Pursuit of a Bible

I was greeted in the parking lot this morning shortly after 8am by a women from the church seeking a Bible from the church. No brainer, right? Well I am new to the place less than 2 weeks. I have not unpacked my 25 boxes of books for the office and I do not know where things are in the church. No secretary for another hour and the woman needs/wants a Bible from the church. The church library is still in boxes... no help there. I looked in the chapel... sanitized of any small items that could be taken. Nothing. so I decided to give my packed boxes a look. Maybe, just maybe I had labeled well enough to find what I knew I had. Voila, I found a good condition of the the NLT and gave it to the woman with some Bible 101 teaching.

What makes a person think - I want to read the Bible or "I need to read the Bible" ? Holy Spirit? Something in the air? Another person? A change of heart or circumstance? Don't know, but I do know it can lead to great things. God, send more who are looking for a Bible to read and also a place and people to read it with.

The 30

Last Sunday was my 30th anniversary for Ordination as Deacon and my 25 anniversary of Ordination as Elder in the United Methodist Church. Oh what things we have seen in these years. I remember some of the benchmarks I thought would be important. I remember some of the dreams. I think I have always focused on souls, but sometimes did not know what process to use. I think I have always wanted to serve God first with a whole heart, but things got in the way. A couple of turning points or change points would be first trip to Uganda - wow, that was a big one. then call to church planting and that was a major step of change. I remain a missionary and that fed into church planting. I have that desire to approach all of ministry as a missionary. I also know that does not sit well with everybody. But I press on.

I believe that I am entering another of those turning points. It will be a good one and a large one. Every appointment I have had called out new and different leadership skills in me. This phase might just be more "coach" than "expert." A coach calls out the best in those on the team. The discipline of a coach is that even if you know how to do what needs to be done you must call it out or call whatever it is out of the ones being coached. We'll see how this goes. And, in this case, again I submit myself to coaching.

There's that funny thing - Tiger Woods - great golfer, millionaire, father... still gets coaching to keep on getting better. Several pastors I respect, learn from and enjoy are getting coached even as they coach others. What am I afraid of?

Counting it a privilege Acts 5

Friends,
In the book of Acts we find the disciples and the church doing what Jesus charged them to do... Go spread the word of forgiveness and salvation. Check this out... Acts 5:38-41
“So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”
The council accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and in their homes, they continued to teach and preach this message: “The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus.”
This got me thinking - is what I am up to today of me or of God? Second - Have I ever really felt dishonor for the name of Jesus and rejoiced in suffering for it? I am not thinking of anything right off the top - there was the time I was nearly arrested in Home Depot because of an electrician I had hired to do some work on a building. But real persecution, no. Maybe a bit of stress, too much change, or some frustration ... dishonor, no. Maybe I should work on that? Often I have had privilege and blessing because of the name of Jesus. It is not easy to uproot and move again for the connection and as a UM preacher. But that is not dishonor.
As I come the newest change and appointment to Rome 1st. UMC I say goodbye to some great people and wonderful friends. Most inside the church and thankfully some outside the church. I am engaging a Coach for this changeover process so that I can do my very best in a new congregation. It is exciting, always has been. I get a lot of new energy going into a new appointment. But truly I have a deep desire to be focused on the right things and doing what God wants and not what I think is good.
So we go ... less than a month now. Lots to do. And when I whine or complain or feel sorry for myself let me pause and think - isn't this for the sake of the Name of Jesus?

Shalom,Alan

it all goes in the box

I think that John Ortberg wrote a study on that subject. With a month and a half to go before moving I have to get it in the box. Should take time to sort, but that is more time consuming. We try to get much done early so that we can enjoy the people the last few weeks. That is what we try to do. Sometimes it even works.

Luke 8 includes the parable of the sower or the farmer. He goes out to sow. The farmer broadcasts the seed - path, rocks, thorns, and fertile ground. as I think of the various places I have preached and pastored it is always true - you scatter seed and some of it boinks and some if it really does grow. When that seed hits the fertile and ready soil.... watch out, you can hardly keep up with the growth in that person and it brings great joy.

Then at the end is the great phrase - HE WHO HAS EARS TO HEAR... LET HIM HEAR. When I read that I go back and always re read the words or story right before it. Extra attention needs to be paid.

Back to the boxes and all but remembering the seed sown here and preparing to sow in a new field called Rome.

Philippians 1 and other

The letter of Paul to the Philippians is a letter of love and appreciation. He is not pounding on a problem or something similar to many of his other letters. My touch point in this chapter is NLT vs. 21 "For to me, living means living for Christ and dying is even better." The way I remember it in rsv or other is "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." I often ponder over this one. I remember pondering over it when I had to preach it in seminary. I love life, I want to live for Christ. Heaven is going to be fine, just fine, wonderful, extraordinary... but I can wait. In loving life I am not wanting to avoid heaven. But I am here for a purpose. So I want to be doing that purpose till I die. Ministry keeps me busy and challenged. The current economics are tough on all of us. But we need to live with purpose. I need to live with purpose. I live to support ministry with my friends in Uganda and to see to it that rural pastors get trained. I said without thinking the other day,"I would rather lose my right leg than give up the work in Uganda." I guess that is pretty passionate. I caught this quote today on a leadership CD I was listening to while driving. IF WE ARE NOT ANXIOUSLY ENGAGED IN A GOOD CAUSE WE'VE NO BUSINESS BEING ALIVE ANYWAY. I love the sentiment. I love the passion. I believe it is true and yet to say it does not have a lot of mercy gift in it. I tried to track down the source or at least where it had come from and it appears to have come in part from some Mormon teachings. I can live with that. I just love the passion. So what cause has you anxiously engaged and how passionate are you?

1 Cor 9:22 b Common Ground

In some other translations Paul says he tried to be all things to all men that he might save some. In the NLT (new living translation) he says he tries to fine common ground. The point of finding common ground - helping others find or take steps towards Christ. To me, that is what it is all about. Common ground for conversation, common ground for relationship. It could be Nascar, biking, rowing, books, beer, music, some craft or collection. We show an interest in them and their life. Does that mean I am going to start collecting Barbie dolls to save the Barbie doll lover, NO? maybe a common concern, maybe just something I can learn from the person to improve my knowledge. Today I simply asked my friend about optical work as he has been an optician. I am not trying to save his soul, I am being human and trying to see if I can bring something of help in vision care to Ugandans at some point. He had a lot to offer in something I know nothing about except that people have trouble seeing, need correct glasses and that I need 1.5 magnification to read things near at hand.

If you google common ground you will find housing, pubs, reconciliation resources, coffee shops, something with gay and lesbian concerns, computer language, a radio show and lots more. As a man, human and pastor I want to find common ground that God may open a door to Godself in Jesus Christ through me. I know a couple of churches and friends that have opened coffee houses named "Common Grounds" great idea and I love coffee and coffee people.

Our president, Barak Obama "No one is exempt from the call to find common ground."

I like it FIND COMMON GROUND and see what happens.

First Corinthians

1 Corinthians Chpt 1
The Apostle Paul hits the nail on the head. "Let there be no divisions among you." Out with nit picking, out with petty quarrels and power plays. Why? The world is lost, dying and going to hell. Do we hammer out policy? Yes. Do we push to understand and sharpen each other as iron sharpens iron? Yes.
What I have observed in churches and in other organizations is that there is nothing easier for Satan than to start a little fight and blow the whole thing up. Over the years I get lots of excuses from inside and outside the church. I left because they were fighting over... Frequently it involves money, but not always. Nothing stunts or stops church and individual spiritual growth like division. "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Jesus. We had best not be too idealistic on friction. Whenever there are people there will be friction. A good resolved conflict or division is often a strength. But everyone has different tolerance levels for such things.
In the later section of this chapter I find some fun phrases. God uses the foolish to shame the wise. The powerless to shame the powerful and the despised by the world to bring to nothing what the world considers important. Why? So no one can boast in themselves. It's kindof like the trick up God's sleeve - the child that blows your mind by simple kindness, the stereotype that is wrecked in some way and simply when God does a wonder. Let us only boast in Him!

Mark 11, 12

Playing a little catchup here. In Mark 11 in reference to the
colt/donkey/burro needed Jesus says, "Tell them the Lord needs it and
will return it soon."NLT I love it. And the people with the donkey let
it go - as it turns out for noble use. To be in the grand celebration
of the king of Kings and Lord of Lords. Here's a question - what do we
have that may need to be borrowed for the Lord's use? (Now that is from
preachin to meddlin... it is mine mine mine...) Really? Let us be the
ones to share what we have. My experience is that in the 3rd. world
some things are held much more lightly - as ifsome possessions belong
to the community. I have seen the home chairs of friends brought to the
church so that the big white guy can be honored for visiting, etc.

Next
stop. 11:25 "When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding
a grudge against." Let's go with this and some of the parables Jesus
was teaching. IF YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE STORY pay attention, make
adjustments, figure it out. You don't have all day.

Last stop. 12:24 Two big problems we all must wrestle with -
You don't know the scriptures...
You don't know the power of God. OUCH! Something is needling me here.
Shalom and stay warm. Alan

Mark 9

Here are some things to look at and ponder.
9:13 But I tell you Elijah has already come and they chose to abuse him just as the scriptures predicted. I believe that Jesus is referring to John the Baptist, who was laughed at, imprisoned and sorrowfully beheaded at the order of a drunken King who paid too much for a dance. Question - can you find in scripture where it is predicted that Elijah would be abused?

9:29 This kind can be cast out only by prayer. This was in response to the disciples not being able to cast out a demon. But here is my question to you. Have you ever said, "Jesus, why could we not ________________?" you fill in the blank. Sometimes I know that I have not been sufficiently to the altar of prayer.

9:49 "For everyone will be tested by fire." No kidding. The scripture may really mean "salted with fire." in a short, but inadequate description of this it means to be purified. I have been purified a few times, how bout you?

Keep reading.

Mark 7

Jesus is always pointing out hypocrisy and loving, healing and saving rejects.

Mark 6

Mark 6:5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn't do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick and heal them. And He was amazed at their unbelief.

This does not fit the Jesus I know. I believe he can do miracles and has the power to do miracles if I want to have them or not. But I see the point, why do the miracles if there is unbelief. Kindof like casting pearls before swine. It is not that he did nothing, just that he did less in that area because of the unbelief.

Note - the end of the same chapter 6:56 "... they begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed."

So... this unbelief or belief is a factor in miracles. Jesus may withold them due to a culture of unbelief. What does this say to those who explain the miracles of the Bible with scientific demythologizing or explanations like (they had the sandwiches hidden in their robes and brought them out ... thus creating the multiplication of the loaves and fish)?

What does this say to me when I seem to lack a miracle believing faith... such as "I do not see the finances as being predictably adequate, etc.?" Am I in disbelief? Do I hinder the miracle work of God? I say I believe and I do believe in them. But am I fooling myself with a little distance, a bit of scepticism or simply not having my whole heart in prayer for the miracles we desire?

See the difference in the enviromments at beginning of the chapter and at the end. The Geresene hometown and the Genessaret area across the way. I certainly want to live out and create a space for miracles to happen. How's your miracle quotient?

Mark 4

The parable of the sower is one of Jesus' parables that he also explains. A sower goes out to sow - some seed falls on path, rocks, birds, thorns and some even in fertile soil. In the parable and in life the sower/farmer sows even though they know some will not yield a result. They still sow the seed. Just like I do both in preaching and in my daily life. But in some cases WOW great fruit. A high yield. But the point is to sow no matter what. One guarantee - no sowing, no reaping. Not even a little.
Wouldn't you love to have a guaranteed evangelism plan or talk that always produces results? Sure, I would too. But that is one of the secrets of the Kingdom. No one plan works for everyone and gets results every time. Here is what I say - we invest ourselves and our lives. In the long run it will pay off. Some of the fruit I see from my ministry is not immediately evident. So, like happened a few months ago, I learn about it 20 years later. Kid you not. Someone tracked me down and told me how my tough love and a corrective measure had turned out well for them 20 years later and they wanted to let me know and thank me. Don't miss the second sowing message in this chapter Mark 4:26 the sower does not understand the growing seed in the ground, but it comes up and there is a harvest.
As in agriculture - I sow and do not always see and understand what is going on underground with that seed and plant. But I do understand when I see fruit or grain and I thank GOD for the growth. It was not me, I was only a part of what God was doing. The one who planted the seed to see if I would grow is watching what I am doing in response to His seed scattering.

This great chorus is by Tommy Walker - He Knows My Name
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call

I seem to remember another line to this "He know my every weakness he heals me when I fall." Maybe i made it up I don't know. But I put it out there anyway.

Mark 2

In Ch. 1 of Mark Jesus encountered satan. In Ch. 2 He starts His encounter with the teachers/Scribes/Pharisees. He knew what they were thinking... I do not think we get the point so much here, we get caught up in the healing (take up you mat and walk) or we are caught up in the help of the 4 friends who get the man to Jesus who could not get there himself. I often miss that first Jesus forgave the man's sin, then he healed him in the body to prove he had the power to forgive. The teachers saw that if Jesus was forgiving sins then he was really claiming some divine authority - this is a no no, this is trouble.

New wineskins - a great name for a new, innovative church. I do not know if there is such a church with that name. Probably is, but there is an association called the New Wineskins Association of Churches. ---

What we have seen is a movement of God’s Spirit across the world which is
transcending denominational lines and drawing millions to meet Jesus Christ
as their Lord and Savior for the first time. New wine of fresh faith in Christ is
being poured out from heaven.
We want to be part of what God is doing. But here at home, mainline denominations struggle with theological confusion, ethical compromise and numerical decline.
We envision a church, therefore, that is theologically clear and passionate because it is based on shared essential tenets of historic orthodox faith.
We envision a church that is brimming over with compassion because we are clear about the Biblical ethics we share.
We envision a church that is missionally driven. Our focus is on outreach, on spreading the gospel in word and deed beyond our walls.
We envision a church that is reshaped in polity in order to serve, not impede, our
mission, in order to deepen trust and accountability. (google new wineskins)

It appears that maybe this group is a Presbyterian reform group. I
must think more about the new wineskins group being based more on the "shared
essential tenets of the the historic orthodox faith." So Jesus is a new wineskin guy - shake the foundations, quit
missing the point, exist for God, not for maintaining the things that seem
to
need to be maintained and do the right thing, glorify God, help
people,
fix the
broken, shake a few trees, be missional. His disciples
will not look like disciples
always looked... or act that way, because they
are reaching new generations,
people groups, etc. for the Lord.. or because
the Lord divinely directed
them
there. Sabbath - another place that Jesus gets in trouble because he is
showing He is Lord of the Sabbath. NLT "The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of
people, and not people to meet the needs of the Sabbath." So let me take a
shot
at it here - Sabbath is for restoration, not obligation. Not what I
can
do for
God, but what God can do for me in a time of rest and
renewal.
There's a New
Year resolution for some of us - take Sabbath or
burn out and
be no good to
anyone, especially to God. Granted, I am the
first one to
admit, it takes some
conscious change and working out. But
the words of
Jesus are still the Word of
God. Figure out Sabbath!!!! His
divine authority
shouts it out. I try to take Fridays myself. Been a bit lax at the end of the
year. So here goes for the New Year 2009. What will re-create me so that I
can
serve God better the rest of the week? Shalom, Alan

Mark 1 Happy New year

Here we go- reading one chapter of the NT per day and even getting weekends off. My challenge is GO DEEP.

Mark 1 - I am so glad the readings start with the gospel of Mark. It is my favorite. Everything is about the messiah, healing and it all leads to the passion. 1/2 way through ch 8 Jesus predicts his death and challenges to the cross for everyone.

The news - Jesus, the Messiah is coming.
The messenger - John, rough, ready and passionate.
Jesus Baptism - the banner event and the heavens are opened.
Temptation - Spirit compelled, satan organized

Jesus, Messiah, passed the test. He makes the way for us to pass the test. He's our help, our health, and our salvation.

Inside out or outside in

In my home church in Dunkirk, NY there were beautiful stained glass window scenes. Since the church sanctuary was not open and lit every night there was a spotlight shining through the window on a timer so that the people on the outside of the church could see the beautiful scene of Jesus as they passed by. I have noticed some churches have a light shining from the outside to illuminate the beauty of a window seen from the inside. Which means only insiders get to view the beauty on the average day. Of course when an evening service is happening the window would be lit to view by some.

My point is this. How is my life lit by the "Light of the World" so that those looking in may see Him? Our am I simply having a great time - just Jesus and me? Certainly worth pondering in these days we anticipate the coming of our Lord. My friend Aaron and his community of faith are reminding us that Christmas is "Not my birthday" it is Jesus Birthday celebration. My friend Wayne has asked his people to remember the poor and or the people in Uganda this year. So many of us are trying to get off the spending roller coaster and get on the sharing train. My family has made efforts to give to causes instead of to each other - so Uganda, Heifer project, and others have benefitted.

Which way is your window being illuminated?

2008 Mission Uganda Report

On October 19th. myself and 3 others left for Uganda via JFK and Dubai. We arrived on Tuesday 10/21 and met our colleague Rev. Davis Matovu. (Alpha Omega Seminary 2006 graduate and Valdictorian) He and his family housed us for the next two weeks.

During this period we conducted 3 Nexus Seminary Uganda graduations totaling 44 graduates of our 20 course Certificate of Ministry program. This program has the goal of strengthening the rural churches of Uganda by providing a free education for pastors and church elders to train them for the calling they have received from God.

In addition to these graduations we each preached in rural churches in Kasangati/Gayaza and Kikyusa areas. We conducted a one day legacy symposium, taught classes for two groups in process of their certificate training and also met with a new class group in the area called Caini. I was also privileged to meet again with the new church started last year in Kkata which graduated 3 people in the Kayebe group. It was great to see the progress and feel the love of Love of Christ Church.

Our veteran traveler Dr. BJ Norrix returned with me this year and we also had Rev. Wayne Grow and Ray Gilman IV who came as a layman and media specialist. After discussion and retreat with Davis we set some priorities for the coming year.
· Set up another group in Gomba, Kayebe and Luzinga and to start two groups in two new locations.
· Have Davis train several assistant tutors(Nexus Graduates) who would teach some of the classes in place of Davis, but under his supervision.
· Have at least 3 graduations in Fall 2009 and surpass the mark of 100 rural pastors trained. (our goal remains 2000 trained in the next 20 years)
· Produce a Luganda – English parallel Bible and Theological primer for use of our students. Including 300 – 500 word definitions, brief Bible and History summaries. We plan to keep the English level at about the 6th grade level.
· Complete a Nexus Seminary office for Davis, make 20,000 bricks for building a resource center in 2010.
· Pray for all of the above and to pray that Davis will be able to get a visa to travel to the US in Fall 2009.
· Take the next steps in our plan to provide Worship Leader training and set up a special Women’s Studies program.

We thank God for the privilege of this ministry. We are making an incredible difference in the villages and we continue to be some of the first whites that have visited many of the churches and villages we go to. Yet we seem to make only a small dent in the work that needs to be done. It will take so many groups working at training. We feel it so important that we will train women, those with no English and also those whose education stopped at a very early age. Of course, we provide this all at no charge.

In just a few days we will be taking another mission team trip to Uganda. It is an awesome thing to fall into the hands of the living God and this is the place God has called and convicted me. I am so entirely grateful for the support to church, friends and family. I am awed by the gift that these visits are to me - I learn and grow as I serve and I delight in seeing the effect it has on team members. How can I describe why I do this? As simply as I can say it is this: I go to serve, to encourage and to be remade into what God wants me to be. Yes, we teach, preach and share our gifts and lives with the great pastors and people of a church which is rapidly growing, but I am selfish... I go because of what I learn - in me, of what God is up to and about a totally different culture. Please pray for our team and then pray that as I stay those extra couple days to retreat and pray with Davis God will reveal God's hand for the future of Nexus Seminary Uganda and the work we are called to do TOGETHER.

Investments

I do not know if we are in the worst economic times since the great depression or not. But I do know that some people are worried and wondering where it is all going. It appears that the government is taking steps to prevent disaster. But there will be some shaking and baking. Louise and I have been through the bankruptcy of a utility company and sadly saw much of an IRA and some stock options disappear. We had also watched the value of that IRA or the stock in it move up rapidly. I remember saying to myself and breathing a little prayer, "Lord, help us not to depend on this more than we depend on you."
We should think long term and remember that values will go up and down. The saddest part right now is those who have stocks, etc. and need them to be healthy to live month to month. So we pray for a quick recovery. I have said several times in the past few weeks (since the weekend that Louise worked most of the weekend when her company needed to assess their risk when Lehman Brothers went under) invest in people. Do some diverse economic investing, but remember that this is life and in life Christians and other good people invest in people. Invest in your family members, your friends, your close associates and invest in people such as mission work, volunteering and serving those who need our help. There is that old Robert Schuller phrase, 'Find a need and fill it."
Thanks to the many friends and family who are investing in Nexus Seminary Uganda. You are investing in eternal matters. You are investing in depth. You are investing in men and women who know nothing of stock, retirement plans and bonuses. they are mostly day to day and as those who do subsistance farming say, "Digging."
"Four things a man must do. If he would make his record true. To think without confusion clearly. To love his fellow man sincerely. To act with honest motives purely. To trust in God and heaven securely." Henry Van Dyke (He also authored Joyful Joyful we adore Thee.)

Not all Lance Armstrong or Michael Phelps

I am just amazed at the skill and accomplishment of athletes like Micheal Phelps and Lance Armstrong. They are almost superhuman. One commentator said that they did not believe that Michael was from another planet(alien) but that he was from the future. Let's remember that the individual is great, but there is a training table, a schedule, a regimen that most of us are not wanting or disciplined to follow.

I just read Lance's team director's book, We Might As Well Win but Johan Bruneyl. Lance is directly quoted as saying he might not have won any Tours De France without Bruneyl and the team that he put around Lance. Not to take away from any star, but this is seldom done solo. It is never done without sacrifice.

You and I are not Lance or Michael. But we can enjoy the achievement and celebrate the big goals and victories they accomplish. We can, through Jesus Christ and his friends, have the heart of a champion and do what we are called to do. Let's also remember to not let good get in the way of great. (collins)

Press on to the upward call of Christ.

A Franciscan Blessing

I ran across this quote from A Franciscan Blessing and felt that it spoke to my heart.

• May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.

• May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitations of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

• May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

• And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

This was quoted by a man named Craig Groschel at the Leadership Summit. So I lay it out here for my memory bank and for sharing. Let's get riled up somtimes. Let's bang on the doors of heaven in prayer. And let's be fools for Christ who expect to make a difference through Him is some way each and every day.