Mile High Rev

REVerie - Fall to Winter

Here’s the Colorado version of global warming!

REVrant 54.2 - When Prayer Seems Foolish

Blogging has been sparse in recent weeks.  My Fall schedule has taken it's normal shape - consuming duties, urgent meetings, and unpredictable crises.  I've had good intentions to write on a more regular basis, but with no success in recent weeks.  So, thanks to those of you who still check in from time to time.  I've not given up, nor am I giving in, I'm just giving you (and me) a break!

While studying for the coming weekend's sermon, I was hit with a blog-able thought.   My text is I Kings 8 - The Dedication Prayer of King Solomon when the Temple is finished after 7 years of building.  It records a very lengthy prayer by Solomon, and intriguingly, it's also about prayer. 

As I started thinking about prayer, I thought of the greater context of our sermon series - "Wise Among Fools."  We've been examining godly wisdom, with the goal of using it in our lives.  This afternoon in my study, I was struck by the thought that some people probably think praying is "foolish."  And they probably don't pray at all.  And they probably draw this conclusion based on at least some of the following questions: 1) Does God even hear us when we pray?  2) Will God ever forgive us after sinning (over and over) when we come to him in prayer?  3) Does God ever get sick of having us come back time after time and decide to give up on us in response to yet another desperate prayer? 

I Kings 8 provides powerful and direct answers to each of these questions and has stirred me late tonight.  I tried to get some inspiration earlier in the day, but found the lengthy text a bit overwhelming.  But in the past half hour (I just looked and noted it is 1:45 am!  How did that happen?) I've tuned into a whole new way of looking at the chapter.  I even came up with a sermon title - "When Prayer Seems Foolish."  Because, candidly, sometimes prayer does feel foolish.

If you're interested in how I develop the thought, check out the sermon this weekend.  Live at FBC, or on readily available CD's, or via our church website podcasts.  To be clear, I'm not saying prayer IS foolish, just that there are times in our lives when it SEEMS foolish.  I think we've all been there.

REVrant 54.1 - Minister Reveals Transgender Secret

Minister Reveals Transgender Secret - The Early Show - CBS News.

Methodist minister, David Weekley, surprised his congregation recently by revealing in a sermon that “he” had actually been born a “she.”  “He” is married to a woman who is expectedly very affirming of the her transgendered husband. 

Of course, there will be a huge debate over this issue.  I have several observations, but I’ll limit myself to two:

1. In the column, Weekley is quoted as saying he believes he has “more ability to pastor” his congregation, in light of his status.   THIS is the point we’ve reached.  This is not the first time I’ve been exposed to the bizarre belief that twisted sexual identity and emotional abnormality QUALIFIES a person to be a better “pastor” than those who take a bland and colorless path into ministry.  Lord, deliver us.

2. Implicit in this story is also the fact that Weekley deceived his congregation by not telling them this story before he arrived.  He’s relieved that his story is out.  Fine.  But what isn’t addressed is the fact that he was not honest about it in the first place.  He alleges to be a better pastor for it.  But how can the fact that he was not honest be ignored?  (How about, “I LIED to you?”)

I’m sure that I will be accused of being un-loving, lacking in grace, and judgmental….but I cannot condone this type of role model for pastoring in the 21^st century…or for that matter, in any century. 

Our culture is headed in a very troubling direction.  The David Weekley story is Exhibit A.

REVved - BIRTHDAY Celebration for the Love of My Life

This past Sunday – SEPTEMBER 20 – Jan and I celebrated her birthday.  I’ve been so busy (and facebook seems to be trumping my blog right now), that I haven’t found time to blog about it. 

We started Jan’s birthday at church…fitting, when you think about it.  Church ministry has defined us throughout our 36 year marriage!  We also both grew up serving in the church “ministry families.”  I felt a little torn about the morning, as I really wanted to focus on Jan all day, but I also had responsibilities at the church.  I figured it would be strange to not mention her birthday at all, but I didn’t want to make it too much about us. 

I started the sermon by mentioning that we’ve been talking in our current sermon series about being “Wise, among fools.”  I also mentioned that in our family, birthdays are a big deal.  That I had learned that it was WISE to celebrate on the actual day!  I shared that through the years, I’ve always tried to make sure that THE day of the birthday was extra special.  I paused and then said, “Today is Jan’s birthday.”  Graciously, people applauded for her.  Next, I asked the people (at both services) if they would mind helping me make the day special by singing “Happy Birthday” to Jan.  They jumped right in.  While we were singing, I stepped down from the platform, hugged Jan, and whispered “Happy Birthday” in her ear.  Big success.  I actually think the people enjoyed knowing that it was Jan’s birthday, and I felt like I could move into the sermon, knowing that I made an effort to start Jan’s special day off with a bang.

We experienced a joyful morning of ministry together, as usual, and it reminded me of why I believe God led me to pursue Jan in the first place.  I believe she is the perfect wife for me (of course), and also, a perfect fit as a pastor’s wife.  In fact, on Sunday, I mentioned that in human terms, I don’t believe I would still be in pastoral ministry if it were not for Jan.  She’s been a constant source of strength, wisdom, and tranquility.  She’s not a big “taking charge” kind of woman, but she is an awesome “taking CARE” kind of woman.  Exactly what a ministry wife needs to be.

We’ve had quite a journey in marriage and ministry.  Through it all, Jan has been a constant source of love and light.  We’ve both faced huge health challenges.  We’ve mourned together through the anguish of infertility and childlessness.  We’ve battled spiritual oppression and warfare in our years of serving two churches as Sr. Pastor and wife.  Some days, we’ve wondered whether we can go on.  (We still do.)  But, the peace and hope that Jan brings into our relationship has often been the human anchor that allows us to stay the course.

When I met Jan, she was immersed in music.  She is a gifted vocalist, violinist, and pianist.  For years, she sang with her sisters, while her mother accompanied them on piano.  As a trio, they had a heavenly blend.  I have many fond memories of sitting in her home while we were dating, listening to the family sing together.  It was amazing.  I never heard anything like it.  To this day, when they get together, they still pick up where they left off with singing.

One of the greatest gifts Jan brings to our marriage is her passion for the Word and prayer.  BIG TIME passion!  I can’t express what it means to have a wife who loves the Bible and loves communing with God in prayer.  She runs circles around me in this.  I’m not exaggerating.  I don’t know of anyone whose commitment to the Word and prayer exceeds Jan’s.  I’ve learned from her throughout our marriage, and I still am.

Back to the birthday…we left church and went to one of our favorite restaurants for lunch.  After lunch, we came home and opened cards and gifts.  I make her save all the cards that come in the mail in the days leading up to her birthday.  I think opening them on THE day makes it more memorable.  I had some gifts for her, including some surprises.  I think I surprised her, but perhaps she was just being kind?  (She acted surprised.)  I’ll spare you the details of the gifts and the rest of the day, but the main point is that I never feel like I can do enough to express my love and devotion to her. 

I am eternally grateful to God for giving me this amazing woman as my wife.  She is the “love of my life.”  September 20 will always be a special day for me – because of Jan!  Happy Birthday, honey!

REVrant 53.5 - Spanking Controversy

Spanking detrimental to children, study says - CNN.com.

Check out this link at CNN.com.  Research scientists are reporting that spanking may have “long-lasting detrimental effects.” 

But Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.”

I’m not a parent, so I never had to make the choice “to spank, or not to spank.”  But, I WAS spanked.  BIG TIME!  I wonder if that means I have “long-lasting detrimental effects!”  (<—Wish I could read your mind right now!!!!)  Or as the verse above indicates, did spanking demonstrate my father’s love for me? 

This Biblical Proverb seems to be in direct contradiction to the scientific research, doesn’t it?  I’m sure that spanking has been misused and abused by flawed humans throughout the centuries.  Insensitive parents have undoubtedly failed to notice serious illnesses or maladies, and though well-intentioned, have resorted to spanking when they should have consulted  doctors.  Some parents have sinfully spanked their kids out of their own anger or frustration.  None of these abuses can be condoned.  But somehow, you’ve got to figure out Proverbs 13:24.  

The Bible seems to suggest that “long-lasting detrimental effects” are more likely without spanking than with it.

REVved - Birthday Surprise for A Friend

(Me, Jan, Jerry…the birthday boy, and Dianna)

On Monday, Jan and I had the joy of attending a surprise birthday party for our friend, Jerry B. Jenkins.  The occasion is Jerry’s 60th birthday (which doesn’t happen until 9/23 and is the same date as Bruce Springsteen’s birthday; and Jerry’s middle name is Bruce….mysterious, huh?  I like Jerry’s music better.) 

Jerry’s staff at his Writers Guild put the party together. (Yea Kerma and team!)  “Surprise,” was the plan.  My favorite moment was when Jerry walked in and saw us all there, reached into his pocket and took out a slip of paper on which he had documented the fact that he knew he was on his way to a surprise party.  Watching his staff try to pull off the surprise prior to Jerry and Dianna’s arrival was priceless.  They did a remarkable job, and almost fooled him.

It was particularly meaningful to me because Jerry and I share the same year of birth…I’m heading to 60 in December.  More importantly we share a lifetime friendship that started when we were all in our late teens/early 20’s.  We’ve done a lot of living since then.  At times we’ve lived and worked in separate states.  In the past decade, we’ve both lived in Colorado.  Our proximity has provided wonderful opportunities to spend time together.  These two are true friends, who faithfully stuck with us through some wild health and ministry storms.  What a blessing to us.

Congratulations, Jerry, on reaching this milestone (9/23).  Thanks for leading the way around the bases to our yearly birthdays every year since 1949.  Hopefully, we will share a few more decades of the same!

REVrant 53.4 - Knowing What NOT to Say

In my daily Bible reading – Proverbs 10, since it is September 10 – I came across the following verse – “The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.” (v. 32)  Exactly.

One of the most common questions of my life is: “Why did he (or she) say that?”  Whether it’s something I hear in person, or it’s reported to me, I am regularly appalled by the lack of wisdom in the things people say to one another.  Christian people!  The bad choices people make in the words they use seem more serious to me than the H1N1 virus.  They wound people. They scar people.  And they can destroy people. 

According to the verse above, one of the significant marks of godly wisdom is the ability to say what is “fitting,” and the self-control to refrain from saying what is “perverse.”  It’s not wise to say whatever comes to your mind.  Sometimes, what comes to your mind is not fitting.  And if it’s not fitting, don’t say it!  

As I was growing up, sometimes my dad would scold me and say, “Don’t talk to your mother like that.”  As a pastor, there are times when I feel like scolding people and saying, “Don’t talk to one another like that!”  (Of  course, I need to remember to make sure that what I say is “fitting,” too!) 

I’m not insinuating that we can’t or shouldn’t tell people the truth.  But there is a way to tell the truth (“in love,” as the Bible says…) that is “fitting,” and there is a way that is “perverse.” 

Often in our way with words, the greatest wisdom we can have is the wisdom to know what NOT to say.

REVelation - My Daily Proverb Reading on September 3 = Proverbs 3

Like many of you, I grew up in a home saturated with the Bible and memory verses.   Proverbs 3:5-6 always made the list of verses to memorize.

Say them if you know them - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."  And then verse 7 - which is often left off the memory list for no good reason - check it out:

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil." 

This verse nails the problem in many pockets of evangelical church life.  We are still trying to "be wise in our own eyes."   That's a big mistake, so cut it out!

REVrant 53.3 - Brian McLaren, An Odd Emergent Leader, Joins Muslims in Observing Ramadan

Ramadan 2009: Part 1 What’s going on? - Brian McLaren.

I suppose this is to be expected.  Brian MacLaren is a well known emergent movement leader who loves stepping outside of the historic parameters of Christianity, all the while passionately professing and insisting that he is still an evangelical Christian.  (His book title – A New Kind of Christian – says it all!) A more enlightened, sophisticated, and winsome one…if you get his vibe.  He is well known within evangelical circles and is considered a major voice for all things emergent.

This time, he’s decided to join Muslims friends in observing Ramadan. You can read his strange reasoning in his personal blog in the link above.  Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.  Muslims fast from food, water, sex, etc. from dawn to dusk. Then, they feast in the evening, and do the same thing all over the next day – for one month.

MacLaren is seeking to observe Ramadan as – in his words – “a God-honoring expression of peace, fellowship, and neighborliness.” 

But, this is an exercise in foolishness for a Christian.  The Five Pillars of the Muslim faith (listed below) are all about their belief that their work saves them.  MacLaren would strongly object, I imagine, that he doesn’t believe as they do.  Yet, to participate in one of the “works pillars” on purpose, and with his anemic redefinition, is another reason to reject MacLaren as a worthy teacher of the Gospel.

He is tinkering with the Gospel through his “friendliness” with Islam’s works system.  My friends, true Biblical Christian teachers don’t tinker with the Gospel.  They defend it, with their lives if need be.  As I read MacLaren’s explanation for participating in Ramadan, I thought of Galatians 1:7–8 – “Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the Gospel of Christ.  But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned.”

Be warned – Brian MacLaren is showing his true colors - and they are the muted colors of a diluted Gospel, shaded by his interest in being accepted by adherents of a false works religion.  Following him is not wise. 

RESOURCE: Explanation of the 5 Pillars of Islam from an Islamic website:

The Five Pillars of the Muslim Faith

Islam requires that all adherents perform five central duties, which are believed to strengthen their faith in and service to Allah. These duties are the 5 Pillars of Islam - the basic tenets of the faith, which all Muslims strive to perform, regardless of where they live or what sect they belong to.

1. Shahada (Shahaadah) (testimony of faith)
   The testimony of faith is the most important pillar of Islam. To perform the testimony of faith, one is required to say with conviction at least once in his or her life: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." In order to convert to Islam, one must utter the shahaadah with complete conviction.
   
   
2. Salat (prayer)
   Muslims pray five times daily, at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and night. Prayer often occurs in a mosque, but Muslims may pray anywhere: inside or outside, in their office, home, school or elsewhere. While praying, one faces Mecca and strives to recite his or her prayers from memory. Ideally, salat are recited in Arabic.
   
   
3. Zakat (almsgiving)
   Charitable giving, or Zakat, is a requirement of faith for all Muslims. Used to benefit the poor, Zakat represents a fixed portion of one's wealth and assets. Beyond this requirement, one may also perform an act of charity (sadaqah) by donating additional funds to the needy. Historically, the zakat was collected by Muslim caliphate at the end of each year. In modern times, almsgiving is incumbent upon the individual Muslim - except for in Saudi Arabia, where Zakat is strictly enforced by the rule of Islamic law.
   
   
4. Siyam (Sawm) (fasting)
   Sawm literally means any ritual fasting, but is generally understood to refer to ritual fasting during the month of Ramadan. From dawn to dusk for the entire month, Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking and engaging in sexual relations. Through this physical abstinence, Muslims are able to focus intently on their spiritual selves, atoning for their sins and recommitting to serving Allah.
   
   
5. Hajj (pilgrimage)
   During the last month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu al-Hijjah, some two million Muslims ascend to the holy city of Mecca for the Hajj, or pilgrimage. Every able-bodied Muslim is required - if their finances permit - to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. If performing the hajj will put an undue burden on one's family, he or she may appoint a proxy to fulfill this duty in his or her place. Once one completes a pilgrimage, he or she is able to add the title Hajj to his or her name. Islamic teachers are careful to warm, however, that the Hajj must be performed as an expression of devout faith - and not as a ploy to gain social status.

 

REVrant 53.2 - Ben and Jerry's Celebrates Gay Marriage

Ben and Jerry's renames ice cream Hubby Hubby in celebration of gay marriage - Telegraph.

An ice cream company making a statement to what end?  To celebrate gay marriage.  Unbelievable.  Today, I’m glad I’m lactose intolerant.