Thursday, June 26, 2008

Heaven

How great will heaven be?

If you think how fantastic some of our earthly experiences are:

* Marriage at its best
* Beauty of nature - fall trees, Scarlet Tanagers & Indigo Buntings, waterfalls, Grand Canyon, morning mists, blue ice along Mille Lacs Lake & thousands of other experiences
* Captivating book or movie
* Newborn child
* Soul-satisfying conversation

And that these are all part of a fallen creation, probably just a foretaste of our future....

(Best of all, much closer relationship with the Creator of all this.)

Enjoy the dream.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Writing A Book

Recently an old dream has begun to resurface - writing a book.

This can't be a right now dream, since I'm actively working on my 'transfer of ordination' paper - but that process should be complete by the end of the year.

The $64.00 question is, what kind of a book should I write - and its corollary question, what kind needs to be written?

(Of course, the most important question is what does God want me to do? Not all dreams come from Him.)

Should this be a Christian novel - or a novel that could reach those who are not Christians - or a book of poetry (wrote poetry many years ago, but few buy these any more) - or a historical work - or theological - or birding (such as a book on Christian birding) - or...? What do you think? Would love feedback on this. Please feel free to post a comment or email me (pastoral@princetonfreechurch.net).

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Family Values

Where do our family values come from?

Do they come from our prior family experiences - the society around us - scripture - media - or....?

This is one of the fundamental questions we will be addressing during our first Family Matters class this summer (small and large group format). We meet at 8:45 AM in the youth room. Please join us!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Refuge

Studying Psalm 71 this afternoon for the Elim Chapel message tomorrow. Scattered thoughts from the passage:

* God is our refuge. The truth here is not that He provides us a place to hide, to be renewed - rather, that He Himself is that refuge.

* He is our refuge from birth. Our children have gotten it right - they come out trusting - only learning mistrust as they grow older.

* God's refuge does not mean we will not experience trouble - "Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter" - rather, that we have someone/where to go when we do. The psalmist admitted that God had a role in his troubles, but also knew that God's role would include refuge and restoration.

* God's refuge is for the young and the old: "From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb"; and "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God...."

* Just a personal thought. How tempting it is to trust in other refuges! Investments, insurance, government, family relationships, friendships, career development/job security, our own abilities and/or wisdom....all will, at one point or another, fail. He won't.

Blessings!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling the disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others….” (Mark 12:41-43)

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need….All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them…” (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32, 44)

“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” (2 Corinthians 8:2-4)

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

Sacrificial giving. Sensitive giving. Joyful. Voluntary. Cheerful. Confident.

During this time of rising gas/lifestyle costs, lower offerings, reduced ministry expenses and impending missions/youth trips, I could be anxious (and sometimes have been). I could plead for increased giving – which would be helpful. I could teach a structured giving approach (like 10% tithing or similar) – which works and often leads to blessing.

Instead, I want to focus on our attitudes: our sensitivity to others’ needs, our joy, our willingness, our confident cheerfulness. God is as much honored by our attitudes as by our actions. One flows into the other.

So as you consider the church needs, focus on attitude, then allow God to lead you accordingly. I have confidence in Him – and you, as His people (this is a great church!) – during this time.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Prayer

This afternoon I was walking in the old sanctuary, praying through the church requests from the last few weeks. After finishing, noticed that many of the requests were neither personal nor for the direct nuclear family - rather, for external family, friends, missionaries and the like.

Only six of the 24 were directly personal, 11 of the 24 for the immediate family.

This concerns me a bit.

Not that we shouldn't pray for relatives & friends, nor share those requests with others. Certainly we should.

Rather, we should be able to share personal requests - if not with the whole congregation, at least with the staff & elders.

This list is from the past couple of months - are we truly to believe that our congregation only averages one personal request worth sharing weekly? Or is it more likely that we are shy about sharing - concerned with how others will view us - concerned that the information could be used against us - concerned about vulnerability and transparency in general?

In addition, 18 of the 24 requests were for health issues. Again, it is important to pray about health issues. But do we not have spiritual, emotional, relational and other issues that need prayer?

Perhaps sharing personal requests across the congregation - or even with our leadership - is a bit intimidating. But please, allow me to encourage you to share personal requests with those you can trust, or feel free to call/email me with them. "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

And I will try to do the same.