Random Ironic Thought

I just realized how ironic it was that I was elaborating on the beauty of the sunrise while, at the same time, watching “The Dark Knight”. #itsthelittlethingsthatmakemelaugh

“To The Ends of the Earth”

There’s just something about a sunrise to bring to mind a plethora of things to praise The Lord for, not the least of which is the realization that He created all that we see. Amazing!!!!

“Don’t Love the Sinner/Hate the Sin”

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1, 2 NIV)

Trapped in a Box

Paralyzed by people’s perceptions
overwhelmed by others’ needs
I try to find a way to please the masses
but find that the cost is too great
and the task too futile

I try to forge my own path
but find myself going in circles
I seek counsel from those I trust
but the words of the wise fall short
feeling as if they were meant for somebody other than me

I long to live my life in a body forged by Christ and filled with his spirit
but instead I feel sentenced to stay in this box–built by the expectations of others
I feel trapped in this confining casket where no one can

hear my voice

see my pain

know my thoughts

understand my heart

I am taunted and typecast by traditions

that presume to prescribe

how I should think

who I should be

what I should do

I am only allowed

one suit

one style

one shade

With a constricting collar that chokes and chafes
whenever I attempt to follow Christ in a new or creative way

But what if?

What if I stepped out of this box
and realized that it was of my own making?
What if to see more options
I simply need to turn on the light?
What if people accepted me just as I am?
As my Creator made me?
And helped me become all that God intended for me to be?

What if?

This particular poem I wrote recently out of the growing frustration that I have with wanting to please people and fit into the traditional pastoral persona while at the same time realizing that God has given me a unique personality along with creativity as a gift and so if that means doing things differently, why not?

“How?”

How?

How do you grieve
​ when your well’s run dry?
How can you mourn
​ when there’s no tear to moisten your eye?

How do you cry out
​ when you’re just too tired to talk?
How can you run to God
​when you’re too weak to even walk?

How do you find calm
​ when the storm it still surrounds?
How can you find peace
when chaos and confusion continue and compound?

How do you help others
when your own burdens seem too much to bear?
How can you show compassion
when your own cross consumes you too much to care?

How do you find comfort
​ when those you love are long lost gone?
How can you be joyful
​ when death’s dark sai has stolen your song?

​​​Selah

It is by remembering that death is but a shadow
​and a reminder of the son;
The one who weeps for us and fills our wells
and when we’re too tired and weary to us he runs.

When everything seems so out of control
​ he calms the stormy sea;
So that I can then comfort others
​ the way Christ will comfort me.

I wrote this about a year ago after a four month trial where I lost both of my parents, had surgery, was overwhelmed with stress, and had to take. sabbatical from the ministry. I’m thankful to say that the last stanza has come true in so many ways and that I am thankful God can use my hurts to help bring healing to others.

It’s About Hope Not Happiness

I know that this is a bit of an over generalization but often times I think people walk into church on any given Sunday wanting to hear a message that makes them happy about their current situation but needing to hear a message that makes them hopeful that they are not actually stuck in their current situation. It is then the preacher’s mission not to give the congregation what they want but what they need and in a way in which they will accept it.

Jesus was fantastic at this! With the Samaritan woman from John 4 she simply wanted well water (and to avoid having to talk about or be talked about her poor relationship choices) but Jesus gave her living water instead only after purposively exposing her failed efforts at happiness and wholeness in the past and offering her hope and a relationship that would last into the future.

People would rather have their actions lifestyles sins condoned rather than sit through a message feeling convicted about how they ended up in their current situation but that is not the pastor’s job (nor is it to judge from behind a pulpit). No, the pastor’s job (with Jesus as an example and his Spirit as the convicting agent) is to paint a word picture of what could be and should be according to God’s Word and then offering hope that no matter how different someone’s life currently looks that they can still change by entering into a relationship with Christ.

And, most importantly, offering themselves as a canvas in which God can exhibit the proof of a changed life–not perfect, but being perfected none the less.

“Hurtful Words”

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)

Listening to God’s Story

This past week I had a sermon all written out with a main theme and some some points but, after listening to the text over and over and over again on my iPhone while I commuted a couple of hours Friday and Saturday, I decided to forego my notes, forego sermon slides of my text, and forego a word for word reading (especially since it was 3 chapters) and simply share the story (of Samson) in a detailed but paraphrased form highlighting how God used the weaknesses of a very strong man to ultimately work His Will.

There are certainly times when reading, and even sitting in the text, are necessary but I think sometimes we need to hear it afresh and use our other senses and imagination when re-imagining or, on the pastor’s part, recounting it for others.

Sometime this week when you get a chance; whether listing on you iPod, iPhone, a DVD, off the Internet, or simply having someone read to you, listen to God’s Word and pray that you would hear Him speak the truth of these ancient words in a new way.