9.  For all preachers to refrain from saying….. “you’re not hearing me”.  Or “is anybody in the house?”  Or “no, no, you don’t get it”   -  (We hear you.  We’re in the house, and we get it)

 8.  That preachers would dress more like preachers and less like country music stars

 7.  For those who “know” they have “all truth” to be more accepting of folks who may not

 6.  For preachers to come clean on what they really believe

 5.  That there would be more emphasis on Christ and less on coolness

 4.  That store receipts would cease to be a minimum of 36 inches long

 3.  That everyone would discern the difference, when posting on Facebook, between “sharing” and “bragging” 

2.  That folks would realize that a Morman in the White House who has impeccable morals would be better than a hothead from Georgia who has none – or a Muslim sympathizer whose agenda is to “transform” America

And the number one wish for 2012…….

 1.  That in November, President Obama will receive notice that he soon will be living fulltime in his home - in Chicago!

 In the mornings I have noticed those things on the ground “flat as a pancake”, as we might say in this neck-of-the-woods.  What stood bright and tall the night before, now looks as though a hurricane came through during the nighttime.  They are deflated.

As I have seen these decorations in such a state, I thought that, at the end of 2011, there are, no doubt, many people who feel like those blow-ups look – deflated.  All the air has been kicked out of them.  Lifeless.  No wind in their sails.  They one day knew what it was like to stand tall.  They knew how it felt to be energized, but no more.  They now feel as though they’ve been kicked in the gut, and there they are….. on the ground, crumpled, and lifeless. 

With the dawning of each new year, expectations soar.  This will be a great year.  I’m going to keep all of my new year resolutions.  I’ve got my second wind.  Come on, world, I’m ready for you!

However, by the time that new year is about to give way to yet another year, you feel as though it has done a number on you.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say, “I’ll be so glad to get this year behind me!  It’s been tough.  I’m glad to see it go.”  Aren’t you glad that every year is not like that?  However, we have all had years like that at some time or another. 

Usually, about this time of year, I receive quite a few newsletters from financial gurus trying to convince me and others of their special insights into the market which, if I follow their advice, will make me rich.  A year or so ago I received one that said I should buy their recommendation while it is “still under $2.00 per share”.    This guy went on to say that “you’ll be kicking yourself later as you watch this stock go to $4.00, then $5.00, then blow right past $10.00 per share”.  I saved that particular brochure to check him out a year later.  The price of the stock one year later?  Thirty-four cents.  Now, that would crumple anyone would have acted on this financial wizard’s recommendation.

Of course, there are many issues we all face as we go through life that can bring us low to the ground.  For some, it may be this down economy.  The loss of a job.  Wayward kids.  Some may have received a diagnosis of a terminal illness.  There’s somebody out there who knows this will be their last new year.  Many have lost a precious loved-one during 2011.  Such things can make anyone feel like those blow-up Christmas decorations look when they are lying deflated on the ground.

Every year you hear ministers, especially televangelists,  proclaim to their followers as the old year winds down and the new year dawns that “this is the year!”   They declare that this new year will be the year that the Lord will “restore all that the devil has stolen”.  Financial blessings will fall like rain from heaven.  Stressed marriages will be healed.  On and on it goes.   It is usually accompanied with some clever slogan in which the number of the new year is used. 

However, by the time the new year rolls around and becomes the “old year” once again, it’s the same thing.  How terrible this past year was.  How great will be the new year.  Yes, we’ve all had great years and not-so-great years.  I don’t know about you, but for me every year so far has presented good things and things I’d rather not have experienced.  I suspect it will continue that way until Jesus returns.

One more thing about those blow-up things.  Each evening they seem to come to life once again.  That which was deflated and looked defeated gains new life.  The light is on.  The fan, or whatever it is that keeps those things upright, is blowing.   As the evening shadows darken, perhaps it’s time for us to find new life in the fresh wind of the Spirit and the light of His love. 

Do you feel deflated?  Don’t be defeated!  There’s hope.  Tomorrow is a new day.  His mercies are new every morning.  The Apostle Paul certainly knew something about this:  “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;  we are perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken;  cast down, but not destroyed….” (II Cornithians 4:8-9).

A not-so-prosperous jazz musician named “Tommy” lived in a little apartment in Chicago in the 1930s with his pregnant wife.  One day he received a telegram inviting him to go to St. Louis for a gig there.  Not wanting to leave his wife, he was hesitant.  However, at her persuasion, needing money so badly, he decided to catch a train to St. Louis.  As he walked off the stage that night, word came to him that he was the father of a lovely baby son….. but his wife had died in childbirth. 

Feeling so guilty at having left her, he caught a train back to Chicago, tears flowing down his face.  Arriving at the hospital he learned of yet another tragedy – his new-born son had also died.  Unbelievable depression hit him at burying his wife and son together in the same casket. 

Weeks went by with no relief.  Depressed and discouraged, he then sat down at the piano one day and began to play.  Suddenly, a melody began to take form.  Lyrics began pouring out of his head matching the music.  He began to play and sing……

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on, to the light

Precious Lord, take me hand, lead me home

While “Tommy” was not the great bandleader of renown, he shares the same name…  Tommy Dorsey.

As we embark on a brand new year, may that be our refrain.  He’ll go with us.  He always has, He always will.  His grace is more than sufficient. 

Wishing you and yours a most healthy, happy, and prosperous 2012!

Apparently, I had a very good Christmas that particular year.  Lots of toys and goodies.  Actually, I can remember none of them except the last one that was presented to me.  Even though I was quite young, I still have memories of receiving that special gift.  It was a little, all metal (not plastic like today’s) car that I could actually get into and drive around.  The power source?  Petals.  The kind that you put your feet on and push alternately.  It had a steering wheel.  I guess you could say it was a convertible as it had no top.  You had to be able to get into it some way, so you could just step into it.  It was beautiful.  Burgandy.  How I wish I still had it.  I think they have become quite valuable.

The thing for which I became so remembered was this:  after having received so many gifts culminating with the very special little car, I simply asked a question.  “Is that all?”  I’m sure I just wanted to make sure that I had not overlooked anything, make sure I had all that was coming to me.  Well, apparently it didn’t sound that way, especially to my grandfather.  To my family who heard me that Christmas it must have sounded as though I thought there should have been more.  It must have come across as sounding ungrateful.   Looking back sixty years, I can now see how that could have been misconstrued.   My family thought they had given me an exceptional Christmas, and there I was asking if that was all!  Aggravating little kid!

You know where I’m going with this, don’t you?  I wonder if our heavenly Father who has given us so very much ever feels as though we’re saying, “Is that all?”  He has heaped blessing after blessing upon us, and yet we yearn for more.  Never truly satisfied.  There’s always that carrott on a stick for which we are striving.  There’s always somebody who always has more than we do, and we would like to “catch up”. 

Why is it that so many are never satisfied?  It’s simply because “things” don’t make us truly happy.  That dream house soon becomes just a place to live.  That “gotta-have” car becomes simply a mode of transportation.   Our electronic gadgets are almost obsolete before we ever get them out of the packaging.  We then want the latest and fastest.

We speak and sing of Jesus being that satisfying portion.  Is He?  Is He really?  I’ve often wondered why, if Jesus is all we need, that we seem to hunger and thrist after so much materialism.  The answer has to be that we’ve bought into this culture.  We’ve been affected by this modern society.  With each new thing our underlying thought seems to be, “Is that all?”. 

I’ve often heard that anticipation is greater than realization.  Many times, that’s true.  We have a major event on our calendar, something we really look forward to.  Finally, that special day arrives.  We experience that long-awaited event.  Then, in just a short while, it’s over.  Back to the calendar.  What’s the next big fun thing? 

Wouldn’t it be grand if we could actually get to the place where “godliness with contentment is great gain”? (I Timothy 6:6).   Perhaps a real look at the reason for the season would help in that regard.  Taking a new look at His lowly birth, His less than regal lifestyle while on this earth.  Getting a fresh grip on what life’s all about.  Letting the words of the wisest of all men, Solomon, sink in….. “all is vanity”. 

Recent days have heralded the fact that generous, well-to-do folks have brought much joy and happiness to many less fortunate.  The stories are numerous of folks stepping up to pay the lay-away bills of struggling folks who were hoping for a nice Christmas for their children.  Those receiving such blessings were awestruck.  It seemed as though an angel had appeared to bless them abundantly.

I’ve heard of folks from the depression years receiving  things such as an orange or an apple for Christmas.   My, how things have changed.   I certainly would not advocate it, and my grandsons are so glad,  but try giving a kid an orange for Christmas today and see what happens.  I’ll guarantee he or she will say, ”Is that all?”  For many it used to be.  For some it may still be. 

The spirit of “is that all” is simply a spirit of ungratefulness.  It reflects an entitlement mentality.  Surely, I deserve more than this!  The better way is….. “having food and raiment, let us be therewith content” (I Timothy 6:8).

May reflecting on the birth of our Savior bring  joy, peace, and contentment to each heart.   He is our all.  It is in Him and Him alone that the human heart can experience true satisfaction.  Regardless of our earthly circumstances, He has given us the greatest gift – God in human form bringing salvation and eternal life.  Nothing could be better than that. 

May you and yours have a very Merry Christmas.

Having a few years under my belt, I am interested in examining the progression (or regression) of American culture.   Have things changed for the better or for the worse?  We baby boomers have seen many changes in our society.  Some good, some not so good.

Not only am I interested in American culture, but even more so the culture of the church.  What’s been taking place there?  Has it been good or bad?  Are we growing in grace or failing to do what the church has been called to do?  Allow me to examine just one aspect of that if you will.

One man’s personal opinion:  Growing up in the church, I think the “old days” were out of balance.  Seeing the church as it is today, I still think the same.  Let me explain.

As a child, I was often fearful.  The thing that made me fearful?  The soon coming of the Lord.  Hell.  Judgment.  Eternity.  Why would these things bring fear to the heart of a child?  Because I heard them preached so much.  With much fervency, I might add.  Man, some of those guys could make you smell the sulpher!

I can remember being 8 years old and wanting so much to be able to go to youth camp.  However, in those days, you had to be 12 in order to go.  I knew I’d never get to go to camp – the Lord would surely come before that.  Well, those four years rolled around, and I got to go to camp.  Then, I thought I’d never turn 16 and be able to drive.  Never graduate.  Never get married or have children.  Every Christmas was probably the last Christmas.   I surely never thought I’d be 65 years old!  How in the world did that happen?!  I never thought I’d die.  Now, I’m beginning to think there might be a good possibility of that!

I could think that perhaps I was a little odd in feeling that way – maybe a little disorder of some kind except…..  there are others of that era who felt exactly as I did.  They’ve told me.  I’ve heard tongues and interpretation that would make you think you’d never make it home that night before the Lord returned.  Every time the moon had a reddish tint, I thought it had turned to blood.  That great and terrible day of the Lord.  We’d sing songs like You’ve got to live forever somewhere…….   Are you ready?…..  Sin can never enter there…….  (and we knew we probably had some in our lives somewhere).  Lots of things were considered “sinful”.  I think most reasonable folks would agree that this type of church and spiritual concepts could be considered a little out of whack.  Church should not make children fearful. 

So, yes, I’d say all of that was a little, or perhaps a lot, out of balance.  It wasn’t just our own local church, because I can remember the tenor of large meetings with other churches being along the same vein.  In all fairness, I too have encountered folks who tell me that their church was not like that.  While I grew up in a vibrant, dynamic church, underlying it all was fear.  At least through my young eyes.

My, what a difference a generation or two can make!  Today there is very little preached on those subjects previously mentioned.  Very little judgment, very little about hell – in fact, some are questioning whether or not there even is a hell.  Very little is spoken about our having to some day stand before the Great Judge and give an account.  (There’s an all-seeing eye watching you).

Suffice it to say, back in those days, no one was too concerned about being “seeker sensitive”.  No siree’.  I have known of visitors literally (actually figuratively) being scared to death in visiting a Pentecostal church.  Sounds a little crazy now, doesn’t it?  We believed, or some did,  in “tellin’ it like it is!”

So, where are we today?  A thousand miles from those days for sure.  Today, we are so careful, or some are, to not offend in any way.  The major theme of some ministries is telling the folks about  how successful they can be if they will just give their heart to the Lord and a lot of money to fulfill the vision of the preacher.  God has a plan for your life, which He does, and that includes big bunches of money.  Maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t.   If you’ll just give money, the more the merrier,  then the Lord will give you more money.  Then, you can really be merry! Reach your potential.  Don’t fall short of your destiny.  Back in the day, we were more concerned about our eternal destiny than our earthly one.

Feel-good Christianity seems to be the order of the day.  While I didn’t like the heavy-handedness of years past, neither do I like this all of this “God’s-going-to-make-everybody-rich” stuff either.  Can’t we find a proper balance?  Does it all have to be judgment?  Does it all have to be prosperity and let the good times roll?  Can’t we declare both the goodness and the severity of the Lord?  (Romans:11:22)  After all, both exist.  Today is a day of grace and mercy.  Yet, there is coming a day of judgment.  Let’s tell the full story, not just half of it.

Do you think that every now and then, every once in awhile, that it might be a good thing to be preached to the altar?  Not out of fear, but out of a good, healthy respect for the things of the Lord.  A need to draw closer to Him.  A need to search our hearts.  To quote an old phrase, there is a “heaven to gain and a hell to shun”.  I want to do the former.

While some ministries seem to be one-dimensional – judgment, prosperity, eschatology, godhead, tabernacle (anybody got a chart?), positive thinking, and other subjects, it seems to me that it is best for a pastor to be well-rounded, well-balanced in his ministry and subject matter.  One of the things I’ve always appreciated about a well-balanced church is that you just never knew what each service would be.  There was not a sameness to it.  There might be rejoicing or soul-searching.  While we need to be circumspect, we need not be fearful.  Let’s not scare our kids half to death.  For the most part, let’s preach the good news.  However, let us also not fail the warn the wicked to turn from his evil way.

In an unbalanced world, let’s live balanced, preach balanced, and stay balanced.

I see many who are surely exercising their constitutional right to the pursuit of happiness.  Happy, happy, happy.  Let the good times roll!  Never a dull moment, never a down day.  Life is a bowl of cherries.  It seems that happiness has become an end in itself instead of simply an outgrowth of just living life as it comes.   We really work at it – being happy that is. 

Hey, I’m a happy guy!  Really, I am.  However, I don’t go around telling everyone how happy I am.  Truth be told though, there are some days that are more happy than others.  In fact, I’ve seen some days, unlike some, where happiness seems to be quite elusive.  It may stay gone for a couple of days or so.  Maybe more…. but it always comes back.  Eventually.  Thank God!

To me the “sky-high” folks seem somewhat fake.  Why do we always feel compelled to impress others with how happy we are?  All of this positive thinking stuff has really had an effect, hasn’t it?  God forbid that any of us could ever have a down day and anybody find out about it.  They may think there’s something wrong with us!  Heaven forbid!

I consider myself a positive thinker.  I’ve had enough occasions in my life where I could have thrown in the towel if I had not been.  I’m an optimist – a “realistic” optimist.  I’ve had goals, and I have goals – realistic ones.  Ones that may stretch me to reach them, but through positive thinking, hard work, and God, they are reachable. 

It seems to me to be somewhat of a mixed bag this year.  Thanksgiving always causes us to stop and be more aware of God’s manifold blessings.  Family, friends, good health, and having enough to live on and make ends meet seem to head the list.  However, I know many who are struggling this year.  A family member is seriously ill.  For some this is the first Thanksgiving since that precious loved one passed away.   The day will be different this year for sure.  Actually, it will be less happy.  A tinge of saddness.  For others, they struggle through this economic downturn. 

All of us, I hope, are thankful for this wonderful country in which we enjoy such freedom.  However, to be honest, my faith and confidence that we’re going to be able to pull things together is not as strong as it used to be.  We’re so divided politically.  Super committees can’t seem to get their heads together and work out our problems that are killing us.  Debt continues to pile up at an alarming rate.  It’s not just us, it’s worldwide. 

In some ways these could be considered the best of times and the worst of times.   The times they are a changin’.  They’ve always been a changin’.  Sometimes for the best, sometimes for the worse.  We adjust.  But through it all we’ve learned to trust in God. 

As Thanksgiving 2011 dawns, we give thanks.  Genuinely, from our hearts.  Regardless of circumstances around us, good or bad, I hope we can say “all is well”.  The only way we can say that is to have a deep abiding confidence in Him.  Knowing that whatever we are in His hands and His care. 

Looking back over the years, I rejoice in what the Lord has brought us through.  Triumphantly.  The year 2011 brought us some very unwanted and unexpected news.  On June 15 as I sat in a waiting room while Donna was having an examination, a nurse called me into an office telling me that the doctor would like to talk with me.  I knew that wasn’t good.  Then, I heard that dreaded word, the “C” word, that turns your blood ice-cold.  He informed me that he had found a malignant tumor in Donna’s body.  He wanted me to go with him to her bedside to inform her.  I wanted to throw up. 

After months of chemo and radiation, we are within a week now that that tumor will be removed through major surgery.  Never before have we faced such a test physically.  We’re hopeful.  Prayers have been prayed – not only by us, but by many.  We’re grateful for them.

The song says it so well…… “I’ve had my share… of life’s ups and downs”.  Then it goes on to say, “God’s been good to me…… and the downs have been few”    And so He has.  And so they have. 

Sorry, happy campers, but life can beat us up a little now and then.  Hold on.  If you haven’t experienced that yet, you will.  I promise.  No one escapes.  But this I can tell you, in the midst of the storm all can be well.  How can all be well when the storm is raging?  How can all be well when we face life’s difficulties?  All because of one reason…..  that we abide in Him.  That our faith and confidence is in Him.  We trust Him.  He’s got the whole world in His hands.  He’s got your world and my world in His hands.   All things work together for good. 

So whatever you may be facing this Thanksgiving 2011, I trust that all is well.  I trust that there is that deep abiding peace in your soul.   That peace that passeth all understanding. 

I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, but if life’s circumstances have taken a little sheen off of the “happy” part, I trust that deep in your soul You can say, “all is well.”

What’s all of this “Occupy Wall Street” business about anyway?  From Wall Street it has spread to many other major cities across the land.   While it appears to be leaderless and without clarity of purpose, it has resulted in people camping out in parks and other public areas.  This has bred violence, sexual assults, and even murder in some places.  The biggest beef of those involved appears to be against the wealthy and how they have ripped off everybody.  “We’re the 99%!  The 1% has taken advantage of us!”

A few weeks ago, Donna and I were visiting in Nashville.  One day while enjoying the sights and sounds of downtown, here they came – the occupiers – marching down the center of the sidewalk, placards in hand, chanting ridiculous slogans.  The next day an article appeared in The Tennessean about the Occupation of Nashville.  One participant bemoaned the fact that she had lost her laptop in all the hubbub.  Another, a masssage therapist, was saddened that her BlackBerry had been stolen out of her pocket while she slept.

It got me to thinking….. 20 years ago no one had a laptop – or BlackBerry.  Suddenly nearly everyone has these things which cost a good deal of money.  Yet, folks who have more than they’ve ever had feel poor.  They feel disadvantaged, that life is unfair.  The wealthy are out to get us “little people”.  We don’t stand a chance (in this the greatest country on the face of the earth).

Have you ever stopped to think how much is spent today on cell phones, computers, DSL connections, IPads, IPods, flat-screen televisions, cable connections, satellite dishes, and the like?  And yet, most everybody has all of that.  None of those expenses figured into the American household budget until recent years. 

It’s true that in some areas there has been greed and mismanagement that is beyond the pale.  Taxpayers should not be required to bail out big business.  However, we are creating class warfare that is threatening the very fabric of our society.

I have noticed that the same folks who rant and rave about CEO pay have no qualms with the likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and others making untold millions.  In fact, they lay out big bucks for a “23″ jersey.  Air Jordan tennis shoes .   Let Julia Roberts come out with a new movie, for which she may have been paid $20 million for a few months work, and these same folks flock to see it.  It matters not to them what the cultural icons are making.  Michael Jackson was not a poor man.  Yet, he was a hero to untold millions – many of them poor. 

I have become weary with the constant degrading of wealth and accomplishment in our society.  In this great nation, I would expect there to be those who excel and reach staggering heights of success.  There are folks with whom I could compare myself and feel that I’ve been shortchanged.   On the other hand, there are many with whom I could compare and feel mightily blessed.  If someone has more than I do, I don’t get angry with them because of it.  If I were to be angry, it would be with myself.   Perhaps I didn’t apply myself as much as they did.  Maybe I didn’t work as hard, study as hard.  Save as much.  Or maybe, just maybe,  I’m just not as smart. 

Do we realize just how much the wealthy contribute to this society?  Around the world there are more than 2,500 libraries as a result of the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.  Bill Gates was not born wealthy.  No, he was a nerd who applied himself.   Look at the jobs he has created,  the wealth others enjoy because of his accomplishments.  And, he’s giving away most all of his fortune.  The same with Warren Buffet. 

Here in our area lives Les Wexner, CEO of Limited Brands.  Several decades ago he borrowed $6,000 from his mother to start a retail business.  Today he is a billionaire who employees thousands of folks around  the world.  His contributions to the Columbus area are unbelievable – too numerous to mention.   Cancer centers, heart hospitals, and children’s hospitals bear the names of benefactors who have helped untold thousands of needy people. 

In this recent election, Ohio voted down by a large majority SB5 which would have required public employees, police, firefighters and other union folk, to pay 10% of their own retirement cost and 15% of their medical insurance.  Nope.  Not gonna happen.  Let other people pay it for us.  Let the taxpayers do it. 

I have heard people who were ecstatic over the fact that their employer in the private sector matched whatever they personally put into their own retirement fund.  That’s 50/50.  These folks would not even accept 10/90.  This sense of entitlement that has swept our nation could very well be the financial ruin of our country.  We’re on the brink right now. 

Can a poor man give another man a job?  Doesn’t it take wealth for our society to function as it does?  Of course, it does.  I’m a firm believer that few know the cost and commitment that an individual has paid in order to become successful in business or other pursuits of life.  Many would not pay the price – neither will they reap the rewards. 

The “Parable of the Talents” (Matthew 25:14) pretty well lets us know that not all are going to have the same in life.  One was given five talents, one two, and another just one talent.  The man with the five talents turned them into ten;  the one with two, four.  However, the one with just one talent did nothing with it, and had nothing to offer his Lord.

We hear a lot of talk today about “re-distributing the wealth”.  That is a concept where those who have should give to those who have not.  As shocking as it may seem, this is totally opposite of what the Bible teaches.  The one talent that was given to the man who did nothing with it, had it taken from him and given to the man who had ten talents.  Talk about reverse distribution! 

Please understand, we are to help the poor, the legitimate poor, but the same Bible that teaches us that also declares that if a man doth not work, neither shall he eat. 

I’ve about had it with the whining occupiers – those with the laptops, smart phones, and SUVs.  These folks are rich in comparision to millions around the world.  Being jealous simply because someone may have more betrays an ungrateful heart.  It might be best for them to pack up their tents, go home, and get to work.

With recent years bringing bigger churches, multiple ministries, outreaches, and programs, it has become paramount that church leadership be proficient not only in “leadership” qualities, but also in management.  Pastors have not only the spiritual side of the church to care for, but also the business side.  It is of utmost importance that both be taken care of in a way that brings glory to God and a good report of those who are without. 

A friend of mine recently told me about a time years ago when he was an assistant pastor in what was then a very good and vibrant church for its time.  The pastor was well-known and was one of the organization’s top leaders.  One day the pastor decided that they were going to do as a larger church did in a neighboring city – have regular office hours.   So, on a Monday morning the pastor and assistant pastor met at the church to begin this new schedule.  They sat in the pastor’s office awhile, discussed a few things, and then sort of ran out of stuff to do.  They tried again the next day.  This lasted for just a few days, and it was decided that it really wasn’t working too well.  They went back to the normal pastoral schedules of that time – going to church on church nights, going home, and making a few visits during the week.  Not much going on between service times.

Not so today.  Most pastors, at least those who are progressive,  have more on their plate than they can handle.  A staff is needed to take care of things on a daily basis.  Keeping up with it all can become a great challenge.

It’s so easy for a pastor to become weighted down with the mundane.  So much to see about.  If he is not careful, he can easily let the more important things (spiritual) slide while he takes care of less important things (business).  While both are important, God has called His ministers to be spiritual leaders, not CEOs of a business. 

How often have you found yourself with too little time to prepare your message?  Hesitantly, I admit to a few times of having gone to church with no earthly idea of what I was going to preach.  Disgraceful.  Those are the times that one is trusting God that it will be one of those services – “no preaching”.   There was so much to do and take care of that I either didn’t have time or was too burned out to get it together.  However, there was a time that, as pastor, I was preaching or teaching five times a week and also doing a radio broadcast.  That too is disgraceful.  No man has that much to say.  Perhaps that is one reason why many pastors today would prefer having one service on Sunday.  Oh, I know it used to work well, and sometimes still does, but many have found that it works just as good or better to prepare for that one service, have a word from the Lord, and not be burdened with having to “come up with something” for the evening service.  If we’re honest, we’d admit that most have one good, heart-felt message for Sunday.

While some fail miserably, most pastors are pretty astute businessmen.  They know how to get a bargain – do they ever!  For some, the business side really gets their juices flowing.  It gives them an outlet for their entrepreneural side.  At times, that is easier to perform than the spiritual dimensions of a church.  However, when a pastor finds himself more immersed in business than spiritual matters, it should be a warning sign.  What’s one to do?  How can it all get done?

Ofttimes, the answer is to delegate certain aspects of the church to others.  Doing this, it’s easy for the pastor to begin to think of himself as a CEO, a manager of sorts, if you will.  The pastor may delegate certain areas that he finds less attractive – like hospital visits and shut-in calls.  He’s simply become too busy to care for the flock – or so he thinks. 

I’m thinking of two pastors of large churches who never outgrew visiting hospitals and calling on people.  One is deceased, the other still active.  Believe me, both of these men are honored and beloved.  After all, shepherds are to “care” for the flock.  Like it or not, most people prefer a visit by the pastor as opposed to a staffer. 

It’s become somewhat of a joke that some “love God, but can’t stand His kids”.  Some pastors actually act as if that is the case.  They love the pulpit.  However, when the service is ended, they head straight to their office and close the door behind them.  They love staff meetings, planning, and casting a vision.  CEO or pastor?  CEO or shepherd?

When the business side of a church becomes overwhelming, it’s better to appoint elders, deacons, executive directors and the like to help in that endeavor than to become bogged down to a point where the spiritual side of the church is slipping.  If a man wants to become a businessman, there’s a big old world out there in which one can try his talents.  Otherwise, if we are called to be pastors and spiritual leaders, our mandate is rather clear.

“Feed the flock of God which is among you……” (II Peter 5:2).

“Preach the word;  be instant in season, out of season;  reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (II Timothy 4:2).

While a pastor is an overseer of all aspects of the church, his first and foremost calling is to care for the flock of God.  Let the CEOs do their thing on Wall Street, the banks, and the market place.  Let the pastors do their thing which will have reward far beyond this present world. 

The business world has its CEOs.  The church has its pastors.  One may affect the stock market, the other affects eternity.

Upon sitting down and starting my meal, it wasn’t too long before I needed more diet Coke.  I may have eaten nearly half of my dinner at this point.  So, I got up and went to the pop machine to refill my glass.  I can’t remember if I had to wait for others to refill theirs before it was my turn or not.  However, in any case, it didn’t take long.

Upon returning to my table, I was quite surprised.  My entire meal had vanished!  I mean gone!  My newspaper ended up in the trash bin where you are supposed to dispose of your stuff when you are finished eating.  Some little waitress apparently thought I was done and had left, so she took care of business – my business.  Howbeit a little prematurely. 

What is it with restaurant personnel these days.  You’re eating your salad and someone pipes up and says, “you still working on that?” 

“Uhhh…. yes I am.” 

Why the rush?  What’s the deal?  I’ve been told I’m a very slow eater.  I’ve also been told it’s because I talk too much.  Hey – I’m not the only one doing the talking!  My excuse is that I have a small esophagus.  I found that out a few years ago when I needed an endoscopy.  I was supposed to be “out”, but I well remember the doctor trying to poke that thing-a-ma-gig down my throat.  Not a pleasant experience to say the least.  Little pills are o.k., but big pills can get lodged in my throat.  Again, not something I like.  I’m so unlike my dad who also had an endoscopy.  The doctor wanted to put him out, but Dad asked him how big the thing was that was going down his throat.  When the doctor showed it to him, Dad said, “Well, I’ll just swallow it.”  And swallow it he did!  Not me! 

I know, I know.  You’re thinking that this is more information than you ever needed to know.  Too much info, in fact.  Probably so.

However, this little experience of having my dinner jerked away from me prematurely brought a spiritual thought to my mind.  Many who read this blog will well remember the old song:

Jesus has the table spread, where the saints of God are fed   

He invites His chosen people come and dine

With His manna He doth feed, and supplies our every need  

Oh, ’tis sweet to sup with Jesus all the time

I haven’t heard that song in a long time, have you?  Man, we sure used to sing it alot.  With gusto, I might add.  It was a good song back in the day.  Probably wouldn’t go over too well in this day though.  A song with the word “sup” in it?  Don’t think so.   In no way am I suggesting that song be added to the Worship Director’s repertoire.  Best to simply let it be a part of yesteryear.

I wonder how many times, though, the Lord does actually set a feast before us when we gather together for worship.  There’s everything we hunger for.  Everything to quench the thirsting of our souls.  But….  the good folks running the service simply jerk away the feast before we have consumed it.  Time for the next video.  Offering time.  There are announcements that need to be made about the new Jazzercise class this coming week.   So, the satisfying portion that could be ours if we were allowed to finish what the Lord had prepared for us is never realized.  We listen to the sermon.  It’s good, but not as good as the one the Lord Himself wanted to preach.  The results are no where near what they could have been – if the church would have been encouraged to “dig in”.  Broken relationships could have been mended, diseased bodies healed, captives set free, marriages strengthened, and on and on……..

But, no.  We have our programs.  We keep the folks about an hour to an hour and a half these days.  Keep it rollin’.  Like clockwork.  No dead spots.  No lingering.  Shut ‘er down, and git ‘er done!

What has happened to “waiting on the Lord” during a service?  Anybody out there who remembers what “flow” is?  The flow of the Spirit?  It takes a sensitive leader to be cognizant of what the Lord is wanting to do in a service and to encourage the people to “reach out” to Him. 

I remember when preachers at times would simply start a chorus that would strike a chord with the congregation.  That doesn’t happen as much any more.  The music folks probably wouldn’t know it anyway.  Best to let them run that part.  Stay with the program. 

Now, lest you think I’m advocating long, drawn out services where we all get a little spooky and such, not so.  This is not something that happens in every service for sure.  However, God help us to never get away from being in tune with our Lord in such a way that we can detect a special moving of His presence in our services.  I’m all for letting go of many things of the past.  They need to be let go .  However, there’s one thing I never want to let go of –  His presence.

Johnny B’s was good enough to give me another dinner when I explained my situation to the guy at the counter.  Concerning the feast that the Lord prepares for a certain time, we may never recover that particular blessing  if it is jerked away from us before we’re finished.  We leave the sanctuary with a still-hungry feeling when we could have gone home full and satisfied.

Don’t take away my dinner!

As a boy I heard accounts of Pearl Harbor.  I heard recordings of radio broadcasts on that infamous day reporting the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  I knew this horrific event was the impetus to World War II.  A war that sent my dad, before he was my dad, and many other dads away from their homeland to fight for our freedom that has been tested time after time.   A war that cost over 400,000 American lives.  Lives cut short in their prime.

America’s a big deal.  The biggest deal on the block of planet earth.   Don’t mess with America.  We’re bigger than anybody else, at least in power and might, and we can whip everybody.  We carry a big stick, and, while we prefer not to, we’ll use it if we have to.  A least we were all conditioned to believe so. 

From what many thought to be an accident on that bright morning soon turned to an unbelievable reality when a second plane crashed into the second World Trade Center tower.  America was under attack.   Fire stretching heavenward.  Black, billowing smoke coming from the epitome of America’s economic icons.  People literally jumped to their death to avoid the searing fire.  Then, the unthinkable happened.  One tower buckled and crumbled.  Not long afterward, the second tower did the same.  Thousands of people lost their lives.   The human tragedy  and sorrow would make the hardest of hearts melt.   Its was an unbelievable, unthinkable, and mortifying loss to so many families.  It was a day that affected all Americans.  A day that would forever change our country as we had known it. 

One of the most memorable pictures happened a day or so later when then President George W. Bush climbed up on the rubble and was handed a megaphone.  With his arm draped around an emergency worker, the president promised his countrymen that the people who knocked down these two buildings would hear from all of us soon.  And so began two wars – Iraq and Afghanistan.  As a result of these wars, two of the world’s most wicked men, Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden are dead.  One hanged at the end of a hangman’s noose.  The other looked down the barrels of high-powered guns before powerful bullets shreaded his head.  His final resting place?  The ocean. 

For once the problems that divide Americans were put on hold.   We rallied as a nation.  Patriotism flourished.  People re-thought their priorities.  Church attendance increased.  Democrat and Republican congressmen/women sang  God Bless America on the steps of the U. S. Capitol building hand-in-hand, arm-in-arm.   Flag sales went through the roof.   The most horrible of days brought out the best in us.

It’s now been ten years.   The poignancy of the ten-year anniversary and commemoration ceremonies were bittersweet.  Ground Zero shows little if any of the destruction.  Two below-ground waterfalls cascade into reflecting pools which occupy the footprint of what used to be those two magnificent buidlings.  Each person’s name who lost his or her life has their name forever engraved in bronze plaques surrounding those waterfalls.  Loved ones visited and found their names.  Renewed hurt.  Resurrected memories. 

American Christians were saddened when New York Mayor Bloomberg declared that the ten-year anniversary doings were to be secular in nature with no prayers allowed.   Without a doubt there were many prayers on that fateful day coming from the smokey rubble.  So, it was music to our ears when President Obama began reading…..  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof…… the Lord of hosts is with us”  (Psalms 46).

Of course, New York was not the only target of evil men that day.  The Pentagon was also hit.  Ordinary Americans refused to allow another plane to take out the White House or Capitol building as they flew over the fields of Pennsylvania and brought that plane down to earth resulting in their deaths.    America was in turmoil.  Our leaders had their hands full.

Evil does exist in this old world.  Unbelievable evil.  The prince of darkness had his dirty hands in this day.  Unthinkable evil. 

The ceremonies and funerals that followed that fateful day were many.  It calmed us, even though healing of this gaping wound was a long way off – if it were ever to be at all. 

Slowly but surely, America began to jell once again.  Life had to go on.  Sadly, it didn’t take too long for the unity of our countrymen to dissolve once gain to the usual rancor.  All one has to do is to listen to the political debate in this country to know that the hush and solemnity that 9/11 brought us has evaporated.   Priorities turned upside down again.

Inconvenient necessities have been thrust upon us as a result of this day.  Getting through the airport is a big hassle.  Undetected cameras are everywhere.  I wonder how many times during the course of a day that our picture is on a security reel somewhere?  Many, I’m sure.   We look at foreigners a little differently than we used to.  We’re still a little on edge.  And rightly so.

However, I still believe in this great land.  In spite of  all the ungodliness, I know that the vast majority of the American people are good people.  Hate-filled terrorists may knock down our buildings, but they can never take away our American values or shake our faith.  Our enemies struck our financial and military centers, but they can never destroy the heart of our nation.  That is because the heart of this great nation is families gathering around our dinner tables.  Going to our houses of worship.  Living our lives knowing that this world is temporal, that there’s another world awaiting. 

So until then…….our hearts will go on singing.   Until then, with joy we’ll carry on.

That can be a good thing or a not-so-good thing.   Certainly,  ministers should be steadfast.  A minister who is tossed to and fro with every passing wind would soon lose the respect of the people he pastors.  On the other hand, it’s a small step from being resolute to becoming stubborn.  Have you ever known a stubborn preacher?  My guess is that you have.  Some refuse to change at all about anything for fear that it would make them appear less than wise.  Actually, the opposite may be true.

Without a doubt you have run into folks who knew everything about child-rearing – but had no children.  Let them get a couple little darlin’s of their own, and they then realize that they really didn’t know as much as they thought they did!  The stern discipline that they thought they could administer just doesn’t always work out the way they had planned.  Little Johnny or little Susie  have a mind of their own.  They want to play when they should be asleep;  they want to talk when they should be quiet;  they just do what they want to do when they want to do it – much to the chagrin of their parents. 

One of the greatest responsibilities a man of God has is the rearing of his children.   What has he accomplished if he loses his own flesh and blood?  As you well know, all too often a minister is so busy saving the world that he neglects his own family.  Those children may grow up to resent the church and the ministry.  The tales that many have to tell are quite sobering.  And sometimes surprising. 

Ministers’ children live with an added weight of responsibility that most other children do not carry.  They are expected to be role models.  Perfect.  No messing up – in any way.  It’s a high bar that has been placed before them.  A heavy burden.  Sometimes it’s a standard that’s almost impossible for them to live up to.  And few do. 

Ministers usually do have model families, however - when the kids are about ten years old and younger.  They’re paraded up to the platform.  Here’s the perfect family – the preacher’s family.  They’re all serving the Lord.  They model good behavior.  Who could ask for anything more?  The saints asks their kids, “why can’t you be like the preacher’s kid?”  Then, before long, you find out that they are.  The preacher’s little angels don’t always stay little angels.  The saints’ kids are so ornery because they’re hanging out with the preacher’s kids.  Or is that the other way around?   Actually, it works both ways.

Here’s a good rule of thumb.   Be very careful about bragging too much on how good your kids are.  Be careful about showcasing them and telling everyone just how perfect they are.  Those cute little do-no-wrong kids can grow up to be hell on wheels.  We all hope and pray it doesn’t happen, but sometimes it does.

Here’s the rub.  It’s so easy for a pastor to attempt to enforce very high standards.  Be hard on everyone.  Make them toe the line.  Show little mercy for unrighteous behavior.  Rail on drugs.  Be hard as nails on anyone who gets a divorce.  Then, of all things, that cute little preacher’s boy who loved God so much and could sing his little heart out and bang those drums like nobody’s business, or tickle the ivories,  becomes involved with drugs – or turns out to be homosexual.   That cute little curly-haired girl becomes a teen – and  pregnant.   The beautiful wedding where the pastor could hardly contain his emotions while performing his daughter’s marriage ceremony becomes a faint memory.  Daughter comes home and says, “Dad, I’m leaving him.  We’re getting a divorce.” 

What is the greatest preacher changer you may ask?  What can change a preacher when nothing else can?  His kids.  Then, instead of being as hard on his own as he was on others, it’s suddenly, “well, things happen.   He started running with the wrong crowd.  No, she didn’t have biblical grounds to leave him, but she was just so unhappy.”

It is a terribly sad thing when bad things happen to preachers’ kids, but they do.  It’s almost unbelievable what has happened to some children who grew up in a pastor’s home.   I remember having wonderful kids in youth camp.  Today, some of them are far, far away from God.  It’s tragic.  Kids can turn out rotten when it appears that they came out of a model home.  Truth be known, it may have been great, or it may have been not so great.  No one really knows what goes on behind the scenes.  Grown kids’ testimony of how they felt as they were being raised ofttimes paints an unfavorable picture of the preacher’s home life.  I’ve heard many.  On the other hand, kids can go bad who have been reared in wonderful, God-fearing homes too.  That’s so hard to understand, and so sad. 

I have known of ministers who have been so hard on others, but then change when it’s their own kids who get into trouble.  In fact, I’ve seen churches split over this very thing.  Am I saying that the minister should be hard and unmerciful on his own kids?  No, of course not.  What I am saying is that he should be wise enough and caring enough to be kind and understanding when it’s someone else’s kid too.  One’s own children can have a sobering effect on preachers.  I don’t care where your kids are in life, it’s not over.  You may think you have a perfect family – until tomorrow.  A phone call can change it all. 

It’s well known that prominent preachers have bailed their own preacher-sons out of trouble – trouble that no one else would have survived.  In fact, trouble of the sort that anyone else would have had the boom lowered on them.  And hard.

Of course, any parent would do all he or she could to help an offspring in need – whatever it may be.  And that’s the way it should be.  The only difference is that we should all show the same love and mercy to others that we would to our own. 

Preacher changers?  Their kids.  They can make a preacher have second thoughts about the legalism they one day embraced – and made others embrace as well.