VISITING A MENNONITE CHURCH

Last Sunday, while visiting my sister-in-law, we attended church with her in central Pennsylvania.  She lives in a small town in a long, wide, agricultural valley that is heavily populated by Amish and Mennonites.  Locust Grove Mennonite Church sits at the southern end of the village of Belleville.

It is a large, relatively new structure that houses a gymnasium, sanctuary, large entry-foyer and exceptional space for classes and group meetings.  They have ample parking as well that is accessible to the two primary entrances

We attended the 9:00 AM service and I was greeted nicely by a man as I passed through the door.  Finding the sanctuary was slightly challenging for a newcomer (Debbie and Joyce had entered before me).  It was a large area with rows of comfortable seats; it would probably seat three hundred if full.  

A young woman was playing the piano and a young girl was singing with her.  I've often wondered why more congregations don't use pre-worship time to highlight the gifts and talents of its people - young and older.  I was warmed by the simplicity of this pre-call to worship.

Eventually, the worship team entered from a front room and took their places on the platform.  A worship folder had been provided, but it did not include an order for worship - which sort of delighted me.  The team included an older man (leader), a middle-aged man, and three young people.  Their sound was not at all professional;  I would call it functional and sincere.  I appreciated their ministry.

The sound system was not helpful to me - as a hearing impaired person - so I missed a lot that was said by the leaders.  One leader needed training in how to use a microphone, as he often wandered away from it.  There was no mention of hearing devices being available.

One thing that I enjoyed was the fact that we sang a lot!  Instead of the traditional three songs, prayer, announcements and message, this service was less predictable.  The music included one hymn and several older worship songs that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I frequently wonder why we so quickly discard worship songs that have endeared themselves to us in such meaningful ways?  In addition, the PowerPoint slides were actually changed when we needed the words instead of the almost universal perfectionism of switching so precisely that we can never sing the first words of the slide.  :-)

It became apparent that things were being done a bit differently since the church was observing a season of emphasizing world missions.  The pastor did not preach this morning;  instead a denominational leader gave the message.

Fortunately, he was a very capable speaker who knows how to project his voice, so I was easily able to hear him.  Public speaking training seems to have gone by the wayside over the years.  So many preachers seem to forget that they're speaking to a large room of people with diverse hearing ability!  

Jerry Sauder's scripture was from Proverbs, but he quickly departed from it.  He began with some very traditional pictures and a review of the biblical history of God's desire to have all nations love and serve Him!  I felt myself waning in interest during these opening moments.  However, as he progressed, I began to see that he was carefully weaving a very long story past our consciousness.  God started with a plan and He never abandoned it!  

I went from minimally interested to being fascinated with this articulate presentation of biblical history and the passion of our God for all people to come to know Him.  

Jerry ended by returning to his original passage where he made impacting observations and challenges:

• Do we care deeply about our Father's desire to have all nations (people groups) reconciled to Himself?
• Does our lifestyle reflect seriousness (wisdom) or frivolity (foolishness) in regards to this task?
• Do we engage in the work with diligence or laziness?
• How does the urgency of the harvest affect our priorities?  

A week later, I am still evaluating my priorities and considering how I can be more effective in this passionate mission of our loving and enfolding God!

I spoke with Jerry after the service and complimented him on the most powerful missions message I had ever heard.  He took my email and promptly forwarded me all his slides for my personal use!  

There was a sad point at the end, however.  The leadership had not thought through an appropriate ending for the service, so we were simply dismissed.  A powerful song and opportunity for response would have been most appropriate!  I hope this missed opportunity was corrected in later services.  

A STORY OF A FOOL

What kind of mother would name her son ‘Fool’?  I don’t think I’d want to meet her.  Seems like a good chance that she was a fool herself. 

We find this man Nabal (means ‘fool’) in I Samuel 25.  Surprisingly, he was quite successful, owning at least 1,000 goats and 3,000 sheep.  His enterprise required the help of a large number of farm hands.  His wife was loyal to him and quite a beauty.

David had been hiding out in Nabal’s territory trying to elude the pursuit of King Saul.  During this time, he and his 600 men offered protection to the area farmers – including Nabal.  When shearing time arrived, David sent men to ask for a gift from Nabal in exchange for the protection he had received.  Nabal insulted David’s men and sent them away empty-handed.

David was furious and vowed to kill Nabal and all his men.

Nabal’s wife is told about the exchange and leaps into action preparing a huge feast and delivering it to David as he approaches the farm.  He is overwhelmed with her gift, her words and her wisdom!  She implores him to stay his hand against Nabal and keep his reputation unstained from unnecessary violence.  David accepts her gift and is truly grateful that she stepped in and stopped him from his impulsive actions.

That evening, Nabal feasts and drinks well into the night;  so Abigail (his wife) waits till morning to tell him what she had done.  This is another testimony to her truthfulness and willingness to accept responsibility for her actions. 

Although the scripture is not perfectly clear, it seems that Nabal had a stroke upon hearing what she had done.  He lived in this state for ten days and then died. 

When David heard that Nabal had died, he sent messengers asking Abigail to become his wife.  She agreed.

In verse 17, we read a description of Nabal:  “He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him.” 

Chances are, you’ve run into someone like this.  Descriptive terms would be:  hostile, angry, sarcastic, bitter, unkind, stubborn, vindictive, hateful… 

We can’t help but notice that Abigail’s actions correct David’s misdirected intentions.  A righteous woman can have a dynamic impact on the lives of those around her!  Abigail shows us that destroying the evil person is not the way to deal with them.  She is forthright and honest with Nabal and leaves the results to God.  Interestingly, Nabal’s death is attributed to God’s action:  “About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal and he died.”  (v.38)

When we are forced to deal with unrighteous people, we must maintain godly standards.  We don’t have the option of using their tactics.  We live by a higher standard.  We stay righteous and trust God to work it out.  He will! 

WATCH OUT FOR COMPLACENCY!

 I just read I Corinthians 10:1-13 (NIV - 1984).

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert. 

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did--and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test the Lord, as some of them did--and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did--and were killed by the destroying angel. 

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

This passage is full of Old Testament references.  Paul intends to use the ancients to teach a lesson to the moderns.  

The ancient Israelites who escaped Egypt with Moses as their leader were all given the same opportunities that Moses had been given:

• they lived under the cloud (and pillar of fire) that represented God's presence.
• they all passed through the sea and witnessed the miraculous protection and provision of God.
• they all received a type of baptism by passing through the sea and experiencing the cloud of God's presence.
• they all ate the same spiritual manna.
• they all drank the same spiritual water provided by their God - the Rock (a pre-image of Christ)!

However, God was not pleased with most of them and their bodies ended up scattered all over the desert.

Paul is clear in indicating that these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did (v.6).  

Then, he moves to specifics:

      1. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were...(v.7).

What does it mean to be an idolater?  In its simplest form, it means to put ANYTHING/ANYONE before God!  Paul doesn't illustrate, so I won't either.

      2. We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did...(v.8).

         

Paul doesn't extrapolate here except to remind us that 23,000 Israelites died because of their immorality [see Numbers 25:1-9].

      3. We should not test the Lord, as some of them did - and were killed by snakes...(v.9).

Again, Paul doesn't illustrate, but I'm thinking of Annanias and Sapphira (Acts 15:1-11), and the Israelites in Numbers 21:5-6, where they were rebellious with God and Moses because they were hungry and homeless.  Testing God seems to be failing to have faith in God's plan and refusing to trust God to work on our behalf.

      4. Do not grumble as some of them did - and were killed by the destroying angel...(10).

In Numbers 16:41, the Israelites complained that God and Moses had caused the death of 250 of Korah's men who had rebelled against Moses' leadership.  If you've read Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus and Deuteronomy, then you know that the main sin of Israel during this period was complaining/grumbling.

Paul then makes it clear that these things were written down as WARNINGS FOR US on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come (v.11 ) [that's Jesus]!  

Then, in verse 12, he talks about complacency:  ...if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall.  

Paul ends his mini-message with words that many of us memorized when we were young.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.    (v.13)

There's the word for the day:

You cannot and will never face a temptation that can't be resisted!  God will ALWAYS BE THERE and He will always offer you a way to escape!  And in the words of Barretta, "You can take that to the bank!"

 

APOSTLE PAUL CHALLENGES US

 Reading II Corinthians 6:1-13 yesterday was an inspiring experience.  I’m copying it here in case you’d like to review it:

6 As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. ² For he says,

‘In the time of my favor I heard you,
    and in the day of salvation I helped you.’

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Paul’s hardships

³ We put no stumbling-block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. ⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵ in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; ⁶ in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; ⁷ in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; ⁸ through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; ⁹ known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; ¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

¹¹ We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. ¹² We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. ¹³ As a fair exchange – I speak as to my children – open wide your hearts also.

Paul opens with an exhortation to not receive God’s grace in vain.  I believe he also talks about this in I Corinthians 15:10, where he refers to doing so as wasted grace.  The Apostle wants us to maximize our faith as he clearly sought to do in his life!  After all, God has gone to great depths to pursue us, redeem us and empower us;  we should, therefore, seek to be all we can be for Him and His Kingdom! 

Yet, ‘losing our first love’ [Revelation 2:4] is so common.  In speaking to the Laodicean church [Revelation 3:16] Jesus indicates how repugnant lukewarm followers were to Him!  Then He goes on – in both passages – to demand repentance and to speak of rebukes and disciplines for those who continue to waste the grace of God. 

It makes you wonder how much of the pain and opposition we face is really God-initiated to try to bring us to repentance?  He – far more than the apostle Paul – wants us to MAXIMIZE our faith.  Doing so will bring us great blessings of peace, joy and in some cases, plenty. 

So, according to Paul’s admonition, how do we fully implement God’s great grace?

By staying faithful to God:

·        By exercising endurance in difficult times including trouble, hardships, distresses, beatings, imprisonments – even riots.  Enduring hard work, sleepless nights – even hunger.

·        By maintaining purity, understanding, patience and kindness through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as an expression of sincere love!  Through truthful speech and manifesting the power of God using the weapons of righteousness in our right hand and in the left! 

·        In times of honor and dishonor, bad report and good report – always being genuine, regardless of how others treat us.  Feeling, at times, like we might die – but pressing on toward eternal life in Christ!

·        Pushing forward through times of persecution and great sorrow;  even poverty, if necessary – knowing that ultimately we will gain a great reward that will last for all eternity! 

You surely see that this runs counter to what we hear and see in our culture.  This is the theology of a servant – to exist to serve and bless others.  This requires a CONSTANT denying of oneself while prioritizing the needs of those God brings us into contact with on a daily basis. Doing so will earn a great reward as well as an eternity of purpose, peace and joy!  It will be worth it all!  

Kind and Gracious Lord,

The only thing we feel that we’re good at is falling short of Your expectations for us.  Once again, we appeal to You for forgiveness and the strength to do better!

Your Call is a call to go beyond ourselves:  our wants and desires – and to be servants of those you cause us to interface with daily. 

Your patience with us amazes us!  You should have washed Your hands of us long ago, but You persevere in seeking to perfect us.  We have experienced no love greater than Yours!

So, we pray:

Make me a servant, humble and meek;

Lord, let me lift up those who are weak;

And may the prayer of my heart always be:

Make me a servant, make me a servant,

Make me a servant today.*

Amen.

*   [song by Kelly Willard]

I’LL DO WHAT YOU WANT ME TO DO!

 Mary Brown wrote the words to this hymn in 1891:

It may not be on the mountain’s height,
Or over the stormy sea;
It may not be at the battle’s front,
My Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls,
To paths that I do not know,
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine,
I’ll go where You want me to go.

Refrain:
I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,
O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I’ll be what You want me to be.

Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin,
Some wand’rer whom I should seek;
O Savior, if Thou wilt be my guide,
Though dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo Thy message sweet,
I’ll say what You want me to say.

In 2015, we returned from three years in China at the end of July.  As prearranged, I began to be the commuting pastor of the Kittanning, PA Free Methodist Church on a part-time basis in September. 

We faced the crisis of re-adapting to a culture we’d been away from for three years.  I desperately missed China and our friends/students there.

We had great difficulty finding a place to live.  We had to find vehicles and replace a lot of what we’d given away three years earlier.

We had no income.

Being a commuting pastor was far more difficult than I had imagined.  I made at least three trips to Kittanning a week and slept three nights on the floor in my office. 

Our son, Travis, died in October.  Words cannot describe the shock, pain and grief that came in the following weeks.

On Christmas night Debbie’s Dad went to be with Jesus after a wonderful day of fellowship, pictures and joy with much of his family! 

In the midst of this chaos we realized we needed a home.  We planned and purchased a manufactured home, secured a lot in Heron Woods and moved into this new home (after MUCH work) in early June, 2016. 

But our lives had changed too much!  We struggled to adapt.  Troy and I built a garage that fall and spring which was a nice diversion. 

However, I had lost something that I couldn’t seem to replace.  With no plans to retire at 65, I did just that.  To some extent, I’ve struggled consistently since that decision was made.

We’ve had trouble finding a satisfactory church home, although in these five years we’ve attended two wonderful churches where we’ve been embraced and accepted. 

I’ve become a Lyft driver which has given me some sense of purpose for my days.  But, it’s not my calling.

This morning, I – along with other elders in the Free Methodist Church – was invited to participate in the ordination of David Quillen at the First FMC in East Liverpool, OH, under the leadership of Bishop Linda Adams.  As I participated in the liturgy, readings, scriptures and prayers of this ordination, I was reminded of personally taking these vows in 1978 – forty-three years ago. 

There’s been a lot of joy and pain in serving the Lord and His Church through those years.  I look back with some satisfaction, knowing that I applied myself diligently and earnestly and saw fruit for my faithfulness.  Thanks be to God. 

But I sense that God is calling me forward into something.  I’m not done yet…

Some things have changed:

·      my physical mobility is challenging me

·      my mental acuity has diminished

·      my hearing difficulties are well established

·      I don’t have the energy that I had even five years ago…

However,

·      my creativity is as alive as ever

·      my passion is still in overdrive

·      I have a reservoir of experience and knowledge

·      I have a desire to be obedient and effective…

So, I’m deliberating, meditating and listening…

Debbie, as always, is right on track with me!  We’re considering what God may be wanting for us. 

We talk about starting a group in our home that would strengthen the spiritual walk of the participants and offer prayer and support as we all move forward in God’s plans for us.  Does God desire for it to morph into something even more significant? 

I’m also considering re-entering the counseling ministry.  This is an area where I’ve seen some fruit and have also been moderately effective evangelistically.  But, I’d need a place.  So, I’m driving around with my eyes open to possible locations.  I want what God wants, and I know there are lots of hurting people out there! 

I hope I’m stirring up your own juices! 

·      What is God trying to accomplish in your life? 

·      What’s He calling you to do? 

·      What changes is He asking you to make to adapt to His plans? 

Here are three ways you can respond:

1.   If you’d like to pray for us – THANKS!

2.   If you’re interested in the group I mentioned, then PM me on Facebook or call/text @ (724) 944-3881.

3.   If you have suggestions or connections for a counseling location – do the same…

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CLEAR SENSE THAT GOD WAS DEALING WITH YOU?

Odd question, huh?  

But really, have you?  Maybe it’s because I’ve been a pastor for over forty years, but I tend to think that most of us HAVE experienced this awareness of a divine engagement.

Over the years, I’ve found that God has several key ways of getting His messages through to me.  These are not likely to be true for you, but that doesn’t mean that He won’t specifically tailor His leadings to impact you, as well.

BOOKS

It has been remarkable to me that God has repeatedly used good books to get His messages into my heart and mind.  It may be

·      a new book I buy to read

·      an old book that I suddenly notice on my shelf

·      a favorite that God brings to my mind with a suggestion that I re-read it

·      a book someone passes me with a suggestion to read it, or

·      a book recommended by one of the leaders I follow.

But somehow, as I read it I have an awareness that it was appointed for me to do so by God. 

REPETITION

When ideas keep coming round again and again – like a beagle chasing a rabbit – I begin to suspect that God is behind it. 

It could be a scripture passage that I continually see over the course of a couple of weeks.

It might be a topic that shows up

·      in my reading

·      in a message at church

·      in conversations

·      even through what I watch on television.

God knows how obtuse I can be, so from His kindness He repeats the message – UNTIL I GET IT!  Thank You for Your patience, Lord!

HIS WORD

You knew this one was coming, right?

It is His living Word!  It is His Holy Word!  It is His inspired Word!

Its impact is dynamic for everyone who submits themselves to it!

But, if you don’t read it – you forfeit this tremendous channel of communication! 

There have been SO MANY times while reading scripture that I knew God had me reading it for my own benefit!  His grace is STILL AMAZING!

__________________________________

Where is this coming from?

He’s been doing it for me again.  You want to know more, read my next blog… I’LL DO WHAT YOU WANT ME TO DO!

SPIRITUAL FLUFF

Wesleyans have been known through the years for singing their theology. 

• How Firm A Foundation
• Great Is Thy Faithfulness
• Have Thine Own Way, Lord
• Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
• Blessed Assurance
• ...

The Gaithers gave a new voice to this theology with a twist in music styles, but maintaining correct theology - for the most part.

Early Contemporary (a nearly meaningless word now) Christian artists gave us some significant music that also kept our theology grounded but gave us a beat and melody that we could relate to.

• Thy Word Is A Lamp Unto My Feet
• God Is In Control
• El Shaddai
• Above All
• Heart of Worship
• Breath of Heaven
• Lamb of God
• The Warrior Is A Child
• ...

The Praise and Worship movement of the 1980's reduced the music and message to minimalist forms but often kept us thinking in the right directions:

• We Are Standing On Holy Ground
• I Love You Lord
• This Is The Day
• Thou Art Worthy
• Spirit Song
• I Will Enter His Gates
• ...

But somewhere along the line, our contemporary artists began giving us material that was less grounded theologically and more related to our emotions.  Unfortunately, much of this music is leaking into our public worship.

Part of my role as a pastor was to make certain that our worship times were properly grounded theologically while still maintaining relevance to the times in which we live.  I rarely turned this responsibility over to others.  Even special music needs to be evaluated;  for instance, what is gained from an offertory that no one knows or recognizes?   

A service of worship must have flow and connection.  It should be focused to stimulate our thoughts and lead us to truths about God and His world.  It should not be predictable since we serve a God of the mysterious and who is the source of all creativity!  Worship at its best evokes awe and wonder!  It brings our minds and hearts into focus on the One who has sought us, redeemed us, and given us purpose.  

While leading my last full-time church, we frequently saw the altar used as a place for seeking God, prayer, Holy Communion, and prayers for healing.  I always tried to kneel there for a few moments before worship began.  Our response at the end of the service often saw people praying individually or in groups at the altar!  

We attended Springfield Church of God for two years after my retirement.  With some frequency, Pastor Jonathan would have special prayer over someone at the altar.  On occasions, he would invite us to come and lay hands on this person (James 5:13-18).  The front would fill with people as would the aisles as we symbolically laid on hands of faith!  It was always a beautiful thing to be part of as we expressed our love and support.  

While serving the Cornerstone Church in Akron alongside of Brenda Young, our altar would fill every Sunday during the prayer time.  First would come a wave of those needing prayer;  then came a wave of those wishing to pray with and for them!  It was common to have 50 - 70 people crowding around the altar as Brenda prayed over them all!  What an incredible sight!  

I attended a worship service this spring where a very simple worship team [made up mostly of substitutes since the main leaders were on vacation] brought us beautifully into the presence of the Lord!  I was inspired and stood with hands raised much of the time.  It wasn't about anyone's talent.  The team was LEADING US IN WORSHIP!  I didn't want it to end.

But it did end.  Someone came up and gave a bunch of announcements and then - to my shock - told us that we were taking a ten minute break for coffee and donuts!  When everyone returned, a lay speaker gave an excellent Father's Day message.  It's impact would have been magnified if it had immediately followed our wonderful worship time.  I left the church wondering:  'What were they thinking?'

I find myself in a dearth of meaningful worship that goes beyond three songs, announcements, offering, and message.  I need something that allows for some spontaneity and response.  Prescribed readings and prayers can be helpful if chosen and led well.  I believe it makes a difference when a service has been planned and prayed over by the pastor, leaders and people!  

We've lost something that desperately needs to be regained...  

When the music fades

All is stripped away

And I simply come

Longing just to bring

Something that's of worth

That will bless Your heart

I'll bring You more than a song

For a song in itself

Is not what You have required

You search much deeper within

Through the way things appear

You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship

And it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus

I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it

When it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth

No one could express

How much you deserve

Though I'm weak and poor

All I have is Yours

Every single breath!

I'll bring You more than a song

For a song in itself

Is not what You have required

You search much deeper within

Through the way things appear

You're looking into my heart, yeah

I'm coming back to the heart of worship

And it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus

I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it

When it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus

I'm coming back to the heart of worship

And it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus

I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it

When it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus

[Words and music by Matt Redman]