Invictus

During vacation I read John Carlin’s book, “Playing The Enemy,” which to coincide with the recent movie by Clint Eastwood has been published by Penguin Books under the title, “Invictus: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Made a Nation.” The book not only recounts the events leading up to South Africa’s rugby team, the Springboks, victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup but also allows the reader inside the mind and life of Mandela who united a nation fragmented by apartheid and racially intense fear. This fairytale but true story not only is inspiring but gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation for one of the most moving experiences we had on our mission trip to South Africa. After we had finished building a house for habitat to replace the shack the family had been living in we gathered in their new home and sang. First we sang then they sang to us. We were so moved but now I know how truly moved I should have been… they sang to us their new national anthem, “Nkosi Skelele iAfrika.” The words in Xhosa mean, “God bless Africa, May her glory rise high, Hear our pleas, God bless us, Us your children, Come Spirit, Come Holy Spirit, God we ask you to protect our nation, Intervene and end all conflicts, Protect us, Protect our nation, Let it be so, Forever and ever.” The chorus sounded to us like, “happy turkey,” so we called it the happy turkey song. Now, I just feel like a turkey because I had no idea how much this anthem meant to those who not only survived apartheid but conquered it with forgiveness and hope!

Invictus is the title to a William Earnest Benley poem that Mandela read often during his incarceration on Robben Island for 27 years. It sustained his harsh and inhumane treatment with such words as, “It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll. I am master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” Mandela embraced invictus (Latin for unconquered) by choosing to know his enemy and forgive his ignorance while grasping the hope that the road to victory was unity not war. Against all odds he united a divided nation with inspiring a rugby team to do the impossible by winning the world cup that no sports analist thought they had the slightest chance to win. And that no political analist thought would be supported by angry blacks that traditionally cheered the other team because they saw the “Boks” as the emblem of white Afrikaner tyranny. But in the end victory was complete while the crowds of blacks and whites chanted in tears, “Nel –son, Nel –son!”

I have no idea what challenges lay before us in 2010 but I do know that because of the love of God that is in Jesus we are invictus! No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39). -DAN

Dawn

It dawned on me in worship as we were singing, “Silent Night,” how meaningful and yet eloquent is the word “dawn.” In the third stanza of Joseph Mohr’s lyrics it proclaims, “…love’s pure light, radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace…” The Christmas gleam was not from a guiding star or angelic chorus but the Christ-child’s countenance, an innocence announcing the dawn of redeeming grace! This inauguration of the Kingdom realized, was the joyous reality of Immanuel, God with us, issuing a new day, a new age that was illuminating the world with grace and truth! As 2010 stands waiting in the dawn of a second decade in this new millennium its radiance will once again be found and founded in the face of Jesus. The Savior of the world as John’s gospel proclaims is, “The true light that gives light to every man who comes into the world (John 1:9).” David had earlier understood, “For with you is the fountain of life, in your light we see light (Psalm 36:9).” Yes, Jesus was and continues to be our dawn.

In the competition for most dramatic or colorful skies people usually speak of great sunsets that have saturated the horizon with postcard moments. I don’t think any of us would deny being moved beyond words by a great sunset but there is something reviving and subtly stirring about a sunrise at the dawn of a new day. The crisp morning air and the yawning joy of a sleepy world roused to greet a new day. Hope revisited, energy renewed and the pristine landscape of life ready for us to blaze new trails. Wait, wait, wait there a minute, Mr. butterfly chaser… how about a dose of reality and a rousing chorus of, “You load sixteen tons, what do you get, Another day older and deeper in debt, Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go, I owe my soul to the company store.”

I won’t say that life doesn’t have cloudy days that make it hard to see the dawn, or for a moment forecast that 2010 will be a year without repeated tragedy and failed endeavors but I won’t back down for a moment from the joyous realization that in Jesus is the daily dawning of redeeming grace! Faith is a foundation that provides solid ground for hope for every day –for every day is filled with the love of Jesus! That’s why Paul reminds us that there now abides three: “faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13). A love that rises with every dawn! –DAN

Manger

My grandson, Payden, was a cow in the nativity scene in the church Christmas play in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Leah informed me that during rehearsal Payden improvised with some non-bovine dance moves while they sang “Silent Night.” Who knew that Franz Gruber’s classic melody was a dance track? None-the-less, it was a “moo–ving” performance! Nativity scenes were initiated by Saint Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century to remind the masses that Jesus was the reason for the season. It seems Jesus being marginalized is an issue for every generation. I believe that some of this is because mankind has a hard time keeping Jesus arrival in the manger. We’ve unwittingly marginalized Luke’s poignant words, “there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7).” Jesus was swaddled in an animal trough so he might underscore His arrival as the promised Messiah with the paradox of redemption. That is, He who was glory from on high made His debut not in jewels, fine linen and palace walls but in hay, stench and stable surroundings. Why? Because there was no room… no reception or fanfare and though heaven and strangers from afar worshiped at His feet, Herod plotted to take His life! The Apostle John’s nativity declaration is, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him (John 1:11).” Jesus began a manger guy and continues to be a manger guy!

Let me explain, the redemptive paradox is that God reconciles mankind not with high and exalted staging but in the weakness of a cross that declares victory in surrender! Jesus didn’t hang out with or band together with the religious elite but chose His company with outcasts and the common. His teaching was about everyday things not the theological musings of the rabbis. He spent the majority of His life in a small town with work that left Him with rough hands and sawdust in His lungs. And during His ministry He had no place to call His own but rather depended on the service of a handful of protective women. To an outsider Jesus look more like riff raff than like a Messiah. You see, Jesus has always been a manger guy… a son of man who illuminated that the glory of God was not in the vessel but the content! That every soul coming into this world can embrace the true light no matter if they are born prince or pauper. The gospel is for ALL!

Just curious… but where did we get all those animals and where does it say the Magi came to the stable? Easy enough… as Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof says, “Tradition!” I kind of like a nativity crew of characters –it makes it interesting and colorful. However, I hope we never lose sight of the manger that reminds us, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:3-5).” -DAN

Dancing

One of my absolute favorite things to enjoy these days is to see my granddaughter Makaiya dance to the music of her electronic toys. Makaiya isn’t standing or walking yet but she bobs her head side to side to the beat of the music and to the delight of her Pappy. Her sheer joy and exuberance is contagious as well as entertaining. I hope her life is filled with moments of dancing! Now, those words probably until the day I die will always stick about half way up because I grew up in a household that was dead set against the devil’s tool of dancing that lured so many innocent youths into debauchery and illicit affairs of the flesh (we weren’t sure what debauchery was but we knew it was bad stuff)! So, in elementary school I had to explain to my teacher that I couldn’t circle with the other kids singing, “B*I*N*G*O, and Bingo was his name’o…,” because well, we don’t dance. Now, don’t get me wrong… I appreciate my parent’s desire to instill holiness into how I viewed the world (even when I got my mouth washed out with soap a few times) but the end result is it gave a skewed view of what the Bible actually says about dancing and left me and many of my generation rhythmically challenge and card carrying left footers! But somewhere in the mix of all of this I landed with two feet squarely on the dance floor with the same wish for myself as I have for my grandchildren… a life filled with moments of dancing!

Now, before you get irate about the thought of a dancing preacher let me remind you of what Scripture actually says about dancing. The words translated dance (and its various forms) total less than thirty references in Scripture. The majority of them are positive references that range from Miriam and the Israelite maidens dancing with tambourines and singing praises for being rescued from Egyptian pursuit, to David dancing before the ark in praise and adulation over the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Jesus uses dancing to illustrate joyous celebration in the story of the prodigal son and the Psalms end with an exhortation to praise God with dancing. Yes, the Israelites were dancing before the golden calf and Herodias’ daughter danced before Herod for John the Baptist head and yes, yes, yes, the works of the flesh in Galatians 5 include revelry which is drunken dancing. But by far the idea of dancing in Scripture is just as Makaiya already knows… it’s an expression of joy… a rhythmic exuberance that is in tune with praise, adulation and appreciation.

Dancing is joyous and natural! Can there be “dirty dancing?” Yes, even Hollywood knows that! This Sunday I guarantee that there will be dancing at church… that is, toes will be tapping to music, kids will unplug their joyous energy and bust a move and the hearts that we celebrate our Lord with will beat to a rhythm! May all this dancing be great adulation for the one who created us, sustains us and calls us to His side! And may all our lives be filled with moments of dancing! –DAN

Christmas Spirit

It’s the time of the year that people start talking about trimming trees, watching Christmas movies and listening to Christmas music while they warm up to the Christmas spirit. That Yule tide feeling that has you breaking out in a chorus of “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas” even when you know the climate you live in makes such imaginings less than likely. Never-the-less, you’re up for a jolly, holly, Christmas! Unless you suddenly are blindsided by the reality of the commercialization, opulent indulging, consumer overloaded greed that drives overspending, gadget insanity and a spirit of not Christ worship (basic meaning of Christmas) but rather Stuff worship that Jesus says drives a spirit of building bigger barns (i.e. boxes to hold our stuff –Luke 12:18)! Hey, wait a minute preacher… did your grandma get run over by a reindeer or something? Christmas spirit is all about giving and sharing the blessings we have with our loved ones and neighbors!

I agree, I agree… but not at the expense of fiscal responsibility and good stewardship of not only the physical but the spiritual spirit of the season. My mother would always counter our ungrateful spirits when we complained about receiving only one toy for Christmas, with a lecture about how she put a remnant of a flour sack around a brick for a doll and nailed a tin can lid to a stick to roll around as her car. Christmas spirit was not in the status of the gift, or the price tag but rather in the joy of sacrifice that unlocked the imagination of a little girl that turned bricks into dolls and tin can lids into cars. Okay, preacher… now, you’re meddling and jeopardizing my chances for an I-pod Touch, so let me quickly remind you that the Magi brought gifts to the first Christmas party that were not only expensive but specialty gifts!

I agree, I agree… the Christmas spirit is about bringing the best to the party! I’m just suggesting we need to think long and hard about what brings the best! We need to see not just gold, myrrh and frankincense but swaddling clothes, manger tainted straw and desperate quarters that are warmed not by expensive gifts but by worship lit up by heaven’s star. That’s the spirit of the Christ mass… that’s the joy of giving! It’s not about whether we have designer dolls or brick dolls designed by a child’s imagination… it’s about the spirit of giving not receiving. Weigh your gifts with love and meditation on a spirit that will last a lifetime. Make memories that last beyond forgotten toys that can only nurture a moment. Share gifts that are from the heart that are filled not just with Christmas spirit but the Spirit of Christ. And by the way, thanks mom, for brick dolls and tin can lid cars that fill my spirit every Christmas! -DAN

Thankful

In our Life group we are studying the psalms. We have challenged each one in our group to write his or her own psalm with the idea that psalms are an important way to express faith and relationship with God. Our challenge is not a poetry contest nor is it an exercise in theological understanding. We want to join David, the Sons of Korah, Asaph and the others with giving words to our faith, our anxieties, our hurts and our praise. So, here’s my ‘tis the season psalm:

Psalm 151*
For the director of music. To the
tune of, “Joyful Thanksgiving.” Of Dan.

O God and Father of Whom joy surrounds
Your majestic throne;
My soul thirsts for Your presence
as one longing in a desert place alone.
Yet never solitary in these arid places;
deceptive wells are many; ever bitter.
I am a lost child in a crowded marketplace;
too easily sold to the highest bidder
and too quickly branded another’s servant.
But I will offer praise from lips parched;
thanksgiving from a heart that knows
its true master;
I will mount high upon the morning’s sunrise;
and in the bright of day,
proclaim the Lord’s sovereignty.
He is worthy of all praise,
He is the rising and mighty tower,
that provides safety, in a world adrift.
So sing with thanksgiving all ye people of God;
Sing with heart, soul and mind
for He is gracious to his children.
Sing, sing, sing…
O God and Father of Whom joy surrounds
Your majestic throne;
Our souls thirst for Your presence
as a people longing for the Water of Life.

* There are 150 Psalms… so, I figured mine to be 151 not as an addition but as a follower, longing to praise God! -DAN

Baby Pew

Most Sunday mornings I’m sitting in the baby pew… no, that has nothing to do with the olfactory senses or a miniature version of a pew –rather, it is a reference to a gaggle of toddlers that are lovingly held by their relatives and friends that surround me. These fresh eyes see the world of worship in an interesting way. They tilt their heads in curiosity while their loved ones belt out hymns of praise and in frustration squirm while communion emblems are cautiously circumvented around them as the juice and crackers are being passed down the row. Their first vocal response in worship is an echo “amen” they heard. They can’t figure out why they are asked to be quiet or why the adults seem to put their heads down and pretend they’re asleep only to be awakened by an “amen.” They can’t understand for a moment why adults can’t see that pews are great for jumping, crawling under and drawing on. They have no patience whatsoever for songs books staying in the rack and are completely baffled why attendance cards should not be eaten. They’re happy however that it seems they share their adult wards assurance that once the sermon starts it time for a nap. Yes, I’ve learned much from the baby pew about the nature of worship!

So, what have these babes in arms taught you Preacher McWitty? I’m glad you asked because they’ve taught me much. First, they have reminded me that Jesus said of them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matthew 19:14).” The kingdom of heaven invades our lives to restore a child’s world that is driven by imagination and curiosity. In the innocent eyes of youth is reflected the longing for knowledge and the joy of discovery. A child leads the way because such are not jaded by past failure or intimidated by the unknown future. Babes in arms are armed to tackle any task because they trust they will be protected by those who love them. My child like prayer is for the Lord to revive in me a daily longing to know Him and serve Him. My petition humbly submits that I oft fail because I haven’t come to the task with fresh eyes… a child’s eyes that are filled with imagination and curiosity.

So, if you see me on the pew playing with my young mentors be assured I’m learning… learning to see God and His people with fresh eyes. Learning to trust and obey because it’s fun and never boring on the baby pew! -DAN

Panoply

Last Sunday I challenged you to look up the word “panoply” if you were unclear of its definition. I suggested that if we are to sing to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs it works best if we know the vocabulary we are using. I also suggested that the dictionary is a delightful read even though the narrative is a little thin on plot. Charles Wesley’s stirring lyrics in “Soldier of Christ, Arise” recommends that if we are “to arm (ourselves) for the fight” we’ll need the panoply of God. This song was originally entitled, “The Full Armor of God.” It also included 19 more stanzas in addition to the 5 we have in our hymnals (Powerpoint slides). My favorite of the edited out portion is the concluding stanzas in Wesley's original song. He rallies the troops in the spirit of historic battle cries with the emotive lyrics:

From strength to strength go on, wrestle and fight and pray,
Tread all the powers of darkness down and win the well fought day.
Still let the Spirit cry in all His soldiers, “Come!”
Till Christ the Lord descends from high and takes the conquerors home.

You see God’s panoply is as Webster defines it, “2. Anything protecting completely or forming a magnificent covering.” As soldiers of Christ we are armed not with our wits or military precision but rather with truth, righteousness, gospel, faith, salvation and the most powerful weapon known to man… the Word of God. These are property of the divine (i.e. the armor of God) and form a magnificent covering when we are alert and keep “on praying on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Our battle is not with flesh and blood but Satan and his substantial resources. We are in the battle of our life. We may be only foot soldiers but it’s not about rank but rather assurance that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).

Every generation needs the panoply of God. No matter when you were born or where you reside the battle is on. It may be as fierce as death knocking on the door or as personal as internal struggles of a relentless sin. You may be hoary headed or wet behind the ears. You may be a seasoned veteran or a recent recruit. But everyone and I mean everyone needs the armor of God, the panoply of His magnificent covering to make it through everyday! -DAN

Tribute Tattoo

The headline caught my eye and the eerie nature of it evoked an unsettled feeling but a genuine curiosity. A British tattoo artist was designing a tattoo to memorialize his young son who passed away from a rare disease at the age of two and half. He planned to use an ink mixture that included ashes from his cremated son’s remains. After a little research I discovered that ancient Middle Eastern people memorialized their dead this way and I uncovered many headlines of a variety of people who have these very personal tattoos. It made me wonder if this was more than just trying to hang on to the physical presence of past loved ones. Was it as simple as the funeral remarks that loved ones will live on in our memories? Or was this an act of denial that death can not separate us from our loved ones? Whatever the answer might be to these questions it is obvious that once again we are reminded how precious life is and our longing for immortality underscores the reality of a God who created us in His image and put eternity into our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

No doubt there may be some who’s first reaction is that this is more than bizarre behavior and is a blatant disregard for the sacred in both the living and the dead. I grew up in a household where we were not allowed to put bubblegum tattoos on because the bible strictly forbade tattooing the body (Leviticus 19:28). Besides, only riffraff sported tattoos that more often than not were lewd, crude and unrefined (as the saying went). However, even a brief glance at the text reveals that to be consistent you would also have to be adamant about forbidding certain hairstyles and beard trimming. The scaring and tattoo prohibition in Leviticus was a warning to Israel to not indulge in pagan religious practices. In verse 19 one of these miscellaneous laws is not to wear clothing woven of two kinds of material (raise your hand in you are presently in violation of this one). Again this is a reference to pagan religious practices that was wrong by association not by nature.

So, are you suggesting one should get a tattoo that mixes inks with cremation ashes? I’m reserving my judgment even though it still seems eerie and bizarre. What I believe to be important is that we never forget that the sting of death has been swallowed up in the Christ victory of the cross (1 Corinthians 15:50-57). Thus, what I desire is the ultimate marks… the marks of Jesus (Galatians 6:17). Then we can honor those who have gone before us by sharing the faith that they shared with us. Now, that’s a tattoo! -DAN

The Best

What makes your “best” list? Is the list populated with incredible experiences ranging from gourmet meals to dazzling vacation destinations? Or is it more cerebral with outstanding literature or media? Are you enthralled more by Mozart and Van Gough or sunsets and panoramic views? Is the best for you more relational and what you immediately think of is your loved ones? Maybe you find the best as the product of skilled competition whether on the sports field or the Home and Garden Network. Whatever makes your best list not only tells something about you but reminds you that in the midst of a chaotic and fallen world there are reminders of the Garden of Eden. Innocent and nascent beauty survives and even from the garbage heap springs forth new life. In a world where we think we settle for the proverbial “whatever” it’s nice to experience the best here and there.

The best is always dependent upon its source. James writes in his letter, “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring (James 3:11)?” His point is that bitterness and divisiveness are “of the devil” but wisdom from above produces a “harvest of righteousness.” That is, if we draw from the best we can expect the best. No wonder when Jesus turns water into wine to keep the party going the result is the best wine (I would assume ever made)! Your mom’s cooking was “the best” not because she was a gourmet cook but because she was mom! That memorable sunset was “the best” not because its magentas and vermilions were superior but because for a moment it was clear to your heart and your eyes how beautiful is God’s creation. Mankind longs for the best when their hearts are set toward Zion and paradise regained. What constitutes the best is that no greater fulfillment or joy can be imagined and therefore heaven is realized.

I want to suggest that heaven realized is truly the best and yet assuredly quite simple. Heaven is resting in God’s presence with a heart full of praise and wonder. It will not find its ultimate completion until God calls us home… however, we can have a taste of heaven… a taste of the best even now. Resting in God’s presence can happen in church, it can happen in a moment shared with nature or in private meditations. The possible places are only limited by our imaginations. The door to moments of “the best” are always awaiting our arrival. So, where will you find your next best? Best wishes to you in your journey. -DAN

Random

As a lifetime victim of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) I liked it better when we were called day dreamers. Being distracted from daily tasks by a dream almost sounds biblical where deficit disorder sounds like there’s a short in my wiring. I’d like to think of my ADD more as single minded (again more biblical sounding) as opposed to task driven. That is, I find following the rabbit down the hole much more entertaining than staying on the path. Alice and I are often treated to a world beyond the looking glass that offers new insights. I know for those who are dedicated to well worn paths our tendency to run in different directions is not only frustrating but perceived to be random wandering and less than productive. Truth is, that often that is the case but none-the-less there are times that random thoughts and the road less traveled open up new worlds of adventure and blessings. Now, I’m not abandoning staying on task or the Pauline avocation to let all things be done decently and in order… but I am suggesting that freeing the body, soul and mind to follow some random thinking, praying and acting might be a healthy thing to do from time to time.

So, here are some random thoughts… Worry more about inviting people inside the church doors than about if the church doors get locked. “Do this in remembrance of me” is much broader than the events of the cross. Heaven is more heavenly when pearly gates and golden streets lead not to a mansion but a place at the table of the Lord. The Holy Spirit settles for nothing less than a temple to dwell in so clean up, straighten up and open up what’s between your temples. If God is love (and He IS) then godliness is not about cleanliness –it’s about loving. Church is about coming together not just assembling… it’s togetherness in heart, purpose and care. If you don’t like the way something is being done spend more time thinking about how I can help than you do on whom I can blame. I think opportunity knocks all the time. Try your best not to be an oxymoron. Always be the voice of love and kindness. Let the name of Jesus always put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. Finally, all that you do in word or in deed do in the name of the Lord Jesus!

Wouldn’t it be random if R.A.N.D.O.M. was an acronym? If it was I think it would be Remember And Never Doubt Our Maker! Of course, that’s the random thinking of a random preacher. -DAN

XPO FERENS

In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue… so goes the mnemonic we learned in school. His three ship (the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria) fleet set sail from Spain to discover and claim the “New World” for Spain. Much has been argued as to Columbus’ motives and countless details of his life debated so that volumes of revisionist history books have been written. Yet, without exception on the second Monday of October our nation celebrates the one to which we attribute the discovery of the Americas. A Columbus Day sale raises the flag that once again Columbus sails into our memory and history. What is often missed is the convincing argument that swayed Queen Isabella of Spain to finance Columbus’ voyage. The answer is discovered in the cryptic way Columbus signed his name, Xpo Ferens (the cross bearer). This distinctive mark joined Greek and Latin to hail Christopher Columbus as an ambassador of Spain to bring Christianity to the New World (i.e. carry the cross and its message to the natives). Evangelizing the New World was the convincing argument that captured the Queen’s favor.

If truth be known, mixed in with this holy calling was probably the all too human elements of greed, exploitation via slavery and territorial domination. Religion has and will continue to be used to exploit others for financial gain and control but none-the-less the cross carried will ultimately win out. “Xpo Ferens” should be the signature that we all address our lives with. “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world (Galatians 6:14).” As cross carrying ambassadors we reaffirm the enigma of the gospel… the good news is that death produced true life and weakness affirmed real strength. The cross shaped message is one that conquerors new and old worlds with a message of redemption through sacrifice and surrender. God has reconciled with His creation by giving His one and only Son to purchase mankind’s pardon with His blood. This act of love and grace happened on the unlikely mast of a Roman cross where innocent blood was shed. It at once underscores the depth of man’s sins and the unfathomable expanse of God’s love!

So, how do you sign your name? Are you a cross bearer? Has the message of the cross financed your life? I believe that most would affirm that they wear the name of Christ proudly and do their best to share the good news. I also believe that most would confess that all too often we have either put the cross down or reshaped it to make it more comfortable for our journey. We’re not proud of it… we just own our failure. However, let us all unite to sing, “God is Love!” And may we encourage one another to be cross bearers! -DAN

Why?

Bill Cosby’s 1965 Album entitled, “Why Is There Air?” answers the question in a humorous but insightful way. Cosby quips, “Any Physical Education major knows that the reason there is air is to inflate volleyballs and basketballs.” Cosby’s college girlfriend, the Philosophy major with an IQ of 300… thousand had queried, “Why is there air?” Within the humorous imagination of Bill Cosby is the sardonic insight that much of what we question is overkill at best. We often not only ask too many questions filled with pointless platitudes but often we ask the wrong questions. This is more than curiosity gyrating into cat extermination but rather a reflection of our inability to see the obvious or comprehend the bigger picture. Like insatiable children asking why at every juncture we fail to stop and reflect on what we know before chasing after the unknown. Okay, but isn’t curiosity the road to higher education and the foundation of both the sciences and the arts?

I’m glad you asked! Yes, man’s questioning nature has led him to many important discoveries and inventions. No doubt, that sometimes curiosity has built the cat instead of executing it. Light has replaced darkness. Understanding has dispelled ignorance. However, there seems to me to be one “Why?” that alone deserves our allegiance. It is valuable to our faith and our discipleship. It is the question, “Why do I do what I do?” Forget about why there is air and who’s full of it and reflect on what motivates us to be Christ followers. In our text this morning the religious elite sent representatives to question John the Baptist (John 1:19-28). John had no reservations about who he was or what he was doing. He was a witness to something greater than himself. His venue was the desert, his successor’s the temple. He was a foot servant unworthy to unlace the sandals of the one who would be King of kings. His voice was a summons to make ready for the Lord of lords. He was a witness, not a prophet nor the Christ. He was John the baptizing one calling people to repentance.

Such clarity of identity and purpose is why we are here! It is the answer to why we do what we do. It is the big picture that brings into focus all the other whys we often impale ourselves upon. We are witnesses of the Christ. Our testimony is that we are not worthy and our voice is a summons for all to make ready for His place in their hearts. I’m not trivializing the harrowing “whys”… why do the innocent suffer? Or why do the wicked persist while the righteous fail? Or why hasn’t Christ returned? What I am saying is that the very personal answer to the question, “Why do I do what I do?” Is the answer that witnesses to the one who is the answer! He alone makes sense out of the nonsense and He alone bridges the gap between God and man! That’s why I’m His witness! -DAN

Buried

Girl 27 is a documentary about Patricia Douglas who as a 17 year old movie extra found herself buried in a horrendous shroud of deceit and sexual violation that not only robbed her of her innocence but shattered her life into shards of ill fate. Thinking she was an extra on a new film the young Douglas discovered she was part of 100 girls hired to entertain at a wild salesmen party sponsored by MGM studios. This was the studio’s way of saying thanks to these salesmen who had made MGM the only successful studio in 1937. After being held down and forced fed from the abundant source of MGM supplied liquor, Douglas stumbled outside to purge her stomach of the unwanted intruder only to find she was followed by a salesman who ultimately violently defiled the youth. After a grand jury trial being dismissed and a federal court appeal buried by an attorney who was in MGM’s pocket, the young Douglas found she couldn’t fight the studio giant. MGM even paid her mother off with hush money. Her case was buried but more tragically her life was buried until a journalist and film director inadvertently stumbled across it while researching a book on Jean Harlow.

We would like to think that life is more like David and Goliath where the little guy fells the giant but all too often the malevolent magnates of life crush the innocent under their mammoth resources. “You can’t fight city hall,” we regale as we acquiesce to our self imposed retreat. O, we believe that the bigger they are the harder they fall but we’re convinced that they hardly fall. Patricia Douglas is both victim and reminder of the triumph of injustice and the reign of corruption. She’s not an exception but a tragic reminder of how dark is the degradation of mankind. So, do we curl up in a ball and wait for the Second Coming? Doesn’t Paul say something about being more than conquerors? Now, let’s put the fight back in the dog!

The cross is a reminder that one can take that which is devised for destruction and turn it into an emblem of victory! What makes the difference is how one views the world. If our fate is circumstantial or scripted by the master of the moment then truly we will be victims and not conquerors. However, if our destiny has been shaped by the divine then as Paul simply puts it, “If God is for us who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?” In God’s hands we find death leads to life, last puts us first and when buried we are raised! Does this mean we are invincible or that Giants won’t crush us beneath their weight? Hardly… but it does mean, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known (Luke 12:2).” Why? Because God is in charge… even on a cross! -DAN

The Big Finish

More often than not when I’m on the telephone with Leah I can hear Payden in the background singing. Recently, Leah asked me if I heard him and if I could understand what he was singing. He was singing one of his favorite church songs but unfortunately he doesn’t quite know the lyrics. No problem however, for our adolescent troubadour, he simply makes up his own lyrics. Apparently, the lyric of the day was that God had gone to the store where He was rock-a-bying a baby. Leah is entertained but sometimes it’s a bit much. She informed me that His very favorite church song is Dennis Jernigan’s song, “Thank You, Lord!” (781 in our song books). Now, to understand why this particular song might lend itself to a you-got-to-love-the-kid moment you have to understand two things. First, that the song as you recall has a dramatic sustained note in the chorus where the men sing, “And I thank You, thank You, Lord (with “Lord” being a high sustained note).” And second, that Payden is the aficionado of the big finish… that is, he likes to belt those sustained notes with unabashed pubescent punch! He often has a giggling audience in church when the Spirit moves him to offer up one of his big finishes. Mom loves it and bears it at the same time… and Pappy chuckles at imagining the scene.

Now, there’s something I want to say about big finishes but first I want to commend us all to make up our own lyrics. You see, God singing “Rock-a-bye Baby” in the grocery store is exactly what leads the soul to big finishes. When one sees God’s presence wherever they find themselves and know that He’s involved in rocking babies as much as He’s involved in state affairs… then, we have a God as big as the one the Bible reveals! If singing is heart melodies that speak to one another then let us never forget to affirm His presence in all that we say and do. Now, if we keep this lyric alive I believe we ought to give it a Payden finish. We need to belt it out with child-like exuberance! We need to… sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song (Psalm 95:1,2)!

And Here’s the big finish… and a little child will lead them (Isaiah 11:6)! Jesus suffered the little children to come to Him to remind the disciples and you and I that the nature of the kingdom of God is more about imaginative play than it is about rules and regulations. It’s about those unafraid to belt out the big finish because they know the one who is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end… the Big Finish! Their lyrics are full of His presence and His place in their lives. So, what’s your favorite song to belt out? -DAN

Fish Who Answer the Telephone

“Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body (Ecclesiastes 12:12).” So quips the ancient wisdom of Solomon who I have no doubt would yet be impressed with the hundreds of thousands of books published each year. From textbooks updated, to vampire teenage romance, stories, data, commentary and imaginings have found their way on to the printed page. Few if any destined to be classics but all with a message someone is passionate about. So where would you place my new favorite title published in 1937 and authored by Pavlov’s student, Yuril P. Frolov, entitled, “Fish Who Answer the Telephone and Other Studies in Experimental Biology?” At first glance one might think this is book not from a Russian professor but rather a doctor… Dr. Seuss that is! Frolov like Pavlov studied animal conditioned responses. Pavlov got dogs to salivate and Frolov conditioned a certain species of carp to gather for feeding when an electric bell was sounded. Hence, fish who answer the phone.

My interest here is not in answering some trivia question about bizarre book titles but that often we make quick judgment about things by reacting just to the surface of things. I have no doubt that Frolov was trying to provoke interest in his book by implying fish were answering telephones. I also believe that the inspired Word of God often wants to grab our attention by making statements that take a deeper understanding. The first will be last and the last first (Mark 10:31) is a statement that begs for more explanation. Prohibition of shaving off the edges of your beard (Leviticus 19:27) has got to be more than a fashion statement. God asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac is unsettling and turning the other cheek to an attacker just seems cowardly. But each of these have a deeper meaning and a richer story that makes phone answering fish child’s play.

So what are we to do with God’s Word that refuses to let us be casual or superficial with our reading of the text? Exactly… study to show ourselves approved! Meditate and delight over these words of life! Listen intently to not only the words but the silence, the history, the drama, the context of meaning then and now. Such requires our imagination as well as our scholarship. It depends on our common sense and employs us to see both tree and forest. And I believe it beckons us to join heart and mind in an adventure that seeks to not only understand God’s will but delight in the journey. Like little kids discovering fish that make phone calls we are adventurers discovering we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us! -DAN

Golconda

Can you name a famous poet? I can hear you –Robert Frost, William Wordsworth, E. E. Cummings, Walt Whitman, Edgar Allan Poe, John Donne and maybe somebody might throw in Shel Silverstein or Maya Angelou and the word lovers toss on Shakespeare and Rumi. But who’s missing? Think greeting cards… yes, Emily Dickinson! What a fascinating woman who wrote over 1,500 poems but only published reluctantly a handful during her life time. She was by her own admission eccentric, recluse and detached. However, her insights though often shrouded in an obsession with death and eternity have made many stop and ponder life and love. In her poem entitled, “Your Riches Taught Me Poverty” she writes, “I ’m sure it is Golconda, Beyond my power to deem,— To have a smile for mine each day, How better than a gem!” That is, true riches of love is not in physical gifts like gems but gifts of the heart like a smile. But if we are sure it is Golconda… then what in the world is Golconda?

Golconda is a word that means “a source of great wealth.” It’s based on an ancient city in Southern India that was known for its wealth from nearby diamond mines. Dickinson a very humble spirit knew that the wealth of love was discovered in the poverty of spirit. Having attended a seminary for women Dickinson’s poems are full of theology and religious references. Though single all her life she knew that loves’ riches were best taught in poverty. Jesus began His Sermon on the Mount with, “Blessed, are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).” The nature of God’s sovereignty and covenant relationship with His creation ensues from an awareness of our own poverty and a hunger and thirst for His righteousness. Thus we acknowledge God is the true source of great wealth! This is one of those facets of the radiant glory of God that reveals itself in paradox… the first will be last, the least the greatest, in dying we live and in weakness is our strength. None of it makes sense unless we recognize that His great riches have taught us poverty! He is Golconda… our source of great wealth!

Another great line from a Dickinson poem about books is, “our kinsmen of the shelf.” It reminds me of the C. S. Lewis line, “we read to know that we are not alone.” The Bible is a wonderful library that reveals sometimes in narrative, sometimes in poetry but mostly in confession of men and women of faith about the struggle to lay up treasures in heaven not on earth! And because our kinsmen are on that shelf the struggle continues in you and me. May God bless us with clarity of soul to know that our God is the only true Golconda! -DAN

Jesus Lives Forever

I love why the writer of Hebrews says, “Jesus lives forever.” The simple idea is that like Melchizedek He is a priest forever (in contrast to a come and go priesthood made up of those who live and die). Such never changing permanence introduced a better hope and promised intimacy with God through a covenant relationship with the divine secured in Jesus forever nature. The writer of Hebrews wraps this up in the most magnificent phrase, “He always lives to intercede for them (Hebrews 7:25).” Wow, Jesus omnipresence, that is, His I am that I am, alpha and omega, sameness today, yesterday and forever nature is eternally designed to assure us of His advocacy and efficacy in salvation. In a world that seems to be beaten, battered and baffled it’s nice to know that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for those who “come to God through Him.” Now, as great as that eternal truth sounds… what does it mean for my every day walk of life?

It reminds us that we are in a partnership with the divine. If we are seated with Christ Jesus in the heavenly realms and have been made partakers of the divine nature because God has called us into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord… then, we are conscious of living holy lives not because we think we’re all that and a bag of potato chips BUT because we refuse to take grace for granted or redemption as anything less than ultimate sacrifice! We are the redeemed who love because He first loved us. We are soldiers of Christ because we are freedom fighters who war not with flesh and blood but “against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).” We are more than conquerors! Jesus lives forever is a spiritual adrenaline rush that rallies believers to shout His name from the mountain top!

Okay, so we live out our faith and we are challenged to live bold and brave because Jesus is our mentor and our inspiration! But why do I let my passion for His presence go cold? On the nosey! That is exactly why He lives to intercede for us. Jesus knew that our flesh was weak even though our spirits were willing (Mark 14:38). He knew we would need a constant reminder of His presence… “Do this in remembrance of me.” He knew that sin could only be conquered by grace! So, He lives forever so He may always intercede in our behalf! Now that is good news… that’s the gospel that finds us ever returning on bended knees to worship and to repent as we reach out to be lifted up in His protective care. So we sing with ardent hearts, “He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today …He lives within my heart.” (P.S. A Jewish student asked Alfred H. Ackley who wrote the hymn “He Lives,” “Why should I worship a dead Jew?” Ackley quickly affirmed, “He lives!”) -DAN

On the Outskirts of Hope

Okay, I have a few pet peeves that mount me on my high horse so I can ride off on a tangent (I freely admit here that I have no idea what a peeve is and I’m pretty sure a tangent is one of those math concepts that I really never quite understood). None-the-less, one of those pet peeves is the misnomer “reality” TV. I’m nauseated by their proliferation and their pretense to simply be a slice of life caught on film. Yes, the people aren’t actors (hello, captain obvious) and there is no script. However, we all know that they are riddled with contrived, manipulated, product placement enhanced, drama driven situations orchestrated by cagey Hollywood types that know how to paint these willing victims into expected corners of human reaction. In short, reality… my foot! The only reality has been in the harrowing news of late about Ryan Jenkins, who allegedly murdered, mutilated and disposed of his wife and then ended his fleeing from authorities by hanging himself in a Canadian motel room. Now that’s reality… the reality of sin!

I don’t usually pay attention to such startling reminders of the darkened hearts of this wicked and evil world that surrounds us but my eyes latched on to an ironic phrase in the AP report of this story. In identifying the location of where Jenkins met his demise the article located the motel as being “on the outskirts of Hope.” Now, we are talking about reality, the reality of life enslaved by sin where it truly is on the outskirts of hope! Paul wrote to the Corinthians brethren who certainly had their own dramas that in the face of an imperfect world and imperfect knowledge three things remained (i.e. are worth holding on to)… faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). He also later tells them, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (1 Corinthians 15:19). Yes, hope anchors the soul (Hebrews 6:19) and keeps our eyes on the horizon of time when Christ will return in ultimate victory, the penult of reality shows!

Yes, but reality is that even Christians can find themselves on the outskirts of hope. Yes, walking in the light as He is in the light doesn’t mean we will be sinless and often at loss for the assurance of hope. But our very real frailty keeps bringing us back to the light that redeems us and the hope that secures our faith and champions our obedience. Assured of our weakness we keep seeking our strength in our Lord and cognizant that our righteousness is in Him and Him alone! Hope is brightened by the one show of reality that the redeemed share by grace… without Him there is no hope and with Him there is life! -DAN

Call It Macaroni

A friend of mine recently retired on disability was being teased by his wife that he was hooked on watching A&E’s edgy show, “Dog the Bounty Hunter.” He admitted that he was fascinated with Duane “Dog” Chapman’s rugged Wild West meets Billy Graham capture and convert stories but what he was really hooked on was old movies. Like an anxious school boy I raised my hands a blurted out, “Me too!” One of my favorites is the 1942 James Cagney movie about George M. Cohan, “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” But I must admit I’ve always been puzzled that a patriotic song would have lyrics like, “Yankee Doodle went to town, A riding on a pony, Stuck a feather in his hat, And called it macaroni.” This Yankee Doodle guy sounds to me like he’s a few noodles short of a Kraft’s Mac and Cheese box.

It seems that this song that came to be a Revolutionary war theme song was first used to make fun of the American troops. The song's origins were in a pre-Revolutionary War song originally by British military officers to mock the disheveled, disorganized colonial "Yankees" with whom they served in the French and Indian War. The word doodle first appeared in the early seventeenth century to mean a fool or simpleton. 'Macaroni' was a contemporary slang for foppishness. One version of the Yankee Doodle lyrics is attributed to Doctor Richard Shuckburgh (I include this only because if your name is Shuckburgh you shouldn’t mock anyone), a British Army surgeon, who wrote the song after witnessing the unprofessional appearance of Colonel Thomas Fitch, Jr., the son of Connecticut Governor Thomas Fitch, who arrived in Albany in 1755 with the Connecticut militia. There are records of British troops singing this song outside of church services to mock our troops. What a wonderful irony that in a short period of time the song became a rallying cry and symbol of American freedom.

Many in scholarship believe that “Christian” (Acts 11:26) was originally a derogatory term for disciples of Christ but that the early church turned it around and wore it with pride. Sometimes macaroni is a delicious thing to call the hat you wear! The foolishness of preaching proclaims that what the world calls weak or silly is the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)! So, here’s to macaroni! -DAN

Keene Insight

History is at best a guess. The last of the four gospels reminds us, Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written (John 21:25). History’s blurred edges and fudged facts were corralled by God’s breath (2 Timothy 3:16) and His divine intervention so that which is important might be preserved. I grew up hearing Will Rodgers sardonic quip, “I only believe what I read in the papers.” But then again, do we really know that it was Will Rodgers that said it? Yes, we all lament with Dragnet’s creator and star, Jack Webb, as Sergeant Joe Friday saying, “Just the facts, Ma’am.” However, history has a way of making facts and artifacts specious and speculative when all the puzzle pieces worn by time seem not to fit anymore. For example let me offer a Keene insight.

If you know who Laura Keene is then you probably are somewhat a history buff or Lincoln devotee. This mid-nineteenth century actress and business woman was the star of the play, Our American Cousin, that Abraham Lincoln and party was watching the fatal evening that John Wilkes Booth both shot and stab the 16th president of the United States. Miss Keene made her way from the stage up to Lincoln’s box and convinced the doctor to cradle the fallen president’s head in her lap. It was and will be an historical oddity that the usually hyper-jealous Mary Todd Lincoln allowed this spectacle. But Miss Keene’s blood soaked dress, now just fragments, has survived the ages and secured the actress’ place in history. But there is a Keene insight to this story.

Historians debate whether or not Keene actually was in the box or made up the story and if she was in the presidential box was it Lincoln’s blood she contacted or Henry Rathbone whom Booth inflicted deeply with a stab wound. Additionally, the fragments of Miss Keene’s dress that have been collected don’t all match. You see the Keene insight is that history at best is a guess. Just the facts ma’am are skewed by time and prejudice. Which leads me to this insight… I’m glad God didn’t leave His last will and testament up to historians but rather trustworthy men and women who testified of their faith. I’m elated that God saw fit to preserve the text by His providence and His servants that assure us that there is no other body of literature, no other recounting of history that is as sound as the library that came to be known as “The” book… the Bible! Now that’s keen! -DAN

Festival Seating

He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods, ‘O Israel who brought you up out of Egypt.” When Aaron saw this he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD.” Exodus 32:3,4.

Mike read the above text last Sunday night and then challenged us all to holster our pointing fingers and confess the reality of our own golden calves that we have fashioned carefully with the tools of greed, pride and envy. He identified the golden calves of his own life and affirmed that he knew he wasn’t alone. Mike challenged us to rid ourselves of the stuff we keep overstuffing and make room for the LORD! His resonate confession was: “If we spent as much time as we do watching TV reading our Bibles or working for the church what would our lives look like?”

All this reminded me of festival seating. No, no… not concert seating where it’s first come, first row but rather an important twist in the text above. You see the text says the children of Israel said after Aaron fashioned the golden calf, “These are your gods.” Not this is your god but the golden calf and Yaweh (God demoted to god and lumped in with a calf god) have brought you out of Egyptian slavery. Aaron seeing this tries to sway their allegiance back to Yaweh by saying, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD.” You see the real teeth of idolatry whether in ancient Israel or in your living room is religious accommodation. That is, making the LORD fit into the many lords that reign in this life. When the Ten Commandments were given, the first commandment (You shall have no other gods before me), is explained by telling us not only is God a jealous God but Yaweh considers idolatry as an act of hate toward Him. An act of hate because idolatry thumbs its nose at God by relegating Him to lucky charm status. He no longer is Creator, Sustainer and LORD! He’s a bit part in our life instead of the way, the truth, and the life. We minimize His presence instead of maximizing it. We take our seat at His festival and celebrate at the altar of self!

So, what should we do? Refuse to be anything less that radically, vibrantly and deeply in love with the one who is the way, the truth and the life! Have no other gods before Him… not Oprah, not Dr. Phil or Dr. Laura or even Dr. Dre. Instead, find that there is festival seating at church every week so the true Israel of God can celebrate the victory of the cross and rest in the grace of God! -DAN

Half-Brained Idea

Our last visit to our beach house in Oregon afforded us an opportunity to see a lot of wildlife including spotting a whale from our deck. Pam in a moment of reflection asked me, “How do whales sleep?” As an air breathing mammal the question of how does a whale sleep without drowning seems like a good question. So I googled. My internet quest revealed a few important facts and scientific speculation based on observation in controlled environments like the zoo as well as in the wild. Scientist would first remind us that whales and dolphins unlike humans are conscious breathers. Breathing for them is a twenty-four seven decision. They must make a conscious effort to surface for a breath. Since sleep is necessary for all living creatures then how does a conscious breather survive the unconscious state of sleep? Scientist have theorized from observation and tests that both dolphins and whales sleep with half of their brain while the other half stays semi-conscious and able to breathe and watch for predators. In fact, they have been observed with just one eye opened. So, what can we learn from this half-brained idea?

The most obvious lesson is that once again God’s marvelous design of creation reveals His presence in all things! The Creator of all things leaves us marveling at His handiwork as all creation sings praises to His name. But I think there’s an even more wondrous lesson. The brain which I believe seats the soul is an organic mechanism that God created with abilities far reaching anything we ever imagined. The old adage is that humans only use 10% of their brains but science and common sense have exposed this myth. The brain is fully functioning but what is true is that the intellectual capacity of the mind has such far reaching potential that some believe the brain has unlimited capabilities. One might want to take a healthy spoonful of humility with such statements yet, also acknowledge that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)! God made us a little lower than the heavenly beings (Psalm 8:5), that is, we have remarkable mental and spiritual potential. There’s nothing half-brained about this idea but rather an awesome and humbling challenge for each of us to grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Let’s take our cue from the dolphins and the whales to keep one eye open always looking to Jesus the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let’s vow to strive to allow God to use us up in His service and keep us useful to the kingdom even when we are at rest. May God bless our voyage with alert eyes and receptive hearts and may He find us faithful servants! -DAN

Signed

While on vacation I vacated the busyness of routine and everyday expectations to finish reading a book on the “Manhunt” of President Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth… I went hiking and walked our beach to commune with God… I ate all too well… I played phase ten dice with my lovely bride until we rounded off the corners of the dice… and I wrote a couple of poems because the ocean stirs me. Here’s one:

Signed

When I focus with my heart,
In each vista I see His design,
Before me is heaven’s art,
Each one God clearly signed.

The ocean sings its constant roar,
There God forever clearly seen,
In sunset bathing wave and shore,
His presence signed in ocean green.

Upon the mountain top towering high,
The Ancient of Days cathedral lies,
An eagle swoops to perch nearby,
God’s signature streaming in the skies.

From mountain top to ocean sunset,
His majestic sovereignty is cast,
Ruler, Maker, Sustainer, Perfect,
Signs His work future, present and past!

- Dan 2009

Diary of a Wimpy Preacher

On my birthday I received a gift from a creative soul and professional educator who sized me up and selected a book entitled, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” Now one could take that personal but knowing the giver I was delighted because to tell the truth I had been eyeing the book every time I passed it on the bookshelves. Author Jeff Kinney has fun with middle schooler Greg Heffley’s journal (it’s not a diary Greg wants us to know and though he told his mother not to buy a book with “diary” on it she did… but it’s not a diary!). I’ve enjoyed the insightful revisiting of sophomoric days gone by and the reminder that no matter what age you are you don’t want anyone to think you’re a wimp or at least that’s what we might think at first.

The irony of the book is that even though Greg tries his best not to have the wimp reputation he ends up sacrificially rescuing his best friend Rowley from the ultimate horror of being shunned by the entire Middle School. It involves touching some discarded cheese but best understood in the universal untouchable status of those who have cooties. Greg spares Rowley by claiming he touched the cheese and thus takes on the sins of Rowley in an act of true friendship.

I pray that in my life I might be the wimpy preacher who in the spirit of Christ takes on the sins of others so they might become more than conquerors. I want the Spirit of Christ that empties self and takes on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-11). I want to be bold enough like Paul to be considered the fool for Christ’s sake (1 Corinthians 4:10). I want to be wimpy enough as a preacher to be found nothing more or less than a clay jar filled with the treasure of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:7). I want my reputation to be assayed by the scales of true friendship (Romans 5:7, 8) not popularity or admiration. I’m ready to go wherever the cross will lead me for it is in weakness not strength that God’s power is delivered (2 Corinthians 12:9)! I guess this is the diary of a wimpy preacher. -DAN

Closer To The Son

Call it global warming, an El Nino effect, or urban radiation from the proliferation of pavement, concrete and traffic… whatever you call it, the reality is that the weather is hot! There are some of you out there that are like the classic movie title, “Some like It Hot.” But most of us gather around the air conditioner sipping cold drinks and fanning ourselves with junk mail. Somewhere between sips and fanning we take a deep breath and confess, “O well, it is summer.” Yes, the reality of hotter weather is and always will be proximity to the sun. The closer we orbit to the celestial incinerating center of our universe the warmer the temperatures. This won’t cool anyone down but I think there’s a wonderful spiritual parody in that the closer we get to the Son the more we are on fire for the Lord! Proximity to the divine heats things up!

I’ve always felt that the challenge of James 4:8 (Come near to God and he will come near to you…) was how close to God do you dare to get. The lifelong quest is how do I accomplish that challenge for my life? O, we know the standard list of: Bible study, prayer, church attendance/fellowship and spiritual meditation. But there’s this spiritual longing that just keeps one thinking, “I’m just not there! I want to be closer but I seem to be in a rut.” Well, I don’t have THE answer but I do think that what helps is a tall cool glass of beatitudes to let one know how high their spiritual flame burns.

Jesus prefaces His role as fulfiller of the law and prophets (Matthew 5:17) by recounting God’s blessings for His people. The surprise is it’s not the spiritually elite or sanctified satisfied nor the religious know-it-alls but rather the poor in spirit, the mournful, the meek and those that hunger and thirst after righteousness! Getting closer to the Son doesn’t generate self heat that blinds others with our spiritual brilliance but rather reflects humbly the Lord’s glory (2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:6). Spiritual fires burn best with a longing to be closer to God even though we feel poor, lament our woeful nature and cower at the realization that we are not worthy of His grace. Yet all of that is met with God’s assurance that He’s looking for the thirsty and hungry not the satisfied! So brothers and sisters let’s keep on hungering for His word, longing for His presence and parched for the Spirit’s living streams of the water of life… and each day we’ll find ourselves closer to the Son! -DAN

That Got Blown To Bluey

Okay class… if my dog is 9 years old today how old is he in dog years? And the ever so intelligent student on the front row with his hand raised high says, “63… seven dog years for each human year!” And Professor Dan says, “Sorry, the answer is 50 in dog years.” Now, before you question my math let me tell you what blows the 7 to 1 ratio we’ve always heard of to Bluey! It’s simple, Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who lived to be twenty-nine years old, would have been 203 years old in human years by those calculations. The ever so bright Bluey raises his paw high and says, “I was old but not THAT old!” So then, Professor, how do we calculate dog years to get 50? The answer factors in the accelerated growth of puppies over babies in becoming adults… thus, the first year is equal to fifteen human years, the second year would be 10 and the third 7 and each following year would be 3 years for each human year.

Okay, I get the idea and even can see how 110 years old for old Bluey makes more sense… but how in the world are you going to make any spiritual application out of such Bluey? Much indeed Professor Dan responds. Often we are prone to formula, statistics and empirical measurement to determine how we view both physical and spiritual reality. Bluey reminds us that what we need to keep in perspective is the principle not the facts. Principle challenges us to see personal application not sit in judgment of history or galvanize formula driven religion. Let me see if I can illustrate by using a personal experience from my puppy years.

When I was a young teen in Modesto like most young men I was encouraged to participate in services by serving at the Lord’s Supper. One Sunday evening it all fell into my lap and I was sole officiate at the table. Unfortunately I started off by offering a prayer for and distributing the fruit of the vine. Afterwards a “Church Lady” chewed me out for a full ten minutes for messing up the order and then stormed off. My father later told me I should have asked her what the order was in Luke 22:14-20 (cup, bread, cup if you didn’t notice before). You see, the issue here is not formula but principle. It’s about celebration and proclamation of Jesus in remembering Him and His sacrifice and life. The Eucharist is a sacred call to recognize the body (1 Corinthians 11:29) not nick pick its youthful members! It’s about principle not formula… about mercy and grace not law… about God’s will instead of ours! And that’s what counts! -DAN

Singing Bible

Camp is always such a joy for us not only because we are privileged to share a week with young people with eyes brightened by God’s creation but we get to spend time with our out of state grandkids. Our granddaughter Tia is at the age where she is filled with a myriad of questions and overflowing with non-stop requests. One of these requests held the charm of both laughter and rumination. Tia inquired, “Poppy (for some reason this year she chose to call me Poppy instead of Pappy), can you get me a singing Bible?” Now you must understand that I am extremely visual and I immediately picture in my mind a human sized Bible down on one knee with arms spread wide singing, “The B*I*B*L*E, O, that’s the book for me…” Now, of course on second thought I realized that she meant a songbook… but it’s the third thought that crystallized this anecdote in my memory and got me thinking. The Bible really does sing!

It has often psalmed its way into my heart lifting my spirits; commiserating with my misery and reminding me that my doubts are ever embraced by a faith that will not let me go. The Bible has sung to me in moments of reflection when like Moses for the briefest of moments I have glimpsed the glory of my God. My singing Bible has lullabyed me to sleep yet left me in wonder searching my soul. My singing companion has oft left me with the refrain, “Woe, with me for I am a man with unclean lips in the midst of a people with unclean lips!” Yet, it never fails to cheer me up, ground my cynicism and challenge me to sing on key. While I personally sing to the tune of one note selfishness it calls me to harmonize with God’s will and concern for my fellow man.

Yes, my Bible sings with the exuberant and melodic affirmation that Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so! It sings of a homecoming that will right the wrongs and unite the separated. It belts out not a big finish but rather a still small voice that has never failed or left us… but has been singing all along of the wondrous grace of Jesus! It has been an unchained melody that soothes the soul and lifts the eyes toward heaven longing for that great and glorious day when Christ returns! O, yes… O, yes… my Bible sings! -DAN

Dad Or Pop

Whether you call him Dad or Pop it is a palindrome. Palindrome is a word coined in the 1600’s by English writer Ben Jonson and is a word that is spelled the same forward and backwards. The first known palindrome was a Latin phrase discovered in 79AD: "Sator Arepo Tenet Opera Rotas". This is known as the Sator square, since it can be written out as a five x five square and is the same whether read across the squares or down. So, whether you called him Dad or Pop at some point you probably thought he was a square! But if you are like most of us you discovered like Mark Twain did, “When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished by how much he'd learned in seven years.” Yes, my Dad was and is the wisdom that I return to time and time again. You see, I promised myself as a youth that I would never say to my children the things that my Dad said… like: You call that music –that’s just a bunch of noise or You’ll understand more when you get my age. But I did and I suspect that they will too. All this brings me to the forward and backward point I wanted to make about Dad.

The legacy of our fathers, the faith of our fathers, the resonate voice of our fathers is that life must be lived consistently. Oh, we will all fail and oft find ourselves exposed by our hypocrisy. But what will prove the depth of our faith and the value of our word will be our effort to be the same whether going forward or backward. Good Dads say what they mean and mean what they say. They’re not afraid to apologize when they are wrong or put their foot down when they’re right. They are known for their mercy but respected for their rules. Their bark is never worst than their bite because if you are going to get a chewing out it’s going to leave marks. But it is those very marks that have formed our honesty and shaped our compassion. Like our heavenly Father our Dads have grounded our souls.

I know some of you have not had a Father around or that the Dad that held your family hostage with his tyranny or his addiction was far from the image of our heavenly Father but I also know that you have met godly men that you wish were your Dad. God chooses to reveal himself as “Father” because consistent Dads who are the same forward and backwards are not only a blessing but vital to a fallen world that needs their strength and their wisdom. So, thanks Dad or Pop for all you do and all that you are! -DAN

I Dream In HD

From the insightful Joseph to the wistful Jacob, dreams have been a feature of God’s revelation and invasion into reality. Dreams often are mere outlets for unresolved issues, hidden fears or fantasy conduits to a nonsense world where one suddenly has talents, supernatural abilities or sudden fame. One is either a vivid dreamer or so sporadic that one claims they don’t dream. During a recent dream I had an epiphany that I voiced out loud (in my dream). Struck by the sharp details and vivid colors I exclaimed, “Hey, I’m dreaming in HD!” Yes, you are correct… that’s 10 milligrams short of a full dose of Ambien. However, I believe my dream musing might offer an important insight to the challenge of living a spiritual life in a world driven by technology and information.

The High Definition world advances so fast that a student studying a four year technical degree will find half of what they learn the first year of their studies will be outdated by the third year of their course work. We are now seeing hard drives in computers that have multiples of a terabyte (i.e. 1,000 gigabytes). What’s next? Well, there is petabyte, exabyte, zettabyte and finally yottabyte (I guess if needed they’ll add harpo or groucho bytes)! The point is that the techno world is growing exponentially so that information and possibilities seem endless. It is in this ever changing environment that one stops to take a breath and exhales the resolve, “But it doesn’t hold a candle to the God who created all things and hold all things together.” I may dream of an advanced HD dream world but the true highest definition is not in pixels or new technology but in a God who waits to share heaven with all who will call on His name!

The question is not whether because of the June 12th deadline I’ve gone digital with my dreams but rather will I find higher definition in my faith whether awake or asleep? I hope that in all that I say and in all that I do that I never forget that what centers my life is the God I worship and adore. Oh, I’m appreciative to live in a world that has such advances because I love me some man toys but I hope in this techno-flood that I never forget that the kingdom of God is not a matter of terabytes or HD, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17)! -DAN

We Didn't Say A Prayer

While in Monument Colorado this past weekend at my oldest sister’s house we were having a relaxed Saturday late-morning brunch. The night before we had celebrated my niece’s 40th birthday. Sitting on my sister’s deck drinking in the beauty of the mountainside view Pam and I were at a table with my sister, brother-in-law, one of their friends and our grandson, Payden. Payden looked up from his plate and surveyed the table then spoke up and said, “We didn’t say a prayer.” After a few hem and haws and a reference to saying a private prayer my sister suggested that Payden say the prayer. As you can guess he thanked God for mommy and daddy and list of things I’m sure must have included the food and then he sealed it with an “amen.” Then raising his bowed head he looked over to my sister’s friend and said, “Now, your turn.” I love not only what kids get away with but their unobstructed view of God!

As precious as that moment was for me and even though it warmed my heart that Bryan and Leah are doing such a fine job raising my grandson… I pray that his faith grows beyond saying “Grace.” That he cultivates a heart of prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) that lives the “amen” life where affirmation of God’s blessings is not limited to meals, church, and night time prayers. I hope his horizon is expanded to say, “We didn’t say a prayer…” when he shares a sunset, or visits an elderly friend, or starts a journey, or laughs with a friend. I would be bold enough to pray that he laments missing a prayer for his enemies or praying for present trouble. I pray he finds the most pedestrian, boring, common, unattractive things to give thanks for or to ask for God’s care and grace to wash over them and him. I pray that his prayers are as many as his steps and that the presence of God and the longing to hear His voice and His will are the driving force of Payden’s life! Yes, I pray that prayer fills his life so that when it is absent he says over and over again, “We didn’t say a prayer!”

To all of this I hope and pray that Payden will find himself drawn back to the prayers of Jesus. That a Savior who prays, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” –becomes a exemplar for his life not only so he may forgive as he has been forgiven but that Payden’s heart becomes as compassionate as it is strong. On top of all that I hope he becomes an NFL star and buys his Pappy and Mema a mansion to live in (just kidding, I think)! No, I’m sure that the only mansion I want is that place of much room where we all will share residence with the divine! Now, that’s the prayer I hope I never forget! -DAN