What did the Bible just say?

In reading through the Bible this year, it didn't take long for us to read things that don't make immediate sense. There are cultural customs and Old Testament practices and laws that are very unfamiliar to us. There are lists of names, which are hard to pronounce; and there are times, we come away from reading, and ask (in our own minds): What did I just read? Or even: Was that worth it?
Don't feel like you are unspiritual if you are asking those questions. In fact, if we don't have any questions, it probably means we are not reading closely enough; and we are not interested in growing in our knowledge and application of God's Word. There is always more answers that need to be found; and they usually come after we are willing to ask some good questions.

Since we have completed Genesis and are nearing the end of Exodus, there are already many unique passages that we have covered. And as we get into Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, the questions that arise will increase; and the uniqueness of the content will get more unique! Be prepared. Don't quit. Keep reading; but read as one who desires to learn. Allow me to give you some hints to make the most out of reading these particular books of the Bible.

• Read out loud - Reading out loud will add to your comprehension just because it forces you to slow down and pay better attention to what you are reading
• Read with expression - one way to better comprehend what is going on is to read it dramatically, trying to imagine and express what is being communicated in the passage
• Write down your questions - when a question comes to mind, from something you are reading, write it down. Rather than stopping, jot a note and keep reading. Sometimes the rest of the passage will answer your question. Otherwise, you then will remember what to follow up on later because you wrote it down
• Remember that everything written down in these Old Testament narratives are not commands for us, in particular; and every character is not an example for us to follow. It is important to consider that some of the promises and commands to particular individuals, and some of the actions they take, are unique to them. And if they are not repeated elsewhere in Scripture, they may not be things we need to try and apply in that same way.
• We can always learn something about God. Even if the material you are reading is hard to understand, or trying to figure out an application seems impossible with that particular passage, look for something about God. Usually, there are either direct or indirect teachings about who God is and what He has done. If the passage can draw your attention to God, then it is well worth it.
• Look for principles that are talked about elsewhere in the Bible. If it is a biblical principle, illustrated by this particular passage, then you can consider how to apply it to life
• Allow the reading of God's Word to be the benefit. Even if you don't come away from your reading excited with some new knowledge or a vision of how you are supposed to change your life because of the passage you just read, be at peace. Just the fact that you spent some time reading God's Word to you, means that you desire to know Him and follow Him. And that is enough. God will use this practice in your life, now and in the future; and perhaps in ways you cannot yet see. Be patient...and keep reading!

If you some questions about passages that you are reading, feel free to send me a note; and I would be happy to try to suggest some answers or resources that will help you find them. May God bless as you continue to read His Word!

20 LESSONS IN 20 YEARS: LESSON 3

As I look back on 20 years (including some times of transition) of being a pastor, many thoughts and feelings flood my head and heart. This is a good way for me to get them written down, and re-experience these important lessons God has taught me. Just as a disclaimer: I don't pretend to have all of this figured out; or even that these lessons are completely learned. I realize I will continue to learn and re-learn lessons in ministry until God decides to call me to something else, or take me home.

Lesson 3: I have learned to preach to myself before preaching to others

One of the temptations of ministry is to get so excited about communicating God's Word, and seeing Him work in people's lives, that we forget what is really the best communication that will have lasting impact. If I am disconnected from the truths I am preaching, then it is up to my ability to creatively communicate to and motivate others to believe that what I am saying is worth listening to and applying to life. However, if I have already listened to God's Word myself and am currently applying it to my life, the message will be an overflow from a heart that has already wrestled with these truths and submitted himself to them.

I'm not sure when, exactly, this hit home for me. It was probably about 10 years ago when it really took hold. I don't remember any particular incident; but I think I recognized that unless I was growing and putting the messages to life, I would be preaching in my own power, which eventually fails. But, if I was preaching, based on the work of God's Spirit, using His Word to continually change me; well then, who knows how God might use that to change others as well. People tend to know when you are just saying something or when you are actually living it yourself. When someone is trying to sell us something, some natural questions might be: Have you actually used the product? Are you currently using the product? Will you continue to use the product, even if you no longer work for the company. The same could be asked of the pastor: Have you applied this passage of Scripture to your life? Are you currently growing in your faith? Will you continue to apply this message, even after you have preached it to others? Will you share with us how God is currently working in your life?

For some time, in ministry, I was specifically telling the congregation each week how I had already applied that particular message to my life the week prior. Perhaps I will do that again, where I talk about it every single week. I think, for now, I will just continue to consider my own personal application, and where appropriate, I will share with the people how God has been using these messages in my life as well.

20 LESSONS IN 20 YEARS: LESSON 2

I have had the privilege of serving God, in ministry, for more than 20 years. Along the way, I have learned many lessons; and I am taking some time to recall them here. I am writing this mostly for myself, to remind me of what God has taught me; and to continue in them. I would also love to be an encouragement to others in ministry, at some point in the future. I don't have these in order or even a set list. No doubt there are many more lessons learned; and some I have already forgotten. But these are the ones God brings to mind as I consider them.

Lesson 2: I have learned to be transparent
This is not easy: to be honest and transparent with others as we serve as pastors. I do think it is vitally important, but I realize many in ministry would heartily disagree with this. I can't convince them that this is an important thing; but I can share why it is an important lesson I have learned and am learning.

The tendency, as a pastor, is to be outspoken about how others need to grow; but to be very careful not to show how weak and sinful and desperate he actually is. It is tempting to only give stories about myself that are flattering and where I did the right thing. It can be a fearful thing to be completely honest and transparent, because people might not like me, might think bad things about me; and worse yet, might think I should no longer be their pastor. I have experienced all of those responses.
It is against human nature to talk about what our lives are really like.

But, I have learned, that it is through transparency and honesty, that I remain humble and people are not as likely to put me on a dangerous pedestal. They realize that although I have a different role than they do, I am just like them in my sin struggles. I have found that those who are also desperate for God find comfort, strength and help when their pastor is also willing to admit how desperate he is. I admit: it has been uncomfortable for me, and I realize there needs to be wisdom as to what exactly to share with whom and when. But, instead of making excuses for why I shouldn't share, or what might happen that seems negative, I have learned to pray, and then share what details I think God would want me to share.

I remember, in a previous ministry, when I preached through the Ten Commandments, I preached an introductory message: "How I broke all 10 Commandments". My intention was not to "brag" in any way, but to humbly admit, that in the technical sense, or in Jesus' viewpoint of them, I had broken every commandment. And if you know what the commandments are, then you can understand why that could have been uncomfortable. But, in explaining my failures, it helped all us (except for those who chose to focus on my sins) to realize just how real these commands are even today; and how we all can be tempted to break any or all of them. It ended up being one of my most enjoyable and effective message series; but it all began, I believe, with transparency and honesty.

Now, don't think that I never fail in this...I do. But, it is my desire, after wrestling with this issue for 20 years, to keep sharing the reality of my life with the people of God in this place. One way I attempt to do this each week, is to make sure before I communicate and apply God's Word to others, that I apply that same message to my life. I want the message to be an overflow of what God is doing in my heart before I tell others; and part of that is sharing, along the way, what God is teaching me.

20 LESSONS FROM 20 YEARS - LESSON 1

It is hard for me to believe that it was back in December of 1993 that I accepted my first ministry as a full-time pastor. These 20 years have gone so quickly. I have learned so much. I thought it would be helpful for me, and an encouragement for my mom (who is the one person I am pretty sure reads my blog), to write down some of the lessons God has taught me over these years of ministry. None of these are unique to me; and yet these are the things God has brought to my mind and heart, as it relates to some important lessons I have learned.

LESSON 1: I have learned to boast in God, my weaknesses, and the cross of Jesus.
When I first began ministry, and in many years that I have served, I admit that there were a couple of things I wanted to boast in. However, this boasting was not in anything I had accomplished, but in what I hoped to accomplish one day: Having a large, growing church; and being in one ministry for over 20 years. I thought having a large church (not sure the exact number I had in mind) was a sign of God's blessing; and I thought being at one church for over 20 years (not sure why I chose that number) was a sign of my faithfulness and leadership. I was wrong. I'm not saying that those in large churches or that have stayed for over 20 years are not blessed by God, or are not faithful or good leaders. They may be. In fact, I look up to many of them.

But, I believe that one of the reasons God has allowed me to be in smaller churches and well short of 20 years in each, is because He had a very important lesson for me to learn. And I am guessing that if I had only been in one church all these years and had a large, growing church, that God knew I would not have learned it. I believe in the sovereignty of God; and therefore, I believe God has had His hand on this the entire 20 years. And even with my sins, mistakes, and failures, it has not kept God from teaching me some very important lessons, and accomplishing His will and bringing Himself glory!

This lesson is, of course, not some great idea I came up with on my own. It was written thousands of years ago; but I am just learning it. Here are some of the Scriptures that speak to this lesson about boasting:

Psalm 34:2 - "My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad."

II Corinthians 11:30 - "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness."

Galatians 6:14 - "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

So, over the years, God has given me some things to boast about; and these have helped to keep my attention and focus, when I am tempted to want to boast about big congregations and long term pastorates.

• I will boast in God. He alone deserves my praise!
• I will boast in my weaknesses, because in them I have seen God's work and how He can still use me.
• I will boast in the cross of Jesus, for it is through His death, burial and resurrection that I can have eternal life; and that others can have it as well.

HAPPY NEW YEAR???

I would expect to see !!! rather than ??? following the Happy New Year statement, wouldn't you? And just in case you wonder if my hangover from New Year's Eve celebrations have caused the mistake, let me assure you that this time, it was on purpose! Last night was a little different celebration for our family. Although we had all 7 of us home, 2 of us were sick (to the point of not sitting next to each other or being close to one another) and 2 of us seemed "on the edge" of sickness. We still were able to (from different rooms) talk about our highs and lows of 2013, and pray for one another as we enter a New Year (although the prayer time was around 6 p.m. rather than midnight - does that still count?). Normally, we have a lot of people over and play games, and then go watch the ball drop on TV, with about a minute left to midnight.
It was a little different this year.

The 2 "sickies" were in bed long before midnight, but the rest of us watched the last 10 minutes to the ball dropping, going back and forth between 3 different stations. I was not used to watching more than the last minute before the ball drops; and after watching several minutes from 3 different stations, I started placing question marks instead of exclamation points at the end of the phrase: Happy New Year. This is why (only based on the small sampling I viewed):

• No goals to shoot for in 2014. They lamented that setting goals makes no difference because no one keeps those goals (New Year's resolutions) very long. That may be true, but having nothing to shoot for in the New Year pretty much guarantees a year of "seeing what happens" and if anything, pursuing things that are not really important.
• Nothing to say - The channels I watched in those last 10 minutes were using commercials very freely; and when they weren't on commercial, in all 3 cases, they were having a very hard time finding anything substantive to say. It seemed odd to me, especially in a business where talking is what they are paid for, that they couldn't come up with a good conversation for the final minutes of 2013 and anticipating the new year. 
• Let's go with sex - It seemed like, in the last several minutes of the countdown to the new year, the best thing the stations could think of talking about and showing, had to do with sensual images and talk of girls kissing one another being the highlight of the night. I have nothing against sex. God created it and it is an awesome thing when used His way. I should not have been surprised, but when they didn't seem to know what to show or talk about, the default was sexuality.

These are the 3 things that come to my mind as I think about the final 10 minutes of the New Year, from the media's perspective. And, of course, with the actual ball dropping, there then came a lot of kissing, noise making and drinking. And unfortunately, because of 1 of the significant "sickies" in my household, there was no kissing for me! My limited view of how they perceived the end of last year and the beginning of this New Year caused me to place the question marks in my head, and now in this entry. 

Followers of Jesus have a much greater opportunity for a Happy New Year!!! 

• There are many blessings to praise God for from 2013
• The fact that we are still here means that God is still saving people and still using us
• Each new day brings opportunities to learn of God and to walk with Him
• There are many blessings to praise God for, already, in 2014 (family, friends, life, etc.)
• We can have peace and joy, in any circumstance (past, present or future) because we have Christ!
• Jesus may return in 2014!
• If our complete satisfaction is in Christ, then we are guaranteed a Happy New Year (because even death brings us a greater reward).

So, let's enter into 2014 with !!! even as there are many ??? as to what we might face in the New Year. The !!! are what we already have and know about who is in control of the future; and this allows us to !!! in the midst of many ??? that will arise. I don't feel I am making a whole lot of sense so far in 2014; but I am willing to continue to give full effort! May you find your happiness this year in the only source that provides true joy, peace, and eternal life!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!