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January 25, 2012

Knee-Mail to St. Pauls family,

The sermons are focusing on “Simple Wisdom” and we’re reading through the book of Proverbs (a chapter a day) in the next month. In 1:4-5, the value of this wisdom (a knowledge that can be applied as life skills rather than information to be accumulated) is commended to the young and to the already wise.

My undergraduate work was at Emory University where I was exposed to greater, deeper thinkers than at the graduate and post-graduate levels. One professor in particular impressed me, a Dr. Buss in the religion/philosophy department. An obvious nerd, he was really brilliant which in itself, was not unusual for an Emon’s professor. What got me was being called into his office and closely probed about information used in a paper that I gleaned from a text book for a course in another discipline. He then carefully recorded and added the data to his personal card catalog of references. (I know, I know, “card catalog” dates the story!)

I received a life-long lesson from that incident; never stop learning, pursuing knowledge. What I absolutely love about the internet is the endless availability, accessibility of knowledge. Reinforcing this lesson now is a research that says learning and applying new skills actually makes the brain healthier and wards off the threat of dementia/Alzheimers.

Suddenly Proverbs seems newly relevant! Enjoy your chapter a day but read it very slowly.

Uplink: Holy Spirit, you point us to wisdom; you’re the greatest search engine ever. Reveal new insights to me, divinely inspired but earthly relevant.  Amen

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January 18, 2012

Knee-mail to St. Pauls family from Pastor Bryan,

For two weeks we’ve noted and celebrated the benefits (emotional, relational, financial, physical and spiritual) of optimism of having a positive outlook.  Martin Seligman’s book Learned Optimism documents these truths and stresses that anyone can learn, acquire or develop an optimistic outlook. How? “… becoming an optimist consists not of learning to be more selfish and self-assertive, or presenting yourself to others in over-bearing ways, but simply of learning a set of skills about how to talk to yourself when you suffer a personal defeat.”

I wonder what a blind, skirt chasing enslaved Samson said to himself to achieve one final great victory for God’s people. You can see a frightened, self-pitying Elijah cowering alone in a cave, despite seeing God miraculously bring down fire from heaven to defeat idol worshippers of the day but I wonder what his self-talk became after the still small voice of God called him to action.

Here are 2 verses we might use of self talking when dealing with the prospect or aftermath of defeat: “All things work for good for those who know the Lord and have been called according to his purpose…” Romans 8:28

“If God is for us, who can be against us.” Romans 8:31

“…in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us…”

“… nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of Christ.” Romans 8:37-39

“We rejoice in our suffering, because suffering produces perseverance [that] must finish its work that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:3-4

Uplink: Holy Spirit, change my self-talk with words of Scripture that I can be all God has created and called me to be, moving more and more toward my full spiritual potential. Amen.

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January 11, 2012

Knee-mail to St. Pauls family,

“We don’t see things as they are; we see things as we are.”  (Old Jewish Proverb) As seen in last week’s article, optimisms is essential to well- being, achieving, relationships and as we’ll see today, physical health. Psychiatrist, best-selling author Martin Seligman uses lots of research to establish this; the title of his book, Learned Optimism, reflects the good news that we aren’t “victims” (by genes or upbringing) of pessimism but can learn to be optimistic.

The incredible power of a positive outlook is seen in many studies. 817 coronary artery bypass surgery patients were assessed for optimism/pessimism the day prior to their procedure; patients with moderate to severe depression then and 6 months after it were at two times higher risk of dying earlier than non-depressed ones. Now here’s the kicker: those depressed before surgery but able to get rid of it in the next six months were at no greater risk than the never depressed! So the key becomes, I can move beyond depression, How? I’m a BIG believer in counseling and medicine for depression; the latter involves nothing short of miracle drugs. They do though often take time to be effective, so be patient.

Before that step, here’s an interim, less expensive (money and time) one. “It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness”. (Charles Spurgeon) As noted a few months ago, daily journaling that for which we are grateful has an impact that can be measured in terms of brain activity. So, for the next few weeks, let’s take 2 steps daily; (1) list something for which you are thankful; (2) Express thanks by email, twitter, face-book, phone or mail to someone for a positive impact they’ve had on your life or for a positive trait you appreciate about them. (If you’re already doing last week’s exercise, start this in a few weeks when you’ve finished that one.) Research promises your level of joy, happiness and optimism will increase.

Uplink: Light of the world, shine into my life, dispel any darkness and make me a reflection of your light into the lives of those I love.  Amen

P.S. Bring your idea of “soul food” to enjoy after the services this weekend,  January 14/15 (and during the 9:00 a.m. service). We’ll be celebrating Martin Luther King weekend and our youth ministries. Jeremy King will be co-preaching with Pastor Bryan. We’re going young!! Don’t miss it! Bring someone you love!

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December 30, 2009

Gmail to St. Pauls family,

            The Magi faithfully followed the God given star as a guide to experience the birth of God. Isn’t it interesting that they assumed the destination was in Jerusalem, the political and religious center of the region with a resplendent palace and temple? What a set back then to be steered to nearby Bethlehem and a shack! Ever had a “shack” time when your expectations and anticipations about a future spouse, career, about parenthood or the “golden years” led to a very disillusioning alternative? That’s a shack time and isn’t it amazing how God so often shows up there in the Bible. Could He be wanting to do the same in your “shack” time?

            The Magi/Epiphany story is a wonderful example for dealing with disappointment. Here are some guidelines:

1. The “palaces” of our anticipation are not always what they seem. Herod was a paranoid butcher and the Magi were instantly in peril for bringing up the subject of a newborn king.

1. Look for, expect God to be in the “shack”, the Magi fell down and worshipped the Child. The deepest encounters, the most life changing experiences happen in the “shack”; the palace and the temple tend only to enthrall and thrill.

1. Offer God your best in the shack; the Magi didn’t decide to hold back the gold for Herod; they honored the Child in the “shack” with it. Am I holding back my best for some hoped for “palace” experience? The Child grew up to teach, “You’ve been faithful over a little, I’ll set you over much.” Don’t think you don’t have a suitable gift. Our Lord of the “shack” sees our talents, love, energy and time as precious, precious gifts.

Uplink: Lord of the “shack” times, I’ll begin giving my best in 2010 in my relationships, my work and my church. May I meet you and be transformed by you in the “shack”.

                                                                        In Your Name, Amen

            We’ll enjoy our annual Epiphany celebrations this weekend. Don’t miss getting a “star” and character trait to guide you in 2010.

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December 23, 2009

            There must be a better way to celebrate the season than the current treadmill of exhaustive, expensive gift giving, card sending, party going and stomach stuffing. (I get tired just writing about it and I only do the last two; Jan has to handle the first two!)

            In their book Unplug the Christmas Machine, Jo Robinson and Jean Stacheli call attention to “The Christmas Pledge.” It offers a great alternative.

            “Believing in the true spirit of Christmas, I commit myself to:

• remember those people who truly need my gifts;
• express my love in more direct ways than gifts;
• examine my holiday activities in the light of my deepest values;
• be a peacemaker within my circle of family and friends;
• rededicate myself to spiritual growth.

Uplink: Holy Spirit, birth in me a richer-deeper more meaningful journey to Christmas. May I give and love in ways more precious than the usual bow wrapped gifts. May my soul be sated instead of my stomach in this season.   In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

P.S. People are very receptive to church invitations in this season. Tell your non attending friends about the Christmas Eve services (children 5:00 p.m., Candlelight Communion Service 7:30 p.m.) and also about the harpist carol medley in service on Sunday December 30 at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

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December 9, 2009

            With the Christmas season approaching, now is a great time to share our faith. Remember, people around you are already asking the question to which we have the answer. People do feel the void that Christ has filled in our lives; consider the following article on a “60 Minutes” interview.

            Tom Brady, the quarterback of the New England Patriots, is not only one of the NFL’s best players. He is one of the NFL’S best stories.

            By age 28, he had already won three Super Bowls, an accomplishment that ranks him with some of the best quarterbacks ever to play the game. Brady’s loss to the Denver Broncos in the 2005 playoffs was his first in the playoff, compared with 10 playoff wins in the last 4 years.

            But with all Brady’s fame and career accomplishments, he told 60 Minutes, “Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there’s something great out there for me? I mean, maybe a lot of people would say, “Hey man, this is what it is. I reached my goal, my dream, my life! Me. I think,”God, it’s got to be more than this. I mean this isn’t what it’s all cracked up to be.”

            “What’s the answer?” asked interviewer Steve Kroft.

            “I wish I knew.” Brady replied. “I wish I knew.”

            Holy Spirit, prompt me to share the answer that is Christ with the folks in my life who are questioning life’s meaning. May I live in such a way that my lifestyle will validate my sharing.

                                                In Christ’s Name, Amen

P.S. Invite a not yet churched person in your life to worship this weekend. Tell them about the smoked and fried turkey dinner following the Saturday and 11:00 service and the breakfast burritos during the 9:00 service. Bring a covered dish and your appetite.

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November 17, 2009

            I’ve always liked the disciple Thomas. I’m a seeing is believing kind of guy and the people Jesus blessed because they could believe without seeing always make me feel a little second class, you know. Thomas is sort of the patron saint for us doubters and his presence in the Jesus story affirms there’s a place for me, too.  I think honest doubting has value because it can lead to strong faith.  Commentator William Barclay admires him too.

            “Thomas absolutely refused to say that he believed what he did not believe…

            There is more ultimate faith in the man who insists on being sure than in the

            man who glibly repeats things which he has never thought out, and which he

does not really believe. It is a doubt like that which in the end arrives at certainty.”                                                                 

            I like it that Jesus didn’t rebuke Thomas for doubting His resurrection but ironically affirmed it by responding in similar language to that Thomas used to express the doubt (hands in his side, see the nail marks). God not only listens to my doubt, He’ll respond to it in a way that will build my faith.

            What are your doubts? Ever wonder about the virgin birth, or the resurrection? How can you be sure heaven is real? Am I really saved? Is Jesus really, really who the Bible claims? Try sharing it with God in prayer and with a trusted Christian friend. I believe you might be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. I don’t know who Dr. Hutton is but I love the quote attributed to him. “A man who gives up his Christianity only surrenders a life of faith troubled by doubt, for a life of doubt troubled by faith.”

Uplink: Lord Jesus, I’m glad my doubt isn’t a barrier to you but simply another door through which you come to meet me.

                                                                        Amen

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November 10, 2009

            Missionaries who return home for furlough after years on the field often report a similar reaction upon shopping again in America. Having lived amongst people with little food and even less choice about what food they will eat and having seen the joy and generosity of such people, they often break into tears when seeing the variety and abundance on grocery store shelves. These are not tears of joy but frustration, even shame, over the realization that our wealth results in far less joy than amongst our poverty stricken third world brothers and sisters.

            As we pray about committing to give for support of God’s work at St. Pauls in the next year, I pray we will experience the great spiritual paradox that is in giving we receive, that the act of sharing/giving/caring/investing reduces anxiety and can be an act of liberation in such trouble financial times. I pray the false sense of security we tend to develop in “boom” times will be replaced by a deeper trust in God’s provision that never wavers with the ups and downs of financial markets.

            We’ll be dedicating our commitments during the services this weekend. Come enjoy the picnic or brunch and look forward to a year of spiritual abundance.

Uplink: Lord Jesus, teach me to give my will to peace, joy, security and a deeper experience of life itself…

In your name, I pray, Amen

P.S. Don’t forget to reflect prayerfully on your giving for the next year, to pick up your commitment card in the foyer before worship so we can dedicate them during the service. We’ll enjoy a great meal after the Saturday and 11:00 a.m. Sunday service (fried or smoked turkey) and a burrito breakfast during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday service. Can’t wait to see everybody! The children will be singing in the Sunday services also!

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November 3, 2009

            We’re all praying about our giving to support the ministries of St. Pauls in the next year.  We’ll dedicate that commitment on the weekend of November 14/15 and enjoy a picnic or brunch at each service. Here are some insights that Jan and I find helpful in evaluating our finances.

            All psychologists know, and lots of studies as well as surveys have established that, our sense of financial comfort (Do I have enough?) has more to do with comparisons than reality. For instance, when given the choice of making $100,000 and all other co-workers make $110,000 or making $75,000 and they make $60,000, people inevitably pick the lower salary for themselves! This also means that, with our wealth worth less, at least on paper, than it was last year, no one feels rich this year. This despite the reality that a middle class income in the United States is greater than 95% of the people on the globe and 99.9% of the people who ever lived. (New York Times magazine, June 9, 2002)

            The key to finding financial comfort will never be in the amount of wealth we accumulate. The key is to change our attitude toward our wealth. Rather than fearfully hoarding or frantically amassing, let’s take the approach Paul suggests in I Timothy 6:18 “that we are to….do good, be rich in good works, generous and ready to share, thus storing up the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that (we) may take  hold of the life that really is life.”

            The life that really is life “stresses giving versus getting, serving versus being served, dying to self versus ego inflation. What a joy to be in a church family filled with people trying to “give” their way to the abundant life.

Uplink: Holy Spirit, teach me to trust in God my provider enough that I can give more (money, time, love, talent, energy) and so discover a deeper dimension to life!

                                                                                    In Christ’s name, Amen

H onor God

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October 28, 2009

            You are so precious to God. Jesus said He knows the number of hairs on your head; the Psalmist says He counts every tear you shed; the prophet says your image is on the palm of His hand. Really getting this truth can dramatically change your life or another’s. Consider the following:

            Fred Craddock is a seminary professor and pastor. He tells the story of the time he      was vacationing in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Fred and his wife were seated at a table in a restaurant and an old man come up to them and asked, “Are you folks on vacation?” “Yes,” “and we’re having good time.” The old man said, “So what do you do for living?” Fred said, “I’m a preacher.” “Oh!” said the old man. “Let me tell you a preacher story.”

            He sat down by them. The old man said, “I was born an illegitimate child.  I never know who my father was. It was very, very hard on me growing up. The kids in school made fun of me.  Growing up, I didn’t have any friends at all. When I walked around our little town I always felt people were staring at me and looking at me and saying, ‘I wonder who’s the father of that boy.’ I spent a lot of time by myself. I didn’t have any friends. One day a pastor came to town. Everybody was talking about how good he was. I had never gone to church but I decided I’d go to church and hear this guy. So I went. And he was good. So I kept going back. But each time I went to church I’d come in late and I’d leave early so I wouldn’t have to talk to anybody. (sounds like a lot of you.) Then one Sunday I got so caught up listening that I forgot to leave early and the service ended and the people stood up and I couldn’t get out the door. Suddenly I felt a heavy hand on my shoulder. When I turned, that big tall pastor was standing there with his hand on my shoulder looking at me and he said, ‘What’s your name, son? Whose boy are you? Whose son are you:’ I just shook when I heard those words and I heard that question. But before I could say anything that pastor said this, ‘I know who you are. I know who your family is. You have a distinct family resemblance. You’re the son of God!” the man said, “You know, those words changed my life.”

            The old man got up and he left and a waitress came over a little bit later and said, “Do you know who you were talking to?” Fred said, no. She said, “That’s Ben Hooper. Two time governor of Tennessee.”

Uplink: Holy Spirit, did Jesus leave heaven out of love for me? Did He die for me? Do you reside in me as a proof of God’s love? Show me a sign this day or week to confirm this so I can be a sign for some other child of God. Amen.