Julian's post was thought-provoking for me - I was not made to go to church as a child. My dad was in retail, and he often had to be at work by 10 on Sundays, so our family did not attend a church. I went to a Christian school, but for me, going to church was always a treat. It was special - something I only did when i was with grandparents or friends.
Anyway, now that I am a grown woman with 2 kids of my own, I look forward to going to church. I like feeling connected to God and to other believers - and I bring my kids with me. Right now, one of them LOVES going to church because for her, it is just playtime with other kids. The other is too young to care where he is. This makes me wonder though, what my kids will think about church as adults having "had" to go as kids. Hopefully, they will always want to go.......
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
"Aw, Mom, do I hafto?"
Ever had someone tell you the reason they no longer go to church is because they were made to go as a kid? Take the guy whose Mom called up to his bedroom one Sunday morning: "Son, get up. It's time to get ready to go to church." From under the covers came his muffled reply: "You always made me go but now give me three reasons why I should go?" Came his mother's tart response: (1) "Because I'm your mother, and I said 'get up.'" (2) "Because you are a grown man." (3) "Because you are the preacher."
There are many for whom the very mention of the word church (in this case meaning the assembly), seems to send chills up the spine. A few days ago, while speaking at a funeral and on heaven in particular, I tried to encourage those gathered that heaven wouldn't be an all-day church service. I wish you could have seen the facial expressions...from my vantage point! Looks of surprise and relief seemed to reveal that for many "church" was not currently a preferable use of their time. Reckon any of them were made to go as children?
I know people, some very close to me, who offer the excuse mentioned above for not being involved in a local body of believers. And each time I hear it I wonder anew what went wrong? For you see, I want to go to church! Why? To connect with God in assembly, (Psa.111:1), expecting His Presence, (Mt. 18:20), and together with other fallible creatures look to be showered by His grace. And I expect to receive, almost unwittingly, blessing upon blessing from fellow travelers who from time to time share experiences from their past week's/life's faith journey.
Recently I became quite ill after going to bed on a Saturday evening and then was up most of the night..., no, I won't gross you out with personal details. Ugh, but it was bad! Next morning, as time for church neared, I realized that for the first time in a long, long time, I wouldn't be physically able to attend. As the old timers used to say, I would be "providentially hindered." Later in the morning, after my wife had joined her parents for worship, I dragged my sick body to the nearest convenience store. Gatorade was the only thing I imagined I could swallow to keep down, and I reasoned it would prevent dehydration. I saw lots of people on that brief jaunt, going about their affairs as on any other day. I wonder if any of them were now enjoying "freedom" from having been made to attend church as a kid? (I realize Sunday morning isn't the only time folk attend church these days).
Yes, for the most part "church" is a desirable, pleasant experience for me. And even though my little part requires considerable preparation, still I wouldn't trade derived blessings for any so-called "freedom" not to attend. (By the way, as a boy I was sometimes "made" to take a bath. But somehow I don't refuse a refreshing shower today because cleanliness was "forced" on me back then). Go figure!
I want my whole attitude about church to be like that of a man's talking centipede (100 legged bug). Having selectively chosen the critter at a pet store he took him home in a neat white box that doubled as his home. Our friend decided the best way to start his relationship with the centipede was by going to church. So, "Would you like to go to church with me today? We'll have a good time." No answer from within the white box. After a few minutes another try: "How about going to church with me and receive blessings?" Again, there was no answer from the new pet. For his third and determined to be final time, the man put his face against the little white box and shouted: "Hey, in there! Would you like to go to church with me and learn about God?"
Finally, an answer: "I heard you the first time! I'm putting on my shoes!"
By the way, at Christ Family...wing tips and heels aren’t required!
julian
There are many for whom the very mention of the word church (in this case meaning the assembly), seems to send chills up the spine. A few days ago, while speaking at a funeral and on heaven in particular, I tried to encourage those gathered that heaven wouldn't be an all-day church service. I wish you could have seen the facial expressions...from my vantage point! Looks of surprise and relief seemed to reveal that for many "church" was not currently a preferable use of their time. Reckon any of them were made to go as children?
I know people, some very close to me, who offer the excuse mentioned above for not being involved in a local body of believers. And each time I hear it I wonder anew what went wrong? For you see, I want to go to church! Why? To connect with God in assembly, (Psa.111:1), expecting His Presence, (Mt. 18:20), and together with other fallible creatures look to be showered by His grace. And I expect to receive, almost unwittingly, blessing upon blessing from fellow travelers who from time to time share experiences from their past week's/life's faith journey.
Recently I became quite ill after going to bed on a Saturday evening and then was up most of the night..., no, I won't gross you out with personal details. Ugh, but it was bad! Next morning, as time for church neared, I realized that for the first time in a long, long time, I wouldn't be physically able to attend. As the old timers used to say, I would be "providentially hindered." Later in the morning, after my wife had joined her parents for worship, I dragged my sick body to the nearest convenience store. Gatorade was the only thing I imagined I could swallow to keep down, and I reasoned it would prevent dehydration. I saw lots of people on that brief jaunt, going about their affairs as on any other day. I wonder if any of them were now enjoying "freedom" from having been made to attend church as a kid? (I realize Sunday morning isn't the only time folk attend church these days).
Yes, for the most part "church" is a desirable, pleasant experience for me. And even though my little part requires considerable preparation, still I wouldn't trade derived blessings for any so-called "freedom" not to attend. (By the way, as a boy I was sometimes "made" to take a bath. But somehow I don't refuse a refreshing shower today because cleanliness was "forced" on me back then). Go figure!
I want my whole attitude about church to be like that of a man's talking centipede (100 legged bug). Having selectively chosen the critter at a pet store he took him home in a neat white box that doubled as his home. Our friend decided the best way to start his relationship with the centipede was by going to church. So, "Would you like to go to church with me today? We'll have a good time." No answer from within the white box. After a few minutes another try: "How about going to church with me and receive blessings?" Again, there was no answer from the new pet. For his third and determined to be final time, the man put his face against the little white box and shouted: "Hey, in there! Would you like to go to church with me and learn about God?"
Finally, an answer: "I heard you the first time! I'm putting on my shoes!"
By the way, at Christ Family...wing tips and heels aren’t required!
julian
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Jackie
Well- the faithful prayers of the righteous, and thousands of them, including yours, were answered for Jackie McDaniel, our neighbor girl. Now that she's okay, I can tell you that she had a staph infection, not a "staff" infection, (staff infections, as we all know, are only contracted at work and summer camp).
She had a rod in her leg from an accident that had two pockets of infection. The doctors became concerned that the infection in her bone was a MRSA infection, which is resistent to antibiotics, and can be fatal within 24 hours of hitting the blood stream. So, they did an emergency surgery and removed the infection (15 cc's of it). They believe they got all the infection, and found the bone in such good shape that they took the rod out, which they hope to not have to replace. The rod (aka, foreign object) is what was causing the infection. So- long and short, this may have been a huge blessing to go ahead and get this out of her.
Please pray for her wedding now- they will make a call on Tuesday whether to continue on schedule or postpone. Perhaps your prayers of thanks will join the rest- a prayer of thanks to the Great Physician.
She had a rod in her leg from an accident that had two pockets of infection. The doctors became concerned that the infection in her bone was a MRSA infection, which is resistent to antibiotics, and can be fatal within 24 hours of hitting the blood stream. So, they did an emergency surgery and removed the infection (15 cc's of it). They believe they got all the infection, and found the bone in such good shape that they took the rod out, which they hope to not have to replace. The rod (aka, foreign object) is what was causing the infection. So- long and short, this may have been a huge blessing to go ahead and get this out of her.
Please pray for her wedding now- they will make a call on Tuesday whether to continue on schedule or postpone. Perhaps your prayers of thanks will join the rest- a prayer of thanks to the Great Physician.
Your Gift
This morning, Julian gave a message on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The centrality of the message, as I heard it, was that when a person submits their life to Christ, and is baptized in Him, he receives the gift of the Holy Spirit, which then dwells in him. But the Holy Spirit also gives specific gifts to the believer. To one, He gives the gift of prophesy; to another, wisdom; etc. We noted the singularity, or at least dominance of one gift in the life of a believer. If we pay attention, and notice the way that we have worked for the Lord since we became His, we should see the pattern surrounding the area where we have been gifted. Have you identified your gift? Do you use it regularly? Do you pray for an abundance of your gift?
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Woot! First 2mo, 1d old infant to post!!!
Not trying to gloat, but I'm really proud of myself for figuring out this blog thing.
Have a blessed day everyone!
Have a blessed day everyone!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Thank you for all the prayers
Lee and I just wanted to thank everyone for all their prayers on our behalf - for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby and the like, and we praise God for answering those. We especially want to thank the congregation for taking the time to pray specifically over our son on Sunday - It was beautiful and it meant a lot to us. So thank you.
Joyce
Joyce
New Kid on the Block
Michael Dean Cooper joined us at church for the first time Sunday. It was actually his first time to darken the door of any church...at least fully in the open. He didn't cast a very large shadow-- he's about a third of the size of the car seat he rode in one. Joyce and Lee are the proud parents, and they should be. What a beautiful child.
So tiny, and yet full of so much potential. You know, Jesus talked about the kingdom of God like this-- "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches." Luke 13:18-19. When you look at Michael, you can't help how big that little mustard seed will grow. Who he'll impact. Who he'll marry. How many kids, and grandkids he'll have. How many people will see Jesus in Him, who will then tell their friends, who then will tell their friends.
It should be an awesome thing to watch him grow into a man.
So tiny, and yet full of so much potential. You know, Jesus talked about the kingdom of God like this-- "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches." Luke 13:18-19. When you look at Michael, you can't help how big that little mustard seed will grow. Who he'll impact. Who he'll marry. How many kids, and grandkids he'll have. How many people will see Jesus in Him, who will then tell their friends, who then will tell their friends.
It should be an awesome thing to watch him grow into a man.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Getting Moving.
Two stories- one strikingly similar outcome:
Sarah, an awesome girl at CFC in her early twenties, went on a medical mission trip this summer. As a recent college graduate, she had her career track laid out in property management. Though she not interested in pursuing a career in medicine of any sort, she went abroad to help people there who couldn't afford medical care. As a result of ministering to people who desperately needed help, she's now, only a couple of weeks later, preparing to enter nursing school. Over the course of her life, God willing, she'll be a critical partner with tens of thousands of people who need a kind, professional touch in their darkest times.
Charlie and Sharon, from CFC, opened their home to a couple of teens for a reality TV show- America's Strictest Parents. While they were terribly concerned about the way they'd be portrayed, and whether their love for the Lord, and the way they honor Him in their home, would reflect their genuine concern for the kids, or if they'd have silly "Dum-duuuuhhhm" music playing whenever they had to lay down the law dubbed over their actions to discredit them, they agreed to the shoot. While originally scheduled to air only on CMT, it's now airing on MTV. Their impact on homes is measuring in the millions. Their business web-site now gets thousands of hits, and they've received letters and e-mails (to which they faithfully responded) requesting help in the authors' homes with their own family situations. Charlie has been strongly urged to write a book sharing their secrets of parenting.
What's the common thread? Moving forward without knowing what the outcome will be, and seeing a result much greater than could have been anticipated. So many current-day teachers, success coaches, and even preachers tell you to have a plan, set clear goals, adjust your mind, make a decision to succeed, and on, and on, and on....
The problem is that, in faith matters, we don't even know exactly what to ask for. And, we can't see the curveballs. But, God can. So, the best approach, I think, is to move forward in faith. Heavy on the "move," and heavy on the "faith." In other words- do something. Not rashly, or without discussion with your Father. But if you feel that He is leading you to do something, even if it gets you way outside your comfort zone (pulling teeth in Peru, and having a camera across your breakfast table for two weeks would both qualify), get on it. In faith, we have confidence in the things that we hope for, and we accept the visible proofs of His faithfulness so much that we also trust Him with the things that we have not been allowed to see yet (a rough paraphrase of Hebrews 11:1.)
So, what's going to happen when I put my full trust in the Lord? He's going to do with the situation as He will. Sometimes, it will be a raging success. More than you could have dreamed. As He said- 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.' Jeremiah 29:11
Other times, the situation may not live up to our expectations...at first. Unfortunately, sometimes we let the speed bumps take on the scale of "calamity" and throw in the towel way too early. Instead, be patient. Wait on the Lord. Because "...those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31. After all, He did promise that "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has comprehended the things God has in store for those who love Him."
So help me, I'm going to do something big, hairy and audacious this week- fully trusting that He will guide the outcome. How about you? Have a great week.
Sam
Sarah, an awesome girl at CFC in her early twenties, went on a medical mission trip this summer. As a recent college graduate, she had her career track laid out in property management. Though she not interested in pursuing a career in medicine of any sort, she went abroad to help people there who couldn't afford medical care. As a result of ministering to people who desperately needed help, she's now, only a couple of weeks later, preparing to enter nursing school. Over the course of her life, God willing, she'll be a critical partner with tens of thousands of people who need a kind, professional touch in their darkest times.
Charlie and Sharon, from CFC, opened their home to a couple of teens for a reality TV show- America's Strictest Parents. While they were terribly concerned about the way they'd be portrayed, and whether their love for the Lord, and the way they honor Him in their home, would reflect their genuine concern for the kids, or if they'd have silly "Dum-duuuuhhhm" music playing whenever they had to lay down the law dubbed over their actions to discredit them, they agreed to the shoot. While originally scheduled to air only on CMT, it's now airing on MTV. Their impact on homes is measuring in the millions. Their business web-site now gets thousands of hits, and they've received letters and e-mails (to which they faithfully responded) requesting help in the authors' homes with their own family situations. Charlie has been strongly urged to write a book sharing their secrets of parenting.
What's the common thread? Moving forward without knowing what the outcome will be, and seeing a result much greater than could have been anticipated. So many current-day teachers, success coaches, and even preachers tell you to have a plan, set clear goals, adjust your mind, make a decision to succeed, and on, and on, and on....
The problem is that, in faith matters, we don't even know exactly what to ask for. And, we can't see the curveballs. But, God can. So, the best approach, I think, is to move forward in faith. Heavy on the "move," and heavy on the "faith." In other words- do something. Not rashly, or without discussion with your Father. But if you feel that He is leading you to do something, even if it gets you way outside your comfort zone (pulling teeth in Peru, and having a camera across your breakfast table for two weeks would both qualify), get on it. In faith, we have confidence in the things that we hope for, and we accept the visible proofs of His faithfulness so much that we also trust Him with the things that we have not been allowed to see yet (a rough paraphrase of Hebrews 11:1.)
So, what's going to happen when I put my full trust in the Lord? He's going to do with the situation as He will. Sometimes, it will be a raging success. More than you could have dreamed. As He said- 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.' Jeremiah 29:11
Other times, the situation may not live up to our expectations...at first. Unfortunately, sometimes we let the speed bumps take on the scale of "calamity" and throw in the towel way too early. Instead, be patient. Wait on the Lord. Because "...those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31. After all, He did promise that "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has comprehended the things God has in store for those who love Him."
So help me, I'm going to do something big, hairy and audacious this week- fully trusting that He will guide the outcome. How about you? Have a great week.
Sam
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