We are in the midst of major-league baseball playoff action and us here in the Upper Midwest are especially interested as we watch our Minnesota Twins. One of the interesting things for me to watch in a baseball game is how managers move their players around during the game. Most of the movement is preparation for the current hitter and trying to anticipate where he might hit the ball or where he might be running during the action. Sometimes the defensive player makes his own changes but often the managers will discern the correct positioning of the player in a particular situation. That makes a lot of sense to me. If you are not putting yourself into a position where you can "receive" the action and accomplish your job, you will find the real action passing you by.
I am very interested in the concept of "positioning" as it relates to worship. If we come to worship with the idea that all I need to do is be present - often the action comes (and goes) without us even knowing it was there. If, on the other hand, we take the time to intentionally position ourselves for worship and "position" ourselves to "receive the action," the chances of us having a powerful experience in worship are greatly increased.
How do we do that? How do we make sure that we have done everything possible to be in the right place, to receive what God has for us?
The first thing to do is Focus. When you are about ready to worship, spend a moment to think about where you are and what you are about to do. That sounds silly, but too often we sit down, read through the bulletin and then music starts and we are on our way. But, beware - you might be in the right ballpark but haven't thought through where you need to be positioned to receive the action.
The second thing to do is Pray. I know that if I will pause to pray I have a better chance of focusing of the task at hand. If I do not stop long enough to initiate my conversation with God, I am going to be in the right ballpark, playing the right game, but just really along for the ride and not part of the action.
The third thing to do is Pay Attention, be engaged, in the event. Sometimes it is difficult to accomplish; worship drags, music is uninspiring, the sermon is boring, etc. The "game" might not be the most exciting you have ever attended but for the player(s) it still requires all your attention to the events of the game. I am always amazed at how much the Holy Spirit can accomplish in the midst of "less than dynamic" worship. There will be many leaving the service disappointed, but for those who positioned themselves for worship, they have received a message for God. That is the great promise.
I wonder how many great "plays" I missed in the game because my mind was somewhere else and the ball got by me before I even saw it come off the bat? I am afraid there are more than I want to admit. But, my hope and prayer is that I will pay better attention in the future and always remember to position myself for that which is to come.
Just thinking...
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Serendepity
It's funny how things happen sometimes. In The Plainsman, our local newspaper, there are daily quotes located throughout the paper. Some of them are interesting, others somewhat blah, while others I just overlook entirely. Many of the people quoted I have never heard of.
Recently I noticed one that said, "If you want to get across an idea, wrap it up in person." by Ralph J. Bunche, American diplomat (1904 - 1971). The quote was sort of interesting, but nothing earth-shattering and I had never heard of Ralph Bunche. So, I did something that I normally do not take time for: I "googled" him to see just who in the world this guy was.
I want you to know that I was pleasantly surprised at all the wonderful information on this special individual. You can get his complete bio at (http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1950/bunche-bio.html).
Suffice it to say, this receipient of the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize and an African American statesman who was as powerful an influence in international affairs as he was in the Civil Rights movement, is someone we need to know about.
I would never have known of this important individual had I not taken a little time to be inquisitive. Don't get me wrong - I am not pointing fingers at anyone (except maybe myself), but there is a lot more information available than we take time to explore. I don't have the time to check out everything that I don't know, but I plan on being a little more sensitive (and inquisitive) in the future.
Recently I noticed one that said, "If you want to get across an idea, wrap it up in person." by Ralph J. Bunche, American diplomat (1904 - 1971). The quote was sort of interesting, but nothing earth-shattering and I had never heard of Ralph Bunche. So, I did something that I normally do not take time for: I "googled" him to see just who in the world this guy was.
I want you to know that I was pleasantly surprised at all the wonderful information on this special individual. You can get his complete bio at (http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1950/bunche-bio.html).
Suffice it to say, this receipient of the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize and an African American statesman who was as powerful an influence in international affairs as he was in the Civil Rights movement, is someone we need to know about.
I would never have known of this important individual had I not taken a little time to be inquisitive. Don't get me wrong - I am not pointing fingers at anyone (except maybe myself), but there is a lot more information available than we take time to explore. I don't have the time to check out everything that I don't know, but I plan on being a little more sensitive (and inquisitive) in the future.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Angel Flight
I just got through viewing the video for the song "Angel Flight" and wanted to share some "chaplain thoughts." You might want to check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgkxiqKj0nU
I used to wonder why so many "old soldiers" would start to cry when seeing the flag pass in a parade, hearing the National Anthem, or just being reminded of days long past when they served their country. When I was on active duty, I was often present at the "Passing of the Colors," joined in the singing of the National Anthem, conducted memorial services, and so many other events that are part and parcel of the life of a military chaplain. I was intimately aware of all the things going on around me and throughout the world. I, like most military members, was very proud of my service and endeavored to be the best professional possible. I dealt with it quite well. So, why not so many tears during my service?
I think it has a lot to do with being in the midst of the events, trying to do the job, and then moving on to the next mission (guaranteed to be waiting). You just don't always have the time to reflect.
Well, I admit that I have now become an "old soldier" myself and find myself shedding tears all too quickly these days. Sometimes it is the flag passing by in a parade, the National Anthem, a patriotic song, or even a television story of some military member “doing the right thing” in a difficult situation. The difference these days is that I now have the luxury of being far enough removed from the action that I can finally let it speak to me. Isn't that the real issue - being able to let an event really speak to you rather than just responding to it? I think it is.
If there is a lesson for those who still serve, it is the need to experience some of this “old soldier” phenomenon. Find some time to pause and let the events around you "speak" to you. It isn't easy, I know, and yet the power of reflection can be very invigorating - and you might just need to be invigorated.
Every time I serve the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, I remind the people that this is one of the special times in our week that we can pause, look back, and remember. The truth is that when we do that, there is a wonderful discovery of the "feeling" of the great gift Christ has given us. Not just a reminder of the event, but a real feeling of the event. That is the real need during the sacrament - memory alone is not enough.
The Operational Tempo in the military is difficult to keep up with (on a good day) but if we cannot carve out time to pause and reflect, we will miss the opportunity to be invigorated. I must also say that all of this is equally true for those not in the military that might be reading this. All of us go through life entirely too quickly without pausing and letting our experiences speak to us.
My only problem with this is that I am all too often just like you – too busy to stop and “feel.” Too busy making sure that things get done well and on time. Too busy making sure the mission is accomplished - without ever experiencing the emotion and power of the moment.
Maybe, just maybe, if we ask (and try hard), God will give us the wisdom needed for the days ahead.
Just Thinking
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgkxiqKj0nU
I used to wonder why so many "old soldiers" would start to cry when seeing the flag pass in a parade, hearing the National Anthem, or just being reminded of days long past when they served their country. When I was on active duty, I was often present at the "Passing of the Colors," joined in the singing of the National Anthem, conducted memorial services, and so many other events that are part and parcel of the life of a military chaplain. I was intimately aware of all the things going on around me and throughout the world. I, like most military members, was very proud of my service and endeavored to be the best professional possible. I dealt with it quite well. So, why not so many tears during my service?
I think it has a lot to do with being in the midst of the events, trying to do the job, and then moving on to the next mission (guaranteed to be waiting). You just don't always have the time to reflect.
Well, I admit that I have now become an "old soldier" myself and find myself shedding tears all too quickly these days. Sometimes it is the flag passing by in a parade, the National Anthem, a patriotic song, or even a television story of some military member “doing the right thing” in a difficult situation. The difference these days is that I now have the luxury of being far enough removed from the action that I can finally let it speak to me. Isn't that the real issue - being able to let an event really speak to you rather than just responding to it? I think it is.
If there is a lesson for those who still serve, it is the need to experience some of this “old soldier” phenomenon. Find some time to pause and let the events around you "speak" to you. It isn't easy, I know, and yet the power of reflection can be very invigorating - and you might just need to be invigorated.
Every time I serve the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, I remind the people that this is one of the special times in our week that we can pause, look back, and remember. The truth is that when we do that, there is a wonderful discovery of the "feeling" of the great gift Christ has given us. Not just a reminder of the event, but a real feeling of the event. That is the real need during the sacrament - memory alone is not enough.
The Operational Tempo in the military is difficult to keep up with (on a good day) but if we cannot carve out time to pause and reflect, we will miss the opportunity to be invigorated. I must also say that all of this is equally true for those not in the military that might be reading this. All of us go through life entirely too quickly without pausing and letting our experiences speak to us.
My only problem with this is that I am all too often just like you – too busy to stop and “feel.” Too busy making sure that things get done well and on time. Too busy making sure the mission is accomplished - without ever experiencing the emotion and power of the moment.
Maybe, just maybe, if we ask (and try hard), God will give us the wisdom needed for the days ahead.
Just Thinking
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Remembering Sermons
If I asked you, "What was last Sunday's sermon title?" or "What was last Sunday's sermon about?" could you answer correctly? I doubt it. Now, hold on a minute, don't get riled up - I have the same problem!! Well, I might remember my personal sermon since I worked on it for some time, but other sermons are another issue all together.
While I would feel good to have everyone remember all the wonderful words I spoke, the reality is that MY words are just that - WORDS. I want to share some thoughts on the most memorable and powerful sermons I ever heard, and cannot remember.
The first sermon that comes to mind is the one Billy Graham preached in the early 1960s at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. I was an Explorer Scout and we were ushers at the crusade. At the end of the sermon I was sitting on the grass toward the back. Billy Graham made an altar call and I went forward. I was 15 years old, and suddenly felt like I was pulled up from the ground and led forward. I don't have a clue what Billy preached about that day, but something in that sermon and that service opened my heart for the Holy Spirit to speak to me.
The second sermon was preached by a U.S. Air Force Chaplain in May of 1964 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. I was in my first or second week of basic training and attending an outdoor worship service (I recall being on the back row!!). As the service was ending, the chaplain walked off the stage. I remember it was to my right as I looked at the stage. While he was walking off, I received what we refer to as - "my call to preach." It was as clear as if I had read it on a billboard and it was so powerful a message that I have never doubted it these 46 years. But, I don't have the slightest clue as to what the chaplain preached about. For all I know, he might have just stood up there and said nothing, but SOMETHING he said caused me to position myself to receive a message that the Holy Spirit had for me.
The third sermon (actually, more than one) was preached by a fellow Army chaplain at Ft. Monmouth, NJ in 1984. I was in the Chaplain's Advanced Course and attended services on Sunday at the Main Post Chapel. The Associate Pastor was a relatively new friend, a fellow United Methodist, and a contemporary of mine (we were both Majors). I had been preaching regularly since I started college (1969) and considered myself a fairly "seasoned" pastor and preacher. When my friend would preach, though, I found myself glued to his sermon in a way that was different from most other preachers. He would capture my attention from his very first word and I marveled at his ability to truly "preach." I'm sorry, but I don't remember any of the particulars of the sermons these 26 years later, but I know that through his messages, his demeanor, and his talent, he opened me to the Holy Spirit in such a way that I became a much better (I certainly hope) communicator of the Word. In fact, I might go so far as to say that he really taught me how to preach.
As you might notice, the common denominator in all this is the Holy Spirit. We who are preachers must never forget that our words; our actions; are just simply that - OURS. When we understand that our words and actions are only vehicles through which we convey God's words, then we finally become preachers. When you who are not preachers approach the spoken word with an expectation that the words and actions of the preacher are just merely a way for you to get in touch with God's Spirit - you are on the brink of a great breakthrough in your spiritual life.
I hope that in the future you won't feel too badly if you can't remember the sermon title. But I hope that you might be able to remember what, in your heart and soul, was stirred by the message.
BUT - if you happen to rmember the title, that is cool too!
Just Thinking.
While I would feel good to have everyone remember all the wonderful words I spoke, the reality is that MY words are just that - WORDS. I want to share some thoughts on the most memorable and powerful sermons I ever heard, and cannot remember.
The first sermon that comes to mind is the one Billy Graham preached in the early 1960s at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. I was an Explorer Scout and we were ushers at the crusade. At the end of the sermon I was sitting on the grass toward the back. Billy Graham made an altar call and I went forward. I was 15 years old, and suddenly felt like I was pulled up from the ground and led forward. I don't have a clue what Billy preached about that day, but something in that sermon and that service opened my heart for the Holy Spirit to speak to me.
The second sermon was preached by a U.S. Air Force Chaplain in May of 1964 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. I was in my first or second week of basic training and attending an outdoor worship service (I recall being on the back row!!). As the service was ending, the chaplain walked off the stage. I remember it was to my right as I looked at the stage. While he was walking off, I received what we refer to as - "my call to preach." It was as clear as if I had read it on a billboard and it was so powerful a message that I have never doubted it these 46 years. But, I don't have the slightest clue as to what the chaplain preached about. For all I know, he might have just stood up there and said nothing, but SOMETHING he said caused me to position myself to receive a message that the Holy Spirit had for me.
The third sermon (actually, more than one) was preached by a fellow Army chaplain at Ft. Monmouth, NJ in 1984. I was in the Chaplain's Advanced Course and attended services on Sunday at the Main Post Chapel. The Associate Pastor was a relatively new friend, a fellow United Methodist, and a contemporary of mine (we were both Majors). I had been preaching regularly since I started college (1969) and considered myself a fairly "seasoned" pastor and preacher. When my friend would preach, though, I found myself glued to his sermon in a way that was different from most other preachers. He would capture my attention from his very first word and I marveled at his ability to truly "preach." I'm sorry, but I don't remember any of the particulars of the sermons these 26 years later, but I know that through his messages, his demeanor, and his talent, he opened me to the Holy Spirit in such a way that I became a much better (I certainly hope) communicator of the Word. In fact, I might go so far as to say that he really taught me how to preach.
As you might notice, the common denominator in all this is the Holy Spirit. We who are preachers must never forget that our words; our actions; are just simply that - OURS. When we understand that our words and actions are only vehicles through which we convey God's words, then we finally become preachers. When you who are not preachers approach the spoken word with an expectation that the words and actions of the preacher are just merely a way for you to get in touch with God's Spirit - you are on the brink of a great breakthrough in your spiritual life.
I hope that in the future you won't feel too badly if you can't remember the sermon title. But I hope that you might be able to remember what, in your heart and soul, was stirred by the message.
BUT - if you happen to rmember the title, that is cool too!
Just Thinking.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Madam Secretary
Don't be fooled by these past two posts - I don't normally read voluminous books. I am normally in the middle of a book by Michael Connelly, David Baldacci, Lee Child, or other like-minded author. Afterall, after dealing with reality all day, nothing says relaxation like a good murder mystery!!!
But, last night I finished an outstanding book: "Madam Secretary: A Memoir by Madeleine Korbel Albright." Another 664 page book, but one well worth the time and effort. I admit that the only reason I bought it was that I found it at Dollar Tree for $1.00. You just can't pass by something like that. It was one of the best investments I have made in a long time.
As you know, Madeleine Albright served as U.N. ambassador and then, following the resignation of Warren Christopher, as Secretary of State - the FIRST female in that position. I have never identified myself with any political party and would not normally consider spending any great time reading a politician's memoir. This is a wonderful exception. I must admit that I have a much greater appreciation of her, in particular, and the job of Secretary of State, in general.
First of all let me say - Madeline Albright is a wonderful writer and keeps you mesmerized with stories of her early life as well as of her service to our great country. I picked this book up one night because nothing else was close by. I thought I would just read through a few pages and see what it was like. I think I stopped reading about 2:00 a.m. From that point on, I was hooked. Her early life is facinating; her behind-the-scenes-stories of world events will captivate you.
I wanted to share this with you because I am very aware that I could have easily missed a great read because of my short-sightedness. I now have another rather large memoir of George Tenet (former head of the CIA) at home that I just might open some day soon. Yes, I got it at Dollar Tree too, but...
Just Thinking
But, last night I finished an outstanding book: "Madam Secretary: A Memoir by Madeleine Korbel Albright." Another 664 page book, but one well worth the time and effort. I admit that the only reason I bought it was that I found it at Dollar Tree for $1.00. You just can't pass by something like that. It was one of the best investments I have made in a long time.
As you know, Madeleine Albright served as U.N. ambassador and then, following the resignation of Warren Christopher, as Secretary of State - the FIRST female in that position. I have never identified myself with any political party and would not normally consider spending any great time reading a politician's memoir. This is a wonderful exception. I must admit that I have a much greater appreciation of her, in particular, and the job of Secretary of State, in general.
First of all let me say - Madeline Albright is a wonderful writer and keeps you mesmerized with stories of her early life as well as of her service to our great country. I picked this book up one night because nothing else was close by. I thought I would just read through a few pages and see what it was like. I think I stopped reading about 2:00 a.m. From that point on, I was hooked. Her early life is facinating; her behind-the-scenes-stories of world events will captivate you.
I wanted to share this with you because I am very aware that I could have easily missed a great read because of my short-sightedness. I now have another rather large memoir of George Tenet (former head of the CIA) at home that I just might open some day soon. Yes, I got it at Dollar Tree too, but...
Just Thinking
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sacred Fire
Pray for me! I am starting a new book today, "George Washington's Sacred Fire," by Peter A. Lillback. The reason for prayer is that it is only 843 pages long with another 400 or so pages of supporting documents! By the way, I don't currently have plans to read all of the supporting documents.
The reason I bought this book, which is a #1 National Best Seller, is that it is a definitive work dealing with the question, "was George Washington a Christian or merely a Deist?." I think this is an important question whose answer can more clearly identify some of the reasons for the situation(s) in which we find ourselves.
I look forward to the arguments in this book, even with its length, because I believe that we have been slowly led into believing that Christian principles and Godly leaders had less to do with the beginnings of our nation than was actually the fact. While we do not want to hold up some "holier than thou" attitude to the world, I believe that we are a great country because our founding leaders decided to form a nation based on Godly Precepts.
I admit that even if the book makes a powerful argument for Washington being a Christian, the question still remains, "So What?." Well, the answer might rest in the notion that anytime you forget your past (both good and bad), your future is shakey at best.
Yesterday on ESPN there was much discussion about football teams and their chances in the 2010 race to be World Champions. One recurring theme within discussions of all the teams was the danger of forgetting their strangths and going in other directions. Teams that have become strong franchises because they have been powerful defensive teams are now forgetting that and trying to beef-up their offence - to the detriment of "what brought them to the dance." The bottom line is - that will ultimately lead to mediocrity, at best, and complete failure at the worst.
Isn't that what we might be seeing in our country? I know it isn't clearly "black and white," but there seems to be a correlation between not holding fast to our Christian heritage and the breakdown of our society; our government; our leaders.
Maybe the thing that bothers me most is that modern society seems to want to discount anyone who claims Christ. Since the early part of the 20th century, historians in particular, and society in general, have decided that one of the greatest leaders this nation has ever experienced, was only a bland-type believer, at best, and his leadership style and his great accomplishments should not really be attributed to his ardent faith in Christ.
Well, we will see.
The reason I bought this book, which is a #1 National Best Seller, is that it is a definitive work dealing with the question, "was George Washington a Christian or merely a Deist?." I think this is an important question whose answer can more clearly identify some of the reasons for the situation(s) in which we find ourselves.
I look forward to the arguments in this book, even with its length, because I believe that we have been slowly led into believing that Christian principles and Godly leaders had less to do with the beginnings of our nation than was actually the fact. While we do not want to hold up some "holier than thou" attitude to the world, I believe that we are a great country because our founding leaders decided to form a nation based on Godly Precepts.
I admit that even if the book makes a powerful argument for Washington being a Christian, the question still remains, "So What?." Well, the answer might rest in the notion that anytime you forget your past (both good and bad), your future is shakey at best.
Yesterday on ESPN there was much discussion about football teams and their chances in the 2010 race to be World Champions. One recurring theme within discussions of all the teams was the danger of forgetting their strangths and going in other directions. Teams that have become strong franchises because they have been powerful defensive teams are now forgetting that and trying to beef-up their offence - to the detriment of "what brought them to the dance." The bottom line is - that will ultimately lead to mediocrity, at best, and complete failure at the worst.
Isn't that what we might be seeing in our country? I know it isn't clearly "black and white," but there seems to be a correlation between not holding fast to our Christian heritage and the breakdown of our society; our government; our leaders.
Maybe the thing that bothers me most is that modern society seems to want to discount anyone who claims Christ. Since the early part of the 20th century, historians in particular, and society in general, have decided that one of the greatest leaders this nation has ever experienced, was only a bland-type believer, at best, and his leadership style and his great accomplishments should not really be attributed to his ardent faith in Christ.
Well, we will see.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Beginning
Needless to say, I have neglected my blog for quite a while. I will endeavor to be better in the future.
I was reading a devotion in the 75th Anniversary edition of the Upper Room today. The article was from 1976 and told the story of a young boy praying for the return of his dog. It reminded me of my first encounter with prayer.
I suppose I was in the 1st or 2nd grade when my mother told me that Papa (my grandfather and her father) had had a heart attack. My memory is of being out in the front yard, thinking about him and beginning to pray that God would help him. I don't know why I did that. We weren't a church family and did not have prayer in our home. Nevertheless, here I stood in the front yard, a simple young boy praying a simple prayer.
The exciting part of this story is that soon mother told me that Papa was doing much better and was going to be OK. I remember that day as if it were today. I thought to myself, "Prayer really does work and God even listened to me." I don't think I ever shared that experience with my mother, but I believe that it was the very beginning of the journey that has taken me to this point in my life.
This memory is important because it reminds us that:
a. Prayer really does work.
b. God listens to even the smallest of children, even in places where little Christian influence is present.
c. We must never underestimate the significance of even the smallest of events in our lives.
I am glad I spent some time with the Upper Room today and encourage you to carve out even a short period of time each day to focus your thoughts on God and his love for you. And, thanks to the Upper Room for 75 years of spreading the good news all over the world - especially in mine.
I was reading a devotion in the 75th Anniversary edition of the Upper Room today. The article was from 1976 and told the story of a young boy praying for the return of his dog. It reminded me of my first encounter with prayer.
I suppose I was in the 1st or 2nd grade when my mother told me that Papa (my grandfather and her father) had had a heart attack. My memory is of being out in the front yard, thinking about him and beginning to pray that God would help him. I don't know why I did that. We weren't a church family and did not have prayer in our home. Nevertheless, here I stood in the front yard, a simple young boy praying a simple prayer.
The exciting part of this story is that soon mother told me that Papa was doing much better and was going to be OK. I remember that day as if it were today. I thought to myself, "Prayer really does work and God even listened to me." I don't think I ever shared that experience with my mother, but I believe that it was the very beginning of the journey that has taken me to this point in my life.
This memory is important because it reminds us that:
a. Prayer really does work.
b. God listens to even the smallest of children, even in places where little Christian influence is present.
c. We must never underestimate the significance of even the smallest of events in our lives.
I am glad I spent some time with the Upper Room today and encourage you to carve out even a short period of time each day to focus your thoughts on God and his love for you. And, thanks to the Upper Room for 75 years of spreading the good news all over the world - especially in mine.
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