Less Miserable

Our current sermon series is a study through the book of Philippians entitled “Less Miserable”, not so cleverly stolen from the recent movie adaptation of the Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Misérables. Hugo’s story is very basically a story of forgiveness and grace offered and restored but also rejected.  The main character, Valjean, had every reason to be bitter but, because of grace extended, his life took a joyful turn even through tragedy.  Another primary character, Javert, had every reason to be content with his life because of his position of power and prestige. He was, however, burdened greatly and although an amazing act of forgiveness and grace was extended which saved his life, he was unable to take hold of what was provided, thus destroying his life.

It isn’t all that difficult to see how Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi contrasts with Les Misérables. Unjustly imprisoned, simply because of his teaching of Jesus Christ, it would be understandable if Paul railed against those who imprisoned him and also those who were actively opposing him. Paul, however, was able to view his situation with a completely different perspective because of Jesus Christ.

I Rejoice…

             I always pray with Joy…

                                    I will continue to Rejoice…

                                                                 Because of this I Rejoice…

                                                                                            Rejoice in the Lord Always…

Get the picture?  Chains, opposition and execution on the horizon, Paul was able to rejoice because where he was could not compare to where he was going. “To live is Christ and To Die is Gain…What shall I choose?” (Phil 1:21,22)

Our worldly thought process prevents us from thinking that way.  Paul however, gives us the key to changing that mindset.  He tells us that true joy in this ugly world can only be achieved when we learn to develop the “Mindset of Christ” (Phil 2:5).  Jesus’ entire life was dedicated to Love God – Love People. (Mark 12:29-31)

It is only with that Mindset…that Perspective that we can live as Valjean, forgiven and truly free.  Without it, we live as Javert and that didn’t end well.  Rejoice!

Joy Comes in The Morning

It was truly amazing.  Sitting at the church with my IPad in front of me I was able to watch, LIVE, the historic tornado that swept through central Oklahoma and left destruction, devastation and death along its path. It was so surreal, so amazing…so heartbreaking.

Technology has given us so many advantages but there are also some great disadvantages. In the case of the tornado, watching as it transpired seemed to lessen the impact of what was truly happening on the ground.  It was almost as if I was watching a television show rather than human tragedy occurring before my very eyes. What really affected me most weren’t the live images flashing across my screen but the photographs of Moore, OK hours later that so clearly displayed the humanity of that historic event.

Walking through the book of Philippians, it struck me while watching, reading and listening to those affected by the tornado how unbelievably difficult it would be to find a place of joy in one’s life, after losing so much. Does such a place even exist in our human condition?

I believe Paul points out in his amazing letter to the church in Philippi, that no, in the human condition, that place does not exist.  How then, can you find peace and joy when everything you hold precious and dear has been literally snatched from your fingertips?

This Peace, This Joy can only be found in the creator.  Philippians 4 tells us to lift all our cares, pains, anxieties…everything to the throne of God and there, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)

Daily, in our human condition, circumstances, people, things and worry can quickly distract and discourage us. We strive to grasp hold of that brass ring but it continuously evades our reach. Yet, as near as the Holy Spirit dwelling within us who have been saved by the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we can claim the promise sung by the Psalmist, “weeping may stay for the night, but JOY comes in the morning.” (Ps 30:5)

Our hearts pour out for those so horribly touched by the tragedy in Oklahoma and we lift up prayers daily for them.  As we pray for Oklahoma let’s also be mindful of those devastated by circumstances, people, things and worry in their lives so they can lift up their eyes and see, “where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Ps 121:1-2)

Letter to a Friend

It's been a while since my last foray into the blogosphere. Anyone who knows me knows I am never at a loss for words. However, although I always have something to say, I have found that having something interesting, compelling or meaningful to say is an entirely different story.

As many of my family of faith know, I have set forth on a journey toward serving my Heavenly Father and making a difference in the world around me. I have made available to my church family a brochure that describes "My Journey" and will be glad to provide it to anyone who requests. The primary reason for this brochure is to provide the church family God has called me to serve with an understanding of where I am leading and to hold me accountable.

Below is a thank you letter I wrote to a brother in Christ. When 2013 began, I asked him for reading recommendations. The first book he recommended has significantly impacted my thought process and has confirmed what my heart was saying although my weak and often frivolous mind was unable to fully comprehend. Because of God's "Amazing Grace" I understand more clearly why I am where I am today.

I want to write you a note to say thank you! Asking you for recommendations for reading material, one of your recommendations has provided an answer to one of my deepest questions.

After leaving the ministry in 1996 forever...at least in my own mind...I embarked on a wilderness journey.  Never losing my faith or my desire to serve and make a difference, I continued to teach whenever possible and committed myself to working with youth, primarily because of my two sons who were entering their high school years.

Throughout my sandy walk in the desert of my self-imposed wilderness, I continued with my personal mission statement to "make a difference", although this difference was from my own understanding, attempts and desires. I did not lean upon the Spirit for any "other world" influence and guidance.

A few years back I heard the voice and movement of the Holy Spirit, perhaps, for the first time in my life. As my home church was shaken to her very core, divisiveness and discouragement became the common experience within our family of faith, I felt called for the first time in over a decade. I stood immediately and since that day our gracious and unquestionably humorous God has lead me to the place I am today.

A year ago I began entering into the promise land, leaving the desert behind. I began ministering full time and have been experiencing the graciousness of God on a daily basis. To this day, one year later, I wake up praising God and pinching myself to see if this is really a fabulous dream. Since this new beginning I have been searching my heart, asking God, why now? Why here? Why me? The book you recommended by Philip Yancey, "What's So Amazing about Grace" has provided me with many of the questions I have been asking.

From reading this book, I am now more aware of the direction my service to the Kingdom needs to take.  I have been moving in that direction over the past year, but I really did not have the words to adequately describe this new journey. I now see that my ministry must leadership in extending grace to a world that has no clue what grace is all about...not that I claim to have a good handle on it, but I certainly understand at this point that my thought process needs to be undergirded with a growing understanding and clarity of "What is so amazing about grace."

I have never been a man that desired to be led by God.  I was perfectly content with being a goof throughout my entire life (as you may well remember sharing classrooms with me). I now am a man with a mission, and by the grace of God, for however long God affords me the privilege to serve Him, I will work with passion and intensity to live, teach and preach within the light of God's amazing grace.

Brother, thank you for your excellent recommendation.