delivers them safely to new land and starts over but with a promise to not do that again. He honors the promise with something as beautiful as a rainbow. I believe the rainbow always existed, God just transformed it into a sign of grace.

The sweetest moment in the whole account is Noah's first act as the new human - he sacrifices to God. Noah worships God and God is pleased. At least we were off to a good start.

This story reminds me that God is good to His word. He delivers us despite the overwhelming flood of trials and difficulties that we experience. He provides for us in the shelter of our arks - our places of safety that He constructs for us (a place where our faith is fortified). He won't let the trial drown us or eliminate us. We may have to ride the storm out for a long time but He won't forget us. He will eventually lead us to dry ground where we can worship Him again.

He's done that for me - from the difficulties of life that were afflicted upon me to the difficulties of life that I created by my own choices. God is good. He's led me to dry ground where I worship Him as my Creator.

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 2, Day 2

2009-06-30T08:34:00.002-05:00

Life quickly deteriorates for humanity. Cain introduces murder and jealously into family relationships. What's interesting is the study note for the TNIV study bible on 4:7. "Sin crouching at the door" was a Babylonian expression to describe a demon crouching outside the door of a house, seeking to bring danger and misfortune to the inhabitants. God is speaking the language of the people to warn them about the sin in our hearts. It seeks to bring destruction into the house if we open the door and let it in.

Cain did let it in. I'm amazed that there is no remorse. When confronted and judged, Cain is more concerned about his welfare than his wrong doing. Notice how the family continues the pattern of sin. One of his descendants, Lamech kills a man only to boast about it and declare his own judgment against anyone who would avenge the death, as if Lamech has the power to enforce the judgment.

It's incredible how sin is a pattern of inheritance that we leave our children. Anger, divorce, addictive behaviors, all this and more pass from one generation to the next until we make conscious decisions to partner with God for hope and healing. We don't have to teach our children to sin. They do it naturally. As a matter of fact, they have a way of picking up on our sin patterns.

It's sad that we were created to rule over creation as God's representatives. We were supposed to exhibit the same grace, mercy and love that God gives to us. Instead, we see humanity desire power, inflict pain, boast in arrogance.

Yet, God's grace is the river that runs under the story. He preserves humanity, forgives sin, judges but not mercilessly. His heart is our hope. Even today. I've seen God turn families around, redeem messed up people and heal broken lives. His grace is awesome.

Behind the Scenes - OTC Week 1

2009-06-29T11:38:00.002-05:00

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 2, Day 1

2009-06-29T10:57:00.003-05:00

It's hard to understand the magnitude of Genesis 3 until you understand the magnificence of Genesis 1-2. You may be disappointed over the damage of a picture you inherited. But you might be beside yourself if you discovered an original copy of the Declaration of Independence in the back of the painting. That's part of the challenge we face in sharing the Gospel. Many do not see either the magnificence of Genesis 1 or magnitude of Genesis 3.

The OTC devotion has us reading Genesis 3 and Psalm 32. What a great combination. Genesis 3 presents our great betrayal. God provided for all our needs, He even crafted us in a tender, intimate way - giving us the privilege of His image. We easy follow Satan's lie by twisting God's commands into the oppressive restrictions of a jealous God who doesn't want us to fulfill our potential. Suddenly, all the blessings of Creation are twisted:

The creation of life becomes the travails of childbirth
The purpose of work becomes frustrated labor
The promise of life becomes the promise of death

The beauty of creation is marred. Then the hope of grace emerges. Notice the grace woven into the passage: there's the promise of the Messiah inserted into the curse against the serpent - the provision of clothes to cover the shame of their nakedness - the continuation of relationship despite the brokenness. Grace never disappears.

When you read Psalm 32, you see the same grace. We have to get to the place of ownership (where we own our sin without excuse) in order to experience the wild freedom of grace but it's available. Confession is the true vehicle that leads us to a Father who forgives, protects us from danger, celebrates our restoration, teaches us the path we should walk and surrounds us with love.

I see it in ministry all the time. We live in denial - my sin isn't that bad, people didn't suffer that much, its' not my fault really, it's not as bad as I had it. When we do, our life is distraught with pain and disappointment - sometimes physical. Freedom comes in confession to a God who will give you what you need. Turn to God now and experience it for yourself. A simple prayer will suffice.

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 1, Day 3

2009-06-27T21:08:00.003-05:00

Today's devotion took me to an unexpected passage in Job 38-39. The week has me dwelling on creation in Genesis. Suddenly, it moves to Job. The move was unexpected but the material was spot on.

Genesis is concerned with the beginning of creation - how it started. The Job passage reminds me that God is still involved. It talks about God's hand in nature, causing it to function as He intended. Certainly, it doesn't function completely as He intended. The decision in Genesis 3 disrupted that. Having said that, there is still a complex ecosystem that works with design and purpose.

We should gain comfort from the knowledge that God has not wound up the clock of creation, set it on His mantlepiece and then walked away. He's still intimately involved in its functioning. Observing the way nature functions discloses His power, majesty and wisdom.

God's continued involvement in creation also gives me security. God has not abandoned us. He has His hand in our affairs in such a way that He directs us towards His goal. Since His creation is good, I can believe that His intended goal is good also. I can look forward to the future He has for me and for humanity.

This helps when I'm watching the news. The situation in North Korea or Iran doesn't give me fear. God is involved. He has a plan (Revelation 21-22). It will all work out for His glory and our good.

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 1, Day 2

2009-06-25T07:39:00.005-05:00

Today's fast track devotion covered Genesis 2 and Psalm 8. The reading confirmed what I wrote about yesterday's devotion. The image of God distinguishes from the rest of creation so much that Adam couldn't find any "helper suitable for him". We need relationship in order to find completion. It's why we feel loneliness, depression and apathy when separated from human companionship. Some of us may be able to go longer without it but we can not live apart from others.

Moving from Genesis 1&2 to Psalm 8 was like going from the main meal to dessert. David holds the balance of "less than God, more than creature" in his song of praise to the creator.

"...what are mere mortals that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned them with glory and honor." (Psalm 8:4-5 TNIV)

In today's world we run along two extremes: one on side humans are just another population of animals with little respect or honor. As a matter of fact, we're often seen as a virus infecting the earth. On the other side, we're glorified as 'little gods' - people see us as limitless with the ability to eventually solve all our problems, not needing the crutch of a God.

In the bible, we are less than God - the similarities we have with creatures is evidence that we are part of the created order. However, we are far more than creatures. We bear the image of a living God. We create - art, literature, philosophy, architecture, education. We are privileged with the honor of God's image and the responsibility of being His children.

It's good to be human.

God's Masterpiece - inspiration to Sunday's Sketch

2009-06-24T19:52:00.006-05:00

OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 1, Day 1

2009-06-24T19:37:00.006-05:00

I'm joining in the Old Testament Challenge by keeping in touch with all the messages and reading through the Fast Track in the Devotional Book. Since I'm already reading through Luke for my devotions, I thought the Fast Track was manageable.

The first Devotion has me in Genesis Chapter 1. As I was studying the passage, I read 1:26-27 where God gives humanity the blessing of bearing His image. It's a long discussion (couple of thousand years) as to what the "Image of God" exactly means. The realization struck me today that it provides the means by which we can relate to God. Without it, a relationship with God would be impossible.

Think of it, only humanity receives the image. Nothing else in all of creation gets the gift. Certainly, we know that creation reflects the character of God but we are unique in that we carry the image within us. Nothing in all of creation can have a relationship with God, only humanity. This image includes (among other things) the ability to socially connect with God. It's how God communicates with humans, gives them moral choices and responsibility, provides the means to find purpose.

This means that we hunger, somewhere within us, to know God. We are incomplete without the relationship for the image of God within us (broken though it may be) drives us to know Him. Religion isn't the vestige of our primitive nature, its the sophistication of our uniqueness. Nothing else in all creation strives for God. No other created being has a spiritual drive to know the divine.

What we do in and through FCCH is meant to help people find their completion, to become what they were created to be, to find fulfillment. We seek to give people the gift of a relationship with the one they were meant to know. That's why I love ministry.

Behind the Scenes - Father's Day Service

2009-06-22T16:54:00.003-05:00

Finish the Race

2009-06-18T08:45:00.002-05:00

A lot of people start off the Boston Marathon. Not everyone finishes it. I really believe that the way you finish a race is more important than how you start it. Actually, I've transitioned my metaphor to it's point: I'm talking about life. I've made a lot of mistakes in life but I've surrendered it to Christ, asking Him to work out the wrinkles.

Losing my parents early caused me to think about the end of my life. I decided that how I ended life was more important than how I started it. I have to run the race of life to get to the end and get there in better shape than I started.

What drove my thoughts to this end? I was reading the bible this morning and I have a hymn taped in the back of the bible: "Be Thou My Vision". It's a road map to me for life. It has more verses than I can count but there are traditionally four that we sing. The following are highlights that are important to me:

"Naught be all else to me save what Thou art - Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light"
"Be Thou my wisdom and Thou my true Word, I ever with Thee and Thou with me Lord, Thou my Great Father and I Thy true son, Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one"
"Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise, Thou mine inheritance now and always, Thou and Thou only, first in my heart"
"May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun, Heart of my own heart, whatever befall - Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all"

If that's how I want my life to be remembered, then I need to keep striving towards that goal.

Latest Playlist for Lifting My Spirits

2009-06-18T08:02:00.003-05:00

Behind the Scenes - Celebration Sunday

2009-06-15T16:20:00.002-05:00

It's a Great Day!

2009-06-13T19:19:00.012-05:00

"It's a great day!" At least if you are 10 and you get to act like Bear Grylls. (If you aren't sure, who he is - check out his site here or his show "Man vs. Wild".) Matthew has a survival book written by Bear Grylls. In reading it, he was inspried to cook meat outside in the firepit. So, we took some venison out of the freezer and had a "Boy vs. Wild" afternoon. Check out these pictures:

Here's the venison - speared, planted in the ground and seasoned with a special rub. We even added an apple tree branch in the meat to season it from the inside. Hmmmmm

Here's Matthew practicing his survival skills. You never know when you'll be stranded on an island (or in the woods) with nothing but a flint (yes, he can start a fire), some Weber hickory chips and meat. He's cooking his own strip of venison.

So, at the end of the day (after Matthew reviewed and approved the post), he sighed and said, "It was a great day. I started seven fires." It's good to be 10.

A Different Perspective

2009-06-12T14:28:00.002-05:00

I've been reading the Gospel of Luke for my devotions. I'm almost through the first two chapters and I'm struck by the joy that weaves through the passage. Not only do people like Elizabeth, Zechariah and Mary express joy but God declares it. It's a big part of Christ's ministry.

This made me wonder - where' the joy today? Do we really look at Christ's coming with a joy that makes other people envious?

After my devotional time, I met with Elizabeth Grady-Harper. She's on the teaching team and will be speaking at services this summer. We're working on the Old Testament Challenge (something I'm excited about and will blog about later). She'll be teaching out of Genesis 3. Then I had a thought: "Maybe we don't have the joy of salvation because we don't understand the turmoil of our sin."

We live in a world where people are seen as basically good making bad decisions. However, the bible sees people as broken occassionaly making some good decisions - nothing so good that it repairs the brokenness. When you live in the world's perspective, you don't need to be saved by anyone, you can figure it out yourself. When you live in the bible's perspective, you understand the need to be saved.

I think that when we see ourselves with the bible's perspective, we get the joy.

Wondering about these passages? Use the bible search function on the right side of this blog and read the chapters yourself!

Behind the Scenes

2009-06-08T10:32:00.000-05:00

I've realized that I have some wonderful experiences on Sunday morning that most people never share. I've decided that I'll blog about them on the Monday or Tuesday after services.

Have you notice the young woman in the worship ministry who plays the violin. She's a new addition to the team. Living away from home at a local performing arts school, Sunday morning is a way of using her talent to bless God. What I love is watching her approach the platform. She kicks off her sandals and plays barefoot. It reminds me that the platform is holy ground.

Vickie told me that all 100 children were sponsored on May 31. World Vision sent us 34 more children. They said that if we get sponsorship for these children, all the children of the region we're adopting will find sponsorship. Yesterday, people took on 20 more children. That means we sponsor about 250 children!

Speaking of Vickie (Director of Children's Ministries), we go back a long way. Before she was on staff (when I was youth pastor at FCCH), she came on some summer missions trips with the teens. She would organize the chidren's ministry work that we do, equipping the teens to do the task.

If you were in first service, you missed the excitment. Someone in second service brings her laptop to the service and broadcasts it through Skype to a soldier in Iraq. Talk about long distance worship! We stopped the service at one point to shout out to him and pray for him. Pretty cool!

Isn't Sunday morning a great place?

Intentional Spiritual Growth

2009-06-08T10:21:00.000-05:00

On the first Wednesday of the month, I meet with the full Ministry Council (every pastor, director and coordinator). At those meetings, we pray for each other, talk about our plans for upcoming month as well as what we did the past month. I also take the time to do a little training.

Last Wednesday, our Equipping Director, Kim Lewis, took through a Self-Rating scale designed as a barometer on our spiritual development. Kim had listed some important categories: Caring for Yourself, Depending on Christ, Praying about Everything, Modeling Servanthood for Others, Planning an Audacious Vision, the Need for Change. Each person rated themselves on the scale and shared an action step they were going to take on their lowest scaled item.

It's all about intentional spiritual growth. Here we are, the Ministry Staff of the church, and we need to monitor how we're doing. It's easy to slack on our spiritual development if we don't guard it. We step on a scale to guard our weight. We need to step on a scale to guard our souls.

I would encourage you to stop. Reflect on where you are with Christ and then take one simple step of spiritual growth.

I'm Back...

2009-06-02T15:37:00.004-05:00

Yes, I'm back blogging - so is Sheila. You can find her blog is called: "Connecting with Sheila." Just click on the title and you'll go there.. We've been pretty busy so the blogging fell behind. Sorry...but here - we're here now!

Yes...I am a Trekker

2009-05-30T09:06:00.003-05:00

My family usually doesn't let me talk about this in public (neither does my worship director) but I am a Trekker. A "Trekker" is someone whose enjoyed the Star Trek universe. No, I don't go to the conventions, belong to a crew or have a house full of collectibles (though I do have a uniform I've used for CBC and costume parties). However, I have loved the series since I was a kid. I'm a Classic Fan (Kirk, Spock, Bones, Scotty, etc.). It's a fun ride.

Needless to say, I was intrigued when they announced the new movie - especially when they said that J.J. Abrams was directing (hey that combined both Star Trek and Lost - you can't beat that combination!). Man, did Abrams deliver. I took one of my children with me (I can't mention who because she'd be embarassed if her college friends found out - oops...did I say too much?). She loved it as much as me.

Someone once asked me why I loved it. It portrays a future of hope - unlike so many dismal portrayals of a future I wouldn't want to live in. In addition, the Classic series showed a lot of respect to Christianity (I'm not vouching for the later series).

So...I'm a Trekker...it's out...please be kind to me.

Hey, check this out for a treat: Star Trek

World Vision

2009-05-29T20:55:00.006-05:00

On Sunday, May 31, I talked about the work our church is doing in Malawi - a country afflicted by HIV/AIDS. According to the World Health Organization, you have a 55% of the people in Malawi will die between the ages of 15 to 60. 12% of the children will die before they turn 5 (that's compared to .08% in America).

AIDS is decimating the population. There are tens of thousands of orphans in a country of 13.5 million people. I've been there three times and everyone I met had at least one orphan in their home. To get an idea as how difficult the problem is and what World Vision is doing to address the issue, take a look at this video: "Faces of AIDS"

Having seen World Vision in action, I believe in the organization, they are saving souls and improving lives at the same time. I'm sold!

The great news is that we offered 100 children for sponsorship - all the children were picked up by the end of both services! To make it even better - we already sponsor 130 children. That means we care for 230 children!!!

Character and Calling

2009-05-26T21:17:00.005-05:00

I was preparing for my small group today. The material we've using had us read a passage from "Grace Abounding" by John Bunyan. Bunyan wrote the famous book, "Pilgrim's Progress." He was a preacher in the 17th century who was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel.

The book talks about Bunyan's own experiences as a pastor. At one point, he talks about the importance of confirming someone's call by their character not giftedness. It caught my attention because I've known people who have had a powerful ministry. They have influneced lives, built strong ministries and gathered followers. No one knew the sin they were hiding. When the sin is revealed, the ministry collapses like a house of cards.

Steve Furtick of Elevation Church recently interviewed Ted Haggard. Ted had a powerful ministry in CO. He was also the president of the National Association of Evangelicals. Then the new broke that he was hiding sin and he lost everything. He lost his ministry and reputation. His family suffered and his wife was ashamed. You can hear the story yourself and some warnings from Ted. In addition, you can hear from his wife. It's amazing but she stayed with Ted and has been working through the issues. Hear from her youself by clicking here.

Hole in the Gospel

2009-05-26T21:10:00.006-05:00

I've beeen reading a book written by Richard Sterns (the president of World Vision US). It's a challenging story about how he left the business world as president of Lenox China and became president of WVUS. It's a transparent discussion of his struggle to follow God's will (which required a lot of sacrifice). He weaves reflection on scripture with his life story, which includes some moving stories of the mission field.

Richard Stearns suggests that the hole in our Gospel is the Christian church's lack of response to the poverty and oppression in the world. You have to understand, I'm a HUGE World Vision fan. I've seen them in action in Malawi. They engage the people of the nations where they minister -in caring for their own people. They weave together a wholistic approach of caring for the individual/community - their body/mind/soul.

Bill Hybels (founding pastor of Willow Creek Church) distributed 10,000 copies to the people of his church. Read the book. You can get a copy here: The Hole in the Gospel. You can also find more information (including a study guide) by clicking here .

Where Have I Been?

2009-04-20T17:25:00.004-05:00

I'm sorry...I've been to Africa, then to a marriage conference, through a sermon series and into Easter. Sounds like an excuse? Yeah, maybe...I'm sorry. It's easy to get distracted. I'm trying to rededicate myself to blogging. I understand that it's a good way to connect with people. Let's see how it goes.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas is here! We've spent the whole month reflecting on the testimony of the people who witnessed Christmas:

Mary: through her experience she was an eyewitness to God's love, majesty and faithfulness
Shepherds & Angels: they testified to how Christ meets our needs, gives hope and provides peace
Magi: they remind us that we should not discount anyone and start where they are looking. They also encourage seekers to make an investment in pursuing Christ, to put aside their preconceptions and to not be afraid to ask for help.

I can't believe that I get paid to do this. What a privilege to magnify God's character, brag about Christ's work and see lives changed.

Staff Devotions

2008-12-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Each Wednesday morning, the Pastors, Executive Director, Business Administrator and Directors gather for a staff meeting. We begin each meeting by sharing prayer requests for our ministry and for each other. Once a month, we talk about what we're learning from the bible in our devotional time. I'm impressed by the level of reflection on the staff.

Last Wednesday, we talked about God's wrath, propitiation, grace, mercy and salvation. When the discussion was over, there was a moment of silence - spontaneous and sacred. It felt like dew settling when the sun rises. Then when we prayed, it felt like God was sitting at the table speaking to us.

Another Great Sunday

2008-12-21T15:04:00.002-05:00

Making the call about services on a snowy day is one of my hardest decisions. As I watched the snow fall and fall and fall some more on Saturday, I got worried about services. The worship ministry has worked hard on services, people have taken the risk to invite new people to church and the message couldn't be used next Sunday.

In the end, I just decided to keep it going. When Sheila and I showed up at 7:20 AM, we were two of only a few people. By 8:00 am, the worship ministry had arrived. By 9:00 am hundreds of people arrived. By the end of the morning, 774 people attended services! On a snowy Sunday morning!

What a wonderful Christmas service! The snow just added to the atmosphere.

Changes on the Horizon

2008-12-18T06:35:00.000-05:00

So there are more changes on the horizon. Our Missions Coordinator, Director of Student Ministries and Jr. High Coordinator are all leaving. Kristi and Suzan are moving because their husbands are being transferred. Andrew is finishing seminary and will move on with his call (counseling). We're going to miss them terribly. Kristi brought organization and clarity to Missions. Suzan and Andrew stabilized and grew the Student Ministries. Sigh...
I know that God will work through them in powerful ways because I've already seen Him do that. I know that God will lead us to find new people through whom God will work just as powerfully. He brought them at just the right time didn't He? It's just hard to say goodbye to people you appreciate.

Matthew's Day

2008-12-16T06:16:00.001-05:00

I took Matthew and a friend to the New England Car Show. He's only 10 but he has been asking for a couple of years now. I've included some pictures of my car enthusiast. He loved the Jaguars, Mercedes and Corvettes (we had to go to that section three times). These two guys were like ants at a picnic. I had to call it after 4 and a half hours. Matthew was disappointed to leave (he begged me the next day to take him back).
The frosting on the cake was his fifteen minutes of fame. He likes to surf the car section of boston.com. They were asking for pictures from the car show. So I submitted a picture of him and his friend posing in front of a Lotus. The editors put it at the front of their picture show. Now, he's famous.

Here's the picture that made the web!

The closest they may get to cruising around in a Corvette.

This is my favorite car: Audi TT Coupe

We ended with a big bang!

A Friend as Close as a Brother

2008-12-15T06:23:00.001-05:00

You have to know Lew to truly appreciate him. He has a generous smile, an engaging laugh, sharp intellect and the heart of Christ. We've known each other for almost 20 years. We've been Elders together, worked in summer missions together and traveled twice to Africa together. He loves my family and we feel the same.

So we're having breakfast and Lew is waxing poetic about the Clauflin Hill Symphony Orchestra in Milford. He loves their presentation, especially their Holiday Pops. Lew also knows that I love Classical Music. In the middle of his soliloquy, he asks me about my favorite instrument. I replied how I love the French Horn. I truly do...the deep, rich, sonorous tone can be both haunting and inspiring.

"I'm going to name a chair after you," Lew exclaims. Yeah, OK. We continued with breakfast. Well a few months later, Sheila and I get an invitation to dinner and the Pops. Turns out there were 30 something people invited to the meal (Lew's treat of course). At the beginning of the presentation, the conductor stops to sing the praises of Lew and announce the French Horn Chair he sponsored in the name of the "Rev. Dr. Michael Laurence." Lew was beaming from ear to ear.

What a guy. I call him my brother in Christ and I mean it.

My Favorite Number

2008-12-14T17:49:00.004-05:00

So today was a special day. We're in week 2 of our special "Imagine Christmas" series. Baird has based the services on a Cantata from Willow Creek. I've been amazed two weeks in a row at the talent and vision we have in the Worship Arts Ministry. God has blessed us tremendously.
The services have music, dance, drama, and a specially designed set. We spent the month of November teaching people about outreach. Knowing that people are more likely to go to church at Christmas and Easter, we designed services that would be both inspiring to Christians and appealing to those who do not typically attend church. We encouraged people to invite their friends to church.
Last week, 828 people attended services. This week, 956 people came. I was amazed. It said to me that people trusted us. It takes courage to invite a friend to church nowadays. Our people have been courageous.
Those numbers are fun, but my favorite number is 1. Right after second service, I looked over to two friends who had invited their neighbor. The husband was leading their neighbor to Christ while the wife was praying. They invited me over and I had the privilege of seeing her surrender her life. We gave her a bible. The wife promised to follow up with her. Pastor Bob said he would call to help her connect to a small group. What a day!
(If you want to see pictures, check out Sheila's blog: Connecting With Sheila)

Knowing God

2008-11-30T19:15:00.003-05:00

I meet weekly with an accountability group. We have a set of questions we ask to begin our time. Then we discuss a book and share prayer requests. We've been meeting for about a year and a half. I truly appreciate these guys.
The book has been intriguing. We're discussing JI Packer's book, "Knowing God." Last week, we talked about the chapter which describes God's role as judge. We talked about God's love and grace in previous chapters but the presentation on His attributes led us to God's judicial role.
The bible has a lot to say about God's role as judge. Even the famous John 3:16 passage goes on to talk about the standard of judgment. In today's world, we spend a lot of time focusing on God's love (a worthy pursuit because God's love is so amazing) but little focusing on judgment. It's hard to talk about it in the modern church because most people feel that they are good enough to merit God's grace (a message which contradicts the bible by the way) but not bad enough to merit His judgment (once again, a message which contradicts the bible). They believe in judgment because they want some truly bad people to find justice. They just don't feel like it applies to them. Preaching on this subject is difficult.
The good news about the subject is that the judge is also Father to those who trust in Christ. Thus, we can have assurance in facing judgment. Christ has received the judgment due me and freed me to face my future with confidence and hope. Thank God.

Home Improvement?

2008-11-23T16:52:00.002-05:00

OK so I'm more like Tim Allen when it comes to home improvement than Ty Pennington (Extreme Home Makeover). So when it came to installing a bathroom fan, I was a little nervous (especially since it included installing a roof vent).
So I started by praying (helps me maintain character even more than skill). At least, the prayer keeps me mindful of God's presence. Climbing on the roof to install the vent was interesting (I don't like heights), especially since I had a Sawsall in my hand. I held my breath, cut the hole and prayed I didn't fall down or in. I did neither. I got the roof vent it. It rained and no leakage! Victory one!
The next weekend I worked on installing the fan. I had to cut a bigger hole into the bathroom ceiling - this time the hole was in the house - where the family would see it every day. Yikes! OK, that came out alright.
Then I had to run another line down into the bathroom. It may have been a straight line but I have trouble with straight lines. It took the help of Matthew, Bekah and Sheila but it worked! Two new switches and a new GFCI plug later and we had light! (I remembered to shut off the circuit breaker...I'm not that dumb.) Next step was sorting out the lines into the basement (the white casing was for the light, the yellow casing for the fan). Keep that straight. Wired up, turned on power, hit the switches and yes!!! We're nearing the end.
The last step was the fan. Hmmm...I don't think it should make that sound. It's supposed to be silent (Sheila didn't think so either). So...tighten that nut. Loosen that one and whoa, the noise went away! The new fan/light works!!! Hey, for a guy like me that's a major deal.
The icing on the cake was the new shower massage head. Yep, that worked too.
An hour of cleaning and I ended the day with a warm shower massage...ahhhhh. Thank God, no "Tim Allen Home Improvement movements this time."

NT Wright

2008-11-21T07:03:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday, I took a road trip up to Gordon Conwell Seminary to hear NT Wright. He took us through the Gospel of John in one day (spent the first hour just on the first 18 verses). It was an amazing experience. The room was full of pastors, scholars and students - there were times when NT Wright finished speaking that a holy hush descended upon the room.
People talk about their hero (individuals of extraordinary achievements and character). Jesus Christ is my hero, even more after this seminar. Sometimes we forget the profound, awe inspiring nature of Christ's work and character. NT Wright presented Christ as the grand work of the Creator entering into God's word as the second Adam - finishing that which the Father had started at the beginning.
When you sit through a seminar like this, you see the divine depth (beyond human capability) in the scripture itself. I've always loved John's Gospel and my love for it has only increased. Jesus Christ is amazing.
If you are interested in a book by NT Wright, try "Simply Christian" (http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Christian-Christianity-Makes-Sense/dp/0060507152/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227269520&sr=1-3)

Patriots Hall of Fame

2008-11-15T20:17:00.005-05:00

Sheila and I took Matthew and Bekah out for the day. We met up with her sister, Deb, and her son, Christian. We went out to Patriots Place in Foxborough and had a blast! The Hall of Fame is open and I didn't think it would be so much fun.

Here's a couple of pictures (you can find more at Sheila's blog). They had great interactive games, set ups you can interact with and displays with incredible memorabilia.

They had a mock locker room with equipment from Rodney Harrison, Tom Brady and Richard Seymour (who wears a size 17 shoe!). You can huddle up with "players", try your hand (or foot to be precise, at kicking a fieldgoal and watch moments from Patriots history.

The whole experience begins with a fifteen minute movie about the history of the Patriots as experienced through the eyes of the fans (yes, even the painful losses to the Bears and the Packers...sigh). One of my favorite quotes from the movie was, "Don't go where the path leads. Go where there is no path and leave a trail."

The Hall of Fame ends in the Pro Shop (where else) where they had a 20% sale on everything. I practiced incredible self-restraint in purchasing only a hat...but it's a pretty cool hat if I do say so myself.

Where Have You Been Mister?

2008-11-14T15:21:00.002-05:00

OK, OK, I know...I've been off air for a couple of months. I'm sorry. Life has been incredibly hectic and it's just getting manageable. We just finished a Synergy Series where I craft the sermons, write complimentary bible studies and record small group leader audio files. It makes life a little crazy but I'm back.

We've now moved into a new message series, "Sent". The staff crafted a new discipleship process to help us focus our ministries. I preached a series on it last fall: Steps of Faith (you can see the messages at our church website: www.fcch.org). Basically there are four steps: Worship God, Commit to Grow, Serve Others, Reach Out. I'll preach a mini-series based on each step over the next two years. This month is "Reach Out".

I know that I have the responsibility to keep the church focused on our mission or we'll drift away. These series help us stay on track. In the Spring, we'll talk about spiritual growth. Next year, we'll cover serving and worship.

Hey, I just wanted to touch base and let you know that I'm back. More will come, I promise.

My Story - pt. 8

2008-09-17T06:47:00.010-05:00

In my last semester of seminary, Sheila and I began looking for a place to serve. At the time, Vision New England (VNE) had a newspaper reporting news about what was happening in and through the churches of New England. Someone at the seminary said that there was a classifieds section where churches listed job opportunities. I called VNE and the woman who answered the phone told me that they were discontinuing the newspaper but would send me a free copy of their last issue. I thought it was a dead end but God has a way of bringing life through seemingly dead ends.

The newspaper listed two job opportunities in Youth Ministry - both for churches in NE. I composed a resume and sent off two copies. Both churches responded positively and a journey of seeking God's will intensified as interviews were arranged. The first church (we'll call it church "A") treated us well. We enjoyed the people we met, I hit it off great with the Sr. Pastor and it look poised to grow. Hopkinton went well also, even though we initially had some negative impressions.

At both churches, the progress seemed to be moving towards a job offer. They even talked about putting their search on hold for other candidates. Sheila and I both felt that we needed to seek God's will about this. We took a day off together, went out to lunch and to the beach. We prayed, talked and laid out the pros/cons of each place. At the end of the day, we felt strongly that we needed to withdraw from 'Church A' though it had some real positives. This was not an easy decision because at the time, on paper, there were more pros at church "A" than Hopkinton. At the time, it was a harder decision to pick Hopkinton, but we felt it was ultimately God's will. Sometimes God's will is not the easier choice, but the right choice.

I called both churches and told them our decision. Church "A" responded by trying to talk us out of it. Hopkinton also tried to talk us out of our decision but for different reasons. They hadn't offered a definite job at this point and didn't want us to put all our eggs in their basket until they had made a decision. However, we felt strongly that FCCH was God's will for our lives, so we stuck with our decision and it was a good one.

Looking back we understand a few reasons why we interviewed at church "A". The Senior Pastor said words that have sustained us in ministry. He said, "don't ever doubt your call to ministry". When we left that day, we immediately understood the significance of those words. Also, we developed a friendship there that has grown over the past 19 years. To this day, our friend has been a significant part of our lives and attends FCCH. In addition, we learned the how important a relationship with God is to truly discerning His will...without that who knows where we would be?

Well, Hopkinton did offer me the position. We are grateful that we followed through with a difficult decision and followed God's will for our lives.

A year or so after we settled here at FCCH, the Senior Pastor from church "A" left that church to do other things and the church went through some very difficult times. We didn't know all those things were going to happen, but we were able to avoid them by seeking God's direction. FCCH has become our extended family. The Sr. Pastor at FCCH became a great mentor to me. Eventually, our journey to FCCH led to being Sr. Pastor. Quite the trip!

Steps of Faith

2008-09-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

I've just finished a mini-series on Sunday morning. In the modern world, people who come to faith don't have an idea of what to do. With this in mind, we're structuring our church to help people take up four practices:

Worship God: engage in weekly worship services
Grow Spiritually: take responsibility for their own spiritual growth through daily devotions and joining a small group
Serve one another: take our "Designed to SERVE" course where people can discover their spiritual gifts and find a place to serve.
Reach Out: share your faith (by inviting people to church or telling your story) and engage in missions

It's four simple steps that we believe will help everyone grow spiritually mature. In the background we're (the staff) have worked out an assimilation path where we are working to help people move from guest to family by joining the church, joining a small group and finding a place to serve.

It's a simple path for spiritual growth.

Man vs. Wild

2008-09-13T18:37:00.002-05:00

OK...the boys and I love the TV show, "Man vs. Wild." This guy, Bear Grylls, drops from helicopters, airplanes or swims in from the ocean into some of the wildest areas in the world. We've seen him make a sled out of a dead reindeer and a willow tree. He's chased a porcupine in its underground lair in Africa. There was also the time he wrestled a huge iguana out of the swamp and killed it with his bare hands (hey he was hungry). One of the best parts is watching him eat - in the wild, protein comes in many forms (larvae, snakes, camels and more). Yeah, its gross but that's half the fun. This guy is tough: in tonight's episode he has captured and eaten a skunk, been stung by a bee while getting honey (his face swelled up like a balloon) and clubbed a poisonous snake to death for supper. This show is great.

Busy Week

2008-09-13T18:27:00.002-05:00

It's been a crazy week. On Monday, our well started acting up. After two consultations, it seems that we're going to have to drill another one (that took about 8 hours to figure out). Tuesday was spent at a couple of meetings but mostly dedicated to writing a bible study that will accompany the new sermon series this fall. Wednesday through Thursday (including Wednesday night) was spent in training on a new database system we purchased for the church. Thursday evening was given to working out the details on our new By-Law revisions at Elders. Friday was mostly sermon prep. Whew...it was a morning, noon and night week.

Spiritual Growth & the NE Patriots?

2008-09-07T13:00:00.002-05:00

I preached the third part of a mini series called, "Steps of Faith." It's about the steps we take to discover freedom and grow to spiritual maturity. I wore my brand new NE Patriots shirt. Yes, I did. Actually, it was part of the message as an illustration. Spiritual growth and the Patriots?

The NE Patriots remind us that you don't have to be perfect to be loved and accepted.
The NE Patriots also remind me when you experience a GIANT failure in life, you need to stand up, brush yourself off and get back into the game.

Yeah, it was a little bit of a stretch but hey it works. Pardon me...I've got to get to the game. It's the season opener!!

Anxiety

2008-09-05T06:02:00.003-05:00

We had our first Minstry Staff meeting of the fall last Wednesday. I started with a devotion on anxiety. The fall is always a busy time for us but this year seems especially so.

We have the typical stress elements: not enough ministry partners (that's what we call our volunteers), set up of rooms, purchase of supplies, producing our promotional materials. On top of that, we have some unusual stress elements:

we're unrolling a new discipleship process that will cause us to redesign ministry at FCCH,
we're sharing the results of our REVEAL study from Willow Creek (which shook us up a little bit),
we're starting a totally new third worship service - different in style
we're looking to raise a significant sum of money to reduce our mortgage,
we're presenting a major revision of our By-Laws

All these thing create a lot of stress - change is hard - a lot of it can be very hard.

After summarizing all this, I read 1 Peter 5:7 ("Cast all your anxiety on Him...) and Philippians 4:6 ("Do not be anxious about anything..."). These are verses written by men who were facing imprisonment and persecution. How in the world could they write these verses?

Well, in Psalm 3, David gives us a clue. He wrote this Pslam after he had been run out of Jerusalem by his own son! He was on the move again, hiding out in the wilderness. He started his career by running from the point of Saul's spear and he's full circle running from his son's sword. In the Psalm, he talks about the difficult circumstances he faces and then talks about laying his head down to sleep - because of depression? No. He says, "I lie down and sleep. I wake again because the Lord sustains me." (Psalm 3:5 NIV).

David had been in this place before and God took care of him. Why wouldn't God come through this time? I had a professor in seminary who said that fear is an indicator of a place in our lives where we don't trust God. Sleep reveals where our fear is.

Remember the storm at sea for the Disciples and Christ? They feared for their lives. He slept soundly. When they woke Him, Jesus calmed the storm and turned around to say, "Where is your faith?" He knew His life was in the hands of God.

Yes there is a lot of change on the horizon but God has led us through worse. He'll provide the volunteers (call that "Ministry Partners"), the finances, the resources, etc. There are some major changes for the church but I see the hand of God converging these streams to this moment. He's shaping us into a dynamic, growing church through which He changes lives.

We ended the time by praying for a good night's sleep.

My Reflections on Moving Steph to College

2008-09-01T06:00:00.003-05:00

Sheila and I moved our oldest daughter, Steph, in college recently (I know, I know Sheila doesn't look old enough to have a daughter in college - unfortunately, the gray hair on the top of my head proves otherwise).

Steph is officially a Freshman at Gordon College! We arrived at her campus with a van stuffed beyond what was considered imaginable. Sheila did a great job preparing Steph. As I unloaded the van, I don't remember bringing any of those cleaning products or houseware goods when I moved in. However, I am a guy and, at the time, cleaning products were not a high priority.

Steph has two roommates and they packed so much into the room that it looked like a Pottery Barn store. They're sweet girls with great smiles. Kassia's dad left a note on Steph's wipe board located on her door. He told the boys to stay out and signed it on behalf of both of us because he knew that I agreed (he was right).

I am blown away that Steph has finally made it to Gordon. People ask how we feel about it. Honestly, we feel great (if you go to Sheila's blog: http://www.connectingwithsheila.blogspot.com/ you can see her reflections).

Steph has a great mind, an inspiring spirit and a winning smile. She loves to learn, experience Christ and is already making friends. I know what's set before her: new friends, life-changing experiences, transforming knowledge. God changed my life in college. I believe that He will do the same to Steph.

Sheila and I will watch the next four years unfold with great interest. I'm sure that before we realize it, we'll be moving her into her first apartment. Yikes...I'm sure that I'll look more gray...but just as hopeful.

My Story - pt. 7

2008-08-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

Once I knew I was called into ministry, I stopped working at the church in NH (though we continued to attend). As a member of the church, they had a fund to pay for anyone to go to seminary. It was considered a loan that I could pay back or work off (two years of ministry for every year they paid for seminary).

Sheila and I lived in NH while I commuted to seminary. I considered seminary my full time job which means I took classes 12 months a year. I had taken a few courses while working at NH (enough to qualify for a semester). I finished off the rest in two and a half years.

I loved seminary. There were days when I could feel my thought process change as God formed a Christian worldview within me. I was glad that I had worked for a couple of years in the church. Seminary was more meaningful to me. I knew the questions that teens were asking and could see how the theology would apply.

During my last semester, we took a course to prepare us for entering the 'real world.' Since I was attending an independant, non-denominational church, I had no intentions of joining a denomination. One of my classmates was astounded. He couldn't see how I would find a ministry job. I just knew that God would provide.

There was a newpaper that a local ministry put out which covered ministry in New England. In the back was a classified section. There were two ministry opportunities listed. I applied for both. By the time the school year was over (I finished in December '89), I had an offer. God was good.

Next time, I'll share a little more about how we worked through the decision between the two churches.

Summer Entertainment

2008-08-14T09:00:00.001-05:00

I like to grab hold of a summer reading book that's light and distracting. This year, I picked up "Black Order" by James Rollins. It turned out to be an intriguing book. First, it has a fun plot: espionage, action and a plot tied back to the Nazis. The author kept the book moving along like a movie. Second, the story was a means to explore intelligent design in creation as well as the power of faith and prayer. To the best of my knowledge, James Rollins isn't a Christian. He finds truth to the design argument behind creation and is looking for answers.

I'm in the camp that likes to engage culture as a means of looking for opportunities to share the Gospel. When we go to the movies, I talk to my children about the message of the movie and the response of the Gospel. Batman, the Dark Knight, has been sweeping the country. By Christopher Nolan's own confession (Entertainment Weekly), he was wrestling with how to respond to terrorism. Violence begets violence and often escalates. We see Batman struggling to address a terrorist who is able to twist the Batman's violence back at him. Jesus did say that he who lives by the sword, dies by it. In other words, our violence has a way of coming back on us.

Josh and I like a TV show called "Lost". It's a winding story about many ideas including: personal redemption, the battle of faith vs. science, the role of religion in society, the need for meaning in life. We watch the movie to debate the message and how Christianity addresses the issues that it raises.

I believe that God places a longing within us that addresses issues like purpose, redemption, forgiveness, spirituality, higher meaning, etc. This longing emerges in our books, movies, TV shows and music. We should look for the longing we see and address it with hope and truth. It becomes a bridge that someone may cross to new life.

NE Patriots

2008-08-12T13:41:00.003-05:00

Alright, football season is back and I'm a happy guy!!! I missed the NE Patriots. I know, I know, but hey, I'm 45 - Boston sports teams have broken my heart before. I was 13 when the Red Sox lost to the Reds in the World Series. I cried, I'm not ashamed to admit it.

My son, Josh, is seventeen. He's seen the Red Sox win two World Series, the Patriots become a football dynasty and the Celtics resurrect the "Big 3" for a stunning championship. I told him that he didn't become a true Boston sports fan until the last Superbowl. You need to have your heart broken once to make it into the faternity.

I know that Tom Brady didn't play last week and that Randy Moss was standing around watching others play but, it was football. I'm taking out my Benjamin Watson shirt, staking a claim to my section of the couch and watching HD football come to life.

Go ahead Mr. Fauve, put on the Jets uniform. You just spiced up the game. Bring back a Manning, any Manning will do. Get LT on the field. The Patriots are ready. Perfection was too much to ask for...I'll settle this season with another Superbowl victory.

Summer Stuff

2008-08-07T08:23:00.007-05:00

Sorry I haven't been blogging - this summer has been crazy. If you want to see what we've been up to, check out Sheila's blog (see the list on the right). She's got lots of pictures.

OK - so I'm a history buff (which makes living in New England a whole bunch of fun). Sheila and I grabbed Matthew and Bekah one to run into Boston. Sheila spent time with family while I took Bekah and Matthew along the Freedom Trail.

Yes, we climbed all 295 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument (the battle actually took place on Breed's Hill - sorry couldn't control myself).

When I do history, it's an Olympic event. We started at Bunker Hill Monument, went to the Charlestown Naval Yard. It was a hot day and the museum afforded a little rest.

This is Copp's Hill Burying Ground. I love it because some of the most famous Massachusetts puritans are buried here (the Mather Family). Legend says that the British used this headstone for target practice (he was a smuggler they couldn't catch).

We finished the day by catching up with Sheila and having a bite to eat.

My Story - pt. 6

2008-07-14T09:43:00.000-05:00

Some people have asked how I discovered my call into ministry. It started in college. I signed up for youth ministry without knowing much about it because I needed to pick a major and nothing else seemed appealing. I fell in love with the concept of youth ministry with my first class. Then we had to do internships and I became addicted to the experience of positively affecting someone's life. So the first two aids to finding my call were investigation and experience.

From there, I went on two summer missions trip and I found a love for missions. I loved meeting people from around the world that shared my beliefs. I loved helping them by giving from my time and effort in a way that truly benefited them. So missions also helped me find my call.

In my Senior year of college, I interviewed for a job at a church in Rye, NH. They called me into ministry there and gave me my first job. I spent the first year not sure that I wanted to pursue youth ministry as a calling. I knew I wanted to help people but not necessarily through ministry. I knew it wasn't fair to take the pay if I wasn't sure I was called so I dedicated a year to discerning my call.

I decided to pour myself into ministry as if it were a lifelong calling. I was looking for fruit: changed lives, increased glory to God, unsolicited comments from people about my effectiveness, time in prayer seeking inner confirmation. At the same time, I asked some key people (Sheila, her parents, both pastors at my church and some friends) to pray throughout the year and give me their opinion. I wanted people who could observe me in action, knew my character/skills/heart and would give honest feedback.

At the end of the year, I spent some time with God seeking confirmation. I could see the fruit in people's lives. I had received some unsolicited feedback that was positive. Everyone I asked said they felt I was called. God seemed to be glorified in the experienced. So you could add the confirmation of a community of believers and evidence in ministry to the list of determining God's call.

How can you know? Do the same thing: get in ministry (as a volunteer or staff) and look for the evidence, read some good books about ministry, ask some friends & pastors to pray. Listen carefully to their feedback. Ask God for confirmation and joy - joy is a solid sign of confirmation.

On Vacation

2008-07-12T09:33:00.003-05:00

I know, it's been ten days since I last blogged - hey, I'm on vacation. I'll catch up later with pictures. There isn't to say without them. In years past, I used to get uptight about how the weather would affect my vacation. I figured I worked so hard that I was gypped if it rained. I've mellowed though. One of my life principles is: "if you can't the situation, then change the way you react to it." Therefore, I've learned to not get frustrated over things like illness, weather or other unforeseen circumstances. It gives me a better vacation and more rest time.

My Story - pt. 5

2008-07-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

I met Sheila in 1984 when I was a Senior in college and she was a Freshman. We had started dating, on and off, in January 1985. The decision to start dating one another exclusively started on February 16, 1985. We were a little undecided as to whether or not we should. So we flipped a coin (can you believe it?)!

Actually, I asked Sheila if she wanted to date. She wasn't sure so I said I would flip a coin. She said "no way". I said, "sure" and tossed the coin. Sheila shouted out, "I want to date." I caught the coin but never checked to see if it was heads or tails. We started to date.

By the end of the summer, I knew that she was the woman I wanted to marry. Trying to respect her parents, I asked her dad if we could talk. He had an idea as to what I wanted to talk about so he shouted to Sheila's mom, "Grace, Michael and I are going out on the boat." He knew I couldn't swim. I asked him and he gave his blessing.

A couple of weeks later, I picked up Sheila from college. (I was working at my first church and she was finishng up her last year of college). I went for a run down the street (where there was a beach - I was working on the coast of NH). I called her from a phone booth and asked her to drive down to the beach with some asthma medicine. She came right down with it. I asked her to come with me as I walked on the shore to clear up my breathing. I had noticed that there was some writing in the sand. When we got closer, Sheila read the words, "Will you marry me?" There was a clam shell in the dot of the question mark. Sheila looked at the words, looked at me and said, "Are you serious?" I said I was and she should check the clam shell. Sheila found a ring in it.

We were married May 31, 1986. Twenty-two years later and I tell Sheila that she is a great investment that keeps maturing in value over time.

Unexpected Guest

2008-06-30T06:00:00.002-05:00

We were sitting on the couch (Matthew, Bekah, Sheila and I) when we heard a banging sound. Since I am the man of the house (a distinction based solely on my age), Bekah nominated me to investigate. I nominated Matthew to help (he'll be man of the house someday and needs the training - and someone might need to run for help).

We went to the back door (where we heard the sound) and looked out the window in the back door. He yelped and jumped back, "It's a turkey!" Yes, you read right. You see, there are a flock, gaggle, bunch (?) of turkey that come through the development on a regular basis. Sheila will leave food for them in the nearby woods. Well, it seems that they have recognized Sheila and knows where she lives. The head male was knocking on the back door to get some attention. Seems we didn't leave enough. hmm...demanding eh?

Sunday Recreation

2008-06-29T18:24:00.004-05:00

Yeah, yeah, I know...it's been a long time since I last blogged. Sorry, last week was extremely busy. So it's Sunday and one of my past times (to be honest I don't have many: reading, watching Patriots during football season, grilling, spending time with the family) but one of my favorites is going to the movies. So today, I think I saw a pratically perfect movie: WALL-E by Pixar.

I went thinking it would be a cute movie for the kids and was amazed. Pixar has perfected the craft of story telling. It was an almost sell out crowd of people from every age group. When the movie was over, the audience applauded!

I love story telling as a craft. I find that stories (told effectively) on Sunday morning leave a lasting impression. With the use of humor, memorable characters and beautiful animation, Pixar warned society of:

excessive consumerism
irresponsible management of trash
disconnection of relationships
couch potatoe lifestyle
the slow deterioration that comes from a lost life

WALL-E was the hero and the movie is definately worth watching.

Lunch with a Pastor

2008-06-18T20:10:00.002-05:00

I had lunch on Monday with Marty Holman (www.martyholman.com). Marty is the lead pastor for a local church. I admired his heart and passion. He's got a natural leadership ability in that he knows how to set exciting and attainable goals that build unity. Keep it up Marty, you're doing great!

Celtic Win!

2008-06-18T19:35:00.002-05:00

Our family stayed up to watch the phenomenal win last night. Josh and Steph watched it with friends. Matthew and Bekah stayed up with Sheila and I. It was a great moment, seeing a Boston sports team win at home. The last time that happened was the year Sheila and I got married. Matthew heard that and thought I was old.

It's been a great year for Boston sports though I wish the Patriots had won the Superbowl (it pains me to even think of it). I think I enjoyed the Celtics so much because of the team spirit they demonstrated. KG, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen played with class. They passed as much as they shot. They cheered for their teammates from the bench as much as from the floor. Doc Rivers gave the bench a chance, playing individuals when they were hot and not backing them off just because they weren't a starter. I think they won from determination and grit, two qualities that I admire.

I tell my boys to enjoy it while it lasts. They only know the success of Boston sports. The Patriot loss at the Superbowl was the first taste of old fashioned Boston misery that they've ever tasted. Have fun sons...it's a great ride.

Father's Day

2008-06-15T21:09:00.002-05:00

The family passed out Father's Day cards. What I love is the personality that comes out through these cards:

Sheila gave me a nice card encouraging me as a Dad. In it was a gift card for coffee: encouragement and coffee!
Stephanie wrote me a letter: a two page detailed presentation of the qualities she appreciaates in me.
Josh printed up a card with a picture from a character in the TV show, "Lost". It was a clear inside joke that I got.
Rebekah gave me a card that was affectionate.
Matthew gave me a card that opened with to the sound of a car engine revving.

I love the fact that everyone in our family has their own personality - variety is an expression of God's creativity.

Best Advice

2008-06-11T19:21:00.004-05:00

Fortune Magazine: May 12, 2008 - Cover Article: "The Best Advice I Ever Got"
(http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fortune/0804/gallery.bestadvice.fortune/index.html)

The article had well known leaders share the best advice that they ever received. There was some good advice. Mark Hurd (CEO HP) shared someone's response to a business presentation: "Good story, but it's hard to look smart with bad numbers." The presentation had great slides and was delivered in an articulate manner. But the data was bad. Mark Hurd's conclusion was that you need good substance. Image can't cover poor performance.

It was good advice. Made me think about the advice that I appreciate:

"Never ask anyone to do something you're not willing to do yourself."
I used to say, 'never ask anyone to do something you wouldn't do yourself" but then I needed someone to sing. I wouldn't punish people like that.
"If you can't change a situation, then change the way you react to it."
So much of life is learning to discern the difference between what you can change and can't. Some people give up too early when they can bring change - it's a matter of things like insecurity, laziness, discouragement. Others get frustrated trying to change things (or people) that are out of their control. Let it go. I find that I need to depend on prayer, the bible and Christian friends to figure out the difference between the two.
"Don't let your image exceed your substance."
An evangelist shared this at a seminar that I attended. I've never forgotten it: don't make yourself out to be more holy, perfect or righteous than what you really are. It's deceptive to people and dishonoring to God. This motivates me to work on the areas that people don't see: my thought life, my relationships at home, what I do with my private time.

What's your favorite advice? Leave it in a comment.

She Graduated

2008-06-07T12:24:00.015-05:00

So Sheila and I crossed a threshold last night - we are officially parents of a high school graduate. We couldn't be more proud. Her smile is a beacon of the joy that she hold inside. This is her walking in at the beginning of the ceremony.

This when she received her dipiloma. There was a tingle inside me when I heard her name called and she walked across the stage to receive it. It seems like just last September that Sheila and I were putting her on the school bus for the first time. She wore a navy blue sweater with pig tails.

Look at how beautiful they both are - man, I'm blessed. Steph was fortunate to inherit her mom's beauty.

Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. She's onto a new stage of life and I thrilled. Sheila and I have invested into Stephanie for 18 years. Now we have to watch the investment mature. I'm convinced she'll do great at Gordon College - she has a sincere faith, a sharp mind and passion to do good. God's got her right in the palm of His hand.

David and Goliath

2008-06-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

I led devotions at Ministry Council on Wednesday (that's our ministry staff). I turned to an old favorite: David and Goliath. We're looking to introduce some changes into the church in the near future. I made the following observations/applications:

The challenge was real. This Goliath was an intimidating mass of warrior. Between the muscle, the armor and the skill, he was a deadly challnge to any soldier. We need to make sure that we understand the risk before we move forward (what do we stand to lose).
The reward for anyone with the courage and faith was just as real as the danger. We also need to make sure that we keep the blessing before us (what do we stand to gain).
The Israelites focused on the danger. People who follow will remind us that we're risking the church, upsetting ministry and could make a mess out of everything.
David focused on the opportunity. Keep your focus squarely on the goal. As you progress forward, people will constantly challenge your motives, strategy and skill. Don't lose your focus.
When David challenge the fear in his brothers, they attacked his character (calling him conceited). His faith and willingness to risk shamed the Israelites. Be prepared to be attacked - people will question your character, just make sure that you keep your motives clean and move forward.
When David offered to take on Goliath, his confidence was based on past experience (he had killed the bear and lion previously). Look to the past for direction for the future - what are we good at, how have we seen God move in our church in the past?
His courage was based on God's faithfulness, motivated for God's honor. Trust God, serve for Christ's glory and don't give up - Christ never gave up for us.
Solomon offered his armor (the way its always been done). David preferred the skill he knew (five smooth stones). The way it has always been done got you to where we are at but it may not get you to where you need to go. Don't be afraid to let go of traditional approaches to go with your strengths.

Watching the Finals

2008-06-05T21:34:00.003-05:00

Josh (my sixteen year old son) and I are watching the NBA finals. It's fun to see the old Celtics/Lakers rivalry resurrected. The Celtics haven't won a championship in 22 years (the same year Sheila and I were married). I think it's fun that the last time they won, I was newly married. Now they are back in for the first time and I'm watching it with my son. I'd love to see the Celtics win. If they do, though, it'll make the pain of the Patriots loss even greater. We could have had a trifecta! Ugh...oh, well. I'd take a Red Sox World Series, a 17-0 Patriots regular season and a Celtics final.

Decision Making

2008-05-28T16:42:00.003-05:00

Ministry Council met today (that's our pastors, directors and business administrator). We were working through some decisions and I was reminded about some important principles:

We operate by consensus. Consensus means that we talk carefully about a decision that affects everyone. These are the decisions that concern overall strategy, church wide endeavors, principles and values. In others words, they change who we are. We talk about them for a while and then give people time to walk away to consider the decision. We come back to the topic at an agreed upon time and share our concerns, ideas, excitement and leaning. Then we pray, asking God to guide us. We end by going around the circle asking for each person's decision. Sometimes we all agree. Sometimes, someone says, "I don't see it the same way but it's not a line I'll draw in the sand." This means they are willing to go with the team. On occasion, someone holds out. We then talk, pray and take a vote again. We do this until we have consensus. It takes a little longer than an autocratic approach but I hear opinions, insights and concerns that I did not consider. In the end, when we agree, it's a powerful decision because the whole team stands behind it. Yes, it gets a little heated sometimes and we have to take a break. Fortunately, we know each person's heart so forgiveness comes with the process. When we walk out the room, you'd never know who agreed or who didn't. Consensus means we all own it.
The second reminder is that our heart is as important as our mind in making a decision. I presented a planto the team that I felt we needed to implement. The consensus process started off and we were getting frustrated at one point. We stopped and prayed. Then one of the staff members asked me why I felt convicted about it. I shared with them my passion for seeing people transformed by Christ and seeing Christ magnified by as many people as possible. I burn with the thought that tens of thousands of people have no relationship with Christ or a life giving church. I think Jesus Christ is so amazing that I want thousands of people exalting Him. I did get choked up. When I was done, a couple of the staff members said that they needed to see my heart. It was as important as the data.

In the end, we made a good decision that everyone owned. I know that when we work to implement, there's no one holding out. Everyone stands for the decision, works to implement and sticks up for it in the face of opposition. It's hard but good.

Great Local Blogger

2008-05-26T19:29:00.002-05:00

Hey, check out this blog: www.martyholman.com. He's a local pastor (from Holden, MA) whose doing an awesome blog. His church webpage is great too (you can find it on his blog). I would ask you to journey over there and give him some encouragement.

Marty - if you read this, I got your comment (obviously). Email me or call me (my information is at www.FCCH.org). Love to connect!

Heartache

2008-05-23T22:02:00.002-05:00

I was sitting in the Purpose Driven Church Conference when Rick Muchow announced the devasting news that Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife had lost one of their daughters. In a tragic accident, she was hit by a car driven by a family member. The conference was stopped and we prayed. I was blown away (you can find out more at: http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/).

I've been deeply moved by SCC's music. I've been at concerts where he expressed his joy for Christ and love for family in very moving terms. I've admired him for putting faith into action by adopting children. I've appreciate the lyrical way he puts my faith into poetry.

I've never met him...never talked to him...but as a father my heart grieves for he and his wife. May God have mercy on one through whom He has already done so much. May the love that has flowed through him now saturate his family.

Another Great Quote

2008-05-22T09:49:00.002-05:00

I'm still at the conference and heard anoter great quote. Well, actually two great quotes: "You are only as spiritually mature as you choose to be" and "You only believe the part of the bible that you do."

I've long believed that we underestimate the power of the Gospel to produce change in our lives. I know that so many of us come out of a horrible past, struggle against addictions or feel weak and broken. But Christ came that we might have life and life to the fullest (John 10:10).

I once talked with a friend who was helping a young woman overcome her family's influence. He said to me, "I don't think she'll get free from this."

I responded, "I understand that she will always be influenced by her past but what are we saying? Are we saying that the cross is effective for everything except a dysfunctional past?" I'm not trying to minimize the pain of our past. I'm trying to talk about the hope of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Christ has come to set us free that we might live the life that God has created for us.

We have more resources in the history of the church to find freedom: we have scores of churches in our region, bibles galore, books, CDs, conferences, seminars, para-church ministries, counselors....you get the idea. This is a golden age of resource packed with the power to transform lives. Let's not forget: God knows your name and answers your prayers; Christ died and rose again, the Holy Spirit lives in our lives.

Let's choose health and healing.

PDC Conference - Preaching with Purpose

2008-05-21T20:37:00.003-05:00

This morning, Rick ran a message on preaching. It was a condensed form of his Preaching with Purpose Conference which I attended two years ago. I learned more at that two day conference about preaching than I did in four years at seminary.

At seminary, I was taught how to study the bible and develop a great outline but not how to help people apply truth to their lives. For years, I struggled with making application. Once I attended the conference, I began to apply the techniques to my preaching. It was funny to hear people say that my preaching changed. They said it was more powerful, actually it was more "purpose driven."

Rick is so committed to training up preachers that he offered the material he's taught for free if you committed in turn to share it with other people. I grabbed the offer. I've been through it twice now and have been implementing the principles as well as sharing it with the Teaching Team at FCCH. If you live in the area and you're interested in the principles, just let me know.

It's about life change - that long and short of it - we preach to change lives or as I say at the church, "It not the transfer of information but the transformation of lives."

Great Quote

2008-05-21T17:19:00.002-05:00

Rick shared a quote yesterday, "You do not measure the strength of a man by his education, wealth or power but by what it takes to discourage him." The quote came to him via Jerry Falwell.

It made me think about what has discouraged me lately. Why would it have so much influence on me? I love the stories of the great leaders in the bible. They faced tremendous discouragement but found the power to endure.

He encouraged us to hang in there. He said the best way to overcome your critics is to outlast them. He then asked us to commit to staying in our churches for the long haul.

Purpose Driven Conference

2008-05-21T17:09:00.002-05:00

I'm at the Purpose Driven Conference at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. The conference is run by Rick Warren and his team here at the church. Our church has been deeply influenced by Rick's book, Purpose Driven Church. We've worked many of the principles into our 284 year old church. The result has been transformative.

I appreciate how Rick has organized panels with guys from all around the country, from different ethnic groups, denominations, church sizes, etc. It's inspiring to hear about the inner city pastor from Chicago who led his church to lead 20,000 people to Christ in one year. Or, the suburban Indiana pastor who has trained Indian pastors (that's India) to lead 80,000 Indians to Christ, baptizing 29,000 (in a culture where you can be persecuted for converting to Christianity).

The big focus is the world P.E.A.C.E. Plan (http://thepeaceplan.com). It's a movement of planting churches, equipping leaders, assisting the poor, caring for the sick and educating people. As I listen to the plan, see the people engaged already and think of the significance of the idea, I think that I am living in the midst of a historic moment in Christianity. It's working. There is proof here at the conference.

It's an inspiring conference. The hardest part is that I'm in Laker's country with a Boston Celtics' devotion (yesterday, Rick slammed the Patriots - I almost stood up to protest but contained myself). Sigh...I guess no place is perfect.

My Story - pt. 4

2008-04-29T19:39:00.004-05:00

My call into ministry came in an unorthodox manner. In my Senior Year of High School I started thinking about college and career (agreed, I was a late start to the whole thing). I liked acting so I started looking into colleges like Rhode Island College, Hofstra University, etc. for theater arts.

I had an interesting (call it, God-ordained) Guidance Counselor. She had been a math teacher but got the opportunity to make a career switch so she took it. Mrs. Evans was a God-send. She took a special interest in me so she cut a deal. She would send in my college applications if I also applied to a college that she recommended. It worked.

After helping me, Mrs. Evans introduced me to Barrington College. I was amazed...it was a Christian college! I was new to Christianity so I honestly thought it was the only Christian College in the US and it was in my backyard (well, twenty minutes away)!! I applied.

I asked Mrs. Evans why she recommended this college to me (I didn't tell her I was a Christian). She said she didn't know. I reminded her of some college guys at her church that attended Barrington. She thought it was a good place for me.

Well I needed to apply with a major (Barrington required it). We went through the list, one major at a time (theater was not one of the options). The last major on the list was youth ministry and I asked Mrs. Evans what it was. She didn't know - she thought it was working with teens. Someone had once said that they thought I would do well working with teens. I said, "OK...if I don't like it I can always change later." (I fell in love with youth ministry with my first class.) I always think that I could have become a zoo keeper if zoology had been on the list - just joking.

I was accepted and my path towards ministry started. Unfortunately, the union took the job away from Mrs. Evans because the shop teacher had more tenure (he was terrible though). She went back to teaching math. It was a shame. She had the passion, talent and drive for the job. I owe a lot to Mrs. Evans. This is my way of saying thank you.

We're Growing

2008-04-08T05:45:00.002-05:00

We've been growing. Last Sunday, 713 people attended services. That makes 11 Sundays at or above 700. Last year, we had 3 Sundays at or above 700. As I reflect on that, some thoughts come to mind:

Personal invitation is still the most effective outreach. People will come if asked and we're seeing that. We showed a video the week before Easter that claimed 82% of the people asked will come. So people asked. How do I know? Almost 1200 people came to church on Easter Sunday. We've never had that before.
I need to encourage people to bring friends. Not just, encourage them by telling them to do so but in other ways. I need to encourage them by telling them stories of people who invite with success. One family invited a woman to church. She went to visit her ailing mother after first service and brought her dad and brother to the second service. This encourages people to invite their friends. I also need to encourage them by working with the Worship Ministry to plan services that their friends can understand, services that touch their heart and soul.
Why pay attention to the numbers? Because our research shows that over 60,000 people in Hopkinton, and the towns that abut it, don't have a relationship with a life giving church (and we think that number is a conservative estimate). They are living each day without Christ and without hope. That should drive our hearts.
Should we only care about the numbers? Of course not. We want to see these people grow. We want them connected in relationship to Christ and to His church. We want them in small groups where they can read the bible, learn to pray and grow spiritually. We want to discover the joy and purpose of life in serving Christ. We want to know the excitment of reaching out to people with the Gospel. We need to help them down the path of spiritual maturity.

So what are you doing next Sunday? Why not invite a friend to church?

My Story - pt. 3

2008-04-07T06:17:00.003-05:00

I was raised as a church goer. My mom taught Sunday School (which is amazing since she dropped out of grade school) at a small Methodist church tucked back into the woods of Lincoln, RI. Sunday worship, holiday celebrations and religious habits were all a part of the beat of my life. It just wasn't significant outside of Sunday.
When I was a young teen, one of my sisters joined a bible study led by people who attended a local Assembly of God church. Suddenly, she was excited about faith. This intrigued me because I had never met anyone who was excited about religion. She would talk with anyone who would listen, so I listened.
From her influence, and the bible study's (they let a 14 year old teen join in), I gave my life to Christ. I consider it a start but it still wasn't complete. The bible study focused on things like end times (we watched these old movies called "A Thief in the Night") and escaping hell. Jesus Christ became a ticket into heaven. I did make some positive choices - read through the New Testament and prayed before going to bed - but it didn't affect my life choices very much.
When my mother died, my world fell apart. She was my last surviving parent. I remember an image I had at the time: I was in a mirrored box so that all I could see was myself. When my mother died, the box shattered and the world was dark.
I descended into a series of bad decisions. Each choice led to more despair, emptiness and loneliness. I so desperately wanted a relationship that wasn't going to leave me. I felt the aroma of death hanging about me all the time. Each day only seemed like a step closer to dying.
Finally on one night, I had been drinking and had my heart broken by a girl. I went behind a grocery store to talk to God (in anger). I felt at the end of my rope and cried out for Him to do something. That was the night of my first miracle. I had been looking at my feet so I looked up to the stars, as I did so, I felt something start in my feet and fill me until it flowed out of my eyes. I wept uncontrollably. As I did, it felt like I was being cleansed, flushed out. I surrendered to Christ that night.
It wasn't a perfect life from that point. Christ has been working out the brokenness in my life since then. He's had a lot of work to do. I'm so glad that He saved me that night. I don't know where I would be if it weren't for the work He did at that moment.

Ten Blessings

2008-03-26T19:29:00.003-05:00

I've drifted away from an important spiritual discipline: gratitude. I was spending time in Colossians Monday and stopped at 4:2-6. The part that caught my attention was the importance of thanksgiving. Paul repeats the need for thanksgiving again in Philippians 4:6-7.
I do something called, "Ten Blessings." I reflect over the last 24 hours, thanking God for all He has done and praising Him for who He is as I have seen Him. It's always easy when the sun is bright, the day's been good and life is fine. However, it's also possible when the sky is dark, the day's been hard and life is difficult.
It's life changing when I practice it daily. I begin to see God all around me: moving in, through and around me. I see life less as a labor and more as a gift from God. My sense of God's presence causes me to appreciate Him more and love Him more.
I have even found it to be beneficial for the whole church. When we begin to praise God for the ways we see Him moving in, through and around the church, we gain a joyful vibrancy. When we don't do that, we tend to fall into complaining and lethargy.
Start with the specific ways you've seen God answer prayer, move to the good gifts and experiences you have received and then move onto God's unchanging characteristics. For me, the last 24 hours would include:

Coming home to my family after being away in Boston - not everyone has someone who is glad to see them come home.
I took some time away for prayer and God spoke clearly to me in a way that convicted me.
I had lunch with my wife today.
I got through a careful evaluation of our church and saw that we are going in the right direction with the staff's planning.
God gave me some great plans for a fall sermon series.
The Holy Spirit lives in me - a promise that was given to people in the Old Testament.
When I pray, God hears me. I can trust Him to know the best way to answer my prayers.
My oldest son when to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting and learned some good lessons.
God in unchanging - I can trust Him to keep the promises He made in scripture.
It was a sunny day.

They aren't all deep insights but they refocus my mind and spirit. Small adjustments can keep me on course with Christ.

My Story - pt. 2

2008-03-19T18:43:00.002-05:00

After Dad died, we moved to another section of the city in which we lived: Pawtucket, RI. We moved into the third story of a triple decker near the factories. Mom raised me on Social Security. She had left school in third grade to help take of her family during the depression (she was born in 1920) and never returned.

My mother had survived a lot of difficulties. Besides the Great Depression, she saw three brothers off to WWII. After the war, she married and moved out of her home. Since this didn't settle well with her mom, their relationship suffered tremendously. It would take years before her mother could accept my mother's choice and treat her with kindness.

My mother had four children from this marriage but she lost her husband to a heart problem when the children were still young. She raised these children on Social Security until she married my father.

Once my father died, she was left raising a young asthmatic child on her own. She was a woman who sacrificed willingly. When I was in the hospital from my asthma (a yearly occurrence), she would take the bus and walk a few blocks to stay with me. She was the type of person who would take the money you gave her for a birthday present and spend it on the electricity bill. What amazes me is that I didn't realize this until later in life. She made sure I had birthday presents and Christmas gifts each year.

I knew that she loved me from the deeds she did but not from the affirmation I received. She saw the low grades, not the high ones. My flaws were more apparent than my successes. It wasn't until later in life that I heard she would brag about me to other people. She never shared these things with me. As a matter of fact, she only told me that she loved me once that I can remember.

When I was fifteen (the start of my Sophomore year of high school), my mother contracted her second bout of cancer. This time the disease hit like a fury. I noticed something was wrong when she was puffing from walking around the store helping me pick out my new school clothes. By October, she had lost over twenty pounds (she didn't have much to begin with - she was 5' 2" and thin).

I used to sit up with her at night when she needed help. She would take either the couch or the recliner and I would take the other one. When she called, I would get up and help her out. In the morning I would leave for school and then come home to make supper or do the laundry. (My older brother lived with us and helped with the other responsibilities).

Shortly before Thanksgiving, Mom entered the hospital one last time. I was visiting her one day feeding her some jello, watching old Three Stooges re-runs. She was tired from a long day. As I was leaving, I felt God touch me and a voice say, "You've got something to tell her." I turned around and went to ma's beside. "You know that I love you," I asked her. "Yes," she said, "I love you too."

That was the first and last time I heard her say that. My mother died a week before Thanksgiving.

More next time.

So What Do I Do?

2008-03-06T20:02:00.003-05:00

What do I do? That's a pretty common question that people ask. I tell them that I focus on the following:

Keep the Vision Before the People: I think a big part of what I do is keep us on track. My predecessor used to say that the church always drifts away from evangelism not towards it. I agree. I'm the guy at the back of the boat with my hand on the rudder keeping us on track. I do that with the staff at our weekly meeting. I do it with the church on Sunday mornings. I'll guard the vision with passion - we can never let go of the vision to make disciples.
Preach: "Faith comes by hearing, hearing the word of God." I believe that preaching from the bible in a way that people can understand so that they can apply it to their lives is an important part of my calling. I want people to see that the bible provides wisdom and life for today.
Oversee the Big Picture: Someone has to keep an eye on the big picture of the church. We have wonderful people who focus on specific areas of the church (worship, teens, small groups, etc). I work with our Executive Director to keep an eye on the overall health of the church. That means I have to help the rest of the staff see how we can best work in a cooperative fashion, holding them accountable not only to their call but also to the overall mission of the church.
Pastoral Ministry: I work with people who need help navigating life's tough moments and transitions. This means marriages, funerals, health crisis, tragedies, etc. I'm talking about those moments when you need help making it through the desert periods of life.
Jack of All Trades: Right now we're in a 'growth chasm'. That means we're right in-between two stages of church size. We have more to do than when we were smaller but not all the resources to get it all done. This also means staffing. In addition to what I've just listed, I'm on the Eldership, direct the Outreach Ministries and oversee the Care Ministries.

It's a lot right now but we're in an important time in the life of the church. We figure there are tens of thousands of people in Hopkinton and the towns that touch it that do not have a relationship with a life giving church. God has placed us here for a reason and I'm committed to helping us fulfill it.

My Story - pt. 1

2008-03-05T20:05:00.001-05:00

Some people have asked questions about my story - where I was born, etc. I thought I would give the basic story over a couple of entries.

I was born in March 1963 in Providence, RI. I was the only child to a second marriage for both my parents: my dad was divorced and my mom was a widow. Dad had a couple of kids but I don't remember much about them. My mom had four - I was raised with them. Because it was a second marriage, my siblings are SIGNIFICANTLY (I'm joking because family reads my blog) older than me. They were in their mid-teens, early twenties at the time. Until my early twenties, I lived in Pawtucket, RI - a small city adjacent to Providence. Urban life has always been a part of my world.

Dad was a taxi cab driver. He got up at 4 am and didn't come home till 6 pm. Neither he nor my mom finished school. It was a different world back then. Dad left high school to work. Mom quit school in the fourth grade during the Great Depression to help out at home. They were hard workers.

We all inherit different qualities from our parents, I inherited asthma from my dad. Medicine wasn't as helpful back then as it is now. I spent a lot of time in the hospital experiencing oxygen tents, IVs and bad food. Books and TV programs became my friends: Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators, Looney Tunes and Scooby Doo.

Dad was a chain smoker which helped his asthma migrate into emphysema. Emphysema contributed to heart problems. I went into the hospital from an asthma attack while my dad entered the same hospital with a heart attack. He died when I was eight.

I honestly don't remember much about my dad. He would come home at lunch to read to me. I once told him that I wanted to be just like him when I grew up (I thought it was something a son should say to his father). He got angry and told me I could do better than that. To be honest, I got pretty angry at him as well. I can remember the time the doctor told him that smoking was going to kill him. At the time, I thought surely my dad would quit. After all, why would he want to die? It took me years (and faith in Christ) to forgive him.

Let's end here and pick up more later...

Isn't She Lovely?

2008-02-26T20:14:00.007-05:00

I love Sheila. She's my wife - she's been my wife for 22 years. We started dating February 16, 1985. We were married May 31, 1986. I had met someone wonderful (didn't take long to realize that) and didn't want to lose her.

What is it I saw in her? She's kind, compassionate and thoughtful. She has a smile that brightens her whole face. I can still remember picking her up at college once (I graduated a year earlier than she did). It was a warm spring day. She was wearing a flowing white skirt and a bright blue short sleeve sweater. Her hair is blond and long (past her shoulders). When she twirled around, the skirt flowed out and her face erupted in a smile. I still remember how beautful she looked.

Sheila is one of those women who has grown more beautiful with each passing year. When we're in a room full of women, I still think she's the best looking.

I think it's her heart that radiates her beauty. Sheila doesn't understand why people should be mean or uncaring. Sheila has a motto that she tries to live by: "Kindness matters." Our children know it by heart. It's typically the first thing that she says to them when they are misbehaving.

One of the things that I admire about her is her unerring devotion to God. She tends to know when God has a calling for us before I do. She was right about my three last ministry positions. When Sheila knows God's calling, she sticks with it (even when it is hard).

I love her. I wish that I told her that more. Sometimes I let life get away from me. I could blame it on a busy family and a busy ministry but that's shameful. She deserves to be told it often. That's why I say it every time I leave the house or hang up the phone or just before we go to sleep. I want it to be the last thing that she hears. In truth, I can't say it enough.

So there she is: my wife, my friend, my love.

Insights into a Pastor

2008-02-21T10:57:00.004-05:00

Sheila has introduced me to some great blogs written by pastors and their wives. I was reading through Jason Boucher's (from Canada). He's doing a series on relationships and noticed a blog he quoted about relating to your pastor. I thought it was great so here's the link: http://www.jasonboucher.com - "Life Life Series: Relationships pt. 3"

Life's Toughest Questions

2008-02-18T14:20:00.004-05:00

We're trying something different with the Sunday morning messages. I wish I could say it was my idea but it isn't.

You see, I have recruited about ten people from the church who are gifted teachers. They are my "Teaching Team". They help me preach on a Sunday morning, work out the subjects for a Sunday morning series and provide feedback to the messages. Only two of them have been to seminary. The other eight are great people who I have seen teach.

I came up with the idea for a sermon series called, "Life's Toughest Questions." We are going to promote the series on Easter Sunday to draw our Easter visitors back. The series will kick off with a guest speaker, Cheryl McGuinness. Her husband was one of the pilots killed on the 9/11 attacks. She'll address the question, "How do I respond to life's tragedies?" Then we'll continue the series through April by addressing four more questions. So I asked the team for the questions. They came up with an interesting solution.

The Teaching Team decided to ask the congregation for the questions. Last Sunday, they stood up and invited people to submit questions that they have for God. They could be questions that they would like God to answer or questions that other people have asked them. I'll take the questions and categorize them. We did say that we couldn't promise to answer every question. But we will address four of them. We'll advertise the questions so that people can invite friends to specific Sundays.

I just got the questions today. They're pretty good. Some are your basic, "why does God allow evil?" Some are very personal, "why do I sabotage relationships?" It's going to be an interesting journey addressing these questions. I'm glad that I have a team to back me up.

We'll even use this blog. I'll take some of the questions that we didn't use and address them here. I'll even invite you to join in the discussions through the comments section.

The Golden Compass

2008-02-01T10:48:00.000-05:00

Last Christmas, the Christian community was buzzing about a movie called "The Golden Compass." There were a lot of those boycott emails circulating and people were asking my opinion. I don't take the boycott route to popular media. If I choose to not see something, I'll say so but public cries for boycotting tend to draw more attention to the issue, not less. What I do, however, is look to engage in dialogue about the issues.

When the movie finally came out, the critics said it wasn't very good. They changed the book (as movies often do) and took away from the story. Since I was going into Christmas vacation, I decided to get a copy and read it. Well, it turned out to be three books (over 1000 pages) and an interesting experience.

There's a lot to the story. I give the author credit in that he writes an engaging, imaginative story with great character development. I was blown away by the level of faith that is required to buy into his theology: the nature of the universe, the existence of parallel universes, the nature of God and angels, the purpose of life, the state of the afterlife, the goal of death. It takes a lot to believe it.

Though it's children's literature, I wouldn't read it to my kids. That's a big statement because we read a lot of stuff together. It was disturbing to me. There were sexual inneundos, violence done to children and by children, parents were not portrayed in a positive light (two parents in particular were deceptive, manipulative, untrustworthy and disengaged from their daughter) and the church is seen as cruel oppressive institution. That's a lot and I haven't even gotten to the spiritual.

In the book, the children in the center of the story are destined to kill God. He is a deceptive, decrepid angel who is almost senile. Fallen angels are good guys, heavenly angels are militant oppressors. Heaven is a lie composed by The Authority (the name for God) that turns out to be nothing more than a holding place for the souls of the departed - a place where everyone goes regardless of their lives. The universe is a living place of consciousness. When we die, we can melt into the consciousness.

I read a lot of nonfiction, watch movies & TV, listen to music. I like to engage in dialogue about the issues they present because I want to bring my Christian faith into the world where it is most needed. Sheila and I teach our children to do the same.

If you read this, be prepared to talk about the spiritual statements. Which is great. This book presents a lot. Don't be afraid to engage in the dialouge. If we don't talk about it, who will? Be careful with your children if they read it. The violence, morality and role models disturbed me quite a bit.

She's Eighteen

2008-01-28T21:02:00.000-05:00

I hold the privilege of having my heart stolen first. When the nurse said, "Mr. Laurence, would you like to hold your daughter?" I took her in my hands and she took my heart in hers. There's been no going back. I know that other men will come to claim the same privilege. That's all right, I'll always be the first.

That was eighteen years ago today and we've both made an important transition. She's officially an adult and I'm officially the father of an adult. God's been kind to me. He transitioned me into each stage of parenting with Steph. How could I go wrong? Think of it:

She's gorgeous
She's brilliant
She's compassionate
She's visionary
She's a leader
She's strong
She's spiritual
She's committed to Christ

God was good to me. Every step with Steph was easy. I taught her to read, reflect and filter what the world threw at her. She taught me to enjoy it - seeing it through her eyes as for the first time. I tried to teach her to stand her ground, own her commitment, understand what she believed and why she believed it. She taught me grace under pressure. I tried to teach her that she's a gift to be shared. She taught me that God creates amazing gifts in people.

Sheila and I entered into parenting together. Sheila's wisdom, perseverance, devotion and guidance strengthened my parenting. I'm a better parent because of Sheila's strength. I'm a better father because of Steph's patience with my learning curve.

I know that things will change. They've been changing for eighteen years. Considering how good she's turned out, I have confidence that she'll do fine. After all, the same God who created her and led her to this point, will take her to the end.

So line up guys. Take a number. You talk to me first, then to Steph. If you're fortunate, she'll steal your heart too.

Where Have You Been?!

2008-01-26T20:20:00.001-05:00

OK - its more like where have I been? Well, I mentioned last week how Tim Stevens was enlisting the help of people to read his book and offer some comments on it. Well, that's where I've been. I got the book on Monday and read through to today.

I liked it. Tim travelled an interesting spiritual journey from a church background that eschewed popular culture to a church that uses it as a means to communicate the Gospel. Granger is an innovative church that uses creative means to connect with people. Last summer, they used themes from the new Spiderman movie to talk about issues like redemption, forgiveness, consequences, etc.

When I was youth pastor, I found that movie illustrations, TV clips, music lyrics and popular books were the means of great illustrations. People explore powerful spiritual themes through these mediums. They don't always get it right but they provide a great doorway through which we can introduce the Gospel.

Tim does a good job of giving us both the justification for doing so as well as some practical advice as to how we can use it in our ministry. I appreciate how he gives us the behind the scenes of Granger. It is a book that I would have had my college students read when I taught at Gordon College.

Good job on the book Tim!