A Reason to Love Starbucks!

I knew there was a reason why I loved Starbucks! Here’s another justification for reloading my card and increasing the contribution to my caffeine addiction. Researchers at the University of South Florida said studies indicated caffeine significantly decreased abnormal levels of a protein linked to Alzheimer’s. How great is that! Of course, a regimine of caffeine isn’t a cure, but there is scientific evidence indicating benefits in both treatment and prevention. Medically, that’s good news. Alzheimer’s is a tragic disease and help in combating this disease is an investment in future generations. Maybe it’s time coffee station in the preschool area?

A Choice Thought

I sit at my desk at home. Gazing out my window the clarity of the day is empowering. I look across the backyard to the neighbor’s house. The trees sway in the gentle warm (okay, hot) Texas summer breeze. It’s scorching outside, but cool inside. The sky is blue without a cloud in sight. In the sunlight, the colors seem brilliant. The red brick, yellow trim, green grass, and the blooming flowers are vibrant. God made this. He’s such a masterful and skillful creator.

I’m contemplating the message for tomorrow, reviewing the time and effort invested over the weeks. I find the power of God’s love to be compelling. Paul called the Thessalonian Christians beloved. They were the “chosen” first fruits of the delivered. I’m drawn not to the action of the choosing, but the result of the choice. God chose them for a purpose. At times, I think we get stuck on the “choice” debate at the exclusion of a significant discussion about what should follow post choice. Paul wanted the Thessalonians to persevere through the affliction and hardships while holding onto sound teaching. Their walk would be one of constant dependence on the one who chose them. God loved them and would continue His evident presence through the sanctifying work of the Spirit. God doesn’t choose for naught; He chooses for a purpose.

God chose you for a purpose. Do you know what that is?

Realizing God's Provision Requires Participation

I’m convinced God provides for more than we give Him credit. Here’s my case. I have a need; I’ll pray expecting God to drop a solution in my lap. Periodically He does and other times not. It’s the times He didn’t that confounded me until I learned a simple principle. God always provides, but often the realization of a provision requires action on my behalf. Here’s the example. Read Exodus 16:4. The children complained there wasn’t enough food in the cupboard. God’s reply was to rain down manna from heaven. To take full advantage of the provision required them to go out and gather. God provided, they gathered.

I think I’ve missed God’s provision at times because I didn’t go out and gather. I expected Him to drop it in my lap, making it easy without any personal cooperation from myself. The older I become, the more I understand God’s desire for me to participate in His work. God’s giving (provision) often requires action on our part. We’ve prayed, He’s provided, and we miss the answer because we’ve knowingly or unknowing missed the opportunity to participate. As you pray, watch for God’s provision. Look for places to participate and gather. It may fall in our lap, but most likely it’ll fall in your field and require you to do some gathering. Participation personalizes the work of God. The more you participate the more you realize He provides.

Transformers by Hasbro, DreamWorks, and Paramount - a Disappointment!

I have to admit I felt a little duped earlier this morning. Our family viewed Transformers: The Revenge of the Fallen. Unfortunately, it wasn’t at all what I expected. We saw, own, and loved the first movie in the franchise. The action, plot, and lessons kept the viewer’s interest in the original movie. You finished the first with great anticipation for the sequel. We figured the new release to be “family friendly” based upon our experience with the first release. But last night, I was literally blown away. The language, the sexual innuendos, crude humor, and inappropriate undertones made the experience less than enjoyable. Personally, I think DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Hasbro ruined a “potentially” good movie. In fact, they ought to be ashamed. Who is the intended audience? Has the average American family become so crude and vulgar? Transformers: The Revenge of the Fallen is a disappointment – don’t waste your time or money.

Huh... with silver and gold?

I’ve been considering the tragedies and disappointments of life. Not that I’m that interested or am actually going through one right now, though I’ve journeyed painful paths before. I’m thinking about a family that lost a son this week. What a terrible and seemingly unbearable loss. I think of several who are struggle with a loss of employment. This experience brings many struggles both within and without. There’s a late-forties adult who is struggling with an identity in the sandwiched generation. I have friends struggling with finances, marriages, and kids. The struggles and tragedies can cloud the view of God’s miraculous. Even when you feel as though your struggle is one done alone without any clear direction, God is still there. I wish I’d remembered that earlier in times past during my foggy wonderings. I’m not alone; He is ever present.

I’ve been thinking about Psalm 105 today. Even did a tweet on verse four. But, I’m overwhelmed as I read through all the blessings and challenges. In verse 23 and following, you find the list of the plagues Egypt faced. You have to remember that Israel still inhabited the Egyptian city and countryside. Plague after plague is mention until verse 37. They you read, “Then he brought out Israel with silver and gold, and there was none among his tribes who stumbled.” God provided through the struggles and tragedies. He even routed them out of the land with silver and gold. And notice that not a single one among the tribe stumbled. God’s provision is awesome.

In our struggles we draw close to Him, its’ a certain occasion of intimacy. Draw close to Him during the struggles and tragedies in your journey. He’ll never fail to provide. He’ll never leave you standing alone.

ALL-STARS Here We Come

On a personal note, we’re all excited about ALL-STARS – especially Chris. We received word yesterday he’d been chosen to be on the team and that their first game will be June 29. Everyone is in practice mode for the first game in Galveston. This is Chris’ first experience with ALL-STARS – it’s ours, too. The little break from the regular season and playoffs helped to get us psyched for ALL-STARS. I know Chris really looks excited in that picture, I can assure you it's not the moment he heard about ALL-STARS. It's a picture from the regular season and I think it's a good non-posed shot.

I Don't Drink Beer

There seems to be an ongoing debate about the Christian’s use of alcohol depending on your theological, doctrinal, or even practical perspective. Some might stereotype my since I’m a Baptist on this subject, but there’s really more depth to my opinion than the average Baptist. I do hold to a practice and position of abstinence when it comes to alcoholic beverages. My proof text is Proverbs 31:1-9. King Lemuel’s mother taught him it wasn’t for leaders to drink. That’s good enough for me. The argument that Jesus drank wine (so I should) really doesn’t hold water given the cultural context of that day versus today. If some one uses it to calm their nerves, it’s a drug. If you’re doing to relax, you robbing God of an opportunity to grant peace. To be blunt, there’s really no good reason to swallow an alcoholic drink. I personally love this video; it’s a practice approach to the modern day topic. It’ll make you laugh.

The Beginning of the End?

I struggle with the imaginary line drawn between politics and religion. Maybe it’s because I have an interest in both politics and religion. My undergraduate degree in business and my graduate degree in theology gives me a little background in both disciplines. It could be my age or even the way I was raised. I am conservative both theologically and politically. Yet, I can still disagree with so-called conservatives (and liberals too) both theologically and politically. My interest in the political world has heightened in recent days. There’s a lot going on, some I understand and some of it I don’t. Yet, I’m still concerned. As a proponent of free market, I’m troubled about increased governmental intervention at taxpayer’s expense. I do not believe that America will be a major player on the world scene in the end times. Most prophecy experts seem to leave us unnamed among the conflict. It’s almost as if the slide to oblivion has begun. America’s global influence is waning. We are in debt and owned by people who do not necessarily hold to the same value system of freedom our nation was founded upon. There are more indicators than ever before that suggest we are witnessing the decline and dismantling of America. Perhaps this is the beginning of the end. I don’t know. I have no idea when Christ will return. But, I will tell you this; if anything, it creates a greater resolve for evangelism and for the pursuit of righteousness. Jesus’ return is one day closer than it was yesterday. As people of faith, we don’t have the luxury to sit on our laurels. We must work until Jesus comes – to serve, witness, pray, and tell.

Tulsa Housing Authority, Youth at Heart, and Child Evangelism Fellowship

Here’s yet another group attempting to deter Christian groups from meeting on publically funded property. You can check out the story here. It’s nothing new for Child Evangelism Fellowship (a great organization), I’m sure. It seems as if organizations like CEF know more about the law than our public officials or those entrusted with the care of governmental programs and properties.

When will they learn you can’t say no. Equal access is equal access and applies to all groups; it’s the law. For years, schools, public, and government organizations worked to impede the efforts of Christian groups. You can’t do that anymore, because it’s the law. You’d think people in public service, even in Tulsa, would get the message and be well aware of decisions that could result in legal action. We even had a little similar incident locally with one of our own districts last year, but they quickly learned you couldn’t keep these types of clubs off school campuses or public property.

Watch out Christians! The cultural tide is anti-Christian and anti-organized religion. Generations past formerly enjoyed cultural favor, if not cultural tolerance. Those days are gone. If we don’t get to work, change our methodology, and make a real difference in the live of people – we’ll find ourselves in the days of no-access.

What Will It be Like?

Link to the Song of Moses by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

(removed embedded version)

"I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues—last, because with them God's wrath is completed. 2And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. They held harps given them by God 3and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. 4Who will not fear you, O Lord, 
and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." Revelation 15:1-4

Can you imagine what heaven will be like? Really, can you capture a momentary glimpse of the holiness, righteousness, and purity? Can you imagine a room filled with unrestrained worshippers? Can you imagine a room of worshippers all of which emphatically and energetically call out God’s praises with passion, meaning, and surrender?

While Scripture witnesses an inkling of a vision, I’m not sure I can even begin to fathom the glory and wonder of heaven. But, one day I will experience it and be numbered among Heaven’s choir. The future hope of heaven gives hope today. Whenever you feel a little weary of this world and life, just spend of few moments contemplating to glory of Heaven – your true home. 

Where's the Beef?

To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. Isaiah 8:20

Years ago, Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers utilized the slogan, “Where’s the Beef?” The phrase was to draw attention and reference the lack of beef in competitor’s burgers. Wendy’s claimed to have more beef in their burgers than McDonald's and Burger King. The embedded commercial pictures three ladies commenting about a fluffy bun, yet when they lift the top of the bun they’re disappointed at the lack of “beef” substance.

I see a great similarity between Wendy’s slogan and the modern day struggling Christian. I’m often compelled to ask, “Where’s the Beef?” There may be an appearance of, but something seems to be lacking. We need believers of substance! You discover the “beef” or substance in God’s Word, Scripture, the Bible – whatever title you want to refer to it by.

God’s word must be evident and demonstrated in our behavior, actions, and decisions. It is the substance we’re called to. When we have a decision requiring discernment, our reference source should be the Bible. In order to know it, we must study it, memorize it, and apply it. If our actions do not reflect the living word of God, there is no light reflected in our action.

I like what Donald Whitney said, “As Spirit-indwelled people grow to resemble Jesus more and more, they should think more quickly and more often, ‘To the law and the testimony!’ This means immediately asking yourself, ‘What does the Bible say?’ when dealing with even the most common issues, whenever you have a question about anything.”

A Thirsty Culture Lacking Substance and Depth

“The sum and substance of the preparation needed for a coming eternity is that you believe what the Bible tells you and do what the Bible bids you.” Thomas Chalmers

The Bible is perhaps the most revered, unread, respected, and misunderstood book in history. Denominations and movements were born in interpretation. Sadly, subsequent generations following the founders have become less interested in the substance of the interpretations. We know the “rules” sometimes, just not the reasoning or rationale.

As a Southern Baptist, I possess a statement titled The Baptist Faith and Message. Though the years, it has been updated periodically, always with caution, care, and a reminder of its purpose. The BFM is a statement of beliefs we as Southern Baptist hold in common; it is not a creed – for Southern Baptists are not creedal. It is a collection of doctrinal statements both rooted in and supported by Scripture. While the Baptist Faith and Message presents basic and foundational beliefs, I am not completely convinced the generations in the pew fully understand the magnitude of these basic beliefs that shape our faith. People are choosing at a rapid rate to disregard doctrinal distinction labeling it unimportant and at times claiming it to be irrelevant.

The perception that the Bible is irrelevant is a growing cultural predicament. It is viewed as a book of old stories and fables not pertinent to our culture. Sadly, the population, even some within our churches, is missing out on the true value of Scripture. Yes, it is God’s self-revelation. Yes, it is His Word. Yes, it is true in every respect. But, it is food for the soul. Our community is thirsty, parched, and dehydrated. The reservoir for quenching a thirsty soul is Scripture. God’s word fills the soul and satisfies the heart. It is only through constant and thorough use that we realize satisfaction and fulfillment. Hunger and thirst after God and His word, you will be filled.

As a Pastor who teaches, I want for the people I have the privilege to shepherd and influence to discover and experience the fulfillment and blessing of meditating, knowing, and applying the soul satisfying Word of God. Scripture does something no other publication, or study, reading, exercise or hobby can begin to do in us. It fills the soul.

I’ve embedded this clip for the illustration of the differing opinions regarding the Bible. 

Kid's Beach Club is "Real" Ministry

I spent the later part of the afternoon at the Kid’s Beach Club Charity Golf Tournament at the Kingwood Country Club. Kid’s Beach Club is a phenomenal endeavor doing ministry in the trenches (where the people are). See, Kid’s Beach Clubs are afterschool clubs onsite in local neighborhood public schools. To state it simply, KBC is taking Jesus into the schools. Thousands of children participate in these afterschool clubs with hundreds coming to know Christ. Not only are children being changed, but also families are being transformed.

Our church sponsors a club in our community (Austin Elementary). It’s been exciting to witness and hear the stories of changed lives. In a day and time when churches are struggling to find creative and effective ways to take Jesus into the community, this is about as good as it gets. I’m grateful for Kid’s Beach Club. I’m also thankful (and proud of) people like Kid’s Beach Club Founder and President, Jack Terrell. These are the true spiritual entrepreneurs who are taking the risk and walking by faith to take creative ministry to the doorsteps of the community. These man and their organizations deserve our prayers and support.

Kid’s Beach Club is real and it works. Are you ready to try something creative and effective? Do you really want to see lives changed? Then Kid’s Beach Club is something you need to investigate.

Well Meaning People Don't Always Get it

I really do appreciate well-meaning people, but sometimes their tactics don’t bring about the intended result. Here’s what I mean. From time to time, I receive unsolicited emails from well-meaning people concerned about the church’s message, not specifically this church, but the church in general - that’s an admirable concern. Interestingly enough, these emails aren’t the product of congregants where I serve; these are emails from people outside of my church context. Their subject matter can range anywhere from topics preached, Jesus’ near return, to America’s decline as the fault of the local church. 

While I can understand their concern for the state the of American church, I think they’re barking up the wrong tree. My heart yearns for renewal and revival in our country, but I understand something that’s different about today than yesterday. For example, the influence of the pastor upon a congregation or community is at an all time low. Getting the message to the pastor isn’t necessarily the way to get the word to the congregation. People who don’t understand the change in the American Church believe if they can just get a word to the pastor, then the churches will be on board. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. I know there are well meaning people who spend hours emailing pastors via email addresses on church websites hoping to get their “urgent” message across and that by some novel way feel as though they’re fulfilling God’s calling. 

To all the well-meaning composers of emails, before you send your next message think about the intended audience. You’re not telling a minister something He doesn’t already know. Understand that real renewal begins at the “grass roots” level. God must get a hold of hearts, minds, and lives of people who’ve been satisfied with a nominal spiritual existence. 

Rather than send an email, organize a prayer meeting. Start praying for your town and community. Ask God to save your city. Take the phone book, page by page, and pray over the names of people in your community. Enlist others to pray with you and for you. Pray for righteousness, conviction of sin, and the salvation of souls. Pray that God would transform your community.  But, here’s the catch, just don’t pray once or twice about it, make this a prayer of perseverance. Cry over your community and the lostness of neighborhood. Personally, I think you might find a greater audience in prayer; you’ll be conversing with someone who is able to bring change to hearts and lives. 

Calling In Sick

I’m reminded of Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It wasn’t necessarily the verse that came to mind earlier this morning, but it certainly came to mind as the day drew to a close. Mondays are always busy; it’s a debriefing and goal setting day. Weekly projects, writing assignments, and agendas are initiated on Monday.

I completed a couple of projects (feeling pretty good) before the kids left for school this morning. Typically, a few minutes after 8:00 am, I receive an email detailing who is out, late, or any other team member concern that affects the day. This morning, a couple of people were out due to sickness, one of those being my assistant. I felt bad she was sick and then moments later began perusing a mental checklist to determine which tasks would need to be re-negotiated. My to-do list just lengthened as I hoped this wasn’t simply the beginning of how this day would unfold. What I had thought to be a good start to the day was quickly fading.

As the day ticked along, one project after another was checked off the list. By early evening, a real sense of accomplishment was settling in. To my amazement, I was able to accomplish more than I’d thought. It was if my “between appointment time” had been guarded, with fewer interruptions enabling me to stay on task for the day. As I was packing up my stuff for the day, I had a thought – It’s been a good day and much has been accomplished. I felt good!

Then conviction took hold and I began to feel a little guilty. Was there anything different about this day other than I felt I’d accomplished more of my agenda? God still created the day and shouldn’t I rejoice regardless? So why was I willing to give praise on the day things went according to my plan and not recognize the fact that God still deserves praise on the days things don’t go according to my schedule? So, I came to this conclusion, God created this day and I WILL rejoice and be glad in it – even on the days that things don’t go according to the pre-set plan.

Oh, by the way, I really do hope that Donna is well and back in the office today!