Rock, Paper, Scissors: Winning at the Game of Life.

In reading the text in Matthew 7:24-29 we find the important understanding of building on a solid foundation.

Read the passage as a back drop:

24 "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash." 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority--quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

A viscous contest of the game, rock, paper, scissors challenges are fun ways to settle disputes. Rock beats scissors... Scissors beats paper... Paper beats rock. (A Child's Game - how to win?)

It seemed that the game is simple yet you are not guaranteed a win! It is a game of pure chance. The outcome is not predictable.

In a most unusual settlements of an American case we find legal precedence.  In 2006, American federal judge Gregory Presnell from the Middle District of Florida ordered opposing sides in a lengthy court case to settle a trivial (but lengthily debated) point over the appropriate place for a deposition using the game of rock-paper-scissors.

The ruling in Avista Management v. Wausau Underwriters stated: Upon consideration of the Motion – the latest in a series of Gordian knots that the parties have been unable to untangle without enlisting the assistance of the federal courts – it is ORDERED that said Motion is DENIED. Instead, the Court will fashion a new form of alternative dispute resolution, to wit: at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, June 30, 2006, counsel shall convene at a neutral site agreeable to both parties.

If counsel cannot agree on a neutral site, they shall meet on the front steps of the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse, 801 North Florida Ave., Tampa, Florida 33602. Each lawyer shall be entitled to be accompanied by one paralegal who shall act as an attendant and witness.

At that time and location, counsel shall engage in one game of "rock, paper, scissors." The winner of this engagement shall be entitled to select the location for the 30(b)(6) deposition to be held somewhere in Hillsborough County during the period July 11–12, 2006.[26] (Wikipedia)

Guinness Book of World Records On the 9th of July, 2010, over 6500 attendees of the LIFE 2010 Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, participated in the largest tournament of Rock-Paper-Scissors ever.

The game of Rock, Paper, Scissors is a game of chance. You may win and you may lose because it is an uncertain game. However, winning at the game of life isn't simply chance, there is a pattern that is provided in Scripture that helps us make the right choices. Aren't you glad that Jesus provides a simple solution to the game of life? It is rather easy to determine how to win at the game of life.

If you are to win at the game of life, you must; Make wise choices & resist foolish actions.

1. Make Wise Choices!

In an article, A New Foundation, author Gary Thomas give commentary on our passage of scripture. Thomas says, "It's only when we put His words into practice that our foundation becomes sure."

Reading Matthew 24 & 25: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who builds his house on the rock. The rains came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet is did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

The lesson lies in the comparison; Rock versus Sand.

"The rock foundation represented the Lord Himself and the truths He had been presenting, especially the truth concerning inner transformation. The sand spoke of Pharisaic righteousness which the people knew and on which many were basing their hopes. In storms the first would give stability; the second would result in destruction. Thus hearing and heeding Jesus' words is wise; one who does not is foolish." Bible Knowledge Commentary

In every situation, you have to make a choice. It is at the moment of choices that we risk the greatest. It is where we are the most vulnerable. Choice means that we make a decision to go one way or another. Choice means that we have to abandon one way for the other. Choice is often made without our exploring the ramifications or consequences. Even if we don't choose, we are making a choice...indecision is a choice.

The Bible talks about comparisons in choice and action. Many stories and parables that Jesus told is about making "rock solid" decisions.

We are living in an age of uncertainty and complexity that causes, what I call, “Spiritual Dysphoria”. Read more HERE.

Examples: Only two courses of action are possible.

See a few examples. There are two kinds of roads and gates (Matt. 7:13-14 ), two kinds of trees and fruit (vv. 15-20 ), two kinds of foundations and builders (vv. 24-27 ).

1. The Two Houses - Matthew 7:24-27 (Luke 6:47-49 ) 

2. The New Cloth and New Wineskins - Matthew 9:16-17 

3. The Sower - Matthew 13:5-8 (Mark 4:3-8 ; Luke 8:5-8 ) 

4. The Weeds - Matthew 13:24-30 

5. The Mustard Seed - Matthew 13:31-32 (Mark 4:30-32 ; Luke 13:18-19 ) 

6. The Yeast - Matthew 13:33 (Luke 13:20-21 ) 

7. The Hidden Treasure - Matthew 13:44 

8. The Pearl of Great Price - Matthew 13:45-46 

9. The Fishing Net - Matthew 13:47-50 

10. The Unforgiving Servant - Matthew 18:23-35 

11. The Workers in the Vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16 

12. The Two Sons - Matthew 21:28-32 

13. The Wicked Vine-growers - Matthew 21:33-46 (Mark 12:1-12 ; Luke 20:9-19 ) 

14. The Wedding Banquet - Matthew 22:1-14 

15. The Two Servants - Matthew 24:45-51 (Luke 12:42-48 ) 

16. The 10 Virgins - Matthew 25:1-13 

17. The Talents - Matthew 25:14-30 

18. The Seed Growing Secretly - Mark 4:26-29 

19. The Doorkeeper - Mark 13:34-37 

20. The Rude Children - Luke 7:31-35 

21. The Two Debters - Luke 7:41-43 

22. The Good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37 

23. The Friend at Midnight - Luke 11:5-8 

24. The Rich Fool - Luke 12:16-21 

25. The Barren Fig Tree - Luke 13:6-9 

26. The Great Banquet - Luke 14:15-24 

27. The Unfinished Tower and the King's Rash War - Luke 14:28-33 

28. The Lost Sheep - Matthew 18:12-14 (Luke 15:4-7 ) 

29. The Lost Coin - Luke 15:8-10 

30. The Prodigal Son - Luke 15:11-32 

31. The Shrewd Manager - Luke 16:1-9 

32. The Servant's Reward - Luke 17:7-10 

33. The Unjust Judge - Luke 18:1-8 

34. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector - Luke 18:9-14 

35. The Pounds - Luke 19:11-27 --Recently reading the story of the empty structure (Gary Thomas, A New Foundation, Decision Magazine, Sept., 2012)

A man set out to repaint his house. When he started to scrape away the paint, he noticed some troubling signs and brought in a specialist to confirm his worst fears: termites. He didn't need to just repaint his house; in a very real way, he needed to rebuild it. On the outside, the house looked great! Even compared to the other houses in the neighborhood (to the left and right of his home), you could not tell there was a problem. But the weather (beatings of the wind and rain) wore away the paint only to reveal the rot within.

This is a matter of INTERNAL consequence! Yes, INTERNAL. You see, in a perfect sunny day, anyone can be envious of a beach front property! People pay great money to have an ocean side view.... Yet, when the storms of life come, your dream home will collapse.

There are many examples to illustrate this point.  I point you to a story I experienced of a man who build his house on a rock. See Roadside Ramblings (Part 2). Part two story.

The point of this is to realize that every decision has a result... Rock or Sand. We have all that we need to build on eternal values. Ephesians is a favorite book of the Bible for me. Paul admonished is to walk in the light of God’s redemptive message of hope. Ephesians 1:18 reads: "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those called -- His holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance."

If you are going to win at the game of life, you must make solid choices!

2. Resist Foolish Actions!

Actions follow choices. Choices and actions have consequences! There is more to this! It isn't enough to simply hear the Word of the Lord, you must make application - in essence, internalizing its Truth. In other words, just being able to hear the Word does not change the mind or create a better action or set the right attitude within. A continuation of the story I shared earlier provides the backdrop in Roadside Ramblings, Part 1.

"Two storms. One house stands, one falls." writes Thomas. "They both heard the words of Christ, they both studies Jesus' words, but only one kept practicing what Jesus said."

An age old spiritual battle exist. It is a battle of the head, hands, and heart. I observed over the years that the heart can beat the head... head can beat the hands... hands can beats heart.... the heart, mind, body must be surrendered to God’s Will and plan!

There are very moral church people that don't have a personal relationship with Christ. There are people who really care for those in need who do not have a personal relationship with Christ. There are those that have memorized scripture yet they miss the truth in application. The important quality must be in whether we obey the precepts of God, making them internal to our actions, knowledge that produces wisdom, and motives that reflect an eternal objective.

Thomas says, "Daily, faithful obedience to God's Word shapes our heart, transforms our will, molds our character as surely as a daily jog strengthens our heart and a thrice weekly bout in the gym brings forth muscles." He tells us that just one session isn't enough but "faithfulness, over time, produces amazing results..."

In making truth real in our lives we must not only seek to understand (knowledge) or to simple act (do something) upon what is said, but most important, we must internalize it at the heart (integrate truth into who we become). In fact, it is the three working together - head, hands, and heart - that beats sin!

Once truth converts the heart, you defeat sin.... In essence you build on the firm foundation. Like building a house upon the rock!

We make application to our lives today and take action! The Word of God relates to us in our everyday experience. The Word of God is fresh and living. It requires that we make an application to our lives and situation.

Inge Harding was one of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s students in Germany in the 1930’s, and she said that Bonhoeffer told her class:

“When you read the Bible, you must think that here and now God is speaking with me. … from the very beginning he taught us that we had to read the Bible as it was directed at us, as the word of God directly to us. Not something general, not something generally applicable, but rather with a personal relationship to us. He repeated this to us very early on, that the whole thing comes from that.” (Inge Karding, quoted in METAXAS, p. 129)

I can read the same passage over and over, and discover applications to my current situation. While some doctrinal principles are universal, most principles are the result of applying the Word to my situation. We know that God's Word never returns void, yet, as we apply the Word, we discover incredible lessons that build our testimony!

The Pharisees taught that you needed to only worry about what was external. Rules (numbering 600-plus) were defined to make sure that you were a good church person. Jesus went deeper and repaired the heart from the inside - out!

Matthew 7:28-29 reads: (28) "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, (29) for he taught with real authority--quite unlike their teachers of religious law."

Jesus taught with real authority means that, different from the law makers (Pharisees), His applied message transformed the heart...not just the head.

One of the biggest problems that the Pharisees had was that they loved to create rules that did not relate to the current needs of the day. For example: Jesus healing on the Sabbath. Jesus helping a brother get a ox out of a ditch. (ie: my helping my neighbor rake up his leaves on a Sunday afternoon... Showing him Jesus while breaking the rules.) - Referenced: The foundation is Jesus Christ. New International Version reads: "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."

To ways to win at the game of life: 1. Make Wise Choices. 2. Resist Foolish Actions.

Let me wrap this up. This article is intended to be a message to each of us individually.

Yet, I want to say a few word related to you as a congregation.

YOU HAVE A HEALTHY FOUNDATION as you keep Christ at the center of what you are doing.

Gary Thomas writes: "We must choose to obey. We must practice putting the words of Jesus Christ into action."

24 "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash." 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority--quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

Supererogation Is Not A Superhero!

Sup-er-er-o-ga-tion is a big, old English word that has been lost to more modern times. For good reason? Perhaps, but, it needs revised. Sometimes words get in the way of the message but they certainly are fun to learn when playing scrabble; like the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! The complexity of that word was made easy through a song and a familiar musical, Mary Poppins. Have I lost you yet?

This term jump out to me the other day as I read the Discipline of Doctrine of the Episcopal  Church. It was in an early 1900 version of the Episcopal Conference Discipline. Yep, I am a church nerd.

This idea that people had was a belief of "going above the call of duty" to demonstrate acts of works (believing to be super spiritual). It is the idea that somehow God would be more pleased with us if we are doing more than expected. This act of supererogation mistakenly believes that it is a means of being justified (as righteous) before God. It’s an idea likened into a child behavior that whoever does good should be treated special for their public displays of goodness.

It is hard to believe that modern day people (Christians) believe this today! While it may be that as you exceed the expectations at your earthly job, and you may receive promotions and perhaps, even a better wage; yet, this concept is not the same in spiritual terms.

The modern Anglican and many Methodist still hold to this teaching as an article of religion. It finds it’s relevance among a belief that their works somehow make them more spiritual. It is a term that if lived out can falsely teach that we can become like spiritual superheroes! As if we were trying to make God like us more as we do more good deeds.

The teaching of this act (of works) was popularized by the Reformation; a time when the Catholic Church (perhaps inadvertently) taught that good works are stored up as a bank account or penitence for times when we may fall short. Many taught that even acts of supererogation can “buy one out of purgatory.

It is illustrated best from Luke 18:14. The story is of a religious man called a Pharisee who came to the temple and demonstrated his acts of righteousness in public ways and an act of another man who was a tax collector simply begged God’s mercy. The tax collector demonstrated humility and asked for mercy while the Pharisee showed loudly his acts of self-righteousness. The Lord concluded this parable by saying:

"I tell you that this man, (the tax collector) rather than the other, (the Pharisee) went home justified before God. Everyone who exalt himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:14) 

How does this relate to you and me? If we are to understand this "superhero" word, we must apply the teaching that brings balance to humility & self-importance. We must recognize the arrogance of belief that somehow elevated our attitude above the righteousness of God. We might call this impiety; a lack of reverence of God.

Since our world is broken and people are human, it is important that we understand what God expects and the misguided idea that IF we do for God, He will reward us according to our extra good deeds. The act of good will does not prove spirituality nor does it show greater access in heavenly places.

Similarly we must also understand that self-righteous (acts of good) does not place us as more favored by God. We are not superheroes of some superior race of mankind.

Bottom line: There are no superhero’s in God’s economy. We trick ourselves to think that somehow God is pleased by our superhero good deeds. We, in error might think that we receive “quid pro quo” from God; an exchange of actions for payment or favor!

Paul, the Apostle tells us that our righteousness is as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6)

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. (Isaiah 64:6)

The teaching of supererogation should be reintroduced to the church. We must recognize that for all the good we do (which is a act of worship for God’s Glory) does not mean that God will somehow elevate our status to super-ninja Spiritual-Superhero status.

The next time I pull a quote from an out-of-print Book of Doctrines (of Methodist or others) I need to remember that every good discipleship principle should bring me to a place of humility. Even demonstrating an impressive knowledge like knowing what super ovation means does not qualify me any more righteous or give me favor in God’s economy. I am one who is equally benefiting from the wonderful grace of God’s love! 

I love the saying that I read at a restaurant while traveling: “I always try to go the extra mile at work but my boss always finds me and brings me back.”

Today, I Quit My “Job” - But, Not Like You May Think.

Well, there’s a real shocker for you! Likely you wondered, what’s up? You might’ve read the headline and drew your own conclusions but before I go any further let me explain to you in as clear of language as I can. Please don’t send comments and messages that spreads rumors. I am still employed! 

What I am discovering is that I cannot our off living until I am ready or have enough to retire. Strange isn’t it that we work all our lives for just the last few years we have to live? 

I’m still employed at my current role serving as Director of Church Engagement at White’s Residential and Family Services. I am still performing the function of my role and even expanding opportunities. Yet, something is going to be different in 2020. I can see with a renewed vision; that the why of work has little to do with my job! 

Now that I’ve got your attention however, let me take you a bit further to explain what this is all about. 

For many people their job is a chore. Many people take the attitude that they have to go to work so that they can make a living. They look at their job as a routine and often forget that it is more than that! I have heard it said that if you love what you’re doing than you are not just doing your “job” but rather you find meaning and purpose in life. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson left us a quote worthy of one of those inspirational wall posters: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Read more.

I resolve that I go to “work” not to make a living but the make a life! There is a difference between just living to work and being alive at work. 

Life is about purpose, meaning, and mission. It has little to do with a pay check. It has little to do with logging hours. It has even less to do with titles and tasks. 

Colossians 3:23-24 (New International Version) reminds us: 

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

I am reminded as 2020 is underway that just doing is not living but rather it is about being truly alive. If our job is as sacred as our purpose and mission, we will find satisfaction as well as life. 

You see, I am quitting my job of endless chores and tasks; it is not just about doing. I choose to make it about something eternal. I find joy in work because in that I discover ministry.  

What I do is with all my heart; as I am serving Christ by my daily activity. 

Pull Together!

Ecclesiastes 4:9 reads, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.”

There I was in yet another muddled matter where I had thought that I had it all together only to find out that I needed a second set of hands. I thought to myself that I could manage this heavy recliner by myself until I got to the doorway. with no place to set it down and no way to open the door I was in a difficult situation.

Human ingenuity can get me out of this, I thought. Maybe if I kick the door with my foot someone will hear me? Maybe I could haul it back to the truck and prop the door open? Maybe if I just stand here somebody will see my need and come to my rescue? 

I was barely able to stand so kicking the door with my foot was impossible! Well, I couldn’t muster the strength to carry it back to the truck! Waiting for somebody to rescue me never happened.

What happened next was a disaster. You could imagine! I just got in over my head!

Bad planning on my part. Being a Lone Ranger is not healthy. I know that about myself and yet I continue to behave this way. Instead of making several trips I try to carry all the groceries in at one time. Instead of asking for assistance I try to muscle it all on my own.

So what’s my point? Read on. 

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” - Andrew Carnegie

I think that’s the metaphor for what often happens among our churches. We tend to believe that because we have an existing congregation and because we have resources that somehow are able to carry the entire load by yourselves. Pastors are often overwhelmed. I traveled over 40,000 miles in 2019 meeting with Pastors. I met with hundreds of Pastors one on one. I’ve averaged well over 17 ministerial groups each month. I think I know something about Pastors. Besides all that, I served as a pastor for years.

We find ourselves carrying a heavy load all by yourselves with no one to rescue us and with not even enough strength to carry-on. When it comes to reaching our communities we tend to believe that “if only” they would come to my church; and we know how that goes. Yep, just like my own experience I illustrated, it results in a disaster.

Most churches average under 100. Churches that are large struggle with the prospects of finding enough volunteers to carry on the ministry. 

What if I told you that there’s an easier method?

In John 17 we find that Jesus prayed for unity. He took his disciples to a higher level of thinking. It wasn’t about who is greatest among them but about who is willing to serve. Jesus demonstrated true love by laying down his life and often we fight about preferences and ideas that don’t really matter in His Kingdom.

I believe that there should never be alone ranger in God’s kingdom. God doesn’t call us to be isolated but calls us into community. We act as if we can carry it all alone but if we are truly honest we would realize that we need each other; even if they’re from another denomination.

Recently I have been caught up in reading an incredible book that I recommend every pastor and church leader read. The book, entitled, Rooting for Rivals explores this very topic. It’s a book that challenges us to work together. As one of the authors puts it: “To focus on our unified mission and tenaciously pursue it. To do more together than we ever could do alone.”

Looking at this from the outside in, many question why the church seems to be more divided than ever before. Having been involved in ReviveINDIANA, doing prayer and evangelism, one of the biggest questions that people ask is what church are you from. The look of amazement comes over their face when we say, “We are actually from several churches.”

The authors of the book, “Rooting for Rivals” shares a startling statistic: 

When they began doing the survey in 1973, 43 percent of Americans said they placed a “great deal” of trust in “the church or organized religion.” Today, just 20 percent do. In 1973, just 7 percent said they placed “very little” trust in the church. Today, 24 percent do.

The authors, and I agree with them, believe that there’s a reason that the general public don’t trust us (the church). It is because we are not unified as described in John 17.

No matter the ministry thrust, like that of ReviveINDIANA, what matters most is that we come together. My fellow prayer partner and friend, Brian Daehn recently said, “There is no unity without a purpose.” 

So, I invite you to help me, and I help you. Instead of carrying the load all alone and isolated from community, let’s do it together. I’m certain that it starts with prayer but what happens next is up to us in cooperation with God! 

For now, let’s pull together!

Roadside Ramblings: Mission Jungle, Part 2 - God Can Use Anyone or Anything.

In my previous blog entry, I shared with you a story about doing a memorial service at the John Hancock Center in Chicago. In that story, I shared with you about how God directs us in ways that are often unexpected but that He will also be with us. 

In this edition, I want to continue the story that is  perhaps likened to times when the Lord used the most undeserving and unusual means to get His message through to people. To our surprise He may even use a donkey to convey His Will to people so undeserving of His grace. 

Read more about that story here.  Leo’s Memorial

Let me tell you the rest of the story that came as a result of doing the memorial service in the most unlikely of ways.

After preaching and praying at a memorial service a gentleman approached me and said to my amazement, “If it wasn’t for Leo, I would never have come to the Lord.” certainly with a look of interest and perhaps even shock I said to him, “Tell me more!“

If you read the first article you will undoubtedly understand my reason for amazement. The memorial service was of a man who never had a personal relationship with the Lord but in fact had the most unusual of acquaintances. One of which was a personal friend, Hugh Hefner. Likely you recognize that name; he is the founder of Playboy magazine and has established the iconic brand of the Playboy Bunny.  Leo was in the advertisement and created incredible and iconic household brands. 

The gentleman shared with me that he had known Leo his whole life. He went on to share that one of the things that Leo did for his employees was encourage them to have experiences that are outside the norm of their daily life. He would take members of his team on field trips so that they could have an understanding of how the world operated. 

One such trip that they took was to the Joliet prison. This prison is for hardened criminals! The man told me that as he went into the prison in the doors slammed behind him that, “Something shuttered within my own soul,” He offered. He described that his life was a mess and that he had done things that were tantamount to being in prison himself. 

He shared with me that as they toured the facility and he met different ones that his heart was grouped with great fear and that he couldn’t wait to get out of the place. Because of his personal relationship with Leo he told him all about it and questioned what this could mean. He shared with me that Leo simply said, “I don’t know. Do I look like a preacher to you?“

That put this gentleman on a quest to find someone who could help me understand what was going on. He said that he questioned his sanity or perhaps he needed counseling but all Leo recommended was to go see one of those preachers because they seem to have an opinion about everything.

One of the places that he went to was a church just down the road from where he lived in downtown Chicago. As he went in to chat with the pastor, he was amazed of the boldness that the pastor had about his situation. He told me that the pastor simply said, “You need to get saved. God is calling you to repent of your sin and become a follower.”

At that very moment my newly introduced friend told me that he humbled himself to accept Christ into his life. With tears in his eyes he wept as if that journey had just begun. He told me that he experienced this transformation 20 years earlier. As we stared out from the large windows at the John Hancock Center he sadly stated that he did not believe that Leo knew the Lord.

He stated that, “I often told him of the peace that I experience through that experience and the hope that he too could know of this joy.“ Yet, he shared that Leo would often say, “Good for you but that’s not for me.”

My new friend and I shared some quiet moments together as we each looked out to the Chicago skyline from those windows on the 44th floor of the John Hancock Center. He told me that, “Even God could use a man like Leo, if for no other reason but to bring me into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” He continued, “Yet, while denying himself the same joy and peace that I experience every day in my walk with Jesus.”

I am often reminded of how Nicodemus sought Jesus out in the evening and how Jesus said that you must become like a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven. It also reminded of how God not only uses miracles in our lives but sometimes even tragedies to convey his message to us because you see, God can use anyone or anything He chooses for His glory.

As Christians we as challenged to allow God to use us to make a difference. He is looking for the most humble and undeserving. That is you and that is me! 

Roadside Ramblings: Mission Jungle in Chicago - Part 1.

I drove only 17 miles from my home in the suburbs of Chicago and found myself in a mission jungle. Sometimes you just never know where God leads yet, as you remain obedient you are given an opportunity to have an extraordinary experience that forever changes your life and shapes your ministry worldview!

Let me back up for just a moment. I received a phone call from a friend of mine who said, “Hey Rick, what are you doing Sunday afternoon?” I answered, ”Well, what do you have in mind?”

At first I was thinking that perhaps my friend wanted to buy me dinner but instead he offered me an opportunity that has stuck with me now for over 13 years. My well respected friend and mentor, Rev. Howard Robbins is a pastor and ministry leader. His ministry has taken him around the world. 

He told me that there is an opportunity for me to give a eulogy and prayer at a service in downtown Chicago. Of all places, and to my surprise, this event occurred at the John Hancock building on the 44th floor. He said that he received a call from the niece of a man who was prominent. He told me just to prepare and to arrive early so that I could chat with those organizing the event but more details would follow.

Up to a challenge and a little bit naïve, I quickly wrote down as much information as I could and begin to make contact with family members. They knew to expect me but told me very little about how things would be organized. Yet, in spite of challenge, I made my way to the parking garage of the well-known Chicago high-rise, the John Hancock building. 

Entering the lobby I was escorted further to the location where the ceremony was to occur. I briefly made introduction with members of the family and was further introduced to the gentleman giving lead. The gentleman that I met had an outgoing personality with a beaming smile. He said to me, “Hello young man, I’m your emcee for today’s events!”

I thought to myself, what have I gotten myself into? I wasn’t sure if I was even in the right location because the atmosphere was rather unique. There was an open bar for anyone who wanted an alcoholic drink and some appetizers that were being catered as well. Chairs were assembled in rows like a theater with a traditional podium at the front but this was no traditional experience I ever had at a Funeral/Memorial Service. Nearly everyone was dressed in a very professional tailored attire and the crowd looked to be very wealthy. The leader, a.k.a. emcee, gave me the rundown for “today’s activities”

My emcee simply said, “I will give opening remarks and invite you to come forward to pray and then I will make other remarks and invite you to come up again and give your speech.” He encouraged me to be brief and to the point and wondered if it was OK to just simply introduce me as, “Our local padre.” Nodding my head in disbelief I was anxious just to get things underway.

Looking out the large glass windows, overlooking the Chicago Skyline, I wondered what planet I was on. Everything seemed very strange to me. I lifted up a word of prayer and ask the Lord to give me a message that would speak to everyone in attendance. The message that I had prepared for this occasion just did not seem appropriate. This was an unusual experience and likely a tremendous opportunity for those in attendance, especially for me!

The memorial service begin with a strange introduction by the emcee. While lifting up his glass of champagne for a toast to our dear departed one named Leo, I sank into my seat still praying!  

To my shock and amazement the emcee began to describe his relationship with Leo. That was the first time that I ever learned who Leo was. ”Oh, Leo!” our emcee muttered. “What could be said of a man that has done so much in his 90 years of living?“

He continued, “Leo has built the business from the ground up. He created the brand that we know as the Marboro man he promoted the sale of cigarettes that launched him into a marketing guru. He has dined with celebrities including Hugh Hefner himself. From the time they would meet in this very room & they grew an industry of the likes few can aspire to.”

I sank deeper into my seat! 

He went on to say, “Our local Padre will now open our meeting in prayer.” 

Gulp! 

With further remarks that were made by the emcee, I had wondered if I had entered a mission jungle because I understood nothing about the life and experience of nearly everyone in the room. It’s as if they spoke a different language in their customs were far from my own.  As my mind drifted and my heart beat out of my chest I continued to pray and especially as the emcee read a personal letter from Hugh Hefner. The letter was, well, let me just say that it was not G-Rated.

What suddenly brought me out of my racing mind were the words that the emcee said next. He simply said, “Well, Padre, come and give your speech!“

I was completely dependent on the Lord at that moment as I shared a message about God‘s love and plan for our sinful state of existence. I assure you that whatever I said, It had to be from the Lord because I was truly dependent on His leading at that moment. 

Remarkably, the attendees responded very well and especially as the emcee said in his own words, “Padre, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Good words!“

I mingled a bit with others including a man who had worked for Leo his entire life at the company. He remarked that he wished that Leo knew the Lord. He told me that he tried often to share his Christian faith with him but that Leo would generally reply, “That’s good for you but I’m different.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hancock_Center
Now called 875 North Michigan Avenue (175 E Delaware)

To my surprise however this gentleman told me that Leo saved his life! He said to me, “I wouldn’t be a Christian today if it wasn’t for Leo.“ With a look of shock on my face I simply replied, “Tell me more!”

He shared a remarkable story that I’ll have to pick up with you on the next edition but simply to say in his own words; “Even God could use a man like Leo, if for no other reason but to bring me into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He continued, “Yet, he denied himself the same joy and peace that I experience every day in my walk with Jesus.” 

This experience has informed me and my ministry over the years to be willing to share the good news with everyone no matter where the Lord leads you.

Spiritual Dysphoria.

I doubt that very many would disagree with me when I say that we are living in confusing and unsettling days. Just skimming the surface of news outlets and online articles can give us an unclear understanding which causes uncertain feelings about what is happening in our world.

There are disagreements about even the very facts on any given situation. Politicians spin their stories to suit their agenda. It is not just the politicians who create unsettled times. It is a time of confusion of values and ideas. It is often the arguments that we have over even the most mundane of issues that contributes to these unsettled feelings.

Not only are we unsettled emotionally but even spiritually. We wrestle with confusion and an overwhelming negative feeling. There are disagreements among Churches on issues of social values and ideas. Ultimately, the decline in church attendance is a reflection of the confusion that is prevalent.

I called this spiritual dysphoria. Let’s start with a definition of the term dysphoria.
Dysphoria is a state of feeling uneasy, unhappy, or unwell.

According to online definitions: "Common causes of this symptom
Dysphoria can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples include mood variation, grief reaction, financial difficulties, difficulties in personal or work life, or response to tragedies in the news."

This term is often associated with gender identity issues. Psychiatrist and counseling experts work with people who question their gender among other issues as well. Dysphoria is a term that is meant to describe the emotional uneasiness and unsettled emotions. Today I want to broaden that definition to apply it to what I have seen as a unsettled issue during these confusing times.

There are a variety of denominations that may contribute to the ongoing unsettled nature within our society. There are events that occur both nationally and globally that contribute to a sense of unsettledness. Nevertheless, we have a society where people have extraordinary rage. We can see it in the news reflecting their response to an unsettled spirit.

For me, biblical scriptures have become my foundation which has guided me through such confusing issues. I know, you might say that many don’t even agree with what the scripture has to offer but I’m a firm believer that unless you settle on one thing and give devotion to it, you will not likely settle on anything at all. Everyone needs an anchor and for me that anchor is found through the word of God. I have found, through the years that it is that firm foundation that has guided me emotionally and spiritually.

The following are a couple of my favorite passages that strengthen my faith.

2 Timothy 2:19 --Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

1 Timothy 6:18-19 --Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Psalms 46:2-3 --Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

If this were a sermon I would likely have three points and a few illustrations. However, for now let me just simply conclude with an encouragement to find that one thing that is imperishable that you could focus on. What is unshakable? What is that one thing that would would lean upon as a firm foundation? Something that you could build upon.

When I did probation work years ago with teenagers I worked with shoplifters. I was always amazed because when I surveyed those teens as to whether they had the money to pay for the item or not, most of them could have paid for the item with what they had in their pocket. I would take these teens through a class that focused on values. I would have them write down or prioritize from a list of values and almost all of them indicated the value of honesty as top on their list.

I would also ask them which value was most significant to them during times of trouble or difficulty?Most all of them said family was most essential to them.

Take just five minutes to answer a few questions.

One. What is your top value?

Two. Do you have a life mission statement or life scripture verse that guides your life?

Three. What is that one thing that you trust above all other things?

Can you build your purpose around these central themes?

Take just another minute or so to write a one sentence statement of your top resolution for 2020.

Name that one thing that is imperishable and focus on that to help you as you deal with spiritual dysphoria.

The Self-Centered Christian Life: Obsessed With Self-Improvement.

A new year often calls for new resolutions. Did you know that the number one resolution is weight loss. Millions will make commitments to eat less cake. Millions will make commitments to improve their lives through less or adding more! I’m amazed at how many self-help books there are published each year. We seem to be obsessed with ourselves and advertisers know that. Perhaps that’s why we see so many commercials about self improvement. We seem to be a culture obsessed with self!

We live in a very self-centered world. It seems as though that anything that is of significant value we tend to possess and take an inward consideration. Even in our spiritual development we are often encouraged to personal growth. We are invited to more Bible studies or to take on spiritual habits yet my call today is perhaps quite the opposite as I reflect upon this new year and making resolutions.

Churches across America undoubtedly preached a sermon related to mission or vision or even making a new year resolution. Likely churches preach on the importance of discipleship and personal growth. This is an all bad however I wonder if this truly is what God expects of us.

Obviously we need to be a follower of the Lord, Jesus Christ and further be equipped for every good work but that essentially may be my point. I read often that God is calling us to live out our faith not develop an inner presence alone. It seems to me that I am challenged to go beyond myself and that discipleship has an impact in the world which I occupy.

It is often alarming for me to hear about Christians who are seeking to improve their inner life and spiritual walk yet take little to no action to apply their faith. So often, I am surprised at how many self-centered Christians I encounter that focus on their own personal faith and yet have little compassion for others.  is not our faith intended to give us a heart for the lost in the least?

If I am to understand discipleship I must understand it in the context of my out reach and care for others. If I am to be a follower of Jesus Christ, shouldn’t I follow his example? Jesus spent his time healing the sick and comforting the lost and weary. Jesus was accused of spending his time with sinners!

One of the books that I love to read over and over is the book of James out of the Bible. It is filled with practical theology. It challenges me to be active in my faith and it is often confronting me with the needs of the orphan in the widow. Verse after verse in this relatively small book of the Bible I am presented with the biggest challenge to my growth as a disciple. I am asked to lead a selfless life not a selfish one. I am encouraged to love others!

So perhaps my New Year’s resolution is not only an inward faith and personal devotion but moreover, to make a difference in this world by selfless acts of kindness and goodness for God’s glory. it is interesting to me that the more that I demonstrate compassion and love for my neighbor, the more that I personally develop my relationship with the Lord. The strongest faith is an active faith that reaches out to others in need.

Any opportunity that I have to go out and witness and share my faith I am encouraged and strengthened in my own walk with the Lord as well. Every time I go to prison to visit those who are coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the more that my faith is challenged and strengthened. The greater emphasis on praying for others somehow ignites my own faith and strengthens my own understanding of God‘s grace in my life.

So my resolution this year is to not just be a disciple who absorbs all that I can for myself but rather, my resolution is to reach out and demonstrate love and compassion. I believe that my journey is strengthened as I reach out and care for others.

A Divided Country, A United Church.

This post is a response to current political issues confronting our country. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect your political persuasions yet, I hope that we can find room in our hearts and come into agreement.

Local media outlets are now using the phrase to describe our country by declaring that we are in a "cold Civil War". We all likely agree that we are a divided nation. There are many parallels that we could draw from these current times and what had unfolded in our country’s history in the early to mid 1800s. We agree that our country is divided! There were opinions and persuasions on all sides of nearly every issue, we are finding political conflict.

What is so unfortunate is that we are bombarded with messages that are negative and it gives us an anxious spirit during what is supposed to be the celebration of the Christ child. Though He was vulnerable, the Christ child is the deliverance of all our greatest hope!

Let me remind you that in Bethlehem and throughout the region, there was political unrest not at all unlike our current times. Nearly every historian of biblical history as well as secular writings remind us that during the time that Jesus was born there was significant abusive of power as well as obstruction of their government as well. After all, it was taxation that forced Mary and Joseph to go to a small town in Bethlehem to be counted.

Government officials of that day were so hostile that even in the prophetic announcement of the king of the Jews, Jesus’ birth, that every firstborn child were ordered to be killed! Talk about anger and hostility, and jealousy; there’s nothing that even compares to the outrage in that day.

In Luke 2, of which the story has been rehearsed in nearly every Christian church around the world. The gospel is read and the majority of homes beginning with, "In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world."

Many scholars believe that this was a time in which it was an attempt for the government to seize more taxes and to discover this king of the Jews who was to be born. in the hustle and bustle of a busy community, even the innkeeper had no room in his "guest room" (NIV) for Mary, Joseph, and soon-to-be-born Jesus. For thousands of years the parallels of the Christmas story to our times have been shared in pulpits, and communities, and in our homes.

We have a divided country politically. Traditional values and historic definitions are being challenged. We are just as busy as they were in that little town in Bethlehem. People throughout the region were not only careful about what they said aloud but were bustling to the point that they did not even recognize that a King was going to be born in the town of David. David, the hero King of the Old Testament who was the King of Israel!

The message was heralded by the angels to some shepherds in the low lands. The prophecy was carefully read as the Wiseman searched for a King by following the star. Those who would dedicate this infant Kin, Jesus would sing triumphantly of the promise given long ago.

My point today? I remind us to always remember, and never forget that the story of Christ birth must unify the church around one central theme, the theme of love and goodwill! That though there was no peace in Jesus‘s birth, He can bring peace to every heart! Though the world is divided, our church is united in it’s central message that the King was born!

This King that I speak of is not the dictator, nor a ruling party, nor a monarch. He is not a King who would order our submission but a King whom we will come to worship of our own free will. This King that I speak of will bring peace to every heart that is willing to submit to Him. This king that I speak of will show love like no other. This King that I speak of transforms our bitter and anxious heart to one of hope and the deliverance that we long for.

Church, ring your bells and share the triumphant message; the only one who can save us has come called Emmanuel, Prince of peace, mighty God, everlasting father. Shout it from the mountain tops. Throw open the windows and knock on every door so that the carols of Christmas are heard!

Though our country is divided, our church is united!

Loathing the Impersonal and Longing for a Connection.

It isn’t new but it is an experience that many people face each and every day; people are dealing with loneliness. In the age of social media, when seemingly everyone is connected, research is telling us that people have never been more disconnected and isolated from one another than ever before. Inc.com offers up a good perspective.

“Unfortunately, however, the internet hasn't helped us feel more connected with anyone. Studies show almost half of us feel lonely and isolated.” Here's Why the Internet Has Made Us Lonelier Than Ever | Inc.com

Add to this, we are a busy society, schedules that are especially busy during the holiday season. Just look around any department store and you’ll see it. Many are doing their shopping online and avoid those same department stores. The increased suicide rate tells the most alarming story of how isolated and disconnected we really are.

I loath the impersonal, just ask my wife! I would much rather go into the bank then go through drive-through. This is also true when it comes to my pharmacist and fast food restaurants. I don’t mind waiting in line because it’s an opportunity to chat with people. I am highly social but for some who may not even struggle with social anxieties, they would prefer to remain in their car at the drive-through.

 I may be unusual in this matter. I even ring the bell for the Salvation Army during the busy Christmas season just so that I could chat with people, even if it’s just for a brief moment. Like anyone, I have my moments when I too can be over-scheduled. There are times when I just need a break from talking to people. Yet, like most, I too have a longing for the personal interactions of people.

Today, I want to encourage us to go outside and get together with others as much as possible. A parallel can be draw from research on seasonal depression. I think it’s sort of like those that deal with depression in the cloudy, gloomy season of winter, due to the lack of sunshine and vitamin deficiencies.

The sunshine can counter the effects of depression. I was one of those who struggled with depression during the winter months. Yet, I came to realize that I can’t do anything about the weather but I can control my social interactions. I actually compensate for the lack of sunshine with the drug of human interaction, increasing my social aptitude and engaging connection, building relationships with others.

Increasing one’s social aptitude can be counterintuitive but I encourage you to give it a try. Here are a few things that I did that you may also want to try, especially during the holiday seasons that occur during the winter months.

1. Go to parties (even if you’re not invited).
2. Volunteer your time at a community event or local Homeless Mission that serves the poor.
3. Go shopping ... for someone else.
4. Visit someone is the hospital or retirement community (Nursing home).

There are many ideas out there that you could do similar to these that I have stated. The idea is to think of others. The more that we consider our needs above the needs of others, the greater likelihood that we will become negative as well as self-centered, looking internally to solve our own concerns. As we think of others we will recognize how much greater other people‘s needs are and actually feel good and ourselves for helping someone else.

Through simple acts of kindness we can fill the longing in our heart for the personal not only during Christmas but throughout the year.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” - Aesop