Allergy Attack!!!!

This is me. Horrible allergy attack. Please pray for me! I've been resting the best I can today (between sneezing and nose-blowing episodes). We're taking Quiznos over to the E's house when they hit town. I missed them, but I actually did pretty well until I saw the close-up of Emily roasting marshmallows on the video Mark posted on his blog (me-log.blogspot.com). It absolutely melted me. I'm so glad they're almost back!

Later--It was great seeing the Es, and I didn't sneeze ONCE until we pulled back in our driveway. It must be something in my yard! I sat on the deck a lot yesterday--wish I hadn't.

Here's something else to pray about from Fox News. The woman has been missing a week now--

The husband of the Alabama woman who disappeared from CenturyTel Center on Saturday headed to Bossier City on Monday to meet with police investigators. Meanwhile, officials at CenturyTel are compiling surveillance video from evangelist Beth Moore's women's conference to give to police.

"We are going to brief Mr. Smith on the little information that we have right now," Mark Natale, Bossier City spokesman, said. Mary Byrne Smith, mother of two, traveled from Summerdale, Ala., with a friend to attend the Living Proof Live conference, which drew about 15,000 other women.

She left her friend about 11 a.m. to go to a concession stand, police said, but the 30-year-old never returned. There is no word on Smith's whereabouts. Police have no evidence indicating Smith is the victim of foul play, but friends and family say it's out of character for her to leave without contacting someone.

"We haven't ruled out foul play, but we have no evidence of it," Natale said. "We've looked over some video taken from the event and there were no signs of Mrs. Smith. ... There was no one else that we know of who saw her but the friend. And we aren't aware of any connections she had with this area."

Police are checking the woman's cell phone records and credit cards. She and her friend drove in the other woman's vehicle to Bossier City on Friday and checked into a local hotel, Natale said. They checked out of the hotel Saturday before going to the conference.The friend has returned to Alabama, police said.

Blooming Where We Are Planted

I have a lot of things I'd like to blog about today, but I think this article from Today's Christian Woman is the most important. It was a panel of 4 women discussing how to take Jesus into our own circles of influence.

Lisa: Scripture compels us as Christ-followers to be lights in dark places; we're to permeate our world with Christ's compassion, to play a part in redeeming culture, not to run from it (Matthew 5:13-16). So how do we really connect with people who don't claim to have faith in Christ without compromising our call to reflect God's holiness?

Kim: That's a great question. My realtor—who's gay—recently invited me to a dinner party at his house. Part of me wanted to attend because I've known him for years and I care about him. But another part was anxious about going. I wondered if I'd feel weird, or if I'd be able to carry on a conversation. I don't typically socialize with many gay people. I also wondered if it would look bad for me to go.

Lou: In 1 Corinthians 5:9, the apostle Paul says not to "associate with sexually immoral people"—but then he goes on to say, "not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world."

Lisa: The Bible cautions us to be in the world but not of it, but also calls us to be salt and light. When I look at who Jesus was in the gospels, I suspect he would have gone to a gay realtor's party because he didn't shy away from irreligious people. The reality is, people who aren't Christians are desperate for something that's honest, true, and real—and that's Jesus.

A Calling—or Obedience?

Lou: I have an interesting role in the marketplace because I work in the sports and entertainment industry. I know high-profile professionals who've come out of lifestyles of drunkenness, promiscuity, the whole thing. They can't put themselves back into that kind of environment because of the temptation it creates. The Holy Spirit imparts wisdom about how to handle certain invitations and opportunities. At times that may mean not even putting yourself into a specific situation. I believe the difference is if you as a believer truly have a call. I've always felt called to minister to people others don't normally get to. And I know a big part of that means hanging out with people who don't know God yet. I thrive in those situations.

Eva: Lou just said hanging out with people who aren't Christians is her calling. It's obvious Lou's wired for outreach, but do you think we're all made for that? Sometimes for me it feels more about obedience.

Lisa: Is that because you don't have many relationships with people who aren't Christians?

Eva: I'm a stay-at-home mom, so my big outing of the week is volunteering at my children's school. But something did happen a few weeks ago when I was grading papers and talking with some other moms at the school. Initially their bad language and off-color comments about sex really bugged me. Then I remembered how in college I used to love connecting with unbelievers. The Lord broke my heart with the realization that I've evolved into this judgmental snob. So the following week, I brought in Starbucks for everybody. God melted my heart for those wild women.

Lisa: I think if we were more intentional about connecting with people God providentially inserts into our life, we'd be more effective in sharing the hope we have in Christ. It's not like we have to agree with everything they do. We don't have to say, "That's great that you get drunk every weekend and have sex outside of marriage as often as you can." But we can celebrate their joys, lament their losses, and affirm their humanity.

Kim: Just taking a minute to ask, "How are you doing today?" can be significant. It's so important for Christians to value other people. I love to interact with people at a store, on a plane, or in a restaurant. For instance, I used to frequent a café. We ate there so often, my children thought it was an extension of our house! {Laughter.} One day this hippie-looking guy named Tree, who worked there, said, "Kim, somebody told me you sing Christian music. I said, 'There's no way that girl sings Christian music.'" I thought, Why would Tree think I don't sing Christian music? Am I rude or something? Then he said, "I've met a lot of jerks in the Christian music industry, but you're always so kind to me. That's why I thought there's no way you could be a Christian singer."

Lisa: I used to think evangelism involved accosting people with tracts or waving a placard that said, "Turn or Burn!" I even had a boss who made us sit on different rows of an airplane when we traveled to Christian conferences so we could "aggressively convert" other passengers. He told me to initiate conversations with perfect strangers with that Evangelism Explosion question, "If you died tonight, do you know if you'd go to heaven?"
Here I was, this 22-year-old girl asking 50-year-old businessmen whether or not they'd go to heaven if they died! You should have seen the look that crossed their faces, like Does this crazy chick know something about the plane that I don't? That kind of guerilla-warfare "outreach" made me so uncomfortable. But I thought that's what you had to be willing to do if you were committed to living out the Great Commission. Fortunately, since then I've learned it's more important to connect with people instead of treating them like targets.

Eva: I think the Great Commission —to "go and make disciples of all nations"—emphasizes the "as you go." Wherever I go—whether it's to Target, the Y, or to clean the commode—I'm supposed to reflect Jesus.

The Reality Test

Kim: Sometimes I think we're afraid to validate people's negative experiences with other Christians. It's as if we think we're a "bad Christian" if we don't defend everything that's ever been done in the name of God. Last week I sat next to a successful-looking guy on a plane who asked about my guitar. When I told him I'd just led worship at a church, he told me about his childhood experiences in the church and why he turned away from organized religion. "What happened to you was terrible," I said. I acknowledged the junk he never should have experienced, especially in the name of Christ. We had a great conversation about how he's gone through a divorce and is grappling with a new marriage and parenting young children. He told me he's trying to figure out what he wants to teach them about God. I got to tell him how God has revealed himself to me—especially in the pain of my divorce. But I don't think he would've shared anything with me if I hadn't been honest and sympathetic from the beginning.

Lisa: It's always more important to be real than to be "religious."

Lou: But we're accountable before the Lord to bring the truth to others. And God says his Word won't return void.

Lisa: I agree. It's only the gospel that has any impact. That's the only way people will find living hope. So if I don't talk about Jesus, if I don't tell my story about the unconditional love and redemptive mercy I've received from God, ultimately people will walk away from me disappointed … whether or not they connected with me relationally.

Freedom—Or a Formula?

Lou: This morning Robin, my assistant, and I were traveling back home, and one of the crew members from the concert we'd been to last night started talking to us at the airport. He knew I ride a motorcycle, and I told him we should go for a ride the next time he came through Nashville. Then he said, "Hey, do you guys want to go to the bar and have a Bloody Mary with me while we wait for our flights?" I said, "No, that's not really my thing. But when you come to Nashville, call me because we'd be glad to take you out for a ride!" We can get on thin ice quickly when it comes to connecting with unbelievers—we have to be careful. It takes accountability and years of learning to sort through what's OK to do or say and what isn't.

Lisa: I think if you're spending time alone with the Lord—listening to his voice through prayer and through his Word—the boundaries become clear. In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah says God will tell us when to turn to the right and when to turn to the left (30:21). He'll impress us with when it's OK to go to a party full of people who are sexually promiscuous. Or when to chat with unbelievers in a bar. He'll also prompt us when to graciously decline an invitation or suggest another time and place. But there's no instruction manual on exactly how to walk in questionable places with colorful prodigals.

Kim: Unfortunately, most Christians want a formula.

Eva: But freedom doesn't come with a formula! One time I was praying with a friend about being an effective witness in a situation where there would be a lot of people who weren't Christians. I prayed something like, "God help me not to mess this up. Please help me to do and say the right thing!" Then she prayed, "Lord, help us to be a blessing today." I remember thinking, Oh there's an idea. Maybe he could actually bless somebody through me!

Lou: We tend to think we need to achieve some position or positive public perception, when all the while God just wants our availability. Before Jesus fed the 5,000, the disciples encouraged him to send the hungry crowd away. But Jesus said, "You feed them." He could've fed the hungry crowd himself, but he used the disciples to distribute the food, and he blessed the provision. Likewise, God wants to use us to feed spiritually hungry people.

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Wasn't that great food for thought, bloggerbuddies? I've done some pretty far out stuff, like going into an abortion clinic and talking to the young receptionist (she cried), and it's important to be obedient to the Holy Spirit if he wants you to talk to a stranger, like Mark did recently on an airplane, but mostly I think we all have a circle of acquaintances who will listen to us. Mine won't ever have contact with you, and yours won't ever have contact with me. So it's really true that we should "bloom where we are planted," don't you think?

Living Sacrifices

We talked about being living sacrifices in our PULSE small group last night, which reminded me that Annette asked me to share anything I've heard or read about that. So this is for you, Annette! I know you and your hubby and son are at an Emmaus Walk right now, but you always catch up eventually!

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Since I'm going to talk about being a living sacrifice (which means, in part, taking care of my body and not giving in to laziness), let me give you my running update! I went to Bona Dea early yesterday morning, and it was wonderful! I saw a deer and all kinds of other wildlife, and I ran my 45 minutes in a PR time!

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Then late this afternoon I went to Paris for the running clinic. (I stopped by Laura's house on the way--wow! She's an amazing decorator like Lisa--awesome things everywhere you look!) I ran with some better-trained runners, and we were FAST WOMEN!! I wish I had used my chip, because I'd love to know my pace!

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OK, back to living sacrifices. I’ve been reading a lot in the Old Testament lately about the animal sacrifices the Israelites had to make under the old covenant. It sounds really strange and bloody and gross, and I’m so glad we’re under the new covenant of grace.

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Now our bodies are to be living sacrifices, as Mark often quotes (I think Rom. 12:1 is his life verse). LaMar reminded us that, of course, it’s the heart attitude that makes the actions of our bodies (he was talking about things like praise, singing, praying, preaching, lifting of hands, etc.) truly spiritual.

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Romans 12:1-2 was what we studied in Bible Study Fellowship two or three weeks ago! My notes are brief, so may seem like I'm just giving you "sound bites." Hmm, come to think of it, I guess that's exactly what I'll be doing! You could camp on any one of these statements for a month. Anyway, here goes...

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*The best that life has to offer is God's will, living sacrificially for him.

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*Question: What part of your life are you refusing to surrender, and how are you sacrificing God's best for what you now THINK is best?

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*Present your bodies, everything you say and do (including your emotions!) to be consumed by the fire of God.

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*The Old Testament offerings were HOLY sacrifices. They sacrificed THE BEST as an offering to God. Am I giving him MY best?

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*Psalm 51 says that the sacrifices God wants are "a pure heart and a steadfast spirit."

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*We need to get our personal holiness right before we try to serve.

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*Anytime we offer ourselves, it is a sweet fragrance to God. Once the bottle of perfume (our life) is broken, it smells good to him, never overpowering.

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*It is a "spiritual act of worship." We're priests of God--we offer the sacrifice of ourselves. "Spiritual" means logical (from the word "logos"). It's our reasonable or logical service. The only logical response to God's mercy is to offer our entire life to him.

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*The decision has to be made daily--"Fill me up with yourself."

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*Do you exclude anything from what you give him? God says, "Give me what you're holding back." We may call something a "habit," but it's really a sin.

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*What consumes me instead of God?

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* The lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (I Jn.2:16) are part of the world. We still have the "cravings of sinful man" if our body isn't sacrificed.

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*The Holy Spirit has to do it FOR us, but we have to consciously OBEY him.

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*The world worships self. We must change our thinking to worship God. It's a complete change for the better!

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*Dr. Pepper commercial: "I want it all! I want it now!" No!! It's not about ME, but GOD!

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*The Holy Spirit needs my cooperation to transform me.

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*He changes us through the Word. We begin to think like Jesus thinks.

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*Are we going to quit justifying sin OR sacrifice it?

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*JUST DO IT, depending on God's enabling.

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*Every time we resist temptation, we're consumed more by a holy God.

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*God wants to radiate the his glory through us, to transform us. The word "transform" is "metamorphosis," a change in our thoughts, a change from the inside out.

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*Only when our thinking changes will our lives be transformed. When tempted, think Christ's thoughts.

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*Take the time when God has convicted you to immerse yourself in the Word.

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*What consequences am I experiencing from lack of sacrifice?

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*This is the BEST life has to offer and there will be sweet results because his will is good and perfect and pleasing.

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*It will meet all your needs. It's BEST to renew your mind and be consumed by God.

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*He knows what is best for my life.

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*Will I place myself on his altar?

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*Becoming a living sacrifice results in finding the BEST OF LIFE!

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*What priority is being a living sacrifice to me? When I refuse to sacrifice, I refuse the best life! I'm missing the radiance of God in my life.

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One more thing--In the BSF opening, we heard a great song sung by Travis Cottrell called "2000 Years"--

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If I could see 2000 years ago

Travel back in time

And walk in the day

When just one man

Turned the world upside down

If I could be

A guest at the wedding

And taste the wine

That was water moments before

Would I realize what was really in store

That there would be so much more

Would I fall down and worship

Leave all that I treasured behind

For a chance to be closer

To the man who might

Be the One who saves my life

If I hear His voice

Call to Lazarus

Stand and stare as my friend stumbles

Out of the tomb

Or witness blind men

See their first morning sky

Would I believe what He says to be true

If I was there the night

Soldiers took Him away

Would I flee the scene

Like most of His friends

Then watch on the cross

What I thought was the end

What would I do then

And what would it be like

After three days gone by

Would I believe what they said

Or wanna see with my own eyes

Put my hand on the scars

Only then realize

My Lord, my God, alive

WILL I fall down and worship

Leave all that I treasure behind

For a chance to be closer

'Cause He is still alive

And the One who saves my life

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And that, my bloggerbuddies, is the question. WILL WE?

PULSE--GO PUBLIC

In the absence of our fearless leader (who is skiing quite well, by the way), I’ll share some of what we studied in tonight’s worship small group.

Our discussion was based on Chapter 11 of our book and the DVD by LaMar Boschman, who is just the most DARLING man! (This is obviously my writing style, not Mark’s!)

OPENING QUOTE--
“Worshipping churches seek to develop a worship open to the supernatural, aware of mystery, and committed to participation.”

We’ve talked a lot in previous lessons about being open to the Spirit and entering the mystery, but this lesson really addresses our commitment to FBC!

Ephesians 2:22 says we “are being built TOGETHER for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit,” and Paul exhorts us in Hebrews 10:25 about “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves TOGETHER.”

WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER!

LaMar said there is a divine mandate and blessing in the act of coming together in public worship. We are CALLED to congregate with our fellow brothers and sisters for the purposes of celebrating God in worship, communicating his story, communing with him, edifying each other, and witnessing to the world.

WE BELONG TOGETHER!

I’m not the only one in the group who has LONGED for her church family while she was away (right, Spring and Laura?). And we all miss Mark terribly while he’s off gallivanting, although we don’t begrudge him his vacation time. (Well, not much, anyway!)

JESUS IS HERE!

When we meet together in worship, an amazing thing happens—Jesus joins our gathering! He said “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20).

The word "midst" means "middle." LaMar said that when Jesus comes, he doesn’t go to the platform, sing with the worship team, or sit with the pastors. He joins the congregation, the family of believers! He blends in, mingles and becomes ONE with us. And what does he DO there? Joel read Hebrews 2:12 to us, and it clearly said that Jesus sings to the Father, modeling vertical worship!

HUMAN LEADERS

LaMar said that leading worship is, after all, "just the helps ministry, helping people get vertical with God." Worship leaders are facilitators of worship only. They aren’t there to force, demand and exercise their will on the Lord’s flock. As shepherds following the leading of the great Shepherd, they lead the Lord’s flock to the still waters and green pastures of God’s presence through their example, care and encouragement.

LaMar said that worship leaders are atmospheric engineers, and like greenhouse gardeners who maintain the right atmosphere (temperature) in the garden (the gathering), they must be careful not to create the environment of a performance or a concert, which would fail to prepare a spiritual atmosphere of worship. He said that if the focus is too much on the art, the music, and the planned program, then Jesus may not be as welcome to join the gathering!

Another good point he made is that the congregation should never focus on members of worship teams. The team's purpose is to simply lead God’s people into his presence and then get out of the way!

Worship leaders, for their part, should only care about looking good in the eyes of the Lord, not in the eyes of the congregation.

It's an awesome responsibility to be a worship leader! Lord, help each member of the FBC praise team, band, and choir do it right!

Embracing Heartbreak

Some great thoughts by Jon Walker of Purpose-Driven Life--

There are some days when, frankly, I don’t feel much like worshiping God. There are probably more days like that than I’d care to admit.

But usually those are days are when I’m staring at my circumstances and making faithless judgments about what I see around me. I struggle with the truth that God is in the circumstances that surround my life – ALL the circumstances.

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Have you ever considered that heartbreak is part of God’s plans for you, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”? (Jeremiah 29:11) We put so much energy into avoiding the hurt when God would have us embrace it.

God wants us to know that he can heal our hurts, even use our hurts for his benefit, and for us to believe that sometimes the circumstances we think are harming us are actually positive situations God is engineering.

God sees the breadth and depth of our circumstances, and he knows his plans for our lives. Avoiding the pain in our lives is actually an act of faithlessness. God calls us to have faith in him during difficult circumstances, but we’d rather place our faith in avoiding the circumstances.
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Jesus embraced the pain of God’s plan for his life, and he did it with full faith that God was still working the plan to bring a “hope and a future” to your life and mine. The Cross was Christ’s glory, not His penalty – and the same is true of difficult circumstances in our lives.

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When faced with a painful or difficult circumstance, ask God, “How do you want me to respond to this?”

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His answer to me lately has been "Focus on ME! Trust me!" Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't. I don't know why God puts up with me...

For My Busy Girlfriends

Living a balanced life by Katie Brazelton

Life moves swiftly and we run frantically to keep up with it. Just the other day, a friend laughed at me for trying to lift a three-pound weight to exercise my arms, while I was blow drying my hair. I was shocked at her reaction. Doesn't everyone multi-task like that? I didn't dare tell her that I actually answer a few e-mails every time she calls and stays on the phone too long! Such constant motion indicates that we may not be pausing enough to regularly examine our lives or ask ourselves how our lives mirror what God desires for us. Today, I challenge you to pause and evaluate your life's pace. Are you exhausted by expectations or thriving in your purpose? Let's take a look at two extreme types of women that you and I have either met or may have even become ourselves!

The worn-out woman
One busy mother talked about her general fatigue this way, "I am a wife and mother of three children. I work a full-time job, volunteer at school and church, and am lucky to sleep four hours a night. I have no time for exercise, spending alone time with God, or connecting with friends. I'm the picture of the worn-out woman."

What about you? Are you becoming a worn-out woman, constantly on the go and living life at a fast, unhealthy pace? A woman trapped in this lifestyle may take little time to care for herself or spend quality time with family and friends. She lives to mark things off her calendar, is under constant stress, and has a difficult time enjoying her life. Her relationship with God may be less than desirable. Oh, dear. that doesn't sound like such a great option.

The thriving woman
In Proverbs 31, we find an entirely different type of woman. I actually cried once about my huge inadequacy (in comparison to her) when I heard a Bible class message about this gal. This woman is near perfect! She is busy, but remains balanced. She is wise, moral, and God-fearing. She is a virtuous wife and mother, a resourceful entrepreneur, and a friend to the poor.

What about you? Are you a thriving woman who lives life at a healthy pace and is growing daily in her relationship with God? This heroine spends quality time with family and friends. She takes care of herself by eating healthy and exercising regularly. She enjoys her life. Who do you identify with more, the worn-out woman or the thriving woman?

We are not super women. We cannot do everything or be all things to all people. We each have 24 hours or 1,440 minutes in our day . that's it! We must carefully manage the time that God has entrusted to us. The thriving woman uses this entrusted time to be balanced in the core areas of her life. For most women, the three hardest areas to balance - spiritual, physical, and social - are also the key areas to a thriving life.

Spiritually
Did you know that Jesus wants to have a personal relationship with you as both your Savior and Lord of all? We are not supposed to spend time with God out of a crushing obligation, but because God longs to know us intimately and for us to know him. He wants us to rely on him for our every need and to give us the strength we need to face every new day. Matthew 11:28-30 says:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (from The Message)

God waits patiently to remove our burdens and give us joy-filled lives. He wants us to come to him. The spiritual component of our lives can include numerous disciplines and activities: Bible reading, prayer, quiet time, fasting, solitude, memorizing Scripture, journaling, and worship. 1 Timothy 4:8 says:

"Exercise daily in God--no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever." (Also from The Message!)

How are you doing spiritually? Are you staying fit in God?

Take a spiritual step: Make a daily appointment with God. This quality time is essential to becoming a balanced, thriving woman. As you prioritize the spiritual facet of your life, you will discover that the other core areas of your life become easier to balance. What discipline do you need to incorporate in your life to grow spiritually?

Physically
1 Corinthians 3:16 says: "You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you?" (MSG) How well are you managing the temple God has given you? Staying physically fit unlocks energy to maintain a positive outlook and boosts your stamina. Consequently, you can keep up with all that demands your time and attention.

Take a physical step: Do you eat healthy? Exercise regularly? Get enough sleep for your body? Go to the doctor for annual visits? What changes do you need to make to become healthier physically?

Socially
Women are often involved in an abundance of social roles, such as responsibilities with family members, friends, co-workers, etc. However, there are two roles that busy women are likely to abandon: relationships with friends and taking time for self. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says:

"By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped." (Again, from The Message!)

Who are the women that hold you accountable and encourage, support, and challenge you? Cherish these friends who God has given you. Nourish these relationships with your time and attention.

Take a social step: How can you begin investing and building your relationships?

As women, we often care for others but leave little time to care for ourselves. Some women mistakenly think that it is selfish to care for themselves. Others just cannot find the time. We must take time for ourselves. This one change alone helps us transform from worn-out to thriving. If you're having trouble finding time for this, start small - perhaps just five minutes a day.

Take a step: How can you begin taking care of yourself today? Here are a few examples to help you relax: Read a fun book, take a bubble bath, watch a movie, take a class, knit a scarf, or take a nap. A balanced, thriving woman must take time for herself. Value yourself.

As you begin taking steps to become a thriving woman, consider setting a few goals on how to achieve this, such as learning a new spiritual discipline, walking for exercise, finding free time for yourself, or setting up a Dreamers' Lunch Bunch with your favorite girlfriends. As you begin taking steps, ask God to mold you into a balanced and thriving woman. He will honor your prayer and your desire.

Airline Announcements

Flights are so boring that I'm glad when the crew tries to inject some humor, aren't you? Here are some examples that have been collected:

On a lengthy evening Air Canada Flight with a somewhat "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."

On landing, a Westjet stewardess was heard to say: "Please be sure to take all of your belongings. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have."

From a Southwest Airlines flight crew member: "Welcome aboard Southwest Flight 245 to Tampa. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised."

In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child travelling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are travelling with more than one small child, pick your favorite."

The captain droned over the plane's speakers: "Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Southwest Airlines."

"Your seat cushions can be used for flotation; In the event of an emergency water landing, please use them to paddle to shore and feel free to take them home with our compliments."

"As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed equally amongst the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."

And from the pilot during his welcome message: "Delta airlines is pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight."

On an American Airlines flight into Amarillo, Texas, on a particularly windy and bumpy day, after an extremely hard landing, the flight attendant said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Amarillo. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our airplane to the gate."

Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."

New Easter Duds!

Lisa took the girls shopping for their Easter outfits today. Don't they look cute?

You can't tell it from the picture, but Samantha's skirt is awesome! It has different layers and fringe at the bottom, and she can do a very graceful dance wearing it!

I'll miss them when they go to Taos. All I've got is their dog, and she's not very exciting, so my life is going to be pretty boring next week.

I think I'll do some spring housecleaning. I'm about 10 years late on that. And I want to try to finish my daily Bible ASAP, so I'll do a lot of reading in that. (I'm at the end of August now, Mark.)

"Behold, I am doing a new thing"

Don't you love Easter, the time of new beginnings? Right now God is preparing great new things for Jody and Ginger and Spring and Sue and Annette and...well, just about everyone I know and love is headed toward new beginnings! And since their new beginnings will affect me, I'm on the verge of new things, too! I can't wait to see God's plans unfold, because his plans are always good!

Right, bloggerbuddies?

PULSE--DEW POINT

Mark asked me to lead the worship small group Wednesday night while he was off gallivanting, and I was a little scattered, but Spring came through and we had a great meeting! Now he has asked me to blog about it and the house is quiet, so here goes!

When I was studying it, I had to read the entire lesson before I completely understood why it was entitled "Dew Point." So I think I'll give you the last paragraph first--

Gen. 3:8 says that the Lord came to the Garden of Eden in the "cool of the day." This refers to the time of day when the sun is setting and the dew begins to rise and produce a sense of purity and cleansing of the air. I believe that the Lord specifically came to Adam and Eve at this time of day because He desired a pure and clean environment that was conducive for communion and fellowship. In the same way, when the heart of your worship is pure and sincere--when it reaches the dew point--God will reveal His presence to you.

This lesson was a little theological, but we discussed the difference between the OMNIPRESENCE of God and the MANIFEST or REVEALED presence of God.

God is omnipresent, which just means He is everywhere. He fills heaven, earth, past, present and future. C.S. Lewis said, "We may ignore, but we cannot evade the presence of God. The world is crowded with him. He walks everywhere incognito."

Yet the Bible says that when Adam and Eve sinned, they "hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God."

Huh? How could they hide from his presence? Well, Lamar said the Hebrew word for presence used in Gen. 3 means "at or to the face." It's talking about an extreme level of up-closeness--a place of intimacy.

A lot of times in worship we ask God to reveal himself to us. I think that's a great prayer! We are asking him to, well, get in our faces (in a good way)--get really up close, get intimate with us.

Then Lamar said there's a wonderful SECRET God wants us to know, so listen close! Here it is--We can enter into his up-close presence anytime we want to!!

HOW??

First, we've got to have the same passion for His presence that David had when he said, "One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple" (Psa. 27:4).

Then Lamar said that there are several "portals" into God's revealed presence, and we camped on one of them: songs of worship and praise. David said, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise" (Psa. 100:4).

The Hebrew word for thanks in this verse refers to a large group of believers who are worshipping God with their hands extended vertically! When we do that, we can enter into His intimate presence!

Then when we praise, we go even further into the courts of God's presence! BUT it's not just any kind of praise, it's specifically God-focused singing. That kind of praise is called "tehillah" in Scripture, and this was a whole new concept to Spring and me and the others who attended the Worship Institute for the first time last summer.

Tehillah (ask Mark how to pronounce it!) is a specific kind of song--a SPONTANEOUS song! That was like a lightbulb going off for me, because for many years I kept reading in the Bible about singing "a new song" to the Lord, and I had no idea what that meant! After all, I'm not a music composer, so I didn't think I could do that. But now I know!

This kind of extemporaneous song is so personal, it rises directly from your heart like fresh bread out of the oven, and God inhabits it or dwells in it, making His presence evident to you.

Of course Mark started singing like that very early in his ministry at FBC. In fact, I remember the first day he did it. I thought, "Whoa! He's on a whole new level now!" Even though I didn't really understand it, I sensed that it was important.

Now some of the others of us have started doing that in our worship services, and it's really cool! However, if you're shy about others hearing it, you can always do it at home or driving down the road or going for a walk. Try it--you'll like it!

OK, Mark, this may not be your writing style, but I did it!!

Living the Abraham Life

This article by Jon Walker is for all my Abraham friends. You know who you are!

Recently, I've been thinking that my life verse should be Mark 9:24: "… I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (NIV)

I do believe, yet I have so much unbelief in my life. I walk in faith, yet I have so little faith. I follow God, yet I repeatedly find myself stumbling on a path of my own choosing.

Paul teaches this is a common disorder among Christians, but he also says the cure for our unbelief is, quite simply, just to believe God.

In the midst of our complex negotiations with God on the subject of belief, Paul sums up the issue with one simple phrase: "Abraham believed God …." (Romans 4:3)

Abraham believed God to be a loving Father; Abraham believed God wanted fellowship with him; Abraham believed God would speak with him; Abraham believed God would listen to him; Abraham believed God wanted to use him in a great mission; Abraham believed God knew more than he did when the childless patriarch was called to birth a great nation; Abraham believed God was telling him to go, even if it was to a land he did not know; Abraham believed God would guide and provide step by step. Abraham "went out, not knowing where he was going. " (Hebrews 11:8)

Abraham acted on his belief because he was in intimate fellowship with the Father, and this up close and personal relationship showed Abraham that God could be trusted to do the things he said he would do and to fulfill the commitments he promised to complete.

Abraham believed God. Paul believed God. I believe, God; help me overcome my unbelief. I believe; help me to live like I believe. I believe; help me to make decisions like I believe. I believe, Lord, you are trustworthy; help me to abandon my mythology that says I am more trustworthy than you.

"Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led," writes the great saint Oswald Chambers." But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason – a life of knowing him who calls us to go."

What does this mean to me?

"Help my unbelief" – You cannot work yourself up to greater belief; rather, your belief will deepen as you deepen your fellowship with God. Tell him, "I believe; help me overcome my unbelief."

Believe God, not yourself – As you face decisions today, ask yourself: "Is this decision based on my belief in God, or my belief in myself?"

Move from "if" to "of course" – God's desire is that you to move from "if God can do this" to "of course, God will do this." He doesn't expect perfection from you. Even Abraham failed to believe God at points along his journey.

Listen to Jesus – “… If You can? Everything is possible to the one who believes.” (Mark 9:23 HCSB)

Keep confessing – "Abraham believed God; (Your name) believes God."

Fun Day!

Emily and I visited Granny (my mother)today and borrowed her laptop. I messed mine up installing one of Emily's game CDs. Joe has made a new rule that I can't install programs without his permission anymore! Ha! I messed it up not long ago trying to install Media Player 10. If he can't fix it, maybe her daddy can when he finally quits gallivanting around the country.(Teasing, Mark!)

Then we got her some flipflops to wear to the park. They're cute, but she can't walk very well in them! She had a playdate at Cline Park this afternoon with Indi, so Spring and I had a nice visit.

Then, as promised before we dropped Samantha off at school, we went BACK to the park until 5:00. Joe came, too, and we all went to El Parian for supper.

They're in the tub now. Studying spelling words comes next.

It's fun having young kids around again! I'll really miss them next week when they're in Taos skiing...

Wednesday's Activities

The girls got up early this morning, so we ate breakfast with Joe and the guys at Hardees! Then Emily and I dropped Samantha off at school and went to the Es house to feed Pinky (the fish). Now Emily's snuggling with Mende while we watch Jay Jay The Jet Plane!

Update at bedtime--We had a nice day! Play-doh, Berenstein Bears, computer games, McDonalds, the "Pool park" playground, church tonight, baths with fizzy stuff in the tub, a good book, sweet prayers, hugs and kisses.

I told Emily that if she couldn't go to sleep she could just pretend, but that Samantha really needs to get her sleep because she has to go to school tomorrow. Goodnight! So in a little bit Samantha comes in and says, "Emily's fake snoring is too loud." I couldn't get mad at her, though--she was doing exactly what I said to do! Ha!

A QUOTE FOR THE DAY

A comedian, Mitch Hedbert, said this:

"I don't own a cell phone or a pager. I just hang around everyone I know, all the time. If someone wants to get a hold of me, they just say 'Mitch,' and I say 'what?' and turn my head slightly."

I WISH!!! Maybe it'll be true in heaven!!

My dearest "young couple friends" are going out of town tonight, and I miss them already. At least they'll have to stay in touch--I'm holding their kids and dog ransom!

I'm glad Annette has called me a lot recently. We're always in a state of missing each other, even though we email often and she always reads my blog. The night of Dec. 6, 1985, she prayed for a friend, and BOOM, there I was the next day. We instantly bonded, and it doesn't even matter that she didn't live here long! Distance doesn't diminish friendship when it's a God-thing!!!

Also, a friend of mine who moved to California 28 years ago has decided to move back, so I'm picking her up at the airport this afternoon. I didn't see her ONCE in that whole time, but we never lost touch!

Hey, can I maintain friendships or WHAT?! I'm very loyal to my friends, and I love you all dearly!!!!

"There is no God like you in the skies above!"

I had a choice tonight. I could watch an episode of CSI about a really hairy woman, or I could watch the sun go down. You see what I chose.

I've been reading 2 Chronicles in The Message lately, and this is what Solomon did after he finished building the Temple:

"Then he knelt in full view of the whole congregation, stretched out his hands to heaven, and prayed." (That part reminded me of Mark, but that's beside the point. Ha!)

This is what Solomon prayed--

"God, O God of Israel, there is no God like you in the skies above or on the earth below, who unswervingly keeps covenant with his servants and unfailingly loves them while they sincerely live in obedience to your way."

Sometimes I see God in the skies, especially in sunsets, and I feel very loved, don't you?

By the way, Mark blogged about worship in heaven today! Read it if you haven't! (me-log.blogspot.com)

SUNDAY'S UPDATE (partially drafted on Saturday)

This was a pretty good week exercise-wise. I had three good runs, anyway. Of course, three is just maintenance. I know I need to run five days a week to see any improvement.

On Monday I ran 45 minutes at our church gym at a 13:29 mpm (minutes per mile) pace, which is pretty typical for me. Lisa joined me for the last half of it.

On Thursday I drove over to Paris for the running clinic. My hairdresser Chandra met me and ran with me. She lives near there anyway, and she has always wanted to run a race, so we’re training together for the big race May 12. Lisa says she’d like to do it, too, so I’m hoping at least one of them will!

On Saturday Lisa and I wogged at the church gym again. She walks fast, I jog slowly beside her. I can’t believe how perfectly it works out! We did 45 minutes at a 13:08 pace, which is a little faster than usual for that long. My shoe chip/Nano let me down, though. Lance Armstrong didn’t congratulate me for setting a personal record. I don’t know what was up with that. I wuz robbed!!

It really felt good to run all three times! I’m grateful for a healthy body and young friends to run with. I wish I could get the motivation to do it alone, though. I used to be perfectly happy running alone. I don’t know what’s up with that either. I'll figure it out later.

Weight-wise, I stayed the same. I’m still not losing because I’m eating pretty willy-nilly, no plan, some emotional eating, and I really don’t even care until I read something in the Bible like this from 1 Corinthians in The Message:

“You know the old saying, “First you eat to live, and then you live to eat.” Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that’s no excuse for stuffing your body with food…

Since the Master honors you with a body, honor him with your body! God honored the Master’s body by raising it from the grave. He’ll treat yours with the same resurrection power. Until that time, remember that your bodies are created with the same dignity as the Master’s body.”

And later it says: “Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? They physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.”

I still can’t talk about the difficult emotional situation I’m going through, but the pain comes and goes. I actually had four great days with no emotions at all! I really think it was a small miracle, and I’m still amazed that it happened! However, my emotions came crashing back, and Friday was a very bad day. Yesterday was better, though, so I’m not in despair!

So I guess I could recap my week with the opening line of Dickens’ Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.”

And isn’t that true of life in general? I’m so glad I’ve got HEAVEN to look forward to! We’ll have only the BEST times there! I can’t wait!

Today was a great day! The weather was perfect for FBC pairs to go out and cover the city with prayer. Spring and I finished our route in an hour and then sat in my car and talked for another hour! I also had a great run with Lisa this morning, but I'll post about that tomorrow, since I have to write an update for my Dr. Nick website anyway tomorrow. I really love having young friends who are following God's will for their lives! It's exciting!

Since I'm only a bottle blonde, I can tell blonde jokes and not offend myself, so here goes--

SHE WAS SO BLONDE...

She studied for a blood test.

She sold the car for gas money.

When she missed bus #44 she took bus #22 twice instead.

When she went to the airport and saw a sign that said, 'Airport Left,' she turned around and went home.

When she heard that 90% of all crimes occur around the home, she moved.

She thought if she spoke her mind, she'd be speechless.

She thought that she could not use her AM radio in the evening.

She had a shirt that said 'TGIF,' which she thought stood for 'This Goes In Front.'

She thinks Taco Bell is the Mexican phone company.

Article: My Conversation With God

I loved this article from Christianity Today!

Does God still speak? I grew up hearing testimonies about it, but until October 2005, I couldn't say it had ever happened to me.
I'm a middle-aged professor of theology at a well-known Christian university. I've written award-winning books. My name is on Christianity Today's masthead. For years I've taught that God still speaks, but I couldn't testify to it personally.

A year after hearing God's voice, I still can't talk or even think about my conversation with God without being overcome with emotion. That's one reason I know it was real; I'm not a person who shows emotion easily. Plus, I'm a skeptic about things supernatural. Not that I don't believe they can happen; I just doubt most miracle stories except the ones in the Bible. I've even been known to criticize publicly what I consider to be overly experiential forms of Christianity. I suppose that makes this story especially ironic.

About five years ago, my wife and I visited an elderly and very sick man who had once been our pastor. We discovered that he and his wife lived not far from us, and we renewed our old acquaintance. During one of our first visits, the man's grandsons—14-year-old twins—came for a visit. The moment I met them, an inner voice told me that some day I would play a role in one of their lives. I brushed it off as a "brain hiccup" and thought little more of it.

During the next five years, we drew closer to that family and got to know the twins well. Gradually, one of them shared with us his call to the ministry of music.

When the twins were 17, they and their parents visited us and toured the campus where I teach. The one called to music ministry was immediately struck with the impression he was to attend this particular university and none other. Over the next year, it became clearer to us that he was very serious. As far as I could tell, it had nothing to do with the fact that I teach there; he was following an inner tug of divine guidance.

But my university is expensive, and his family is of modest means. During his senior year of high school, he applied for scholarships, but the results were not encouraging. Still, his enthusiasm for studying for ministry at this university didn't flag.

I felt a strong burden to help him, but contrary to popular perception, Christian university professors are not prosperous. And my book royalties had never added up to any large amounts.

One bright and beautiful morning in October 2005, I went out alone, walking and praying. I began to cry out to God for my young friend. "Oh, God, please use me to make it possible for him to go to this university!" I don't know what I expected to happen, but I committed to letting God use me however he wanted to on this young man's behalf.

The next week, I was at the same spot in my morning exercise when something amazing happened. Out of the blue, a book title came to me. It was so clever I knew two things instantly: It wasn't mine, and it would sell.

Then, in almost the same instant, the entire outline of the book was there in my mind. Every chapter and its title. No discursive thought preceded it. I immediately went home and began writing. As I wrote, I had the distinct feeling that this was not me. I had never written like this before. The words poured out. Two weeks later, a 200-page manuscript sat on my desk. I knew it was good.

But what to do with it? I had never before written a book without a contract. As I sat and looked at the printed pages, the name of a well-known Christian book publisher suddenly came to mind. I had never dealt with the company before, but I had met the chief editor at professional society meetings. I felt directed to contact him, even though I knew the publisher's procedure for considering book proposals and manuscripts was quite different and more complicated.

I sent my acquaintance an e-mail message containing the title and the outline. A day later, I received an encouraging response; he wanted to read the manuscript. So I sent it to him. Within weeks, I had a contract; it required only a little tweaking of two or three brief portions of the manuscript.

While talking to the editor assigned to this project, I discovered something astonishing. The publisher wanted to pay me a handsome royalty in advance for the book. It was approximately ten times anything I had ever received up-front before. I felt like I had won the lottery!

Later, I took another brisk walk through my neighborhood. My mind was concentrating on the financial windfall and how to use it. Coincidentally, the estimated cost of my house's much-needed roof replacement was the same as the royalty advance paid by my new publisher. The answer seemed clear—a new roof.

Then God spoke: "It's not your money."

Those were the first words of a conversation that lasted on and off for several days. Knowing instantly it wasn't a "brain hiccup" but something more real and serious, I asked, "What do you mean it's not my money?" My tone was resentful and defensive.

"It's not your money. It's his." The voice inside my head was as real as if it were audible. I knew with terrifying certainty it wasn't my imagination, because I didn't want to hear it.

"Whose?" I asked.

The voice named the young man for whom I had been praying only a few weeks earlier. "It's for him to go to the university and study for the ministry."

"All of it?"

"That and the rest."

I knew "the rest" meant any further royalties the book might earn after it was published.

Absolutely flabbergasted, I raised my fist in the air and asked aloud, "What about my roof?"

The voice said, "I'll take care of your roof, if you'll be obedient."

Then I said, "If you want to use me to help him go to the university, why not give me everything it will cost? Why this amount that will make a difference but not pay his whole way?"

"Others have to be obedient, too," I heard in reply.

When I arrived home, I shared the conversation with my wife, who had been looking forward to a roof that wouldn't leak. I couldn't talk about it without sobbing almost uncontrollably. I was shaking with emotion. Nothing like this had ever happened to me before. My wife is more spiritual than I am. She immediately agreed; we would wait for a new roof.

Over the next few months, I sent letters and e-mails and made phone calls about my young friend and his financial needs. I felt driven and couldn't stop talking about him. Because the university's deadline for need-based financial aid had passed without him or his parents applying, it looked like he would have to live with us to save money. But this would violate campus policy for first-year students, who are required to live in dorms. I sent an e-mail to the dean of student development, almost begging him to make an exception.

A couple weeks later, I received an e-mail back from the dean, saying the university was awarding him a very large scholarship that would more than cover his room and board. Soon a foundation kicked in $2,000. Then two more scholarships came. It became apparent that God was working miracles through several people.

During this time, I wondered whether I should tell my young friend anything. Something inside urged me to. One early afternoon in April, I drove to his house and took him out for dinner. We talked about the call to ministry and the commitment it requires. I was convinced again that he was truly called and destined to be used by God in great ways. So I shared with him my conversation with God and told him the source of the funds that would make it possible for him to attend my university; I explained the origin of the book and the role it would play in his education.

Clearly this was something he had needed to hear; he became choked up as he shared with me his own struggles and doubts. Others in his church youth group had received prophetic messages about their future ministries, but he had not. My story confirmed his call. Today, my young friend is living in a residence hall and taking courses, including courses in preparation for music ministry.

Does God still speak today? I know he does.

So what does all this mean? I'm a theologian, and I should know. But I can't spin out a fancy theological formula for God's guidance and provision. What I know is that God spoke to me and used a gift he had already given me to provide for a young man being called into his service. It all started when I said, "God, please use me!"

I wonder how many times I've passed up an opportunity to be used in such a way. I'm reminded of an old "camp chorus" from the 1960s: "To be used of God to speak, to sing, to pray. To be used of God to show someone the way. I want so much to feel the touch of his consuming fire. To be used of God is my desire."

I used to sing those words with passion as a teenager, but I was never sure God answered my sung prayer. All it took was a specific need and a specific plea combined with the determination to be obedient. I don't know if it always works that way, but it did this time for me and my young friend.

So what has this done for me? Probably more than for the young man bound for ministry. We now have a new roof, for one thing, which came under circumstances that can only be described as oddly providential—but that's another story. More importantly, my faith in a living, personal, loving, and providing God has been renewed and deepened.

Now I know, more than intellectually, that God still speaks.

Is that cool or what, bloggerbuddies? Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of something cool like that? (DO NOT MENTION ME!)

Annette, remember when the guy slipped $1,000 in your baby's diaper bag when you were at the Vineyard in Memphis? That was very cool!!

What I Really Want For My Birthday

Here's an article by Mimi Knight for my young women friends:

I turn 40 this year, and I'm just waiting for my husband to ask me what I want for my birthday. I've got my answer all prepared. It's probably not what he expects, though. In the years before kids, he'd have gotten off easy with jewelry or clothes, dinner out, and a gift certificate to a day spa.

But after ten years and four kids, my idea of the perfect birthday gift has evolved. What I really want this year is four hours in my own bathroom alone and uninterrupted. Just peace and quiet and porcelain.
I suppose this makes me a cheap date, but after ten years of doing whatever I've got to do in the bathroom in front of an audience, four hours of bathroom solitude sounds better than anything he can charge on his MasterCard or wrap in black "Over the Hill" gift wrap.
My birthday fantasy looks like this—me loitering in the tub with my eyes closed. Around me there are no action figures, no stick-on alphabet letters, no naked Barbies. (Talk about depressing. The last thing I need when I'm bent over shaving my legs is a naked Barbie smirking at me.)

I want no little urchins there to offer commentary on my breasts or belly or buttocks. I don't want to hear that I'm getting fat but "Don't worry, Mommy, you look good that way," or "Hey, the water goes WAY down when you get out."

I want to shave my legs without delivering a safety lecture about my razor. I don't want to share my shaving cream with anyone, no matter how much fun the stuff is. I want to fog up the mirror without having to peek around the shower curtain and answer, "What letter is this, Mommy?" I want the curtain to stay shut and not be fanned open every few seconds, inspiring me to once again explain that shower curtains are for keeping water off the floor.

I want to let the water get as hot as I can stand it. I don't want to hear that anyone is taking up all the room; I want all the room. I especially don't want to hear, "Oops! Guess I forgot to tinkle before I got in the tub."

I want to stretch my legs without it being seen as an invitation for a pony ride. I want to towel off without having to teach an anatomy lesson entitled "Why Mommy Looks Different Than Daddy."

And while I'm at it, I want to do what I need to on the toilet without spectators. I don't want to have to remember who tore off the toilet paper for me the last time so I'm sure everyone gets their turn. I want to pick up a magazine, read an article from start to finish, and actually comprehend what I'm reading. I want to close the door and not have little notes slid underneath with my name on them, or see tiny fingers wiggling up at me.

Then I want to paint my nails—only mine, no one else's. I don't want to have the "But, Sweetie, nail polish is only for girls and mommies, not boys" talk, which is usually followed that evening by the "Oh, Honey, I only did his toenails" talk.

I want to give myself a pedicure, a facial, and touch up my roots without once stopping to yell, "I'm in the bathroom. No, I can't come to you; you come to me!" I don't care where my husband takes the kids. He'll think of something. I just want four hours to luxuriate in my own bathroom alone! (credit: TCW Magazine)

Girls, I know you don't believe it, but they really DO grow up fast, so hang in there!

The Prosperity Gospel

This picture is not you, and it's not me, and I'm glad. Again, I've forgotten the source, but I really liked this article when I read it!

Luring people to Christ to get rich is both deceitful and deadly. It’s deceitful because when Jesus himself called us, he said things like: “Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). And it’s deadly because the desire to be rich plunges “people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9). So here is my plea to preachers of the gospel:

1. Don’t develop a philosophy of ministry that makes it harder for people to get into heaven.

Jesus said, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” His disciples were astonished, as many in the “prosperity” movement should be. So Jesus went on to raise their astonishment even higher by saying, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” They respond in disbelief: “Then who can be saved?” Jesus says, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:23-27).

My question for prosperity preachers is: Why would you want to develop a ministry focus that makes it harder for people to enter heaven?

2. Do not develop a philosophy of ministry that kindles suicidal desires in people.

Paul said, “There is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” But then he warned against the desire to be rich. And by implication, he warned against preachers who stir up the desire to be rich instead of helping people get rid of it. He warned, “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Timothy 6:6-10).

So my question for prosperity preachers is: Why would you want to develop a ministry that encourages people to pierce themselves with many pangs and plunge themselves into ruin and destruction?

3. Do not develop a philosophy of ministry that encourages vulnerability to moth and rust.

Jesus warns against the effort to lay up treasures on earth. That is, he tells us to be givers, not keepers. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19).

Yes, we all keep something. But given the built-in tendency toward greed in all of us, why would we take the focus off Jesus and turn it upside down?

4. Don’t develop a philosophy of ministry that makes hard work a means of amassing wealth.

Paul said we should not steal. The alternative was hard work with our own hands. But the main purpose was not merely to hoard or even to have. The purpose was “to have to give.” “Let him labor, working with his hands, that he may have to give to him who is in need” (Ephesians 4:28). This is not a justification for being rich in order to give more. It is a call to make more and keep less so you can give more. There is no reason why a person who makes $200,000 should live any differently from the way a person who makes $80,000 lives. Find a wartime lifestyle; cap your expenditures; then give the rest away.

Why would you want to encourage people to think that they should possess wealth in order to be a lavish giver? Why not encourage them to keep their lives more simple and be an even more lavish giver? Would that not add to their generosity a strong testimony that Christ, and not possessions, is their treasure?

5. Don’t develop a philosophy of ministry that promotes less faith in the promises of God to be for us what money can’t be.

The reason the writer to the Hebrews tells us to be content with what we have is that the opposite implies less faith in the promises of God. He says, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

If the Bible tells us that being content with what we have honors the promise of God never to forsake us, why would we want to teach people to want to be rich?

6. Don’t develop a philosophy of ministry that contributes to your people being choked to death.

Jesus warns that the word of God, which is meant to give us life, can be choked off from any effectiveness by riches. He says it is like a seed that grows up among thorns that choke it to death: “They are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the . . . riches . . . of life, and their fruit does not mature” (Luke 8:14).

Why would we want to encourage people to pursue the very thing that Jesus warns will choke us to death?

7. Don’t develop a philosophy of ministry that takes the seasoning out of the salt and puts the light under a basket.

What is it about Christians that makes them the salt of the earth and the light of the world? It is not wealth. The desire for wealth and the pursuit of wealth tastes and looks just like the world. It does not offer the world anything different from what it already believes in. The great tragedy of prosperity-preaching is that a person does not have to be spiritually awakened in order to embrace it; one needs only to be greedy. Getting rich in the name of Jesus is not the salt of the earth or the light of the world. In this, the world simply sees a reflection of itself. And if it works, they will buy it.

The context of Jesus’ saying shows us what the salt and light are. They are the joyful willingness to suffering for Christ. Here is what Jesus said, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth. . . . You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:11-14).

What will make the world taste (the salt) and see (the light) of Christ in us is not that we love wealth the same way they do. Rather, it will be the willingness and the ability of Christians to love others through suffering, all the while rejoicing because their reward is in heaven with Jesus. This is inexplicable on human terms. This is supernatural. But to attract people with promises of prosperity is simply natural. It is not the message of Jesus. It is not what he died to achieve.

Now aren't you glad you aren't rich?