About 5 years ago I wrote an annotated list of the dozen most influential men in my life. Among their number was Jim Russell. Jim crossed the finish line earlier today and was welcomed in the embrace of his master Jesus. For him I rejoice; but for all of us who knew him well, he will leave a large whole in our lives and hearts.
Jim had been a Marine in his younger years and later settled in Lansing, MI where he worked in sales for years before establishing RBF Inc. nearly 40 years ago. RBF was and is an extraordinarily strong Business Forms company and formed the foundation for remarkable success and financial rewards for Jim. But his greatest influence (other than his 57 year marriage to Phyllis and their five children) was the way his faith in Christ found expression through the AMY Foundation. Named for their youngest daughter, a beautiful young woman with Downs Syndrome, the AMY Foundation became first a vehicle to support missions work and Bible Education, then to become the sponsor of the AMY Foundation Writing Awards program, which rapidly became the largest and most popular writing awards program in American journalism - and also the largest cash award in journalism prizes. First place winners take home the top $10,000 of a pool of $34,000 in awards given to writers who present the biblical perspective in issues facing the world today. Writers like Cal Thomas and Richard John Neuhaus are counted among the top prize winners.
After the AMY Writing Awards, Jim went on to establish the Church Writing Group Movement and the Pen and Sword Newsletter for writers, the book "Awakening the Giant" (Zondervan, 1996) and the AMY Pastor Awards. I was blessed to be counted among the 15 recipients of the AMY Pastor Award.
Jim was the first person I met from Bretton Woods Covenant Church in Lansing. A member of the search committee, he was going to be out of town in Dallas the weekend I visited to candidate at BWCC, and since I lived in Dallas at the time, we arranged to meet for dinner.
The man I met that evening was gentle and soft-spoken, but filled with the Holy Spirit and passionate about impacting the nation and world for Christ. How often he and I shared breakfasts at Pat's Pantry, where I would be the recipient of his love and wisdom for a solid hour. How generously he shared his wisdom and insight with me. How affirming he was of my ministry.
In the 12 years since I left Lansing, Jim and I stayed in touch several times a year - but now I wish we'd spoken more. Whenever I communicated with Jim, be it by phone or e-mail, I walked away feeling loved, valued, and significant - and a little bit stronger in my faith.
Heaven is the wealthier today and earth the poorer. But we will meet again.
Wednesday
Responding to Katrina
Christ the King is becoming a responder to the Hurricane, and I am the staff liaison. There are huge needs in Houston - all the folks who were in the Superdome are coming to the Astrodome and there are already thousands of displaced families here. We will be hosting families here on site as well as coordinating other needs.
The biggest need we have is for cards that can be redeemed at grocery stores (Kroger is probably the only national chain here - other Texas stores are Randall's and HEB), gas stations and Wal-Marts. If you'd like to help, you can mail those cards to:
Hurricane Relief
Christ the King
3803 W Lake Houston Parkway
Kingwood TX 77339
attn Rick
The biggest need we have is for cards that can be redeemed at grocery stores (Kroger is probably the only national chain here - other Texas stores are Randall's and HEB), gas stations and Wal-Marts. If you'd like to help, you can mail those cards to:
Hurricane Relief
Christ the King
3803 W Lake Houston Parkway
Kingwood TX 77339
attn Rick
Tuesday
A Passion for the call of God
I am so impressed with the way this body goes about discerning the call of God. Here's a church in Illinois that is seeking a Director of Worship. After several calls to a guy who clearly says "I'm not interested in moving, thank you", they finally ask "Will you at least consent to a phone interview?". He agrees to this and they have a profitable conversation.
Then this gutsy search committee decides sight unseen, having never heard his voice lead worship nor his other ministry skills in action, knowing him only by reputation and over the phone, decides to recommend him to the church board - who then recommend him to the congregation - who then vote to extend a call to him sight unseen.
He now senses that this may in fact be God's hand and makes plans to go meet the church and spend a weekend with them. And in his heart a stirring is awakened for some of what he has learned about them, which is in some ways reinforced during his visit.
Meanwhile back home here, the day after his return, a meeting is planned here - but not a meeting to persuade him to stay, though that is the obvious desire of every person attending. Instead it is a prayer meeting focused on God's majesty and greatness, the calling power of the Holy Spirit, and the need for workers in the Lord's field.
There is an understanding of the sovreignty of God and a yieldedness to His will. There is none of this nonsense about a church professional being an employee. There is such a sense of health here that I have never experienced before. It gives me hope.
I have placed my desires before the Lord. But I am fully at peace regartding the outcome.
Then this gutsy search committee decides sight unseen, having never heard his voice lead worship nor his other ministry skills in action, knowing him only by reputation and over the phone, decides to recommend him to the church board - who then recommend him to the congregation - who then vote to extend a call to him sight unseen.
He now senses that this may in fact be God's hand and makes plans to go meet the church and spend a weekend with them. And in his heart a stirring is awakened for some of what he has learned about them, which is in some ways reinforced during his visit.
Meanwhile back home here, the day after his return, a meeting is planned here - but not a meeting to persuade him to stay, though that is the obvious desire of every person attending. Instead it is a prayer meeting focused on God's majesty and greatness, the calling power of the Holy Spirit, and the need for workers in the Lord's field.
There is an understanding of the sovreignty of God and a yieldedness to His will. There is none of this nonsense about a church professional being an employee. There is such a sense of health here that I have never experienced before. It gives me hope.
I have placed my desires before the Lord. But I am fully at peace regartding the outcome.
Thursday
Created to be Connected
Christ the King's vision statement is:
Christ the King is a caring community of believers who connect others to life in Jesus Christ.
That idea of "connection" plays a central role for us in everything we do - which is why, for example, our personal evangelism emphasis is re-named "Connecting my World to Christ".
In this weekend's service, the congregation will confess our sins using language that reinforces this connection idea. I don't remember exactly when I wrote these words, but I am pretty sure it was within the last year:
God, you created me for connection.
Connection with you.
Connection with others.
You knew that being connected
would bring me joy,
would bless others,
would glorify your name.
But I spend too much of my life in isolation.
I turn from your invitation to know and trust you.
I turn from opportunities to care for and serve others.
I turn to the self-serving patterns that I have been taught by this sinful world.
In this place, in this moment, Lord,
I am longing to turn back to you.
In the name of Jesus, Forgive my sin and my selfishness. Turn my heart.
Re-connect me to your grace.
Re-connect me to others around me.
Re-connect me to the power of your Holy Spirit,
Who can hold me secure in your love.
Amen.
Christ the King is a caring community of believers who connect others to life in Jesus Christ.
That idea of "connection" plays a central role for us in everything we do - which is why, for example, our personal evangelism emphasis is re-named "Connecting my World to Christ".
In this weekend's service, the congregation will confess our sins using language that reinforces this connection idea. I don't remember exactly when I wrote these words, but I am pretty sure it was within the last year:
God, you created me for connection.
Connection with you.
Connection with others.
You knew that being connected
would bring me joy,
would bless others,
would glorify your name.
But I spend too much of my life in isolation.
I turn from your invitation to know and trust you.
I turn from opportunities to care for and serve others.
I turn to the self-serving patterns that I have been taught by this sinful world.
In this place, in this moment, Lord,
I am longing to turn back to you.
In the name of Jesus, Forgive my sin and my selfishness. Turn my heart.
Re-connect me to your grace.
Re-connect me to others around me.
Re-connect me to the power of your Holy Spirit,
Who can hold me secure in your love.
Amen.
Wednesday
The Way
I am leading worship this weekend as Mark goes up to Decatur to meet the church that has extended a call to him without ever even meeting him. We're introducing Paul Baloche's song "The Way". Give it a listen. Leadworship.com has charts for it.
We're also using Bob Stromberg's song "Lord you are Here". On CCLI I discovered a second and third verse. I have made tiny lyrical alterations for our weekend's emphasis, but here are the words:
Lord You are here, So near in this place
The warmth of Your presence, the fragrance of grace,
We breathe it like the air around us,
We love to feel Your love surround us.
Surely we know Your promise is true:
When we meet in Your name, We gather with You.
Holy, Holy Spirit, Hear our praise
Chorus:
Holy, holy, Only You are holy, Hallelujah.
Holy, holy, Holy Spirit hear our praise.
Lord, when You're here, Our hearts tell us so:
Your deep peace descending, Your love that we know,
We're silenced By this grace we're under,
We stand amazed In childlike wonder.
Surely we know Your promise is true:
When we meet in Your name, We gather with You.
Holy, Holy Spirit, Hear our praise.
Chorus
Lord, welcome here. Flow down from above,
A river of glory, An ocean of love,
Like desert sands, Our souls are thirsting;
Come Fill our hearts Till springs are bursting.
Praise to Your name; Praise shore to shore;
Praise in the highest; Praise evermore;
Holy, Holy Spirit, Hear our praise.
Chorus
Bob Stromberg © 2000 Stream Mountain Music
We're also using Bob Stromberg's song "Lord you are Here". On CCLI I discovered a second and third verse. I have made tiny lyrical alterations for our weekend's emphasis, but here are the words:
Lord You are here, So near in this place
The warmth of Your presence, the fragrance of grace,
We breathe it like the air around us,
We love to feel Your love surround us.
Surely we know Your promise is true:
When we meet in Your name, We gather with You.
Holy, Holy Spirit, Hear our praise
Chorus:
Holy, holy, Only You are holy, Hallelujah.
Holy, holy, Holy Spirit hear our praise.
Lord, when You're here, Our hearts tell us so:
Your deep peace descending, Your love that we know,
We're silenced By this grace we're under,
We stand amazed In childlike wonder.
Surely we know Your promise is true:
When we meet in Your name, We gather with You.
Holy, Holy Spirit, Hear our praise.
Chorus
Lord, welcome here. Flow down from above,
A river of glory, An ocean of love,
Like desert sands, Our souls are thirsting;
Come Fill our hearts Till springs are bursting.
Praise to Your name; Praise shore to shore;
Praise in the highest; Praise evermore;
Holy, Holy Spirit, Hear our praise.
Chorus
Bob Stromberg © 2000 Stream Mountain Music
The Campus Confession Booth - MUST READ
Two Excerpts:
I said we should build a confession booth in the middle of campus and paint a sign on it that said "Confess your sins." I said this because I knew a lot of people would be sinning, and Christian spirituality begins by confessing our sins and repenting. I also said it as a joke. But Tony thought it was brilliant. He sat there on my couch with his mind in the clouds, and he was scaring the crap out of me because, for a second, then for a minute, I actually believed he wanted to do it.
. . .
"Okay, you guys." Tony gathered everybody's attention. "Here's the catch." He leaned in a little. "We are not actually going to accept confessions." We all looked at him in confusion.
He continued, "We are going to confess to them.
Read more...
I said we should build a confession booth in the middle of campus and paint a sign on it that said "Confess your sins." I said this because I knew a lot of people would be sinning, and Christian spirituality begins by confessing our sins and repenting. I also said it as a joke. But Tony thought it was brilliant. He sat there on my couch with his mind in the clouds, and he was scaring the crap out of me because, for a second, then for a minute, I actually believed he wanted to do it.
. . .
"Okay, you guys." Tony gathered everybody's attention. "Here's the catch." He leaned in a little. "We are not actually going to accept confessions." We all looked at him in confusion.
He continued, "We are going to confess to them.
Read more...
Monday
Bubba Theology
That's how one of my friends referred to the dramatic piece I did on Sunday with Brian, our new student pastor. Like myself, Brian has a Bachelor's in Fine Arts and a strong background in Theatre Arts. (He was also born in Sacramento, though a few years later than myself).
The morning's focus was that God created us to love, and that's the main idea behind "the image of God". Al suggested a drama about misunderstanding the image of God and thinking it was about how we look. He said "Give Brian a spot in it". So I roughed the idea in for Brian and said "Let this brew for a couple hours and then we'll go into the Worship Center and improv our way through it." And I don't think I've ever worked with someone who was able to do that so well. We had a real synergy thing going and never actually wrote a script. We played these 2 good ol' boys on the porch drinking orange pop and talking about the image of God. "Does he have a nose? Does he have eyes, arms, legs, a belly button?" Finally he brings up Psalm 92 and its references to taking shelter under God's wings, and my character waxes long and theologically, but doesn't have a clue what he's talking about.
Throughout the drama we waved to friends driving past in their pickup trucks, with the refrain "Is that a new truck?" "Nope, same old truck" "Hmmm. must've washed it". And then synchronized drinks from our bottles of orange drink.
Finally at the end when he says "You don't know what you're talking about, do you?", I reply "Nope. Not a clue. I only know one thing: I'm gonna go wash my truck."
Al and Mark followed up on this so sensitively. Al had prepared a series of screens with scenery and scripture verses connecting "image of God" and "love". And Mark played a beautiful George Winston-ish piano underneath it.
It was beautiful. The humor opened hearts right up, and the music and screens gently reached down and taught a biblical truth.
I wish I had an audio recording to link to, but we had a CD recorder crash. I am ordering a new CD recorder today.
The morning's focus was that God created us to love, and that's the main idea behind "the image of God". Al suggested a drama about misunderstanding the image of God and thinking it was about how we look. He said "Give Brian a spot in it". So I roughed the idea in for Brian and said "Let this brew for a couple hours and then we'll go into the Worship Center and improv our way through it." And I don't think I've ever worked with someone who was able to do that so well. We had a real synergy thing going and never actually wrote a script. We played these 2 good ol' boys on the porch drinking orange pop and talking about the image of God. "Does he have a nose? Does he have eyes, arms, legs, a belly button?" Finally he brings up Psalm 92 and its references to taking shelter under God's wings, and my character waxes long and theologically, but doesn't have a clue what he's talking about.
Throughout the drama we waved to friends driving past in their pickup trucks, with the refrain "Is that a new truck?" "Nope, same old truck" "Hmmm. must've washed it". And then synchronized drinks from our bottles of orange drink.
Finally at the end when he says "You don't know what you're talking about, do you?", I reply "Nope. Not a clue. I only know one thing: I'm gonna go wash my truck."
Al and Mark followed up on this so sensitively. Al had prepared a series of screens with scenery and scripture verses connecting "image of God" and "love". And Mark played a beautiful George Winston-ish piano underneath it.
It was beautiful. The humor opened hearts right up, and the music and screens gently reached down and taught a biblical truth.
I wish I had an audio recording to link to, but we had a CD recorder crash. I am ordering a new CD recorder today.
Thursday
Forever
We're always playing with tweaking of lyrics around here. Al just sent this e-mail regarding the song "Forever":
Give thanks to the Lord our God and King His love endures forever.
For He is good He is above all things, His love endures forever.
Sing Praise. Sing Praise.
Sing Praise. Sing Praise.
Forever God is faithful, forever God is strong, forever God is with us, forever….
© 2001 Chris Tomlin, worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Al wrote:
I started playing with a Christ centered verse...
He saved us through His only Son.
His love endures forever.
Through His cross, it’s all been done.
His love endures forever.
-----
It is fun working in a place where people are always thinking creatively.
(And for those who say "It is not legal to rewrite the words of a song currently under copyright without the author's permission", I'll just say "relax". At least one nationally recognized composer of Contemporary worship music, when I shared our Christmas season verse to his song, replied "Hey, I do that all the time too, in my church". We can't, won't ever release it on a CD and I'll never make any money off it, but we're just tweaking stuff to make it a good fit here at CTK. Let's face it, some current worship music never even mentions Jesus (and "Forever" by Tomlin, as great a song as it is, is one of those.) And others have lousy poetry or lousy theology.
Give thanks to the Lord our God and King His love endures forever.
For He is good He is above all things, His love endures forever.
Sing Praise. Sing Praise.
Sing Praise. Sing Praise.
Forever God is faithful, forever God is strong, forever God is with us, forever….
© 2001 Chris Tomlin, worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Al wrote:
I started playing with a Christ centered verse...
He saved us through His only Son.
His love endures forever.
Through His cross, it’s all been done.
His love endures forever.
-----
It is fun working in a place where people are always thinking creatively.
(And for those who say "It is not legal to rewrite the words of a song currently under copyright without the author's permission", I'll just say "relax". At least one nationally recognized composer of Contemporary worship music, when I shared our Christmas season verse to his song, replied "Hey, I do that all the time too, in my church". We can't, won't ever release it on a CD and I'll never make any money off it, but we're just tweaking stuff to make it a good fit here at CTK. Let's face it, some current worship music never even mentions Jesus (and "Forever" by Tomlin, as great a song as it is, is one of those.) And others have lousy poetry or lousy theology.
Tuesday
You are cordially invited...
to visit the Miles for Miles website. Our friends especially will enjoy the family photo that will greet you there. Miles for Miles is about my 8 year old son's life with insulin-dependent diabetes.
Monday
Painting as art, performance, and worship leadership
It's a convergence of painting, performance art, and worship leadership. I am so impressed with what I see here. We are looking for an opportunity to incorporate similar ideas in an upcoming Sunday morning worship.
ArtWorship
The Jesus Painter
ArtWorship
The Jesus Painter
All Cultures are not equal
Here's a cross-reference to the blog I compile for the International Association of Artists in Christian Testimony. David Brook's essay from the NY Times is worth your reading.
International Association of Artists in Christian Testimony: All Cultures are not equal
International Association of Artists in Christian Testimony: All Cultures are not equal
Friday
End of the Spear
I continue to anticipate with great hope the January release of the film "End of the Spear", the film dramatizing the story of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Roger Youdarian, Pete Fleming, and Ed McCully. These 5 missionaries were killed in January, 1956 by the tribe then known as the Auca Indians of Ecuador.
The film has been produced by Every Tribe Entertainment, who also made the documentary "Beyond the Gates of Splendor". The story itself has captivated me since I was a small child.
This morning my brother Tom sent me a ten year old article written by Steve Saint, son of Nate Saint. In the article, written in observance of the 40 year anniversary of his father's death, Steve tells the story as he had only recently heard it in 1995 - the story from the perspective of the men and women who were part of the killing party.
Here is a link to the Word document. It is truly an amazing story of grace and redemption worthy of your reading.
Another spin on calls
I'm not ready to compose an essay on the challenges of pastoral calls in my ordaining body, but there's an interesting thing happening in my present body.
In the last year, two staff members here at CTK have received calls without even having visited the church extending the call or expressed a serious interest in making a move in general, or to the calling church in particular.
In both cases, an initial phone call was rebuffed; a second phone call was received and not encouraged; in a 3rd phone call they were asked and acquiesced to a phone interview with the committee; the interview took place; and without any more contact, the committee recommended the person to the church leadership who approved the extension of a call; then the congregation voted in favor of the call - all without having met face to face.
The first time this happened, the staff person flew out for a visit, having already told the committee "There's a bush in my backyard. If it is on fire without being consumed, that will get my attention, but that's about what it would take". And in fact he did not accept the call.
Now my very good friend and colleague is in the position of considering a call he did not pursue. But there is enough respect for the fact that the Holy Spirit can work through such machinations that he is willing to explore the possibility that this may be God's voice.
I pray that God will make His plan clear for my buddy and his wife. I know what my personal hope is.
In the last year, two staff members here at CTK have received calls without even having visited the church extending the call or expressed a serious interest in making a move in general, or to the calling church in particular.
In both cases, an initial phone call was rebuffed; a second phone call was received and not encouraged; in a 3rd phone call they were asked and acquiesced to a phone interview with the committee; the interview took place; and without any more contact, the committee recommended the person to the church leadership who approved the extension of a call; then the congregation voted in favor of the call - all without having met face to face.
The first time this happened, the staff person flew out for a visit, having already told the committee "There's a bush in my backyard. If it is on fire without being consumed, that will get my attention, but that's about what it would take". And in fact he did not accept the call.
Now my very good friend and colleague is in the position of considering a call he did not pursue. But there is enough respect for the fact that the Holy Spirit can work through such machinations that he is willing to explore the possibility that this may be God's voice.
I pray that God will make His plan clear for my buddy and his wife. I know what my personal hope is.
It's gonna be a great weekend
I'm excited about the weekend (our final days before school starts on Aug 15). Our new pastoral intern or vicar from seminary, Brian West, will be installed at both morning services. At 11:00 we will celebrate the ordination of Andy Whaley, son of Jim and Lynn, an awesome couple here at CTK. Andy is the first "son of the congregation" to be ordained.
I will be conducting the men's choir - once or twice a year we'll get a group of 40 or so men together and do Promise Keepers type worship music - on two songs, and playing in the band on another two songs the men lead. Here's an excerpt of one of the songs entitled "For Your Glory". I'll also be doing a dramatic monologue of the passage from Luke 8 about the sower and the seeds - using the Message paraphrase.
I will be conducting the men's choir - once or twice a year we'll get a group of 40 or so men together and do Promise Keepers type worship music - on two songs, and playing in the band on another two songs the men lead. Here's an excerpt of one of the songs entitled "For Your Glory". I'll also be doing a dramatic monologue of the passage from Luke 8 about the sower and the seeds - using the Message paraphrase.
Thursday
Barna invites you to Narnia
Dear Colleague,
As you may know, last year The Barna Group expanded its work beyond providing research to developing a variety of tools for life-transformation.
We expanded our efforts because our studies show that we are having less influence on Americans today than most of us would like to believe. We discovered in our research that the dominant sources of influence in ourculture today are headed by movies, TV and music. We committed ourselves to helping harness the power of those media without forfeiting the truths we believe can change lives.
One way is by giving people opportunities to see and discuss significant films. Over the years, outstanding movies like Ben Hur, Chariots of Fire and The Passion of the Christ have captivated millions of Americans from all walks of life. Many other films might have had significant influence onpeoples lives as well, but they got lost in the everyday shuffle. Unfortunately, there has not been an organized and intentional means of making sure that outstanding movies receive the attention they deserve.
That's why I am excited to introduce BarnaFilms Preview Night to you. We want to make sure that some of these wonderful films get discovered and enjoyed by families before they are lost in the endless stream of high-profile, low-concept movies filling theaters. Beginning this December we will be offering a BarnaFilms Preview Night each quarter to give everyone an opportunity to screen a new film that we believe will educate, entertain and inspire our souls. We will hold these previews in selected movie theaters around the United States.
On December 8, BarnaFilms Preview Night is pleased to offer tickets to an advance screening of Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media's production of the classic C.S. Lewis Story, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. This will be the first in our on-going series of quarterly previews.Today I invite you and your friends to join me, and millions of other people across the country, on Thursday, December 8 in viewing this magnificent movie. Because you have been connected to our organization through seminars, updates and other resources, I am giving you a full week to get your order in before we begin to formally announce BarnaFilmsPreview Night across the country. Since seating in selected theaters will be on a first-come, first-served basis, and we expect huge interest in this event, I wanted to be sure that you have every opportunity to consider purchasing tickets.
Go to www.barnapreview.com to request tickets. Reserve your tickets early and be among the first to experience this wonderful film.
I'll see you December 8 at the movies. George Barna
As you may know, last year The Barna Group expanded its work beyond providing research to developing a variety of tools for life-transformation.
We expanded our efforts because our studies show that we are having less influence on Americans today than most of us would like to believe. We discovered in our research that the dominant sources of influence in ourculture today are headed by movies, TV and music. We committed ourselves to helping harness the power of those media without forfeiting the truths we believe can change lives.
One way is by giving people opportunities to see and discuss significant films. Over the years, outstanding movies like Ben Hur, Chariots of Fire and The Passion of the Christ have captivated millions of Americans from all walks of life. Many other films might have had significant influence onpeoples lives as well, but they got lost in the everyday shuffle. Unfortunately, there has not been an organized and intentional means of making sure that outstanding movies receive the attention they deserve.
That's why I am excited to introduce BarnaFilms Preview Night to you. We want to make sure that some of these wonderful films get discovered and enjoyed by families before they are lost in the endless stream of high-profile, low-concept movies filling theaters. Beginning this December we will be offering a BarnaFilms Preview Night each quarter to give everyone an opportunity to screen a new film that we believe will educate, entertain and inspire our souls. We will hold these previews in selected movie theaters around the United States.
On December 8, BarnaFilms Preview Night is pleased to offer tickets to an advance screening of Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media's production of the classic C.S. Lewis Story, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. This will be the first in our on-going series of quarterly previews.Today I invite you and your friends to join me, and millions of other people across the country, on Thursday, December 8 in viewing this magnificent movie. Because you have been connected to our organization through seminars, updates and other resources, I am giving you a full week to get your order in before we begin to formally announce BarnaFilmsPreview Night across the country. Since seating in selected theaters will be on a first-come, first-served basis, and we expect huge interest in this event, I wanted to be sure that you have every opportunity to consider purchasing tickets.
Go to www.barnapreview.com to request tickets. Reserve your tickets early and be among the first to experience this wonderful film.
I'll see you December 8 at the movies. George Barna
Tuesday
On the Tracks goes into the Jury Box
I spent the day serving as a juror in a criminal case - allegations of aggravated assault. A truly sad situation. Today was day one and by its end the defendant was found guilty of aggravated assault (the only other option was simple assault - the defense didn't deny that this man had done the deed). A week ago I didn't even know the difference between plain assault and the aggravated variety.
It was bearable if you approached it as you would a fine dramatic presentation. But I think I am glad I decided against law school back in 1980.
It was bearable if you approached it as you would a fine dramatic presentation. But I think I am glad I decided against law school back in 1980.
A minor change
With regrets, I am limiting comments to registered users. I'd rather keep it open to all, but I'm getting spam marketing comments.
If you would like to comment and are not registered at blogger, please go here.
If you would like to comment and are not registered at blogger, please go here.
Monday
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” Phil. 1:21
With something else on my mind today, I turned and found comfort in this excerpt from "A Heart Set Free: 40 Days in Philippians", the devotional guide I helped author in 2004 for our home-grown follow-up to "40 Days of Purpose".
From where do I derive significance in my life?
My Financial World, the concerns of cash flow, bills, investments, debt, charitable giving, and savings?
My Working World, the development of my “career path”; my present job and my activities to create a future more to my liking?
My Relational World, my marriage, my children, my family of brothers, sisters, parents, etc.; friendships with people I know in the community or at work or school, and those living farther away?
My Home World, crafting my “personal environment” to be a peaceful place of comfort where I can rest, relax, and satisfy my “creature comforts”?
My Intellectual World, the books, magazines, films, television, music and other media that I use to stimulate my thoughts and ideas?
My Thought World, that inner realm unknown to all but God and myself, where my own satisfaction is all consuming?
My Spiritual World, consisting of nothing other than my relationship to God through faith in Jesus?
Let’s be candid: With a heading like Philippians 1:21, we know that the last choice is the correct answer, right? Yet, have I made it the primary focus of my day? How does my investment of time, money, thought, energy, and conversation reveal where I’m finding meaning and purpose?
I long to affirm verse 21 with Paul, but too often I fall short. I “swim upstream”, against the current of the good work that God began and promises to complete in me. Thank God, his grace will ultimately win the day!
Question for Reflection: As I re-read the above list of worlds, am I troubled by the way one or more of them wrongly influences my sense of personal significance? What can I do about that?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, be my life. Please touch every area of my life and remind me that those areas, whatever else they may be, are not my life. You are my life. Amen.
From where do I derive significance in my life?
My Financial World, the concerns of cash flow, bills, investments, debt, charitable giving, and savings?
My Working World, the development of my “career path”; my present job and my activities to create a future more to my liking?
My Relational World, my marriage, my children, my family of brothers, sisters, parents, etc.; friendships with people I know in the community or at work or school, and those living farther away?
My Home World, crafting my “personal environment” to be a peaceful place of comfort where I can rest, relax, and satisfy my “creature comforts”?
My Intellectual World, the books, magazines, films, television, music and other media that I use to stimulate my thoughts and ideas?
My Thought World, that inner realm unknown to all but God and myself, where my own satisfaction is all consuming?
My Spiritual World, consisting of nothing other than my relationship to God through faith in Jesus?
Let’s be candid: With a heading like Philippians 1:21, we know that the last choice is the correct answer, right? Yet, have I made it the primary focus of my day? How does my investment of time, money, thought, energy, and conversation reveal where I’m finding meaning and purpose?
I long to affirm verse 21 with Paul, but too often I fall short. I “swim upstream”, against the current of the good work that God began and promises to complete in me. Thank God, his grace will ultimately win the day!
Question for Reflection: As I re-read the above list of worlds, am I troubled by the way one or more of them wrongly influences my sense of personal significance? What can I do about that?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, be my life. Please touch every area of my life and remind me that those areas, whatever else they may be, are not my life. You are my life. Amen.
Saturday
Brad B. on pastoral calls
If you also read Brad you'll find this anyway, but for those who don't, this is a good statement from a wise pastor.
"I suspect that many of these issues could be more easily solved with the realization that a pastor is not an employee of the congregation. He or she is not a hiree. The pastor is called by the congregation -- but the call is to work in the context of that congregation, not for the congregation."
Read more...
"I suspect that many of these issues could be more easily solved with the realization that a pastor is not an employee of the congregation. He or she is not a hiree. The pastor is called by the congregation -- but the call is to work in the context of that congregation, not for the congregation."
Read more...
My other Blog
If I were to make a list of the half-dozen most influential men in my life (in actual point of fact, I have written an annotated list - someday I'll post its contents) it would include Byron, my friend of more than 35 years. I credit Byron with nurturing this pan-artistic passion to see the arts find their place in Christian ministry - a passion we share, though he has it in far greater measure than me. Way back in the 70s, Byron founded and still gives direction to Artists in Christian Testimony, and after my graduation from Westmont in December '79 and our marriage in January '80, Byron became my first full-time employer as I went on staff with ACT.
Recently, ACT established the International Association of Artists in Christian Testimony and was looking for ways to add value to its membership. I offered to develop a Blog where Byron and I would post material related to the arts and Christian faith. Now it's up.
BTW, this is a guy you want to invite to speak at your next minister's retreat, as I did in 2000 when I chaired the MidSouth Covenant Ministerial Association.
Recently, ACT established the International Association of Artists in Christian Testimony and was looking for ways to add value to its membership. I offered to develop a Blog where Byron and I would post material related to the arts and Christian faith. Now it's up.
BTW, this is a guy you want to invite to speak at your next minister's retreat, as I did in 2000 when I chaired the MidSouth Covenant Ministerial Association.
The Pastoral Call Process
My friend and colleague who writes at Naked Religion has begun a series of posts (beginning 8/5/5) on the process of pastoral call. It is well worth reading, especially for those whose churches may be approaching a pastoral vacancy. I hope to respond shortly on this subject - one for which I feel a LOT of concern - for reasons already known by those who know my history. The trick for me is to fairly, responsibly, honestly, and objectively review the facts in my own story as they touch on this challenge facing the church of Jesus Christ and its pastoral servants. More later.
Word of God Speak
We're using this very beautiful song on Sunday - a very simple arrangement very much like the original recording by Mercy Me - just Mark on piano, me on strings, and and Raymond on vocal. Listen to the original here. (mp3)
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see Your majesty
To be still and knowThat You're in this place
Please let me stay and restIn Your holiness
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
Words and Music by Bart Millard and Pete Kipley © 2002 Simpleville Music
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see Your majesty
To be still and knowThat You're in this place
Please let me stay and restIn Your holiness
Word of God speak
I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see Your majesty
To be still and knowThat You're in this place
Please let me stay and restIn Your holiness
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
Words and Music by Bart Millard and Pete Kipley © 2002 Simpleville Music
Tuesday
Did you catch this Bono interview?
You may have your issues with the lead singer of U2, but I find his Christian witness in this interview, as reported by World Magazine, very compelling.
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