Morning Prayer, Patience and Moved Hearts

At the church I serve we have a time of prayer each morning before Worship. We call it "Morning Prayer", pretty creative, huh?

It's a simple time, we gather for 15 minutes to silently pray for only two things - Spiritual and Numerical Growth of our church.

It has become a special time for many, to focus on God before Worship. It is a very special time for me personally, as I prepare for Worship, helping me slow down and focus on what's important.

The small group that faithfully participates each Sunday seems to appreciate visitors and new Bible Studies more than others - surprise, surprise! Baptisms take on a new significance after one has faithfully prayed for Spiritual and Numerical growth of their church with others on a weekly basis.

It is my hope that others will begin to make their way into the Sanctuary to pray together this week in Morning Prayer.

It's so simple and easy. Sit silently - pray together. 15 minutes. Yet, it does so much for the spirit when Worship begins, to have already been focusing on God.

As I write this I'm looking forward to gathering with others this Sunday morning. If you are reading this and have never attended this special time, then I look forward to one day sitting in the same room, together, praying silently - Spiritual Growth, Numerical Growth.

For those that aren't attending, remember we prayed for you last week and we will be praying for you this week... Until that day comes when we're in Morning Prayer together, I'll be patient and allow God to move hearts as He has throughout biblical history... Morning Prayer.

Tony

Sabbath? Part 2...

If you haven't already read "Sabbath?" do that at this time then read this post...

I'm finishing "Leaving Church" by Barbara Brown Taylor.

At this particular point she is reflecting on the importance of the Sabbath...

"With sundown on the Sabbath, I stop seeing the dust balls, the bills, and the laundry. They are still there, but they lose their power over me. One day each week I live as if all my work were done. I live as if the kingdom has come and when I do the kingdom comes, for one day at least. Now, when I know the Sabbath is near, I can feel the anticipation bubbling up inside of me.Sabbath is no longer a good idea or even a spiritual discipline for me. It is my regular date with the Divine Presence that enlivens both body and soul" (from page 228)

To add anything at this point would be mere commentary.

Sabbath?

Over the last several days I've been reflecting on the importance of Sunday as it relates to the Spiritual Life and public worship.

While reading "Leaving Church - a Memoir of Faith", by Barbara Brown Taylor, I read a very interesting chapter that focused on the idea of Sabbath.

Barbara tells of a friend she had while in high school that was the star of the basketball team. He was also Jewish. This meant that he strictly observed the Sabbath, which for him was Friday. Therefore, on Friday nights the team would get pounded by the opposing team on a regular basis due to David's absence.

After those Friday night games many of David's teammates would go to David's house and give a detailed account of the game. "David would sit there in his kippah, openly delighted by the blow-by-blow description of the game...I still remember the night someone asked David if it did not kill him to have to sit at home on Friday nights while his team was getting slaughtered in the high school gymnasium.
"No one makes me do this," he said. I'm a Jew, and Jews observe the Sabbath." Six days a week, he said, he loved nothing more than playing basketball, and he gladly gave all he had to the game. On the seventh day, he loved being a Jew more than he loved playing basketball, and he just as gladly gave all he had to the Sabbath. Sure he felt a tug, but that was the whole point. Sabbath was his chance to remember what was really real." from page 137.

I am a Christian, therefore I go to Worship on Sunday. Do I sometimes feel a tug, sure! But that's the point.

Sunday is my chance to remember what's real, what's really important.

New Religion...

Be careful or you will be enticed and turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. Then the Lord's anger will burn against you, and he will shut the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the Lord is giving you. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up...
Deuteronomy 11:16-19 NIV

"Other Gods?", "bow down?", surely not in 2007! We're a civilized people, we're intelligent people, we're smarter than that! We bow only at the altar of the Trinity; the Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. Surely we've learned from our old ways, we don't want to repeat Old Testament history, we know better...

What could possibly become another God in 2007?

I believe it is the god known as "Excuses." It's a god that's not spoken of much these days but the religion associated with this God is alive and appears to be flourishing, catching America by a storm.

I believe it's gaining ground on Christianity due to its lack of commitment. We really don't like commitment. Running a close second to commitment would have to be it's lack of accountability. We don't like being held accountable. With this god/religion and it's two key doctrines of Lack of Commitment and No Accountability, it's easy to see why it's gaining so many followers so quickly!

This growing religion also has a incredible way of convincing Christians to bow at this new god's altar without them even realizing it. They seem to be using the Christian Church to help with their recruiting (very ingenious)...

The conversion process begins with just a simple question. The question is changed on a regular basis so no one catches on to the process. It usually goes something like this:

Would you consider helping with the __________ at church this Sunday?
Would you consider teaching the ________ class this Sunday?
Would you consider being on the __________ Team at _________ church this year?
Would you consider bringing a covered dish of ________ to the Pot Luck Dinner this week?

Why aren't you involved in youth anymore?
Why don't you get involved in a Bible Study?
Why aren't you volunteering somewhere in the church?
Why haven't you given your testimony?

Could you help clean the church this Sunday?
Could you help with the grass at church?
Could you read the scripture this week?

Believe me they have plenty of other questions to keep you off balance! Before you realize it, as they ask you these questions you fall victim to their tactics and start bowing to the god of excuses with responses like:

I quit coming because nobody spoke to me...
Sunday is the only day I can sleep in...
I don't feel comfortable giving my testimony...
I'm too busy...
My kids are already in so many things...
I had a bad experience once...
I didn't get my way so I...
People in the church are just a bunch of hypocrites...
I didn't like the music...
The music is too loud...
The message was too long...
I wasn't getting fed...
It was too deep...
It was too shallow...
When I have the time...
All they do is talk about money...
My kids didn't like it...
They didn't offer enough...

So how do I know so much about this god/religion of excuses? I once followed that god. I once bowed at that altar. I once loved the two key doctrines of their faith - Lack of Commitment and Lack of Accountability!

I praise God, the one true God, that this happened in my younger days! I hate to think what it would be like to be at my age still serving the god/religion of excuses. Why? Because I would have missed out on the biggest joy of my life, serving Christ! Yes, it's sometimes a drag to be held accountable and be committed to something when something else comes up. Yes, there are still some days where I catch myself in front of that Excuse altar again. But, the joys of being committed and being held accountable have FAR outweighed the negatives. Yes, I still have some days that I feel down but the up days far outweigh them. Plus, now that I make up fewer excuses as to why I don't do this or that, I don't feel guilty as much as I once did! I always felt guilty when I made up an excuse so that I could blame someone/something other than my new religion of Excuses.


Be careful or you will be enticed and turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them.

Making a Difference?

I just read Entry #12 in Soul Cravings by Erwin McManus as part of my morning devotion.

In this entry he tells a story of Mallard ducks that take up residence in his private pool. Before long there are baby ducks everywhere. Life is good, things are cute... until...

Until nature begins to take its course as predators begin to decimate the sweet little helpless baby ducks. One by one they are picked off.

This entire situation is very alarming for Erwin's family. They now find themselves trying to help the mother duck defend off crows that are swooping down and taking the ducklings.

One night Erwin finds himself getting up in the middle of the night believing he's heard a baby duck crying out. He's a nervous wreck. His nights are becoming more difficult as he worries about the safety of the ducks.

Then one night it's as though God is speaking to him (not audibly, but he just gets that spiritual feeling thing), "Erwin, do you know how you feel about that duckling? The anguish that you are feeling at this moment, that's how I feel for every human being that walks the face of this earth. If you could just care about people the way you are caring about that mallard at this moment, it would make you a different person. You would know the heart of God." (from entry 12)

I believe God wants us to make a difference. Part of making a difference should include taking an interest in others coming to know Christ in a personal way. When is the last time you made a difference in someones life by introducing them to the Church and telling them about Christ?

I realize that it may be hard to believe, but you can attend church your entire life and never really make a difference. It's your choice as to what level you want to get involved in the ministries of the church. But, as your level of involvement increases so do the chances of making a difference in someones life (maybe yours).

Are you involved in the ministries of your church? Do you care about people?

Are you making a difference?

If you could just care about people the way you care about __________ at this moment, it would make you a different person. You would know the heart of God.

Church Hopping

I just read an article called "Confessions of a Church Hopper" by Lynn H. Pryor. It was great! Here are a few excerpts from the article - once again, not my stuff but Lynn H. Pryor's stuff...
Setting: Group Therapy for Church Hoppers...
"My name is Murray and I'm a church Hopper."
"I used to go to first church, but I didn't like the preacher's style. He was getting a little personal, you know? So I went to Lakeside...I liked it at first, but the potluck dinners had too much spice...So I went to Grant Avenue Church but I didn't like the way the pastor's wife dressed...Someone tell me what kind of hopper Murray is?...He's a Happy Hopper - one who expects the church to make us happy. If something isn't to our liking we move on to the next church...until something there doesn't make us happy...Let's review some other types...The Hungry Hopper who says...I'm not being fed - who's supposed to be feeding you anyway - you are, you feed yourself with Bible reading, study and prayer...The Healthy Hopper who leaves church because he thinks it's dying. He wants to be a part of a growing church...There will always be little things that irritate you at church because it's made up of people..."

Great article!

While this is a great article, I do believe that there are times in which God may call someone into a new church situation. But I also have known people that for the slightest reason want to leave when the going gets tough. There is a difference in the two. One hears a calling from God, the other hears a calling from themselves!

It's easy to criticize the church but difficult to put forth the effort to make it better!

In the church I serve there have been quite a few families that felt God's call to leave the church they were attending to help us here with new ministries. They have really made a difference and we have been very blessed and thankful that they heard God's call!

The next time someone tells you they want to leave the church, ask them if they feel called by God or themselves.

Influence Part 2

If you haven't already read my "Influence" post below this post, take time to do that now...

I actually didn't intend to write a part 2 but it just seemed to fit as I was reading Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus...

On page 223 I find a very inspiring challenge as it relates to influencing others...

"Is the activity of God so powerful around you that it compels others to join you? Do you follow Christ with such passion that others are drawn to join the movement of God? Are you a God magnet? Do people watch your life and conclude, "Everywhere she goes God shows up"? But you know that the more accurate description is that everywhere God goes, you show up."

While the mass marketing of the church has been very helpful in getting people to attend, the personal invitation is still number one.

Maybe the life we live can provide that personal invitation too? Who's joined you lately?

Influence

I've always been a big believer that you are either being influenced by others, or you're influencing others.

As I was reading this morning, this idea was reinforced by the words of Erwin McManus:

"While manipulation is inherently evil, influence is the best way to lead and move others toward what is good. The proper use of influence is essential if we are going to seize divine moments. We must always remember that God's greatest moments for us are never for us alone. They are always about our lives touching the lives of others."

Are you being influenced or are you influencing others?

Are you allowing others to dictate what life decisions you are making? Or, are you influencing others in positive ways, ways that are pleasing to God?

Influence... Our lives touching the lives of others... God's greatest moments for us are never for us alone...

Sunday After...

A few years ago a young lady told me - "We really blew it last Sunday!" Luckily she was not a part of our congregation! She went on to explain that on Easter Sunday they had used all the Bells and Whistles that their congregation could muster. She admitted that it was a very impressive service and enjoyed by all.

But her concern was...

What were returning visitors going to think when they returned the Sunday after Easter? The service that was modeled on Easter wasn't close to the one that would be modeled the Sunday after.

If you're prone to do a direct mail piece the week of Easter inviting your community to your Easter service, the Sunday after may actually be more important than Easter. Why? Because many already have a church for Easter - the old family church, maybe they will worship with grandparents, maybe with another friend, etc...

But, the Sunday after Easter may be the first time they are able to check out your church. Unfortunately, many years ago the Sunday after usually had low attendance. Why? How can you top an Easter service that had all the Bells and Whistles of the week before? People know the level of excitement would be less than the week before.

Of course Easter should be a very special day - that's without question! But where do we draw the line so the Sunday after is another mini-Easter as every Sunday should be?

Faith

OK, so the title of this post may not jump out and grab you, but it should.

Faith. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

What happens to our faith over time as it relates to risk taking? It's been my experience that over time we take it for granted. As we get older we seem to forget the excitement of our early days of being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Many become complacent. What took faith to accomplish yesterday seems commonplace today. Maybe that's why many flat line in their faith and feel it's OK to start coasting?

These thoughts materialized while reading "Chasing Daylight" by my favorite author, Erwin McManus.

In a section entitled "Stepping It Up" he states:

"This relationship between faith and uncertainty is inescapable. What required faith for you yesterday may become commonplace for you tomorrow. Although they are still expressions of your faith, they are no longer the challenges that launch you to a new-faith experience. While at first simply trusting God to take you outside your experience is a huge leap of faith, eventually God will expect more of you. Remember, faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Once something is a certainty, it no longer requires faith. Do not be surprised that what God asked of you yesterday is insufficient for your journey of faith today."

Faith. New-Faith. New-Faith Experience. God. Me. You. Us.

Pop Culture, Time and Christ

Today I've been contemplating the relationship between pop culture, time and Christ.

What's your favorite TV show? 24? Lost? Heros? Perhaps with the recent court battles related to Anna Nicole Smith it's the Court TV channel.

Being an avid reality TV fan myself, I'm trying to pull back a little from my TV viewing. I dream of all the things I can accomplish with the time I'm spending watching the latest Pop Culture TV show.

I wonder how the world might be impacted if we were as dedicated to Christ, Worship attendance, and our Spiritual Growth as we are to our Pop Culture TV shows?

I'm thinking about having a TV free night or two just to see what happens. Who knows, I might actually learn something new?

Community

I just returned from a retreat in Gatlinburg that focused Community. It was based on the early church that's discussed in Acts 2:42.

This retreat reinforced my belief that Community is an important part of the Christian life. One can become active only in Worship and totally miss a critical part of the Christian Life known as community.

A community takes care of its members. I've witnessed this taking place in various ways. We eat together, we do things together, we check on one another, we share joys and sorrows, we care about one another.

This takes place as we get to know one another. Many miss out on this wonderful experience that many of us know as community. They fail to get involved in other church activities. They focus mainly on Worship. As a result many people recognize them but never get to know them.

Last weekend part of the community met in Gatlinburg. We fellowshipped together. We ate together. We laughed together. We hurt (Those that fell skiing and ice skating), we got to know one another better, we sang together, and we worshiped together.

Each year we have the opportunity to get involved in Community. Community was important to the early church and it remains important to this day.

Prayer

As I listened to my favorite radio show, "Rick and Bubba", I was touched by the story of Shelly. Actually the story reinforced how awesome prayer is.

Shelly was technically dead at the scene of a car accident. She was young and her life offered so much promise. It happened on the eve of Christmas Eve 2006. While technically dead at the scene by man's standards, God had other plans!

Mark, her dad, told a story of how Bubba had visited the hospital on Christmas day. Mark was touched that he would leave his family on Christmas day to have prayer. Bubba got on a knee and had prayer with him that his daughter might survive. He told of the power of that prayer.

Bubba expressed how cool it is that we serve a God that hears prayers with our name attached, and it goes straight to His desk and He listens!

Mark also said that after the first 48 hours he wrote down the name of anyone that helped Shelly - Doctors, Nurses, EMT's, Fireman, etc... 13 or so days after the accident she was doing well enough to visit the fireman that were first on the scene. They were touched that she had come by. They expressed their joy because most never take the time to come back so they can see what happened to those they've helped.

How often do we send a prayer to God, straight to His desk, with a name that we know, and never share with others the result of that prayer.

I have to admit that of the prayers I've been asked to pray by other people, probably less than 5% ever follow up to tell us the result. I wonder why?

BTW, Shelly is doing great!

Walking

Why don't I walk more?

The benefits are widely reported...

Walkers appear to have less incidence of...
Cancer
Heart Disease
Stroke
and Diabetes.

Walking doesn't require any prior knowledge or skill base. No specialized equipment - just a pair of good fitting shoes. You can do it on a neighborhood street so it's always convenient.

Whenever I do take the time to walk it helps reduce stress and allows me to contemplate my day.

In this fast paced world maybe walking would help us in everyday living. Help us unwind. Help us contemplate our role in this world. Help us to contemplate our existence. Help us get closer to God.

A lot of things could happen with just a simple walk.

Baggage

Our home is in the process of being painted (a very soothing yellow). In order to paint, my bookshelves had to be totally cleared! Tons of books, too many books - religious books. Once I cleared the shelves I realized how much extra baggage I had accumulated. Books I haven't used in years, kept them because I thought well..., maybe I would need them. I didn't need many of them - too much baggage. I had to do the unthinkable, throw some away, give some away (makes one a little nervous to throw away religious stuff!). After this cleansing of the shelves I actually felt great. Some clutter, some baggage was gone. It feels good.

I wonder why we cling to our old baggage, and don't clean our shelves sooner? Many people would feel so much better if they would just clear the baggage, give it away and move on.