How to Get the Most Out of the Christian Life, Part One

If you are a Christian and are in fellowship with God, you will want to learn more about how to grow closer to Him. The Bible calls this growing "in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

There are several areas that are important for the growing Christian. Certainly prayer and daily bible reading are a key to growth. But so is being a part of a local church family and actually going to that church as often as you can. The Bible calls us to go to church: Heb 10:23-25 "23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. "

If you are a Christian you are not in the secret service. Your life should show it by belonging to a Bible-believing local church and supporting it with attendance, prayers, service and substance. If you are not doing that you are apt to fall into destructive situations. At the very least you are not being a good Christian witness in your life. Christians go to church. They lift each other up!

The proven experience of the past 2000 years shows us that gathering with other beleivers is extremely important to the Christian life. Those that say they do not need to go to church are deluded by the devil, because even if they feel they do not need church, the church (other people) needs them to be the church. We were born to be a blessing, not just to be blessed!

Attend Church Regularly! Find a Bible-believing church and support it with all your heart. When you received Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you began a relationship not only with Him but also with all other Christians. Whatever it meant to you in the past, going to church can now become a rich and rewarding experience:

You will grow in understanding by hearing God's Word preached and taught. As your hear the Word, your faith grows (Romans 10:17) and as the Word seeps into you, God's leading increases. Selfishness will begin to fade away and caring and compassion will abound. You can ask questions and discuss Scripture with others. The Word changes you from the inside out. Others can pray for you and encourage you, and you can do the same for them.

You will learn to worship God, which means praising Him for all that He is and thanking Him for all that He has done for you. And the Spirit will give you gifts to build up others, and the Spirit will grow fruit in you that will enhance your life. He will teach you to walk in love!

As you worship, learn and serve with other Christians, you will find individuals with whom you can form lasting friendships (friendships that will last for all eternity!).

Remember -- your pastor cannot effectively be your pastor if you do not attend church and stay under his or her Holy Spirit guided teaching. Your pastor cannot effectively be your pastor if you do not participate in the life of the church. Your pastor cannot effectively be your pastor if you do talk to him or her and let him or her know waht to be praying for in your life. A shepherd must have sheep in the flock, together and not our by themselves under attack of the devil. So a pastor needs his parishioners in church on a weekly basis.

And do not let the devil's old trick of saying that everyone in church is a hypocrite keep you away from church. As a retired minister friend of mine is fond of saying, "I had a guy tell me he was not going to come to our church because of all the hypocrites there. I told him not to worry -- there is always room for one more!"

The biggest hypocrite is one who wants us to think he is trying to avoid others who he calls hypocrites but are just like he is.

According to the Webster's dictionary, A hypocrite is "a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives ."

So, going by the defintion, I would grant that it is true, the church does have its share of hypocrites. But I beleive the reality is it has a whole lot less than anywhere else. Overall, they are at least honest about their shortcomings and admit they are sinners, while others won’t. They are at least open and trying to reform. The only step one can make from their own hypocrisy is to admit, they like everyone else are not perfect and need the forgiveness the Christ offers. Then they can have the assurance of heaven instead of hell.

The fact is there are hypocrites in all walks of life not just in religion, and we all may be guilty of at least a bit of hypocrisy from time to time. But that is where repentance comes in, and that is why we need the forgiveness and grace of Jesus Christ. And you find that in abundance in the local church.

If you let a few hypocrites stop you from becoming a Christian and going to church, you may well end up spending all eternity with them. In hell. Not because of Jesus, but because of your own selfish pride and your own stubborn will. You must humble yourself and forgive others and seek God's love.

The Church never claimed to be perfect and if you find the perfect church you may not want to join it, because you may ruin it by your hypocrisy. At least be consistent and honest in assessing yourself as you do others. Remember, when you point a finger, three are pointing back at you!

Coming Out of the Pit

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:1-3 NIV

This is a wonderful passage to encourage us to be persistent in calling on God for help when we’re in difficult circumstances. There are many possible slimy pits we may find ourselves in. The devil uses all different kinds of mud and mire to keep us in bondage to sin. If we are tired of being covered in filth and really want to get out of the pit, we need to start calling on God through prayer and truly turn away from the sin we’ve been practicing. Praying and repenting (changing, turning) go hand in hand for deliverance.

As we call on God in prayer for help, we need to remember to be patient yet persistent. We need not give up after one prayer. For whatever reason, sometimes there is a delay between the prayer request and the answer. Sometimes there are things we need to do in order to be in a position to receive help from God. If there is something holding you back, dragging you down, get rid of its weight. Then you will be lifted up.

We do know that God does things that will bring glory to his name and draw people to him. When he miraculously delivers a person from bondage to sin, he does it because he loves that person AND so that it will testify to the people around that person. Do not let other persons and their problems keep you from receiving the help you need and living the way you know (in your heart) is right and good. Do the right thing. Forgive others. Rise to a firm place in the Solid Rock, Jesus Christ. The devil keeps pulling you back into the same destructive situations, but God wants to lift you up. Choose God’s way.

God has prepared a firm place for us to stand, free of bondage to sin. As you pray and seek God for deliverance from whatever you struggle with, consider how you will glorify him as a result. Who will you tell? How will your living habits and choices change? What will you do differently that reflects the mercy and love he has shown you?

Addictions can lead to a slimy existence, a darkness in the soul. All addictions can be disabling, but experience shows some are more destructive than others -- certainly drug and alcohol abuse lead the way in being being harmful to many people and their families. If you are addicted to alcohol or drugs get away from them. Flee from the devil that is in them. How do you know if it is harmful? If it is affecting your relationship with God, with family, with church, with your job or school. Just take a sober look and be honest with yourself, and with God.

People with addictions often are like a man in a pit. It is so hard to crawl out. But it can be done, with honest self-evaluation and repentance. You have to stop blaming everyone else, stop making excuses, and take responsibility for yourself. If you need help, don't be so stubborn or prideful that you do not reach out to get help. If you have all the answers, why are you failing and falling deeper and deeper into the pit?

The answer is you do not have all the answers. You need God. You need others. You need help. It starts with humbling yourself and asking for help. The Bible cries out to us to humble ourselves before God. Then He will lift you up. But not until you HUMBLE YOURSELF!

James 4:10 "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

1 Peter 5:6-9 " Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you. 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."

The devil wants you to be prideful and look only at others and their problems and not your own. "Prov 16:18 Pride goes before destruction,a haughty spirit before a fall." Pride was at the root of the original sin and is at the core of so much human destruction.

Humble yourself and ask God for help. Then seek help with others. Repent of your sins and sin no more, in Jesus Name!

I Love the Psalms

Psalms is a collection of collections. The psalms were written over many centuries, stretching from the days of Solomon's temple (about 950 BC) to after the Exile (about 350 BC.) Psalms are of five types: hymns of praise, laments, thanksgiving psalms, royal psalms, and wisdom psalms. Within the book, there are five "books"; there is a doxology ("Blessed be ... Amen and Amen") at the end of each book. More Psalms are attributed to David than anyone else. Teh gereat Reformed theologian John Calvin proclaimed that the Psalms reflected the human condition and our need for God, and that much could be gained by reading them.

A friend of mine named Sandy enjoys the promises of Psalm 91. The Bible in one of the churches I serve is opened to the pages of this magnificent hymn of praise and promise.

It is an emphatic proclamation of the strength and protection God gives to His followers. Worshippers (the faithful) will trust in God to protect them. He will protect them from attacks by demonic forces day and night (vv. 3-6); He will shield them as a mother hen guards her chicks. Many may succumb to evil forces, but not the faithful (v. 7). Those who trust in God will see evildoers punished (v. 8). God will ensure that no harm comes to those who live a godly life (v. 9). “His angels” (v. 11) will be his agents, guarding the faithful in whatever they do. The roads of Palestine were rocky so the metaphor in v. 12 is apt. Not only will the faithful be safe from accidents, but they will also take the offensive in defeating evil (v. 13). God speaks in vv. 14-16. Knowing God’s name includes realizing that he will help those in need. When they seek help, God will “answer them”. It is a Psalm that brings strength to those in need.

During the first Gulf War I was an adviser to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes in a small high school. The students wanted to reach out to the troops from our area, so they made laminated versions of Psalm 91 for troops in harms way. They were sent, with much prayer, to the troops in Kuwait and Iraq. Months later some of the troops returned to the high school and told how much the scriptures helped them in their times of trial.

Psalm 91 gave them strength. May it give you strength, too.

PSALM 91 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,my God, in whom I trust." 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers,and under his wings you will find refuge;his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night,nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side,ten thousand at your right hand,but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you make the Most High your dwelling — even the LORD, who is my refuge — 10 then no harm will befall you,no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands,so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;I will be with him in trouble,I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." NIV

Missing Leo

Leo Price went to heaven last week. Though he had been sick for awhile, Leo’s passing was not expected. He went to be with the Lord on a winter Wednesday morning. The last time I saw him was on Saturday afternoon. As usual, he had a big smile on his face and an upraised thumb. Leo was a wonderful, jolly, friendly man, and their was always a hint of mischief in his compassionate eyes. He was over eighty, but always a kid inside. His body may have been failing him, but his will was of iron. Leo was certainly a fighter, but still a gentle man with a heart of gold, and he will sorely be missed.

Leo leaves the love of his life, Violet Jones Price, a woman of great dignity and grace, who cherished her love with Leo for many wonderful years. Theirs was a love to remember, full of smiles and laughter, of caring and compassion. She was a lover of dolls, the keeper of thousands of girlhood dreams as she collected priceless dolls from around the world. He was a lover of horses, who trained his show teams and cared for the beautiful animals with a special grace all his own.

Leo was a hero who served his country well, a decorated veteran of Korea, with five service medals for jobs well done. He loved his country and he served it honorably and well.
He married Vi in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1962, and the great romance of his life continues to this day. They are now temporarily separated by the veil between our life and the afterlife, but that great love continues. Vi, and all his friends, carry on in Leo’s stead, and their love for him has no end.

He had been a plumber by trade before his retirement to Titonka. He and his beloved Vi had worked side by side setting up and taking down mobile homes in California. It had been hard work but he had been oh so good at it. For 32 years, in and around the town of Garden Grove, California, they made that profession work well for them, before their move to their home between Titonka and Woden. Then they came to the center of the country and put down deep roots again, and Leo and Vi were loved by all who came to know them.

Leo was baptized a Christian as a United Methodist, but he came to love a little Presbyterian Church in Iowa after he joined it in 1996. It was a perfect place for Leo and Vi – they are warm, caring people, and his adopted church is known for its compassionate hospitality. Leo helped on many good projects and with the ongoing maintenance of the church. He and Vi were faithful members, coming Sunday after Sunday, praying and supporting all that the church was doing, be it soup suppers or Seder meals or plays or Mission fests, they were always here, always doing their part, as good, loyal Christians should do.

Leo loved the outdoors and cherished his acreage and gardening, and being outside. He loved his talks with friends at the local restaurants. Breakfast with friends was a daily ritual. He dearly loved his biscuits and gravy. And his love of card games and good fellowship is legendary. There are few better friends you could have than Leo Price. And what a smile he had. Won’t it be great when we see that big smile again when we all get to heaven?

We all have fond memories of Leo, and we celebrate the blessing of his life. We mourn, we grieve the loss of a dear church family member, a cherished friend. But in it all we are also here to proclaim the faith we have in Jesus Christ and how Jesus makes a difference in our lives here, and makes possible our life to come. Today we say see you later to Leo, because we are confident that he is even now in the arms and care of God, and that some glad morning, when this life is ovr for us, we will be reunited with Leo again.

Leo had the difficult month of Parkinsons near the end of his life. Then he had heart surgery. The recovery was a difficult thing, but Leo faced it with courage and good cheer. Still, that invasive disease of Parkinsons complicated everything.

But Leo gave it his best every day to try to recover for his dear love Vi, and his family and many, many friends. Leo never ever gave up, wishing to stay a little bit longer with his dear wife and family and friends and church. And his Vi fought with him, side by side, caring and sharing and loving him fully every step of the way in a most difficult of journeys. It was an amazing thing to see – their love for each other, and people’s love for them.

I have been a pastor, in one way or another, for over twenty-one years now. Leo is definitely one of my most unforgettable people, an amazing man of warmth and courage and strength. We wanted Leo to stay awhile longer, and we told the Lord that. But, in the end, God called Leo home to be with Him. As someone said, God must have needed someone to help out in heaven. He needed Leo there. We accept that – the family accepts that. But we sure are going to miss him here.

Worship -- Paying God the Respect God Deserves

Paying Respect. It is an ancient concept that never grows old. It is the best way to get ahead in life -- to be polite and respectful. And it is the key to the life of a child of God. Paying God the proper respect is what we should be doing every Sunday in worship.

In worship, we are told the story of God who is much bigger than all that. We are told of God who delivered his people through the Red Sea. We are told of God died and rose again. We are told of God who for four thousand years has preserved and cared for his beloved children. When we come to worship and when we experience his presence and we’re reminded of his mighty work, we feel trust. We’re safe within our Father’s care.

And we know that to be true — hasn’t God miraculously helped us in our lives and in the lives of our churches? Prasie God that God did not give up on us? This is our time to show respct and exercise trust. This trust that is inspired in worship helps us develop the attitude that Paul had in Philippians 3:13-14 “... this one thing I do. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” This trust enables us to stop languishing in the past or agonizing over the difficulties of the present and fix our eyes on the wonderful future that Christ has for us. Christianity is all about hope. Because of Christ, in Christ, through Christ, we ahve hope!

Worship is all about God. When we come to worship, it inspires within us a sense of belonging and a sense of trust. It also inspires a sense of awe. The names of God convey his majesty. Just look at Isiaah 43:3 "For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." The name translated with the all capitals LORD is the actual divine name of God. Great respect and power that went along with that divine name. In seminary I heard about the scribes who, when they wrote that very divine name, they would break the quill they had been using out of respect.

Our God is the Holy One of Israel. Holy means set apart for a special purpose. But when we talk of God’s holiness we mean mainly two things — the first is his absolute majesty — he is not a creature. He is not something subject to the dictates of a living being. He is completely above all things and as such He is stunning in majesty. The other part of holiness is that God stands apart from everything that is evil and bad. Every last bit. He cannot stand the slightest evil thought word or deed.

Both senses of Holiness are pictured in Isaiah’s story of his call to ministry — he tells us about it in Chapter 6:1-7. Do you get a sense of the awe, the sense of fear before something completely other? That’s the very feeling that worship inspires within us.

Belonging, Trust, Awe, Conviction, among many others. These reflect that God is both completely beyond us, and yet completely personal. He is both terrible in his splendor and tender in his loving care. These feelings don’t arise when we come to worship for our own entertainment. They only arise when we come expecting to encounter the living God. We can’t produce these emotions, but we can prepare ourselves to receive whatever God gives us in worship. But how can we do this? Well, we need to put our worship on a higher level.

Here are some concrete ways we can do that -- we will see a difference ...

If we lay aside for a time the day-to-day cares of our lives, and MAKE SURE we are in church every Sunday. If we are traveling, go to a church in the town where you are. And do not miss services at your home church when you are in town. God deserves your respect and attendance. Other members deserve your support and attendance. WORSHIP is not about you, it is about GOD and OTHERS and your service and respect for them.

If we endeavor for a time to stop the running freight train of our concerns — it’ll be there when you’re done with worship, don’t worry. Stop considering worship as an entertainment on par with a nice, well-articulated motivational speech or a great performance by the choir or soloist. What counts is worshipping God. Every thing else is a wonderful bonus blessing from a loving God. Laying your life in commitment before God is where it is at. Get that fact!

If we start realizing that our experience in worship depends much more upon our own attitudes going into worship than it does upon the quality of the speaker or the music or the audio visuals.
We must start coming for the express purpose of meeting with our maker, Holy One of Israel

If, before worship, we cry out in our hearts “Lord, speak to me today — give me your message.” If we pray for worship throughout the week. If we pray diligently for the pastor and the musicians and the choir, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit, that all things may glorify God, then we will see huge differences, through the mighty power of the Holy One in our lives.

Dogs are Well-liked Because They Wag Their Tails Far More Than They Wag Their Tongues!

"There's Nothing in the Decalogue That Says a Man Can't Love A Dog!" -- John Piper in The Innkeeper

Styrofoam Airplanes and Cardboard Boxes

Christmas 2006 has come and gone. For us it was a sweet day, beginning with the traditional prayer and thanksgiving, and then the opening of the gifts. I got a new shirt and some new jeans and a CD called "Three Wooden Crosses," which features country music songs of faith like the title song by Randy Travis and "Long Black Train" by Josh Turner. There have been a number of fine songs of faith and inspiration that have topped the country charts in recent years. And country is not necessarily what it used to be, as many of the songs seem like the music of pop and light rock that I was raised on in the sixties and seventies. I will enjoy this album of songs.

We had a pleasant day spent around the house, listening to music and watching some television as a family. We had a big noon meal of country ham and green beans and mashed potatoes. And later we watched Philadelphia defeat Dallas in holiday football. We topped it off by watching the movie "Cars." an animated Pixar/Disney tale of being lost and finding redemption. Even our cat and dog came close for a total family experience.

The only sour note of the day came when I was assigned the task of putting together a remote controlled plane for my son, one that been given him by a generous relative. The instructions were written FIRST in Chinese, then in English, which was my first warning. The necessary guidance they contained was written in lingusitically acrobatic sentences by an interpretion deficient writer, with such gems as "Place tail section place in so tape with paper transparent tape double to strong in place where you need."

Decoding the instructions was a bit of a struggle for me, but I boldly went where no plain thinking, linguistically impaired Midwestern American has any business going. Finally, after what seemed like several hours, the plane was ready to launch. We journeyed to an empty field outside of town, all of our family ready to become the second coming of the Wright Brothers, and prepared for a legendary lift off.

But it never came. There did not seem to be any power, no matter how many times I changed the AA batteries, no matter how many little prayers for guidance I prayed for something that was only significant to us. The Kitty Hawk success was not to be duplicated on this Christmas day. So we came home, styrofoam plane and plastic (disguised as aluminum) controller in hand, vowing to search the instructions for a clue as to the problem.

And, if I am lucky, I will help my boy fly that plane by next Christmas. If not, we will still be fine, for he has been blessed with many toys to play with this year and in the past.

As we drove home I was reminded of a Christmas when I received several nice toys, including a remote control tank and a bunch of toy soldiers. But that was the same Christmas my mother got a new washing machine, and the gift my sister and I were obsessed with was the big cardboard box it came in. Simple things and imagination are all a child really needs.

We could probably make a lot of money selling big cardboard boxes as children's toys -- just color the cardboard and come up with a fancy name. If you do it someday, send a big donation to your church, since I gave you the idea!

For now, at the end of the day, I go to rest tonight with a thankful heart for the abundant blessings of our God. I thank the Lord for my wife and children, for my friends and co-workers, for the churches that God has given me to serve. God is so good -- all the time!

I pray for those less fortunate, for those who are hurting, and sick. and hungry, and lonely, and broken hearted. May they find better days and better ways in the coming year. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Merry Christmas to You All! The Inspiring Nativity Movie Reminds Us That He is the Reason!

The Praise Song of Mary, Bearer of The Light

I have always been amazed by the story of Mary in Luke 1:26-55. That this young woman, most likely a teenaged girl, would be given such a sacred responsibility stretches my mind. It challenges my spirit. She is a role model for women, teenagers, and for any person (woman, man, youth, child) who wishes to serve God and to be a person of faith and faithfulness.

The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) makes my heart leap for joy everytime I read it. It is Mary’s song of praise for what God had done through her. Praise is a marvelous, empowering gift to the one who praises -- and it is pure worship for the God who is worthy of all such adoration and praise. And here Mary puts words to the blessing she was living.

God found favor in her, because of her humility and her purity of heart, and had Gabriel and her cousin Elizabeth announce that Mary was to be the Theotokis—the God bearer. What a shock that must have been to her! Mary reacted with real humanity --"How can this be? I am a virgin!" But after the angel told her the foundational truth -- "All things are possible with God", she made a great statement of faith -- "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."

Her soul overflowed with praise because the Mighty One had done a great thing in her. Mary’s song declares God to be majestic, holy, abundantly good, and rich in mercy and kindness. It is laced with faith in the Word, as Mary extols the greatness of the God who keeps His promises --"He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy,according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

And so it is that God will fulfill the Messianic prophecies in the One whose Heart beats in her womb. He will bring salvation to His people. For this beginning realization of the hope of the ages, Mary sings praises.

It seems that no matter what our circumstance in life, we each have something to sing about. Christmas Eve reminds us that God works miracles in ordinary lives to bless ordinary people. Because of Mary’s blessing, we too can experience the music of life. God gave us, through Mary, the greatest gift of all in the person of his Son, who died for our sins.

At Christmas we should rejoice in the birth --and life and death and resurrection and ascension -- of the King of King and the Lord of Lords,the Prince of Peace, who is Wonderful, and our Savior. Now that is something to sing about! God's great amazing love and the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!

The Gift of Marriage -- May It Light Your World

We rejoiced in the wedding of two wonderful people this past weekend in one of our churches, a young woman and young man of untold potential. It was our privilige to pronounce them husband and wife. It was such a glorious ceremony, with strirring music and heartfelt words. After the pronouncement of marriage there was an outburst of praise choruses and then a commissioning service with everyone lighting candles to the music of "Light Your World."

As the lights went off and the church was lit by the warm glow of over 200 candles, it was a sight I will never forget. The truth of the Scriptures was writ plain in the people: God is love, and those who abide in love, abide in God, and God abides in them. This was a day that God had made, and we rejoiced together in the couple's love and faith. God has great plans for them!

We asked God to bless them so that they may be strengthened for their life together. We praised God for their happiness, and we found in their love a reason to renew our own commitments to those whom are near and dear to each of us. They were called together by God for the purpose of their union. Praise God that He cares enough for us to do such a great thing.

The Gift of Marriage does not unite a man and a woman. Rather, it is the Church's recognition of a union that God has already begun to work in their lives. As long as the union remains within the reality of this world, it will be subject to sin, pain, and death. But, through marriage, the union enters at the same time into a new reality: that of God's Kingdom. In Christ, marriage is restored to its initial perfection and in the holy vows, this union is made open to the possibility of what God intended marriage to be from the beginning: an eternal life of joy in union with Him. Below is an essay I read at the wedding, that many have asked me to give them a copy. It crystalizes many of our thoughts about marriage.

The Gift of Marriage from the Presbyterian Church USA Book of Common Worship

Marriage is a gift of God in creation through which husband and wife may know the grace of God. It is gift that as man and woman grow together in love and trust,
they shall more and more be united with one another in heart, body and mind, as Christ is united with his bride, the Church.

Marriage is a way of life made holy by God, and blessed by the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ with those celebrating a wedding at Cana in Galilee. It was part of God’s great plan that He performed his first miracle there, turning water into wine for the wedding feast. Marriage is a sign of unity and loyalty which enriches society and strengthens community.

God created us male and female, and gave us marriage so that husband and wife may help and comfort each other, living faithfully together in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, throughout all of their days.

God gave us marriage for the full expression of the love between a man and a woman. In marriage a woman and a man belong to each other, and with affection and tenderness, they freely give of themselves to each other.

God gave us marriage for the well-being of human society, for the ordering of family life, and for the birth and nurture of children.

God gave us marriage as a holy mystery in which a man and a woman are joined together and become one, just as Christ is one with the church. In marriage, husband an wife are called to a new way of life, created, ordered and blessed by God. This way of life must not be entered into carelessly, or from selfish motives, but responsibly and prayerfully. We rejoice that marriage is given by God, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, let marriage be held in honor by all.

Dogs Pray, Too!

Praying for Serenity

I came across the Serenity Prayer tonight, as I was looking through some old files. Written by famed theologian and professor of Christian ethics Reinhold Niebuhr, it is a sermon in itself:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can;and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.

Neihbuhr is said to have written the prayer on July 1, 1943 for the Union Church of Heath, Massachusetts. It is still used in Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonaymous and other Twelve-step programs. The short version that most people are familiar with goes as follows:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

This little prayer touches on common universal human experiences of life—anxiety and acceptance in the face of inevitable tragic events—fear of change and difficulties in bringing about constructive changes in self and society—the struggle to achieve serenity, courage and wisdom in all that we do or happens to us. Niebuhr’s prayer pulled it all together in a few simple sentences, which everyone could understand and relate to. It was the kind of prayer that A.A. could easily adopt and apply to the life experiences of alcoholics.

I can also see how it can be applied to my own life. In the life of pastor I see many things that I can pray about, and I try to always do it. Many of them are other people's problems, but they become mine. too, as I try to serve God and His people. Some are situations that I have inherited, things in place long before I came to the place I live and serve. Sadly, many of the things I pray about I cannot change, but I can only hope for it, and so I put the situations into God's hands. I need to rest in that act, and not try to take the weight of all the hurts and pains and problems onto my very human shoulders.

“God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change.” There are so many things we cannot change in our lives. We waste vast amounts of physical, psychic and spiritual energy with useless regrets, failed fantasies, or embittered recollections. We cannot change many of the afflictions we are born with -- we may be blind, deaf or lame -- or afflictions brought on by accidents. And our skin color and ethnic background is something we cannot change either, no matter how hard we may try. Body types, physical beauty or lack thereof, and levels of intelligence are things that resist change big time. There are other things -- the list is too long for us to go into it fully. But you can get the general truth of it all.

And certain situations seem to be like mighty walls we cannot crack. We may have loved ones sick and dying, and sadly no amount of prayer or medicine seems to make the difference we wish for. There are some things about myself I cannot change or can only change within certain very well defined limits, new year’s resolutions or not.

I can’t change—you can’t change—the mistakes in human relationships made in the past year or years of our lives. We can make amends to a degree, say we’re sorry, ask for forgiveness, forgive others, and forgive ourselves (much harder to do). But we cannot change the fact that we have been (and will be) at times less loving and caring and compassionate than we should be in following Christ. That’s the human condition. There are few saints among us, and even the saints have their flaws. We can’t change the past. What we can change is our relationship to it and our attitudes and actions stemming from it. But we need to have the courage to change the things we can change -- and, with God's help, with prayer and patience, many things can change for the better.

And that brings us to the prayerful plea for wisdom to know the difference between what we cannot change and what we can change. May God grant that to us. It is the key to serenity.

Love One Another

Mustard Seed Moments -- Small Acts Grow Big

We have church on Sunday nights. Praise nights we call them. We read Scriptures and say prayers and sing choruses and hymns of praise and thanksgiving. One part that ministers to my heart is when members of the congregation give praise reports and testimonies, or share with us a favorite scripture or Bible passage, or talk about something that God seems to have been teaching them. Mutual respect and the Golden Rule hold sway. These are holy times together.

Last night a dear friend shared some things that were on her heart. She talked of a mighty oak of a man who is very sick, currently at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is ready to go home to be with God, but he will leave many family and friends who have been touched by his gentle, loving ways and numerous acts of kindness and concern. Things like giving a family a gift certificate to a seed catalog so that they might have a garden in the summer, or hugging a child in church and telling them that he saw in the paper that the child was doing well in school. As we love each other in small, but faithful ways, things happen for our mutual good and according to God's great plan. Small acts of kindness reap big dividends in our lives.

My friend's loving remarks reminded me how precious such moments are. Another friend, in seminary, called such moments "mustard seed moments" -- acts that start small but can grow big in the good that they do for all concerned. These kinds of exchanges occur every day, over and over again, in the lives of those who are committed to the Christian walk. We only need to awaken and see that they exist. To take notice, to smile, to see the sacred connections in the simplest of things. It isn't hard to do. It just requires you to get out of your own way, get out of your own mind and look around at the world outside of yourself. To embrace each moment and each person as if they are the child of God that they are --to really love our neighbors as ourselves.

When you take time each day to reflect on your day, you can see them in all their beauty. Did someone offer laughter, kindness, and support to you when you needed it today? Were you thankful? Did you get a surprise email or regular mail card from someone? Or did you send one to someone else? In the act of giving, you, too, are receiving. Were there moments that you offered kindness and compassion without expectations and without reward? Perhaps, your gesture or thought was a sacrifice so that another person could enjoy their day more fully. Take time to reflect and renew and be reminded of small acts of kindness in these kinds of every day Christian exchanges.

And, most importantly, be grateful for all that you are given and shown. Be grateful for the reminders of love and compassion that surround us each and every day. Look behind the veneer and bless those who suffer and need your prayers the most.

These, it seems to me, are mustard seeds of a sort. These may seem tiny, almost insignificant, but their goodness can be the starting point of something great. Some of the deep thinkers of the past have found significance in the apparently tiny. For William Blake it was the grain of sand in which he saw infinity. For Julian of Norwich it was the small thing in the palm of the hand, like a hazelnut, which was remarkable simply for its existence. From the small acorn grows the great tree. From the single kernel of corn grows a large stalk with numerous ears and thousands of kernels. God's miracle of small things reaping big benefits goes on and on.

Recently, my children and I discovered the modern day miracle of Google Earth, a website where you can see images of earth from satellites in outer space. It is truly amazing and gives you a remarkable perspective. As I looked at various images of places where I have lived, I could not help but hum the Bette Midler song "From a Distance." These photographs of the earth taken from space have an effect similar to the meditations of Blake and Julian. Once we had glimpsed the earth from that point of view our self-understanding changes. Once we had seen the earth as small, and ourselves as grains of sand, then our sense of stewardship and thankfulness became greater.

Consider the words of Jesus: "Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; Which indeed is one of the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches." (Matthew 13:31-32)

Jesus, in His parable of the mustard seed, teaches us about potential and great expectations. Jesus sees a mustard seed he not only seems something tiny, but He also sees its potential to unfold into something great. Thus he sees not only what is small but also what is not visible at all. He sees a detail of creation and perceives the full flourishing of new creation.

It is the ancient Biblical truth of the Now and the Not Yet. We live in the Now, but we are pulled into a new reality by the Not Yet. We are living as Christians on this earth, but we are already citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20-21) If we are followers of Jesus we both rejoice in the "as it is now' of things, and in the "what it might become' of things. For the kingdom of God is both.

So it is that the mustard seed moments are of great personal and spiritual significance. As we do, and as we receive, the small acts of kindness and love that are the Christian's calling card, we take part in the Spirit's continual teaching on renewal and of hope: and each small act of kindness becomes a new parable of the kingdom.

Happy Thanksgiving -- Give Thanks to God with a Grateful Heart! We are so blessed by our Lord!

Things You Can Learn from a Cat, Part II

No sooner had I posted my piece on Mister Kitty Cat Kit, than I recieved another list of things that you can learn from a cat by another cat loving parishioner. So, in the interest of equal time and equal good humor, here it is:

20 Rules to Live By: Things You Can Learn From a Cat

Our pets can teach us many things - if we're willing to listen. They teach us how to love unconditionally, how to look at each day as a new one, to embrace all the good things and why we need to cherish the simple things in life.Here are some basic lessons our pets endeavor to teach us:
1. Rest and relaxation are the keys to happiness, so relax any chance you get. And don't work too hard. Just sitting in a soft chair can be a very good thing.
2. There is always time for a cat nap. Sleep is God's restoration time for your body. Use it.
3. The family that sleeps together stays together. Don't be afraid to curl up really close behind your person's knees or in the crook of the neck and purr.
4. Nighttime is the time to party, and it's more fun if you can share it with your family. Howl, meow, play with their ankles, or leap across the bed to wake them up.
5. Spend time with the people you love, especially when they are working. Sit near the computer and purr, walk across the keyboard occasionally, or better still, knock things off the desk one at a time so your person doesn't get bored.
6. Show your favorite people that you love them. Sit on their lap, pet or rub a leg, or run your tail across their faces to get your message across.
7. Get excited and come running every time a special treat or food is available. Showing a little appreciation and enthusiasm will always get you treats.
8. Don't settle for bland, tasteless food; refuse it and you will be fed fancy and expensive food.
9. Stretch and yawn before you get up, no matter what time it is.
10. Enjoy the sun – lie down, roll around and just appreciate the warmth.
11. Purr when you are happy. Purring is just a feline way of praising the Lord.
12. Cleanliness is next to godliness, so keep yourself clean and pristine.
13. Appreciate a clean litter box. Whoever God brings to clean up our mess must be our friend!
14. Enjoy the solace of a view from a nice window.
15. Washing your face is good for the soul.
16. Be independent. God made you to be a unique and wonderful creature.
17. Don't always do what people want you to do. Please yourself once in awhile.
18. Keep cool. If you don't want to do something, no need to argue – just don't do it.
19. Don't be afraid to look at things from a different perspective occasionally. Sit high on a bookshelf or peek out from under a chair.
20. Expect to be pampered and treated like a prince or princess, and you will be. After all, you were created by the Living God, weren't you? That makes all of us very special creatures!

Thankful for Our Cat -- Mr. Kitty Cat Kit

We got a cat in early October from the humane society. He was 6 months old at the time. His official name is Eclipse, but we call him "Cat" and "Mister Kitty Cat Kit" and "Kitty, Kitty". He is fixed, but he does not like to talk about it. Ouida, the 8-year-old Alaskan dog, has grudgingly let him come into the house, as long as he stays out of her food bowl.

When I work at the computer, the cat is always in the chair behind me, or looking out the glass doors near my desk. He has become a pretty good companion. my ten year old daughter and eleven year old son both love him, because he dearly loves for anyone to pet him. He purrs very loudly, like he has speakers inside.

One of my parishioners sent me a funny little anonymous thought piece, called "THINGS YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR CAT." Here it is:

*Make the world your playground.
*Whenever you miss the sandbox, cover it up. Dragging a sock over it helps.
*If you can't get your way, lay across the keyboard until you do.
*When you are hungry, meow loudly so they feed you just to shut you up.
*Always find a good patch of sun to nap in.
*Nap often.
*When in trouble, just purr and look cute.
*Life is hard, and then you nap.
*Curiosity never really killed anything except maybe a few hours.
*When in doubt, cop an attitude. Learn how to hiss and show your fangs, even to much larger adversaries. Bluffing often works!
*Variety is the spice of Life. One day, ignore people; the next day, annoy them.
*Climb your way to the top, that's why the curtains are there.
*Make your mark in the world, or at least spray in the corner.
*Always give generously; a bird or rodent left on the step or bed tells them, "I care."
*When you have something important to say, try to say it in the dead of night when you're SURE everyone's sleeping. There's no better way to get the attention you deserve.

Being Matthew 25 Christians

Well, the great election day of 2006 has come and gone. The Democrats had a landslide change in the Congress. And one of my dear Republican friends (I am an independent), was very sad yesterday. But I assured him that God is still on the throne. The sun will come up tomorrow!

What some of my good Christian friends need to realize is that there are many good Christians who are Democrats -- and many others how vote Democratic at times. Just look at American history -- one of our most ethical Presidents was Woodrow Wilson, a good Democrat and a good Presbyterian. And his secretary of state, William Jennings Bryan, was three times the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party, although he never won. Yet he was also the Vice-Moderator of the national Presbyterian Church. And the list can go on. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John Kennedy were all church-going Christians. Even Lyndon Baines Johnson, as earthy as he sometimes was, definitely espoused a belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Certainly, more was done for the poor and disenfranchised in his administration than in almost any other.

There is no question about Jimmy Carter's allegiance to Christ. Just look at the good deeds he has done after leaving office. And Bill Clinton, for all the notoriety of his greatly publicized sins, expressed remorse, repented, and is a regular church goer. Pastor Bill Hybels of Willow Creek and Pastor Tony Campolo, author of many wonderful books, both served a spiritual counselors to Clinton and attest to his asking God for forgiveness, as well asking forgiveness from his wife and child.

So we cannot be so judgmental as to think that God is only aligned with one political party, as some would have had us believe during the last few years. Abortion is murder of the unborn and biblically wrong, and gay marriage is decidedly unscriptural, but those are just two issues affecting our country. I hope we can make some progress in other areas, too. May God bless America with healing and hope.

If you want to see the heart of Christ for the poor and the outcasts, read Matthew 25, v. 31-46:"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." NIV

Pastors need to be true prophets and echo this command to help the weak and in need, so clearly stated by the Lord. The greatest work of the prophet was,and is, articulating moral truth. Future telling is a much smaller part of what God calls prophets to do. Just look closely at the prophetic books and you will see this fact.

Interestingly, last December, a debate on Matthew 25 broke out on the floor of the House of Representatives. In debating federal budget cuts in areas that he thought were unduly hurting the poor, U.S. Congressman Rep. Charles Rangel, NY, member of the Congressional Black Caucus, began to list the call of Matthew 25:35-40 to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Rep. Jim Nussle, IA, chair of the House Budget Committee, (and recent loser of the Iowa governor's race), returned to the podium to claim that nowhere in Matthew 25 does it say that the government should help those in need, but rather that individuals alone should take responsibility for helping the least of these that Jesus refers to.

Sometimes we allow our political idealogy to frame how we see the Scriptures, instead of vice versa. In fact, it seems to me that Jesus is very clear about our responsibility to the poor and oppressed, whether it is on a collective or an individual basis, in Matthew 25, when he commands us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the prisoners. He also gives us the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12 and speaks of love as the Christian's signature attribute in John 15. And there are many other scriptures in the gospels and the epistles, and even back in the Old Testament, that point to Christians working for support of the weak, community responsibility, and social justice.

Look back in the Old Testament, and you will see a set of specific guidelines (laws, not individual charity) for the NATION of Israel to follow in taking care of the those who do not have enough, - - -a command so specific that it instructs that farmers that the corners of fields are not to be reaped so that something will be left for the needy and the landless to eat (in Leviticus. 19:9-10).

But what is really striking in Matthew 25 is when Jesus says in Matthew 25, verse 41, that the king of heaven will say to those at his left hand, "You who are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire." Best not to be on the left hand side when your treatment of the poor comes before God.

I dearly love America, but sometimes we get the American frontier ideas of individualism, manifest destiny (i.e., empire), and unfettered capitalism mixed up with the Scriptures in such a way that our view gets skewed. But a close look at the Word sees connectionalism, cooperation, collectivism, shared responsibility and unfettered compassion are things the Word really emphasizes. With Christ, love and caring are paramount, and greed and selfishness are not good.

We need to be Matthew 25 Christians. Even before we started voting this week, Newsweek had a story called "A New Faith-Based Agenda". The latter is authored by Michael Gerson, a former Bush administration speechwriter, who wrote eloquently, "The goal is not only to stand for Christianity's moral teachings, but to emulate the manner of its Founder, who showed that kindness is not weakness, and had more tenderness for moral outcasts than for moral hypocrites."

Amen, Amen!

Christian Elder Care -- And Care for Mother Mary

Caring for aging parents and family members is a growing and diffiuclt situation for millions of Americans. While we have always had the very elderly among us, there are more now, for longer periods of time, due to modern medical science and nutrition. But even as our technology has evolved, our culture has become more scattered, making elder care more difficult and expensive. It is an area in which churches may be able to do more in helping families fulfill their sacred obligations to each other. We must seek new ways to be supportive.

In the old days of multi-generational homes, which you still see in some societies in other countries, (but less and less here), the entire family would care for the very elderly in their own homes. But now the nursing home seems to be the standard answer, even though it can cost $3000 or more a month and quickly evaporate an estate that took years to accumulate. What is more devastating is the emotional toll on many of the elderly, who are so sad to leave their living in their own homes, with their own possessions, in order to exist in tiny rooms with institutional beds and with roommates they do not know.

My mother still lives by herself, well into her seventies, and each day of independence is a blessing to her. But she lives a long way away in Florida, and so phone calls are the main contact I have with her. When, I call, she is always cheerful, in the wry and whimsical way I remember from childhood, and her voice is strong and clear. But the years have taken a toll on her body and she is a fragile reminder of the strong farm wife she always was. Regretfully, I must rely on my sister, who lives near her, to help her with most of her daily needs.

But I am blessed at this time, for many people have to give greater care for their aging parents, and that is when the very hard choices about care and housing and lifestyle must be made. As a pastor, it is one of the hardest things I witness and pray about.

Care of elderly parents has been a societal burden throughout human history. Elder neglect or abuse happens more than we might think. Little children are demanding, non-productive, and need much care, but you expect a return on your labor some day. Elderly parents are sometimes just as troublesome, but they're not going to get better. They're larger and heavier and sometimes oh so difficult. While interacting with a baby gives a mom or dad satisfaction and joy, emotions aren't as unclouded when all parties are older and care moves in the other direction. A son or daughter may feel a complex net of resentments and fears toward the parent they must now tend, wipe, and feed. It is hard to be faithful, but we are called to be just that, to help complete the interlocking circles of life that we are a part of with our parents. Faithfulness is our calling as Christians.

A professor friend of mine once gave me a the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a Biblical lesson in elder care. We always think of her as young, but she must have grown old after Christ's death, resurrection and ascenscion. Paintings and icons always show her young. But she must have been about fifty when she gathered with the Apostles on the day of the first Pentecost. After that, the Bible is silent on her works, but according to Orthodox Christian legend, she volunteered to be a traveling evangelist, and drew lots along with the others to see which nation each should go to and preach. She told the world about her Savior and son!

These same Othodox Christian sources in Turkey say that in her old age Mary went with St. John the Evangelist, (who Jesus had asked to look after her as if her were here son), to the city of Ephesus, which was in what we call Turkey in our day. It was John who was standing with Mary at the foot of the Cross when Jesus spoke. "Woman, behold your son!" he said to her, and to John, "Behold your mother!"

"And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home" (John 19:27). This was more than just hospitality. In undertaking the duty of a son to Mary, John assumed a burden as well as a blessing. While some cultures have permitted adult children to abandon or even end the life of an elderly parent, the Hebrew Scriptures, (our Old Testament), insist that the elderly are to be treated with respect, protected, and cared for, to the very end. It takes a great commitment to another person, and one's own selfishness must be pushed down. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) must be alllowed to come forth and the works of the flesh must be put under control. Our own fleshly ambitions must be set aside for higher purposes.

When John took Mary to his own home, he accepted a solemn obligation. So it is for anyone who is responsible for aging parents. It is a holy thing one does, the completion of a sacred trust that began with their own births and ends with the natural death of their parents. As Christian churches, we need to look for new ways to help Christians with this special obligation that requires an abundance of faithfulness, patience, gentleness, and love.

The Bible -- Good Medicine 365 Days a Year!

It's not a calendar of pithy sayings. Nor is it a self-help book full of pop psychology. No, it's an ancient book written by a timeless God that's full of daily wisdom that still changes lives - today. If you are tired of trying to figure out life on your own - join in the adventure of Bible reading and study. Discover the joy of living God's way. Read it and weep for joy! God's Words are health to us (Prov. 4:22)

Maybe Our Best Seasons Are Yet to Come!

Sometimes sports stories are tremendously inspiring and we can see life truths in their performances. Such seems the case with the American League champion Detroit Tigers, a team that lost 119 games, (out of a 162 game schedule), just three years ago. Now this team is at the top of its game, ready to play in the World Series.

A big part of their story is 61-year old manager Jim Leyland, who came out of retirement to manage the Tigers. Although Leyland has had some successes, most notably with the Barry Bonds led Pittsburgh Pirates of the early nineties (three division championships, two manager of the year awards), and a World Series victory with the Florida Marlins in 1997, he entered 2006 after two losing seasons and six years in retirement.

But now he is hailed as a miracle worker, with just the right motivation for his mostly young team. Along with star 41-year-old pitcher Kenny Rogers, Leyland is a great comeback story.
Here he is with a lifetime losing record (1164-1198), but regarded by many at the manager with the Midas touch in 2006.

Baseball is an intrinsically hopeful sport. Hope springs eternal every spring. Jim Leyland adds to that legendary truth. And he teaches us a life lesson.

Be patient. Wait on the Lord. Be gentle with ourselves.

Maybe our best seasons are yet to come!

Clint Eastwood and Dwight Eisenhower -- Voices That Need to Be Considered Today

There is an excellent article on Clint Eastwood in the Friday, October 13, USA Today. The legendary actor and Oscar winning director says he has lost interest in the fantasy of war. Now, he is consumed by the tragedy of it.

The director's new film, Flags of Our Fathers, opens Oct. 20 and tells the stories of the Marines who were famously photographed raising the American flag during the battle of Iwo Jima. That iconic photo came to represent the unflagging nature of the American spirit, but Eastwood's film raises questions about how the men and their heroic actions were co-opted by the U.S. government to raise money for the last stage of World War II.

"World War I was there, and that was going to be the one to end all wars," says Eastwood, 76. "And then World War II came along and that was going to be the war to end all wars. Then, five years later, Korea. Not too many years after that, Vietnam. And all the little skirmishes, Yugoslavia, Gulf War I, Gulf War II ...It doesn't speak well for mankind. It seems like it's just inevitable that they'll go on forever. Is that the way it's supposed to be? Is man most creative when he's at war? I don't know. We're always hoping every one is the last one."

Flags celebrates the sacrifices of the thousands who died capturing the island of Iwo Jima, while simultaneously scorning what Eastwood calls "the futility of war." Eastwood honors the soldiers involved, and all soldiers by implication, for their courage and sense of duty. But he questions the manipulation of facts by the governmental war machine, even in the so-called greatest war, WWII.

Over the years our country and others have witnessed the sad reality of old men sending young men to die and be maimed in wars for questionable reasons. Yet, sadly, it keeps happening. The same mistakes are repeated again.

The lifelong Republican, (a former mayor of Carmel, California), was drawn to that party by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eastwood said he hoped that such a distinguished veteran of the horrors of war could lead the United States away from wars in the future.

Eisenhower surely tried, ending the Korean War, and giving a famous farewell speech in 1961, at the end of his two presidential terms, where he warned, "We annually spend on military security more than the net income of all United States corporations. This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence -- economic, political, even spiritual -- is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society. In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. "

The great general and successful President went on to raise this challenge: "The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together. "

The decorated war hero prayed for peace: "You and I -- my fellow citizens -- need to be strong in our faith that all nations, under God, will reach the goal of peace with justice. May we be ever unswerving in devotion to principle, confident but humble with power, diligent in pursuit of the Nation's great goals."

He expressed ideals that we need to hold fast to today. He proclaimed: "To all the peoples of the world, I once more give expression to America's prayerful and continuing aspiration:
We pray that peoples of all faiths, all races, all nations, may have their great human needs satisfied; that those now denied opportunity shall come to enjoy it to the full; that all who yearn for freedom may experience its spiritual blessings; that those who have freedom will understand, also, its heavy responsibilities; that all who are insensitive to the needs of others will learn charity; that the scourges of poverty, disease and ignorance will be made to disappear from the earth, and that, in the goodness of time, all peoples will come to live together in a peace guaranteed by the binding force of mutual respect and love."

Both Eastwood and Eisenhower should be carefully considered today. The toll of any war, including the current one in Iraq, is huge, and the influence of the military industrial complex remains strong. Military expense, for current defense and past military service, continues to dominate the national budget.

Over $500 billion has been spent or pledged on a war half a world away, and for the rebuilding of what our bombs destroyed. Add to that monetary total the immeasurable price of the over 2500 young Americans dead, and over 20,000 Americans injured (one fifth with serious spinal and brain injuries), plus over 50,000 Iraqui soldiers and civilians killed. The numbers do not come near expressing the suffering that war causes innocent men, women and children, much less our young American soldiers who signed up to defend our country and have a good future for themselves.

Real people in real lives yearn for peace all over the world. When will leaders reflect that truth? All of this has happened since the war began in 2003. All of that taxpayer money has gone overseas, while our battered educational system is under funded, while forty million Americans are without health insurance and our health care system costs are spiraling out of control, while we live with a debilitated bridge and highway system, while our children atttempt to cope with an environment that is becoming more poisoned and polluted each day. These issues are seldom discussed and almost never mentioned by our increasingly tabloid news outlets. Yet how might that $500 billion have been spent here at home, on these very real American needs, as well as invested in true homeland security like comprehensive port and truck cargo inspections?

We need to listen closely to one of our greatest artists and one of our greatest generals on these issues that affect us so importantly in such a time as this. Our children and grandchildren are depending on us.

Lady Liberty -- the Welcoming Image of America

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
-- Emma Lazarus, 1883

Greed Conquers All When Priorities are Misplaced -- But Jesus Showed that the Bottom LIne is Love!

Way back at the beginning of World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt uttered the famous words, “We have nothing to fear bur fear itself.” He was very right, for while it is right to fear and respect God, earthly fear is not a virtue. In fact, a close examination of the Bible will see that fear is a debilitating emotion that is the opposite of faith, just as hate (often fueled by fear) is the opposite of love. Fear is the basis of prejudice, which spawns violence, abuse and war.

Yet many supposedly well-meaning Christians get caught in fear traps when it comes to the deceitfulness of much of election season politics. Red flag, hot button issues are often sent up the pole to distract the voters from the real issues that actually affect them in much greater ways.

Issues like gay marriage and flag burning draw much ire and discussion, while issues that actually affect get little reflection. Really crucial issues like many jobs and industries moving to other countries, a spiraling national debt, a costly war with seemingly no end in sight (the army is preparing for troop levels to remain the same through 2010), a terrible trade deficit, and a decimated environment that spawns such evils as global warming and acid rain, are seldom discussed.

But this year you can add immigration to the hot button talking point issues that seem designed to raise the blood pressure and voter turnout of certain groups, but not the level of intelligent discussion. In a country whose enduring symbol is the Statue of Liberty, a shining reminder of our immigrant beginnings, the current strident remarks against immigrants seem sadly out of place. May we all remember that only Native Americans are not immigrants or from immigrant stock. The rest of us come from visitors who decided to stay.

The recent decision to spend $1.2 billion for a high-tech fence along the Arizona border will solve very little, disrupt wildlife migration routes, and cause more consternation to the long-ignored Native American Tohono O'odham Nation, whose land straddles the border and whose citizens oppose the fence. But, as usual, no one seems to care what the first people think, even though they have original rights to this land.

President Bush, for his part, has had a more reasoned approach than many of the ones who rally round this red flag issue. "The funds that Congress has appropriated are critical for our efforts to secure this border and enforce our laws, yet we must also recognize that enforcement alone is not going to work," the AP quoted Bush as saying at the bill-signing ceremony. "We need comprehensive reform that provides a legal way for people to work here on a temporary basis." In the past he has called for guest worker permits and paths to citizenship for the 12 million illegal workers who are already here.

The interesting thing is that the illegal workers come here and do jobs that most Americans do not want to do, yet the jobs we like are all moving to Mexico and other countries, so that corporations can make more money by paying people in those countries far less with no benefits. And many of our businesses, like Walmart, purchase goods from other countries, like the communist and still oppressive China, a nation with forced abortion and underground and endangered Christianity.

Greed conquers all when the bottom line is profit. Yet our Savior preached love, not greed. And so should we.

And while we are yammering to keep the illegal Mexicans out, foreigners are buying up our real estate and our companies at record rates, and much of our national debt is owed to foreign banks. Greater foreign ownership of U.S. assets is an inevitable consequence of the reckless tax-cutting, deficit-ballooning fiscal policies that Congress and the White House have pursued. By encouraging the United States to consume more than it produces, these fiscal policies have sucked in imports so fast that the nation is nearing a trillion-dollar annual trade deficit. Those are IOUs on America's future, issued by a spendthrift Congress.

The best quick analysis I've seen of the fiscal squeeze comes from New York University professor Nouriel Roubini, in his useful online survey of economic information, rgemonitor.com. He notes that with the U.S. current account deficit running at about $900 billion in 2006, "in a matter of a few years foreigners may end up owning most of the U.S. capital stocks: ports, factories, corporations, land, real estate and even our national parks." Until recently, he writes, the United States has been financing its trade deficit through debt -- namely, by selling U.S. Treasury securities to foreign central banks. That's scary enough -- as it has given big T-bill holders such as China and Saudi Arabia the ability to punish the U.S. dollar if they decide to unload their reserves.

But as Roubini says, foreigners may decide they would rather hold their dollars in equity investments than in U.S. Treasury debt. "If we continue with our current patterns of spending above our incomes, by 2013 the U.S. foreign liabilities could be as high as 75 percent of GDP and an increasing fraction of such liabilities will be in the form of equity," he explains. So it would seem that the greater threat to our national well being is not from foreign workers, but from foreign ownership of our country.

This is a real issue, but instead we debate illegal workers and whether English should be our official language. All the while, we are losing a grip on our country and our blessed way of life -- and the illegal workers have very little to do with it.

But now we will have a wall along 700 miles of our southern border. Outgoing Mexico President Fox compared the fence to the Berlin Wall. While the Berlin wall was built to keep people in, not out, I must admit that the American wall will be sending quite a different message than our beautiful Statue of Liberty. As for me, I prefer Lady Liberty over the wall of fear.

Negative Political Ads and the Father of Lies

It is that most despised of seasons again. It happens every other year in our country. Yes, it is political advertising season, and it makes many of us sick. The ads often are designed to trick the voters, not to inform them. By distracting the voters with trumped up issues, many of them do not actually vote considering the policies that might be for their, (and the country's), best interest. Instead, they vote for a smokescreen issue about "character", based on an ad that actually shows that the candidate that approved the ad has bad character -- for approving such a distasteful ad. What are these nasty attack ads teaching our children?

It is the negative, half-truth, attack stuff that disgusts me most of all, and there is way too much of it. How can you feel good about some candidate when he or she runs a TV spot that runs roughshod over an opponent? I realize that some of this has been going on for a long time, dating back to the days of Adams and Jefferson, but that was before we came up with the technology to hammer it home in new and devastating ways. I believe things are reaching new lows with some of the attack ads we're seeing nowadays. It is often all napalm and no civility.

Many of these ads are based on half truths and shameless propaganda techniques, put on the air and on the internet in behalf of candidates that claim to be Christian. These same candidates that hack up their opponents with hacksaw ads, also wrap themselves in the flag and hold tight to the Bible if it seems to help their campaign. These supposedly Christian candidates must have never heard of the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), or the Great Commandments, or the rule of love. In fact, I wonder if they ever read the Bible at all.

The ads put up smoke screens about so-called "Christian" issues that affect only a handful of people, while disregarding a most basic message of Jesus Christ (John 15) and the Epistles, that we love one another and treat other humans with respect. Unfettered greed and intentional lies are among the worst sins of all in this country, because they affect the basic lives of the most people.

What does it say about a candidate when he or she authorizes brutal TV commercials? What does it say about an electorate which goes ahead and votes for the pit bull candidate anyway? Maybe we really do get the candidates we deserve. And, maybe offensive advertising is one of the many reasons so many Americans have abandoned voting completely.

It seems that the winners are often almost as damaged by the ads as the losers, and this, in turn, makes it difficult to goern effectively. Candidates who are elected with a great deal of negative advertising end up being hated by the supporters of the losing candidate. The politics of division has accomplished what it set out to do -- elect certain candidates at any cost, while definitely dividing America. It has raped democracy and stifled meaningful, reasoned debate. And negative advertising is the main engine of this divisive strategy.

Thank God for the remote control that allows me to switch to another channel, and/or mute the ads. If only more people would do the same. I hate to admit it, but the brutally nasty political ads make me ashamed of the candidates and parties that approve them. There is nothing remotely Christian about political ads that lie, kill and destroy. A look at John 10:10 will show that their father is the father of lies, the real thief who is slowly stealing our democracy.

The Reformation -- and the Reformed Tradition

Today I was asked what it meant to be part of a Reformed Tradition. The woman who asked it had been part of the Presbyterian Church for over thirty years, but she had never had that term explained, even though she had heard it in a number of sermons over the decades. So this little column is for her, and all of those who might have a similar question.

Our history goes back to the beginning of the church in Acts, but gets new emphasis and meaning in 1517. The Reformation was started by Martin Luther with his 95 Theses on the practice of indulgences. In October 31st of 1517 he posted these theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg (Germany), commonly used to post notices to the University community. In November he mailed them to various religious authorities of the day. Luther wanted the church to reform to its basics of faith in God and grounding in Scripture. This great reformation led to heated debate and resulted in division, and the eventual establishment of new institutions. We all owe Dr. Luther a hearty handshake when we get to heaven. His courage and intellect were used mightily by God.

The four most important traditions of the Reformation, all with much more in common than differences. That emerged directly from the reformation were the Lutheran tradition, the Reformed (Presbyterian) tradition, the Anabaptist tradition, and the Anglican tradition. Subsequent protestant traditions generally trace their roots back to these initial four schools of the reformation. The Reformed Tradition spawned many of the Presbyterian, Congregationalist and Reformed Churches we know today.

At the heart of the Reformed tradition is a commitment to the Word, the sacraments, and discipline. To be Presbyterian is to be part of a "Reformed" heritage associated with the Swiss Reformers of the 16th century. The most notable of these Reformers was John Calvin (1509-1564), who came to Geneva as an immigrant Frenchman fleeing religious persecution. We continue to be influenced through Calvin's rich legacy of writings that illuminate Scripture.

He was the leader of the Swiss Reformed Movement from which the Presbyterian Church was eventually formed. As a young man he was trained in Paris, France, to become a lawyer. But at the University of Paris he became deeply involved in some of the intellectual groups gathering to discuss writings of Luther and other "protestant" or reform movement leaders in the church. Influenced by Luther's teachings. Calvin became a strong believer in the importance of church reform and soon became quite outspoken in the matter--a very courageous thing to do in those times. He was even so bold as to think that he himself might convince the French king, Francis 1st, to give some kind of support to the protestant reform movement. Thus, in 1536, he published a work, Institutes of the Christian Religion, dedicated to convincing Francis of the truth and critical importance of this movement of church reform.

He did not convince the king, but this masterpiece has become one of the great books on theology in the history of the world, still well worth reading today. Under pressure and criticism, Calvin left France for Switzerland, and continued to write and teach and preach. Out of his writings on Scriptures came the heart of the Reformed tradition -- an essential commitment to God's grace witnessed in Scripture, encountered in Christ,and experienced in daily life.

Presbyterians gained an emphasis on "always being reformed" according to the Word of God. The Latin slogan, "Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda" ("The church reformed and always to be reformed") places importance on the church's need to seek constant renewal. The church is a living organism, subject to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The church is always in need of growth and strengthening; we must never cease learning with relevance and sensitivity in response to changing realities. Trusting in the sufficiency of God's grace enables Reformed believers to rejoice in the limitless power of God. Yet in the same breath we are faced with the mystery of God that lies beyond human comprehension. We experience God's mysterious power as Trinity, a triune nature interceding in our lives, nurturing and transforming us, but exceeding our full understanding.

God is sovereign and His awesomeness is greater than our grasp; at the same time, but God allows us to draw closer to God through our experiences of His grace. This in turn enables us to celebrate the Divine presence in our midst, nurtured as we are from grace to grace, from mercy to mercy every moment of our lives. The reality of God's grace is key to our understanding. It is all about grace -- God's grace. In the Reformed tradition all experiences of genuine forgiveness and love are attributed to Divine grace and mercy.

One of the Reformed emphases is that human nature is not perfect, nor are human achievements self-sufficient. Since Calvinists were and are devoted to shaping society as well as individuals on the Biblical foundations, we realize that we need to be involved in our communities and be guided by the Scriptures and the Spirit in all aspects of our lives. The Bible is seen as the Word of God revealing God's orderly, exciting plan for all of life. The name Presbyterian (from the Greek presbuteros, meaning elder) describes the form of church government (connected on four levels with checks and balances), but the beliefs are decidedly Christian with a big C. As the Book of Order begins, "Jesus Christ is the head of the church."

A locally organized "presbytery" reflects the idea that Christ is the head of the church and all members are equal under Christ. Presbyterians are a connectional church, and these connections help reflect the Scriptural truths of unity in Christ. The Reformed tradition stands on a foundational principle of the priesthood of all believers. God calls us out of GodÂ’s amazing love and abundant grace. In Baptism, we are claimed by the Spirit into covenant with God. Each of us is called to a purpose and are given meaning in our lives.

We do not earn salvation, for it is a gift of grace through the work and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. On the cross, He did all that needed to be done for humanity, once and for all. Salvation as a free gift! Praise God! In response, we live lives ofcelebrationn and obedience, of humility and service. We respond to GodÂ’s gift of grace with the spiritual sacrifice of our lives. The good works we are moved to do flow out as a response to God.

As children of God and ambassadors of Christ, we use and develop our talents to love and serve God in the world in a variety of ways. The Holy Spirit works to give each believer unique gifts. These gifts are used as we join in Christ's work and live in love for God and our neighbor.

The Reformed Tradition is rooted in the Word. Another Latin phrase often used is sola scriptura, "scripture alone." The Reformed Tradition is rooted in the authority of the Bible and the quest to apply scripture to our lives in our times. We see the Bible as the unique and authoritative witness to God in Jesus Christ, an authority without parallel and the basis for decision making in matters of faith and life.

One other Latin phrase which marks the Reformed tradition is sola fidei, "faith alone." The Reformed Tradition holds that is a person's individual faith that justifies them before God. This is made possible by the free gift of God's grace which accepts aforgives, TheThe Protestant Church, including Reformed churches, celebrates two sacraments, both grounded in grace and faith, which are baptism and communion (also called the Lord's Supper or Eucharist). These two sacraments are both rooted in the command of Christ as opposed to the tradition of the church. Baptism is a sign and seal of our inclusion in the household of faith. The sacrament of communion is a means both of remembrance and renewal. In it we remember the sacrifice of Christ by which the new covenant is formed and are renewed by the spiritual fellowship of the meal.

The Reformed Tradition asserts the sovereignty of God and Lordship of Jesus Christ. In that God is sovereign, God cannot be known entirely and cannot be controlled by our actions. God is free to act in whatever way satisfies the divine will, thus we are always reluctant to declare too boldly that our understanding of God is absolute. We only know what we can understand from Scripture by the Spirit's guidance. In the same way, The lordship of Christ focuses our attention on our relation to him as Lord and Master. We are a servant people of a servant Lord seeing ourselves as stewards of God's gifts.

We are all in need of repentance and forgiveness in that we all fall short of what God has created and intended us to be. Biblically, repentance means to change one's mind and to turn in a different direction. It is the act of acknowledging not only our sin, but also our inability to overcome sin on our own. Sin is seen as rebellion against God and the life God intends. It is therefore not only a matter of acts, but also of attitudes and desires. We must repent of our sins and turn to God. When we ask for forgiveness, the Spirit will help us in that area of our lives.

Life Sometimes Hurts -- But God Heals!

Thank God for our American Bill of Rights

An Itty Bitty Kitty Dies -- We Reflect on Death

A baby kitten died tonight of unknown causes. It was unexpected. It was sad. A tiny black cat of about 8 weeks old was left on our doorstep and for the last two days we lavished him with love and caring and tried to nurse it to health. It seemed quite thin and undernourished, but we tried to provide him with the means to survive. Our children, especially our 11-year-old boy, really took to the cause of caring for the kitty. The tiny cat seemed to like us, too, meowing with a unique, duck-like sound, and purring like a small, contented symphony.

But there must have been some fatal flaw in its fragile body, or some sickness we could not see. For Mr. Quackers, the itty bitty kitty, is no longer with us. He died in the night in his cage. My 10-year-old daughter noticed he was breathing funny and not moving much. I found him non-responsive, and before I could take him to the veternarian's office, he was gone.

I will bury the kitty in the morning in a special place near the back door. But his memory will live on. For in those two short days we saw a lot of life in that little cat, and he evoked a lot of love from my kids -- and my wife and I. Life is fragile -- and when you love anything, animals or people, there is a risk involved. But love is always worth it. These are lessons we hope our children learn. Anyone who has ever buried a pet knows the pain of saying goodbye to a little friend. My children are feeling that pain today.

Death always seems to come unexpectedly. Even when you expect it. Even when we are talking about people, not pets. Even when you know someone is better off to be in a better place, to be in the arms of God. As a pastor I have had the privilige to spend last days and moments with a number of people. It is always a sobering experience, sometimes joyful, usually sad at the same time, and often filled with a sense of the holy and the sacred.

But when it comes to the death of a Christian, I always take heart to what the Bible says about life after death through the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus allows His story to become our story. As he rose from the dead, so shall we. That is Good News for any day. Even for a day when the little kitty cat died and my children cried. No matter what happens -- even in tragedies far greater than the loss of a baby pet -- we take solace in the fact that our God is on His throne.

Harvest Time and the Parable of the Sower

It is getting near to harvest time in the great American Midwest. The heart of the country is bulging with corn and soybeans and wheat and other life-giving grains. As I drove today in Northwest Iowa, I saw field after field of corn that was near harvesting. The soybeans are also near their coming home time, and soon the combines will be criss-crossing the countryside. The fields are full of agricultural expectations. It is an exciting time of the year in farm country.

Farming has historically been a faith driven business, and it still is. Though large farms have forced many family farms out of business, the people running those big farms are still farmers, and many of them would be living on a smaller family farm if they could. So let us say a prayer for the farmers and their families. Harvest can be a dangerous time, as the machinery now required for the job to be done is often big and cumbersome and sometimes deadly. But it is a job that is necessary to our national security -- American farmers help feed our nation and a large part of the world. In some ways they are just as important to our national well being as the armed services or our diplomatic corps, for the American farmer produces the food that is crucial not only to us, but to many other nations.

Jesus honored farmers in one of his amazing parables, the story of the sower. He uses farming to tell a powerful spiritual truth. In Mark 4: 3-8 he said: "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times."

He went on to comment on the story, saying, in Mark 4:13-20: "The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop-thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown."

May we all be good spiritual farmers, nurturing the seed sown in our hearts and lives, and, in turn, sowing the Word into the lives of others.

Unleash Your Imagination for the Glory of God!

The imagination is a wonderful gift that we have been given that connects us with the mind of God. The Spirit speaks to us in our imaginations. Children seem to naturally have active imaginations. As we grow older and become more "educated", we tend to use our imaginations less and less. Such a natural observation brings possible new meaning to Jesus’ proclamation, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Everyone has used their imagination negatively by worrying. But Jesus clearly declares in the Sermon on the Mount that we should not worry, but rather cast our cares upon God. Many people use their imaginations wrongly by fantasizing about physical pleasures, sometimes in adulterous ways. We must repent of the misuse of imagination, and instead do good with it! The Bible shows us that we should use the same process in a positive way, based on God's Word. Seeing something by the "eye of faith" is akin to imagining it. Paul asserts in 2 Corinthians 5:7: “We walk by faith, not by sight,” or, as Peterson paraphrases it, “It is the things that we do not see that keep us going.” He had hit on the theme earlier, in 2 Corinthians 4:18: “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen eternal.

How can we look at things which are not seen? By using our imagination for God’s glory! Time and again, throughout the Bible, we see people who use their imagination; and they “see" what was not visible to others. Chapter eleven of Hebrews, the great Hall of Faith chapter, is filled with such stories of heroes of the faith. Faith is linked with imagination, and the accomplishment of God’s mission is dependent upon this combination again and again.

The Bible helps us, enables us, to understand, to re-appropriate, to celebrate the role of the imagination as part of our redeemed, renewed, image-bearing humanness. We need imagination to live in God's world. We need to encourage the good and right use of imagination. Like all things God gives us, it should be used for good, but it can be used for bad. Often imagination runs riot in the wrong direction, and folks start imagining the wrong things. But for every instance of imagination that has become inherently ugly, there are instances of the right use of our imaginations for God. It is a joyful thing to see the imagination unleashed for God’s glory!