Perspective

Why don't more people live "sold out" lives for Jesus? I think it is because we have convinced that Christianity is a plan for a "better life". We tell people, after you have tried the rest, try the best. You'll get freedom and peace, health, wealth and fulfillment. The problem is that there is no need to "sell out" to that kind of plan. If your life is going well, then the salvation plan is working out for you and there is no reason to do anything different. If trouble hits, then you hunker down and lay aside everything while you wait to be delivered. You can't be expected to reach out to others until you get your answer. Then when you get your answer, you can go back to living your "blessed" life.

These days we have no notion of the Christian life being a life of affliction. When Saul (soon to be renamed Paul) was converted, Jesus didn't call him to live a life of ease and favor. Jesus told Ananias that we wanted to reveal to Saul how much he would have to suffer because of the call of Jesus on his life. (Acts 9:16) Paul was called from a life of prosperity and respect as a leader in the church. He was called to a life of beatings, inprisonment, shipwreck and derision. The man responsible for writing much of the New Testament never discovered the secret of "How To Get Rich and Have Everthing You Ever Wanted". Paul's life of favor began for him at the end of this life. His mantra was that to live is Christ and to die is gain. He did not live among the living, trying not to die. He lived among the dying, while encouraging them to life.

Scriptures as slogans

Sometimes when people are going through a difficult time they come to other Christian brothers and sisters for prayer and encouragement. It takes wisdom to know just how to respond. Recently a friend asked for prayer for a difficult situation that had been going on for a long time, and she was worn out by the struggle. The prayer time with the group of believers who were assembled was powerful and you could sense God's Holy Spirit presence in the room. When the prayer time came to an end, I sensed that my responsibility was to let my friend know that we were under the load with her and not to say much more. My natural inclination is to try to make people laugh, but there was no cheer in my friend. She had endured disappointment after disappointment and she came to the place where she couldn't go on any further. Five minutes of prayer and quoting a few scriptures weren't going to do it for her. She just needed to know that we cared.

It is tempting at times such as these to begin to quote (and occasionally misquote) our favorite scripture promises. But at times such as these, scriptures, though timeless and true, can seem like cheerleading slogans to the truly weary. So many words. "Just quote (insert your favorite scripture) when you feel this way." Or, "Your miracle is coming." Both statements may be valid and true, but at the time they may not be helpful. It is entirely possible that silence and time may be the best salve for that hurt.

In our Christian culture, we feel that we have to have a specific answer and that the person being prayed for must "receive the victory" over the situation before we leave the room. In truth, our well-meaning words may push the hurting person into denying the reality of the situation. When we cheerily quote scriptures as the magic words to make someone's pain disappear, we can actually deepen the person's despair. Don't get me wrong. Scriptures are powerful. And they are true. But sometimes, when a person has truly been worn out by the trial, it is entirely possible that our presence and our compassionate silence while we allow the person to hurt is the most effective ministry we can provide.

Artistic People

Carole and I went to the Paseo arts festival for a while today. I love and appreciate artistic people even if I don't always understand them and am sometimes frustrated by their points of view. But I sense something about them. I sense that in many ways artistic people have a greater sensitivity for spiritual things than do typical conservative Christians. Typically (and I generalize at my own peril) artistic people are not as concerned with organizations and structures as they are with expression and variety. And there is something very God-like about that. A God who created all that we see, with all of its variety, beauty, and complexity will not limit himself to being praised with only one posture, physical environment, or style.

I don't know many truly artistic people. I know many creative people, but there is a difference. Today I bumped into one of the few artistic people I know. He knows the Lord, but has found no enjoyment in conventional mainstream Christianity. I pray for him occasionally when he comes to mind. I wish I could reach out to him on a deeper level because he would benefit from a deeper walk with God and I would benefit from a deeper friendship with him. Artistic people who really know God in spirit and in truth create the great art and music that stand the test of time. They cause those like me who will never be able to see the world the way they see it to wish for a glimpse of what lies beyond the predictable. They make me want to see the transcendent.

How did I get here?

Thursday night I performed my first wedding since receiving my ministerial license. It was really a stress-free wedding. The bride was very sweet and not demanding at all. The families were friendly. There were no appearances of "Bridezilla" or "Monster-in-law". As weddings go, I suspect that this one might be the easiest and least stressful of all weddings. But as I took my place front and center and watched the procession of parents, attendants, and the bride, I couldn't help but think over my life. I passed through years of working in gas stations, construction supply houses, clothing stores, and my years working in the oilfield, dirty and exhausted. I reflected on long solitary nights in a simple house on the edge of the jungle in South America. I looked back at a time spent in upper management in a large manufacturing operation. I tried to make it all flow to the place I stood, but I couldn't. How did I get to this place? What makes me qualified to pronounce that someone has taken a vow with lifelong consequences? The state of Oklahoma has determined that I am qualified. I can give you the book and page number which records my credentials and declares that I am duly authorized to pronounce "husband and wife". But still I wonder.

Just a few years ago, I would never have imagined that I would be in an outdoor wedding chapel representing God and Oklahoma serving as a guardian of God's covenants and Oklahoma's wedding statutes. I know who I am. I have been with me when I have not acted in a manner befitting a man of God. I know that I react too quickly to provocation. I know that I sometimes make sarcastic comments when I should keep my mouth shut. But I also know, that at 52 years old, I have a deeper commitment to God and the community of believers than I have ever had. I have growing enthusiasm to teach and preach to believers and to share the gospel with those who do not yet believe. And I really expect that moments like Thursday night; moments when I am overwhelmed with the reality of what I am called to do will become commonplace. This season of life is going to be incredible. I think I know generally where I'm headed, but wherever the road leads, it will be cool.

Childlike or Childish?

There are two terms to describe children; childlike and childish. They have two different meanings. Someone who is childlike is trusting and innocent. He is dependent on others, but is learning. He wants to try new things and acquire new skills. You can see progress even while he fails often. He has absolute trust in those who care for him. It is a lot of work to care for the childlike person, but the caregiver feels as though it is an investment.

The childish person, however, fails to succeed because it is easier to let others do it for him. He demands to be served and puts his wishes above others. He doesn't want to learn new things that might cause him to do things on his own. He doesn't fail because he doesn't try anything new. He doesn't trust those who care for him. He feels like he must continually assert his wishes for people to do for him what he wants. It is a lot of work to care for the childish person, and the caregiver feels as though it is a draining expense.

In the church world, there are childlike people and childish people. What sort are you?

New Experience

Well, I'm writing a new chapter in my life this week. I've always said that I enjoying things I have never done before. Thursday evening I will be performing my first wedding. This came up unexpectedly, as most of life's opportunities do. It is for a nice couple who I met today. I didn't tell them it is my first, but it is their first, too, so whatever. They did promise to feed me Mexican food afterward, so it's all good. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Name Change Proposal

Here is why I am in complete support of the proposed change of name from Lakeside to Highpointe that was announced in church this morning:

The Highpointe name suggests the geographic location of our facility better than does Lakeside. We are on an elevated section of town, and all roads lead uphill to our facility. The name Lakeside routinely elicits a question when new people come and visit, "Why is the church named Lakeside? You can't see a lake from here." We always have to explain that nearly 30 years ago we were near Lake Hefner.

The part of town most associated with "Lakeside" is the area that the old location resides. From NW 50th to Grand Blvd, from Portland to May Ave. you will find many businesses and churches with "Lakeside" in their name. It is not uncommon for someone to call the church for directions and be surprised at our location because they assumed we were in that area.

This name change does nothing to change our strong affiliation with the Assemblies of God. We are not denying our Pentecostal roots and make no effort to hide our affiliation with the A/G.

In the discussions leading up to the proposed new name, there is no intent to turn our back on or deny the wonderful history of Lakeside Assembly of God. There is no intent to distance ourselves from rough times we had in the past. The only intent is to point toward the future of our church, which is brighter and more exciting than ever.

My hope is that those who are unsure or opposed to the name change will take some time to think about it before trying to rally others in opposition. This proposal was not presented hastily or without being bathed in much prayer. As someone who has attended Lakeside most of my life, seen great times and not so great times, who got married at Lakeside, and who dedicated both of my children to the Lord at Lakeside, I stand in wholehearted support of the proposed name change and see a bright future ahead for Highpointe.

Learn so you can do

Last week I attended a training at Convoy of Hope headquarters in Springfield. This was practical, hands-on training in the assembly and usage of biosand water filters, which is a very simple and effective method of removing nearly all of the bad things from drinking water. I have the confidence that I could go to most any town in the world and accumulate the pieces necessary to get a family drinking healthy water in a few days. I am not a water biologist. I am not a hydrologist. I am just a guy who has the knowledge to do something that can help someone live a healthier life.

Catalyst School of Ministry is doing the same thing. We are not turning out theologians. We are not turning out Biblical apologists. We are giving regular people the knowledge to do somthing to help someone find eternal life.

Essential Christianity

In the July/August session of Catalyst School of Ministry I will be teaching a class entitled, "Essential Christianity". As with all of the class offerings, this was given to me as a concept and I am responsible to write the course contents. My assignment is to teach a class that teaches foundational Christian beliefs in a way that not only explains what we believe, but why we believe it and how we are to use it in our daily lives. This mandate can go in many different directions. It is always a hurdle to put the first words to paper, but when that it is done, the bulk of the remainder flows freely. I look forward to the challenge of writing this course, and I can't wait to actually teach it. I have already picked out the companion reading assignment. We won't use it as a textbook, but it is a very beneficial book for anyone interested in living an adventurous Christian life.

Sentimentality

Thank you for asking, but, yes, I am aware that some of the shingles have blown off of the roof of the FLiC, and yes, I have called the insurance company and filed a claim.

Those of you who know me well know that I am very sentimental about memories and stories, and completely unsentimental about buildings and things. When the time comes to sell the house I grew up in and my dad still lives in, it won't be an emotional time for me. All of the treasures of that house are stored up in my mind. Trying to maintain that house as a shrine to my childhood memories would be a drain on what I am trying to do today and would be incredibly selfish.

If a tornado wiped our church buildings down to the ground, I would see it as an opportunity to build something that would reflect our current realities. You can't destroy the memories I have of growing up at Lakeside or the memories I have of raising my family there. I don't have to walk into a particular auditorium to feel like I'm at church. I want to pave the way for those who are assembling their memories, now. Their memories will be completely different from mine. I want to make sure they have every opportunity to make them.

If someone starts taking my Sunday morning parking place out by the dumpster, I will rejoice that someone else is catching the vision of making sure that everyone else has a shot at a better parking place. I love our history. But I don't want our history to hinder our future. It is brighter than ever.

Self Proclaimed Experts

A couple of years ago I attended a class in cabinet making. It was a small class with only five students, so we all got to be very hands on as we assembled our cabinet project. One of the guys showed up with the requisite gear plus some extra doodads he found in a woodworker's catalog. It was all brand new, and was stored in a cordura and leather "craftsman's" tool tote. He had special gloves made for handling rough lumber and the most expensive safety glasses and hearing protection available.

What became evident very quickly was that all of his knowledge of woodworking had come from watching shows on the DIY network. He had never actually operated a circular saw, but he talked incessantly of exotic woods and dovetail joinery. He was a pain in the neck and slowed down the pace of the entire class. The class was designed for beginners, but he didn't want to admit he was a beginner. He wanted to make everyone believe that he was an expert.

I have met people in church like this guy. They have gotten all their theological training on television. They have never shared their faith with anyone in a coherent manner, but they talk incessantly about end-time events and connect obscure verses from the minor prophets to current day legislation. The gospel can easily be shared very effectively by a beginner, but when a person tries to pass himself off as an expert, he comes across as a pain in the neck.

The person who is transparent about his level of understanding and who is diligently seeking to gain knowledge through study and practice will become a skilled tradesman. Start doing the things you understand well, and the more difficult things will come easily at a later time. But throughout the process you will be respected for being genuine.

Water Filter Training

This afternoon I am going to Convoy of Hope headquarters in Springfield for a day and a half of training in the construction and use of biosand water filters. What makes me interested in this is the concept of a water filtration system that can be made with products purchased locally in most every village in the world. It is simple, inexpensive and effective, removing nearly all of the contaminants in the water. My head is swimming with the possibilities presented by something simple like this that can make an incredible improvement in the overall health of an entire town. I'll know a lot more about this when I'll return, and I'm sure I'll have much more to say about it.

Suddenly

Read 2 Kings 2:1-12. It is the story of Elijah being taken away and his mantle being bestowed on Elisha. This happened following a time of preparation. Elijah had laid his mantle symbolically on Elisha back in 1 Kings 19. Elisha had served and served with Elijah. Elisha knew that the end of Elijah's life was coming, but he didn't know when. 2 Kings 2 tells of that last day. They went from place to place. It was a long day following a long time of preparation. But after all of the waiting, verse 11 says, "...suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." After all that time, his suddenly occurred.

Read Acts 2:1-4. The disciples knew that Jesus was resurrected and ascended. They knew that Jesus had told them to wait in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit. They waited and prepared for that coming. Then verse 2 says, "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting." After all that time, their suddenly occurred.

We are having a suddenly moment at Lakeside. We have tarried. We have spoken in faith about things we were not yet seeing. We have sought God's leading and direction, and now our suddenly is occurring. It is amazing to see how, every day, we get reports of miraculous occurrences. How plans only dreamed about a year or two ago are now coming to pass. How lives are being changed and people are preparing themselves to be sent into areas of spiritual influence in their neighborhoods, networks and nations.

After all that time, our suddenly is occurring.

Great Days

These are really exciting times at Lakeside. The new projectors and screens are ordered and they will make a huge difference during our worship services. The work on the Loft project in the Family Life Center (FLiC) is proceeding at breakneck speed. Some things are happening that will allow us to pay off the remaining debt of the church in just a few more weeks. We are evaluating designs and elements of the new church sign and will have the money in hand shortly to allow us to move ahead on that. The Catalyst School of Ministry begins next week and will begin to prepare people to actually use their Christianity where they live. There are more exciting things that will be announced in the coming weeks.

I was visiting with a friend of mine a couple of days ago and we were reflecting on how God has been faithful to His word. I mark June 2006 as being the time when, after going through a difficult transition time, we were behind on paying our bills, and our attendance and morale was low. Pastor Darren started us saying the confession of faith that we now do when receiving the offering. "My God will supply all of Lakeside's needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

He did, He is, and He will continue to bless. Let us never take it for granted. Let us all be grateful.