Mark Beeson

What Did You Do?

 

I had a great day today.

I had a super time with Tim during lunch; we were planning great things.

I dreamed with Butch for a while; we're determined to leverage the arts well...and honor the artists while we're at it.

I sat with Rob, enjoying stories about his family.

I got with Mark and he handed me the final draft of his next book.

Jeff poured out his heart, inspiring me with stories about his love for his family.

I walked with Sheila. We try to walk an hour every day.  It may be the best hour in my day.

I mowed.

I wrote a portion of my sermon.

I talked with Dustin about radio slaves for our cameras; what works and what doesn't.

I spoke with my friend Chad; I admire him; he's a business guy living for Jesus. I'm better because he serves with me us at GCC. 

I prayed for my staff...including Raj and our teammates in India. I looked at this photo of my daughter Amber, Raj and me. I felt conviction.

As I prayed for Raj I was impressed to consider the intentions of my heart. I thought, "When Raj met Jesus, he gave his life to Jesus. What did I do? Did I ask Jesus to come into my heart, and into my life? Or did I give my life to Jesus, and offer my life as a 'living sacrifice,' determining I would live all of my life for Christ?"

Which was it? Did I add Jesus to my life, or give my life to Jesus?

How about you?

When you met Jesus, what did you do?

Romans 12:1-2  -  So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. 

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

Isaiah 24:4-7 
    The earth dries up and withers,
        the world languishes and withers,
        the exalted of the earth languish.
    The earth is defiled by its people;
        they have disobeyed the laws,
        violated the statutes
        and broken the everlasting covenant.
    Therefore a curse consumes the earth;
        its people must bear their guilt.
    Therefore earth's inhabitants are burned up,
        and very few are left.
    The new wine dries up and the vine withers;
        all the merrymakers groan.

In a meeting I attended last month at St. George's in Windsor Castle, Sir Ghillean Prance made a report. I learned he'd participated in a rather significant gathering with more than 1,300 of the world's leading scientists - from 95 countries - to assess the condition of our ecosystem.

What I gleaned regarding the ecological consequences of our behavior gave me pause. God has a lot to say about the suffering of the poor. God has a lot to say about adding to the suffering of the poor. God says, "Don't."

Are we exacerbating the suffering of the poor? Am I?

He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him. (Proverbs 14:31)

But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?  (1 John 3:17)

That's serious stuff to consider.

The main finding, listed as #1 in the results of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment says:

"Over the past 50 years, humans have changed ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than in any comparable period of time in human history, largely to meet rapidly growing demands for food, fresh water, timber, fiber, and fuel. This has resulted in a substantial and largely irreversible loss in the diversity of life on Earth."

On the heels of this statement, these scientists reported their #2 conviction:

"The changes that have been made to ecosystems have contributed to substantial net gains in human well-being and economic development, but these gains have been achieved at growing costs in the form of the degradation of many ecosystem services, increased risks of nonlinear changes, and the exacerbation of poverty for some groups of people.  These problems, unless addressed, will substantially diminish the benefits that future generations obtain from ecosystems."

Maybe it's time for all of us to get a bit more serious about taking care of our environment. After all, Jesus clearly implied - in the prayer he taught his disciples - they should pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

Can you imagine the fulfillment of that prayer? Maybe it'll look like Isaiah prophesied...and God will receive glory.

Isaiah 41:19-20   
    I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia,
        the myrtle and the olive.
    I will set pines in the wasteland,
        the fir and the cypress together,
    so that people may see and know,
        may consider and understand,
    that the hand of the Lord has done this,
        that the Holy One of Israel has created it.

4th of July at GCC

Do you think it's okay for me to lead people, during a weekend service at GCC, in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America?

In a discussion with some friends, I learned some thought we shouldn't do the pledge to the flag on the 4th of July weekend, at least, not during a weekend service.

What do you think? 

Does one pledge necessarily negate all others? How so? Can I not be committed, in varying degrees, to more than one thing at one time?

I pledge to be faithful to my wife in marriage; is that pledge in conflict with my pledge to follow Christ?

If I pledge allegiance to the flag; is that incongruent with my allegiance to my family, my church or my God?

Is my citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven antithetical to my citizenship in this great country? Could it be that my citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven is the foundation of my commitment to my country? Does one enable the other, or prohibit it? Does my devotion to Christ prevent my national citizenship, or require it?

Doesn't God obligate my participation in His work to bring up there down here? Isn't our commitment to the redemption of this world what Christ requires?

God's Wisdom declares: "With my help, leaders rule, and lawmakers legislate fairly; With my help, governors govern, along with all in legitimate authority." (Proverbs 8:15-16) 

Have you ever read the oath of citizenship an immigrant to this great country must pledge?

This is our Oath of Allegiance. It is a pledge declared, "...so help me God."

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

So what's your opinion?

Do you think it's okay for us stand up together, and pledge allegiance to the flag of the USA, on the 4th of July weekend?

I hope so, because July 5th & 6th we're going to hang a huge flag in the auditorium; we'll worship; we'll sing patriotic songs, and we'll pledge allegiance to the flag. I look forward to standing with you, and sharing the experience of that service...together.

Paul instructed us, "Remind the people to respect the government and be law-abiding, always ready to lend a helping hand." - Titus 3:1

Worship

 

When we sing the songs of worship, we join the ensemble of heaven. Today we can sing with the angels. Today we can sing the songs of heaven.

Jesus is worthy of glory and praise.

Revelation 5:6-13 
⁶ Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
⁷ He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.
⁸ And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
⁹ And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
¹⁰ You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
¹¹ Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.
¹² In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
¹³ Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"

Golf

 

I haven't used more than two putts on a golf green for years.
I haven't shot over 80 for years.
I haven't had a single drive short of 280 yards for years.

Know why?
Because I haven't played golf for years.

This evening I played 18 holes with Mark, Butch and Kim. It was a blast.

I shot 100. (I can't be sure whether I was playing with a broken leg and torn cruciate, but my leg hurt a little bit so who knows?)

Occasionally I engage activities I've not mastered. I do things I'm not good at and I attempt things way beyond my skill level. I try a new thing and it stretches me. It humbles me, and it causes me to admire those who have mastered the sport and perfected their performance.

I've learned I don't have to win to have fun - at least, not every time. I don't always need to be the best; I've discovered peace while intermittently playing second fiddle. Sometimes it's fun to just play. This was one of those times.

Romans 12:10 - Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

 

Spotted Whitetail Deer Fawn / Odocoileus virginianus

 

Back on the shadowed forest floor I saw this spotted fawn. Low light and a hurried shot resulted in a blurry picture, but I'm posting it anyway. This is the first newborn deer I've had opportunity to photograph this year and I thought you'd enjoy seeing it.

What have you seen in the last few weeks? Has God given you a story, picture or experience that would encourage others if you shared it?

We all have a story to tell. It may not be refined and perfectly focused. It may need to be sharpened a bit. That's OK. Our testimony doesn't have to be flawless to be valuable. Our story doesn't have to be perfect to be presentable.

Share what you've got. Offer what you have. Give what you've been given and you'll discover God blesses your good stewardship. Even if you feel you don't have much to volunteer, proffer what you've received and do what you can.

God rewards the faithful steward.

Whether we're talking about experiences, opportunities, money or relationships, why would God give more to the person who won't share what they've already been given? 

Luke 12:48b - From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded. And from the one trusted with much, much more will be expected.

The Cost of Caring

 

Empathy is easy. Investment is hard.

I'm not so sure that's a bad thing.

When I'm pouring out my life, I'm exchanging my remaining days for some purpose or cause. My ability to stay engaged is in correlation with my conviction of it's worth. In other words, my ability to continue making a sacrificial investment is fueled by my sense of its importance.

I can say I care about our environment (remember, God's first directive mandated we "tend the Garden"), but if I don't care enough I'll toss trash out my car window.

I can claim I care about our new site in Elkhart (knowing Jesus commanded we "go make disciples"), but I'm not likely to offer prayer, time and money to the effort if I don't care a lot.

I might say I love Jesus (aware the most important commandment is that we "Love the Lord") but the investment of my life in worship, service and devotion to His Kingdom is unlikely if I don't care enough to act.

Whether we say we treasure children, care about the poor, love justice or cherish honesty the truth is obvious. It's easy to say we care. It's hard to care enough to act. 

Our problem isn't that we care.  Our problem is that we don't care enough to do something to make a positive contribution.

What we really care about, we'll support.
What we truly value, we'll give our lives to accomplish.
Supreme love empowers absolute devotion.

So today I'm praying I'll love what God loves, value what Jesus values, and cherish what our Lord declares worthy. Like the kids reading their Bibles in this picture, we need to read the scriptures to know what God values. Otherwise we might give our hearts to some cause that's simply not worthy of us.

There is a cost to caring.

James 2:14-17 - My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them? A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food. If you say to that person, “God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat,“ but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing. In the same way, faith that is alone—that does nothing—is dead.

   

Wisdom

 

                                                                                - photo by Dustin Maust

It's not too late.

Take a shower. Get dressed. Get to GCC before Noon, when our last weekend service begins. You'll be attending one of the most remarkable weekend services we've experienced this year!

Wayne Cordeiro's message is titled "Make Us Wise." Kim Stewart and Heidi Leets deliver phenomenal solos you'll have to see to believe. Jason Miller nails the worship.  It's an amazing service.

Speaking of the wisdom we need for a successful life Cordeiro says, "You won't have what it takes to finish when you start." He then tells us exactly what is required to gain wisdom...and how to get it.

Turn off this computer and go to the "ONE PRAYER" weekend service.

Now.

Hurry.

Psalms 119:97-100 - Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.

True Friends Enveloped In True Worship

 

Camp may be over but worship, praise and Biblical studies continue tonight in our weekend services.

Joined with good friends and family you'll discover you get closer to each other as you draw closer to Christ. Put your arms around a few friends and carry them into the midst of worship. The results will astound you.

Job 42:10  -  After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.

Know Anyone Like This?

I don't wonder about the impact of a casual Christian.

I've never seen any great thing accomplished in a casual manner.
I've never heard of an athlete who became great because she was casual about her work-outs.
I've never known of an accomplished and successful musician who was casual about their technique.
I've never seen a great marriage built through casual commitment.
I've never experienced an incredible worship service that was prepared in a casual manner.
I know of no great art, great architecture or great organization created by casual people taking a casual approach.

"Casual" produces the meager results of a low-living aimless life.

No coach ever sent players on the field with an admonition to, "Get out there and casually run some plays." No. Coaches say, "Fire up! Put some effort into it! Heart may be more important than talent! Whoever wants it most will win!"

There is nothing casual about following Christ. Great lives are the result of passion, purpose and devotion - so is great faith.

I think that's why I like this picture of a typical Camp Adventure counselor. It reflects commitment and enthusiasm. It's a portrait of passion, speaking of fire and excitement; it depicts flat-waving, cheer-leading gusto.

This picture inspires me.

Do you know anyone like this? I hope so.

I don't ever wonder about the impact of a "casual" Christian. I make no attempt to measure the results achieved through "casual" effort. Those results are too small to be noticed. They're to undersized and petite to grab your attention. They're often so meager they're inconsequential.

Who wants a life like that?

I don't.

I want a life that counts for something. I'm sure you do too.

Let's do something great together, as the Holy Spirit helps us. Let's do something God will use to bring "up there down here."

Are you in?

2 Peter 1:3-8  -  His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Friday. Last Day of June Camp.

 

I've shared this wonderful week of ministry, service, exhaustion and joy with the bride of my youth. Sheila is wonderful.

I'm in love.

She looks great behind the wheel of a Gator, don't you think?

Song of Songs 4:10 - Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride.

What's Your Favorite Worship Song?

Camp Adventure worship includes a lot of singing and involves a wide range of musical styles, so our kids sang a lot this week. Our band was awesome. The music was incredible.

The middle-school campers were asked to list their top three favorite worship songs. Dan led those songs in morning worship...then Seth sang, "The Glory Of It All." This was an awesome morning!

So, what are your top-three-favorite worship songs? 

Ephesians 5:18-20 - "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Appropriate Hugs.

 

I remember being a kid.

Sometimes I trigger the same feelings I felt five decades ago simply by remembering intricate details of a single moment in time. Does that happen to you?

God has indelibly etched one memory of a sacred moment from my childhood. My dad made it sacred. He came to me when I needed a hug, and gave me one. I'll never forget it. I still feel it.

I had struck out in little league.  That may not seem so sad and pitiful to you, but you don't yet understand. I struck out off the batter's tee. Yea. I struck out in Tee-ball. Ouch.

I was standing out there in the batter's box and I can still see the ball lying by my shoes. It fell off the tee and stopped rolling beside my tennis shoe. I kept my head down. Maybe that's why the image of that baseball resting against my shoe is still with me.

People laughed. Everyone laughed: the players, the coaches, even the parents in the stands. They all laughed.

Except my dad.

He got up out of his seat, walked over to me and put his arm around me. He stood there with his arm around me. He gave me a hug.

Sometimes that's what a kid needs. Sometimes it's time for a hug. 

Aren't you glad appropriate hugs are given at appropriate times to kids who need a hug?

I sure am.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 
There is a right time for everything:
A time to be born; A time to die; A time to plant; A time to harvest;
A time to kill; A time to heal; A time to destroy; A time to rebuild;
A time to cry; A time to laugh; A time to grieve; A time to dance;
A time for scattering stones; A time for gathering stones; A time to hug; A time not to hug;
A time to find; A time to lose; A time for keeping; A time for throwing away;
A time to tear; A time to repair; A time to be quiet; A time to speak up;
A time for loving; A time for hating; A time for war; A time for peace.

Taking Our Next Step Towards Christ....Together

I'm convinced prayer shapes every aspect of camp; prayer laid the foundation for the service last night. Prayer bathes every moment of each day.  This is a photo of our first prayer of the morning.

Thank you for praying for us.

Almost every person involved with Camp Adventure took a step toward Christ last night. The worship was inspiring and the message content was enriched by the ideas and thoughts of my blog readers. God touched us and we know "up there" came "down here."

I'm honored to serve Jesus beside you.

Psalms 143:7-8  - "Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."

BLOB Physics

 

The physics of the BLOB are nothing short of remarkable.

One person sits on the far side of a floating, forty foot air-filled bladder. Leaping from a tower, positioned above the near side of the balloon, a “blobber” descends at thirty-two-feet-per-second-per-second onto the float. Because every action has an opposite and equal reaction, the impact of the “blobber” depresses one side of the inflatable float and pops the “blobbed” into the air from the other. 

Oh, it’s quite impressive. (You can see an example on the video tonight at New Community.)

You can imagine what happens if the “blobber” weighs more than the “blobbed.” A significant weight differential can result in remarkable, record-setting, stratospheric ascent.

This is one more reason the campers love Johnny and DC. When they “blob” you, you have been blobbed by the best.

Psalms 139:8   -  "If I ascend to the heavens, you are there…"

Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Bibles.

As it is with our hearts and minds, so it is with our Bibles; they are wide open. 

Psalms 119:105  - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

DC's Opening Session at Camp

DC opened the week with a great Bible lesson for the kids.

I’ll be preaching the Wednesday night service.

Thanks for more and more ideas on topics…..and thanks for praying.

Deuteronomy 30:10-16  - The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. “This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach. It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’ It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’ No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it. Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy."

Like Father, Like Son

Barry and Bev Hall had a lot to do with bringing GCC to the place it is today. They’ve served beside Sheila and me for years. They are brilliant, committed and eager to help. They’re fantastic parents and sterling examples for all of us. I trust them both. I cherish their friendship.

This is one of their children. He is at camp with us this week. (I think I see some of his dad’s moves when he’s playing basketball.)

I remember when this young man was born. Weekend after weekend, Sheila was his teacher in the “Penguin Room” of our children’s ministry. We love him. Like every other kid here, he matters.  He matters a lot.

When people ask me why I keep coming to Camp Adventure (and this makes 35 years in a row for me) I’m don’t have to struggle for an answer.

Your kids matter to me. Your kids matter to Sheila. When we can help you with them, we want to. We pray for your kids. We recruit, train and hire great leaders for your kids. We strive to put your children in life-giving, God-honoring, faith-enriching relationships. We want to help.

The wonderful young man in this picture is just one of the tremendous young people we’re serving this week at camp. It’s an honor to help you with your children. Thanks for the privilege.

There’s no place else I’d rather be.

Proverbs 22:6  - Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Our Campers Have Great Leaders.

DC is leading our campers with great faith and devotion. I’m proud of him. I’m glad our kids are under his influence.

I know of no stronger student leader and it’s an honor to be here at camp with him.

Psalms 112:1-10  -  Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands. His children shall be honored everywhere, for good men’s sons have a special heritage. He himself shall be wealthy, and his good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in. He is kind and merciful— and all goes well for the generous man who conducts his business fairly. Such a man will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. That is why he is not afraid but can calmly face his foes. He gives generously to those in need. His deeds will never be forgotten. He shall have influence and honor. Evil-minded men will be infuriated when they see all this; they will gnash their teeth in anger and slink away, their hopes thwarted.

Kids Need Guidance

 

I’m grateful for the feedback on my last post.  Several have offered opinions and ideas about their recommendations for my input at Camp Adventure.  Thank you!

As you can see from the picture I took this afternoon, middle-school students need all the guidance we can offer.

Proverbs 11:14 - Where there is no guidance, the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.

What Would You Say?

 

                                                                                         - photo by Jeff Petersen

After the weekend services Sheila and I will be heading to Camp Adventure. The time in the wilderness affords the inexperienced an opportunity to read the books of God's Word and God's works. (Check out Psalm 148 if you doubt me on this.)

The rustic camp experience is taxing but some great people at GCC are helping us live to tell the tale of the hot summer days at camp. Frank and Penny Aquila have been at GCC from the very beginning. They have loved us, and helped us, for more than 20 years.  This summer they are letting us use their motor home for both weeks of camp. Their kindness will help us survive two weeks of rigorous duty at middle-school camp.

(You can thank the Aquilas if you value our continued existence; if not, ask them to stop allowing us the use of their motor home for summer camp.)

Over the years, I've had opportunity to speak with many people about following Christ.  I've addressed men, women, business leaders, university crowds, pastors, politicians, church people and church leaders.  I've talked with High School students and Middle School students.

I've spoken to kids at summer camp for the last 35 years.

Here's the question I'm asking you to consider.

If you could ask your pastor to teach Middle School students one important truth, what topic would you ask your pastor to address?  What would you like me to tell a few hundred Middle School students this summer? What would help young people get a grasp on reality?

Thoughts?

Suggestions?

Ideas?

Proverbs 1:1-4   -   These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David's son, Israel's king— Written down so we'll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it's going; A manual for living, for learning what's right and just and fair; To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality.

 

LIfe Keeps Getting In The Way Of My Life....

I have plans.  I always have plans.  Problem is...my plans keep getting interrupted by real life.

See this tire?  This is not a real tire; this is what's called a "donut" - a pitiful excuse for a substitute tire designed to replace a real tire if the real tire goes flat.  (We all know real tires never go flat.  They are constructed with aggressive tread and radial plies - angled less than two degrees rather than the standard bias ply biased at 45 degrees - running sideways across the tire from bead to bead.  Our tires have greater flexibility, a lower aspect ratio and greater resistant to puncture.  They aren't supposed to go flat.)

So, you can imagine my surprise when Sheila called, late last night, perched on the side of the road with a flat tire. (Her parent's basement had flooded in the monsoon that dumped 11 inches of rain south of Indianapolis. She had spent two days helping them carry everything out of their basement. She almost made it home before the tire blew.)

"You'll never believe this.  I have a flat tire."

Rats. "Where are you?"

"Somewhere south of South Bend."

Rats. "Are you OK? Are you off the road?"

"I'm fine. The tire is flat. I got the car way off the road but it is really, really flat. Do you think AAA will come here and help me? I can't drive at all."

Rats. "Let's get AAA called and go from there..."

Life is fraught with unexpected encounters with bile and putrescence. Sometimes you are surprised by unforeseen circumstances. Occasionally a bolt-from-the-blue blows up your plans or an unexpected revelation messes with your mind.  Whatever, it means your agenda is suddenly changed.

It happens to me.  It happens to you.  It happens to your pastor's wife.

Most of the time it is nothing more than a flat tire, but too often it is far more serious. An astonishing blow can flatten you; betrayal, attack, lies, illness, loss or death can derail a person.  Sudden disappointment can bring a serious set back.

So, what do you do when things don't go the way you expect?  How do you respond when you don't get your way? What if real life keeps getting in the way of your life?

Here's what I strive for in my response to unexpected problems.

First. I try to stop and remember what matters most.  What happens to me isn't as important as what happens in me when something happens to me. I remember I need Christ's help for a Christ-like response.

Second. I strive to pray something like this: "OK Lord. I don't like this. I didn't want this. But You are God and I am not. I don't know how You plan to bring good out of this, or how You'll ultimately redeem this for Your purposes, but I know You will. So show me how You want me to respond, what You want me to say and where You want me to engage, so I can serve You as You earth heaven and bring up there down here."

That's what I do.  What do you do?

Romans 8:28  - "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

(Oh. You'll be glad to know Sheila had the flat replaced with the spare tire "donut" and she got home safe-and-sound. Whew.)

Jeff and Leslee at the Elkhart Rally

 

Several have asked for more information about the Rally Jeff and Leslee held on June 10th.  I understand your curiosity.

If you'd like to meet people planning to be in the core group at our Elkhart site, or hang out with Jeff and Leslee for a while, come to GCC this Saturday.  Be here by 8:20AM and you can spend the morning with the Elkhart team. They'll be working side-by-side at the Feed the Children facility, packing boxes as 2nd Saturday volunteers.  You'll be back at GCC by Noon; it's a good way to spend the morning. You get to do good things for the community. You get to meet lots of people from our Elkhart site. You get some time to say hello to Jeff and Leslee.

Want even more? 
The whole Elkhart congregation is meeting Sunday, July 20th (5:00-8:00PM), for a picnic at Willowdale Park.  You can put that on your calendar as a "don't miss" opportunity.

The Elkhart site is up and running. 

A great man has accepted the mantel of responsibility for our Elkhart ministry. Jeff is a capable leader. He is a person I respect. I trust Jeff and I believe he will prove faithful in his leadership at GCC.  I hope you get to know him.

"But choose some capable men from among the people—men who respect God, who can be trusted, and who will not change their decisions for money. Make these men officers over the people,..."  (Exodus 18:21)

Something to Cheer About...

We say it all the time: "The light that shines farthest shines brightest at home."  Last night a new light went on; we launched the Elkhart site with a boisterous rally. Jeff and Leslee Bell inspired the crowd and painted a picture clarifying the vision for GCC in Elkhart. I was there. I was moved. Our Elkhart site is up and running.

Our purpose for the new site?  Evangelism.

And, of course, evangelism can flourish best when the church is giving itself to justice ministry, putting things right in the community.  Evangelism is most likely when the church is giving itself to the celebration of beauty, especially the beauty and glory of God's creation and the glorious beauty to be revealed as God's Kingdom is earthed. 

There is a new world, and it has already begun.  In it there is healing and beauty; there is forgiveness and the promise of new beginnings. For all who follow the Lord who bore their sins on the cross, and rose from the dead, there is new life and a new zest for life.

The church is called to live, and speak, and bring about the reality of justice, peace and beauty.

What shape would the church assume if it was shaped by its own hope-shaped mission?  Would it look like GCC? Would it hold its shape in every location? Would the church stand out as a place of beauty and hope? Yes, of course. Yes. The church reflects, and is shaped by, the future hope the New Testament offers.

It's something to cheer about, isn't it.

The work of hope, in the day-to-day life of the church, is our mission. I heard a phrase in England I'll utilize here: God is "setting-to-rights" the whole world. The message of hope and new life is anticipated in the justice and beauty of Jesus' resurrection.  Evangelism is the wonderful result.

We strive for nothing less. We pray for God's Kingdom to come, and God's will to be done on earth, as it is in heaven. The whole world needs to know.

We're joining the applause of heaven.

"All these new things are from God who brought us back to himself through what Christ Jesus did. And God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into his favor and be reconciled to him. For God was in Christ, restoring the world to himself, no longer counting men’s sins against them but blotting them out. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. We are Christ’s ambassadors. God is using us to speak to you: we beg you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, receive the love he offers you—be reconciled to God. For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange, he poured God’s goodness into us!"  (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)

Collaboration Without Compromise

 

Listening to N.T. Wright is humbling, exhilarating, inspiring and down-right-convicting.

I'm passing along this quote from Bishop Wright. Think about it.

"It is at this point that the church must learn the art of collaboration without compromise, and of opposition without dualism. There are good things going on in the wider world, and we must join in, while always remaining on the lookout for the point where we will be asked to do something which goes against the grain of the gospel. There are wicked thing going on in the wider world, and we must stand out against them, while always remaining on the lookout for the point where we become mere dualists, retreating from the world which is already charged with the grandeur of God. All this is difficult enough at the best of times, and all the more so now because we in the West have simply not thought in these terms for a couple of hundred years."

"I am not, of course, saying, do "traditional church" well and mission will follow.' Far too much 'traditional church' has been too much tradition and not enough church."

Graduation '08

A couple of years ago, when Braxston was just a little guy (6'4" & 295 lbs), he was being recruited by Notre Dame.  Since he was on ND's radar he went to a lot of games. When ND played UCLA in '06 I was sitting in the stands with Braxston and his dad. After the game we went on the field and got this photo. (I'm the small man on your right.)

I like Braxston, not because he is the biggest strongest High School Senior I've ever known, but because he's a great guy. He grew up at GCC. He was baptized here. He went to Camp Adventure. Like all of us, he stands today on the foundation he built yesterday.

You don't get a scholarship to play football at Notre Dame if you haven't spent years demonstrating commitment, capacity and a solid work ethic. If you don't believe me, ask DC. No matter what your physical prowess may be, you aren't offered the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level if you haven't studied enough to meet the academic requirements for entrance. You don't get to take a step like this if you've failed to position yourself properly. Braxston met the threshold qualifiers. He is ready to take his next step. He's on a firm foundation.

How many times do we look at someone taking a big step with no regard for the work, time, effort and sweat they've invested to position themselves for success? I often wonder why it's so easy for us imagine success is possible without exertion. Why are we so susceptible to the notion that achievement is possible without intentional effort? 

Have you ever seen anyone achieve long-term success without ongoing dedication? Neither have I. It takes work to succeed; it takes work to maintain your course; it takes work to win.

Want success in your marriage? Work is required.
Want victory over debt? You'll have to be tenacious.
Want to win the fight with fat? Ongoing discipline makes it possible.
Trying to succeed in raising a child? Stay on 'em like a wet shirt.
Want to pass Algebra? Study.
Desperate for people to trust you? Demonstrate integrity over time.

Be faithful. Do what you're supposed to do, with what you have, where you are, with a good attitude. Do the next right thing and you'll discover God blesses faithful living.

I'll tell you the same thing I've told Braxston: 
"So far, so good. Live strong. Stay faithful. Just as you stand today on the foundation you built yesterday, you'll stand tomorrow on the foundation you build today."

How we live today really matters. Believe it.

Psalms 62:11-12 - "God has said this, and I have heard it over and over: God is strong. The Lord is loving. You reward people for what they have done."

One Prayer Starts NOW!

I took this picture when I was fishing with my small group in Canada last year.

The woods is good for me. There is a tranquility there; I'm inclined to slow down, reduce my RPMs and reconnect with God when I'm in the wilderness. It's like going back to the Garden of Eden, as if time in God's creation actually restores my soul. I need the wilderness.

There is a continuous thread from Genesis to Revelation where the symbolic descriptions of the new earth are as earthy, and as materialistic, as the picture of the Garden of Eden. Creation matters to God; matter matters to God. 

In a conversation with the Bishop of Liverpool last week I heard deeper implications to our recent GCC prayer focus (praying "up there" is "down here," and "God's will is done on earth as in heaven"). Let me offer you the bishop's contention. "Here is the reality: heaven and earth are not to be two separated realms for ever, divided by sin and evil, for the ultimate reality is an undivided world where all things whether on earth or in heaven hold together in Jesus. He is central to the earthing of heaven and to the heavening of earth."

The bishop's words made me wonder if we have lost sight of that vision of the Kingdom which arrested the hearts and minds of the New Testament Christians when Peter preached to them:

"Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time." (Acts 3:19-21)

I don't want us to lose sight of our Lord's intention for the earthing of heaven, so this month we'll join Jesus in praying for God's Kingdom to come on earth. Jesus is calling us toward "the period of restoration of all things." We'll stand - nearly a million strong - praying with Jesus, and each other, for His will to be accomplished.

During this month of focused prayer I'm specifically asking our church to make every effort to do five things for One Prayer:

1. Make every effort to participate in a service project in the community this month. Put energy and time toward "earthing the gospel" here and now.

2. Make every effort to pray daily for One Prayer. Praying through John 17 each day may help you with this discipline.

3. Make every effort to fast at least one meal each week during One Prayer

4. Make every effort to give to help start new churches.  Rob Wegner is running point on this effort for the entire nationwide One Prayer campaign. Our Entermission strategy is responsible for maximizing the resources

5. Make every effort to encourage others to be faithful in meeting together each week. "Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another..." (Hebrews 10:25)

Let's unite in One Prayer.

John 17:20-21 - I'm praying not only for them But also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind— Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, So they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.

Anniversary Number 32

 

Today Sheila and I celebrated 32 years of marriage studying at the Highgrove Gardens and the Organic Farm of the Prince of Wales.  We ended up back at Windsor Castle. 

We're both looking forward to getting home for the big Elkhart Rally on June 10th. Jeff and Leslee are ready. We're ready. We'll see you there.

Genesis 2:15 - The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

The Door

I've been thinking a lot about finding a way for us to move forward together. I've been praying about it. I've written thoughts in my journal. I want to know the way. 

I long for the faith and courage to step through any door God opens for our future. I can see it. I want it. God invites us to another step together and I'm ready.

How about you?

I remembered an old movie quote, from The Matrix, when Morpheus said, "Neo, sooner or later you're going to realize just as I did that there's a difference between knowing the path and walking the path."

I wonder if I need to find the door, or if I know where it is already.  Maybe the time for searching is past. Maybe the time for action is here.

Could that be?

Could we be standing on the threshold, hand-in-hand with God, ready to take our next steps together? 

I believe so.

We're stepping together into God's purposes. Let's stay close. Let's watch out for one another, love each other and help each other along the way. Whatever is on the other side of the door, God is with us.

Sheila and I are ready. We're with you.

The door is opening. Let's go.

Revelation 4:1-2 - Then I looked, and, oh!—a door open into Heaven. The trumpet-voice, the first voice in my vision, called out, "Ascend and enter. I'll show you what happens next." I was caught up at once in deep worship ...

The June Obit at Evensong

 

Maybe it's the surroundings. I'm in the burial place of Kings (Edward IV, Henry VI, George III and Henry VIII). Queen Jane Seymour was buried here in 1537. Before her Queen Elizabeth Woodville was buried here in 1492.

Maybe it's listening to the St. George's Choir singing. Knowing the choir has been in existence and singing continually since 1348 (except for the Commonwealth period between 1649-1669) shames my previous thoughts about faithful diligence and determination.

Maybe it's worshiping in a chapel so beautiful and ornate I can't take it all in.

I'm not sure why, I just know I was deeply moved when we read these words from Ecclesiasticus. I thought of the many great servants of Christ whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.  I thought of their faith, their devotion and their obedience to our Lord....and I was grateful.

Take the time to quietly read these words aloud. Then thank God for faithful people who live for Jesus, no matter what.

Sir 44:1 HYMN IN HONOR OF OUR ANCESTORS

Let us now sing the praises of famous men,
our ancestors in their generations.
2 The Lord apportioned to them great glory,
his majesty from the beginning.
3 There were those who ruled in their kingdoms,
and made a name for themselves by their valor;
those who gave counsel because they were intelligent;
those who spoke in prophetic oracles;
4 those who led the people by their counsels
and by their knowledge of the people's lore;
they were wise in their words of instruction;
5 those who composed musical tunes,
or put verses in writing;
6 rich men endowed with resources,
living peacefully in their homes-
7 all these were honored in their generations,
and were the pride of their times.
8 Some of them have left behind a name,
so that others declare their praise.
9 But of others there is no memory;
they have perished as though they had never existed;
they have become as though they had never been born,
they and their children after them.
10 But these also were godly men,
whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten;
11 their wealth will remain with their descendants,
and their inheritance with their children's children.
12 Their descendants stand by the covenants;
their children also, for their sake.
13 Their offspring will continue forever,
and their glory will never be blotted out.
14 Their bodies are buried in peace,
but their name lives on generation after generation.
15 The assembly declares their wisdom,
and the congregation proclaims their praise.

Sheila is a Cartographer

 

My beloved is determined to know where she is.  She claims it will help her get where she wants to go.  "You've got to know where you are when you're starting," she says, "or you won't know which direction to go." 

Hmmmm.

Sheila seems to get it, but even with the little map pointer on this city map declaring "You Are Here," I'm puzzled by the maze of Windsor's streets. Unlike Sheila, I'm inclined to walk up to some friendly English chap and ask, "Where am I?" This question usually opens a lengthy conversation which may actually provide some helpful information.

Proverbs 11:14 -  Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.

Windsor Castle

 

Curious, isn't it?  We're at Windsor Castle with my sister and brother-in-law (Becky and Joel Hunter). We grabbed lunch at the Ha Ha Bar & Grill. Meetings start first thing in the morning and I'm concerned for the following.

1. How bad can jet lag get?  I'm walking around in a coma - stupid as a rock.
2.  It seems that it is always raining in London.  It rains a lot. But it is not a severe problem because you can't see the rain through the fog.
3. I look like I have the miseries; Sheila looks like a million bucks. What's that about? 
4.  Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.  Even so, it feels weird for the castle to be occupied by me.
5. The rate for currency exchange here in the UK means every US dollar is worth one zillionth of one British pound.  This is not helpful.
6. Significant time is scheduled for study in St. George's Chapel (within the castle precincts, it is one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England). Sheila asked me to use my inside voice.

Looks like we're off and running.

1 Peter 2:17 - Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

Our Friendship Spans Decades

 

Gregg and Beth Parris have been our close friends for more than twenty years.  Their youngest son, Isaac, was married this weekend, so as I was returning from Purdue (where I'd been at Annual Conference) we met up at Isaac's wedding.

Isaac married well.  His mother and father are thrilled.  We are too.

Isaac will be a great husband; he is a great man.

Hebrews 13:4 -  Honor your marriage and its vows, and be pure; for God will surely punish all those who are immoral or commit adultery.

 

Planting New Churches in the UMC

Last week I was at Purude for the Annual Conference meeting for United Methodist pastors.

This guy with me is Tom Butcher. 

Butcher gave some statistics about the United Methodist Church in America. Check it out.

There was a period of fifty years (from 1870 to 1920) when the Methodist Church was planting a new church in America every day - 365 days a year!

During the year of our most recent reports (2004) 42.1% of the United Methodist Churches in America had no conversions at all. None. Zero.

The United Methodist Church is currently losing an average of 1,500 members each week.

There is not one county in the USA with a greater percentage of "churched" people than it had ten years ago.

I also received a report from Brent Williams on the status of the UMC in North Indiana.  His report includes the following.

In 1968 there were 203,918 members of the United Methodist Church; today there are 96,320.

In 1968 the average UMC worship attendance was 87,973; todeay the average worship attendance is 63,656.

So, how does that strike you?  Sobering, isn't it.  Kinda makes you think someone ought to do something.  But that's the kind of thinking that leads to such a precipitous decline.  Thinking "someone" ought to do something exuses "me" from doing something, doesn't it.  "Someone" is always "someone else." 

Well, what if we should do something?  What if I should do something? 
Would we?  Would I?
Would you?

I told the bishop we'd like to help.  We'll train pastors and church leaders. We'll encourage new congregations. We want God's Kingdom to come; we want God's Will done "down here" just like it is done "up there in heaven."

Matthew 28:18-20 - Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."