Garbage Surfing

As the festivities for the Christmas day were beginning to slow down and we were putting the house back in order, we discovered we were missing one of our gifts, a certificate for a night out at a particularily nice place to eat. After looking high and low in the house, I proceeded to stash of trash left over over from the unwrapping of the presents - 2 boxes and garbage sack full. We went through it piece by piece; but alas, no certificate.
As we sat and once again replayed the events of the day, we realized 2 things. One, we were also missing another gift certificate to the movie theatre, and two they might of got mixed in with the gifts one of our kids already took home. So we gave them a call, and they reminded us that the original box the gifts came in was now repacked with presents for my folks and in the trunk of my folks car. Dad quickly retrieved it, and again we searched peice by piece, and again no certificates.
Setting there, I remembered setting the certificates down with another gift that I later took out of their box and used, throwing those boxes in a different trash bag altogether. The search was on again, but this time the trash was not so clean - especially one really dirty diaper. Still no certificates.
Then my wife reminded me their was a bag of kitchen trash that had been removed earlier and maybe it was in there. On more trip to the trash bin, one more bag of trash to retrieve and go through. And there, five pieces of trash in were the boxes and the two gift certificates - YEAH!

Only later did it begin to dawn on me the significance of the search. We left no bag of trash unsearched in our effort to gain the prize; and fortunately, God was willing to do the same thing for me. He went through all of the trash of sin in my life to gain the prize - me. He didn't give up on me or quit searching for the way to reach me. He died a long time ago for my sin, but until I saw that for me personally it didn't matter; so God kept coming after me, getting rid of the trash that surrounded my heart, until I could see the truth about Jesus and become His. The prize he sought all along.

So, how about you? Any trash around your heart that is getting in the way of you and Jesus coming face-to-face? If there is, Jesus will kee going through it until there's nothing left between he and you; so he can the same prize he seeks from you - your love and your life. Have a blessed 2008.
PJ

To Meet Such A Man

I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day. As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, "I will work for food."
My heart sank.I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief. We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat half-heartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car.
Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: "Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square." Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the storefront church, going through his sack. I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor.
"Looking for the pastor?" I asked.
"Not really," he replied, "just resting."
"Have you eaten today?"
"Oh, I ate something early this morning."
"Would you like to have lunch with me?"
"Do you have some work I could do for you?"
"No work," I replied. "I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch."
"Sure," he replied with a smile.
As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions. Where you headed?"
"St. Louis."
"Where you from?"
"Oh, all over; mostly Florida."
"How long you been walking?"
"Fourteen years," came the reply.
I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, "Jesus is The Never Ending Story."
Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought. He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God.
"Nothings been the same since," he said, "I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now."
"Ever think of stopping?" I asked.
"Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me. But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles. That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads.
"I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: "What's it like?"
"What? "
"To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?"
"Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me."
My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, "Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in."
I felt as if we were on holy ground. "Could you use another Bible?" I asked.
He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. "I've read through it 14 times," he said.
"I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see" I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.
"Where are you headed from here?" I asked.
"Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon."
"Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?"
"No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next."
He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things.
"Would you sign my autograph book?" he asked. "I like to keep messages from folks I meet."
I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, "I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope."
"Thanks, man," he said. "I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you."
"I know," I said, "I love you, too."
"The Lord is good!"
"Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?" I asked.
"A long time," he replied. And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed.
He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, "See you in the New Jerusalem."
"I'll be there!" was my reply.
He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, "When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?"
"You bet," I shouted back, "God bless."
"God bless." And that was the last I saw of him.
Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them. Then I remembered his words: "If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?" Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. "See you in the New Jerusalem," he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will..."

I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again."

"Father, I ask you to bless my friends, relatives and e-mail buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace, In Jesus' precious Name Amen."

Prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another. God bless and have a great day and most joyful and peace filled Christmas!

PJ

Fogged Over?

I have this wonderful old car that my eldest son gave to me to drive back and forth to work. It's really quite a good vehicle, except it has this one particular problem - it fogs up while you drive it. It is quite annoying, really. I am not sure why it happens, you start out seeing clearly; but then every window in the car begins to fog over until you're racing down the highway bent over to the side of the steering wheel to peer through the small circle of clear windshield the defogger seems to keep up with. There are options. You can lean your head out of the side window - not cool. or, you can roll all the windows down as you speed down the highway - way too cool. Actually taking it to someone to be fixed properly, so far hasn't made it to the 'option' category.

The other day, while battling my dilemma, it dawned on me that sometimes our spiritual lives are like my car. We start the journey with Christ, seeing clearly; but then, for various reasons we start to 'fog' up. And like I and my car, we keep right on going, adjusting our lives to the 'fog', instead of to Christ, you could help us see clearly again and keep the fog from returning. So now I ask, how's your vision these days?
PJ

Expectations

I know it's been a while, it's Christmas time at the church and that keeps us quite busy. This Advent the theme is centered around expectations and the question Jesus asked His disciples, Who do you say I am? The challenge is to really take a long, hard look at what our expectations of Christ, especially at this time of year, really are, and then hold those expectations up the Truth of His Word and God's promises. The hope is that we'll have some new and marvelous revelations from God, just like Peter did when he announced in response to Jesus' question, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God! I hope for all that read this, you'll have opportunity to do that as well and encounter the Living Christ, renewed and refreshed this Christmas season.
PJ

Blessings

May this Thanksgiving holiday be your best ever! Share lots of stories and laughter and love and food. Drive very carefully, if you must drive; and avoid what the business world now calls 'Black Friday' if at all possible. May the Lord bless you and keep you, may his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone.

PJ

Faith is Risky

Faith has never been about eliminating risk; in order to be safe and secure from all alarm. At least not the faith I read about in the Bible. In fact, it's quite possible that at the very heart of righteousness is the willingness to take a risk. That righteousness has less to do with ' not doing anything wrong' and more to do with 'doing things right'! It's using our God-given gifts to their God-given potential, and that requires risk! Maybe the churches view of santification is too sanitized, and it's view of Christianity is too civilized. Maybe we need to reconsider what made our spiritual ancestors so heroic. (answer: they all took great risk for God's kingdom) God never ever promised a risk-free exitence. There's and old aphorism: "No one ever bet too much on a winning horse." The only regrets any of us will ever had at the end of our lives will be that we didn't seek God more or seek God sooner. Whenever I've been with anyone who is nearing the end of their days on this earth, that's what is on their heart and mind; that's what they regret the most. Don't let that be you. Get out there, take a risk, storm the gates of Hell with a squirt, gun if necessary; but live like the kingdom of God warrior He created you to be!
PJ

Don't Forget to Give Thanks

I read a story recently of a man whose wife left him, leaving him totally devastated, doubting God, and robbed of joy. He decided to go to breakfast at a local diner; which wasn't helping. Lot's of people, all keeping to themselves. So he sat alone in his misery, stirring his coffee.
At a window booth was a young mom and her little girl, and after being served their food the little girl asked in a rather loud voice, "Mommy, why don't we say our prayers here?"
The waitress heard her and went over to her and said, 'Honey, We pray here. Will you say the prayer for us?" Then turning to the crowd of folks eating she called out, "Bow your heads, this little ones is going to pray." Amazingly, 1 by 1, heads went down, and the noise of eating ceased.
"Go ahead, hon." With head little head bowed, and her hands tightly folded, and her eyes squinted shut, she prayed this simple prayer, "God is great, God is good, and we thank him for our food. Amen."
It was like a veil lifted in the diner. People smiles & began to talk with one another, "We ought do that every morning." was repeated more than once. Our friend found his whole attitude and frame of mind had changed because of the little girls simple, but heartfelt prayer. He quietly began to thank God for what he did have & he stopped focusing on what he didn't. A smile crept across his face & he started to be thankful again. As he did, his on dark veil of despair was lifted from his heart.
This Thanksgiving, be sure to take some time to remember all the blessings God has directed your way; especially the blessing of Christ, the forgiveness if sin through Christ, and everlasting life in Christ. And as you remember, give Him your heartfelt thanks. Happy Thanksgiving.
PJ

God on the Edge

Eze. 36:26, "I will give you a new heart, and put my spirit into you..."

A while back I sent out an e-mail complaining about the new $1 coin, encouraging my church not to accept it because the Treasury had chosen to leave 'In God We Trust' off of it. I was quickly corrected, that the coin does indeed have those faith affirming words on it. Apparently, they exist on the edge of the coin, although I have yet to see one. I thought, how appropriate for America today. Every area of our culture and society is attempting to push God to the edge. As I country and nation, I wonder if we truly believe we even need God; except of course in times of national emergency. Other than that, I fear we rather like having God relegated to the edge of our daily lives.
The problem I see with that is that He is still God, and He will never take that position in life. He is the originator and sustainer of all life and love; it all revolves around Him, whether we recognize Him or not. He is and always will be the center of life and love. And I believe when we attempt to move Him the edge of our lives; what we really do is move our ourselves to the edge of His.
PJ

Toilet Tag

If you read my wife's blog at all, which you should because it is so good, (you can find it at http://carolemorden.blogspot.com/) you know that she just had a birthday and we are both in our mid-fifties. Now being mid-50's isn't so bad, most of the time; it does have its moments though where you wonder 'Why?' For instance, I used to go to bed and be asleep in seconds, and then not hardly stir until the alarm went off; at which time I would joyfully jump out of bed, fully rested and ready for another great day! (Truly!! My family will attest to authenticity of that statement.) Now, I go to bed and have to read or watch a little TV until I feel I can go to sleep. Then I will wake several times a night to play 'toilet tag' with Carole. If you're our age or older, you know exactly what I mean. You wake up for one of two reasons. Either you have to go to the bathroom, and the bladder pressure woke you; or your spouse had to go, and their going woke you up, and now your realize, 'Wait a minute, now I have to go too.' or you decide as long as you are awake, you might as well go. We call it 'toilet tag', and absolutely marvel at the rare occasions when it doesn't happen and we sleep through the night! And because we play this silly game in the middle of the night, I no longer awake quite as joyful, nor jump out of my bed, nor am I ready for another day. What I am truly ready for is a little more sleep, knowing full well it isn't going to happen, no matter how long I would lay there. So while being in our mid-50's is OK, it has its downside as well. We have just decided to make the best of it, smile and tell one another as we tumble out of bed and shuffle across the floor to the bathroom, 'Tag, you're it.' Now are you not glad you took the time to read this. Tell me you didn't smile too. Blessings to you.
PJ

Fractured Relationships - Hmmmm

I recently attended a conference dealing with church health, and since relationships is really what church is all about, one of the speakers spoke about the 1st relationships that ever existed and what happened to them. Of course I'm referring to the Genesis account in the Bible. God created Adam & Eve and had this cool relationship with them where He would meet with them and walk & talk with them every morning and evening. Life at that point must of been awesome! Then in chapter 3, sin enters and the relationships begin to fracture, one after the other.

When God shows up for the evening walk and looking for them, where are Adam & Eve? Hiding, because now they are afraid. That's the first relationship that's fractured, the one they had with God until the moment they sinned.
God wants to know why they are hiding, and Adam says it's because they are naked. Until they sinned they were just fine with their nakedness; now they are ashamed of it. That's the 2nd relationship that was shattered; their self-esteem and how they saw themselves, their significance.
When God questions Adam, who does Adam blame? Eve. Who does Eve blame? 'The devil made me do it!' The 3rd relationship now fractured.
As a result of their actions, God now has to make them leave the Garden of Eden, fracturing their relationship with the earth; and man has had to toil to survive by the sweat of his brow ever since.

Did you notice the order in which these fractured relationships took place? 1st, God & man - then man & his self-image - next husband and wife - finally man and his environment. Now here's the notion; what if this order of fractured relationships never changes? We spend vast amounts of time, money, and energy trying to correct our broken relationships with our spouses and others who are significant in our lives; when it's quite possible that doing so is only 'putting a band-aid' on the real issue, which is our fractured relationship with God and our own self-image. I have to admit, it's got me thinking.

PJ

Perspective

WOW!
That was my thought as I watched the sun come this morning over the hillside looking down on the Lake of the Ozarks. I have been blessed the last couple of days to be there with my friend Norm, fishing. He owns a cabin and a boat there that we spent our time on catching white bass. Notice I didn't say fishing for, but catching! There is a difference, and it was great!
Last night, as we catching them, God gave us a really special moment. To the one side of us, about 100 feet away, there were 3 deer grazing. Off to our left, there appears a bald eagle, circling for a catch himself. He drops from the sky, not more than 40 or 50 feet from us; but comes away empty taloned, and then flies directly overhead of us, not more than 20 feet off the ground. At that moment, the biggest catch of the day struck my line. All this while the sun is beginning to set in the west. It was too awesome for words! Minutes later we decide to head in for the night, with the nearly full moon shimmering across the lake ahead of us. I am not sure it gets any better than that!

But I had to pause and put it into perspective for myself. You see, the day, as great as it was, was quite cool and windy. We fished with parkas and gloves on most of the day. As we headed in, I pulled my hood down tight and bent my head to keep the bite of the wind off my face. On most days I'm pretty sure I would whined a bit about the cold and wind, even if just to myself, and yet I thought the day was spectacular. The reason is that the day before, it rained all day and was even more windy and colder than yesterday. That made yesterday seem so much more bearable and reminded me that so much is determined by perspective.

Therefore, decide today, this morning, or better yet the night before just what kind of a day you're going to have; and then watch for God to bless it!

PJ

Yes And No

The other day I wrote about how I must choose the attitude of my everyday life, no matter the circumstances. I know that is true. But what about when we are overcome with fear? Is it the same? Can overcoming our fears be as simple as the choices we make? I think that answer to that is both yes and no.

I have spent a lot of my adult life dealing with my childhood fears, struggling at times not to give in; even to the point of having to endure panic attacks. Will a simple decision on my part to not be afraid or to not allow those fears to rule me win the battle? So far, I would have to say for me the answer has been no. In and of myself, I haven't been able to do it.

But when I take the time to realize just where those fears stem from. That they are not from God, but from actions of myself or others under the influence of the enemy of my soul. That inside my heart reigns the King of kings and the Lord of lords that has already defeated that lying rascal. That Jesus has told me again and again that He is for me and not against me, and that He has made available to me all the power of heaven. That in Christ, I can do all things. Then at that moment, when I take the time to consider what is really truly true and truth; I can overcome those fears, and the answer is yes. But it's not me doing it; it is Jesus in me that enables me to make the right choice.
And what is available in Christ Jesus to me, is available to you as well.

PJ

This Idea Called Prayer

We who believe in God, believe in prayer; but have you ever just listened to someone pray? I mean truly listen, because most of the time we really are off thinking about something else, or what we're going to pray, thoughts like, "Is God hearing this?". Better yet, tape record yourself praying sometime and then ask yourself, "If you were God, would you be listening to this?" When we pray, I truly believe we spend way too much of our time telling God what it is exactly He is to do for us, when, and how. You have to admit, that is sort of arrogant of us, isn't it. Or maybe it's just a testimony of our own self-centeredness.
Take some time to read what was going on in Jerusalem those 10 days leading up to Pentecost (Acts 2). They, being the disciples, were before God in fasting and prayer. Not telling God what He ought to do, because not a one of them woke up on Pentecost morning thinking to themselves, 'Today I think I'll speak in a foreign language to some folks who are far from God so they can understand how awesome Jesus is and be saved.' Peter wasn't ready with any 3 point sermon on why they needed Jesus. And they weren't making plans on how to disciple 3000 people to be ready to go home and share about Jesus in the next couple of days. Nope, they were spending those 10 days fasting and praying that God would show up in their lives and reveal to them what He wanted them to do next!
Could it be that is what we are missing in our prayer times? An earnest seeking of God to come and reveal to us Himself, His purpose, and His ways. I believe maybe it is. So give it a try and let me know what happens. Spend 10 days fasting and seeking God's ways and see if Pentecost doesn't happen for you like it did back then!
PJ

JOY!!

One of my all time favorite verses is Ps. 51:10-12 which has this line tucked into the middle of it, "Restore onto me the JOY of my salvation." I share that with you because I've begun to look at that prayer request in a little different light these days. I have always simply thought of it as a request of me to God to remind me of that moment I first encountered and embraced Jesus as my personal Savior and Lord. (I had encountered Him plenty of times, but never embraced Him; and embracing Him makes all the difference!) But lately, I'm coming around to seeing it as more of a request of me to God to help me live in the present and to see the world and people as He does. Maybe this popular song lyric says it best, 'Open the eyes of my heart, that I may see You'.
When we in South Carolina, Carole took a walk with some folks that are dear friends to our sister-in-law, Kelly. Carole came away from that experience overwhelmed by the way in which Kelly's friends embraced the simple pleasures of life and their surroundings. She told me over and over how much joy they found in the things of life we normally overlook. They truly were living in the present, and loving it. Now, since AIDS is a ever present reality for them, I found this to be quite remarkable. But as I thought more about it, and prayed about it as I sat in the deer stand watching corn, I began to entertain the thought that so much of how we live this life in the everyday really comes down to the choices we make.
Way too often, my circumstances dictate my moods and thoughts and attitudes of my heart. When in truth it doesn't have to. I can choose to live in the now and in the JOY that God has already promised me for the moments in which I find myself. So much of how this life effects us all is really our choice. Love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control that the Scriptures refers to as the Fruit of the Spirit is readily available to each of us; but we MUST choose to embrace it and live it in every moment of this life today. And the moment we choose to do that, God's Spirit jumps into action and fills us up with it until it's running over and effecting everyone around us! Now, to me, that's learning to live the prayer, restore me unto the JOY of my salvation!

PJ

Shades of Grey

Last week I was in South Carolina visiting a brother-in-law and his wife, and taking a break. He loves to hunt, so we went almost every morning and evening. Now hunting in SC, according to my wife, is more like fishing than hunting. You go before dawn, climb up into a deer stand, and wait for the deer to appear on the pile of corn you put out about 70 yards away, so you can slaughter them while they eat. Unfortunately, we were unable to entice any deer to come to our corn pile. But it was a great opportunity for me to sit quietly before God and listen to what He may have to say to me.
What I discovered is that there is a period of time every morning, just as the the first rays of light are beginning to overcome the darkness of night, and every evening when the last ray of light is fading into night that the world around you is actually grey. Color seems to fade into nothingness and all around was just the shade of grey.
At first I was amazed when I realized this simple truth; but then I became quite sad. It saddened me because so many people live their life in that shade of grey. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12. So many folks have heard about Jesus, even believe Jesus is who he says he is; but have never embraced his love, and chosen to walk in his light. Darkness is always right there around them, with the light of Christ just beginning to shine into them, be it ever so dim; and their world is the shade of grey. Then there are others, who have indeed embraced His light and love, and for a while it drove darkness totally away. But then circumstance and choice, which we all must deal with, has beaten back the light of life and darkness once more encroaches on their soul; and they too live in that shade of grey.
I write this as one who is looking outward and watching and hearing from God. In truth, I write this as one who knows, because it is more about my own journey of life then anyone else. I existed in the grey, knowing about Christ, but not really knowing Christ. Then one miraculous day I met Him face-to-face, and his light flooded my soul and heart. Then came that time of grey again because of circumstances and choices I made to get through the moment. That is what God chose to reveal to me as I watched day fade to night and grey envelope the pile of corn. It is no place to live, those shades of grey, when light and love are only a decision away.
PJ

What are we waiting for?

I started to read a book titled 'In A Pit With a Lion On A Snowy Day' by Mark Batterson. Mark raises some pretty interesting questions, like: Who in there right mind would chase a lion into a pit; especially on a snowy day when the footing would be less than desirable? The answer of course is found in the Bible in 2 Chronicles 11, beginning at verse 22. Take the time to read it, it won't take too long. But then ask yourself, 'Why?' And 'Would I chase after the lion, or flee for my life?' Because Mark raise another great question in his book. Maybe it is better stated he makes a really great observation I will ponder the entire time I am on vacation. Here it goes: "Is anybody else tired of reactive Christianity that is more known for what it's against than what it's for?" I AM!! I AM!! I AM!!
We think that being holy and godly is obtained by abstaining from. What if we're all wrong it's really accomplished by multiplication! You can do nothing wrong and still do nothing right in the current system. Jesus never ran away from wrong or hid out in the church from anything. He went straight at it! And I think that's what we're missing in life! We're called to be lion chasers, to live proactive, take God-size risk for Him EVERY TIME He presents us with a God-ordained opportunity, to live on the edge of a snowy pit; and sometimes jump right in and take on the lion. Now gnaw on that for a while!

PJ

'PJ, Where Are You?'

Hey everyone, I'm still around! I have been playing the part of the 'traveling man', and I'm not done yet. On Thursday Carole and I take off for SC and a much needed rest. So, it's 'on the road again' for me.
I've really had quite the last couple of weeks. I've been challenged by God in several areas of my life to take our relationship to a deeper level. Which really thrills me when I think that the God of all creation wants me to know Him better. That He wants to hang out with me is totally mind boggling and sort of scary all at the same time. He wants to change the way I preach and open my eyes to His world even more. He asked me to return to my 1st love, which causes me to weep even as I write it. Not that he asked, but that He had to; because He is to be my 1st love, and that meant I had drifted from that truth, and that hurts. He has again and again and again said this to me in last 2 weeks. 'Love God, love others, live it out!' I have it written on my desk in front of my computer screen, so even as I write it to you now, it's before me. Because my friends, I never ever want to hear Him tell me to return to my 1st love again.
PJ

Confident

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing all the symptoms of a heart attack. The pain was so intense that the next day I decided to get it checked out. (Yes, the next day. Never was known for my smarts.) I went through the blood work, a cat scan for blood clots, and a nuclear stress test; all came back fine. So then they wanted me to have an ultra sound of my heart. Kind of cool to lay there and watch & listen to your heart beat. I could even see the valve flaps opening and closing. The technician kept trying to see it from different angles, so we started to chat. I finally asked him what he really saw. He told me everything looked really good, in fact he said, "your heart appears to be really confident." Made me smile. You see, I know the pain was real and I have a few more things to test to see if we can figure out what happened; but in the mean time, I can say without reservation, I have a confident heart! Which I really already knew. Not because of anything physically, but because of Christ Jesus Who took up residence there 29 years ago. I can only hope and pray, you can say the same.
PJ

You jJust Never Know

At my weekly Bible study in the retirement center, one of the ladies asked for prayer for her son who is dealing with clogged arteries and in need of surgery. I asked her if that was a condition that she or her husband had to deal with. She said quite emphatically that not on her side of the family, but her husband had heart issues. 'In fact', she said, 'he had everything wrong, you name it and he had surgery for it.' I started to laugh to myself, but she caught me and asked what. I told her, not to get me wrong because sometimes I have a weird sense of humor, but I doubted that he ever had a mastectomy. She laughed and said as a matter of fact he did. he developed a lump and had to have part of breast muscle removed. You just never know, do you?

I will be gone for a while, not sure I'll be all that missed, but I'll check back in when I get back in a couple of weeks. Take care everyone and God bless.
PJ

It All Goes Back In The Box

I started reading a new book by John Ortberg titled 'When The Game Is Over, It All Goes Back In To The Box', that got me thinking again about how one lives their life and what is truly important. You see I say again because as Epictetus wrote, "This is our predicament. Over and over again, we lose sight of what is important and what isn't."

Last week-end my family gathered where my folks live and celebrated the fact that this year they will celebrate 80 years of life and 60 years of love. Over 90 family members came together for this event, and to honor their life accomplishment. As we gathered and celebrated what became very clear to me was what really mattered after 60 years of marriage was that they still loved each other as much as when they first said 'I do.' That they stayed together and kept loving each other was what mattered most.

You see, you can gather all that this world has to offer. Money, property, pleasures, power, health, accomplishments, compliments, security, whatever you can imagine; but in the end, when it is all over, the only thing that will last is your love - your love for God and others. The only things that will last forever is God, your relationships, your soul, and your deeds of love. That's it! Everything else goes back in the box! I wrote a a few months ago that this life is but a dash, and we are to live it wisely. If you really want to be wealthy and leave a legacy that matters - learn to love! Love God and love others; never forgetting you make a living by what you get and a life by what you give. Give love and be rich toward God.

PJ

I Stand Amazed!!

Every Wednesday I lead a Bible study at a assisted living center for those not so good at managing it at home alone, but not ready for nursing home care either. I really love it because they come from such diverse religious backgrounds, and then I come along and tell them religion doesn't matter at all in God's kingdom, and that truly rattles their world. But God must be doing something (OK they could simply be bored) because the group keeps growing.
Then, every now and then, I'll have a conversation with one of them, and in the course of that talk they tell me they are finally reading the Bible everyday, or from Genesis to Revelation, and how amazed they are at what they are learning. And every time, I stand there in amazement that anyone could attend church for 60-70-80 years and never have read the Bible through at least once. That blows my mind. Why anyone would stay in any church for that length of time and NOT read God's Word, or be encouraged to read it is way beyond me! And just one reason why I say life with Christ isn't about any religion - it's about the ever expanding kingdom of God!
PJ

The Old Is Better?

I was challenged recently to spend time absorbing the Scriptures of the Bible, instead of simply reading them. So I've been practicing that. Reading and re-reading 1 chapter every day to see what God has to teach me. It's been very enlightening, give it a try.
Anyway after reading my chosen chapter several times and really thinking about I usually read one more, but to not as much detail or thought given to it. Today I read Luke 5. 2 things 'jumped out' at me. The 1st one was that after they have this miraculous catch of fish, to the point 2 boats are so full they are almost sinking; then they leave everything and follow Jesus. They just walk off and leave this huge catch of fish. And at that time that was a lot of financial gain they just walked away from to follow Jesus. This thought instantly came to me, "What am I willing to walk away from in order to follow Jesus?"
Now, here's the 2nd thing I noticed. Chapter 5 ends with this illustration given by Jesus: No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to patch and old garment. ... And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. The new wine would burst the old skins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be put into new wineskins. (Here it comes) But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the fresh and the new. 'The old is better' they say." This whole section spoke to me about the church. Do we really want the fresh and the new? Do I?
Jesus Christ is alive, and the Holy Spirit is constantly revealing more truth concerning Christ and redemption and restoration and new life. Question is, do we, does the church want it, or does it believe as in Jesus' day on earth that the old is better? Tell me what you think.
PJ

I Love It

Here's one of those I love it thoughts. I love Men's Fraternity. Why? Because it gives me the opportunity to figure out with a bunch of other guys what it means to be a real man, from the biblical perspective. And then go and do it, because there will be someone cheering me on to be the best man in Christ I can be! The other reason is because that's what Christ was - a real man. he rejected passivity and his shadow mission, he lived up to his responsibilities, he led courageously - all out of love for His Father in heaven and believing in the greater reward that awaited him. That's the kind of man I want to be! And then I hope and dream and pray I will be able to inspire my sons to do the same!
PJ

WOW! I just realized it's been another week since I last posted. I know that's not that big of deal; but I've had some really great notions lately that have since slipped through the 'cracks' in my brain.
I was able to attend the latest Leadership Summit presented by Willow Creek Assoc. and there was one thought from there I've been wanting to share. It was from a talk given by Marcus Buckingham, who wrote "Go Put Your Strengths to Work". It's about the idea that we have it all wrong when we tell anyone that if the improve on their weaknesses they'll get better at whatever it is they already do quite well - which when you think about it is really quite daff! One of the illustrations he used was when Shaq went the L A Lakers. He couldn't shoot a free throw to save his soul (Kind of a really dumb analogy isn't it). So what they told him was not to worry or work on that part of his game, but to work on scoring in the paint. He asked why when he was already the best center in the game. They said that was true, but he wasn't the best that ever was, and that was what he was capable of being. So he did, and earned 3 scoring titles and 3 NBA championships at the same time. And guess what? His free throw shooting % went up by 20%. So, to all of us out there trying to get better by working on our weaknesses, let's do this. Take a paper and draw a line down the middle. On 1 side write I Love It and on the other I Hate It. Now go and live life for a week writing down everything you love and hate. At the end of the week, select the top 3 things you absolutely love, and work at getting to be the best you can at it. Have fun. I know I am!
PJ

The Samson Clause

I had my Bible study again today and my new atheist friend attended. He asked some good questions, but mostly he listened. He's really not as atheist as he thinks he is. We talked a little and he thanked me for answering a few more of his questions. Eventually we'll have a close enough friendship I can share the truth with about Christ and he'll accept it. It will happen, not because I say it will; but because Jesus says He doesn't want anyone to be lost. That includes Ed.

Yesterday, we had several power outages. It's amazing to me how much we rely on our electrical power. I even had to get out my books to study and prepare the Bible study with because the computer was down. My only light was from the window, and the only cool air was what was left in the room after the A/C quit. Fortunately the water fountain is gravity flow and I could still get cool water. We are really a spoiled bunch of whiners aren't we! How many people around the world would gladly live in those 'awful' conditions I just described?

The thought that I had as I sat in the window light, was how helpless I felt without the power. Of course, being a pastor I related that to Christ. He is the 'power' behind all life. Without Him, there is no life. I've had moments when I have felt that He isn't there. (Everyone of them was because of something I've done to separate myself from Him) Those moments are horrible and empty, and they drive me to the foot of His cross. Maybe one of the scariest thoughts for me is what I call the 'Samson Clause'. He was the strongest man to ever live because of the power of God at work in him, and when God took it away because he went away from God - Samson never realized the power was gone! Maybe that's why when I feel that God and I aren't connecting, I go to the cross. A temporary 'blackout' is bad enough; I never ever want to experience a permanent one.
PJ

Hope is amazing

I facilitate a Bible study every Wednesday morning at a nearby senior citizens assisted living facility. Today we had an atheist join us. His only question was how could I believe in an omnipotent God? We had quite the conversation. Of course, and belief comes down to some very basic truths. 1) There's some reason or foundation for our belief. 2) All beliefs are based on some form of faith. 3) It's always a matter of choice as to what you believe. Like I told him, it's not that you can't believe in an omnipotent God, but that you won't believe. It's a choice.

As we talked, what 'came to the top' was the matter of hope. I asked him what was his hope for tomorrow or better yet for eternity. He really had none. When we die we die according to my new friend. So I told him this. I live every day full of hope in a Living God and His promise of heaven that awaits me upon my death. Now if by chance I am wrong, and there is no God, what have I lost? I live with hope every day that gives me joy and peace. If I am wrong, and all life ends when I die, I've loss nothing. On the other hand, If I'm right, I've gained everything. Then I asked him, what about him. He lives everyday believing this is it. Not too much hope or joy or peace in that. And on the day he dies , if he's right, he dies. But if he's wrong, he misses out on heaven and spends eternity in hell. Seems to me that hope is indeed amazing, because I win, no matter what; and according to his belief, he loses, no matter what.

Lots more went into the conversation, and we parted friends. Next week, although he may not show up for the study, I will find him and give him a book about 'How to Deepen Your Relationship with God. You see at one point he said he wanted to believe, it was just so hard. Which told me, he's not really convinced that he's right. Isn't hope amazing! Pray for him please. His name is Ed. thanks.
PJ

King's Son

Well, I survived! Last week end I got away with my 3 sons for an over night guys time away. A family in the church have a great place on Lake perry that they loaned to us. A fabulous log home with a huge deck, right on the lake and a pontoon boat to boot. We fished and ate and boated and tubed and watched movies and played cards and laughed and just generally had a great time. That evening after dark we had a huge bonfire, and we sat around it and talked. Actually I did most of the talking, because I was a secret mission and it was time to share it.
A year ago, through a program called Men's Fraternity I discovered the biblical definition for authentic manhood, and I have been in pursuit of it ever since. You see, no ever told me what a authentic man was, or how to live as one, or to make a plan that made life happen for me instead just to me. Therefore, I never passed any of that information along to my 3 sons,; and I was on a mission to change that. So we sat around this fire after having a great day together and I shared my heart for manhood with my guys. Then I challenged them to begin their own quest for authentic manhood by pulling out battle ready swords and actually knighting them that were ready to accept the challenge. They knelt and I anointed them with oil representing the Spirit of God and them as men of God. Then I knighted them, swearing them to an oath: To be without fear in the face of their enemy. To be brave and upright, that the Lord may bless them. To speak the truth, no matter what it may cost them. To take care of and stand up for those less fortunate then them. To trust God to lead and to guide, to provide for and protect them. To serve and follow Christ whole-heartily, every day of their lives. Then I presented them with their own sword, to remind them of this moment and that they were to live as warriors before God. Then we all gathered around the one being knighted and I prayed a blessing upon their life. It was an awesome moment for me. One I have been planning for months and have imagined a hundred times.
I may never know the full impact of that weekend. I know what it meant for right now. Will they accept the challenge & live it? I can only hope they will. Will they pass it on to their future sons? I hope so, for that is my prayer. For now, I know this. I did what God was asking me to do. I face my fears, I strive to be brave & upright, to care for and stand up for less fortunate then me, I tell the truth, I trust God, and will serve and follow Him with all my heart. I will continue to learn about and pursue authentic manhood; and I will encourage my sons to do the same. And God willing, they will.

get away

I'm really getting excited about a upcoming get away I have planned for my 3 sons and myself. We're going to a lake and spend a couple of days boating, fishing, playing cards, staying up late, eating what we want and when we want, not worrying about how we smell or if the toilet lid is up or down. In other words, even though we're all adults, we get to get away and act like kids! I can hardly wait!
I don't think we have ever done anything like this. I've taken 'road trips' with them; but not all three at once. Oh yeah, I have a few meaningful moments planned and I'll write about them when I get back. But mostly, it's about getting away and just being guys, forgetting about the troubles that may beset us, laughing until we about bust, enjoying the love we have for one another. And if nothing else happens - that would be enough for me.

the Dash

I was reminded today that this life is truly just a dash in the time line of eternity. We're only here for a very short time - a dash! What you do with it, how you live it, matters - or at least it should.

There was a young man in Montana named Kyle. He was an only child killed in crash at the age of 15. He wasn't very athletic, but he loved music, especially the sax. His dream at 15 was to get accepted into the jazz band at his school. He loved life and his Lord and Savior, KJesus Christ. I found out as I prepared for his funeral, he would take verses in the Bible that spoke to him and personalize them by writing in his name.
He was only a freshman in a rather large school, but the day after his death, you couldn't walk down the hall past his locker because it was blocked with flowers and cards and hand written notes, attesting to the impact he had had on the lives of students of ages and grades. They had to release school early because so many were in grief.
At his memorial service, for over an hour, student after student, got up and spoke about how Kyle had impacted their lives for good, many for eternity. At the cemetary, the jazz band was their playing 'Amazing Grace' in honor of his dream. For weeks after his death, students would drop by his house to sit with his folks and tell more KY stories, bringing healing to their hearts.

Kyle impacted everyone he ever met, for good and for Christ. He did more for the kingdom of God in 15 years than most of us may do in 70. That is living the dash to the utmost. It is never too late to do the same!

What a terrific 4th of July!! Yesterday may go down as the very best 4th of July - ever!
We (Carole & I and all of our kids - 2 of which made it) were invited to spend the day with a friend and in her pool. What a blast! I do believe Levi & Ethon spent at least 5 hours in the pool challenging each other to feats of skill & strength (and an occossional attempt to drown one another). I even got in on some of the challenges! We got too much of everything!! Too much fun! Too much laughter! Too much great BBQ! Too much sun! And then we drove out of town and enjoyed a wonderful fireworks display! If it would be at all possible to say thank you to Cindy too much, I would; but I don't believe that could be a possibility! On our drive home Carole & Levi both expressed the wish to stay home today, they were too tired to even want to get up and go to work, they were wanting a day to rest. That's when you know it's been the best time ever!

It's a pretty special gift, this gift of friendship and family. And when friends become as dear to you as family; well that's even more quite special. I believe it's what God desires for us and delights in when we get it and when we enjoy it. If I'm right, then God was truly delighted with us yesterday! I could easily swing into a small sermonette here; but that might ruin it! I just hope and pray we, none of us, will ever forget the power of the gift God's given to us to delight in and enjoy - the gift of family and true friends.
PJ

Have you considered prayer?

I had a talk with a person today who's from a foreign country and has moved here and currently working in a Christian book store. You know what they told me? 'Christian's are the hardest people to please.' They said they get so frustrated because Christian's are so mean and difficult. They told me I would be surprised by the names they have been called because the speak with an accent. I told them, I probably wouldn't be too surprised, after all I've been a pastor for over 20 years, 24-7 dealing with Christian's.
This isn't the 1st time I've heard such tales. My kids attended a Christian college and worked in the community. You wouldn't believe the stories they would bring home about how this or that well known Christian acted in public. Or the stories their friends told about how they hated to have Christian's to come to their table to be waited on because they demanded so much, stayed so long, and tipped so little.
Now I know there a precious few of you out there that read this blog, but there's enough that if we'd decide enough is enough we could do something about it. When you witness it, put a stop to it. Speak up; but don't challenge the the inconsiderate perpetrator - instead ask them if you could pray for them. You and I really can make a difference. And this idea that Christian's are the worse of the worse has to change if we're ever going to stand a chance to win a few to Christ! So let it start here!
One more challenge. Next time your eating out, ask your waiter or waitress if there's anything you can pray about for them when you bless your meal. Believe me, they'll appreciate it and you'll get great service to boot.
PJ

It Feels Good...

I won't tell you from where I started my day, at least not from the frame of mind; but let it suffice to say I started it on my knees. Then this afternoon I had this wonderful experience happen to me. A couple preparing to get wed came for some counseling. I sat and listened and prayed and before I knew it God was 'blessing their bones' through what He was leading me to say. I know, because the tears did flow and their countenance did change. To me, that experience is simply amazing! And it feels so-o-o-o good to be in a position to be used by God to make a difference in another person's life. So good, I often wonder who is really the 'winner' in such events, them or me. In truth, I guess I don't care. I just hope and pray God will always find me in a place to be used by Him to touch someone else's life for His glory. Way to go God!
PJ

God, why is it so tough?

WOW! I just went to my grand daughters blog ( Braska's News) and I realized it's been quite a while since I read up on her adventures; or worse yet, held her in person. (That will change this week end. YEAH!) Upon reflection, I have to chalk my delinquent behavior up to craziness of life.

If by chance you also read my wife's blog (Fractured Thoughts - much superior to mine) you read that one of our sons is going through a pretty tough time in his life. His anonymous reply to her post about it concerning crying in the dark rips at my heart. On the one hand, I want to wage war against those hurting him. On the other, I know they need comfort and care and love and support and prayer every bit as much as he does. I want to hold him tell him it will be all right, and have him believe me like when he was just a child, and I could right the wrongs that beset him. But alas, he's no longer a child, he's a man. And a darn good man at that. And I can no longer right the wrongs; that is up to him, now. He knows I am still there for him, that I would die for him without hesitation. That if he so desires I would hold him in the dark, and he wouldn't have to cry alone. But, ultimately, he must go through this time, just he and Christ. And in so doing, hopefully discover for himself - Jesus really can right the wrongs.

So I sit here and write, wishing I could do more than I can, that it would always be like it was, and wondering out loud, "God, why is it so tough?" And even as I write that and ask it aloud, this thought comes to mind. That's the very question Jesus asked in the garden, just before they came for him to crucify him in our place. So God knows the pain of watching a son hurt, deep in their heart and soul; all because this world in which we live, and Jesus came to save, is so messed up.
PJ

Doing right because it's right

Sorry about the absence. Funny thing is, apart from my folks, I'm not even sure if I was missed. But then, I don't write this to get recognized. I had a very busy week with VBS, my regular duties, and planting 19 trees at our home. So I took a break from this.

This morning as I was getting caught up on emails, my sister sent me one that is a video story about Rick Monday, snatching away an American flag before a couple of protesters could set it on fire during a baseball game in 1976. Monday was the center fielder for the Cubs and he raced over and saved the flag as the protesters lit the 2nd match to set it on fire. It has been designated one of the top 100 plays of major league baseball. He did the right thing for the right reason.

Lots of us do the right things in life, but do we do them for the right reason? At VBS this past week, my job was to be the everyday director. That meant I spoke to the kids every morning, giving some sort of pep talk. I took care of troubles, corrected some attitudes, encouraged the workers, and shared the salvation story towards the end of the week. Most of it I did because it was expected of me as the pastor. It was the right thing to do, but my reason for doing it wasn't the greatest. Maybe you can relate?

PJ

Listening is tough

I have a friend who came down with infantile polio when he was just a tyke and it has greatly effected his speech. When I get a chance to visit him, I have to sit and watch him speak and listen very, vey closely to what he's saying in order to understand him. I really have to focus on what he's saying in order to get it. I am reminded when I am there, just how hard listening is.

Today as we visited, it struck me how much effort I was putting into listening to him, but how little effort I sometimes (ok most of the time) put into listening to God. It maybe comes down to the focus part of listening. Do I really focus on hearing what God wants to say to me? Or am I more interested in, did God hear what I had to say to Him? Did I slow down, sit still, and really concentrate so I could hear?

I love it when I have these moments from God! He's still talking to me, and every now and then I hear. And that is pretty cool for me! God, the God of the whole universe wants to talk to me! WOW!! I just have to remind myself what it takes to really listen from time to time so i can hear.

Have a great week end.
PJ

Father's Day

Hey, all you dads out there who may read this - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

As I wrote the sermon for this Sunday about the Perfect Father, which of course, is God the Father, I kept thinking about my early years of fatherhood. Did I love them for who they were and Whose they were? Did I offer them the pathway of unconditional acceptance? Did I make known to them the way and availability of restoration when they did screw up? Truthfully - not always; in fact, probably too many 'not always'.

Too many times I forgot they were really just kids, and not just any kids; but they were our kids and God's kids. Too often I put conditions on the acceptance they sought. And while restoration was always available, the pathway wasn't made very clear to them.

So, like so many other dads, while I will enjoy the day, I will know in my heart it isn't because of me that they all turned out so great! I'll give that honor to their heavenly Father; the only Perfect Father! God bless.
PJ

Taking a break

Tomorrow my wife and I take off for Kansas! We're helping our dear friend move back there after her year long hiatus here in St. Louis. We will miss her, but we are also very certain this is whats best for her; so in that, we are happy. Would appreciate a prayer or 2 for her as she starts over, and for us along the way. If you've ever driven from one end of Kansas to the other, you'd know why we need the prayers!
Monday, our summer intern started. As we were talking about his goals, I could see he was worried about how to get his 'summer charges' to see how God wanted them to work together and glorify Him at the same time. (His main goal is to start a youth praise band using 6th & 7th graders.) As we talked, I asked him to tell me how a piano works. Pretty soon, he was making spiritual connections about how the piano represents our life and the life of the church. One key, repeating itself, while maybe in tune, is still not music and after a while quite annoying. Takes us all working together, being stretched, to make a sound that glorifies Him.
Anyway, he spent the next 6 hours at that piano figuring out life lessons it held that he could teach. It was pretty cool, and exactly how God loves to work. Showing us in simple ways the lessons of life that will change us for eternity. Thanks for listening.
PJ

I'm So Blessed!

I just finished looking at Braska's and My Babe's blogs, and it dawned on me again just how blessed I truly am! Did you notice just how lovely my wife is? And I have to tell you, that's just not 'skin deep' stuff! She's lovely through and through, and for some unimaginable reason, she loves me!
Then there's the 3 boys. Yeah, when they're together they're like little boys. The do stupid stuff to one another, wrestle around on my furniture, and laugh almost non-stop. But they are men that I am extremely proud of. Like me, they don't do everything right, all the time; but what does that have to do with loving them and being proud of them? NOT TOO MUCH! They're my boys too, and they're men I am proud to call sons and to be my friends. And oh yeah, they all have pretty terrific women in their lives as well.
Finally there's the wee one we call Braska, short for Nebraska. What a darling! She brings us all so much joy! She has Downs, which is really a dumb name for what she has because she lifts everyone up who comes around her. All it takes is one look and hooked! And suddenly, the stuff of this life we struggle so much with isn't as important, nor as bad; because you know you're in the presence royalty - the daughter of the King of kings.
So you see I am really quite blessed, and I am very thankful for the family and life and love God has sent my way.
Have a great day!
PJ

Just Ramblings

Not a lot to say today, even though it's been several since I took the time to write. Wrote my sermon today and that always seem to toast the brain. Funny since I like to tell everyone it comes from my heart.
Yesterday Carole and I got a wonderful surprise, our granddaughter was in town and wanted to spend the night! What a joy she is! I can hardly wait for her to learn how to talk. We rolled around on the floor, kicked and squirmed and laughed - it was great fun!
By-the-way, if you don't already, you really should check out 'My Babe's Blog' from this site. She's the true writer and her stuff is awesome. Of course, not as awesome as she is, which I'm sure you'll agree once you read it and catch a glimpse of her heart and humor.
I read a neat likeness of the human soul to the temple in the OT by Abraham Kuyper. It sort of goes like this. We all have an outer court - the public domain of work, shopping, & school. Then we have the inner court where we would invite family and special friends. But then, way down deep, is the holy of holies - that spot that share with no one but Jesus. I liked this analogy. The question then comes to this, 'How is my life in there, at the holy of holies with God? because how I am doing there directly effects how I am doing in the other 2 courts, and whether or not I'm being authentic.
Catch you later.
PJ

Stagnant -YUK!

My wife and I took a stroll yesterday in the lovely park next to our house. Along 1 of the borders runs a creek; crystal clear, bubbling & sparkling & refreshing. Along another border runs a brook that empties into the creek. It too is clear and lively and refreshing - EXCEPT for this one area of it. Over time several tree branches have fallen into it an eventually created a natural damn. You can tell it wasn't a one time event, it has built up, maybe even one branch at a time. There's still a trickle of water running past the damn, so the brook from there to the creek is still clear and lively. But on the opposite side of the damn, the water has become scummy and stagnant and dank. I wanted to break lose the damn and let the water run clear again; but I didn't, and now I'm not sure why, except I was too 'busy' walking to stop and get a little dirty.
If you know anything at all about me by now, you know I love to 'spiritualize' such goings on. It is so easy for the power and flow of the Holy Spirit in us to get 'damned up'; especially when it happens one 'snag' at a time. And when it does, over time, we too become scummy and stagnant and dank. And what we need is someone to take the time and who is willing to get a little dirty to come along side us and help us break up that 'log jam' of fears or hurts or frustrations or disappointments so our spirit can run clear and bubbly and sparkling once again.
PJ

That Dang Graffitti

I had a lady from another church in the community stop by and visit me today to engage me in conversation about preserving the South St. Louis county community. She's an advocate for a justice league for change, spearheaded by various churches. For instance, last year they were successful in orchestrating a new ordinance against graffitti, because graffitti leads to sex, drugs, and gangs (her words) and not the environment desired for our community. So now when they see any graffitti, they simply call a number and someone from the county goes out the next day and paints over it. Well, at least that grafitti is gone and someone in the county has a pretty secure job. Because unless I'm way off the mark, there'll be more graffitti tomorrow!
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not for grafitti; and the community does need to keep up appearances, but will county ordinances get the job done? When I was raising my 3 boys, I could get them to behave correctly - well most of the time! But correct behavior wasn't the end goal. Correct behavior from the right heart was. I truly believe, you want to stop the graffitti, change the heart. Maybe what would be better than an ordinance would be a youth center, several youth centers, sponsored by the churches and the county. (Then we'd be creating several jobs) Places to hang out, make relationships, experience unconditional love, be accepted, just as you are; but encouraged not to stay that way.
In a 'nut shell', what I'm trying to say is that Jesus came 2000 years ago to let us know that 'laws' and dressing up the outside, won't get it done! Only a change of heart will make a life change, that will last a lifetime! That endeavor is worth spending my life on!
PJ

Closer Than a Brother

I just got off the phone with a pastor friend of mine who also used to live in Montana, Terry Harper. When we we both lived in Montana, even though we lived 6 hours apart, we were always calling one another, meeting for lunch 3 hours down the road, staying at each others homes whenever possible; we were just 'tight'. It's one of those relationship you can not talk for months, but when you do it's like you just spoke yesterday.
It sure was a joy to my spirit to talk with him again, it's been awhile. We shared what's going on in each others churches and families and hearts. Laughed a lot, teared a little, encouraged a bunch, and prayed over each other and what God is doing in our lives. It was GREAT! Everyone should have at least one person in their lives like my friend Terry! Who's more like a brother, than a friend.
You know, every time we connect like this it reminds me of the kind of relationship Jesus wants to have with me. When that happens, the remembrance, it happens. I pause from whatever is on my plate and take the time to laugh, tear a little, get encouraged a bunch, and talk a while with Him. He too is more than my friend, and a little closer than a brother; and I thank Him for reminding me of that today.
PJ

Never Too Bad

The other day I was talking with a friend of mine who had recently recovered from a very long 'spiritual drought'. I won't go into his story right now, but it was amazing to me how God had restored his heart and spirit. Anyway... my friend was on cloud nine when we spoke because he had just left a gentleman 65 years old, who was convinced that God would never be able to forgive him for all of his sins, and had just surrendered his heart to the Lord. In other words, the older man had become convinced by my friends words and the Holy Spirit that no matter what, he was never too bad to receive God's gift of forgiveness and new life! Here's God, using a guy who not 2 months ago was a wanderer himself, to convince an even older guy of the truth of His love, acceptance, and forgiveness. Truly amazing!

Truth is, I believe there are many, many people, inside and outside of the church, who believe just like this older man once believed. They are too bad to be forgiven! And because they believe that one lie, they are miserable and lonely and lost. But, that's not what God says about any one whom He has created. We're unique, and wonderful, and precious, and purposeful. He has ordained our days for His glory; if we'll only believe and walk in step with Him.

Now, I know that if you happen to be one who believes you're too bad, it's tough to believe what I wrote is true for you; but it is. So, please do this - act like it is! That's right, act like God loves you just as you are. Act like you're unique to Him and wonderful to Him and precious in His sight. Act like He has a plan for your life and you want to walk in His steps. Just act like it, for 3 weeks - and then see what happens. Try it, what do you have to lose?
PJ

Don't Just Sit There - Do Something!

This is it for a few days, my folks are coming for a visit, so enjoy!

I was leading a 'Welcome to the church' class last night when one of them expressed how amazed they were at the simplicity of Christianity. You know, it really is; and from time to time we all need to be reminded of that truth. Becoming a Christian and then living this life as a Christian was never meant to be difficult -it was intended to be abundant! The thing is, this abundant life that Jesus promises is made possible by the choices we make in the ordinary moment of life. You cannot sit on the sideline of this life, and expect to enjoy the abundant life Jesus came to offer, and made possible for us all to enjoy - you have to act! When you react, life invades your space, keeps coming at you, intrudes on your comfort zones, interrupts your complacency, and forces you to do something. ( This is usually when I blow it the most) But 'acting on' is different then 'reacting to'. We react when we 're forced out of neutrality. We act when we refuse to stay there any longer. We act when we decide it's time to get into the game, seize the divine moments as they come. When we do that, we really begin to live!
PJ

community

As most of all of America, I have spent time watching what has happened at Greensburg, KS. I cannot tell you how many times Carole and I have stopped there for fuel or drinks. It was a quaint small town with hospitable folks; and our hearts and prayers go out to them. But as I watched and listened, I heard a familiar theme being echoed from their hearts and spirits. The buildings and the vehicles and the stuff inside we all hold so dear isn't what now defines their community - the people are, because that is they literally have left - each other. And how they are clinging to each other at this time of trauma and need. There is indeed a lesson for us all in this story of mass destruction; no matter whether you live in small town America or a large city, or attend a small school or a major university, or work in a one-horse business or corporation of thousands, or if your church seats 50 or 15,000 - community is about people. All shapes and sizes and languages and habits - it's about people. Let's learn the lesson, before the tragedy strikes, and people is all that we have left!
PJ

Spidey

Yesterday we went to Spiderman III. The action stuff was fine, but in general I felt it was too drawn out, too many villains, & dialogue too corny at times. But it had a great line that caught my attention. "We are made up by the sum of our choices. And each of us the opportunity to chose to do what is right." Great line! So very true.

We spend way too much time and emotional effort being worried and angry and frustrated about what someone else is or isn't doing to themselves, or others, or us. All we really need to be spending our time at is what is the result of MY choices? If I change them, can I effect my emotions, thoughts, and actions? Sure we can. It won't be the cure-all, because only an active love relationship with God through Christ is that. Only that changes the heart, which changes everything. But even that is a choice! It should be the 1st choice - everyday. It absolutely is the best choice. But we all would be a lot happier if we spent our days thinking about our choices and choosing what's right, instead of what anyone else is doing. I'm gone!
PJ

love vs. handicap

I've been asked to be a MDAangel this year. Basically what I do is beg my friends and family for donations to the MDA foundation. So, hey if your reading this and would like to help out contact me a pastorjohn7@sbcglobal.net and I'll be sure help you help me help them.

They sent me a picture of this little girl with MD from a St. Louis suburb and her dad, who's a fireman. They are looking at each other with loving smiles. Pretty cute and touching; but it also reminds me of the power of love - over any and every thing we face in life.

I have a darling little granddaughter, barely 6 months old who has Downs and has had to undergo open heart surgery already. Let me tell you, when you look at her and hold her, well, you can't help but love her. And that love covers over and conquers all. It's like none of her frailties really matter; but loving her does. And when she smiles at you, or chuckles; well you're done, give it up, she owns your heart.

So, you see, I really believe love does overcome all; and that's why when asked I said yes to MDA. It's a way for me, and you, to give back from the rich blessings we have all been given.

Maybe tomorrow I'll talk about the power of God's love that covers and overcomes all of our disabilities, He calls sin. That's the amazing story of the cross - God's love.

Have a good night. God bless. And be sure to count them all.
PJ

Big Fish story

I just got back from several days of fishing for white bass, and it was a blast. I want to say thank you to my friend Norm for the great time at his home on the Lake of the Ozarks and some great fishing. Yesterday I caught the biggest fish I have ever caught on a on ultra light, 4 1/2 lbs. and 20 inches long. It was a great battle that left us both almost exhausted. (I might a little more out of shape than I care to admit) The adrenaline rush left me light headed and feeling a little whoosey! Every time I think of it, which is quite often, I chuckle.

Of course, being a 'fisher of men', I've been looking for the similarities:
It took several passes and just the right lure to get the fish to strike. I've often had to do that with guys I've shared the great gospel message with.

Once it took the bait, we engaged in an epic battle. I've had several such 'epic battles' with folks that have taken the bait and began their search for truth. It's a battle because we really want to be right about what we believe; even if in our hearts we know we are wrong.

Netting it and getting it into the boat was a thrill I won't soon forget! When someone I've been working with and praying for is 'landed', I feel the same thrill! It's a moment in time I won't soon forget! And yes, there are time I feel the adrenaline rush then too!

I'm sure there are other lessons to be learned, but quite frankly, I'm too tired to think about it right now. Gos bless, and keep on fishing!
PJ

Celebrate!!

Yesterday I accepted an invitation to go down to Busch stadium and watch the Cardinals play baseball. It was a grand day, and the home boys won!
I enjoyed watching the fans - they cheered every good play and timely hit. They stood cheered for #5 when he to bat with the bases were loaded. Even though it rained at the end, still many remained to cheer the teams victory when the last out was made.
I enjoyed the new score board with all it's information, bells & whistles. I especially took note of the 10 World Series Championship flags that so proudly stood at the top of the new board. Everywhere I looked I saw reminders of last years accomplishment of that feat. I even saw several proudly showing off their replica World Series rings.
On the way to the car after the game, I noticed a building I had never seen before, the Bowlers Hall of Fame. It's located in down town St. Louis, on the corner of Broadway and Dick Weber Ave. At 1st I was surprised, even made some smart remark; but hey, bowlers need their accomplishments recognized just like the baseball players 2 blocks away do.
As I thought about it this morning, it got me thinking. How well have I celebrated accomplishments in my family? How well do we celebrate accomplishments in the family of God? How well do I celebrate Christ's accomplishment on the cross for the forgiveness of sin? How well do we celebrate God's accomplishment of Christ's resurrection that assures the eternal destiny for all who believe and confess and are changed? This coming week end, no matter where you might live, go to a church of your choice and celebrate! Unashamed and unabashed! Celebrate Christ! Celebrate life in Christ! Celebrate your church! Celebrate your family! Celebrate God, Who's accomplished it all! Celebrate, celebrate, and dance to His music!
PJ

It Ain't Cheap

Just finished writing Sunday's sermon - it's about grace, God's grace. You and I can be the best we can be, live wonderful lives, and sleep like little babes; but apart from Christ we ain't holy, or heaven bound. We have to accept what Christ accomplished on our behave on the cross. We ahve to put aside our good, and accept His. Stand before God in the only name that matters to God, and it ain't yours. Ther's nothing easy or cheap about it. The cross was heavy. The blood was real. The cost was so high it would of bankrupt you and me. So Jesus paid it all for us. Call it simple - that's OK. Call it a gift - that's what it is. But don't ever call it easy or cheap. It's God grace to all who'll believe; and it ain't cheap!
PJ

The Shadow

Often I will go in the sanctuary and pray. There's this really cool cross in our church that is free standing, and is usually placed off to one side. One of the 2 prayer altars happens to be located over by it. That is usually the one I kneel at to pray. This morning as I was doing just that I happened to notice that the light from the window behind the cross was casting it's shadow directly over me. I wish I was better at expressing what I felt in my soul. It was thrilling, yet humbling; joyful, yet overwhelming; sobering, yet encouraging. It was exactly where I needed to be, and where I need to live; in the constant shadow of the cross of Christ, free from condemnation, completely forgiven and fully loved. Hope filled me as I took this all in and began to sing His praise from my heart. My friends, it was worship in the shadow of the cross, and exactly what I needed for today. Isn't God awesome!
PJ

'Cracked' Pots

What a week end! State meetings for the church, family from S.C., Carole returned(YEAH!!!), kids from Champaign joined us, and the house was and still is quite full. I'm taking a break and escaped to the church for a bit! We've had a lot of fun, played some golf, played some cards, and over ate at every meal.

While at the state meeting, Dr. Kerry Robinson shared a lesson about handling the holy. He called it a precarious position to be in; which it truly is! Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians that God has been kind enough to trust us with this work. As soon as I read that I was shaken in my spirit. this work is the awesome responsibility to share the gospel truths and such a way that people see Christ - not only through the spoken word, but also through the lived life. To think for even a moment that God has entrusted that to the likes of me is overwhelming. There is no way I could ever worthy; and the funny thing is He already knows that! And still He trusts!

Paul goes on to write We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. We suffer, but are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. When we get knocked down, we get up again and again. You know what I learned, we're all 'cracked' pots, held to together by the only power that can to it, the only power that matters, the only power that carries any of through until tomorrow - the power of God's love! And if that was enough for Paul, then it's motr than enough for me! I may be, heck I am a 'cracked' pot; but I'm a loved 'cracked' pot!
PJ

Missing Her

Well, I thought I'd deviate a bit from the 'norm' - what the heck is 'norm' anyway - and just let everyone who reads this - all 2 of you - know that I really miss my wife! She's on this great trip to Montana, where she was born and raised, to see her folks, take hikes, pick wild flowers, clean up pine needles and cones, fix meals, and play a lot of games. Sounds great doesn't it!

Her and her friend Karen have made this into an annual event. I get to stay home, usually because I have spent my vacation time by now. I love her being able to go - thank you Karen -but I miss her the moment she leaves. I count the nights until she returns. I rattle around the house and toss and turn through the night. I'm a mess!

It's been a little better this year because Levi, my youngest son, and his wife April moved here recently and he's been stopping by to keep dad company. That has helped immensely, at least with the 'rattling around'.

Carole and Karen leave today from there to begin the 3 day journey home! YEAH!! It's suppose to snow there, so please pray. The 'homecoming' is Saturday, only 3 more nights to go!

Now, just because it is my 'norm', I had to ask myself - if God had left (which He says He will never do), would I noticed? Would of I missed Him the moment He was gone? I know how I answered that question to self; but how would you?
Blessings
PJ

Being A Real Man

Rod Cooper, wrote, "Males are born; men are made. God uses the difficulties of men's lives to stengthen us so that we can better serve those who need our help and leadership."

That statement gave me pause to think about what he wrote, and what I have experienced in my own life. Difficulties will do one of 2 things in our lives - make us or break us.

You could argue the case for simply ignoring them; but I haven't ever noticed them going away because I ignored them. In fact, they usually got worse. No, I think they really do either make us or break us. We either face them and grow both stronger and wiser; or we become passive and grow weaker in body, mind, and spirit.

So I guess I'm saying this. Mr. Cooper is sort of right. Males are born; men are made. And God does use the adversities or difficulies of life to make us sronger. BUT, it's up to you! God will do His part; will you do yours and take the 'stand' against difficult moments; knowing God will strengthen you for each one, if you will call on Him to do so!
PJ

Cardinal tickets!!

This afternoon I was offered Cardinal baseball tickets, 4 or 5 rows of the infield, 3rd base side! How awesome is that! Now all I have to do is find someone to go with me! The place will be packed and everyone will be so-o excited for Sunday afternoon baseball at Busch!

Well, got me thinking about another reservation I have for an even greater event! The 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ! I have my ticket on reserved and my seat is already selected and waiting - just like Sunday! Only the one in God's 'stadium' so way, way cooler! That place too will be packed and everyone so-o-o-o excited! Unless of course, you happen to NOT have a ticket! Have you got your? I hope so, it will be out of this world!
PJ

O Man of God

I want to share a quick update on Braska. She's doing much better! Last night I got to cuddle her and sing her to sleep. It was one of the highlights of my entire day! She's off of all IV's and learning how to take a bottle. She's not too happy about that bottle thing, but she's learning. You see, with her, it doesn't come naturally. Because of her mouth shape, she literally has to learn how to nurse in order to survive. There's only one way to teach her - by doing it! By putting the nipple in her mouth, in the correct position and forcing her to suck. It's a process she doesn't always like; but it's 'life' for her.
This morning I was reading in 1 Timothy and I ran across this in chapter 6, "But you, O man of God, ... pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith,...". I dawned on me that none of those character traits are 'natural' in me. I wish they were, but they just are not! That's why the words pursue and fight are so important! I have to want those qualities. Then I have to go after them and learn to make them a part of me. Then I have to be persistent in living them out in my life. I don't have to like it; but it's life for me!
The real key in that Scripture is But you, O man of God. Without God in my life calling me to that higher standard, encouraging me, strengthening me for the day, and loving me when I fall down; I would never make it! But because God is in my life, because He is the One calling me to the higher standard of life, empowering for life; I will pursue and I will fight, even when I don't like it, because for me it is life. And if Braska can learn so she can live, so can I!
PJ

Why Oh Why?

I have a confession to make. Even though it's been the Easter season and God has been awesome through it all; I have wanted to avoid going to Him in prayer. It just didn't 'feel' right! Oh I went, and I prayed, and I felt He even spoke to my heart; but it wasn't right! It was like speaking to a parent that you know still loves you; but there's like this invisible wall that's there. Ok, I'll say it, it's like they are not really all that happy with you. That's how I felt. Good thing I know I can't trust my feelings!
Anyway, God sort of chewed on me on Monday about avoiding Him, when all he wanted was for me to return to the way it used to be. You see, I've been the one holding out on Him. Not intentionally; but still, at the same time, I did know. You see, I stopped looking at Him with all my heart, and I started to look at people. And, I know better, because whenever I do, I get discouraged. At 1st I think I'm discouraged because of the people. But that isn't the truth. I get discouraged because in them I see me; and what I really need to see in me is Jesus.
Why oh why do any of us ever go there; or am I all alone in this journey?
Anyway, like I said, He's been on my case about it every time I would go and pray, so this morning I took the time to sit and listen. Then I cried! Why does He love us so much when we do Him so wrong?
He reminded me of the way it was when I 1st started being a pastor, how I would walk to the church whistling and singing His praise. I even had the guy who lived next door to the church come by one day to find out what I was so happy about every morning because he couldn't figure it out. Wasn't too long after that he was whistling and singing too! I so-o-o want to get back to being that guy, that pastor again! Today, Christ reminded me how. I haven't felt the best today; but my heart is ready again for tomorrow and His joy fills my soul tonight as I head home. I'm ready to sing again, because I'm looking at the right Person. Why oh why do we ever stop?!
PJ

Nebraska

This will be a quick post. Our little 5 month old grand daughter is in the hospital again. Dehydrated and underweight are her major issues. Keep her in prayer.
She is constant reminder for me of just how fast life can swing form good to not so good! Last week she was doing fine and then, almost overnight, she went downhill and being rushed back to St. Louis for medical. That my friends is what life is like! The real constant in life I have ever found is Jesus. No matter what happens or what life brings to my door, Jesus never leaves me or frorsakes me - He is just there, waiting for me to call upon Him. Doesn't mean He 'fixes' it! Just means He there and will go through it with me; whatver the 'It' may be. And quite frankly, I have learned that that is enough. I hope you have.
PJ