The Red 78

As Tim poured over the internet in search of Christmas gifts, he discovered my last blog about Burl Ives.  A comment on my Facebook page spoke of someone who had Ives' Christmas music at one time on a “red 78.”  Puzzled, he asked me what sort of device a “red 78” would be.  I explained records were an ancient technology he had never seen.  I told him of the wonders of vinyl pressed into 78s, 45s, and 33s.  James, the youngest, listened with careful ears to my explanation to Tim, then announced he knew what the numbers meant. “They are how much memory each record disc could hold.”  There is a mystery to Christmas, which is unwrapped in its own wonder, just as my boys wondered about records.  

The whole story is mysterious.  Visitations by angels, magi from the East, a wicked King who hates babies, and a Virgin holding her own child.  Today we sing carols, put up trees, and gives gifts while the mystery of the holiday remains in the background.  We know the external trappings, but the heart of Christmas eludes our celebration.

Most 78 records had a single song to a side.  There wasn't much memory, but to grasp the core of Christmas doesn't take much.  C.S. Lewis summed up the mystery of Christmas this way: “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.”

A Burl Ives Christmas

            He’s the voice of Christmas.  When I hear the lyrical tenor of Burl Ives, I know the season has arrived.  Now some of you, who are younger than me, read this and have no idea who Ives was or what his voice sounds like.  But if I told you he is the narrator of the Christmas classic, “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and the character of the snowman in the special, his voice will arise in your memory.

            People like Ives have a distinctive gift, they can give their talents in solo.  Given an instrument and an audience, Ives could entrance an audience with his folksy, operatic voice and accomplish a work of art, which defines a season.  The Rudolph special contains part of his legacy.  The story revolves around a reindeer who doesn’t fit in the world and misfit toys which don’t fit anywhere either.  As Ives character, Sam the Snowman says, “Well, time passed slowly. Rudolph existed the best he could.”

            Rudolph chooses a solo life.  Unlike the life of a singer, solos in a life lived alone are frustrating.  Christmas is a hard season for people who are by themselves.  The first Christmas is a story of misfits who don’t fit well in their world.  A couple, newlyweds, whose child belongs to another father.  Shepherds, whose only job is watching other people’s flocks because it’s the only job they can hold.  A tyrant, who wants to be loved but is hated and a child, who comes to walk a road to a cross.

            The story of Rudolph ends on the upswing.  The misfits find homes, the odd reindeer becomes the lead of the sleigh team.  The Christmas story ends up on the upswing also, as it continues to unfold in history.  The cross leads to a resurrection and all the misfits and soloists of the world await for the child who is returning as their king.

            I always remember this every time I heard Ives sing, “Oh by golly have a holly, jolly Christmas this year.”

The Bulletproof George

At 23, George Washington already was a Colonel in the British Army.  At the battle of the Monongahela, he joined an intense battle against native Americans.  Fifteen years laters, the leader of those Washington fought against, felt it necessary to find Washington and relate to him an account of that day.  The Chief said," It was on the day when the white man's blood mixed with the streams of our forest that I first beheld this chief [Washington]...I called to my young men and said...Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies. Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss--'twas all in vain, a power mighter far than we, shielded you...I am come to pay homeage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle."

The enemy choose to target the British officers.  Of 86 officers in the battle, 63 were causalities.  Washington was the only officer on horseback not shot down.  After the battle, Washington wrote his brother, "By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet [I] escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!"

God places those in authority in their positions. Washington had a destiny yet to fulfill.

That's hard to remember sometimes when a leader doesn't do what we want.  Every leader is put into place by God with the possibility of doing what God asks in that position.  Leaders deserve our respect and honor unless they ask you to do things which disrespect and dishonor God.  Our first response to any leader should be to pray that they uphold their God given responsibilities.

I wonder what politics would look like if we began there.

On a Note of Triumph

This week, Norman Corwin died. Who is Corwin?  The writer of the greatest radio broadcast in history, listened to by over 60 million Americans after the defeat of Adolf Hitler in World War Two.  The program was aired on May 8, 1945.  Its title “On a Note of Triumph.”  The show, which rallied the country, was almost never written.  Corwin, tired and discouraged after years of writing for the war effort didn’t know how to inspire a country still entangled in a war in the Pacific and nursing wounds from the European conflict.  What could be said of a war not yet finished?

He visited museums, read about war atrocities, wandering through the city looking for his muse.  Nothing came to Corwin.  After reading “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman, he stopped on the phrase, “Never were such sharp questions ask'd as this day.”  Corwin pondered the questions.  Why were we fighting?  What did victory mean?  At what cost?  For what future?  These became the framework of his broadcast.

In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul speaks of the atrocities of sin, the difficulty of defeating it, the triumph of the believer’s debt forgiven, the wounds and incompleteness of transforming a Christian’s character, and a war effort in which total victory and glory lie yet in the future with Christ’s return.  He considers “sharp questions.”  He comes to this in Romans 8: “If God is for us, who can stand against us?”  He then delivers a message, on a note of triumph:

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(To listen to Corwin’s program: http://www.radio4all.net/index.php/program/33233)

Dinging the Universe

            You’ve heard it hundreds of times this week, Steve Jobs died.  Facebook entries, news stories, and general conversation give abundant accounts of his accomplishments and impact on our culture.  I’m writing this on a Macbook, while text messages click over my iPhone interrupting, which reminds me of the blessings and curses through which Job’s impacts my life.

            Job’s had a goal in life.  He once said, “I want to put a ding in the universe.”

            I think of that phrase, “a ding.”  It makes me think of being at a mall and having someone open their car door into my car, leaving a ding to remember them by.  A ding is a small token in a vast universe, which is easily overlooked.

            Interesting to think of Job’s accomplishments as a ding.  But when held in comparison to all of human history and the immensity of the universe, Job’s desire seems more a statement of reality of how our accomplishments impact the cosmos.

            But human choices can more than ding the universe.  In minutes, the actions of two people around a tree crushed the fabric of life and bent all that God created.  They didn’t ding the door, they crumpled the whole vehicle. 

            The cross is God’s answer to another transformation of the universe.  It’s the beginning of a process of taking the “dings” out.  God will do more than remove small blemishes, in the end, the entire universe will get made over.

            Mr. Job’s, thank you for dinging my life. 

            Jesus, thank you for the process of transforming me.

The Pastor Who Cannot

            Courage and faith are found in the darkest of places.  In Islamic controlled Iran, Muslim clerics have denounced Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani for once being a Muslim and converting to Christianity.  Now on his third appeal, the decision is being made as I write as to whether to uphold his conviction and carry out his execution.  He stands also accused of sharing his faith and converting Muslims. 

            Officially, Iran and international law forbid these actions, but consistent with Islamic beliefs, the clerics who are the true leaders of Iran are holding to a different set of laws within Islamic culture itself.  Rumors are flying he may have his sentence commuted, yet still be subject to life in prison.  Others have claimed he will be set free to placate western interests, but even if so, twelve years ago a pastor was set free and assassinated by authorities in Iran shortly after his release. Nadarkhani’s case has come to light just as Iran has also confiscated 6,500 Bibles because they would be subversive to youth.

            This week, my oldest son, Jonathan, learned in World History that Islam is the “religion of peace.”  Exact words.   This statement is made about a religion which began with an army and forced conversions and now in many countries challenges the right to believe in Christianity on many fronts. 

            Have Christians ever done such atrocities in history?  Yes.  But this does not negate what is done in the name of Allah and unlike Muslim clerics, Christianity owns these past actions as sin and counter to the truth of Christ.

            Martin Luther stood trial once for his own belief in what the Scriptures said.  When asked if he would recant his writings on the subject, he replied, “Here I stand, I can do no other.”

            Pray for Pastor Nadarkhani as he makes a tremendous stand.  Don’t let him stand alone.

He was asked to recant his faith this week.  “Repent,” the judge said.

            “Repent means to return.  What should I return to?  To the blasphemy that I had before my faith in Christ?” Nadarkhani replied.

            Repent…”to the religion of your ancestors, Islam,” said the judge.

            Nadarkhani said, “I cannot.”

Deeper

In her book, And Only to Deceive, Tasha Alexander tells the story of Emily, a young, upper-class English woman who marries to escape her mother's control. She marries the dashing Philip Ashton, only because he is gone on hunting trips most of the year and she can live a solitary life the majority of her time. When it is reported he has died on his trip, Emily feels little grief, knowing now she is even freer than before.

While going through her late husband's belongings, she finds his journal. As she reads, she begins to discover the depth of his love for her. Not only does she find he had a deep love for her, she gets to know him through his writing and finds herself falling deeper and deeper in love with a man she never let herself get to know.

Its easy to be satisfied with the shallow. What comes easy and gives happiness seems preferable to what takes effort. However, by not going deeper the greatest treasures of life are often misplaced.

Relationship with God works this way. God is kept at a minimum, so He is acknowledged, but His wonders are never explored and the relationship is kept an inch deep. Like Lady Ashton discovered, there is a journal, the Bible, in which the deep love of God can be known and explored. And unlike Lady Ashton, its not too late to grow more in this relationship. God is there waiting for you to know His heart and discover His will, as you go deeper with Him than ever before.

Let this be the adventure you embark on today.

Easter Troubles

Every Easter, the media brings out a new challenge to the story of Jesus.  One year its the Jesus Seminar claiming most of the story is fabricated.  Another year, people hear Paul invented Christianity.  Stories come and go about the veracity of the Bible, the hidden life of Jesus, the pondering of those who think Jesus married Mary and had children.  This year, the media is focusing in on the thought that Hell probably doesn't exist, at least in its traditionally presented form.

Unreported is the erosion of these claims as its discovered the Jesus Seminar decides by voting and not scholarship; Paul did not invent Christianity; the Bible turns out to be the most accurate of ancient books; and The DaVinci Code changed historical facts.  Each objection tumbles, only to see another raised as Easter provokes the detractors of faith.

Interesting is the fact no one hits at the heart of Easter.  They find trouble with the Scriptures, the life of Jesus, and other doctrines, but no one addresses the main issue.  There is an empty tomb to explain. Where is the body of Jesus?   Christianity could be disproven if the resurrection could be set aside.  But no one focuses their artillery or intellectual prattle on this area. 

The reason is no one has ever been able to discount the empty tomb.  Everyone agrees its empty.  And if you don't believe in Jesus as the resurrected Lord, its a problem.  Jesus' life, the Scriptures, and its call to faith rest on one historical truth: Jesus rose from the dead.

Do you believe that?  If you don't, you need to find out what happen to the body.  But let me worn you...its no where on this earth to be found.

Tears

     In the movie, The Passion of the Christ, as Jesus dies on the Cross, a single teardrop is seen falling from heaven to the ground.  This tear is a wonder, falling from the face of God to the earth.  It is a wonder on two counts.  One is the God of the universe is moved by emotion.  The events of this planet touch His heart.  Next is the wonder of sorrow.  This is God's plan and will be followed soon by the Resurrection.  God is full of hope and yet He cries.
     We are not God.  We have a hard time seeing the next three days, moreover seeing the solution to deep long term problems.  Images of devastated villages in Japan, unemployed workers, battlefields in distant countries, hungry children, and other casualties of the world flood our magazines, TVs, and computer screens.  There is a helpless feeling of what we can do to alleviate suffering or stop the devastation in a world which appears out of control.
     In this God tells us to hope.  He holds solutions and a better kingdom.  He draws the world to place where He will recreate it and wipe away all the sorrows and tears found in a world which rejects Him.  But as He was at the tomb of Lazarus, He is not unmoved by the world.  And as we wait in patience for our hope to be actualized sometimes the most holy response we can have is to cry.

It's the End of the World as We Know It

A lot is happening around our world, making people reflect on apocalyptic thoughts.  The economy makes one think of the stressed filled economy of the end times.  Libya, Egypt, Afghanistan, Iran, and Israel draw up scenarios of the role of the Anti-Christ in creating a new world order.  The earthquake and tsunami in Japan create an uneasy feeling of a world which is not under control as global conditions destabilize in many ways.

Jesus talks of these type of events.  "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes." (Matthew 24:7)  So is this the end?

Jesus adds two other thoughts in verses 6 and 8:  "That is not yet the end...all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs." 

I don't expect this thought to be of much comfort.  Things are bad and this is only the beginning.  So what does Jesus expect in such times?  He tells the disciples during this teaching a proper response during tough times is to be found serving the King.  "For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me." (Matthew 25:35-36). 

The proper response is to leave worry to the world and trust in service to the King.  Difficult times show what authority is followed, where trust is placed.  God is in control and He takes care of His servants.  So give Him what is due and be found serving, so that one day you might smile as you hear the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into your rest."

Football and Orphans

John Dutton has a distinction of having two things few people have: a Wikipedia page and his image on the cover of an Xbox game.  A quarterback for the Cleveland Gladiators in the Arena Football League has John starting another season, beginning with practice this month.  In 2005, he led the Colorado Crush to the Arena Bowl title and he continues to use his skills as a quarterback now for Cleveland.

Now if you know me, you might be curious why I would have any interest in John, because I have little interest in football, and it might surprise you I even know that Arena Football exists.  However, I have an immense interest in John, even though I've never watched a single Arena Football game.

My focus comes into play for two reasons.  First, John is part of our church.  When he is available his towering presence sits on the west side of the room, along with his family.  Second, John's family are missionaries sponsored by our church, running a ministry to orphans in Ethiopia.  You don't see John much at church, because he is either running plays on a football field or he is working with parentless children on another continent.  Heavenly Hope Ministries offers an amazing chance for children to know the love of caring people.  John uses his skills at football to make his life count for the Kingdom of God.  Recently, he even spent the night with children and bugs in the streets, to get to know their life.

John, I probably won't ever play Arena Football on the Xbox, I just might watch an Arena Football game if there is a chance, because I know you.  But know I follow your career because for me you are hero because you model a life lived for the Kingdom of God.

Raising Men

I have 3 boys, who in rapid speed are becoming men.  As each day passes, I realize the empty refrigerator, multiple taxi runs, and noisy evenings are all signs of them growing and maturing.  I find myself sacrificing time in the morning to get up early and get them to school and to give up weekends sleeping in to make sure they get to numerous events.  My oldest, Jon, is growing the fastest.  In his 14 years he is managing to reach 6'3", size 15 shoes, and now is borrowing my books to read.  This invasion of my library and through his unusually large, costly shoes he has grabbed my attention.  He is even beginning to do things with his computer that I didn't know how to do.  I'm beginning to realize I'm watching him transform from the baby I once knew to a man who will someday surpass me in many ways.

Tuesday mornings let me see this same process from a different perspective.  I've been meeting with 22 men for Bible Study.  They range in age from their early 20's to their mid-80's.  I'm in middle, but in the role of teacher and mentor.  When my alarm goes off at 5:30 am, I ponder why I am doing this, but at 6:30 am something magical happens.  These men come in and I see their commitment to grow in their walk with Christ.  They are at many maturity levels in their Christian walk.  For some the concepts are new and exciting.  When I listen to the answers of others I realize I'm privileged to be teaching men who have surpassed me in some areas.  Getting up early, preparing a study during the week for them has become an adventure.  Some of them are borrowing my books, joining other ventures with me, and helping me expand my view of the Kingdom of God.  I look at these men and enjoy every moment of their growth as men of God.  As I watch them grow, I look to the future, making sure I'm prepared for the bigger role many of them will take in the church and preparing material to grow them more in the future.

Make a commitment to grow.  Babies and children are cute, but if over time they never grow, that is a tragedy.  There is an adventure in growing spiritually and an excitement which is found in no other place.

And Jon, I anticipate you'll keep growing in your faith and your stature...that's why we bought 2 pairs of size 18 shoes and hid them in our closet.

Turning Down $12 Million

Gil Meche turned down $12 million dollars last week, for one simple reason.  He said he doesn't deserve it.  A pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, he finished out last season 0-5, and his career with the Royals is 29-39 games.  When asked why he made his choice, he said, “When I signed my contract, my main goal was to earn it.”

I find with rewards, we have two equally wrong attitudes with God.  We either feel we deserve whatever we can get from God or we shouldn't receive anything at all.  Sometimes the attitude is one of living our lives however we choose, then wondering why God doesn't bless us in every way.  In Jeremiah 7, God equates this to being a robber.   We take what isn't earned through deeds or relationship and expect the rewards of knowing God to be ours.

Sometimes we try to earn what God has for us.  This is an equally frustrating attitude.  Like Meche, we pitch less than average with God's standards.  The ball falls short of home plate.  If we wait for receive God's blessings until we deserve them, we will never have them.  So what can we do?

Its a mistake to expect God's treasures and demand them.  It is also a mistake to try to earn them.  There is no way to merit God's favor.  Your place on the team is guaranteed by God who paid the price for what you receive on the Cross.  You can't earn what Christ has bought for you nor can you demand what Christ freely gives.  It can only be had through relationship.  When you believe, accept what Jesus has done for you, the riches of Christ become your inheritance.

You don't need to rob God nor do you have to turn down what He offers.  He gives you a better country, a home which can never been taken away.  You need to find what He gives through your relationship with Him.   We need to think of our heavenly country as Meche does of his home state. He says, "Everywhere I’ve been in the country, for some reason, this is the place I can’t get away from.”

Kings in Disguise

     

 In the 8^th century, caliphs in Arabia would don disguises and take to the streets they ruled.  Unsuspecting people would find themselves in a sudden faceoff with the justice of their king or an unexpected touch of his grace.  In an act of historical imitation, King Abdullah II of Jordan is known for his collection of fake beards, curly wigs, and colorful costumes.  He has filed tax returns, walked among vendors, and sampled life from a different view while in disguise.  Once he pulled up in a rental car with a video camera and interviewed people as a TV correspondent.  He has appeared as an old man signing up for health care.  Looking for the King has become almost like a search for appearances of Elvis in Jordan.

     I’ve met people who think of God as a King Abdullah.  Not with God disguising himself as people, but through circumstances.  However, it is never the surprise of grace they are looking for.  People wait for God to appear to rap their knuckles, take away their joy, and bring them misery.   They expect God to draw of His mask and be a terrifying lion and never a gentle lamb.  Others see only a God of mercy, who hold no one to accountability and overlooks every transgression, while opening loving arms as.   He is never a lion and always a lamb.

     God finds disguises unnecessary.  He declares He is everywhere. We’re the ones who place the Grocho Marx glasses on Him and hope we can forget He is there.  As to His character, He is both the Lion and the Lamb.  He is the King.  He is the Savior.  Never is He one over the other.  He holds you accountable and asks you to follow Him.  And when we fall short of the expectations of the King,  He points you to the cross and price paid. 

And so tremble at the fact your salvation was bought by the Lion who is also the Lamb.

Ducks

     Monday night, I found myself inside a take 'n bake pizza store.  I had called my order in and the person told me it would be a wait because of how behind they were.  I waited awhile before going in only to find no other customers there.  Surprised it was a ghost town, I was about to mention how on the phone they told me they were super busy when the young lady at the counter looked excited and said, "What's the score?"
     I glanced behind me to see who had followed me in the store, but there was no one.  "Score?" I said.
     "Yes, the game....?" She said this as if it was the most obvious thing in the world to know.  "You are watching it?"
     "Ummm...no," I said.
     "Oh.  Here's your order, thanks for coming."
     I felt out of it.  I asked the two teens in my truck what sporting event was taking place and they gave the same look as the pizza clerk, sighed and told me it was the College Championship Football game.  Without my knowledge, Oregon and Auburn were locked in a tight contest, which would end only in the finally seconds with a field goal from Auburn.
     I can see those reading this shaking your heads at my football ignorance.   But I wonder if you realize how many contests are in fierce battles around you and the competition and score are out of your sight.
     A couple in a garden once had a friendly conversation with a snake.  A discussion of theology led to an open mindedness, a snack, and the world was changed.  It took awhile for them to realize there was a game and the score didn't end in their favor.
     Spiritual battles surround us, ignored, unseen, and often we are contestants who are unaware of our own participation in the fray.   The Apostle Peter gives this advice "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:8-9)  Know what is happening around you.
     And for all my friends who are Duck fans.  I did read all about the game.  Does that count?
     

Dear Christina...

     Once again the sinfulness of people has touched a child.  The hearts of many are poured out towards you and your family who have lost you much too early.  I find it upsetting to know now your service is  the target of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka.  This group, which is neither Baptist or a true church, chooses to gain attention by waging hateful protests at funerals of soldiers and now wants to do the same as your 9 years on earth are remembered by those who love you.
     I wonder how a man claiming to be a pastor and committed to the Word of God can so quickly pass over verses which call him to mourn with those who mourn.  And while you are no enemy of him, even if he so chooses to think this way, he is commanded to love his enemies.
     Christin Gilmer embodies a spirit of compassion I admire. She is organizing "angel action" for your service.  First envisioned by Colorado resident Romaine Patterson, Gilmer plans to have people wear 8x10 angels wings and surround your friends and families so they may focus on you, rather than the protests of faux Christians.  When I last read, 42 people had volunteered on Facebook to build wings for you.  Your community is donating the money and materials for the wings.
     As I read your story I'm reminded of a poet who tended to his son, badly wounded in the Civil War.  He wrote, "In despair, I bowed my head.  'There is no peace on earth' I said." But as he reflected on the greatness of God he remembered, "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep.  The wrong will fail; the right prevail, with peace on earth, goodwill towards men.
   May the celebration of your life be remembered in light of the gracious God who remembers each of us; who understands the loss of a child, because He gave His only Son.  May His people rise up and stand for truth in a way which nullifies the voice of those who falsely speak in His name and shows the love of the King who welcomes us to a better Kingdom.
  If I could be there this week, I would wear a pair of wings for you.

The Man With the Golden Voice

  It's common to find people with cardboard signs on street corners.  While most are looking for a handout, it's the creativity of the signs which interests me.  I once saw two boys soliciting money for Kung Fu lessons so they could become pirates.  This past week a motorist noticed a homeless man asking for help declaring he had the "God given gift of a great voice."  In exchange for a dollar, the motorist took out his video camera and asked the man to say something for his money.  The video, posted on You Tube, has changed the life of Ted Williams, the man with the sign.  (see the video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6kI_u3ho_c)
   Williams interest in radio began at 14 years old.  He went to school to become a broadcaster, but alcohol and cocaine brought his life to a disastrous place and he found himself living in a tent and reduced to begging for his basic needs.  After the posting of the video and the airing of his voice, Williams has become an overnight celebrity, displaying a golden voice which is now the subject of 250 job offers.

  It's amazing the power of a voice.  Many voices contend for attention and each person chooses which voice will receive notice.  Friends, the media, and conscience compete with God who speaks into the frenzy offering what is best.  Jesus says in John 10:27:  "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."  For now, Williams has the ear of many and may this be a chance for him to begin a new life.  For those who choose to listen to the Great Shepherd, there is also an adventure waiting, one just needs to listen and follow Him.