BAD PARENTING: A co-missionary reminded me of problem we seldom hear much about, parents who teach their children to steal. One of my “Musings” brought it to his mind which in turn reminded me of an event many years ago when I managed the Sprouse Reitz Variety Stores. I was transferred to manage the store in Camas, Washington not long after the II World War. We had a lot of junk merchandize to clear out after the war. We had a large stock of men’s sox without elastic tops. Rubber was scarce during the war. I had marked down a lot of men’s sox and placed them on an end counter. Some were marked down more than others, being of better quality. In those days we had price tags held on by wire pins. I was up in my balcony office overlooking the store when I notice a mother and her two daughters at that end counter of sox. It was obvious what they were doing, switching price tags from the lesser valued sox with those that were of greater value. The mother was having her girls help make the switch. So, I went to the register to take the place of the clerk running it and waited for them to bring the merchandise to the check out. I quickly recognized what they had done and called them on the switch and told them to leave the store and to never return. I probably should have waited until they were outside the store, stopped them and called the police but that was too much hassle at the time. It is hard to believe parents would so teach their children to steal but apparently it still goes on. Parents will stand accountable before God for so teaching their children. We teach our children by example for good or bad and if you question that just observe how early small children pick up fowl language or slang when we don’t guard our tongues. Surely you have observed that.
CHANGING TERMS: Do you remember when the term “thousands of dollars” was used as a common term? Then we thought “a million dollars” was a lot of money. That has all changed as they now talk about multiplied “billions of dollars” and “trillions of dollars.” Have you noticed the change? Sad to say, most of us can’t even begin to comprehend what these new financial terms mean. I grew up at a time when a nickel bought a double scoop ice cream cone and a quarter bought a very large hamburger, a double tall glass milkshake and left over a nickel to buy a candy bar. It is hard to imagine our government giving away billions of dollars that when it is all said and done we won’t know what it bought. Our government has lost its compass and I am afraid we will have lost the Capitalism that made us great and exchanged it for European Socialism. Hang on; we are headed down the road of weakness and despair while setting the stage for Russia and the Arabs to move against Israel and ushering in the Great Tribulation. Call me a pessimist if you like but it has to come eventually and we should be rejoicing at the nearness of the coming rapture.
RELIGIOUS TRENDS; In case you missed it in the news there is a new report out now on religion that is causing quite a bit of discussion. (1) Catholics are now the largest religious group in the United States of America; (2) Baptists make up the second largest religious group; (3) Unbelievers have increased from 8% of our population to 15%; (4) More people now prefer not to identify themselves by any particular denominational group. This should concern true Christians for we are losing the battle for souls. We are also failing to make clear doctrinal distinctions. To reject a particular denomination group also means the lack of doctrinal beliefs because the various denominations held up certain Biblical beliefs. Those distinctions or beliefs are no longer important to people. For example, Baptists had convictions relating the importance of baptism and the autonomy of the local church; Methodism held up certain biblical beliefs based on the teachings of the Wesley brothers. Various founding beliefs have now been discarded for personal likes and dislikes rather than acceptance of biblical authority. These changes are moving to conditions that will make it easier for the anti-Christ to foist his anti-biblical positions upon the world. The further the churches move away to biblical authority the more susceptible people will be to the anti-Christ’s God denying leadership. Keep looking up.
OBAMA’S HYPOCRISY: President Barack Obama made promises while running for office that are rapidly being denied. He is finding it easier to make promises while seeking office than to fulfill them while facing a Democratically controlled Congress. Earmarks were suppose to go with his promises to scrutinize bills line by line, yet he just signed an omnibus bill with some 8,000 earmarks in it. Recognizing his own failure he refused to sign the bill publicly but did so behind closed doors with only a few present for the signing. Keep watching, this will not be his last showing of hypocrisy, there is no way he can keep the long list of promises made to his followers prior to the election. I wonder how long it will take those who voted for him to recognize their mistake.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
February 2009 #3
REMOVING TATTOOS: What in the world does tattoo removal have to do with the stimulus package? How can this create jobs and get people back to work? Congressional leaders and their followers all need to have their heads examined, especially the one who added this to the list of perks in the stimulus package. You have to know our government passes bills without reading them, something they all admitted to when things like this show up. God have mercy on us. Just think, our children and grandchildren are going to have to pay the taxes on this stimulus bill that this generation has foisted on them.
NO BEAUTY OR MANLINESS HERE: It goes beyond my comprehension why anyone would so mark the bodies with tattoos. I have seen women parading themselves with their bodies being covered with tattoos exposed in their skimpy summer apparel. God created women beautiful and only pagans could think that tattoos add to their appearance as an improvement. Nor do tattoos add to the manliness of men. Many a man, once he matured and particularly having become Christians, have bemoaned the tattoos of their youth.
THE AMAZING GRACE OF GOD: The various books of the Bible repeats the historical events of Israel. Psalm 100 is an example of this. In verses 6 & 7 we are reminded of their repeating the sins of their fathers. Then we read verse 8, “Nevertheless He saved them, for His name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.” Israel was unworthy of God’s grace and we are unworthy of God grace, yet for the sake of his covenant with Israel and his promise of eternal life to believers, He still bestows His grace upon us. Praise His holy name, we don’t thank Him enough for His grace.
LOOKING BACK TO WARMER DAYS: Cold wintery days with the snow, wind and cold rains turns the heart back to warmer spring and summer days. I did many different things to meet the needs of the family and to make it possible to minister to a little church that couldn’t afford to adequately provide for the pastor. One of the ladies who attended our church had a husband who worked for the city to maintain its parks. Through that connection I was able to get the job of mowing the several city parks. I spent many a day mowing around trees, shrubs and picnic tables and sharpening the mowers blades. Actually, it was a good job because I could enjoy the outdoors and it gave me plenty of time to think about the lessons and sermons I had to prepare. Mowing didn’t require a lot of thinking, so often thoughts relating to the sermon were dwelt upon. Being out in Gods creation and enjoying the warmth of His sun was time well spent and though I wasn’t at my desk studying the task was eventually accomplished. Looking back on that special time warms my heart. I often wonder if the people ever appreciated the many things I had to do in order to minister to their spiritual needs. God knows, it was to His glory. Pastors who are able to give their full time to minister are fortunate and no doubt able to put more into their pastorates than I was able to do. Still, the small churches and the development of new churches is an important work too. He knew I was not equipped to minister to larger churches and He had me where He knew I fit best.
THE ODD JOBS; In that same local I did a lot of odd jobs besides mowing. Here is the list: (1) I hauled manure from the fee lots to the fields to fertilize them; (2) I used a shovel digging ditches; (3) I worked in a drug store setting up new counters and shelving; (4) mowing; (5) we had the distribution of a couple different newspapers; (6) I was a substitute mail carrier; and (7) I worked in a variety store. I think I am missing something but it gives you an idea of the things I did for the privilege of pastoring one small church. This of course was before I was with a mission agency and had raised support to do the church-planting ministry. I hope this wasn’t repetitive, I don’t recall whether I shared this before or not.
ILLUSTRATIONS: As difficult as the variety of jobs was while ministering, there was an advantage. I know of some pastors who struggled with finding illustrations for their sermons and lessons. The variety of jobs did provide ample materials for illustrations. When I was less experienced I remember buying a book of illustrations and it was always difficult trying to find an illustration that would fit. It didn’t take me long to learn that the best illustrations come from personal experiences and dealing with people and the circumstances of life. You really don’t need to look any further than that. The sooner a young pastor, evangelist or missionary learns that lesson the easier his task will become. There is no better way to relate to the congregation than out of the pool of life experiences.
NEXT MUSINGS: Parents teaching children to steal.
NO BEAUTY OR MANLINESS HERE: It goes beyond my comprehension why anyone would so mark the bodies with tattoos. I have seen women parading themselves with their bodies being covered with tattoos exposed in their skimpy summer apparel. God created women beautiful and only pagans could think that tattoos add to their appearance as an improvement. Nor do tattoos add to the manliness of men. Many a man, once he matured and particularly having become Christians, have bemoaned the tattoos of their youth.
THE AMAZING GRACE OF GOD: The various books of the Bible repeats the historical events of Israel. Psalm 100 is an example of this. In verses 6 & 7 we are reminded of their repeating the sins of their fathers. Then we read verse 8, “Nevertheless He saved them, for His name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.” Israel was unworthy of God’s grace and we are unworthy of God grace, yet for the sake of his covenant with Israel and his promise of eternal life to believers, He still bestows His grace upon us. Praise His holy name, we don’t thank Him enough for His grace.
LOOKING BACK TO WARMER DAYS: Cold wintery days with the snow, wind and cold rains turns the heart back to warmer spring and summer days. I did many different things to meet the needs of the family and to make it possible to minister to a little church that couldn’t afford to adequately provide for the pastor. One of the ladies who attended our church had a husband who worked for the city to maintain its parks. Through that connection I was able to get the job of mowing the several city parks. I spent many a day mowing around trees, shrubs and picnic tables and sharpening the mowers blades. Actually, it was a good job because I could enjoy the outdoors and it gave me plenty of time to think about the lessons and sermons I had to prepare. Mowing didn’t require a lot of thinking, so often thoughts relating to the sermon were dwelt upon. Being out in Gods creation and enjoying the warmth of His sun was time well spent and though I wasn’t at my desk studying the task was eventually accomplished. Looking back on that special time warms my heart. I often wonder if the people ever appreciated the many things I had to do in order to minister to their spiritual needs. God knows, it was to His glory. Pastors who are able to give their full time to minister are fortunate and no doubt able to put more into their pastorates than I was able to do. Still, the small churches and the development of new churches is an important work too. He knew I was not equipped to minister to larger churches and He had me where He knew I fit best.
THE ODD JOBS; In that same local I did a lot of odd jobs besides mowing. Here is the list: (1) I hauled manure from the fee lots to the fields to fertilize them; (2) I used a shovel digging ditches; (3) I worked in a drug store setting up new counters and shelving; (4) mowing; (5) we had the distribution of a couple different newspapers; (6) I was a substitute mail carrier; and (7) I worked in a variety store. I think I am missing something but it gives you an idea of the things I did for the privilege of pastoring one small church. This of course was before I was with a mission agency and had raised support to do the church-planting ministry. I hope this wasn’t repetitive, I don’t recall whether I shared this before or not.
ILLUSTRATIONS: As difficult as the variety of jobs was while ministering, there was an advantage. I know of some pastors who struggled with finding illustrations for their sermons and lessons. The variety of jobs did provide ample materials for illustrations. When I was less experienced I remember buying a book of illustrations and it was always difficult trying to find an illustration that would fit. It didn’t take me long to learn that the best illustrations come from personal experiences and dealing with people and the circumstances of life. You really don’t need to look any further than that. The sooner a young pastor, evangelist or missionary learns that lesson the easier his task will become. There is no better way to relate to the congregation than out of the pool of life experiences.
NEXT MUSINGS: Parents teaching children to steal.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
February 2009 #2
WORTH CONSIDERING: In recent days I have been considering how fortunate I am to have experienced God’s forgiveness through faith in Christ in the light of the Ten Commandments. God has been merciful to me, deserving eternal condemnation. So it is with all the redeemed. The Ten Commandments condemns us all. When I evaluate each of the commandments I am guilty of breaking them all in the light of Christ’s definition of the their meaning. Though I have never murdered anyone, through anger or hatred I am guilty of murder in my heart. So, it goes down through the list.
When I consider my unworthiness in the light of God’s justice I am indeed fortunate and blessed to have God’s forgiveness, wiping the slate clean through Christ’s cleansing blood. Thus giving me the blessing of a cleansed life along with the promise of one day entering His Heavenly Kingdom. There was a time when I considered myself a pretty nice person, not understanding God’s holiness. Now I understand that I really wasn’t a nice person. I have met and talked with so many people about their need of God’s forgiveness only to have them tell me how they think they are okay and expecting to make it into Heaven when they die. They have never grasped God’s evaluation of sin as defined in the Ten Commandments and by Christ’s definition. They have never viewed them, based upon their heart condition. As a true believer, rejoice in what you have been forgiven of and enjoy the peace that God alone can give. God’s grace, unmerited favor, is ours through faith in Christ. Rejoice!
THE MILO EVENT: when we lived in Ogallala, Nebraska Christmas was approaching and we were very short on funds for Christmas gifts. Kathy was making centerpieces to give to people. We drove outside town to try and find some vegetation that she could use in making the centerpieces. Of course the harvest of Milo was long over but they often miss a few straggling stocks along the edge of the field. I pulled off the edge of the road and proceeded to get a few stalks of Milo for her to put in her centerpieces. When I turned around there was a car stopped behind ours writing down our license plate. I went to the car behind us to see what was going on. The lady was very harsh and informed me that this was her farm field and told me I had no business being on it. It was an unpleasant experience as I tried to explain what I was doing. I also took down her license number and then looked up her address. We decided to have Kathy make up a centerpiece for the lady, made of Styrofoam, little figures and including a sprig of the Milo I had gotten from the field. I then delivered it to her home and handed it to her when she answered the door and quickly left. The next day one of our church men worked at the same place this lady worked and he had told us how embarrassed she was and telling how badly she had felt in being so harsh with me. It was an interesting experience in giving to someone who had been so harsh with me over nothing, collecting a few stalks of Milo after harvest time. Much like the Bible told farmers to leave a little grain to be gleaned by the poor and needy.
THE STIMULUS DEAL: The stimulus for nearly $800 trillion dollars is just about a done deal for President Obama to sign. This is the largest ever governmental give away in the history of our nation and all at the tax payers expense that our grandchildren will be paying off years down the road. From what I have heard and understood there is very little in the package that will do much to create jobs. It is full of goodies that politicians are giving away to benefit their own districts. Will it work, help or hurt, that is the big question. All Republicans, with the exception of three, have refused to sign the bill since they don’t feel of good conscience to put their name on it. Will they be hurt or eventually justified in their rejection? Time will tell. Hopefully it won’t turn out to be a goof up like the first half of the TARP give away that had no accountability attached to it.
CRIME & THE ECONOMY: The bad economy is causing changes in our law enforcement and fire departments. Police and fireman are being laid off, causing a real threat to community safety. Recently Columbus laid off twenty-six police recruits two days before graduation because the city couldn’t afford their salaries. National news is now reporting the increase of assorted crimes in a number of states and large cities. The questions that come to my mind relates to people who are now out of work. Are some of them resorting to crime to try and care for the needs of their families? Or, are criminals now becoming more active because they know the police are short handed and therefore they are less likely to get caught. I was too young during the Great Depression to think about these matters but I wonder if criminal activities increased then as they are starting to do now.
SUPPORT CONCERNS: I have been informed this week of a church dropping my support after many years standing with us. Hopefully the economy isn’t going to create financial problems now for missionaries. Please pray for us, and others that may have similar concerns relating to their support.
When I consider my unworthiness in the light of God’s justice I am indeed fortunate and blessed to have God’s forgiveness, wiping the slate clean through Christ’s cleansing blood. Thus giving me the blessing of a cleansed life along with the promise of one day entering His Heavenly Kingdom. There was a time when I considered myself a pretty nice person, not understanding God’s holiness. Now I understand that I really wasn’t a nice person. I have met and talked with so many people about their need of God’s forgiveness only to have them tell me how they think they are okay and expecting to make it into Heaven when they die. They have never grasped God’s evaluation of sin as defined in the Ten Commandments and by Christ’s definition. They have never viewed them, based upon their heart condition. As a true believer, rejoice in what you have been forgiven of and enjoy the peace that God alone can give. God’s grace, unmerited favor, is ours through faith in Christ. Rejoice!
THE MILO EVENT: when we lived in Ogallala, Nebraska Christmas was approaching and we were very short on funds for Christmas gifts. Kathy was making centerpieces to give to people. We drove outside town to try and find some vegetation that she could use in making the centerpieces. Of course the harvest of Milo was long over but they often miss a few straggling stocks along the edge of the field. I pulled off the edge of the road and proceeded to get a few stalks of Milo for her to put in her centerpieces. When I turned around there was a car stopped behind ours writing down our license plate. I went to the car behind us to see what was going on. The lady was very harsh and informed me that this was her farm field and told me I had no business being on it. It was an unpleasant experience as I tried to explain what I was doing. I also took down her license number and then looked up her address. We decided to have Kathy make up a centerpiece for the lady, made of Styrofoam, little figures and including a sprig of the Milo I had gotten from the field. I then delivered it to her home and handed it to her when she answered the door and quickly left. The next day one of our church men worked at the same place this lady worked and he had told us how embarrassed she was and telling how badly she had felt in being so harsh with me. It was an interesting experience in giving to someone who had been so harsh with me over nothing, collecting a few stalks of Milo after harvest time. Much like the Bible told farmers to leave a little grain to be gleaned by the poor and needy.
THE STIMULUS DEAL: The stimulus for nearly $800 trillion dollars is just about a done deal for President Obama to sign. This is the largest ever governmental give away in the history of our nation and all at the tax payers expense that our grandchildren will be paying off years down the road. From what I have heard and understood there is very little in the package that will do much to create jobs. It is full of goodies that politicians are giving away to benefit their own districts. Will it work, help or hurt, that is the big question. All Republicans, with the exception of three, have refused to sign the bill since they don’t feel of good conscience to put their name on it. Will they be hurt or eventually justified in their rejection? Time will tell. Hopefully it won’t turn out to be a goof up like the first half of the TARP give away that had no accountability attached to it.
CRIME & THE ECONOMY: The bad economy is causing changes in our law enforcement and fire departments. Police and fireman are being laid off, causing a real threat to community safety. Recently Columbus laid off twenty-six police recruits two days before graduation because the city couldn’t afford their salaries. National news is now reporting the increase of assorted crimes in a number of states and large cities. The questions that come to my mind relates to people who are now out of work. Are some of them resorting to crime to try and care for the needs of their families? Or, are criminals now becoming more active because they know the police are short handed and therefore they are less likely to get caught. I was too young during the Great Depression to think about these matters but I wonder if criminal activities increased then as they are starting to do now.
SUPPORT CONCERNS: I have been informed this week of a church dropping my support after many years standing with us. Hopefully the economy isn’t going to create financial problems now for missionaries. Please pray for us, and others that may have similar concerns relating to their support.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
February 2009 #1
PERSONAL ITEMS: I am getting slower getting these out but I want to try and get a new one off to you. I have been going to a rehab place to get some exercise that hopefully is helping a little with getting about. Further, though I am hesitant to bemoan my circumstances, my vision and this foggy headedness and other things are creating so much anxiety I can’t accomplish much. Hopefully, getting my mind on writing will ease that a bit. I know it all heightens my longings for the Savior’s return to set things right.
STIMULUS PACKAGE: I am getting rather tired of hearing all the banter about the stimulus package, but the longer time passes without it’s passage the more aware we are becoming of the reality that it is a pork package rather than something that will stimulate the economy. The list grows by the day of the stupid things the Democrats are endeavoring to indebt our nations future with. I won’t try to give a lengthy list, just a few items: (1) honeybee insurance; (2) the arts; (3) expanding high speed internet; (4) forty billion for healthcare, though needful it should be dealt with as a separate issue; and the list get wilder and more people are getting upset over it all, wondering what is going to be done to actually create jobs. The TARP (of which only half, some $350 billion) was given away in the fall has only made the bankers richer by paying more ridiculous multi-million dollar bonuses, rather than opening up loans that could stimulate business and employment. But, get use to it, the Pandora’s Box has been opened and everyone is trying to get a piece of the gravy train that does nothing to help the jobless. Congress, under the control of the Dems is proficient at spending and growing government
OBAMA’S ETHICS PROBLEMS: President Barack Obama promise to take the ethical high road has turned out otherwise with his selection of leaders in his government. His choice of Timothy Geithner as the 75th U.S. Secretary of Treasury proved problematic. Though he had problems in overlooking owed taxes he was still confirmed as Secretary of the Treasury. I wonder if the Treasury will be as lenient with others with tax problems. Then there was the appointment of Tom Daschle to the Department of Health and Human Services He too had tax problems and eventually removed himself from running. The same day anther lady stepped from her running for an appointment. I guess the President decided one such embattled appointment might make it difficult getting through the confirmation process. Still there were defenders of these people, seeing nothing wrong with such circumstances. I wonder how many more appointments will be problematic. I am sure there are some men and women in politics (government) who are good, moral people but politics is a dirty business and there are many with whose ethics that only marks them as sinners in the sight of a holy God. So it goes for all of humanity and but for the grace of God none of us would make it to glory.
A MORE PLEASANT TOPIC: I was recently reading the 104th Psalm. It starts our, “ Bless the Lord, O my soul, O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed in honor and majesty.” Then all the way through the chapter God is extolled for His creative handiwork. What a shame that it was stained by the fall, making us all to come up short of His glory. Yet we need to recall that His creation was for our benefit. Verse fourteen says, “He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth:.” We are so undeserving, yet God provides for us. You can’t help but feel good, thankful and grateful as you read through this wonderful chapter. Read it again for yourself and have an uplifting day.
IMPORTANT FAMILY TIMES: Little moments with your kids are important and often more likely remembered by them than by us as parents. I say this because they remind me from time to time about things from the past. When I pastored the little work in Ogallala, Nebraska the boys were in the late junior age and early teens. Being the pastor we were always the last to leave the church. The church was just two blocks from the parsonage and the boys would decide they’d like to give old dad a run for his money. So, they would race me home to see if they could out do dad. They were always a bit disappointed because I could still out race them. Still, the challenge was fun and they have reminded me of those days. Children need those times with their parents. - A MAY DAY EVENT; It is a little early to think about it here in the middle of bitter winter weather but the previous item reminds me of this, talking about racing. We were living in Federal Way, Washington in the parsonage on the opposite end of the five acres the church was on. The kids always enjoy making paper May Day Baskets and then go pick wild flowers to put in them. On the occasion I am remembering they hung their baskets on the front door, rang the doorbell and when their mother came to the door they would run and she would go after them to give them a kiss. Knowing their mother was about to catch them they climbed up a tree to escape. Much to their surprise mom climbed up the tree after them. Fun times.
STIMULUS PACKAGE: I am getting rather tired of hearing all the banter about the stimulus package, but the longer time passes without it’s passage the more aware we are becoming of the reality that it is a pork package rather than something that will stimulate the economy. The list grows by the day of the stupid things the Democrats are endeavoring to indebt our nations future with. I won’t try to give a lengthy list, just a few items: (1) honeybee insurance; (2) the arts; (3) expanding high speed internet; (4) forty billion for healthcare, though needful it should be dealt with as a separate issue; and the list get wilder and more people are getting upset over it all, wondering what is going to be done to actually create jobs. The TARP (of which only half, some $350 billion) was given away in the fall has only made the bankers richer by paying more ridiculous multi-million dollar bonuses, rather than opening up loans that could stimulate business and employment. But, get use to it, the Pandora’s Box has been opened and everyone is trying to get a piece of the gravy train that does nothing to help the jobless. Congress, under the control of the Dems is proficient at spending and growing government
OBAMA’S ETHICS PROBLEMS: President Barack Obama promise to take the ethical high road has turned out otherwise with his selection of leaders in his government. His choice of Timothy Geithner as the 75th U.S. Secretary of Treasury proved problematic. Though he had problems in overlooking owed taxes he was still confirmed as Secretary of the Treasury. I wonder if the Treasury will be as lenient with others with tax problems. Then there was the appointment of Tom Daschle to the Department of Health and Human Services He too had tax problems and eventually removed himself from running. The same day anther lady stepped from her running for an appointment. I guess the President decided one such embattled appointment might make it difficult getting through the confirmation process. Still there were defenders of these people, seeing nothing wrong with such circumstances. I wonder how many more appointments will be problematic. I am sure there are some men and women in politics (government) who are good, moral people but politics is a dirty business and there are many with whose ethics that only marks them as sinners in the sight of a holy God. So it goes for all of humanity and but for the grace of God none of us would make it to glory.
A MORE PLEASANT TOPIC: I was recently reading the 104th Psalm. It starts our, “ Bless the Lord, O my soul, O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed in honor and majesty.” Then all the way through the chapter God is extolled for His creative handiwork. What a shame that it was stained by the fall, making us all to come up short of His glory. Yet we need to recall that His creation was for our benefit. Verse fourteen says, “He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth:.” We are so undeserving, yet God provides for us. You can’t help but feel good, thankful and grateful as you read through this wonderful chapter. Read it again for yourself and have an uplifting day.
IMPORTANT FAMILY TIMES: Little moments with your kids are important and often more likely remembered by them than by us as parents. I say this because they remind me from time to time about things from the past. When I pastored the little work in Ogallala, Nebraska the boys were in the late junior age and early teens. Being the pastor we were always the last to leave the church. The church was just two blocks from the parsonage and the boys would decide they’d like to give old dad a run for his money. So, they would race me home to see if they could out do dad. They were always a bit disappointed because I could still out race them. Still, the challenge was fun and they have reminded me of those days. Children need those times with their parents. - A MAY DAY EVENT; It is a little early to think about it here in the middle of bitter winter weather but the previous item reminds me of this, talking about racing. We were living in Federal Way, Washington in the parsonage on the opposite end of the five acres the church was on. The kids always enjoy making paper May Day Baskets and then go pick wild flowers to put in them. On the occasion I am remembering they hung their baskets on the front door, rang the doorbell and when their mother came to the door they would run and she would go after them to give them a kiss. Knowing their mother was about to catch them they climbed up a tree to escape. Much to their surprise mom climbed up the tree after them. Fun times.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
January 2009 #3
INSIGHTS INTO OUR NEW PRESIDENT – This morning I was watching a program dealing with the topic of abortion from a Christian perspective. I didn’t had a pencil in hand to record the quote verbatim but my paraphrasing will give you a clear enough picture. Obama said, “I have two girls and we are trying to raise them to do what is morally right, but if they should make a mistake, I don’t want them to be punished …” In other words he didn’t want them burdened by an unwanted pregnancy and an abortion would be acceptable. Then, as one of his first acts as president was to nullify President Bush’s orders that forbade any federal funds to be spent to pay the for act of abortion. Obama has now made it all right for federal funds to be used to pay for abortions. Barack tells us he is a Christian, yet he takes this unchristian stance, manifesting a lack of high regard for the life of the unborn. He certainly does not hold the view of King David when he said in Psalm 139: 13-16, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb….”. Keep your eyes and ears open, we are likely to observe a lot of biblical inconsistencies in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.
A TRUE BUT SAD STORY – As I reread Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west; so far hath He removed our transgressions from us” I recalled a true story. I had included this verse in my sermon and following the service a young man came to me asking if this passage was true. I assured him that it was true and he literally departed, skipping joyously down the aisle. I had had the joy of leading him to Christ and now he was rejoicing in another reality of his new found faith. Some time later this same young man called me on the telephone late one evening from a bar and it was apparent that he was drunk. I asked him where he was and told him I would come get him. I had to ask someone else the location and I finally found him and drove around the city hoping he would sober up and tell me what had caused him to get drunk. It was not long until I heard his confession of a past life that was haunting him, he had murdered a man in a drug confrontation elsewhere. The burden was so great that he had broken under it. It was little wonder he had skipped down the aisle learning his sins had been removed as far as the east is from the west when he had received Christ as his Savior At the same time, during the days that followed I became a bit fearful, not knowing what his reaction might be, knowing he had made such a confession to me. I didn’t have enough details to go to the authorities nor did I feel it was my responsibility to do so in the light of his confession to me as his pastor. Within two weeks God had dealt with the matter, as a work accident had ended his life. My dilemma and fears were ended as God took the matter into his own hands. Still, my heart breaks to know the burden that weighed so heavily upon him even after his confession of faith. I have never had a similar experience and hopefully I never will. Not knowing how to deal with such circumstances it is comforting to know that God does and He watches over His servants. I have left details out of this story, not wanting to be burdensome to those who might be hurt by my sharing it, so please don’t call or write asking for more information as to names, places or further details. I just wanted to share some of the burdens that can fall on pastors as they endeavor to minister to others.
A TRUE BUT SAD STORY – As I reread Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west; so far hath He removed our transgressions from us” I recalled a true story. I had included this verse in my sermon and following the service a young man came to me asking if this passage was true. I assured him that it was true and he literally departed, skipping joyously down the aisle. I had had the joy of leading him to Christ and now he was rejoicing in another reality of his new found faith. Some time later this same young man called me on the telephone late one evening from a bar and it was apparent that he was drunk. I asked him where he was and told him I would come get him. I had to ask someone else the location and I finally found him and drove around the city hoping he would sober up and tell me what had caused him to get drunk. It was not long until I heard his confession of a past life that was haunting him, he had murdered a man in a drug confrontation elsewhere. The burden was so great that he had broken under it. It was little wonder he had skipped down the aisle learning his sins had been removed as far as the east is from the west when he had received Christ as his Savior At the same time, during the days that followed I became a bit fearful, not knowing what his reaction might be, knowing he had made such a confession to me. I didn’t have enough details to go to the authorities nor did I feel it was my responsibility to do so in the light of his confession to me as his pastor. Within two weeks God had dealt with the matter, as a work accident had ended his life. My dilemma and fears were ended as God took the matter into his own hands. Still, my heart breaks to know the burden that weighed so heavily upon him even after his confession of faith. I have never had a similar experience and hopefully I never will. Not knowing how to deal with such circumstances it is comforting to know that God does and He watches over His servants. I have left details out of this story, not wanting to be burdensome to those who might be hurt by my sharing it, so please don’t call or write asking for more information as to names, places or further details. I just wanted to share some of the burdens that can fall on pastors as they endeavor to minister to others.
Friday, January 16, 2009
January 2009 #2
POLITICAL PROMISES – I remember when Jimmy Carter run for president, promising whatever was popular with the particular crowd he was speaking to. Now we have Obama with his promises involving the spending of billions of dollars that we do not have in order to turn the economy around. Though I was too young to have heard and remembered what FDR promised, trying to move the country out of the Great Depression by various spending programs, I have read and heard of those efforts. The facts are, they didn’t work and it was entering World War II that finally brought us out of the Great Depression. Will it work this time? Wait, watch and see, we are in for a great ride down the path of spend, spend , spend. The first half of the TARP program started in the fall and the money was misused, wasted. Many think we would have been better of to let those banks and insurance companies go through bankruptcy and saved the money. I am far from being an economist but simple observation is a good educator. The sad part is, that we often fail to learn from our experiences.
UNIONS – I do not consider myself a union man. There were times as a young man when I had to belong to a union in order to obtain or hold a job. Of course all that went by the side when I entered into the ministry. If I were involved in secular work today I would not be very happy about the present discussions relating to “open ballots” the unions are try to get passed in place of secret ballots when it comes to deciding whether or not to become a union shop or business. This flies in the face of a pure democratic process, as far as I am concerned. I feel for those who have to be so involved these days.
REHAB – This week I have started rehab, about an hour twice a week. It’s a long walk after getting into the large building where this is done. I wasn’t too bad going in but coming out after being on one of those pedal and handle machines that work both you arms and legs. I was moving a little slower. Hopefully this will build my strength back up. Next week they have scheduled me to talk to a dietician. That should prove interesting because I have very little appetite. The doctor has given me a pill that is supposed to help that but I really haven’t noticed much difference. So it goes with this old man following bypass surgery.
BUILDING PROJECTS – Last weeks “Musings” talked about home missionaries being involved in building churches and being involved in the carpentry trade, whether they are carpenters of not. I got to remembering back to the first church we helped build. It was all volunteer work and some knew what they were doing and some didn’t but they were learning. I remember one dear brother who decided to deal with the plumbing. He would get instructions from a plumber friend as to how to plumb the toilets and washrooms. He would do a little work and then go back for further instructions. When it came time for inspection we managed to get an inspector that was Catholic and it was apparent he didn’t like Baptists. He really gave our dear brother a hard time and kept refusing to pass the plumbing. Poor Willie would go back to the plumber friend for new instructions to make the proper corrections. In one instance the plumber told Willie that what the inspector was requiring hadn’t been done for several years with new changes in the code. The inspector was simply giving us a hard time based on his personal bias. Of course it didn’t help when an unlicensed and non-union man was doing the work. We did finally get the plumbing approved but it was one difficult task. The next church project we hired a plumber to plumb the kitchen. I remember one day come into the new addition and found the plumber gone and having left the fire on under the lead pot he was using to melt the lead to seal some of the joints. I turned the gas torch off, not wanting to chance a fire while the plumber was finding his way back to finish his project. Even licensed plumbers have their goofs. At least I’d consider that a goof, it could have been a rather disastrous error.
A FAMILY RUN CHURCH – One church I took on had been started by someone else. A domineering family, a father and three married sons controlled every detail of the church and had run off the founding pastor. I was not smart enough to fully recognize the problems in those learning years but soon learned how difficult a situation it was. They had formed a constitution and then didn’t follow their own guidelines when it suited their whims. The constitution clearly stated that all teachers had to be members of the local church in order to teach but they continued to use a lady that refused to join the church. (This was one of many battles fought.) After numerous attempts to get the lady to join us I finally took the matter to a church business meeting. You couldn’t imagine the animosity this event stirred up. The church membership had grown and when we brought this matter up the domineering family lost the battle and we voted to remove the teacher from her class as a teacher. The four families, the father and three married sons, all left that church that night and never returned. (The teacher, her daughter and mother also left.) An interesting side note, this family liked to be seen for their giving. During the building project the father had asked to speak to the church when we had run out of funds to complete the project. He proceeded to have what I called a fund raising auction. “I’ll give the first amount of so many dollars, who will add their gift to this?” What I found interesting, for all their pretense of being major supporters of the church, after they left the church the giving in the church increased rather than being diminished. How do you figure? This is just another of many experiences of a pastor/home missionary. Thankfully most ministerial experiences are more pleasant.
A MIRACLE – What could have been a tremendous loss of life turned out to be a miracle of lives saved when the U. S. Air flight 1549 came down in the Hudson River just minutes after take off The accident was caused by geese being sucked into the planes engines. All 155 lives including passengers and crew were saved with only minor injuries. I’ve heard the testimonies of a number of people that went through the experience acknowledging the miracle. I’ve heard people telling of praying, etc. but I have not heard one person acknowledge God’s miracle working hand in all this. Hopefully, as time goes by, there will be some who recognize God’s miraculous hand in all of this. I’ve heard praise of the pilot, the flight crew and the many rescue workers and boat captains on the river that rescued people, and rightly so. It will be interesting to hear the testimonies of more people as this story unfolds to see if God is mentioned as giving wisdom and skill in what is an amazing event.
DOES GOD WORK IN CIRMCUMSTANCES – I believe so. Once while driving from Camas, WA, a dog ran in front of our car and I hit it. Stopping to see how the dog was it ran off into the woods and we went on our way. As we drove into Vancouver, WA we came to a green light at an intersection and as we were about to go through the crossing a car came speeding through the red light. Had we been there a minute or seconds earlier we would have been broad sided and perhaps killed. I’ve always believed that God caused that brief delay by that dog crossing our path to save us from what could have been a terrible accident. Coincidence? I prefer to believe that God intervened.
UNIONS – I do not consider myself a union man. There were times as a young man when I had to belong to a union in order to obtain or hold a job. Of course all that went by the side when I entered into the ministry. If I were involved in secular work today I would not be very happy about the present discussions relating to “open ballots” the unions are try to get passed in place of secret ballots when it comes to deciding whether or not to become a union shop or business. This flies in the face of a pure democratic process, as far as I am concerned. I feel for those who have to be so involved these days.
REHAB – This week I have started rehab, about an hour twice a week. It’s a long walk after getting into the large building where this is done. I wasn’t too bad going in but coming out after being on one of those pedal and handle machines that work both you arms and legs. I was moving a little slower. Hopefully this will build my strength back up. Next week they have scheduled me to talk to a dietician. That should prove interesting because I have very little appetite. The doctor has given me a pill that is supposed to help that but I really haven’t noticed much difference. So it goes with this old man following bypass surgery.
BUILDING PROJECTS – Last weeks “Musings” talked about home missionaries being involved in building churches and being involved in the carpentry trade, whether they are carpenters of not. I got to remembering back to the first church we helped build. It was all volunteer work and some knew what they were doing and some didn’t but they were learning. I remember one dear brother who decided to deal with the plumbing. He would get instructions from a plumber friend as to how to plumb the toilets and washrooms. He would do a little work and then go back for further instructions. When it came time for inspection we managed to get an inspector that was Catholic and it was apparent he didn’t like Baptists. He really gave our dear brother a hard time and kept refusing to pass the plumbing. Poor Willie would go back to the plumber friend for new instructions to make the proper corrections. In one instance the plumber told Willie that what the inspector was requiring hadn’t been done for several years with new changes in the code. The inspector was simply giving us a hard time based on his personal bias. Of course it didn’t help when an unlicensed and non-union man was doing the work. We did finally get the plumbing approved but it was one difficult task. The next church project we hired a plumber to plumb the kitchen. I remember one day come into the new addition and found the plumber gone and having left the fire on under the lead pot he was using to melt the lead to seal some of the joints. I turned the gas torch off, not wanting to chance a fire while the plumber was finding his way back to finish his project. Even licensed plumbers have their goofs. At least I’d consider that a goof, it could have been a rather disastrous error.
A FAMILY RUN CHURCH – One church I took on had been started by someone else. A domineering family, a father and three married sons controlled every detail of the church and had run off the founding pastor. I was not smart enough to fully recognize the problems in those learning years but soon learned how difficult a situation it was. They had formed a constitution and then didn’t follow their own guidelines when it suited their whims. The constitution clearly stated that all teachers had to be members of the local church in order to teach but they continued to use a lady that refused to join the church. (This was one of many battles fought.) After numerous attempts to get the lady to join us I finally took the matter to a church business meeting. You couldn’t imagine the animosity this event stirred up. The church membership had grown and when we brought this matter up the domineering family lost the battle and we voted to remove the teacher from her class as a teacher. The four families, the father and three married sons, all left that church that night and never returned. (The teacher, her daughter and mother also left.) An interesting side note, this family liked to be seen for their giving. During the building project the father had asked to speak to the church when we had run out of funds to complete the project. He proceeded to have what I called a fund raising auction. “I’ll give the first amount of so many dollars, who will add their gift to this?” What I found interesting, for all their pretense of being major supporters of the church, after they left the church the giving in the church increased rather than being diminished. How do you figure? This is just another of many experiences of a pastor/home missionary. Thankfully most ministerial experiences are more pleasant.
A MIRACLE – What could have been a tremendous loss of life turned out to be a miracle of lives saved when the U. S. Air flight 1549 came down in the Hudson River just minutes after take off The accident was caused by geese being sucked into the planes engines. All 155 lives including passengers and crew were saved with only minor injuries. I’ve heard the testimonies of a number of people that went through the experience acknowledging the miracle. I’ve heard people telling of praying, etc. but I have not heard one person acknowledge God’s miracle working hand in all this. Hopefully, as time goes by, there will be some who recognize God’s miraculous hand in all of this. I’ve heard praise of the pilot, the flight crew and the many rescue workers and boat captains on the river that rescued people, and rightly so. It will be interesting to hear the testimonies of more people as this story unfolds to see if God is mentioned as giving wisdom and skill in what is an amazing event.
DOES GOD WORK IN CIRMCUMSTANCES – I believe so. Once while driving from Camas, WA, a dog ran in front of our car and I hit it. Stopping to see how the dog was it ran off into the woods and we went on our way. As we drove into Vancouver, WA we came to a green light at an intersection and as we were about to go through the crossing a car came speeding through the red light. Had we been there a minute or seconds earlier we would have been broad sided and perhaps killed. I’ve always believed that God caused that brief delay by that dog crossing our path to save us from what could have been a terrible accident. Coincidence? I prefer to believe that God intervened.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
January 2009 #1
JEOPARDY – Betty enjoys watching Jeopardy so I watch it with her, but it is not my favorite game show. As I observe the contestants answering questions so easily makes me feel stupid. The massive number of books they need to have read to be able to give correct answers amazes me. I know their education must be very broad to even be able to get on the program. I understand they have rigid testing to even qualify for consideration. It all makes me feel rather inadequate. Then comes to mind what Paul said (and he was a well educated man for his day), “For I determined not to know any thing among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (I Cor. 2:2) Then I feel better in all my ignorance. I know what is important to know and it will take me all the way to His glorious presence for all eternity. Then you and I will have a knowledge that surpasses all the human knowledge of this life. REJOICE! / (I much prefer watching Wheel of Fortune as it is easier dealing with words and phrases.)
FOGGY HEADEDNESS – There is something I haven’t talked much about except with family and my assorted doctors. For a long time now I have been afflicted with what I call a “foggy headedness,” that is very frustrating. I have talked with my internist (I have doctored with him for all the years I have been in Ohio) and he had no answers. He sent me to a ear doctor and no answers. He then sent me to a neurologist and they took brain scans but no answers. I went to a homeopathic doctor and she claim to be able to solve the problem with her little remedies at $100.00 a month but she didn’t help either. I’ve mentioned it to my eye doctor but no suggestions. Last month I believe my cardiologist defined my problem for me. He told me that as the heart blockages caused assorted problems for me, it also cut off the amount of blood needed for my brain and this is what has caused this problem. The sad part is that there is nothing that can be done about it and I am stuck with it. This is very discouraging and disheartening. I can still think clearly enough but this fog gives me a boxed in feeling (I don’t know how else to define it). I think it adds to my balance problem that goes with my diabetic neuropathy. I don’t know anyone else with this problem but surely there must be some if the doctor’s explanation is correct. I’d like to hear from others that may have the same problem. Your prayers for grace and enablement to deal with it will be appreciated. One thing is certain my longing for the Lord’s return when all these physical complaints will be resolved is heavy upon my heart. I know I am not alone in this same cry, even the young who lack the physical limitations, but love the Lord and hate the evil days we live in. Repeatedly in Revelation the Apostle John wrote of the Lord Jesus saying, “I come quickly.” May it be so!
ISRAEL HAMAS WAR – This new conflict between Israel and Hamas causes our attention to be drawn again to prophecy. Who can blame Israel for attacking Hamas after years of their lobbing rockets on them? We are told that Iran and possibly Syria are providing the arms to Hamas. Watching the development of all this is interesting and makes the believer wonder how close we may be to the Rapture of the Church. This is something we cannot know but it does turn our thoughts toward the second coming of Christ. So, we keep looking up expectantly, praying for Christ’s second coming
.
NORTH AMERICAN UNION – I don’t know if you get this kind of mail coming to your house or not. “The Conservative Caucus” is endeavoring to inform people about the NAU efforts to create this movement and the development of the “Amero” or common money and coinage for the U.S.A., Canada and Mexico. This is something President Bush was working on at one point. Now that he is about out of office, hopefully Obama won’t take up the same cause. I can only imagine the terrible consequences of merging our money in with the low valued pesos of Mexico. We don’t hear much about this in the news. We heard a little about it the last time President Bush met with them about a year ago. As far as I am concerned we don’t need a North American Union or an Amero dollar like the European “Euro.” We should be praying this never takes place.
REHAB – Today, Wednesday the 7th, I went in to start a rehab program that I hope will help be get my strength back. I will have to go twice a week, I think for about 12 weeks. I am not sure how I will hold up under this but hopefully it will prove helpful. The way things are, I am not good for much of anything so I need to try. Your prayers in this regard will be appreciated.
COMMENTS – I have been receiving a number of comments back on these “Musings” which are much appreciated. This is an encouragement to me, though it seems to me to be such a limited form of ministry. Especially with a partial intent of providing information about my past ministry as requested by my kids. Why they should want to know is a puzzle to me but also a humbling delight. I only hope they don’t prove too boring to the rest of you.. If so, they are easily deleted.
BUILDING EFFORTS – Nearly every church I have started or been involved with have included the need for some building project. Home missionaries are regularly involved in some building effort. I am not a carpenter or builder but thankfully God always provides those who can help us through these projects. As a result, my first church plant included the purchase of land and the erection of a church building. Someone else started my second church but continuing the work required an addition to provide badly needed classroom space as well as a kitchen and fellowship area. One older church I had needed remodeling work in the basement to provide classrooms. The next work required the remodeling of a house to provide a worship area while other rooms provided classrooms. Later in this same work we purchased land and built a church. A fire had destroyed the house we had remodeled for our church. One work we were involved in the initial organization activities and we moved on before the building phase. The next church did not require a building project, as we were able to lease an already existing church that had merged with another. So it was with the next as the building was already in place and we took that work on as a rescue mission. Following that work ended up erecting a church building. So it goes in missionary work, you find yourself using a shovel, hammer, saw and paint brush, etc. A man who once in his ignorance told me that preachers don’t have to work had no idea of what he was talking about.
FOGGY HEADEDNESS – There is something I haven’t talked much about except with family and my assorted doctors. For a long time now I have been afflicted with what I call a “foggy headedness,” that is very frustrating. I have talked with my internist (I have doctored with him for all the years I have been in Ohio) and he had no answers. He sent me to a ear doctor and no answers. He then sent me to a neurologist and they took brain scans but no answers. I went to a homeopathic doctor and she claim to be able to solve the problem with her little remedies at $100.00 a month but she didn’t help either. I’ve mentioned it to my eye doctor but no suggestions. Last month I believe my cardiologist defined my problem for me. He told me that as the heart blockages caused assorted problems for me, it also cut off the amount of blood needed for my brain and this is what has caused this problem. The sad part is that there is nothing that can be done about it and I am stuck with it. This is very discouraging and disheartening. I can still think clearly enough but this fog gives me a boxed in feeling (I don’t know how else to define it). I think it adds to my balance problem that goes with my diabetic neuropathy. I don’t know anyone else with this problem but surely there must be some if the doctor’s explanation is correct. I’d like to hear from others that may have the same problem. Your prayers for grace and enablement to deal with it will be appreciated. One thing is certain my longing for the Lord’s return when all these physical complaints will be resolved is heavy upon my heart. I know I am not alone in this same cry, even the young who lack the physical limitations, but love the Lord and hate the evil days we live in. Repeatedly in Revelation the Apostle John wrote of the Lord Jesus saying, “I come quickly.” May it be so!
ISRAEL HAMAS WAR – This new conflict between Israel and Hamas causes our attention to be drawn again to prophecy. Who can blame Israel for attacking Hamas after years of their lobbing rockets on them? We are told that Iran and possibly Syria are providing the arms to Hamas. Watching the development of all this is interesting and makes the believer wonder how close we may be to the Rapture of the Church. This is something we cannot know but it does turn our thoughts toward the second coming of Christ. So, we keep looking up expectantly, praying for Christ’s second coming
.
NORTH AMERICAN UNION – I don’t know if you get this kind of mail coming to your house or not. “The Conservative Caucus” is endeavoring to inform people about the NAU efforts to create this movement and the development of the “Amero” or common money and coinage for the U.S.A., Canada and Mexico. This is something President Bush was working on at one point. Now that he is about out of office, hopefully Obama won’t take up the same cause. I can only imagine the terrible consequences of merging our money in with the low valued pesos of Mexico. We don’t hear much about this in the news. We heard a little about it the last time President Bush met with them about a year ago. As far as I am concerned we don’t need a North American Union or an Amero dollar like the European “Euro.” We should be praying this never takes place.
REHAB – Today, Wednesday the 7th, I went in to start a rehab program that I hope will help be get my strength back. I will have to go twice a week, I think for about 12 weeks. I am not sure how I will hold up under this but hopefully it will prove helpful. The way things are, I am not good for much of anything so I need to try. Your prayers in this regard will be appreciated.
COMMENTS – I have been receiving a number of comments back on these “Musings” which are much appreciated. This is an encouragement to me, though it seems to me to be such a limited form of ministry. Especially with a partial intent of providing information about my past ministry as requested by my kids. Why they should want to know is a puzzle to me but also a humbling delight. I only hope they don’t prove too boring to the rest of you.. If so, they are easily deleted.
BUILDING EFFORTS – Nearly every church I have started or been involved with have included the need for some building project. Home missionaries are regularly involved in some building effort. I am not a carpenter or builder but thankfully God always provides those who can help us through these projects. As a result, my first church plant included the purchase of land and the erection of a church building. Someone else started my second church but continuing the work required an addition to provide badly needed classroom space as well as a kitchen and fellowship area. One older church I had needed remodeling work in the basement to provide classrooms. The next work required the remodeling of a house to provide a worship area while other rooms provided classrooms. Later in this same work we purchased land and built a church. A fire had destroyed the house we had remodeled for our church. One work we were involved in the initial organization activities and we moved on before the building phase. The next church did not require a building project, as we were able to lease an already existing church that had merged with another. So it was with the next as the building was already in place and we took that work on as a rescue mission. Following that work ended up erecting a church building. So it goes in missionary work, you find yourself using a shovel, hammer, saw and paint brush, etc. A man who once in his ignorance told me that preachers don’t have to work had no idea of what he was talking about.
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