Happy By Choice

I once had the privilege of making a journey into the eastern plains of Colombia called the 'Llanos.' It is an area abou the size of Missouri that is made up of vast plains with large portions of jungles, including part of the Amazon basin.
On that particular trip, I was given the opportunity of preaching in a small hamlet along a tributary of the Amazon. It was a humble church in which the people sat on wooden planks mounted on clay bricks. Not too comfortable, but amazingly it was full. There was only one light bulb in the room and it was situated directly above the makeshift pulpt. Maybe 60 watts. It was quite an experience, dirt floors, open windows, mosquitos hovering around the bulb, everything that church in America is not.
Anyway, the pastor and his family asked me and my preaching partner to visit their home for breakfast at dawn the next morning. I remember walking into their little three room house with no bathroom or kitchen, just a table and three chairs in the living room across from a brick hearth used for warmth and cooking, and two small bedrooms with pallets on the floor for sleeping. My friend and I were offered two of the chairs as we waited for the pastor to return from the fish market. I noticed the same single light bulb over the table. (A couple of the mosquitos looked familiar too! Probably filled up with my own blood.)
After a short time, in came the pastor with a smile on his face and a very large, funny looking fish in his hands. It was part of the first river catch of the day and he had just purchased it with
the previous evening's offering. Being the one who preached, I was the honored guest and was appreciatively given a plate of rice and a bowl of fish broth containing the fish head, eyeballs and all. I greatfully ate the meager meal and later noticed that the pastor's wife and two children had gladly given up their portions so that the preachers could eat. Talk about being humbled.
Yes, we secretly left a large wad of Colombian pesos as a gift for the family, but that in no way was expected by them.
What struck me was how happy the family was, even in their poverty. They were full of joy. Now, some would say they were joyful only because they were ignorant of things they did not have. Wrong! Both the pastor and his wife grew up in middle-class families from the heart of the capitol Bogota, and both had graduated from Bible College. They were educated, well-mannered, and.......HAPPY! Their physical circumstances were not the source of their joy or their unhappiness. They were joyful and happy because they got to serve Jesus. They were happy because they chose to be happy.
I am reminded of that experience from time to time when I am discouraged about the way things go in my 'pampered' existence. I am jolted back to reality by realizing that each of us either chooses to be happy or chooses to be grumpy and down. I like what Nehemiah told his people when they had bad guys on one side and an impossible construction project on the other. Neh. 8:10; "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Whoa Nelly!
Okay, 2008 looms tomorrow. Are we going to be happy....? Your choice! So, instead of burning the calories necessary to be critical, or mad, or sad, or ambivalent, why not expend your energy being happy. All of them rub off, by the way. Make a choice to be happy. Remember that you are not stuck with a pallet for a bed or a single light bulb that you have to share with your church. HAPPY New Year. Pastor Jim

Global Warming

Let's get down and dirty and create some controversy. There is a phenomena out there that has been slowly building a head of steam and, although I will not be putting a lid on it in this little blog, the thing still needs to be addressed. My focus is on how the truth of TRUTH has become perverted and watered down by the lie of situational relevance. It may sound fine to say, "If it is true for you, great. It may not be true for me," but it is still hooey no matter how you wrap it up. Universal law works the same for all of us. Gravity is gravity, speed is speed. It might be great for you to jump off a ten story building because you "feel" you should experience a certain freedom of flight, but the ground will still flatten you when you hit it. That pancake effect would be true for all of us. Now you can shake your fist and proclaim that there is no God, but you will still stand before him some day. Know what I mean? What is true for me is true for you. We are sinners in need of a savior and Jesus graciously gave himself to fix our problem. Cool!
Okay, more controversy! Take the current fad of Global Warming. Barely reported over the last few days are the findings by scientists that the earth has warmed exactly 1/2 the amount that is being feverishly preached. The study shows that the methods of recording temperatures over the last few decades has been faulty because most 'highs' have been collected within the confines of cities. Did you know that asphault is hotter than dirt? It is proven that cities generate more heat than the rural areas but the effect is inconsequential when compared to the overall surface area of the planet. The fact is, global temperatures have remained constant for as long as readings have been recorded.
So you ask, "will the globe burn up?" My answer is yes! But listen, it won't be from green-house gasses or emmissions from feed lots. Planet Earth is not going to self-combust. Truth has been so twisted that the only truth that counts is untruthfully discounted. (See if you can wrap your mind around that statement!) The earth is someday going to be fried by the hand of God. 2 Peter 3:10-11 says it, look it up. The good thing about that particular burning is that it won't be destruction for destruction sake. It will be a refining by fire. You see, there is a new heaven and new earth waiting for you if you are a radical follower of Christ. He is the truth, the way, and the life. He is going to move the one out of the way and make room for the better. Sounds wild and wonderful at the same time doesn't it?
What shall we do about global warming? Well, once this absolutely cold winter finishes its course, put on some sun screen and get a tan. I look forward to warmer days again. I am also looking forward to the NEW DAY that is approaching. In the mean time, take the talking heads, the politicians, and Hollywood with a grain of salt. Their truth is only relevant to them anyway! Pastor Jim

Look Out, Here Comes A 'Christian!'

Jesus had a great way to deal with political situations.....he would disappear. Of course, he really didn't vanish...poof....into midair, he just got out of Dodge on the shortest track available because his mission was the cross, not a throne. Now some would interpret Christ's actions in such a way as to boldly proclaim that Christians have no place in politics. When it comes to America, these mis-interpreters are wrong.
In our pluralistic society, it is the privilege and opportunity, nay, the God given right of every citizen to be involved in politics. Freedom without politics would be....well, it would be heaven. But entering the political realm doesn't mean one is necessarily entering evil.
Take our current political reality. Many of the politicians, both aisles included, are proclaiming Christianity as their preferred 'faith.' Careful now; claiming the Christian faith doesn't really mean much. Hitler claimed the same. What counts is to live the Christian faith in all of its aspects. You love God with all your heart, and you treat your neigbor with the same love you should have for your own life. There's the rub! Let's rub it for a minute.
If you can't cheat, steal, or tell lies about your opponent, you are not going to be considered a very proficient politician. In fact, if you act like you really are a believer in the authentic Jesus of the Bible, you will automatically open yourself up to attack. We can see that happening right now. Presidential candidates are trying to prove themselves the better 'Christians' while simultaneously dishing someone who really seems genuinely sold out to Jesus. Is there reason for this mentality? Yep!
Matthew 6:11. "Blessed you are when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad!!" In otherwords, when everybody gets upset because a politician is actually acting out the faith he or she professes, EXCELLENT. Don't get mad, get glad. That is how it is designed to happen. It is also why most Christians have an aversion to entering the political field. You can't react like the devil when you are accused of looking like Jesus! Honestly, I prefer trying to look like Jesus in the everyday world where there are no cameras or talking heads to take me apart, but the days of comfortable Christianity are about over; publically and privately.
The fact is, most of us are smart enough to be good governors but we're probably not mean enough. To me, that is a sad commentary on the state of our society and political system and may be a reason why more true believers should be getting involved. What does all of this tell us? Rojoice when men revile you and, pass the ballot. The elections are coming.
Happy voting. Pastor Jim

Grab Life By The Tail

My dog 'Harley' hates squirrels. He hates them with a passion. He will tear through a foot of snow (about his own height) to get at one of those rascally critters. At times, he even hallucinates that a squirrel has invaded his domain. In those moments, the inside of the house is quite peaceful.
I remember the day he finally caught one. Out the back door and off the deck he flew, snatching the squirrel by the tail as it climbed to the top of the fence. The problem is, you really do not want to catch a squirrel by the tail. It makes them mad. Sure enough, the squirrel turned and latched on to the top of Harely's scruffy head. (He is a long-haired Jack Russell Terrorist) The dog took off across the yard, shaking his head with a fury while the little rodent held on for dear life. It continued as long as Harely had the little guy's tail in his mouth. He didn't chase squirrels again for a week or two.
Life can be like Harley and the squirrel. In fact, I believe God meant it to be that kind of adventure. Jesus said in John 10:10, "It is only the enemy that comes to steal, kill and destroy. I have come so that you might have life to the fullest."
Wow! From time to time, people get so beaten up by life that it becomes easy to simply give up, surrender to the inevitible. But belief in Christ is a violent act of the will that turns from the things that kill, to placing faith in the only one who can give real life. That would be Jesus.
So, no matter what circumstances surround you, grab life by the fury little tail and hang on! More importantly, take hold of Jesus. An adventure awaits. Merry Christmas, Pastor Jim

The Christmas Cookie Plague

I'm getting really sick of Christmas cookies. They're everywhere. Choclate, double-choclate, double-choclate with white choclate chunks, sugar, oatmill, oatmill with sugar sprinkles and on and on it goes, in and in they go. Into my mouth!
I can't seem to stop putting them into my mouth even though my mouth and stomach and wife cry, "MODERATION!" It is like a sickness, a plague, an addiction. I know I should stop but I caaaaaannntttt....no, actually I WON'T.
You see, it is not sickness or plague. It is a willful act.... Shall I say it? It is like sin....the three letter 'S' word that we want to blame on everyone else. The problem really is us. The Apostle Paul used it for a word-skit in Romans 7. He said something similar to what I just wrote about cookies. I know I shouldn't but I do it anyway. Sound familiar.
Do you know how to beat it? Sin, I mean. You beat it by admitting you can't beat it. Anyone who says they can or have beaten it is a liar. Sorry for the hard word but it isn't mine. It's from another Apostle named John in the first chapter of his letter, 1 John. When we come to the end of our ability to beat our sin addiction, in steps Jesus to show us it has already been whipped. It happened on a cross and an empty grave about 2000 years ago. That is why we have to fully rely on his strength and holiness instead of our own. Yup, I'm a cookie adict. And I'm a sin addict. I don't like it, don't want it, but there it is. The cool thing is, Jesus is a forgiveness addict. He can't help it. Tell him about your addiction, your sin, your 'cookie' and he'll tell you about his. His is better for us! Pastor Jim

This One is For Men

My favorite class of football is about to 'kick in' again. Since the Chiefs are basically a way to fall asleep in my recliner, I'm talking about College football. You know, MU, KU, OU, NU, every other U. The Bowl Season is upon us. No Cornhuskers, but still football.
So, you ask, what does football have to do with God? Why would God be interested in nearly grown men rolling around in the dirt? Well, I have some thoughts on that, thoughts that may ease your guilt for loving the game so much. Now you're reading with enthusiasm aren't you. (Might even catch one of you women smiling:-)
Let's see....the last time I read anything about God and dirt was, five minutes ago. There was this blind guy, no sight since birth, just hanging out waiting for a kind soul to give him a bit of monetary help so he could buy his daily bread. Jesus walked by, shot a glob of spit into the dirt, and rolled it into a mudball. He then smeared it on the man's eyes and told him to head to the local water hole and wash off the guk. When it was done, the man was no longer blind. You can read it John 9.
Then there was the time God made a really big mudball and breathed into it. The mudball became a man who sat up, rubbed his eyes, and praised his maker. (That's in Genesis)
Football? I made that part up. God doesn't care that much about football. He does care about YOU. He had a thought and the thought became you. You were 'made up' in His mind, not some bowl of primordial soup. So, play some football if your'e able, watch some if your not. Most of all, PRAISE the one who still likes you --even during football season!!!
Pastor Jim

Ridin' With The King

I was listening to a cool song earlier today. It is called "Ridin' With the King." It made me visualize what it is going to be like someday, for all who believe in Jesus, to ride into the atmosphere on horses with the King.
Revelation 19:14 says, "And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses."
Rather than get that old feeling of 'Christian Arrogance,' a sense of humility climbs up out of my soul. For some indescribable reason, Jesus has picked out a horse for me so that I can ride with him. He's done the same for you too. There is absolutely no reason for him to do that other than the fact that he really does love us. I certainly do not deserve the honor!
There is a yearly ritual in a city called Cali, Colombia. We lived there for four exciting years. It is called the Cabalgata. Literally thousands of beautiful Arabian horses, trained as walkers and arrayed in garnished leather, beads, ribbons, and more make a twenty-three mile ride from the north end of the city to the south. It is incredible to see the regal way both horse and rider hold themselves, all of the pomp and ceremony. You never forget it.
Maybe that can be a example the followers of Christ on how to live a bit above the mediocrity of our culture and start to think more regally. No, not with that pompous 'holier than thou' attitude that pushes so many away from us in terror and disgust, but with a humility that makes us look to someone bigger than ourselves who already has a great plan all worked out for us.
So, lift up your head. Lace up your boots. Walk into your world like a person who has been chosen and blessed. Take a punch or two but don't let life get you down. We are children of the King and, by the way, he is coming soon!
Let's RIDE! PJim

What do you do when you don't know what to do?

I'm sitting here thinking about the moments that come along when it's easy to feel like things are out of control. You know? You just can't seem to wrap your hand around the circumstances of your life and drive them where you want them to go. It is frustrating to say the least!
I went snow skiing once. Took the beginner training class like a smart person should. I hit the bunny slope a few times and did pretty well. I'm somewhat athletic in middle age, so I thought I could handle the next level. It was great going up the ski lift. You get a wide view of people having a blast, kind of makes you smile in anticipation. Then I hit the slope. For some reason the skiis didn't work like they did on the smaller slope. I don't mind eating snow, but getting it in my ears and eyes, well that is not so fun when I'm in your 40's.
Life can be like that, the next slope up. You feel like it is a downhill run with bumps and curves, then come the trees that want to reach out and smack you. It can be easy to get down, disgusted, or even discouraged. But, there is a truth that will never bend, break, or bury you in a snow drift. Yah, it's from the Bible. Whether you really believe it or not, it is true! It goes something like this: "And one thing we know, for those who love God everything works together for the good...." That is Romans 8:28. God makes it all pan out for good in our lives no matter if we think whatever is happening is good, bad, fun, or rotten.
These are moments when it simply boils down to becoming like a trusting little kid who just reaches his hand out to his dad and says, "let's go skiing down this little hill." Don't give up, don't quit, don't let your discouragement go too deep. It will work out! He Promises!