Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Rejoice, Rejoice!

Sunday night our worship team did a breathtakingly beautiful rendition of the Christmas hymn, "Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel". I have heard that song many times; even sang choir arrangements several times in Christmas programs, but I had never really paid attention to the words of this verse-

Oh, come, our Wisdom from on high,
Who ordered all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

In this day of confusion, uncertainty and disappointment, it comes as a great comfort to rest in these lines. When we realize that the events of the world are not random and not haphazard but are ordered by Him who is ultimate wisdom, and ultimate love, then our natural response should be to ask God to lead us to the path of knowledge of Him and to teach us to follow that path. Then we can truly and honestly rejoice that God is with us, and that in Him we find protection, provision, and power.
I love the deep and powerful theology of those ancient hymns.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Things You Find In Church

Today I was spending some time in the church auditorium. I was up on the platform, thinking, praying, and straightening. I noticed a small book underneath one of the chairs. I picked it up and looked at it. It was an old book about revival. I like old books, so I opened the cover to see when it was published and to see if the original owner had put his name in it. I found the name of the owner and immediately recognized it as one of Oklahoma's pioneer preachers and pastors. Brother "Doc" Woodell spent his last years at Lakeside, the church where I grew up. I was fortunate to grow up in a church that was populated my many heroes of the faith from his generation. I was overwhelmed as I held the book that had once been in the library of someone I respected so much and realized that it now lay in the church I have been called to pastor. A flood of emotion came over me as I realized that I have now assumed the mantle from those pioneers who paved the way for the great things we are able to do today. A sense of great responsibility washed over me as I realized that I now serve a significant church with a great future that is here today because men like him were faithful when times were hard and progress was slow, but they sowed seed that is still being harvested today.

I took the book up to my office and looked at it further. As I turned a few pages to look at the table of contents there was a stamped message that this book had also been owned by the pastor of my teenage years. Pastor Lacy is a very important part of my spiritual formation and I am forever grateful for his imput into my life. Once again, my pulse quickened to realize the significance of my find. The legacy of these ministers now resides in me, and I have purposed to be faithful with the calling that has been laid upon me.

I don't know who the book used to belong to, but it belongs to me, now.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Naomi- Steadfast in the Bad Times

In our study of the book of Ruth last Sunday we saw that Naomi went through an extended bad spell. She moved to a different country and her husband died. Her two sons married and died as well leaving her no grandchildren or money. When all of this had happened, she learned that the famine that had caused her family to move in the first place was over and things were much better back home. If anyone ever had a reason to be bitter, it was Naomi. But even though her situation was very bitter, she stayed true to her faith, and a result, one of her daughters in law saw something attractive in her. Ruth decided that a God who could sustain Naomi in the toughest of times was a God who was worth giving up everything for. Our response to adversity says much more to the seeking world than our proclamations ever will, because it shows that our faith is real and not based only on good outcomes. Come this Sunday and hear more about this wonderful story. I can't wait to tell you about it.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Our Everyday God

This Sunday I begin a series from the book of Ruth I am calling "Our Everyday God". The book of Ruth, just four chapters long, is a wonderful story of loyalty, trust, innocence, purity, and love. There are no larger than life characters in the story. There are no national crisis moments. It just tells the story of a normal lady, Naomi, who goes through a tough time in her family life. There are no amazing miracles, but you can see God's faithfulness throughout. I am looking forward to unpacking this really interesting story over the next few weeks on Sunday mornings.

Also, be sure to come to the Fall Feast this Sunday night. We will enjoy a time of good food and fellowship, and, as promised, I will display a hidden talent as I sing what is in my estimation, the greatest country song ever written. You'll have to come to see which one it is. Be here at 6pm Sunday night. We'll have a great time!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Sparks A'flyin!

Today Carole and I went to visit the new camp facility that the Oklahoma District is constructing near Sparks, Oklahoma. I have been hearing about the Sparks property for several years, now, and until today it has all been conceptual talk. Progress seemed slow, reports were sparse, and, I suppose, obstacles were in abundance. (An outsider's perspective). Today it was easy to catch the vision of an enlarged, up-to-date, well-designed environment designed especially to lead our children and youth closer to God in a safe and attractive setting. It is clear that today's young person attaches no romance to the idea of attending a worship service in an open air tabernacle, no matter how many fond memories their parents might have of such a setting. Cramped musty smelling cabins aren't selling points for the camp experience. Truth is, a great Spirit-led camp experience was necessary to get young people to go to camp. It had to be good to overcome the condition of the facilities. It was clear to me that the plans that have been developed are well thought out and meet the requirements of our 21st century American realities. The safety of each student is paramount in the plan. Keeping them well fed and as well rested as they are willing to be are priorities. As you can imagine, a facility which can accomodate 1000 people is an expensive proposition, and it is incumbent on our many churches in the district to each do their part. A lot of work remains to be done if the facility can be used next summer. Our children and youth are the most precious responsibility we have. I believe that this camp will be a tool used for years to come to bring young people to Christ. There is no way to know how many lifelong relationships will be built; how many ministry callings will be identified, and how many will look back to a camp experience as the event which solidified their relationship with God.