Have A Safe Drive

My last Wednesday night at Roseville had a most delightful serendipity… from the sweetest source ever… Lizzie Garza. Sylvia ushered this big eyed sage of little girldom to take audience with me and with a motherly whisper instructed Lizzie Bug, “Tell Dan…” And in her sweetest voice yet bolstered with one part performance and two parts mischief Lizzie clearly instructed me, “Drive safe on your trip and please… don’t run into a pig (big smile).” Let me explain. In the conclusion of my last sermon on Sunday I retold a story I had told in my very first sermon. It seemed not only fitting but allowed me to rib Vaughncele Kiser who maintains that she remembers the first sermon I had preached at Roseville. I told the audience that she didn’t have that good of a memory but what she did remember was the following story.
Brothers and sisters I don’t know if you are familiar with the road between Ukiah where we now live and Interstate Five but there are parts of it that are ribboned with hairpin curves. While driving here and approaching one of these curves a car came screeching around the corner with a woman leaning out of her front window waving her arms and yelling, “Pig! Pig! Pig!” Well, being a man of the cloth and in full control of my faculties I slammed on the brakes and hopped out of my car and shaking my fist at her I yelled, “Swine! Porker! Snout bearing McSnorter! Arrrrghhh! Then I got back into my car and drove around the curve and ran into a pig! So, you see that Lizzie did not want me to hit any pigs!
Besides being the best going away gift that I received it really set the tone for making the transitions that Pam and I will be making in leaving our home of several decades to start a new adventure on the Oregon Coast. We are going to make it our motto not to hit any pigs or squeal about how hard it is to leave family and friends or root around for any opportunity to lament the past. Our eyes are on the future and how God will use us for His kingdom. We have planned and long for an opportunity to live permanently in our little house by the sea… so, here we go full speed ahead with great expectations for what lies around the curves of life!
And Lizzie… we’ll try real hard not to run into any pigs! -DAN

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

I had to apologize to Jacki. O, I didn’t want to apologize because I had only been the victim of not paying close enough attention. You see, I had bet Jacki a million (not real but hyperbolic you-bet-I’m-sure-on-this-one) bucks that the song we were listening to was not Burl Ives singing but Gene Autry (the singing cowboy) belting out the “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” lyrics. I was wrong… it was “curse that Sam the Snowman” Burl Ives! I can just hear that goateed fake-snow gliding stop animated troubadour chiding me with, “Have a holly jolly Christmas...” I tell you if I wasn’t the minister for the Roseville Church of Christ… Hey, wait a minute this is my last Sunday maybe I’ll pancake that orbed holiday nuisance and silence his cherry little tune! Yes, yes, yes… I’m just kidding and I really do believe in the next Johnny Marks’ lyrical line, “It’s the best time of the year!” Christmas has its fair share of bad traffic, bad attitude shoppers, bad Santas and holiDAZED nonsense but it still is the best time of the year!

Johnny Marks wrote the song “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” along with the lively “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” His lyrics are simple but really do invoke the Christmas spirit in us all. The fascinating thing about that is that Johnny Marks was Jewish and to my knowledge never wrote a Chanukah song. However, that really is the Christmas story after all. Now, don’t get me wrong I believe that the reason for the season is Jesus. Whether historically inaccurate or not the celebration of the Christ child is the glory of the season. If angels could sing from on high of this glory we should celebrate the holy night as well. With that said… the real spirit of Christmas is the spirit seen in the Christ child, in a jolly elf named St. Nick, in a Dicken’s character scrooged up with greed and in a Jewish lyricist that proclaims it’s the best time of the year. It is the human spirit freed from sins darkness and warmed by love, kindness and joy. It is a summon to know the power of giving and the unity of sacrifice that dissipates the general sad state of affairs. It transcends ethnicity or cultural bias and unites mankind in the joy of a season of love expressed and generosity unchained. It really is the best time of the year!

So… in this last article that I will write for the Roseville Church of Christ my home for 23 and a half years let me say with the angels on high, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests (Luke 2:14).” It really is the best time of the year! -DAN

The Party's Over

On December 5th in a hospital in Santa Fe New Mexico Joseph “Dandy” Don Meredith at the age of 72 succumbed to a brain aneurism and as his wife reported, “We lost a good one.” I have to believe that with a quiet and reverent homage many whispered, “Turn out the lights, the party’s over.” Dandy Don brought to football what many lament is missing in this over compensated narcissistic media driven menagerie of prima donnas who see football as entertainment more than a man’s game. Meredith played hard, played injured and played for the team whether he was on the gridiron or in the sportscast booth. He was “entertaining.” But not driven by a spotlight but rather a passion and love for the game. He is well known for singing Willie Nelson’s lyrics when it was obvious that a game was over… “Turn out the lights, the party’s over!” Rest in peace “Dandy” Don and we’ll turn out the lights and never forget how many times you took us to the party.

“They say all good things must come to an end” are the next lyrics in Willie Nelson’s song. And though I’m at a place in life where many of those who formed my history now make up the obituaries I’m glad that my faith anchors my soul with eternal life and the hope of the resurrection. The Holiday season is always a tough time to lose a loved one. My mother passed away in 1999 the day before Christmas. We were devastated but assured the party was not over but closer to starting when we all will be assembled at the wedding feast of the lamb. The lights weren’t turned off they were burning bright making heaven that much more dear to us! I’m in no hurry to fill my place in the obituaries but I am excited about going to the party. Maranatha is more meaningful to me each passing year… yes, Lord come quickly!

The rest of the lyrics of Willie Nelson’s song are a lament about losing a sweetheart because he had more care for the party than for his gal. Life was more about having fun than it was about making sure his love was true. Sadly, that’s where Nelson’s song leaves you… with the lights out and the echo of “it’s over.” I’m glad that after the gospels we have Acts one reporting the ascension and the comforting words, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven(Acts 1:11).” Jesus IS coming to gather those who made sure that their love was true and are ready for the party to begin… an eternal party of praise, adoration and service to the exalted one! The catch phrase for the NFL now days is, “Are you ready for some football?” More importantly are you ready for heaven’s party? The lights will be on and for eternal days the party will be celebrating the victory of faith! -DAN

Can I Get An Amen?

From time to time you hear from those who stand to proclaim good news before the gathered faithful, “Can I get an amen?” This solicitation of enthusiasm infused approval for the point being made is intended to evoke not only agreement but is also intended to be a call to action. That is, the amen (“let it be so!”) is faith’s witness to one another that we’re serious about what has been spoken. It affirms that God’s people are by nature those who let their yes, be yes and there no be no (2 Corinthians 1:17-22). We’re not just about bold rhetoric but are courageously committed to walk the talk. Now with all that said, the preacher often just simply reflects with “Can I get an amen?” that the pew is all too often silent! Stoic frozen faces that refuse to reflect the passion of the message are a dissonant cry that feigns apathy or at best that the lights are on but nobody is home. Maybe the absence of the amen in our assemblies is reflective of the information overload of the world that surrounds us? Is it possible that church has become the final frontier where we boldly go where no man has gone before in silent protest to a world of talking heads, blaring commercials, silly soaps and indifferent newscasters that overwhelm us with talk, talk, talk, talk? Is our silence more protest than decorous politeness? Well, can I get an amen?

If this might possibly be true that we have by silence voted for a word to be spoken that is not hyped, twisted or taken out of context… then we’ve thrown the baby out with the bathwater! If corporate worship is both vertical and horizontal in its nature (that is, we worship and adore God and in the joy of praise encourage one another) then how can it be anything other than vocal. The sermon doesn’t have to be a monologue. The preacher really does want to get an amen… not because he wants to feel that what he is saying is getting top approval ratings but because he is passionate about the message and wants to know others are too! Sharing the bread of life is a stirring experience and most of all a shared experience. The sermon is not rote liturgy but the witness of faith… faith in a Word from God that will delight, challenge, shape and affirm the soul who has discovered over and over that these words are words of life! The sermon is not about a spotlight on the entertainer but light from above that baths us all in its warmth and illumination of truth. Well, can I get an amen?

Can a sermon punctuated with a liberal dose of amen become so much talk, talk, talk, talk? Of course. But not if the amen comes from the heart, inspired by the Spirit and shared with passionate affirmation of one’s faithful witness. The amen is one’s signature on the declaration of the hour! It is citizens of heaven exercising their right to vote for the truth and rally for the cause. It’s the heavenly way to cheer for the team. It’s worship with a double shot of excitement to help us spiritually stay awake for the day. It’s one of Jesus favorite words! Well, CAN I get an amen? -DAN

The Waning Years Of My Calamistrate

As I have been cleaning, culling, and reducing the clutter that my office had become I have discovered a chronicle of my almost quarter of a century with the Roseville Church of Christ. One prize possession that was excavated from the cavernous mounds of artifacts was a California driver’s license that revealed that I am not only a greater man than when I first arrived (by pound that is) but I’m certainly in the waning years of my calamistrate! Okay, Dan, we know how much you love odd, strange, obtuse and dust covered words of the past… pray tell, what is your calamistrate? I’m so glad you asked… as you remember from your High School Latin the word “calamistratus” means “curl” usually as regards hair and is a word borrowed from the calamus reed that resembles in fragrance and color a cinnamon stalk. Yes, yes… I’ve lost much hair and thereby much curl! I’ve gone from redheaded to deadheaded and thereby are in the waning years of my calamistrate but wait… there’s a special nexus with Scripture here that must not be missed: One of the ingredients of the anointing oil (Exodus 30:22-33) is calamus (NIV has “sweet cane”). Like cinnamon, calamus is reddish in color and therefore what I’ve experienced is an anointing of fragrant oil that has consecrated me as Roseville’s priest while honoring my redheaded past and recognizing my graying and sparsely curled present… or maybe not!

I hope what I have illustrated is not just my creative abilities to twist the truth until it fits my curly nonsense but what I’ve been trying to preach and teach these many years. It’s been a few years but I have always offered the wager that one could give me any wild idea they could conger up and I could find Scripture to back it up. O, it would be twisted, curled and out of context but it would be convincing enough to fool some. My wager has never been for entertainment or to promote the twisted postmodern view that there are no absolute truths just individual perceptions… but rather to point out that we must be careful with God’s Word and listen more than we speak, digest more than we divest and meditate on it day and night (Psalm 119:97). If it is a two edged sword then we need to handle it with care realizing its power as well as its beauty. Above all else we must maintain its simplicity and resolute truth and free it from our wandering complexities and juvenile incessant questioning of peripheral trivialities that miss the forest for the trees!

Paul uncurls it this way, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).” -DAN

Love The Look

Recently, Sylvia Garza reported one of those I’m-thrilled-to-be-a-mom moments on Facebook. Lizzie tugged at her heart when she proclaimed to Sylvia about her sister Katie, “I just love the look of her!” I can just hear the song from “White Christmas” with Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen singing, “Sisters, sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters… Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister.” O, don’t get me wrong I’m pretty sure that Lizzie and Katie will have some knock down drag out fights ahead of them as well as some tug of wars over clothes, boys and car keys but I have no doubt that they will be a close loving duo that will always have each other’s back. And no doubt they’ll love the look of each other!

The early church was maligned as cannibalistic incestuous insurrectionists because outsiders didn’t understand the symbolism of the Lord’s Supper, the spiritual ties of being brothers and sisters in Christ and their ardent devotion to Jesus as Lord. Outsiders were often confused but inside the family of God brothers and sisters loved the look of one another. Because they knew where the look came from… “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).” Yes, Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sisters and brothers in Christ!

Paul puts it this way to a Roman church that he had not even yet visited, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly (and yes, sisterly) love. Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10).” That is, love the look of one another! A look with patience when you would like to twist off their stubborn thick head… A look with care when you know they’re hurting… A look with encouragement when you know their struggle… A look of pride when you see their passion and compassion… A look with joy when you join together in the battle… A look of satisfaction when you see in one another the glory of our King and you love one another with the love of the Lord!

I said all of that to say this… I love the look of you! You make me glad that I’m a follower of Christ and rest in the company of those who want to be like Him! -DAN

Really?

I’m sure you’ve seen the Windows 7 phone commercials where various people who should be paying attention to the business (or pleasure) at hand are instead focused on their cell phones oblivious to everything else. Occasionally those nearby in utter frustration blurt out, “Really?” They hang on to these two syllables with such distain and physical punctuation to evidence their disapproval with a dramatic flair that only a mother who caught her child sneaking a cookie could muster. The problem here is that this commercial underscoring our love affair with our cell phones suggests the only way out is to have a better cell phone operating system… Widows 7. Can someone call the irony police because we have a crime scene here… REALLY!

When did we convince ourselves that cell phones were vital to our existence? When did little Johnnie and Missy start packing Ma Bell in their elementary school backpacks? And for the love of irony how in the world did our youth turn the telephone back into the telegraph with their texting craze? Really? I mean REALLY! Okay… deep breath –I know this is the information age and our cell phones have become info central with access to the web but can I get just a whisper of an amen that maybe we should slow down on the information highway and pull into a rest stop and check the map to see where we are headed? Can we talk about the spiritual consequences of the cellular craze, mobile mania and texting taciturnity? Can we take a moment and get real?

Here is what I think is real… the need to communicate. Not better, faster or heavenly cell phones paving the way for coded text language (lol) or icon emotions :) or even actual dialogue wearied by, “So, what cha doin?” But a renaissance of conversation that longs for the sharing of ideas and faith and hope. Minds meeting in the arena of possibilities sparring with their dreams and challenging each other with insights. I think that’s what Solomon had in mind when he wrote, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17).” Really? …yes, REALLY! -DAN

Asthenopia

Do you ever do a double take when you hear something in a commercial that you’re not quite sure you heard correctly? I recently heard the phrase “vision fatigue.” That perked up my theological ears because it seems that God’s people have suffered from a lot of things but “vision fatigue” is not one of them… maybe, “vision failure” or “vision over analyzing” and of course the dreaded “vision by committee” but certainly not “vision fatigue!” Now, don’t get me wrong, I understand that I’m being a little harsh (and a lot tongue and cheek) but the old preacher line from the King James translation of Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” may be an exegetical stretch but never-the-less a true statement. The church must have vision, an indefatigable vision that rests in God’s providence and relies on the Spirit’s lead. The medical term for vision fatigue or eye strain is asthenopia (literally in the Greek –weak eyes). The church must have strong, clear resolute vision that keeps it pressing toward the goal which God has called it “heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13, 14).”

When my first child came into this world I was not only proud, thankful and hopeful but I wanted her to know the Lord so I lobbied for biblical names. I liked the sound of Leah Michal McQuiddy. It worked! She loves the Lord and serves His kingdom but unfortunately she early on learned the history of Leah, Jacob’s less than favored wife and Michal, David’s less than favored wife. But what really boils her grits (I’m not sure that’s a saying, I think I just made it up) is that Leah is Hebrew for “weak” and specifically Genesis 29:17 asserts that it is a reference to weak eyes… asthenopia, vision fatigue! Leah has grown to love her name but not the “weak eyes” implication because she is a woman of God with vision!

So, here’s how this all shakes out (I’m pretty sure that’s a saying)… the church, individuals, communities and all on a journey need to keep their eyes on the destination. They need to stay not just focused but alert to those things that can slowly blur their vision. One large group of individuals who suffer from “vision fatigue” is professional drivers who spend a great deal of time focused on the road. Yes, the truck driver secret is to not keep your eyes on one spot but to scan your entire surroundings while keeping the wheels headed in the right direction. So, keep your eyes on Jesus but see Jesus and the need for Jesus in your entire surroundings. Now, that’s a vision that doesn’t suffer fatigue! …And Leah, sorry about the weak eyes thing! -DAN

I'll Never Know

Last Sunday as we were driving down Douglas Boulevard we found ourselves behind a young lady driving and singing and obviously moved by what was silent to us but electric to her. Her body swayed with the rhythm and occasionally she would raise one hand in the air waving it side to side. I mused to Pam, “I wonder if she is praising God?” I quickly scanned her four wheeled church building looking for signs that would tip me off but I found not one bumper sticker or fish symbol to help me out. Now I’ll never know whether this was a child of God caught up in the ecstasy of praise or someone just bopping to the beat. It was Sunday… I think I’ll just assume that she was praising God!

Yes, I know… I’ll never know! But there is much in this life, in this world, in God’s world that I’ll never know. I’ll never know why Judas had to betray Jesus with a kiss… Michael Card is right, “That’s not what a kiss is for.” I’ll never know if God with a wry smile gave Adam a belly button just because He knew we would ask. I’ll never know why innocent little babies have to suffer with deformities, illnesses and handicaps. I’ll never know why the Bible seems silent about things that seem so important. I’ll never know why God thought flies was such a good idea. I’ll never know why the apostle Paul took a vow that ended with animal sacrifice when he was adamant that the ceremonial law was nailed to the cross. I’ll never know if the Holy Spirit is leading me or if I’ve just convinced myself that God would like things the way I would like them. And to be honest my “I’ll never know” list is an ever growing thing that sometimes leaves me sick with doubt and sometimes reaffirms my faith and sometimes sparks my imagination… but always leaves me with this doxology: “Now we see but a poor reflection; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known (1 Corinthians 13:12).”

So, “I’ll never know” should be corrected to “someday I’ll know.” For now… I’ll look on the bright side of life! So, praise away my young Douglas driver lady. -DAN

Thus Saith The Text

Sunday even before I got the chance to draw breath and expound with my usual mellifluous treasures of wisdom… a cell phone went off with a ring tone with a rather 60’s seedy vibe. You would think that one would have the decency to wait until I had sufficient time to homiletically anesthetized the congregation (i.e. bore them to sleep) before interrupting such sacred ground? I can’t tell you how tickled I was to find out from the recipient of this cellular faux pas the story behind their untimely ring. They were surprised because they had faithfully silenced their cell phone before services. In fact, they received this ring tone because they were policing a certain calloused pewster who was in violation of the time honored song leader’s instruction, “Now, let’s give our undivided attention to the preacher’s message.” The person next to them was texting and so they texted them to “stop texting!” And though they had silenced the ring tone for incoming calls they had not silenced the ring tone for receiving texts so when they received a text back to mind their own texting business… well, cheesy ring tone here we come. Ugh…. hoisted on their own petard (I can’t tell you how much I’ve longed to be able to use that phrase correctly)!

To text or not to text that is the question. Is one’s right to multi-task in church by both listening and texting as dangerous as texting and driving at the same time? And what does thus saith the text have to say about all this? I learned very early on in my preaching career that you don’t know how people listen and absorb a message so don’t make too much out of what you think you see. My first regular audience had a good sister who set up close to the front who continually nodded her head to what I thought was agreement to what I was saying but found out later it was her way of staying awake. Likewise there was a good brother who sat toward the back and had his eyes closed the entire sermon who was far from sleeping but seriously concentrating on the sermon. So… it is entirely possible that one could text, doodle, nod or close their eyes and be absorbing with the help of the Holy Spirit all the message God intended for them to hear!

So, here is my ring tone to this common problem of cell phones going off in church, funerals, libraries, meetings and the like… “Ring out, the word, o’er land and sea…” James Rowe’s 1911 lyrics remind us that the important thing is for the word to ring out! I’m not as worried about each generation’s distractions as I am worried about them getting the message of His “saving grace, Make it known in every place, Ring it out, ring it out!” So if your cell phone goes off during one of my sermons I’ll be assured that you would like for the message to “merrily ring!” -DAN

Dreams

Are you a vivid dreamer? My lovely wife maintains that she doesn’t dream or at least doesn’t recall any of her dreams. I’m fascinated by that, because my dreams are often so real that I awake sometimes worn out by their activity or upset by their events and occasionally enlightened by their instruction. Now, I’m not bold enough or foolish enough to make some kind of Joseph claims that touts divine given insight or heavenly revelation but I must say that occasionally I feel a God nudge. Let me quickly allay any fears you may have… I’m fully aware of how many times that my dreams are a garbled mess and make no earthly much less heavenly sense (Pam once woke me up because I was laughing at a “dream” joke and when I tried to tell the joke –well, suffice to say, “Not funny!”). So, what I’m saying is that my meager understanding of dreams is that it is a function of the subconscious that affords our imaginations an opportunity to help us vent frustration, attempt to resolve issues and take outlandish vacations from reality. But as the conscious is led by the Spirit of God… I assume so is the subconscious. Thus, occasionally a dream or two has helped or enlightened me spiritually.

Such was a snippet from a recent dream where a friend from the past told me in conversation that he was trying to put into practice the memo from upstairs to observe, conserve and then reserve. This odd triad kept ringing in my dream ears and I kept rehearsing them over and over until I carried the following insight into the waking hours: 1) Life is learned more by observation than any other learning process. As a kindergarten teacher, Pam often had five or more different language speakers in her class but this tower of Babel obstacle was easily overcome because most of her teaching was done by modeling. We learn much by observation. What I began to observe about this triad was that what the three words had in common was the root “serve.” The greatest observation in life is that I’m called to serve; 2) that observation is only effective if I am quickly reminded that to serve I must conserve. No, not go green but the literal sense of the word… to serve with. That is, to serve I must always be aware that I am in partnership with God and the apostle Paul adds, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13);” 3) to top this all off one must never forget that in serving God and his fellow man that all service is just a service already received from God. We reserve (re-serve) the blessings that God has given so freely to us!

Okay… I know at this point you’re thinking… This is no dream insight but the hyper imaginative powers of a preacher in search of a sermon! Maybe, you’re right –or maybe God sometimes gives us a nudge! -DAN

Beracah

I told Leah to count her blessings while Johnson Oates’ lyrics echoed in the back of my head, “…name them one by one.” My fatherly advice was not intended as corrective but rather a universal reminder of how we all dwell in the Valley of Beracah (2 Chronicles 20:26) and should never lose sight of the blessings that are not only abundant but tailored to our current needs. King Jehoshaphat and his army had been told by prophetic utterance that the battle was the Lord’s but stood in awe to see the vast coalition of armies that lay silent on the valley floor from destroying one another. They had resolved that the charge to go and face this formidable army would be a costly but victorious battle. They knew only Jehovah would enable them and so they had spent the night in worship singing at the top of their lungs, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” So, surprised and awed, they stand overlooking the enduring love of a God who delivers His people. The text reveals the depths of God’s blessing is not only deliverance from an enemy but Jehoshaphat’s troops spent three days collecting valuable articles from the fallen armies that had intended to route them. The divine irony of it is that they collect harps, lutes and trumpets that are taken to the Jerusalem temple and used not to rally troops against Jehovah’s people but to stir the hearts of God’s people in singing praise to the God who delivers!

So, how do you count your blessings? I’m not sure that it is a literal naming them one by one… even though that is a fun challenge. It is more of a call to recognize that like Jehoshaphat’s army we collect blessing after blessing over several days. That is, we are challenged each day to see the blessings that God has left in our path… some will be familiar and well-worn (give us this day our daily bread) and some will be unexpected and demanding (your will be done on earth as it is in heaven). But we resolve that we WILL be blessed because we are confident the Lord’s love endures forever! So, we will praise Him in the storm as well as the calm. We will seek to be still so we may know Him and hear His whispered presence. We will acknowledge Him in all our ways and let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly! We WILL be blessed!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20,21). -DAN

Born In A Treehouse

If I haven’t mentioned it lately let me be clear in stating that all my grandchildren (including Miles Stephen Ford, number 12, who arrives February) are geniuses! Now, I don’t mean that in the typical bragging grandfatherly way… they ARE bonnie lads and lasses of copious cleverness and insatiable acumen that would leave Solomon scratching his head. Let me illustrate with a recent snippet from a facebook entry by Leah. “Payden says to Mary (I assume a playmate), ‘My sister was born in the city. I was born in Oregon, in a treehouse.’” O, did I mention that my estimation of genius is the ability to bring creative insights to the mundane and common everydayness of life? Payden decided to embellish and bring hints of legend into his humble Oregonian birthday arrival. I was there and though shooed out of the room as the time drew nigh I’m pretty sure that it was a hospital room and not a treehouse… but man O man would it have been cool if it was! And hey, it’s not like they don’t have a lot trees in Oregon –now is it?

Some wonder as they read through the Bible if some of the stories have not been embellished a little here and a little there. Others would be quick to say if the Bible says it then it happened just that way for all Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). And then others might interject that we have four gospels because there is more than one way to view or tell the story. And then again there a cynics that out right reject the stories because of seeming contradictions in the Bible. And if you want to add another layer to the pie you have biblical scholars who maintain that Scripture is a conglomerate of editors, redactors and scribal mishaps that have given local color and cultural shaping to the text. And therefore, you might have a couple births in a treehouse that didn’t actually happen that way!

Well, just as I think my grandkids are genius so too I think Scripture is God-breathed and rings with glorious clarity that it is Holy Spirit moved and God orchestrated genius. And so I believe that if the story has been retold with a treehouse view that God intended it to be so. The Bible is not a static lifeless newspaper account of events that chronicle history. It is the living active sharper than a two-edged sword telling of faith in action that penetrates our imaginations to draw us closer to our Creator and Sustainer! It’s insight into possibility and ultimate probability of a God shaped world because after all there are a lot trees in Oregon! -DAN

BALLOONING

I don’t consider myself particularly nosey or by any means a closet eavesdropper but I must confess that from time to time I zoom in on a conversation I haven’t been invited to share. Recently, I overheard one individual say to another, “So, have you been ballooning lately?” For some reason (could it be my own girth?), I took offense in behalf of my anonymous friend and silently implored him to retort, “Why no, Ms. Skinny… have you been deflating?” You’ve probably have guessed by now that as I listened further into the conversation I discovered that one friend was curious about another’s high flying hobby of hot air ballooning. As I laughed at my misunderstanding and measured my record breaking jumping to a conclusion, I seriously thought about the challenge this brought to my faith.

You see, the greatest eavesdropping that we ever engage in is reading the New Testament letters. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that Paul, Peter, James, John and whoever wrote Hebrews were engaged in obtuse dialogue or insider conversations that were so personalized that others would be unable to know fully what they were talking about. The letters are certainly full of purposed instruction fully intended to teach the body of Christ as a whole, as well as theological discussion designed to clarify, instruct and elucidate the Christian faith. However, there are times it would be nice to know what exactly was the context of the discussion and the motivation to publically air the issue. Do I think scholarship has done well in their educated guesses about enigmatic texts… yes, but with this qualification: We must always confess that we’re eavesdropping and so we have to be careful to what height we take our balloon.

Now, with that said, it seems to me that studying to show ourselves approved requires first for us to get on our knees and ask for wisdom from above and spiritual discernment void of misunderstanding. That implies to me that Bible study is not a pool party (you know where we all pool our ignorance and spout our opinions) but rather a challenge to be patient to hear all the conversation we can, keeping in mind who is saying what and where they saying it and to whom they are saying it to and then prayerfully measuring the meaning of it the light of eternity. David Wilcox, one of my favorite musicians has a song entitled, “Hold it Up to the Light.” It’s a song about trusting decisions by holding it up to the light of God, truth and faith. So it is with God’s Word… we “Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this (2 Timothy 2:7).” So… hold it up to the Light and happy ballooning! -DAN

No To No

I personally think that irony is one of life’s greatest teachers. One has to scratch their head when you consider that we park on our driveways and drive on our parkways. And then there’s the Oxymorons who live next door who eat jumbo shrimp and just ordered clean dirt for their garden. Jesus seems to enjoy the merits of paradox in the upside down theology of the first will be last and the last will be first. What all this ordered chaos has in common is that it reminds us that we live in a conflicted world. Jesus is right that the one who thinks only of himself, will be the last person you want to be around while the person who has a servant’s heart and puts others first will be the first person you want around. That is, in this fallen world motivated by greed, self-centered pleasures and pride it seems dog eat dog is the rule of the day. So, God had to stand tall on a cross to reorient the world to forgiveness, love and sacrifice. Rebellious mankind ironically killed it’s greatest citizen thinking it would stop his mission but unwittingly secured their only hope of salvation. Death brought life and open the door to eternity. And maybe just as importantly opened the door to see how upside down this world has become.

Now, here’s the sacred dilemma in its day to day reality. I swat my grandchild on the backside after she hits me, sternly saying, "We don’t hit!" And I muster all my Pappy Pomposity to affirm, "We don’t say, ‘No!’" In this swirl of irony I pray, "Lord, help me let my yes be yes and my no be no!" That is, in this conflicted world where I hit to teach that we don’t hit and I say no to no, let there be some wisdom from above that makes sense out of the nonsense.

And here’s the voice of God that I think whispers to me in a still small voice… Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5,6). That is, our paradoxical lives will only find wisdom by trusting God enough to supply insight to a balanced life that knows how to stand firm on both sides when it’s yes and when it’s no. I have no doubt that God continues to teach us through our grandchildren that we live in a ironic and chaotic world whose only hope is God! -DAN

Book Burning 101

Senior Pastor Dr. Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida has declared September 11, 2010 as a date to burn copies of the Quran. This protest rides on the back of the recent debate over whether a mosque should be permitted to be built near the hallowed site of ground zero where so many lost their lives to Muslim terrorist. Dr. Jones is the author of a book entitled, "Islam is of the Devil." Though warned that his protest might endanger military and civilian personnel in Afghanistan Jones is adamant that we must fight the surging effects of Islam here and abroad. So… let’s burn their holy book asserting our right to demonstrate our rejection of their maniacal Muslim meddling mission to dominate the world. And as that was too much alliteration the very thought that burning books could demonstrate the Spirit of Christ is as abominable as it is immature. And the alert student in the back row raises his hand and defiantly blurts out, "What about Acts 19:19 when they burned their sorcery books publicly?" I’m glad you brought that up…

The public burning of expensive sorcery scrolls by their owners was an act of contrition evoked by the realization that the name of Jesus was not only powerful but Jesus was Lord. Burning books that you don’t agree with as protest does little to change the hearts of those who do believe. In fact, it does the opposite and incites them to reject your beliefs and entrench themselves in their own. If the Spirit of Christ is to impact the world around us it will do it not by the light of protest fires but by the light of truth that burns brightly in the heart of disciples who value and love all mankind. The Quran will only loose its effectiveness when it pales in the light of Holy Scripture demonstrated in the loving hearts and vibrant faith of the redeemed. Soldiers of Christ are not armed with torches but rather "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17)." The radical and awesome army of God is victorious by faith not playground retaliation tactics or barbed rhetoric designed to incite religious or political battles. If you want to lock and load like Jesus then pray for your enemies!

Here is what this all means to me –or in other words, this is what is burning in my heart: Standing up for my faith means that the only fire I’m concerned with is hearts set on fire by the Spirit of God. And I hope and pray that they all come to a knowledge of Jesus as Lord and embrace Him alone in salvation. We don’t need the Crusades again (or ever) what we need is revival sparked by the movement of the Spirit’s call to salvation. -DAN

The Spirit of Truth

Okay, by now you know that I have a few pet peeves (to which I usually say, "I don’t know what a peeve is but they make lousy pets…" however, peeve is a reference to the Renaissance word "peevish" that means fretful or vexing). So, I have a few things in my theological bag that vex me. One is our top weighted view of Acts two thirty eight that results in many baptisms where forgiveness of sins is highlighted and no mention of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. Now, don’t get me wrong… I know there is no formal baptismal liturgy in Scripture but it seems to me that Peter’s impassioned plea to repent and be baptized so your sins may be forgiven is so he can underscore the promise of the Holy Spirit filled life is for those near and far. It was the Spirit that convicted that Pentecost audience of their sins and culpability in crucifying Jesus and it was the very same Spirit that would mark their lives with God’s seal of possession and promise (Ephesians 1:11-14). Forgiveness of sins is completed in the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-17). Jesus promised his disciples that he would not leave them orphans but that the Spirit of truth would be with them forever (John 14:16-21). Yes, take a deep breath… the Spirit of truth, of Christ, of God… the Holy Spirit lives within the believer. He is truly a counselor and comforter. He is at once mystical and practical for we will never be able wrap our minds around God living within us but we know we will never walk in truth without His lead.

Now, I said all that, not to give some definitive systematic treatise on the Holy Spirit but to delight in the moniker "Spirit of truth." Because, whether we see it as elucidating the Spirit’s role as "teacher of all things" (John 14:26) or the ethereal implication that there is a spirit of truth that the Spirit enables in the heart of the believer… well, both ideas are rich and delightful to feast upon. I don’t think I have an irrefutable perspective of Scripture and history but it seems to me that the Holy Spirit moves from miracle maker to heart shaper. That is, the Spirit through the ages has matured from authenticating God’s presence by signs, wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit to taking up residence in the heart of the faithful who rely on His lead and intercession. That is, He inspires a spirit of truth that embraces the gift of being children of God and the challenge to live holy lives by a righteousness that is not our own. Such leading by the Holy Spirit identifies those He indwells as Sons of God (Romans 8:14). And most importantly, the Spirit’s presence opens my heart to God’s truths and His promises!

What does the spirit of truth impel you to do or say? -DAN

Vitriol

I often listen to the "Rise Guys" sports talk show on the way into work. Recently, a caller was rewarded for using the word "vitriol" correctly in regards to the bitter and caustic press that has been targeted toward NFL quarterback Bret Favre. What sparked my imagination about this nod to a sophisticated vocabulary was the emphasis of "using the word correctly." It’s no secret that I have an ardent appreciation for a well turned phrase or an articulate and pithy adjective that brings life and meaning to the spoken or written word. I wholeheartedly believe that the languages and cultures of the Bible were orchestrated by the hand of God so that His will could be fully expressed. Hebrew, Aramaic and Koine Greek are languages that are image driven and thus become eloquent by their simplicity and discerning by the depth of their denotation. Because the Word of God is tightly packed with meaning to be discovered it challenges us with the task to "use the Word correctly."

Now, don’t get me wrong… I don’t mean the twisted banter I’ve heard from some who wish to promote their own theological slant by excising sound bytes from Paul claiming one should "rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)." However, said passage is a wonderful example of exactly what I mean. Paul uses the Greek word "orthotomeo" translated "divide" but literally means "to cut straight." Paul as a rabbinical student would have naturally thought of such passages as Proverbs 3:6, that state, "In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." His exhortation to Timothy is to become an "instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work (v.21)." That is, to "cut straight" the word of truth is to let God be the final word as we make every effort to discern His will and become malleable to the lead of His Spirit. Hymenaeus and Philetus according to Paul "had wandered away from the truth (v.18)." Their paths were obviously not the straight and narrow road of Jesus.

Last Sunday I told you about our hiking chatter when after an instructor had told her students all the ways they could determine where they were on the trail, I piped up and said, "Or you can just stay on the trail." What I didn’t mention is that the instructor did agree with me that the people that get lost while hiking are the people who wander off the trail. Stay on the trail… rightly divide… keep your eyes upon Jesus and acknowledge Him in all your ways and he WILL make your path straight! And may our earnest prayer be always, "Lord give me wisdom to use your Word correctly!" -DAN

Vitreous Humor

As you get older you liquefy… well, at least your vitreous humor does. Are you trying to say that as we age we loose our sense of humor? No, no, no, no… as our body ages the gel like substance in our eyes (vitreous humor) looses viscosity becoming more liquid like and often clumps of more solid vitreous humor float in the liquid and cast shadows on your retina. Thus, creating spots in our vision that are commonly called "floaters." Okay, I’m not an ophthalmologist (yes, I had to look up the spelling) nor am I an MD by any stretch of the imagination, but, I do have a wife who was concerned about her "floaters." So, I googled (and yes, I am a googologist). Now I can answer her questions and ease her mind. But I’m still not happy that I am liquefying!

I remember hearing my parents talk to their friends about all their aches and pains and "old people" disorders from arthritis to incontinence and making a solemn vow to never do that when I got their age. And now as if possessed by their spirit I moan and groan about the arthritis in my thumb and ask my friends if they’ll shuffle the cards for me. As my father use to say, "Never, say ‘never’!" Getting older is not for sissies. Who would have thought that from dust to dust would be such a dirty deal (Genesis 3:19)?

Now, I said all that to say this… "Aging should enhance our humor and temper our temperament." Spiritual maturity leads us to not consider ourselves better than others (Philippians 3:3) so that our humble perspective allows us to laugh at ourselves and trust in God’s providence and guidance. Yes, a world shrouded in death is full of pain, disappointments, deteriorating parts that fail, falter and fold-up on us but in the wake of a world doomed from dust to dust is the glorious light of grace. Grace that enriches the poor, comforts those that mourn, fills the hungry and thirsty and regales the meek (Matthew 5:1-12)! Grace that permeates our souls so that our speech is seasoned with graciousness (Colossians 4:6). Grace that reminds us that where sin increases grace increases all the more (Romans 5:20). And most importantly grace full of God’s mercy that in spite of our sinful prevailing hearts, a gracious God has seated us with Christ Jesus in the heavenly realms that secure our salvation (Ephesians 2:4-10). Now, if you see some of that sin floating around in your vision… just keep your eyes on Jesus who is the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)! -DAN

What Is An Elder?

I wrote the following words a decade ago during a time when we were looking for men to serve as elders. The search never tires for men who will rise up and serve.

What is an elder? He’s a man in his Sunday best playing tag with the kids on the church’s front lawn after services. He’s the silent man that fades into the background while a young couple reveals how they received a card of encouragement with a $50 bill and a note that read, "You deserve a break today -take the kids to McDonalds!" He’s the man who prays at the strangest times in the oddest places like at a stoplight where his "amen" is a cacophony of car horns blowing behind him signaling that the light is green. He’s the man who listens to you with eyes that are windows to his soul and invites you to pull up a chair for a good talk. He’s the guy with the infectious laugh that makes the shut-in forget for the moment their four-walled world. He’s the student with the beat-up bible that is stuffed with his own special filing system of miscellaneous, multi-colored, dog-eared papers peeking out of well-worn pages. He’s the last in line at the potluck and the first in line at a workday. He’s the haggard man with the droopy eyes because he was up all night praying for wisdom to help solve someone else’s problem. He’s big on enthusiasm and small on trivial matters. He’s manly even in a lacy apron cooking pancakes for a youth rally. He’s available even when he’s busy yet stops to pick wildflowers with the grand kids and with misty eyes gives the fragile bouquet to his perpetual bride and best friend. He knows his heritage rests in the Great Shepherd and the tender hearts that wept with the apostle Paul on a beach in Miletus. He knows that shepherding, overseeing and nurturing is an awesome responsibility that the Holy Spirit has called him to do. However, he knows that God will supply the wisdom he needs through ardent prayer and eyes focused on the cross.

Who will be an elder? It will be the man who seeks his perfection in Christ. It will be the tender soul who desires to serve with a willingness to sacrifice. It will be the man who takes heaven serious not himself and thus often laments his own worldliness. It will be a pioneer of powerful imagination to see that God has already secured the victories. It will be a champion who is God reliant on his strength to lead and his compassion to serve. And most of all it will be a man called by God to use his leadership talents to love on the people of God and the lost of this world! -DAN

A Huguette Problem

Now I know two ladies that are 104 years old. Minnie Whicker who is the sweetest, dearest Christian lady I know and Huguette Clark billionaire heiress. Well, I don’t really "know" Huguette but I did read about this eccentric recluse who is heir of a fortune that rivals the Rockerfellers with multi-million dollar properties and priceless art collections. Huguette has a 100 million dollar mansion in Santa Barbara, a 24 million estate in New Canaan, Connecticut and a 100 million dollar apartment complex on Fifth Avenue in New York that consists of the entire eighth floor and half of the twelfth floor in a building overlooking Central Park. However, Huguette does not live in any of these properties and they all sit vacant and are only visited by those whose job it is to maintain these opulent sentinels of loneliness. This is a Huguette problem!

The problem is not riches but the burden of such riches that crush a soul and consign them to being a recluse afraid of the greedy and paralyzed by imagined fears. Mrs. Clark’s entombment of wealth reminds me not of the aged but the rich young man who came to Jesus (Mark 10:17-31). Jesus request for him to sell all that he had and give it to the poor was too much for him to bear for the text says, "He went away sad, because he had great wealth." Jesus wanted him to see that wealth was not discovered in a bank account or properties but treasure laid up in heaven. That is, in the currency of love, sacrifice, compassion and mercy that has eternal value. Wealth at its best is a tool for accomplishing great benevolent and compassionate purposes… at its worst it is a roadblock to the heart and a millstone around the neck of spiritual awareness. Jesus sums up by saying, " many who are first will be last and the last first." Which brings me back to the beginning…

Do you want to be a Minnie or a Huguette? I’ll be a Minnie… mini in my desire to Lord it over anyone or anything… many as in the throng beneath the throne of God who worships Him in praise and many as in deeds that serve in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord! I’ll keep Huguette in my prayers hoping that God will find away to squeeze this camel through the eye of a needle! As Jesus said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." -DAN

The Key Called Promise

"Religion points to that area of human experience where in one way or another man comes upon mystery as a summons to pilgrimage (Frederick Beuchner)." The primary meaning of pilgrim is stranger or foreigner. Peter addresses his readers as "God’s elect, strangers in the world (1 Peter 1:1)" …that is, pilgrims. But I must admit when I hear "pilgrim" the first thing I think of is John Wayne. However, my second thought is really the power of the word because I think of John Bunyan’s "Pilgrims Progress," one of the most influential books written in the English language. It also is what Beuchner is talking about when he suggests that religion’s birth is when man embarks upon his life-long search for the mystery of spiritual destination. In Bunyan’s allegorical expose the main character, Christian, with his companion Hope (yes, Bunyan doesn’t leave you guessing who his characters represent) take a side road because it seemed easier traveling. However, they end up captured by the giant named Despair who taunts them and beats them and imprisons them in his castle. Suddenly, Christian remembers while in prayer that he has in his bosom a key called promise that will unlock the chains and doors so they can escape Despair’s dungeon. Yes, an important part of our pilgrimage and spiritual journey is discover that within our hearts is a key called promise!

I hope when you memorized Acts 2:38 to get your C of C membership jacket that you also digested verse 39 that gloriously recounts, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off –for all whom the Lord our God will call." Promise is the sole business of God who unlike mere humans, organizations, politicians or new and improved products makes promises that are sure. His ultimate promise of redemption is the key to life! It unlocks the door of mystery and reveals the love, grace and mercy of a Creator Who passionately pursues His children with the promise of eternal life. We come to know God by the surety of His promises and the immutable nature of His love.

Now, here is what I think is most important about this key… it has nothing to do with me but everything to do with me. Yes, I know that sounds like double talk but let me explain. God’s grace evidenced in His promises does not depend upon my understanding or approval but rather my submission and acceptance. The pilgrimage to discover the mystery of life and God is a journey that leads to the self-discovery that fulfillment, peace and happiness are not self-centered but Christ-centered. When pleasing God is more than motivation and becomes second-nature His promises become tangible reality and key to life! So, what’s in your bosom? -DAN

How Far Did You Get?

The young man from the forestry department paused from his duties to speak to Pam and Jacki while I bypassed the conversation and plopped myself into the front seat of the car. We were hot, spent and apparently showing the wear of the day so the young man asked, "How far did you get?" We had just finished hiking the Loch Leven trail off I-80 near the Big Bend exit. We did not look like the fresh glowing youths that had passed us often as we paused for breath in the thin air of the high Sierras. We obviously had the look of well intentioned hikers who trail off the trail before it ends to return with a resolve that next time I’ll go all the way. So, "How far did you make it?" …still, hung in the air. With lowered heads we confessed, "Just to the railroad tracks." He graciously tempered our efforts with an understanding nod that it was terribly hot today and we felt consoled. But next time we’ll go the distance.

However, I think our forestry department friend posses a question that has application for all of life …"How far did you get?" Paul words it this way to Corinth, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you –unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test (2 Corinthians 13:5,6)." Now before someone piles on Jesus’ saying if we put our hand to the plow and then look back, well, we’re not fit for the kingdom… let me suggests that destination is about relationship not distance covered. The journey of life and walk of faith is not about skill levels but rather about being Spirit led, Christ filled and God centered. That is, the journey within determines the journey without. Christ in us is the hope of glory so we keep on with the struggle of the journey knowing our energy is accompanied by His working through us and in us (Colossians 1:27-29).

"So, how far have you gone?" –is a question about drawing nearer to God not some arbitrary spiritual goal. Don’t get me wrong… I think we need spiritual goals. Those goals should aid us in getting closer to God not stroke our egos with accolades from others or the satisfaction of conquering the perceived mountain for bragging rights. The question should challenge our prayer life… our faith… our love for God! So, "How far did you make it?" -DAN

Comfort

A new trend in the restaurant business is to change one’s regional and somewhat pretentious cuisine to comfort food. You know… mom’s cooking (meatloaf, mac and cheese, dumplings and the like). Comfort is from the Latin confortare meaning to strengthen much. That is, comfort implies that life is often interrupted with times of weakness and trouble. When we were children our comfort was found in blankies and sucking thumbs (or the digit of choice) but as adults the list has grown exponentially including food, hobbies, shopping, reading, entertainment media and anything that will take us away from the pain, problem or irritant that has sapped our strength and disrupted the peace. We take solace in a Savior who promises a Comforter/Counselor who provides truth, peace and comfort. The Spirit filled and led life enables faith and nurtures trust in God’s providence and watchcare. We bask in God’s grace that nudges us under the protection of His wings where we feel safe and comforted.

I love what Psalm 119:50 says about comfort, "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise renews my life." If you recall, Psalm 119 is an acrostic that use the Hebrew alphabet to create 22 tributes to the blessing and delight of God’s Word and His Law. Thus, it is filled with various forms and synonyms for God’s Law and His will for mankind. One important (and comforting) way to view God’s will is as "promise." It truly renews life because His promises (and His promises alone) are sure and immutable. His promise is life… Life in His Son! Several verses later the Psalmist says, "Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge." I love the idea of God’s voice evidenced in all He has decreed from creation to Scripture is the soundtrack to my life wherever I find myself. That is, God is the music of my life.

Bill Cosby (the theologian of my childhood) had a bit that he did about leaving a horror movie late at night. He had to cross the unlighted 9th Street Bridge to get home. Cosby says he was okay as long as he had his music because as everyone knows monsters can not get you if you are humming or singing. I believe that as long as God is my song no power, person (or monster) can get me! The God of all comfort continues to comfort me no matter what monsters come my way. Jesus as the bread of life is truly my comfort food and I have a peace that surpasses all understanding that guards my heart day and night. -DAN

Ocean View

One of the great blessings in our lives is our retirement home in Newport, Oregon. Pam and I have always been drawn to the sea but never in our wildest imaginations believed that we would own a home less than a hundred yards from the beach. To have such an incredible view of the Yaquina Head lighthouse… well, God is good. Now, don’t get me wrong –I’m not singing that heretical and greed driven refrain, “I’m satisfied with just a little silver and a little gold.” My perspective is more Jobian for I know the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord! I embrace being a sojourner but while this blessing abides I have been infused with the beauty, constancy and reverence for the power of God that roars in the soothing music played on the crest of waves that never falter in their song. What would our faith look like if we were as faithful as the waves? What would our lives look like if like the rocks on the shore we were well worn by the constant presence of God? And most importantly, how would our hearts change if they were moved by the tidal force of God’s desire that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven?

Here are some faith lessons I have learned by listening to God’s voice in the waves: 1) Always respect the power of the ocean/God… a sleeper wave can knock you down and drag you out to sea… never take God for granted; 2) The power of the ocean/God daily changes the look of the beach/my life… expect God to change you each day; 3) The storm always drives up hidden treasures to be discovered on the beach… and so troubled waters reveal perseverance that matures a faithful witness; and 4) A lighthouse is most effective when it emits its signature light signal… our lighthouse (don’t love that we’ve claimed ownership) has a two short burst with a fourteen count pause and then repeats so mariners know exactly which lighthouse they are approaching… so should our light shine in a way that people know they are approaching a disciple of the Kingdom of our Lord!

Here’s some other things I’ve learned that I’m pretty sure are just lessons learned… green growth on the rocks is not as slippery as the brown stuff… a whale spout is exciting to track… seaweed makes great whips but wives think differently… the color of the ocean is never the same… an ocean sunset is God’s amen to the day… if it’s still moving –leave it alone… and the moonlight reflected on the calm sea is a sliver zipper that opens what heaven must be like! -DAN

Independence

184 years ago Charles Carroll’s life changed by remarkable circumstances. Charles Carroll was a retired senator from his home state Maryland, a former member of the Continental Congress and one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. On July 4th, 1826 both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died within hours of one another leaving Carroll the sole surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. How remarkable that the only two signers of the Declaration that became president of the United States would die on the 50th year celebration of our nation’s birth and independence from British rule! Adams and Jefferson had recently renewed their friendship after years of bitter political dispute. Their correspondence reveals much about the advent of this new nation spurred by their pens. Both Adams and Jefferson were deist and thus would not acknowledge God’s hand in such remarkable history but one is hard put to not think that God orchestrated such remarkable circumstances.

The paradox is that this new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal regales independence including the amended right to speak freely against a God who calls us to submit to His will. The Bible speaks counter-culturally by soliciting servitude, submission and dependence on the divine lead. The Christian declaration is not for independence nor autonomy but to follow Jesus lead to empty ourselves and take on the nature of a servant (Phippians 2:5-8). Paul pleads with Ephesus to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21)." Such malleable and humble spirits champion better familial relationships and cohesiveness of the body of Christ. Here is my fourth of July declaration of dependence for those who just want to be Christians:

1) We declare the we shall take seriously Paul’s challenge to "pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17)" so that we may never forget to put God first in all things!
2) We declare that "the first will be last and the last will be first" is not just a saying but call to have a servant’s heart in all we do or say!
3) We declare that in the body of Christ all "its parts should have equal concern for each other (1 Corinthians 12:25)."
4) We declare that the pursuit of happiness is not a inalienable right but a path to pleasing self by pleasing God!
5) And finally, we declare that we are solely, wholly and completely dependent on the God who created us in His image and redeemed us by the blood of His Son!

Happy Fourth of July Dependence! -DAN

Felix The Cat

“Hey, there _________ you’re a real cool cat; you’ve got a lot of this and a lot of that; We all think that you’re real sweet so come on down and do the chickee, chickee beat!” If these words are foreign to you and you have been chickee chickee deprived in your life –let me explain. This Bible Camp campfire standard is a way to recognize kids and staff at camp by getting them on stage to do a silly dance that rejoices in the common identity of this week long community of self-imposed castaways escaping the grind of everydayness. O, this community has plenty of drama, pranks, flare ups and nonsense but it inevitably takes on the Spirit of God. Both campers and staff are immersed in a sense of Christian joy that transforms them. When parents arrive to reclaim their real cool cats they find a mixture of joy to see them but tears to leave their week long family.

Let me tell you about one of those real cool cats… William Felix the cat. William is a member at the May Street Church of Christ. William is a handsome African American young man who happens to be mentally challenged (but then aren’t we all). William by a landslide vote was our Mr. Camper for 2010. This honor is given to those who distinguish themselves through the week with acts of kindness, service and spiritual leadership. William was such and unlike Felix the cat who resolves things by pulling something out of his magic bag of tricks… our Felix just operated out of a heart for the Lord. William sat next to me one afternoon and preached to me the gospel of Christ. Now, I have to admit ashamedly that preachers don’t like to be preached to… because that’s kind of our territory. I fought through my natural aversion of, “Hey, who’s the expert here?” –to be still and listen. This cat knows the book but even more important he knows the Lord! So, I listened and said a few amen’s and felt the presence of the Savior.

At the banquet, the last night of camp, when William was recognized as Mr. Camper 2010, as is our custom last year’s winner puts a crown (a shiny cardboard Burger King type of affair) on the newly crowned winner. Usually, this crown doesn’t make it past the banquet and finds itself in the trash by the end of the night. William kept his on all night… and I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t wear it to church on Sunday! Yes, William you’re a real cool cat… you’ve got a lot of this and a lot of that… but most of all William you’re what camp is all about! -DAN

Who Is The Preacher?

I recently heard a lesson on the subject of what the Bible has to say about preachers. After defining preaching as proclaiming a message and suggesting such would include Hitler the speaker went on to say that in Scripture there is no example of a paid located minister/preacher. He couldn’t remember the location of the passage but alluded to Ephesians 4:11 as a listing of those who speak for the church. That is, “It was he (Christ) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers.” This sermon was given to a small church that was looking for a minister. To the speaker’s credit he wanted to communicate that preachers are not hired guns to do all the dirty work for the church. All proclaim Christ, all minister to the body, all reach out to the hurting, deprived or bereaved… the church is a body that works in unison. However, the lesson was arduous fare for a preacher sitting in the audience… and I wanted ever so much to say but… but… but… what about? So dear reader brace yourself because you get to hear “the what about.”

Of first importance the one we call the preacher, the minister, the evangelist, the pastor and an occasional “Hey, you” is a human. That means he is like you, ever in prayer asking God to forgive, to transform, to enlighten and to Spirit fill his life. He assumes this humble station not as excuse or to ward off accountability but because he longs to hear the still small whisper of God, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).” It is in this cross shaped weakness that the one who desires to be nothing less than God’s man attempts to be the following: 1)A student of the Word so he may share the feast he has discovered; 2)A servant of all; 3)A reflective light of the warmth of Christ that desires to spark the love and joy of Christ in the hearts of all; 4)A counselor who is accessible who listens more than they speak; 5)A bringer of glad tidings and thus, joyously infectious; and last of all obedient to the perfect law of love that compels heart and hand to work tirelessly for the Lord.

Now I said all of that to say this, “The preacher is just one of the guys.” He’s not on a pedestal nor is he to be a footstool. He’s devoted to Christ and His body and feels a calling from God to share the good news. He laughs, he cries, he’s Tom Joad from the Grapes of Wrath on the run from sin but called to be the voice of justice in a world heavy with the fruit of the grapes of wrath. He’s James Bond fighting against sin but perceived as Barney Fife with one bullet in his pocket. He stumbles but he gets back up only to finish the day on his knees in thanksgiving and humble petition. -DAN

You Can't Attend Our Church

This past holiday weekend Pam and I enjoyed the beauty of the Oregon Coast and for a little while the joy of our Missouri grandkids (O, yeah… and their parents too). Caelleb is always full of energy and Trystyn at four months has a win your heart smile and Tia is well… Tia. She’s a juggernaut karaoke tornado gale force wind of non-stop imagination and incessant verbiage but I love her to bits. But she DOES go on. On our way to lunch she asked me if I could clap. Ever so helpful I responded, “I miss that day at school and I didn’t learn how to clap.” “Yes, you did Pappy… show me how you clap.” I start snapping my fingers… she lets out a sigh and says, “That’s snapping.” I flap my hands in the air. She sighs and narrowing her eyes says, “If you can’t clap then you can’t attend our church!” Membership into the kingdom is getting tougher and tougher these days!

Tia as she often does unwittingly gets me thinking about the way we see the world and experience our place in it. I think our Lord’s prompting to be more child-like in how we view the kingdom is an exhortation to simplify things… well, at least in part. Children reduce the complex or inflated precepts to their most basic application. They want to know why but don’t question the reality of what is to be done. That is, they may want you to give them motive but never demand more choices or alternatives. If we clap in children’s church then clapping must be important. No discussion about is sacred music melody driven or does Psalm 47 give our youth license to jazz up the service with their syncopated hand popping camp nonsense? It’s eyes that trust, hearts that are open and imaginations still fertile and receptive.

You see… Tia wants Pappy to know that if you want to serve the Lord and be filled with praise then you need to get with the program and learn how to clap. You need to follow the leader… hold hands while you cross the road and sit in your square quietly until you hear directions. In short, take God at His word and stop fussing and fighting over what He didn’t say or what you thought He said and just praise the Lord! And O yeah, learn to clap! -DAN

Toot Your Own Horn

Standing around with Mike and Jeremy pontificating about the future of King’s basketball we are interrupted by Lizzie who displays one of her drawings to her dad. Mike remarks on her capable drawing of a dinosaur. Lizzie promptly corrects him that it is a picture of her hand with a bracelet and the father daughter banter begins to our delight. Once it dies down Lizzie looks at me and says meekly, “Sometimes my dad toots.” The father daughter banter is rekindled while Jeremy and I laugh! Now, for the sake of an article on the front of our bulletin, I’ll assume Lizzie means Mike toots his own horn every once and awhile. That is, every little engine finally makes it up the hill and toots the victory blast that proclaims, “I know I can!”

Now the dilemma here is that the bible challenge is to be humble and that the first will be last and the last will be first. So, should we toot our horns or not? Paul laments that Corinth forces him into boasting (i.e. listing his achievements, accolades and pedigree) and reflects, “In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast (2 Corinthians 11:17, 18).” Earlier he had quoted them Jeremiah 9:24 “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” The context of Jeremiah is a call for Israel to lament their unfaithfulness and not rely on their wisdom or their strength but their covenant relationship with the Lord. It seems that boasting is not the problem but what one chooses to boast about! When we esteem those who serve the Lord and recognize the faithful it encourages the body as a whole and honors the Father. Self promotion is the problem. Not introspection that acknowledges God’s gifts and His challenges that should be praised… that should be tooted!

So toot away… if it brings the spotlight to God’s wondrous grace and the joy of sacrifice in His name! If any man boast let him boast in the Lord for such acknowledges that God works within those who are working out their own salvation in fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12, 13). And yes… I know Lizzie wasn’t talking about her father’s laudable achievements but she was giving testimony to Mike’s human reality. And I dare say that in a way she took some pride in the vulnerability of her hero… her father! Let us all stay humble in the eyes of a child. -DAN

The One You Love

Some say that 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 defines it and others in protest say its depth and height defies explanation but everyone lays claim to their hold on love. Each of us testifies to its importance and witness to its divine nature best summed up by the apostle of love, John, when he surmised, “God is love (1 John 4:8).” Love is the only force in the universe that triumphs over all. Love conquers injustice and callous apathy. Love dissipates tyrannical brutality and selfish exploitations. Love is the music that sooths the savage breast and orchestrates the soundtrack of life. Love is as essential to life as is water, light and air. That is why when Scripture says of Jesus, “the one you love (John 11:3)” –you take notice. O, we know that Jesus loves us because the Bible tells us so (so at least we sing) but seldom in Scripture do we hear the words with such specificity. Mary and Martha wanted Jesus to know that their brother Lazarus was sick and they subtlety reminded him that he is the one you love. Well, maybe not so subtle since they wanted Jesus to rush to Lazarus’ side.

In the selfless and altruistic world of the Messiah is there room for such favoritism? Can Jesus love encompass partiality or at least deeper love for some whom he esteems? Yes, yes, yes, yes… I like it! Jesus intimacy with those close to him doesn’t diminish his love for anyone else but rather deepens his love for us all. I know the value of close personal friends who love you without barter or demand but simply enjoy your company. I cherish the bond that is unthreatened by honesty and buoyed by mutual concern. True love… the one you love, will tell you if you have spinach in your teeth or your zipper is down (or I guess in the case of Lazarus, Jesus may have pointed out Lazarus’ “you’ve-been-in-the-grave-four-days” body odor and you got a little burial cloth stuck to your tunic). Such love benefits us all… so, I’m glad that Jesus had those he loved like no others. I’m enriched by Jesus passion for friendship and his loyalty of love. Once again the Savior sets the standard for behavior and the path of Sonship.

So, who are the ones you love? This is not a request for a list of those you’d take a bullet for or even those of intimate connection but rather who does your heart connect to. I think the answer tells us much about ourselves and what direction is evident in our lives. Yes, love is the most powerful force in the universe… May God bless you and those with whom you share its joys! -DAN