How to Treat Your Mugger

This is an amazing story. Click HERE to go to the NPR site and listen to the story, or you can read below -

This is Julio Diaz, a 31-year-old social worker who ended his hour-long subway commute to the Bronx one stop early, just so he can eat at his favorite diner.

But one night last month, as Diaz stepped off the No. 6 train and onto a nearly empty platform, his evening took an unexpected turn. He was walking toward the stairs when a teenage boy approached and pulled out a knife. He wants my money, so I just gave him my wallet and told him, 'Here you go,'" Diaz says. As the teen began to walk away, Diaz told him, "Hey, wait a minute. You forgot something.

If you're going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm."

The would-be robber looked at his would-be victim, "like what's going on here?"

Diaz says. "He asked me, 'Why are you doing this?'"

Diaz replied: "If you're willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you must really need the money. I mean, all I wanted to do was get dinner and if you really want to join me ... hey, you're more than welcome."

"You know, I just felt maybe he really needs help," Diaz says. Diaz says he and the teen went into the diner and sat in a booth.

"The manager comes by, the dishwashers come by, the waiters come by to say hi," Diaz says.

"The kid was like, 'You know everybody here. Do you own this place?'"

"No, I just eat here a lot," Diaz says he told the teen. "He says, 'But you're even nice to the dishwasher.'"

Diaz replied, "Well, haven't you been taught you should be nice to everybody?"

"Yea, but I didn't think people actually behaved that way," the teen said. Diaz asked him what he wanted out of life. "He just had almost a sad face," Diaz says.

The teen couldn't answer Diaz ??? or he didn't want to.

When the bill arrived, Diaz told the teen, "Look, I guess you're going to have to pay for this bill 'cause you have my money and I can't pay for this. So if you give me my wallet back, I'll gladly treat you." The teen "didn't even think about it" and returned the wallet, Diaz says. "I gave him $20 ... I figure maybe it'll help him. I don't know." Diaz says he asked for something in return ??? the teen's knife ??? "and he gave it to me."

Afterward, when Diaz told his mother what happened, she said, "You're the type of kid that if someone asked you for the time, you gave them your watch." "I figure, you know, if you treat people right, you can only hope that they treat you right. It's as simple as it gets in this complicated world."

Sonicflood

Wonderful conert and great intro for the boys. We had great seats, 4th row, just off center.

When it started Joshua and Zachary had these wonderful smiles on their faces. They played a number of worship songs, Here I am to Worship, Open the Eyes of my heart (we're singing it on Sunday), Famous One, Cry Holy, Lord of the Dance (the ending song and rockiest song), that one had everyone dancing.

This is a picture with Joshua and Zachary and band after the concert. The lead singer is with the blonde hair next to Zachary, and the drummer has his hand on Joshua's head.

It was just the right loudness level for Joshua and Zachary. I wish more people were there. This is a great praise music group.

concert

Tonight we are taking Joshua and Zachary to see their first Christian concert. We will listen to the group Sonicflood.


They have sung many classics, such as Cry Holy, Here I am to Worship and more. Should be a fun night for the boys to listen and worship in a new way. I am excited for me, but more for them, especially Joshua, he is really getting into music, and the louder and harder the better. He'll be our head banging Christian rocker.

Next on his list is Skillet.

Starbucks and Church

If you are a Starbucks fan, you may remember a few weeks ago all the Starbucks across North America closed shop for three and half hours in the evening.

Why? To hear from Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz via video about the companies need to get back to it's original vision. Next, the store managers spoke about several strategic changes that the stores would make to give the customer better and more personalized service. And the evening ended by re-training everyone at that Starbucks store. one comment I read about was a 19 year old barista saying, "It's really weird, I know that I really work at a fast food chain, but they made me believe that it really matters."

So here is my question: If we were to close all the churches across North America for three and half hours some Sunday morning, and we had the chance to vision-cast and re-train every Christ Follower, what would need to be said and what would you do?

Thursday fun

Needed to take time to spend with the boys on their spring break.

So, we went to Chuck E. Cheese to play games. Bring your child's report card and get 15 free tokens, that meant 30 free tokens for the boys. That's a good deal. Joshua and Zachary accumulated 178 tickets, they are saving for something special, not sure what, but they are saving and counting tickets.

Next it was on to Sights and Sounds and look at drum sets. We've been to Guitar Center, who has a bigger selection, but Joshua wanted to go, so it was part of the adventure. One cool thing was listening to the Christian music played overhead.

Then to the mall for a quick trip, which turned out to be an hour trip and time spent at the bookstore, along with a huge cookie for the boys. I did have a sample of a brownie (one bite) and it was fabulous.

Then we went to Texas Roadhouse. Good food, lots of peanuts, and full stomachs. I could only eat 4 ribs, I over did it, but didn't do what I would normally do.

Then a couple of quick stops before coming home.

Part of the treat for good behavior was play station time and the boys sleeping on their sleeping bags in Joshua's room.

What a fun night with the boys. They were fun to hang with.

It's almost midnight and time for things to wind down around here.

Weight Watching

Nope, I'm not joining WW. On Sunday I decided Monday was D-Day, yup you guessed it, diet day. My diet is pretty simple, I am not allowed to eat sweets, period. That is my downfall. I must drink at least 32 ounces of water, not coffee laden water, but water. I have been floating lately, and I'm hungry!!!!!!!! I want to eat, but I'm holding off, using restraint, prayer and self-discipline.

It was especially hard when I was visiting Beulah P. in the hospital. Someone had just brought her a basket of candy . . . I mean Peppermint Patties, 3 Musketeers, Butterfingers and more. I didn't take one. I was good. I'm trying to eat healthier along the way. It's amazing to realize how much junk one person can eat. I have given up my nightly cake and ice cream, that should be good for 1-2 pounds per week right there. But I have to beware of substituting something just as bad.

You would think afte 3 days I would have lost 5 pounds, but when I put my suit on today, it felt tighter than last week when I wore it for a funeral. That is discouraging. But I'm not giving up. The boys had pizza tonight, and I had 1/8 of one piece, basically one bite. Instead I had a ham and red onion omelet made with egg whites - - umh - - yummy!

So keep me in prayer about this effort. I had a pounding headache yesterday, probably because I have not had sweets. I'm better today.

Joy and Grief

Tonight I experienced both ends of the spectrum as a pastor, all at the same time. I was privileged to lead the funeral for Nathan Pool. Nate was 48, leaving behind 10 and 20 year old daughters, a wife, parents and one sister.

I had to do all I could to contain myself from just weeping. No, I did not know Nate, and in some respects I don't feel bad for Nate, he's in glory, but looking at his daughters sobbing, along with his wife and parents, just broke my heart. It's one of the aspects of my calling I don't like. Last weeks two funerals for a 93 and 96 year old are okay, that's the way it's supposed to be.

I could not help but picture Joshua and Zachary sitting in the front row. Makes me want to take better care of myself, so I can stick around a lot longer. Read the next post for more on that one.

The joy is eternal life for Nate, the grief is picking up the pieces and carrying on.

So, pray for this family, pray for the girls who will miss their daddy. Nate's mom has been attending FBC for the past two months. Keep the Pool family in prayer.

NCAA

Well, as the men move into the final 16, I still have 8 teams left, and all four of my final four teams are alive. Not that I am a big North Carolina fan, they are the team to beat.

As for the women, sorry Purdue fans, Tennessee is too tough for just about anyone. It's between them and U Conn. I see Tennessee playing Stanford; and LSU against U Conn in the semis and Pat Summit winning another title. Sorry Geno.

UnChristian Quote

A quote from the book UnChristian (it's about why the 20-35 y/o generation is not enthused with the church) -

"The real problem comes when we recognize God’s holiness but fail to articulate the other side of his character: grace. Jesus represents truth plus grace (see John 1:14). Embracing truth without holding grace in tension leads to harsh legalism, just as grace without truth devolves to compromise. Still, the important insight based on our research is that Mosaics and Busters rarely see Christians who embody service, compassion, humility, forgiveness, patience, kindness, peace, joy, goodness, and love."

That's quite a statement about the church. Why is this the case.

I spoke with a family today, who are grieving the death of their son, and because they left their former church, nobody from that church would call to offer condolences. Not only will I offer hope for their son's loss, but for the loss of friends ("Christian" friends no less). My funeral message will be one of hope. Because we have hope through Christ.

Is that how the world sees us? We need to examine ourselves to make sure we represent Christ with honor, glory and respect.

Anne Rice Interview

You may have heard of Anne Rice, a prolific author who has written extensively about vampires. Anne was an atheist, and in 1996, she became a Christian and has dramatically changed her writing style and subject matter. She was interviewed by Time Magazine and people asked her questions, her responses are enlightening. While I don't agree with all of her theology, many of her comments are thought provoking. Click this LINK to take you to the article.

Post Easter Thoughts

You will read this in the newsletter, but I wanted to put this out there for all to read, so here are my thoughts on the day after Easter ~

What a wonderful day Easter was! The celebration, the joy, the expectancy, it was all there. Yet, as I write this article, it is the next day. Jesus has risen, okay, . . . now what?! I say that not to be sacrilegious, but I believe this is how we approach most of life. That was yesterday’s news, what is today’s news? Today’s news is the same as yesterday’s . . . Jesus has risen!!!

We need to incorporate that into our everyday living. It needs to pervade our everyday prayers. Without this thought process, where does our hope reside? This morning I was reading in my devotional The Christian in Complete Armour: Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare by William Gurnall (a 17th century pastor) about the temptations satan lays before us, and how we so easily succumb to his temporary pleasures and offerings.

Gurnall ends the March 24 reading stating, “Would it not be wise, before you barter with the devil, to ask if his promises come with a warranty? Can he secure the bargain and keep you from a lawsuit with God? Can he guarantee that when you die you will not be left destitute in another world? Let the buyer be warned. Time will show how satan has cheated you. Yet the sinner says, “Oh, but I have already begun to collect on the pleasures he offers, I am enjoying them right now, and I would have to wait until heaven for most of the things Christ promises.”

It is the last line which we so easily accept. Christ has promised us the world, right now. It does not always come easy, it is the more difficult road, but it is the road which leads us to permanent and everlasting joy, peace, love, contentment IN THIS LIFE and in the life to come. Why do we think we need to wait to experience all Christ has to offer us? It’s there, it’s available for us today, we need to believe it.

So, do we? Do we believe in the life Christ offers us today?! Or are we just giving lip service to Christ, hoping we have our heavenly tickets punched, so we live and accept the muck and mire of life, just to get to a better place. How then does the world see you as a Christian? Do they see the joy of Christ in you? Are you the light of the world, the salt of the earth?

Dear friends, let’s journey together and embrace the good life, no, the great life Christ offers us, here, yes, here, in Northeast Madison County, as we serve the only Savior, our Lord and Risen Savior, Jesus the Christ!!

Sunday Night Reflections

I must say, I am exhausted.

I thought all aspects of worship went really well today. The choir did great, the kids sang, and I even preached a little. From all I heard, people were moved by the worship. I also believe it was the right length of time. Not tooooooo long, not too short, but just right.

Kudos to all.

Tonight will be early to bed. I've already been working on next Sunday's sermon on Fellowship, while the boys watched a movie.

Have a week where you really share Christ's love with the world!! Let the world see Jesus in action.

Haircut city

The Deutsch boys got their haircut today, and by the time I left, the woman who cut my hair said she and her daughters would be at church on Sunday. How cool!!

Remember, there will be many, many guests, ignore, that's right, ignore your old friends, and greet these newcomers. Help them to feel welcome.

They say the first 7 minutes make the difference before worship, and the first 3 minutes after worship.

Let's greet our guests and help them to really experience the love of Jesus.

Easter Candy

Well, one person came closest, one person guessed $1.9 billion spent on Easter candy.

Can you imagine spending that kind of money? Especially in our economy!!!

Good Friday Worship

What a rockin' Good Friday worship. WOW!!

Seemed that all the pastors who were there were hitting on all cylinders. It was a great time of worship as we celebrated the sadness, yet hope of the cross. Damon started us off with great words of welcome to all. Doug led singing, Bob S. and Beth sang solos, Marilyn and Beth played organ and piano, respectively, and I preached.

What great fun to hear the people "amening" comments. I need to make a tape of that and hit the "Amen button" when I say something I like.

Overall, a wonderful time of worship. Makes me look forward to Sunday.

Matthew 23

The Seven Woes

• WOE 1 - (23:13) Addressed to the teachers and Pharisees. Read the preceding verses and you realize everything they did was for show. How about us, do we make sure others know about our good deeds, or do we know God knows and that is what counts?
• WOE 2 (23:15) Follows the same vein of thought. When someone became a convert, they became a slave of the Pharisees. They made that person's life a living hell. The call is to encourage and mentor, not demean and discourage.
• WOE 3 - (23:16) The Pharisees based much of what they did and taught according to money. Why do you think Jesus taught so much about money and possessions. What controls us? What is our god?
• WOE 4 (23:23) Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, if we give away all of our money, but do not have love, we gain nothing and in essence we are nothing. Jesus' point is that the Pharisees were giving a tenth of spices, but what was more important was giving to those who had the real needs. I love his metaphor, "You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel."
• WOE 5 (23:25) Jesus is really referring to what is in our hearts. We can look all nice and pretty on the outside, but what is inside of us, our heart, is what will defile us.
• WOE 6 (23:27) Basically a repeat of WOE 5. On the outside we look great, we say all of the right things, we impress people, but our hearts are full of anger, bitterness, conceit, etc.
• WOE 7 (23:29) They proclaim how wonderful they are, they would have been better than the prophets of old, they have all of the answers, yet Jesus says, their testimony is really a self-condemnation. The blood of the saints will be upon them.

• Jesus concludes by saying 37"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. 38Look, your house is left to you desolate. 39For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'" Jesus is foretelling His death and what His heart longs for when it comes to Jerusalem - Jesus wants to save the people, just as a mother hen protects her young. He wants to do the same for you and I, as well.

NCAA

Sure glad I didn't have Duke to go all the way. They got lucky, felt sorry for Belmont.

I have two wrong so far, USC and Kent State lost. Otherwise all is well for tonight.

Long day

Hey Folks -

I said I would get to Matthew 23 ' the 7 woes' but I am bushed. After a funeral and trip to see a member who is on hospice, digging a piece of wall out of my thumb (yup, playing basketball with Joshua in the hallway, I hit the wall and lodged a piece of the wall, a paint nugget in my thumb tip).

I'll do it in the morning. Right now I'm getting ready for the Good Friday worship.

Good job Marilyn and all who worked on the Maundy Thursday service. Lots of creativitiy!!

Easter Candy

How much money do Americans spend for Easter Candy?

NCAA - Mens

FINAL FOUR -

UNC
KU
Tex
UCLA

UNC vs. UCLA in semis

UNC 78 - UCLA 75

Womens to come later. I need to do more careful analysis :-)

BHAG

What are BHAG's?!

Do you have them? Why don't you? You should and I should?

Most don't have them.

Our church needs them, and it will change us forever and ever.

Click on the word BHAG and read the definition.

Super Nanny

Got done watching the Super Nanny a little while ago, and I told Debbie, the reason we watch is to help us feel our kids are amazingly well behaved.

I wonder if Super Nanny ever really lets her hair down and gets a little wild? She's so prim and proper on the show, there's got to be another side of her . . . I think!

If she could go to every troubled family that wants help, she'd put the pharmaceuticals out of business.

NCAA Tournament

Hey all - It's time to pick your winners. Who is going to win the men's and women's NCAA tournaments. Get your picks in now. If you pick the winners in both categories, I buy you dinner! Let's have some fun with this one. I'll post mine tomorrow morning. You will note the time they are posted, so it will not be after Thursday night's games.

By the way, this weekend is my favorite weekend of sports - 32 basketball games Thursday and Friday and 16 more on Saturday and Sunday, and there will be a few upsets along the way.



Happy picking!!

Easter Reflections

Reflections from my Bible reading this week ~

Matthew 21:13 - may God look at our church according to the former, not the latter. . .
Matthew 21:14 - and may this be what happens in our church. . . to the glory of God.
Matthew 21:19 - May my tree and yours prosper, not wither.
Matthew 21:21-22 - Can you imagine having this power in prayer?! It’s there and available, so why don’t we have it?
Matthew 21:24 - I love the way Jesus answered questions with questions. There is a leadership principle there.
Matthew 21:44 - Have we really fallen on the stone and been broken to the point of repentance and true faith in Jesus?
Matthew 22:3, 5- when invited to the feast of Christ, do we make excuses to not attend.
Matthew 22:14 - and when we attend, how prepared are we? If not, the image of what happens is very sobering.
Matthew 22:46 - After taking question after question, they finally stopped, because the wisdom of Jesus far surpassed what the enemies could imagine. May we gain the wisdom of Christ for our lives.

Tomorrow - we look at what is called the “Seven Woes" from Matthew 23.

Doctoral update

Last week I received a photocopy of the first 60 pages with a great deal pencil markings. They not only review your work for content, but for spacing, headings, margins, quotations, references, etc., etc., etc., Everything has to be exact. We are supposed to use a book by Kate Turabian, which is a handbook for writing major projects, theses and dissertations. Trinity also has their handbook. I tried to follow the Trinity way, but missed some points. You can also hire people to proofread and correct punctuation, etc. I am leaning in that direction since I don't want to put Debbie on the hook and I do not pay enough attention to the details. I will be emailing the two main readers to inquire about cost, etc.

I also spoke to my main reader for 30 minutes on Saturday morning to review his comments. There were 17 main comments or criticisms for me to correct / revise. Most were not to major, some had much more meat to them. So, we spent the time going over 4 main areas, one of which I had no clue where he was coming from, until he commented about a different book I didn't read and of course do not have by Dallas Willard. So, I will have to get it so I can interact about the Sermon on the Mount vs. Romans 6 as being the locus of sanctification. Most of his comments centered on sanctification, and our view of it, especially as it relates to 'forensic justification.'

Overall, I am more pleased than displeased with how it is going. The next month will be crucial as I revise and continue writing. I am hoping for an end of May submission of the entire project. This way, I can make further revisions and he feels I would be ready for my oral exams in the summer, as opposed to the fall. It makes my stomach tingle to think about the oral exams. Being grilled for 2 hours, not only over Spiritual Disicplines, but over the theology - past and present which has shaped our understanding of the disciplines is a little daunting. But, I am becoming more and more psyched about it.

Remember to keep me in prayer about this.

Sunday Reflections

Fasting is not the most popular subject, but I heard some positive comments about God's call for us to fast.

Some said my pictures of food was very enticing and they left church hungrier than ever. It's amazing to think about the power food has over us. Even dark chocolate proclaims health benefits having antioxidants. I guess I'll go have a candy bar to hold off that oncoming cold.

I am sure Doug was glad to get day 1 under his belt. It's great to have him onboard, leading music and helping set up visitation and assimilation plans. It was cool to see Doug's passion leading worship singing. I look forward to his ideas and visions for worship. We think alike, but come at things differently, so we should stretch each other, which ultimately helps the church.

It's also been fun to sit and talk with Damon and Doug on some mornings, catching up with ideas, dreams and visions for the church and our personal lives.

Wondering why Easter is Early

Happy Day after Palm Sunday,

Have you ever wondered why Easter is sometimes in March, and then the next year might be at the end of April? I did a little research here, and it turns out that you can blame Pope Gregory the 13th. Greg, and a couple of his buddies (Lilius and Clavius), decided the current method 424 years ago.

Evidently, the aim of the Easter Dating Method is to maintain, for each Easter Sunday, the same season of the year and the same relationship to the preceding astronomical full moon that occurred at the time of Jesus' resurrection in 30 A.D. A good goal, but very confusing. Maybe we can contact the current pope and suggest that Easter always be celebrated on the first Sunday in April.

Until that happens, you'll be glad to know that there are limits. Easter can never be before March 22 or after April 25. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives, since it won't happen again for another 220 years. Oh, and the last time it was this early was 1913.

Here are the dates for Easter for the next four years...

• 2009 - April 12
• 2010 - April 4
• 2011 - April 24
• 2012 - April 8

You can also learn how to calculate the upcoming Easters with a calculator and really impress your friends.

Fasting - Part 1

This Sunday we will take a look at the Spiritual Disicpline of Fasting. It's the least practiced discipline, especially in a world where we super-size everything. So, with that in mind, some thoughts and questions to consider ~ ~ ~ ~

Do you ever schedule your day around eating?
Have you ever left an event or gathering to fulfill an urge for food?
Are you more likely to attend an event where there is free food?
Are you more likely to attend a pitch in, church dinner, or an hour of prayer at church?

Church bulletin bloopers you can find was the following National Prayer and Fasting Conference announcement: "The cost to attend the Prayer and Fasting Conference includes meals."

Ask yourself these questions ------
Do you ever eat or drink to calm your nerves?
Do you ever eat or drink to alleviate fear?
Do you eat or drink for comfort?
Do you eat or drink to find joy?
Do you ever look to food in order to feel better about your day or life?
Do you ever eat, even when you are not hungry?

How would you answer these questions?!?!?!?!

Weekend thoughts

I wanted to go back to last Saturday for a moment. There was a breakfast at our church on Saturday which featured a great deal of praying and a speaker named Kojak Fuller. Kojak was a former Mr. Indiana bastketball player who ended up in prison due to poor choices and since his imprisonment has come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

There was singing, a great deal of praying for the community, schools, pastors, along with a number of men rededicating their lives to Christ. It was a time of worship and celebration. Something which is needed on a regular basis as we hopefully band together as brothers and sisters in Christ to win our community to Christ.

I liked the praise teams song "Breathe." It's one of my favorite meditation songs, a great call for each of us to be desperate for God, for He is the air we breathe.

Thank you to Kevin Thompson for his filling in after Ernie's retirement, leading choir and worship. Also, thanks to Kevin for his strength to hold me up when I jumped on him at worship. I was just trying to jump up to match his height, I didn't expect him to catch me and hold me.

Remember this Sunday we talk about Fasting. It's a good week to talk about it, since we are entering Holy week. Have you ever fasted? There are many different styles of fasting, which we will talk about on Sunday and in the study guides.

Cool Prayer

A member of our church called me today and asked me how they could pray for me.

WOW!!! May I say it again . . . WOW!!!

Thank you for asking. Please pray for me and my family.

I'll blog later about ways to pray for your pastor.

Bill Kapoun information

A Fund Raising Spaghetti Dinner will be held Saturday, March 15, 2008 4:30-6:30.
Zimmer Hall, St. Mary’s Church, Alexandria, IN

Early morning on Feb. 24, 2008 Dan & Judy Kapoun who are members of St. Mary's parish Alexandria, IN, received the ultimate nightmare, a telephone call informing them that one of their children had been the victim of a tragic fire. William "Bill" Kapoun an English teacher of 14 months in Seoul, S. Korea has burns covering 64% of his body from a fire while sleeping at his apartment. He is now fighting for his life, facing many surgeries and a lengthy recovery.

Dan & Judy's financial situation is no more promising. They have left four children, an exchange student, and Judy's mother who is undergoing cancer treatment at home. Along with Bill's accumulating medical expenses Dan & Judy are off work while taking care of their son in S. Korea. Money is needed to get Bill back to the United States and the medical care he needs. Donations can be sent to:

Help Bill Fund,

St. Mary's Church

820 W. Madison St.

Alexandria, IN 46001.

Please make checks out to "Help Bill Fund"

Bill attended St. Mary’s School, Graduated from Alexandria High School and Indiana University with double Bachelor’s degree in History and Economics.

The Mission

Anyone have a copy of the movie, "The Mission" I could borrow?

Michael

Confession Quote

This Sunday we will be taking a look at the Spiritual Discipline of Confession. Below is a wonderful quote from martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer from his book "Life Together" ---

"Many Christians are unthinkably horrified when a real sinner is suddenly discovered among the righteous. So we remain alone with our sin, living in lies and hypocrisy . . . He who is alone with his sins is utterly alone."

Prayer Methods

From the Sunday evening worship. Here are some prayer methods ~
Please ask if you have any questions on any of these. I went into detail on them, but for the sake of space will not, since I didn't write out all my info.

• Five fingers of of Prayer
  Praise (for who God is)
  Thanksgiving (for what God has done)
  Confession (of our sin)
  Petition (requests for ourselves)
  Intercession (praying for others)
• Simple Prayers
  We bring ourselves before God just as we are, warts and all.
  We do not try to sort out the good from the bad.
  We simply talk to God about our lives, the good and the bad.
• Flash Prayers
  When meeting people, ‘flash’ prayers at them. Ask God to give them joy, to experience God’s forgiveness, help them to feel tapped on the shoulder and told "I love you" by God.
• Meditation Prayers
  Read Scripture and meditate upon what you have read. Consider what God is saying to you. Ask God about what you have read. Now personalize the passage as you consider its impact upon your life and use the passage as a means of prayer.
• Breath prayers (using breathing techniques)
  "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
  This is an ancient prayer started around the 1300's.
  Can be confused with Eastern or New Age meditation.
  Breathe in "Abba," breathe out "I belong to you."
  Breathe in "Jesus," breathe out "restore my soul."
• Scripture Prayers
  Read the Scripture and use it as a guide to pray. For example -
• Colossians 3:12-14
• Philippians 4:13
• Ephesians 6:11-18
• Acronym Prayers
  Praise - Repent - Ask - Yield PRAY
  Adoration - Confession - Thanksgiving - Supplication ACTS

Other ways to learn more about prayer would include

• Listening closely to others as they pray and learn from them
• Ask someone about their prayer life and how they approach God.
• Read books by people who have been known historically as prayer warriors. For example, Andrew Murray, Thomas Merton, E.M. Bounds, Brother Lawrence, Teresa of Avila, to name a few.

I hope this is helpful for you.

Spiritual Renewal

Our church is supposed to host a Spiritual renewal seminar tomorrow for the region and I have a feeling it may not come off. So, just keep the seminar, those driving and planning, etc. including some of our folks who are supposed to cook . . . in your prayers.

I hope the seminar comes off, the speakers are good, I have heard of them and think it will be a good day for those who attend. It is about spiritual renewal for pastors. Something pastors sometimes neglect as they do the busy work in the church.

It's a good reminder, we all need spiritual renewal.

Remember to pray Ephesians 6:11-18. It has become a daily prayer for me.

Election Central

Here's an election joke a friend sent me . . .
. . . Enjoy it.

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in," says the man.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the senator.

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.

"Now it's time to visit heaven."

So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.
Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.

He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning . . .
. . . Today you voted.”

Comfort Zones

It is always great to hear about people, churches and organizations that are stepping out in faith to achieve things that most people would think were impossible. In the last couple of weeks, I’ve found numerous examples of people jumping way out of the ‘comfort zone’ to attempt huge things for the Kingdom. Here are a couple that come to mind ~

Liberty University recently announced an initiative to plant 500 new churches in the next five years. Imagine 500 brand new churches, with fresh vision and vitality to help a world desparately in need of Jesus to experience Jesus in new and fresh ways!

On the other coast, Pastor John Bishop and Living Hope Church in Vancouver, WA recently announced plans to start six brand new campuses ON EASTER. That’s six brand new churches starting on one day! (Living Hope already maxes out SEVEN weekend services at their main campus). This God-sized vision will become a reality in the next few weeks. . . and many people will come to faith!

Naperville Community Church started two new multi-site churches yesterday, with a total attendance being about 1100 at the two services combined.

What have you and I done that caused us to step out of our comfort zone lately? I love this quote from Perry Noble, pastor of one of the fastest growing churches in the US: “God couldn’t give a RIP about your comfort–He simply wants you to be obedient, and at times that means facing things head on that scare you and completely take you out of your comfort zone.”

Has God given you a dream that scares you to death. (I hope so!) Maybe you’ve been staying in your comfort zone for too long. Maybe God doesn’t want you to start 500 hcurches in five years; or six new campuses in one day . . .

. . . but what DOES he want you to do?

Pastor Michael

Sunday Night Reflections

I have had a number of positive comments about the Spiritual Discipline series. I am still trying to figure out how I am going to follow it up. Keep me in prayer on that one.

We had a better than usual crowd for Sunday night, maybe the teaser about ganing more prayer methods helped. Which is really all we spoke about tonight. I'll blog all the items we spoke about tomorrow, if I remember.

I sensed people more into the singing today,not sure of the reasoning, but glad it was out there. Maybe warmer weather has something to do with it. The song "In the Secret" was a good fit for today.

Remember to keep Pastor Doug and family in prayer as he plans to arrive on March 10 and as they seek housing. Later this week I'll send some thoughts about our next topic, which is confession, then fasting.

Until then, blessings to all!!

Sleeping in Alexandria

I am going to attempt to go to bed a little earlier tonight, and I am bummed about it. Next Saturday is the men of valor breakfast at FBC at 7:30 am. Yes, that is 7:30 am. Way toooooooo early for a Saturday morning. I don't care who is cooking, it's toooooo early, did I say tooooooo early, I hope you get the drift.

Then to make matters worse, Sunday we move the clocks forward, so I lose another hour of sleep. Somewhere along the way, God has a sense of humor and it is directed at me next weekend. So. . . I am preparing the way by writing my lament, maybe it will become a psalm. So, I will try to go to sleep earlier tonight. Last night was a long night, I tossed and turned a lot, too much on my heart, soul and mind.

Thanks for listening.

Forbidden or Unforbidden

There was an error message on all feedblitz accounts last night.

I don't think it should be on today. So, this is a test run. Hopefully we are now unforbidden, unless of course you are thinking of doing something which is . . . .

forbidden.

P.M.

Concert Review

Great concert!! If you like loud, deafening music with loads of bass and tons of energy, this concert was for you.

The night started out with Matthew West singing as his one man band. He was good, but mellow and had the crowd as his back up singers and band. He has a couple of pretty popular contemporary songs out.

Then Jeremy Camp came on stage and spoke about the purpose of the tour and how he and Tobymac are co-headliners and they flip a coin to see who goes first each night.

As a result, Jeremy introduced us to Tobymac.

All I could say was WOW!! Amazing energy. Tobymac has some great songs, lots of rap, even though I couldn't understand most words, the beat and the energy were great. I don't think we sat down for the hour plus that they sang. They ended with Made to Love and Love is in the House, along with singing old time songs, such as We are Family, and more. The crowd was very into them.

After a 20 minute break Jeremy Camp came on starting with his new hit "Give you Glory." I didn't expect as much energy from Jeremy as he had. Amazingly Toby is 43 and Jeremy is 30. I enjoyed Jeremy more than I thought I would. His dad is a pastor in Lafayette and came on and played the harmonica during a jam session. Jeremy also spoke about his wife's death of cancer when she was 21. That had the crowd sitting while he spoke, then it was back on your feet for the ending, "Give me Jesus" along with guest singer Ben Utecht of the Colts.

Excellent concert and night. We now have Joshua and Zachary hooked on some rockin' rap and hip-hop from Tobymac.

I'm ready for the next concert.

Prayer quote

Walter Wannegrin wrote in "Whole Prayer"

"God is alive. He participates in conversation. His yearning is to be heard, as well as to hear, to lead, to explain, to console, to solve, and resolve not only our problems but our very selves, to satisfy not only the petty hungers we can name, but the deeper hungers only a Holy Father can identify."

That's a good view of prayer.

Comments

Since not everyone sees the comments section, and since I received 2 comments, and my response is below -

Indy writer said...What about giving the kids more opportunities to serve others? Most little kids are pretty generous souls. If we could give them more ways to serve others, and more ways to be directly involved (as opposed to just bringing x in and dropping it in a box). If they can be a part of something and see how it helps, that might keep them involved more (and consequently also get to the parents).

Many schools run food drives and collect pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, but the problem is that either the campaign is short or it never ends. I think what's missing is the connection of each student to the recipients.

Indywriter said...And what about the Angel Food ministry. We might be able to reach some people through that. I think that the more you can get someone through the door, the more chance you have of getting to their heart. Maybe someone will come to feed their body, but return to feed their soul.

Pastor Michael said...Hey Indy - I like what you are saying. If you get the kids involved, there is a greater ownership at stake. There has been a greater emphasis of kids acting as tutors and peer mentors for other kids, which is good. Also, the Angel Food ministry would be a huge help in our community and I want to do it. I really think it is the right thing to do, I just need people who believe in this type of ministry. Even as a test pilot within our own church, see what we think and get the kinks out before we go public. It would help many, many people save money and help them see the church as relevant as opposed to the church as the 'enemy.'

I believe these conversations are what is needed, even if we have just a few folks willing to start, we will see a difference in lives and we will also see others joining because they see the passion and commitment. Besides this, others will join who are not part of the church simply because they believe in helping and mentoring.

Thanks for the comments.

Pastor Michael'

3:21 PM

Prayer

I will send out a prayer thought tomorrow, here are some quotes to ponder -

Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays. ~Søren Kierkegaard

No one is a firmer believer in the power of prayer than the devil; not that he practices it, but he suffers from it. ~Guy H. King

The value of consistent prayer is not that He will hear us, but that we will hear Him. ~William McGill

Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things. ~Samuel M. Shoemaker

We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. ~Oswald Chambers

When at night you cannot sleep, talk to the Shepherd and stop counting sheep. ~ Unknown

Prayer is not merely an occasional impulse to which we respond when we are in trouble: prayer is a life attitude. ~Walter A. Mueller

When you pray, rather let your heart be without words than your words without heart. ~John Bunyan

Mentoring

I spoke about some statistics I read about today.

The fastest growing religions in the US are as follows

• Agnostics ~ 700%
• Atheists ~ 220%
• Buddhism ~ 70%
• Muslim (Islam) ~ 33%
• Protestants ~ -5%

Yes, that is a negative 5% growth rate. What is that about and how do we turn it around? I spoke to the Bible Study group about this and how we can help the schools in Alexandria to improve. There are wonderful dedicated teachers, but we have parents who don't care, which trickles down to the kids.

I believe this is also biblical as the reason for the early church's growth was the local mission work of the apostles. They made a huge difference in the world around them. That is part of our call, as well.

So, how do we change this culture and help mentor the kids, who then mentor the parents, and we help mentor them? I am convinced we need to be in the front lines making this happen. How? I'm not sure, but in talking with Jim Willey (superintendent), the schools want our help.

Suggestions, anyone? I'll keep you posted as I meet with Willey again next week.

Made to Love

Oh yeah . . . I'm getting psyched for tomorrow night.

Matthew West
Jeremy Camp
Tobymac

Gonna be a rockin' good time at Conseco.

Of course, I'll probably be the old man there, but hey, we only live once, so enjoy it.

Made to Love is one of my favorites by Tobymac.

More School!

I received an email from the doctoral secretary offering me free advice (gulp). She said the main reader has reviewed my first two chapters and she seemed encouraged (that's the good news), the bad news was her comment that I need to address all 17 of his comments, he expects it, I think he demands it.

I have not yet received his email with his comments, but I am sure I will have lots of questions from his questions. So, it will be back to work on revising and then adding to it.

There was one other piece of good news, I think, she said they want the dissertation to be no longer than 250 pages, whew!! That's a relief, I thought I could try to write it as long as Dostoevsky's "The Idiot." Hey that title applies.

Anyway, I'll keep you posted after I receive his email and digest it.

SCHOOL!!

Last Friday Debbie and I met with Mr. Willey, the superintendent to discuss some concerns and offer our help. Well, we were put to work. We believe if you have a complaint or a concern, you should be willing to be part of the solution, if not, then stop talking, because then you become a whiner.

There was an adisory board meeting tonight and we were invited. There was Mr. Willey, Ms. Schmidt - Intermediate School Principal; Mr. Regenold - high school principal; 2 teachers; a board member, a consultant and a county educator and us. At times the meeting became pretty intense. It was fun and very educational, sadly we were the only two parents in attendance.

I can see so many ways our church and the churches of Alexandria can make a difference . . . if we want. And I hope we want to. There are great ministry / servanthood possibilities here. This is our community, we can leave it as is, or we can work at making it better, always with an eye on the future.

I'll talk more about it on Wednesday at Bible Study and blog more about it as I get my head wrapped around the information. We met from 6:30 - 8:45. I'll keep you posted.

Sunday Reflections

I really had to push myself in worship yesterday. It was a great learning tool for me. I was frustrated that the power point was off. It was nobody's fault, just the computer did not default to the proper setting. Not sure why. But it happened, and it frustrated me, we had guests and I wanted us to look our best, but in the middle of my pity party, God smacked me on the head and reminded me of what worship is about . . . Him!!!!!!!!! Duh. I think I heard something about that yesterday. So, I got my act together and was able to cruise along and worship.

Everyone did a great job during worship. I like the edge Eric had to the power point. The songs fit in with the theme, as well.

With many new guests, I hope they had a chance to meet the people and feel welcomed.

It's amazing that Sunday night (each Sunday I continue the theme started in the morning) I spoke for about 45 more minutes about worship. It's a conversation which could be never ending. It was a good time together. I really wish more people would come at night, it's a shame there are only about 35 people coming in the evening. The more the better our interaction.

Be ready for Sunday, we'll talk about prayer. Now, we can go on with that one for an hour or two.

I WON!! I WON!!

Hey amazing what happened this morning. I was reading and decided to turn on the radio to WQME and listen to some Christian music. As a Chris Tomlin song was ending the DJ said the 3rd caller wins tickets to see TobyMac, Jeremy Camp and Matthew West on Thursday night. I thought, 'why not call.' I was caller number 1, I then thought, no way I win, but I'll try one more time, to which there was no line on my end. I rehit the button, called again and was caller number 3, to which I send "Fantastic!"

So, Debbie and I are planning on a night out to listen to these three great Christian groups at Conseco Fieldhouse. I picked up the tickets this afternoon and also received the newest CD's from each artist, along with the tickets.

This definitely put me in a good mood!!

Worship thought

When we consider how we relate to God, is it with only certain faculties, i.e., when Jesus commands us to Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, and with all of your soul, and with all of your mind and with all of your body (Mark 12:30), what does that mean in terms of our approach to worship?

Do you worship God with your heart, soul, mind and body?

Do you worship God with ALL of your heart, soul, mind and body . . . or just some of it? What would happen if we gave 100%? I interpret all as meaning 100%.

Are there parts you are leaving out?

Yes, you can connect to God with one aspect of your created being, but what if all of you was involved in the act of worship, what would happen?

Remember, worship involves our whole being.

Addendum - none of this is to say you don't do this, just thinking out loud and blogging it.

Worship Post

To start with, read the prior two posts today, at least the one titled "Prayer" first, then read this one.

As I mentioned in the previous blog, everyday this week I will try to send a thought provoking reading about worship.

This comes from Richard Foster's "Celebration of Discipline."

"Worship is our response to the overtures of love from the heart of the Father. Its central reality is found in "spirit and in truth." It is kindled within us only when the Spirit of God touches our human spirit. Forms and rituals do not produce worship, nor does the disuse of forms and rituals. We can use all the right techniques and methods, we can have the best possible liturgy, but we have not worshiped the Lord until Spirit touches spirit. . . Our spirit must be ignited by the divine fire. . . When Spirit touches spirit the issue of forms is wholly secondary."

What a great statement about worship. True worship, according to Foster occurs when the Spirit of God touches our spirit, and our spirit is ignited by the divine fire (Spirit) and when that happens, form and ritual no longer matter, what matters is coming before the glory of God (Shekinah).

Is your heart ignited by the divine fire of the Holy Spirit?
Will you open your heart so that it may be ignited by the divine fire?

Prayers

I wanted to make a request, it's ironic, actually, a God thing, from the previous post. You see, what has been on my heart more and more is a call for our renewal in Christ. Not that we have fallen away from Jesus, sometimes we get stuck in our comfortable ruts and we need a push or a firm, but gentle shove forward.

I would like for everyone to be praying for our church to be open to the Spirit of God this Sunday. I am preaching on Worship, and I really, really believe this has the makings of a powerful worship experience for us. From the music to the Word to my word to the fellowship, etc. I will be sending a daily reading from some of the books I am reading, some will be a sentence, others will be a paragraph or two about worship. Some you will hear on Sunday, some may not make the final cut for Sunday morning.

This is what I want you to specifically pray for - and I believe in very specific prayer . . .

• We prepare ourselves for worship on Friday and Saturday.
• Read Psalms of Praise and Worship.
• Listen to worshipful music.
• Pray for the Spirit of God to overwhelm us.
• Pray for me, pray for Kevin as he leads the choir, for the choir, for the praise team, for Jennifer with Hoops, pray for the ushers, pray for those who have not yet entered our doors to worship.
• Pray for people to come and not know why they came to FBC.
  
• You enter the church with expectancy.
• That is, you expect something to happen which is of God.
• You enter the sanctuary prayerfully and joyfully.
• You look around you and you offer yourself as a holy sacrifice in the act of worship.
• You do everything in your power to keep your heart, spirit, mind and body alert and in tune with the Holy Spirit.
• You pray for others you see. Ask God to give them openness to His divine working.

As you can tell, I am expecting something to happen, something of God, this Sunday, come and expect to give of yourselves and I know we will blow this place away as we experience His Spirit.

God's Movement

Since working on Spiritual Disciplines, reading, studying and writing, I have been questioning where I am at in my relationship with God and what my responsibilities should be. These thoughts will be life long thoughts, musings, ponderings . . .

Yet, over the past two days, God has done something that has not happened as often as I would like and have questioned it, and wala there was God at work.

Last night (Monday) one of the football coaches from Joshua's league approached me and we had a great conversation, about his family, life situation and faith/church. More time was spent on church and his searching, along with his family. It was a wonderful time to talk to another person about life and faith, while sitting in the bleachers watching his son, Joshua, Zachary and a bunch of other boys practice baseball. It was invigorating and renewing.

Today, a man walked into church, not wanting money, food or anything tangible. He was after a heart relationship with Jesus. He did not articulate . . . those were my words to him. He really spoke of a lifeless journey in life for a long time and needed to change. Someone (thank you) referred him to me. Fortunately, God put the right words in my mouth and I hope he heard well enough. I could sense God's Spirit here in my little office, and we prayed together for Him to accept Christ in His heart, to let go of the past, and move into a future God has planned for him.

Two renewing encounters with men who are searching and hopefully finding Christ.

Doctoral Update

I can't believe I didn't post this, I thought I did. Must be a brain cramp.

Last Wednesday, I mailed in my first 2 chapters of my doctoral project. I had 98 pages typed, a 3 page outline of what is to come next, and a 5 page Reference List (bibliography). Now I have to sit and wait for my readers to disect my writings and tell me what to delete, what to add, what to change . . . oh whatever! Glad that part is over, now a couple of days to hang out, then I plan to start writing again, so I can get a head start on what is coming up in March and April.

Thanks so much for all of the prayers, keep them coming!!

Sunday Reflections

I really enjoyed, no, more than enjoy, was really helped by the words to Word of God, Speak. What great words to this song, especially over the past two weeks as we spoke about Christian Meditation and Silence and Solitude. Great song and great job all.

I must say, I wish I had more power over the weather. It seems every Sunday it is rainy, cold (freezing cold), windy (always) or snowy. I am so looking forward to warm weather.

Working through spiritual disciplines has been a real blessing for me. I am learning more about myself, and what areas I need to concentrate on. As much as I hope they are helpful to others, they are very helpful to me.

All of the music today fit in wonderfully well with our topic. That was cool to have. Next week we will tackle worship. That is a subject that could take weeks and weeks to cover, but I will do it in one morning and one evening. If you don't come to the evening worship, I finish the topic at night, so you get 2 for the price of 1.

Next Sunday we recognize the people involved in the Hoops program and will have a number of guests at church. Let's make those folks feel like we are welcoming them into our homes, as our invited guest, which they are.

Make sure to greet newcomers before having a conversation with old friends. Let those who are new to the church feel that this is a warm and caring place. Sometimes all it takes is one handshake or hello, which helps a person to return.

So, have a good start to the week, a great President's Day, and pray for a Word from God to speak to you.

Blessings,

Pastor Michael

STOP!! Yes STOP!!

Did I get your attention. Read this ~ it was written in 1895 by Andrew Murray and someday we will read through this amazing book "Abide in Christ." I read this passage awhile ago, and it was good, but as I was typing it for my doctoral paper, it just overwhelmed me what he was getting at.

Don't just read it and say, 'okay, good.' I mean . . . stop, read it, pray it. It's an amazing call for every believer in Jesus, here it is, and it's only one sentence.

But more than that, Murray sees the sinful person who is filled with self-centeredness, reveling in their own salvation and happiness, but when they abide in Christ “you come into contact with His infinite love; its fire begins to burn within your heart; you see the beauty of love; you learn to look upon loving and serving and saving your fellow-man as the highest privilege a disciple of Jesus can have” (Murray 1895, 141).

What would happen if the fire of Christ really, really, really burned in our hearts? What would we look like, how might the world be forever changed?!

Click this link to read JEREMIAH 20:9.

Blessings to all!

I have Rhino

Yup, I pegged it. Call me doctor now. I said I had a sinus infection and I have what the doctor called severe rhinisitis. So, I have Rhino for short. That's what us doc's call it to one another. No wonder my head is so full. I thought I was oozing of brain power, turns out its, well, you know what's in my head, must be celery.

Anyway, it's been a long day, lots of meetings and talking to folks, which finally just ended. Now I can work for a couple of hours and hopefully finish my writing. I have my Christian Contemporary music on, maybe a cup of hot mocha chocolate, a few doctoral survivor snacks and I will be good.

Thanks to Becky W. for getting me in to see the doctor she works for. Mine was not there today and the other doctor in the practice was booked.

Blessings to all!!

Quick Sunday Reflections

What a long weekend. WOW!!

Saturday I was at church from 10 am until 8 pm, then went over my sermon.
Sunday I was at church from 8 am until 3:30, then 5:45 until 8pm. Long days, but good days.

I have come to the conclusion I need to go to the doctor tomorrow. My cold, sore throat, etc. just is not going away, and I am assuming with my limited doctor knowledge, I have a sinus infection. I almost didn't get through today's sermon. My throat became dry and I felt like there was a knife in there. Fun feeling.

I guess I can attribute all of that to eating celery. WOW!! Nobody has come forward to confess their deed of putting celery on the pulpit. What a great idea, though. I was very fortunate I was sucking on the last remnants of a cough drop, which helped kill some, only some of the celery flavor. I tasted it all through worship. Thanks to Jeanne for the mint after worship. That helped!!

We had a good weekend with Doug and his family. Doug has wonderful talents and skills and gifts in music. I am excited and hopeful the church will vote in Doug's favor to come as our associate pastor. He will focus on worship and I believe two key areas are visitation and assimilation. They are similar yet very different. I will talk about them and the needs I see at our business meeting on the 20th of February. Joshua and Zachary had a good time hanging out with Doug and Beth Anne's daughter, Vicki Jo. Paul, their son, was a trooper in playing and letting Zachary and Vicki Jo take rides on his back.

I was so impressed with the song the praise team did this week, a Mercy Me song, "word of God, speak." It was so perfect for the message about Christian meditation. Great pick. Next week is silence and solitude and it will fit for that as well.

On the doctoral front, I'm just putting all this in one long post, I am writing, actually taking a break the wrapping up. It is 12:10 pm. I now have about 86 pages written. I think I will have about 6-10 more pages, then off it goes into the mail on Wednesday.

I cannot tell you how much this project has meant to me. I am learning more and more about myself and about God. It is changing me, and I want it to change our church. I feel so strongly about this. We just cannot go through the motions of trying this Spiritual Disciplines, we must take them and make them part of who we are so we become more and more like Christ, it becomes our nature, not second nature, but we live and breath and exude Christ to the world, and somehow the world is different because of who we are in Christ. When we hear the promises of Christ, they become real to us, they are no longer idle wishes of peace and rest and love and joy and grace . . . instead, we live them and help change the world, one person at a time. I feel like I'm preaching, but I believe in this so much. It's who I am and who we must be in order to experience what Christ offers us, and to help the world experience His joy and love.

Okay, sermon's over. Back to writing!!

TREATS galore

What a great surprise in my office on Sunday after worship. The Branch class had a huge, and I mean huge bag of treats for me while I write and study for my doctorate. What a great gift!

I was able to use the whoppers as an illustration for Sunday night. The treats really made me happy, but the gift of love and kindness brought joy to my heart. It shows the great difference between joy (internal) and happiness (external)

Super Super Bowl

Great game, especially for Giants fans!

I am not a NY fan, but was rooting for them, as was the whole family. The boys stayed up for the whole game, and we were dancing in the house at the end.

What was really cool was watching a replay of Peyton Manning jump up and celebrate when the Giants took the lead at the end of the game. You could see it was so genuine and he was so excited for Eli. Great image to see.

Too bad Beleichek had to walk off the field with 1 second left, along with most of the players. At least he congratulated the NY coach, but most of the Patriots did not. It's not a rule that they have to, but it is good sportsmanship, oh well, shows why they lost, besides, they were outplayed and outcoached!

Sunday Reflections on Monday

I am more and more fascinated by spiritual disciplines. Yet, I chose the topic, but the more I read, the more interesting they are, including more about their origin and the way they are disliked by so many people. The result is that they are not disliked, they are feared, much of it because there is so much negative press about Christianity and those who act like strange people who are ascetics. Think about Good Friday, just about every year we see pictures of people flogging themselves, so they can be like Jesus. That is how the world thinks of spiritual disciplines and asceticism.

Had a fun discussion on Sunday night on a continuation of the topic of Celebration. Why is it that we don't celebrate more in worship? Why do some sing, and some don't? Why are we sitting with our hands folded? Isn't worship, about showing God His worthiness, giving thanks and praise and glory to God for the blessings in life? So, we sit there like glumps and schlumps? My words! I am not real boisterous and running around, not my nature, but I am the kind who could lift my hands and say amen, and get excited, we're not looking for running around, just a demonstration that worship is a celebration and we are experiencing the joy of the LORD.

Beth's song and testimony were wonderful. It made me think about how many husbands and wives both battle cancer and come out victorious and sing about it. Cool!!

I love the Happy Song. It's just an upbeat fun song. We need to have more of those in worship, maybe even before hand to get us listening to God and not one another.

It was a good day, plus I am onto the Historical research and hoping to write on Wednesday night.

Saturday Night Thoughts

It's only 9:40, and I feel as if it is time for bed. I have felt light headed all day. I took the Wal Mart version of Nyquil last night, and I think it is still in me. So, I'll try to sleep it off. Besides, the stuff tastes gross. If that is cherry flavor, someone has no tastebuds.

Looking forward to our worship tomorrow. Remember the theme is celebrate. Some consider celebration the backbone of all spiritual disciplines. Without joy and without a party or two, what fun would life be.

Check out Nehemiah 8:9-12, tomorrow mornings scripture, or look at Deuteronomy 14:22-26 for tomorrow evening, and a controversial one at that.

Be ready to celebrate, be ready to be filled with joy, because joy comes from the Lord.

PS - I had a good 3 1/2 hours of doctoral work today and wrote about 10 pages, now I'm up to 41 pages, and need about 2 hours tomorrow and I'll be done with the Biblical Theological perspective.

Blessings to all

Doctorate update

Being sick has not helped in my progress, today I could not get warm. I came home at 5 pm, laid in bed, with a heating pad and was freezing, then the sweats came. What fun!!

Anyway, I am up to page 30 on the writing. I am hoping to complete about 10-12 pages tomorrow (Saturday). And will try to get a head start on that tonight. Debbie has been proofreading what I have written and I can see lots of marks on her copy . . . (gulp!)

So, keep me in prayer for tomorrow, when I hopefully finish the Biblical and Theological perspective, then jump into the Historical and Literature perspectives.

updates & Sunday Reflection

Hey all -

It's been a long week. Zachary was diagnosed with a double ear infection and strep throat on Wednesday, Debbie has a sore throat and I have had a stuffy head, runny nose, chills / hot flashes and minor temparture. That's been our week. Joshua has escaped it all, but he had strep throat 3 weeks ago. It's been hard working on my doctorate having a stuffed up head and being tired. I'll update that project in a separate blog.

Anyway, I really liked last Sunday. People seemed to be interested in what I said about the Bible, the music was wonderful, the youth had a good worship at night, and I look forward to this Sunday with our topic being Celebration. We're going to hear a song from Delirious called The Happy Song. It's a good one and very appropriate.

It's 10 pm and I am going to try to sit in bed and type.

Next week I want to send out a daily blog with some of the items I am reading or have read. So stay tuned for that.

Have a great Saturday, and be ready for a GREAT Sunday!!

UPDATE

it is Tuesday night, it's 11:17 pm, and I'm taking a 10 minute break. I'm sitting at church listening to the wind blow and watch the temperature on my computer drop by the second.

I have started typing chapter 2, entitled, "A Biblical/Theological, Historical and Literature Perspective of Spiritual Disciplines." This is the meat of the entire dissertation process. If this bombs I bomb.

As I thought about this entire process this morning, one thing occurred to me, if I did bomb, if something happened and I just drop the ball on this project, but finish the sermons series and studies, I would be a better person, husband, pastor, friend, etc. And I believe the people of FBC would be led to become closer to Christ than they were before.

I have found the studying aspect to be so freeing, stressful, but fun. Yes, I am weird!! I believe my sermons have more meat in them than they have. Not that I am being critical of myself, but I am spending much more time on sermon prep than I was previously doing. It also means you have to listen a little longer to me on Sundays.

Anyway, just giving an update. I think I am on page 17 of about 80-90. So, I'm maybe 20% home. My goal is to complete 5-10% per night.

As I write that The Happy Song is now playing by Delirious. It's a great song of celebration and rejoicing. If you're lucky, you may even hear it on Sunday, since we will talk about celebration.

Enjoy!!

Sundays topic

Just a reminder, Sunday's topic for our spiritual discplines is on

CELEBRATION - think about how you celebrate and what you celebrate and when you celebrate and why you celebrate and who you celebrate with and yes, where you celebrate!!

So . . .how are you?!

Wow!! It's been awhile. I'll do a Sunday Reflection tomorrow. Just letting you know it is 12:26 a.m. and I am writing away on my dissertation. I was hoping to have chapter 1 done by tomorrow, and if I push tonight, chapter 1 will be in the books within about 30 minutes. Then comes the proof reading . . . I don't like red marks all over my stuff, kinda sensitive about that stuff.

Then comes the really hard part, chapter 2, it's where I get deep into the Biblical / Theological, Historical and Literature perspective for my project. That chapter is the meat of what I am doing. And it will be the longest chapter of the project, I'm guessing about 60-80 pages.

So, I've got about 10 pages down and another 70 or so to go.

Keep sending those prayers up . . . I'll need energy, wisdom, confidence, encouragement, coffee, exercise, a few good video game breaks, some laughter, some chocolate, some coffee, some Red Bull, a good hug, good eyesight, strong forearms - so no carpal tunnel, I guess those are tonight's needs. Check back tomorrow.

I told Debbie this is an every night endeavor for the next 2 weeks, while I write. As I told her, I made this decision, and I need to finish it off, for better or worse.

Okay, enough babbling, back to work.

Later

Long Days!

I'm bushed! But it was a good day, sermon is moving along. It's long and there is more to add, so I will start cutting out some of what is already in there. In some ways I think it is too practical - too much information on what type of Bible to select, etc.

Started the day at 8 am and got home at 9 pm, had dinner and went to work until 12 am. Now I'm done for the night and I can go over my work in the am.

Had a very good search committee meeting tonight, must be the prayer group that was meeting next door.

Stay warm, feel the warmth of Christ, let Him hold you and care for you, but you must take the step toward Him, then let Him love you.

Sunday Reflections

For a cold day, I thought we had a good crowd. I was pondering what worship means as I was preparing myself for worship. Some quick thoughts which occurred to me were ~

Surrendering myself to God
Submission - submitting myself to God
Giving God my whole body in the act of worship

Gaining the perspective that my body can only do what my brain and heart tell it to do. . . which leads me to consider how I act / react in worship.

Through a great deal of reading, I am feeling God's presence and Spirit more and more and moving me to be more (not sure what that means, yet, I have this sense God is doing something and has something more for me).

It's interesting how I see the spiritual disciplines that we are going through, I did not realize the impact they would make on me. That is cool!!

Sunday night was awesome. The Masters Praise from IWU were amazingly gifted and had a great heart for worship. Estimates tell me we had about 200-220 at the worship/concert.

It was a good Sunday and I am looking forward to more and more power in our worship and in us.

It was great to have two people come forward to join the church and another tell me they want to as well. Sense the Spirit, call on the Spirit, open yourself to the Spirit.

A long reading

I thought I would let you read a wonderful section from a book called Conformed to His Image, by Kenneth Boa. It occurs on pages 78-79 in te book and is long, but worth the read. This is part of the basis of why spiritual disciplines are so very important.

Conformed To His Image
by Kenneth Boa

In the New Testament, a quick survey of the Gospels through the lens of discipline reveals that the Lord Jesus engaged in all the classic disciplines, such as solitude, silence, simplicity, study, prayer, sacrificial service, and fasting. Jesus understood that these practices were not optional for those who have a passion for the Father’s pleasure and honor. Our Lord did not engage in these disciplines as ends in themselves, but as means to know and obey his Father. They moved him in the direction of the foremost commandment (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30): "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength."

Yet we have bought the illusion that we can be like Christ without imitating his spirituality. If we wish to be like our Master, we must imitate his practice; if we believe he knew how to live, we must seek the grace to live like him. To ask the question "What would Jesus do?" without practicing the habits we know he practiced is to attempt to run a marathon without prior training. What is evident to us on the physical plane is often obscure to us on the spiritual level. It is absurd to think that we could excel at any sport such as golf or tennis without investing the needed time, training, and practice. But when it comes to living the Christian life, we suppose that we are doing well if we attend church and open a Bible once or twice a week. If believers expended the same time and energy in cultivating their spiritual lives as they are willing to invest in becoming reasonably skillful at any sport or hobby, the world would look with wonder at the power of the body of Christ.

We desire to know Christ more deeply, but we shun the lifestyle that would make it happen. By relegating the spiritual to certain times and activities, we are ill prepared to face the temptations and challenges of daily living in a Christlike way. It is easy to deceive ourselves into thinking that without the active and painful formation of godly character, we will have the capacity to make the right choices whenever we need to. But if we have not been exercising and training and practicing behind the scenes, we will not have the skill (wisdom) to perform well when it counts. The disciplines off the stage prepare an actor to perform well when the curtain rises, and the hours of training off the field give an athlete the freedom to play well when the game begins.

Similarly, the daily regimen of the spiritual disciplines equips us to live well during the uncertainties and vicissitudes of life. This is what Dallas Willard called the law of indirect preparedness; the disciplines in the background of our lives prepare us for the unexpected times when we will need to respond in appropriate ways. Willpower alone will not be enough, unless our wills have been trained and strengthened through ongoing practice. When it comes to running a race, meaning well and trying hard will do us little good if we are out of shape through lack of training.

Your thoughts?

Spiritual Disciplines

Last entry for the night.

I read a great section in a book by Kenneth Boa called Conformed to His Image. I'll post his quote tomorrow. It's the third of 3, 500-700 page books, at least this one is more interesting. For now I'm just too tired to copy it. Night . . . night

Watches

Today was the first day in a long, long time . . . as long as I can remember that I did not wear a watch for an entire day. Felt strange, but good. I'll have to try it again, although I love having about 6-7 different cheap and funky watches to wear.

3 month check up

Zachary had his 3 month pediatric endocrinologist appointment today. He did great, although there were some issues. When we got there we tested him and his blood sugar was 598. Totally out of sight. Turns out the cannula came out of him and was bent (you never know when that happens other than to find high readings).

So we had to redo it and try it in a different spot which he was not happy about. You can guess backside and you'd be close. Problem is Zachary always watches when he gets shots, IV's, blood draws, etc. The backside is not an easy place to watch. But he did great.

He wanted Arby's on the way home and ate two sandwiches, a hungry and growing boy.

GRADE TIME

Semester grades are out - - - drum roll please.................................................

Zachary received 1-B and the rest A's. Despite some radical highs and lows from his diabetes and 1 week off for being sick his grades were excellent. We are proud of him!!

For the first 9 weeks Joshua received all A's, for the second 9 weeks and for the semester he received all A's. I knew he could do it after the first 9 weeks, but I am still in shock. I never came close at his age. We were very proud of Joshua and laid the big carrot in front of him for the second semester, a fully paid drum set for all A's.

Only in seminary and the end of college did I really do well.

So . . . congrats to the boys, they have chosen dinner out on Saturday. We'll see where we end up going.

Sunday . . . Sunday . . . Sunday!

I cannot begin to tell you, actually, I am about to tell you how excited I am about Sunday. There may not be much pomp along with the message, no basketball shooting, etc., just a message, but I believe it will be a powerful message. God is already transforming me from all the reading I have done on service or better yet, servanthood.

After our search team meeting, I stayed at church to work until 1 am, knowing if I went home, I would have just gone to sleep. I'm tired, but energized. So . . . pray for me, pray that I finish (which I will) but more importantly deliver the message God wants us to hear about disciplining ourselves to serve.

Spiritual Disicplines

I was reading from about 8 different books on Spiritual Disciplines today and tonight. Interesting reading, I wish I could share everything I am reading but that is impossible. Hopefully the sermons will be a combination of teaching about the disciplines and application on how to put them into practice. Keep me in prayer, I have one more month before the first 2 chapters need to be sent in. My goal is to write 5 pages a day, starting on 1/28. Pray for me, and my family.

Z-Dog follow up

I give the boy credit, he didn't flinch when the needle went in him. One nurse tried to distract him, but Zachary's nature is to always watch the needle go into him. He did just that, didn't say a word, and when asked if it hurt, said, 'it punched a little on the way out.' Brave boy!

Z-Dog

Remember Zachary in prayer this morning. He needs to go to St. John's Hospital for a blood test. He has his 3 month pediatric endocrinologist appointment on Thursday, and blood work needs to be done beforehand. So, remember the little guy in prayer.

I must admit, he is a trooper. When we told him tonight he didn't flinch about it. But he is getting to a point where the wear and tear of diabetes and losing out on what other kids eats seems to be playing a bigger role and he will often speak about it. Which he has not done too much of in the past.

Thanks,

Michael

Weekend Reflections

Hey All -

Some closing thoughts after a long day, preparing for worship, worshiping, preparing for the evening worship, and watching the Colts game. The only good thing was Dallas lost, sorry Damon and Jessica S.

Otherwise, some thoughts ~

1. Thanks to Eric P. for taking on the power point production and singing. Good work!!
2. Thanks also to Kevin T. for leading the worship.
3. I appreciated Lynn J.'s talk about the literacy. She did good.
4. Thanks to Kenny and Jeanie for sponsoring Angel, pronounced An-hel.
5. Thanks to many who are participating in the Spiritual Discipline classes and turned in their survey forms. There is lots of good information people have written. That is so cool!!!
6. I am looking forward to see how we grow throughout this year.
7. We had a very good Saturday leaders and committee members meeting. About 50 out of 60 people were there. That is great!!
8. I really think the committees are doing lots of praying, thinking, talking and debating. That is great!! Because great ideas are coming. Passion is flowing and that will lead us and drive us through the year.
   
9. Keep it up. Don't lose the passion and don't get stuck in the minutia of life, look at the big picture - - - - make a difference in someone's life in the name of Jesus!!!!!

Be a blessing!

I'm Still Here

Yes, I am still here!!

It's been awhile. Not that there is nothing new, it's just that by the end of the day I'm exhausted. Most nights I am up until at least 1 am. As I type it is 12:45 a.m. Each night from around 10 pm to sleep, I dedicate to my doctoral work. I would honestly prefer to do more fun things, but it is commitment I have made, and a major personal and professional goal of mine to finish in 2008. Along with reading, I must write and write sermons, curriculum and even give some of the answers to the teachers. I don't want any pity, this is my choice, but that is what I need to do, along with everything else that goes with pastoring and being a husband and dad. I know the boys are not happy about not having me at home many nights this week. It turns out, Wednesday - Friday nights are away and Saturday morning which is usually sacred breakfast time, I will be in church. So, Saturday afternoon and evening are the boys and Debbie's.

I tried Speedway's "Shockwave extra" coffee. I don't think it will keep up any longer than normal, but I'll let you know if it does.

I'm looking forward to Saturday morning's meetings. These are important times in the life of our church, and we have a great group of people who are leading and serving. My ultimate goal is to have 100% of the people involved in some type of ministry, whether at church or in the community. Wouldn't that be amazing if we were all serving Christ with our passions and gifts. . . WOW!! That would make a difference in the world.

I'll try to be more diligent about blogging, but it's been busy. Thanks be to God for Joshua's renewed health. He is feeling better and his appetite is almost 100%. Amazing how skinny that boy is. But his old self has returned. I know he feels better because he wants to go to East of Chicago pizza. he liked the old Chicago pizza place near the church, and now since it has reopened he wants to go and see if they still have his favorite peanut butter and jelly pizza. Amazingly, it's better than it sounds. Zachary was still awake when I got home and talked about going there before this restaurant closes. So, maybe that will be our Saturday night dinner adventure.

Blessings to all and to all a good night.

Sunday Reflections

A fun service.

I had a good time today. I thought people were a little more vocal. That is cool.

People enjoyed the video of my basketball prowess. I hope I made the point that we need to practice to be good, especially to stay in the game of Christian life.

Thanks to Damon for his work on the video. Next week we talk about journaling as a spiritual discipline.

The upcoming week will be busy and I hope to get lots done on my doctoral project. Keep me in prayer.

Joshua is feeling better but I think the weight he lost being sick has affected his gums, which are puffy. Now it's to the dentist. Keep him in prayer.

Have a great week and remember to keep Jesus first.

Spiritual Disciplines

I'm excited about what is coming. I comleted my first set of Sunday School curriculum for week 1, January 13, it only has 17 questions, and the chance for more or less in the next day and a half. I am realizing that this doctoral work, along with the sermons series and Sunday school lessons is overwhelming and super demanding. I look forward to February 15, when my first 2 chapters and the meat of the project needs to be turned in. Between now and then, expect my office to be a mess. With loads of books stacked everywhere. I had to order another book yesterday. Some books I just can't find in local libraries, including Anderson and Taylor Universities.

This entire project right now has taken on a life of its own. I sense it drawing me closer to God, and I sense a greater vulnerability in me and connection with God as I learn and gain a better understanding of his call to us in our Christian lives. I need and must rely on Him for strength, wisdom, courage, encouragement, not to despair, or think doom and gloom, but to trust in His plan and His words from Joshua 1:9, "be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you may go." I have that one memorized and that is part of the reason Joshua was named Joshua.

I am looking forward to Sunday, also Damon and I made another video, it will be unleashed on Sunday, think what does free throws and spiritual disciplines have to do with one another!!

See you Sunday

Joshua update

His temperature has gone down, but his gums are hurting and puffy. The doctor wants him to have a blood test and see a dentist, which we are planning on doing, however, Joshua is not happy about the blood test. Remember, needles and Joshua are like me and celery. Keep him in prayer.

End of the Day

Hey all -

I'm bushed, it's late, it's been a long day, productive, but long.

I did alot of work on my doctoral stuff, for Sunday and next Sunday. I am looking forward to starting off the series on Spiritual Disciplines. I think 54 people have signed consent forms to complete the spiritual discipline pre-survey. There is still time to take the survey, it's not time consuming, maybe 5 minutes.

I really need to buckle down on my reading and writing for my dissertation. Keep that in prayer.

Remember Joshua in prayer. He's had a temperature for the past 4 days, he's on antibiotics, but he looks weak and feels weak. He only threw up a little one time, but he has lost 5 pounds since his last trip to the doctor.

Keep the worship pastor search team in prayer as we looked over many more resumes tonight and will try to meet with more potential pastors. Keep the choir and praise team in prayer, as well as the music committee.

Pray for the next couple of weeks at church as boards organize and reorganize and we meet and plan.

Hey, just pray for the whole church to follow God's plan.

Blessings and night . . . night!

POST 100

This is post 100. Kinda cool, post 100 starts on 1/1.

Recap of the day - - -

Joshua has been sick for the past 3 days. He's had a temp of up to 102-3. A friend he was playing with called and said he was sick, too. Keep him in prayer.

Had the privilege of saying a prayer for the inauguration for Jack Woods, our new mayor. Fun time, also it was the inauguration for city council, police and fire chiefs, judge and clerk.

Watched lots of football, hung out with the boys, Joshua laid around most of the day, and read for spiritual disciplines.

I made it through the day with no desserts! Even though there was a good looking cake at the inauguration. Drank more water than usual and exercised.