Sigh. Prayer is powerful, but it isn't black magic. Check this link.
I've already spoken my thoughts about praying for someone else's harm, but this particular article shows another angle to this whole idea: God as "black magic"
Somehow the guy praying for a Democrat's demise got the formula wrong. He added a dash of "this" when he should have gone with "that" and the result is a misfire of a divine arrow.
It makes me sick to my stomach. 10 year olds believe in such a fickle and controllable God. Anyone with any spiritual maturity will both a.) discern their own will from God's will and pray for God's will, and b.) not reduce God to some sleeping giant who didn't care about the politics in America until you, oh dear pray-er, decided to shout loud enough, bringing God to act in some decisive manner.
You really think God would "miss"!? Or that the Holy Spirit isn't already doing stuff?
The attitude expressed in that article by the caller isn't Christianity - its idolatry.
Yes, prayer is powerful, but its not hocus pocus.
Pastor as Transitional
The best pastors are always around when you need em and conspicuously absent when you don't.
We serve a purpose. Ultimately we do what we do for God. On another level, we share Jesus with people because we care about... people. Our purpose is not (on our best days) set by the people around us but by the workings of the spirit. Sometimes our purpose (on our worst days) is set by the whims of ravenous people, institutions, and society. I read somewhere that some pastors suffer burnout because they conceive of themselves as being "quivering masses of availability" and for some, I'd say thats true.
But with so many things in life, too much of a good thing is...well... not a good thing.
One of the coolest (and sometimes hardest) parts of my job is to be a transition man. One peer of mine, DG Hollums, doesn't call himself a pastor at all, but instead, a "Cultural Architect"
This idea is at the very heart of what I do. I make sure that I'm a willing (and welcome) participant to the transitions of life. Whether it's a wedding, a funeral, a new baby, a coming home party, a tough decision, waiting for God to show up, or any number of activities that compose "life" - I help people through it. Sometimes I'll challenge people to see things in a new way. Sometimes I'll comfort people who just need someone to be with them.
So I offer this thought just as Christmas begins... I've spent a month trying to prepare my congregation for the coming of Christ. Now I'm going to bow out. I must decrease so he may increase. A good pastor has to know when he has served his purpose. She must be a big enough person to say the hard things (or soft things!) but a small enough person that she can disappear into the background until needed again.
We, as Christians, have a duty to love this world - not correct all the wrongs that happen in this world. Sure, we live like Christ lived and so try to show the world a better way through godly living - but its Jesus' job to grow people in his mysterious way. We have to be very clear about our "job" and leave the rest to God.
This Christmas, try being transitional. Be there with people when they need to work through something (or when they want you to participate) but also don't be so full of yourself that you can't step back and just get out of God's way.
Merry Christmas.
Oh, and if you'd like to hear my last crack at making room for Jesus, I'll be preaching at the Christmas Eve Service at 5pm in the Well at Riverchase United Methodist Church. I would love for you to join us.
Lighting Candles
When I was a little boy it was often pointed out to me that I loved fire way too much. The great thing about fire is it comes in so many forms and has a bit of danger associated to it. Firecrackers, camp fires, sterno, WD40, candles, torches, magnifying glasses, electricity...
and Christmas...
If we were honest with ourselves, everyone has a sense of awe when fire sparks up. If it is as small and whimsical as a zippo or crazy and uncontrollable as burning oil fields - it always gets your attention.
Something in you respects and marvels at fire. Despite all our technological advancements, few have been as world-changing as manipulating flames.
Fire allows you to destroy. It also allows you to illuminate. It provides power, security, and a bit of excitement as well. Yes, it can kill you.
Now that I've waxed all poetic about fire, let me get to my point: in Christmas (and several holidays, actually) there is this Christian tradition of lighting the Advent Wreath to prepare for Christ's coming. There are plenty of rituals in the church that involve candles.
I've been thinking about the implications of lighting candles. It seems awful archaic, dangerous, and completely unnecessary. But through our candles we reconnect with something much deeper than some kind of light source. The candles we light represent things. They are symbolic. And I think within each of us they stir a connection with a time when candles were much more than decoration. it would be extremely gaudy and just poor taste if candles used in worship were "fake" - some kind of false flame.
Candles are little fires...and they still excite me. When we light the advent wreath in its completeness this Christmas Eve, I'll dwell on it for just a moment. But when I do, I'll appreciate where we have come from and just how far God will go to bring us back. A light in the darkness of this world still burns brightly. It won't be snuffed out.
and Christmas...
If we were honest with ourselves, everyone has a sense of awe when fire sparks up. If it is as small and whimsical as a zippo or crazy and uncontrollable as burning oil fields - it always gets your attention.
Something in you respects and marvels at fire. Despite all our technological advancements, few have been as world-changing as manipulating flames.
Fire allows you to destroy. It also allows you to illuminate. It provides power, security, and a bit of excitement as well. Yes, it can kill you.
Now that I've waxed all poetic about fire, let me get to my point: in Christmas (and several holidays, actually) there is this Christian tradition of lighting the Advent Wreath to prepare for Christ's coming. There are plenty of rituals in the church that involve candles.
I've been thinking about the implications of lighting candles. It seems awful archaic, dangerous, and completely unnecessary. But through our candles we reconnect with something much deeper than some kind of light source. The candles we light represent things. They are symbolic. And I think within each of us they stir a connection with a time when candles were much more than decoration. it would be extremely gaudy and just poor taste if candles used in worship were "fake" - some kind of false flame.
Candles are little fires...and they still excite me. When we light the advent wreath in its completeness this Christmas Eve, I'll dwell on it for just a moment. But when I do, I'll appreciate where we have come from and just how far God will go to bring us back. A light in the darkness of this world still burns brightly. It won't be snuffed out.
Having your fruitcake and eating it too.
What do you call a person who is only attracted to another person's looks or money (and not personality, intelligence, skills, etc)?
And it got me thinking... do you know any good Christmas stories where Santa actually looks Christ-like in the forgiveness department? Santa has some "godly" characteristics to him that would be a very immature version of God - what with the keeping lists of who is good and who is bad, doling out presents to whom he chooses, flying around in a big chariot-errrr-sleigh. Its all quite biblical but very 6 year old. But I can't think of any Christmas stories where Santa gives bad boys and girls toys (whereas Jesus' grace extends even to the bad ones).
Shallow.
What do you call a person who is attracted to another person's personality, intelligence, skills, etc - but not looks or money?
Friends.
What do you call a person who is attracted to another person's looks, money, personality, intelligence, skills, etcetcetc.?
Married (or soon to be).
I want to make a point about Christmas cheer. There are certain aspects of Christmas that are lifted up as the Christmas experience. Like eating fruitcake. And this year, as with every year, we good well-meaning "pharisees" raise a big hullabaloo about what Christmas is really about (for me, its Jesus, btw). We start check-lists, like santa, where we determine what is part of Christmas, and what is not. Fruitcake is a tough one... its seasoned with spices (like Jesus!), full of nuts (like the church!), candy coated fruits (well, the sugar coating is like the church hehe), and lasts forever (despite our best efforts...its like the church). When I see a fruitcake, I think of Christmas. But do I eat it to enjoy Christmas? Or do I keep it on my shelf to remind me of Christmas?
I think Christians can have their fruitcake and eat it too.
Christian or not, certain things make us feel like the holidays are here. Whether its Christmas music from the local radio station, the wrapping of presents, the fact you have to bundle up every morning because it's cold outside, or whatever - all of these things, whether "secular" or "sacred" contribute to the feeling of Christmas. Now, to my point about shallowness - Christmas is awesome in a lot of ways.
Christmas is not shallow because money is bad. Christmas is not shallow because looks are only "skin deep" - these things, when coupled with deep internal meaning, are actually beautiful and wonderful things!
Christmas isn't shallow nowadays because giving has taken a back-seat. In fact, Americans in general LOVE to give Christmas presents, and its a good thing. Christmas isn't shallow because of the trees, lights, streamers, and a million other things we put up to make it look like Christmas. Those things are wonderful reminders!
Its shallow simply because we aren't attracted to anything but her looks. And thats shallow. Christmas's looks are great - but there are so many other wonderful things that we can appreciate about it. The greatest gift is definitely Jesus, and he sometimes comes in ways you don't expect.
Sure, Christmas may give you a warm fuzzy feeling that lasts til Monday morning when we all go back to work, but it has so much more to offer you. You can fall in love with it all over again.
---------
One little aside - a bit of a pastor story for you. Twice this past Sunday people asked me if I'd been a good boy this year. To just play coy (instead of for theological reasons), I jokingly gave the "Weeeeellll" response. Each time, they kind of giggled and said something about not telling Santa. I responded with, "I don't know if Santa forgives us for being bad, but I bet Jesus does." Score one for the king of kings. Booyah!
And it got me thinking... do you know any good Christmas stories where Santa actually looks Christ-like in the forgiveness department? Santa has some "godly" characteristics to him that would be a very immature version of God - what with the keeping lists of who is good and who is bad, doling out presents to whom he chooses, flying around in a big chariot-errrr-sleigh. Its all quite biblical but very 6 year old. But I can't think of any Christmas stories where Santa gives bad boys and girls toys (whereas Jesus' grace extends even to the bad ones).
See my point? Merry Christmas.
Taking heat (Merry Christmas!)
I almost ruined the childhood of about 20 kids on Sunday. During a sermon, I *almost* said Santa didn't exist. But I didn't. I made some passing remark about waiting for the gifts under the tree, and about knowing where the Christmas presents are hidden.
But I never actually said that Santa didn't exist.
The holly jolly man and myself never had a really close relationship. Don't know why, but Santa Claus was never a big part of my Christmas experience growing up. I remember being terrified of him when we went for pictures at the mall. The only gift I ever remember seeing under the tree from Santa was for Mom (thanks a lot Dad hahaha). All in all, I'd say Santa just doesn't do it for me. I can understand the point for other people, and I'm glad the whole idea of "Santa coming" adds wonder and excitement to the holidays, but he isn't who I'm expecting. And btw, this is not a Jesus versus Santa type conversation.
And before you go thinking I'm some kind of a bum-hum-bug, you should know I'll be dressing as an Elf (no stockings, I promise) for "Breakfast With Santa" at our church this Sunday! I'll ask the kids what they want from Santa (because he'll be about 30 feet from me, they need to prepare), if they've been good, etc.etc.etc.
One or two of the kids will realize who I am. I'm guessing four children will actually cry when they see me in my pointy hat and eye-scorching red/green outfit.
See? I love Christmas. And Santa.
Now that I'm married to a wonderful wife who enjoys the idea of Santa, the inevitable question arises - will I ruin the whole thing for my children one day? We were hanging ornaments on the tree last night and she took a Santa one and said, "I'll put this guy on the back of the tree" - When I asked why she said, "umm, I thought you didn't like him?"
Probably my favorite Christmas songs has a line that goes, "Santa knows we're all God's children, that makes everything right. So hang your stockings and say your prayers cause Santa Claus comes tonight." The irony really gets me. The melding of what is serious, true, and joyful meets the mythical, silly, and legendary. And yes, that's a beautiful thing. Because often people mix what is factual in life with what they hope for. This isn't uncommon, just a bit hypocritical if you ask me when you can't do that in some areas of life but you can in others. Why can't I feel a tinge of awkwardness when the same people who profess a literal translation of the Bible (That's just what it says!! six 24 hour days!) later encourage their children to believe in Santa and the Tooth Fairy.
I have to be careful. Maybe I need to lighten up because I'm taking a lot of heat this Christmas. I'll probably get coal.
But I never actually said that Santa didn't exist.
The holly jolly man and myself never had a really close relationship. Don't know why, but Santa Claus was never a big part of my Christmas experience growing up. I remember being terrified of him when we went for pictures at the mall. The only gift I ever remember seeing under the tree from Santa was for Mom (thanks a lot Dad hahaha). All in all, I'd say Santa just doesn't do it for me. I can understand the point for other people, and I'm glad the whole idea of "Santa coming" adds wonder and excitement to the holidays, but he isn't who I'm expecting. And btw, this is not a Jesus versus Santa type conversation.
And before you go thinking I'm some kind of a bum-hum-bug, you should know I'll be dressing as an Elf (no stockings, I promise) for "Breakfast With Santa" at our church this Sunday! I'll ask the kids what they want from Santa (because he'll be about 30 feet from me, they need to prepare), if they've been good, etc.etc.etc.
One or two of the kids will realize who I am. I'm guessing four children will actually cry when they see me in my pointy hat and eye-scorching red/green outfit.
See? I love Christmas. And Santa.
Now that I'm married to a wonderful wife who enjoys the idea of Santa, the inevitable question arises - will I ruin the whole thing for my children one day? We were hanging ornaments on the tree last night and she took a Santa one and said, "I'll put this guy on the back of the tree" - When I asked why she said, "umm, I thought you didn't like him?"
Probably my favorite Christmas songs has a line that goes, "Santa knows we're all God's children, that makes everything right. So hang your stockings and say your prayers cause Santa Claus comes tonight." The irony really gets me. The melding of what is serious, true, and joyful meets the mythical, silly, and legendary. And yes, that's a beautiful thing. Because often people mix what is factual in life with what they hope for. This isn't uncommon, just a bit hypocritical if you ask me when you can't do that in some areas of life but you can in others. Why can't I feel a tinge of awkwardness when the same people who profess a literal translation of the Bible (That's just what it says!! six 24 hour days!) later encourage their children to believe in Santa and the Tooth Fairy.
I have to be careful. Maybe I need to lighten up because I'm taking a lot of heat this Christmas. I'll probably get coal.
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