NEED A LYFT?

I kept pretty busy for the first fifteen months of my retirement, but then I started to feel some boredom.  I would occasionally wake up with no distinct plan for the day.  My consumption of television news began to grow.  I felt a drag on my motivation.  Some days I was accomplishing very little.

• "It's too cold to work outside today."
• "I don't want to waste the propane to heat the garage."
• "I'll just do some reading and sorting today."

I considered looking for a part time job, but held back because I don't want to be tied down.  

Then I got online to see what kinds of part time jobs were available.  I considered Dollar General, WalMart, and Chick-Fil-A...but just wasn't motivated to move on any of them.

Then, I came across two ideas that captured my attention.  

1. teaching English as a second language online, and
2. being a Lyft driver.

I'm moving forward with each of these, but pursued the Lyft driver position first.  I got as far as their request to do a background search - and stopped.  For several months they pursued me to continue the application via texts.  I still kept the 'pause button' on.  

In early December they tempted me with a $400 bonus if I continued and gave one ride by December 20.  I immediately told them to begin the background search.  I submitted all of the required documentation - which was promptly accepted.  The background search took some time.  

On December 24, I was approved to drive.  I spent the full morning online doing all of their company training tutorials.  I was very impressed with the training materials and felt fully equipped to begin driving.

I picked up my first rider on South Avenue in Youngstown and took him home from the grocery store.  It was one mile and I made a little less than three dollars.  :-)  

After giving a few more rides (on Christmas Eve) I headed home happy - and $30 richer!  

Right after Christmas I received a text to all Pennsylvania drivers that beginning in 2019, we had to have a 2004 vehicle or newer;  I was driving a 2003.  :-(

I gave a bunch more rides that week and then quit driving on New Year's Eve.  Bummer!

I immediately began looking for a 2005 Camry, figuring I would be able to drive it for at least two years.  I found one and bought it.  After waiting for the title, getting some repairs, getting it licensed and inspected, I was approved to drive again!  Woo Hoo!  I pushed to get my 50th ride in before we left for vacation, because it qualifies me for a bonus!  [Lyft is big into bonuses for drivers!]

I love my new job!  I can drive when I want, as long as I want.  I do my own scheduling.  I get paid every Tuesday - straight into my bank account!  I'm doing research into how I'll be affected by taxes and am trying to calculate that against my expenses.  I've clearly got a lot to learn.  

I've found the company to be very helpful and cooperative.  They even gave me the $400 bonus, even though I missed the deadline by a few days!  :-)  

I'm meeting new people every time I drive.  All are nice and some are happy to talk while we ride together.  I've gotten some tips - some in cash and some online.  Tips are all mine!  My longest ride so far was from Poland, OH to Cleveland!  That was nice!  

I feel useful.  I'm providing a service to the community.  Many people without cars use Lyft (and other ride-sharing services) to do their shopping as well as getting to and from work!  I get to provide a cheerful greeting and a piece of candy to lots of people.  Hopefully, I can be a bright spot in their day!  I've had people of many kinds in my car.  I've heard languages I couldn't decipher.  Some people hop in front with me - I like that.  Others choose to ride in the back seat.  

The Lyft App for drivers is comprehensive and provides all of my directions.  I still make occasional wrong turns, but by-and-large, it's easy!  I'm actually excited to get home from vacation and start driving again!  

If you're interested in driving for Lyft, please use my referral code in the process (or contact me).  You'll get a bigger bonus if you go through me than if you go directly to their website;  and, of course, I'll get a bonus too!  My code:  HAROLD88049

If you have questions or want to talk more about it, contact me:

halinasia@psmail.net

(724) 944-3881

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HAVING A HEART FOR GOD!

[I was privileged to give this message at an English/Chinese church while teaching in China.  I have left tis context in place.  It was given on June 8, 2014.]

Psalm 119:32 (NKJV)

I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.

California Chrome is a racehorse that set the thoroughbred horse-racing world on fire this year.  The story of this horse will inevitably be made into a movie.  California Chrome – with the running of New York’s Belmont Stakes in early June (2014) – failed in his attempt at the Triple Crown.  So, the trophy will be packed away for a future hope and a future horse.

Having lived for three years in the state of Kentucky, we were exposed to the verdant, gated communities of thoroughbred race horses.  The manicured farms set against the rolling hills of Kentucky stand out for their immaculate white fences and majestic animals.  In 2010, a movie emerged about one of those horses. 

If you don’t know the background, Secretariat (also known as Big Red) was a large horse that is thought by many to be the greatest race-horse to ever live.  In 1973, the summer Debbie and I were married, Secretariat won what is called the Triple-Crown of thoroughbred racing:  The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, and The Belmont Stakes. 

Secretariat was the ninth horse to win the Triple Crown.  At the time Secretariat won the Triple Crown, it hadn’t been done for 25 years!  Since Secretariat’s win, two other horses have won the Triple-Crown:  Seattle Slew in 1977, and Affirmed in 1978.  We’ve been waiting forty-one years for another winner!

In The Kentucky Derby, Secretariat ran each quarter-mile segment faster than the one before it. The successive quarter-mile times were 25 1/5, 24, 23 4/5, 23 2/5, and 23. This means he was still accelerating as of the final quarter-mile of the race!

After winning the Kentucky Derby (1 1/4 mile), and The Preakness, many felt that he would lose in The Belmont since it was 1 1/2 mile.  

Only five horses ran The Belmont Stakes that year.  Three were considered non-contenders.  Secretariat was favored, but some still wondered if Sham might win this longer race;  Sham had finished second at The Kentucky Derby and at The Preakness Stakes. 

Secretariat was noted for pressing against the back of the gate at the start of a race.  Consequently, he was noted for being the last horse out of the gate.  Nearly every race he ran was a come from last place to win!  He was a very exciting horse to watch! 

However, at The Belmont Stakes, he and Sham took the lead together and ran side-by-side – a sixteenth of a mile ahead of the other three horses.  After running for three quarters of a mile, Sham began to tire – dropping back to eventually finish last.  Secretariat astonished spectators by continuing the fast pace and opening up a larger and larger margin on the field. Viewers heard the wonder in CBS Television announcer Chic Anderson's voice as he described the horse's pace: "Secretariat is widening now!  He is moving like a tremendous machine!" 

In the stretch, Secretariat opened a 1/16 mile lead on the rest of the field. At the finish, he won by 31 lengths (breaking the margin-of-victory record set by Triple Crown winner Count Fleet, who won by 25 lengths) and ran the fastest 1½ miles on dirt in history, 2:24 flat, which broke the stakes record by more than 2 seconds. This works out to a speed of 37.5 mph for his entire performance. Secretariat's world record still stands, and in fact, no other horse has ever broken 2:25 for 1½ miles on dirt.

Earlier, I read Psalm 119:32, “I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.” 

When we cooperate with God, He grows our heart!  [You might want to read that verse and comment again]

I have certainly experienced this to be true and I’ll bet most of you have, too. 

After leading churches for many years, I read some books that revealed God’s heart to me more clearly than I had ever seen it before.  I began to experience God’s passion for lost people throughout the world.

The Holy Spirit continually stirred my heart and I grew increasingly discontent doing what I was doing.  I felt compelled to leave my comfort zone and do something that most people would consider radical. 

The door opened for us to come to China for a year.  That first year turned into a second year;  and now the second year has led to a third year.  When we came, we had no special passion for China.  To be painfully honest, we knew very little about China – its history, its culture, or its people! 

However, as a result of our obedience to God’s challenge to leave our comfort zone and reach out to the lost – God has grown our hearts for China!  Consequently, we’re having difficulty leaving and returning to our former lives! 

In Acts 13:22 (NASB), we read:  “After [God] …removed [King Saul], He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.’

It seems clear that having a heart after God includes being willing to do His will!

This may be the biggest issue for many Christ-followers today.  It involves ignoring our own desires to prioritize God’s desires.  It means subordinating my will to His will!  It means saying:  “Not my will, but Your will be done!” 

God is searching for men and women who love Him supremely!  People who love Him more than themselves.  People who want what He wants.  People who are willing to live in temporary dwellings, who are willing to leave their homeland, who are willing to endure hardships. 

But God doesn’t expect people to do this unrewarded.  He has promised a great reward to those who will make His priorities their priorities!  These rewards are VERY exciting!  They will be VERY real.  These rewards will be given in Heaven after all its inhabitants have arrived!  At that moment we will be truly glad that we made the sacrifices we are making.  We will live for all eternity with a sense of gratitude that we used our time on this earth wisely.   

But how does one come to a place in his/her life where they are willing to live this way.  What makes a person commit his/her life so deeply to an unseen God? 

What else but a deep conviction that God is real and the truths of His Word are compelling! 

Of course, we must realize that many Christians never really mature in their faith and never really study His Word.  They live for themselves and give homage to some of the principles of God’s Word.  Yet they fall far short of the expectations God has for His children. 

God yearns for His children to be consumed with a passion for the lost.  He hopes to see their hearts grow through exposure to His own heart!  He expects to see people act on the things that are most important to Him!  That one thing always has been and ever shall be those who are spiritually lost! 

Whether reaching across the street, across the aisle, across town, across the country, or across the world – God desires and expects us to reach out intentionally to the lost!  When we’re doing so, we are pleasing to Him!  When we’re not doing so we will experience His nudging to move toward the lost – either in our sphere of influence or around the world. 

The call is the same for all:  Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations… 

Those who join God in this will have their hearts grown!  God’s love will multiply in their hearts as they reach out with the message of hope.  Jesus came to seek and to save the lost!  As the Father sent Him, now He has sent us! 

David Platt writes:  “The stakes in this spiritual battle are eternal.  There is a true God over this world who desires all peoples to experience everlasting joy in heaven.  And there is a false god in this world who desires all people to experience everlasting suffering in hell.”

I wholeheartedly believe that those who deny their personal desires and deliberately press into the harvest will find that their hearts will grow.  They will discover an ever-deepening satisfaction that results from the affirmation of God!  Seeing lost people turn, with interest, toward Christ is a most rewarding moment!  Seeing them embrace Christ and change their lives ignites the deepest kind of joy! 

Those who accept the challenge of the Great Commission will do what they do less and less out of obedience and more and more out of love!  As their hearts grow, their love for the lost will also grow!  Their grip on the things of this world will loosen and their grasp of the rewards of the next world will become a growing hope! 

If we go.  If we go, then we - like the Grinch - will find that our hearts have expanded and a new love has been born in us that will forever motivate us to prioritize the priorities of our God!

Remember Secretariat?

There is something in thoroughbred horses that they refer to as the x-factor.  It essentially means that the horse has an exceptionally large heart.  It’s traced back to a horse named Eclipse, whose body was studied in 1789.  His heart was found to weigh 14 pounds – which is twice the normal weight of a horse’s heart. 

They have found that this trait can only be passed down through the daughters of the horse.  It was later discovered that Secretariat traced through his dame line to a daughter of Eclipse.  At the time of Sham’s death, his heart was found to weigh 18 pounds!  At the time of Secretariat’s death, his heart was estimated to weigh 22 pounds;  two-and-a-half times that of a normal horse! 

It can literally be said that this great racehorse had a huge heart! 

Listen!  I don’t know about you.  And I can’t speak for you.  But I can tell you this from me:  I want to run this race like Secretariat!  I want every quarter to be faster and better than the last!  I want to get better and more effective with each quarter-mile!  I don’t want to lose passion.  I don’t want to run out of steam.  I don’t want to slow down.  I don’t want to wear out or burn out or fall out or fake out or die out.  I want to progressively become more and more given over to the purposes of God. 

I want to grow my heart for God, and grow my heart for God, and grow my heart for God until that heart enables me to run the longest race and endure the most challenging of situations without denying Him or failing Him.  I want to finish like Paul, saying:  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith…”  I don’t want to do this for honor’s sake or for legacy’s sake, or for my family’s sake;  I want to do it as a lifelong act of love and obedience to my Master and my Lord!  

When I stand at the judgment seat of Christ

And He shows me His plan for me

The plan of my life as it might have been

Had He had His way, and I see

How I blocked Him here and I checked Him there

And I would not yield my will,

Shall I see grief in my Savior’s eyes,

Grief though I love Him still?

He would have me rich, and I stand there poor,

Stripped of all but His grace,

While memory runs like a hunted thing

Down the paths I can’t retrace.

Then my desolate heart will well nigh break

With tears that I cannot shed.

I will cover my face with my empty hands

And bow my uncrowned head.

Lord, of the years that are left to me

I yield them to Thy hand.

Take me, mold me, make me,

To the pattern Thou hast planned.    

– anonymous       

[Love That Lasts, Jill Briscoe, p.152]

HIGH FIVES IN HEAVEN TODAY!

Charles (Charlie) Young had tons of friends - I was one of them.  Charlie had many circles of friendship;  I was probably in the fifth or sixth circle, but I counted it a privilege to be there!  He went to Heaven last night after a prolonged, mysterious physical struggle.  To say that he will be missed is the understatement of the year!  

When a truly godly man passes, our world takes a hit.  A godly man's influence is of inestimable value!  

Debbie and I attended Asbury Seminary at the same time as Charlie and Brenda.  Our paths crossed off-and-on through the years at various conferences.  We knew they had landed in Akron and were making a significant impact for Jesus there.

Charlie was the camp evangelist at the Tri-State Camp in the mid-1980's.  I remember several of his messages from that camp.  I also remember that he preached for over an hour every night!  But I never heard a complaint!  :-)

Charlie and Brenda were the speakers at a Pittsburgh Conference Pastor's Retreat back in the early 1990's.  It was one of the best we ever had!  Brenda spoke a "word of knowledge" to me at that event that changed my life!  

While we were living in Spencerville, Maryland, Brenda was brought in for a one-day pastor's training event.  Their ministry at Cornerstone Church was dynamic and they were each getting opportunities to speak during this season.  

Eventually, Charlie was called up to a greater level of service as the superintendent of the Ohio Conference.  It was at that time that Brenda began leading Cornerstone Church.  

A family crisis caused us to leave Maryland and retreat to our family in western Pennsylvania for several months.  Eventually, we landed a job in Akron running a licensed home for behaviorally challenged children in Summit County.  We knew when we moved to the area that we would attend Cornerstone Church.  We looked forward to being part of the ministry of this great congregation.

On our first visit to Cornerstone, we noticed that they were saying farewell to an associate pastor.  Within weeks, Brenda hired me as a part-time pastor.  A few months later, another associate left and I was bumped up to the Lead Associate position.  Over the next six years we got to know Charlie and Brenda a lot better.

Charlie always impressed me!  He had a strong impact on men!  They seemed drawn to him!  He had shown himself capable of church-growing, church-planting and church-rescuing!  He accrued this reputation without arrogance or standing aloof from others!  He loved people equally and thoroughly. He modeled a godly life for everyone and did so with excellence.  

He gave a message at Cornerstone one week that I've never forgotten!  He told of the Passover and the command to the Israelites not to allow anyone to leave their houses that night as the angel-of-death moved through the city.  In doing so, he talked about the love of a father and suggested that many fathers that night sat in a chair in the doorway to prevent any children from accidentally slipping out of the house.  Charlie brought out a chair and set it on the platform.  With tears, he talked of a father's love and a father's desire to protect his family!  It was a deeply moving message for men! 

Charlie led his family with strength!  On more than a few times, I have heard him address Brenda with the words, "Now dear..."  When he spoke the word "dear", his voice had a slight dip to it that matched perfectly the twinkle in his eye.  It was the most tactful setting of a boundary that I've ever observed!  ;-)   

Charlie used his gift of humor masterfully and his contagious smile and belly laugh brought joy to any group he participated in!  He was a big guy physically;  I eventually came to realize that he had to be in order to contain such a great heart for God and others!  

His legacy is well-established!  It'll be carried on for generations through Rachel, Zach and Jacob.  And then it'll go even longer through the grandchildren's lives that he has touched!  But more than that, it'll be carried on by the thousands of people whose lives were changed and impacted through his preaching, teaching, modeling and friendship!

One thing is certain!  Charlie is enjoying his reward today!  He'll be missed beyond description by his family and a LOT of others;  but, he laid a foundation of strength that will carry his loved ones through!  

Debbie and I are sad and surprised that he's gone on ahead of us!  We happen to be on vacation and will be unable to be a part of any farewell events for Charlie.  That makes us feel badly, but our prayers will join with those of MANY others to bless this family and call on God for strength for Brenda, the family and Cornerstone Church!  

So long, Charlie!  See ya later!  :-)

PRE-MARRIAGE COUNSELING

I was twenty-three when I was assigned to my first full-time church.  Even then, I knew that it was important for me to offer pre-marital counseling to couples planning to be married.  Never mind that I had only been married for two years.  

I quickly became trained and certified to use the Taylor/Johnson Temperament Analysis test to assist me in helping these couples.  This was an effective aid in enabling me to open discussion in critical areas that would strengthen the fabric of their relationship.  

Over the years - before I earned my counseling degree - I bought and used many tools and resources to equip me to be more effective in working with pre-marriage couples. 

I met with little resistance to my requirement for ten hours of counseling - usually negotiated in hour-and-a-half segments.  Of course, as a pastor, there was no extra money involved in providing this service.  In most cases it took up evening or weekend time for these appointments.  But it was a service that I felt strongly about and was happy to provide.  

Statistically, counseling before a marriage seems to offer some advantages:  "There is a 30 percent higher marital success rate for couples who received counseling before their wedding than for those who did not."  [pairedlife.com/relationships/A-Guide-to-Premarital-Counseling]


Most pre-marital counseling is done by pastors.  Understandably, they provide this service because they genuinely care about the success and enrichment of the marriage!  As hinted earlier, they are certainly not doing it for financial gain.

I believe most pastors are eager to educate and create dialogue in vital areas that may or may not have been engaged in before.

Topics that I consistently tried to include were:

• communications
• conflict
• finances
• family
• sexual relations
• marital roles

As my knowledge and experience grew, I feel confident that I was better able to create dialogue in the sessions that genuinely allowed couples to grow and develop deeper understanding.  In my last session with couples I always pointed out that since we had already established a relationship, it would be easy for them to call and make an appointment if they ever faced a crisis or need in their marriage.  

I was often surprised to find that couples had not discussed critical issues like: 

• how many children they wanted to have (and when), 
• individual financial debt and major expenditure plans, 
• how they would divide time between their families of origin...etc.

Of course, I'm retired now and removed from this process.  However, I sense that the level of appreciation for pre-marital counseling has diminished.  I grieve that thought and hope my perception is wrong.  

I strongly believe that it is time well spent by couples who want the most from their marriage and want to have all of the advantages as they embrace this God-blessed way of living!  

PS  -  If there are any couples out there who would be interested in having pre-marital counseling, get in touch with me and let's get some dates set!  :-)

THE NATIVITY

THE NATIVITY movie is my favorite of all time!  Like many of you, we just finished watching it again to give our celebration of Christmas its proper focus.

The movie takes some liberties with the script, but for the most part is faithful to the text.  It is an inspiring rendition of the story that is so familiar and core to Christians!

Through many views of this film, I have come to love the development of Mary and Joseph's relationship.

For those who are familiar, you will remember that Mary is taken quite by surprise when her father calls her in to announce that she is now betrothed to Joseph.  She openly wonders why her family would marry her to a man that she doesn't know or love.

However, their relationship begins to change after the angel visits Joseph.  He assures her that he will stay with her and be a father to her son.  This is the friendship phase of their relationship.  A seed of trust has been established.  As they leave the village of Nazareth, he places her on the donkey and jokes with her as they begin their journey.  Later, he provides fish for their meal.  Then, he shares their meager food with the donkey to keep it strong for the arduous trip ahead.

As their biblical story is portrayed, we observe five touches and a look that chronicle the gradual development of an intimate, loving relationship.  Let's observe them as they occur in the movie:

TOUCH 1

Joseph and Mary are passing through an area that is filled with many vendors. Joseph leads her and the donkey as they walk past a prophet speaking of a coming King.  Then they have a brief encounter with a woman who gives Mary a pastry and predicts that she carries the child in a manner that hints it will be a boy.  At that moment, for the first time, Mary reaches out and deliberately takes Joseph's hand.  To me, it seems to symbolize a willful and deliberate submission to a man she is learning to trust!

TOUCH 2

Joseph is leading Mary - on the donkey - across a fast-moving stream.  The donkey is spooked by a snake and throws her into the water.  Joseph grabs the snake and throws it far away;  then he rescues Mary from sweeping downstream with a strong grip of her hand and a secure carrying her to safety. A big part of a husband's role is to protect his wife and family!  She can feel secure when she is with Joseph.  He is strong and is committed to protecting her!

TOUCH 3

Shortly after the water scene, they are resting beside the stream.  Joseph is so weary that he falls asleep on the rocks.  Mary slowly and carefully removes his sandals and uses a cloth to bathe and minister to the terrible condition of his feet.  She has been riding the donkey much of the journey, but Joseph has been walking!  This act of compassion portrays a sacrificial developing love for this man who has clearly expressed his love for her and his devotion to her and her child!

A LOOK

As they move through the crowded streets of Jerusalem, they are closely surrounded by vendors again.  A man positions himself to pick their sack of money from the saddlebag.  Joseph grabs his hand firmly and with a penetrating look, informs him:  "What comes with us, stays with us!" 

Suddenly, realizing that Joseph had been vigilant while she was distracted, she looks at him with deep admiration!  According to Willard F. Harley Jr.'s research (HIS NEEDS, HER NEEDS), admiration is one of a man's highest needs in a marriage relationship!

TOUCH 4

As they arrive in Bethlehem, Joseph seeks desperately for a place for them to settle.  The baby is pushing and Mary is crying out to God for help.  They are pointed to a cave filled with sheep.  Quickly, Joseph arranges a bed for Mary.  Then, positioned to deliver the baby, he gently touches Mary's face, saying, "I'm sorry." as he disrobes her to deliver the baby.  He has provided everything they need and now holds the baby Jesus up with tears and joyful laughter.  Their relationship has now become intimate - as it should.  She has revealed her self to him as she will not do for any other man! And he has proven himself to be a reliable provider and protector!

TOUCH 5

As a final expression of genuine love, Mary reaches out and touches Joseph's face, after which he kisses her hands!  They have attained a fulness of trust and companionship now.  They have shared things that no one else could fully understand.  They have shared their deepest fears and also their dreams.  Joseph has clearly revealed that he has a close walk with God that allows him to hear God's voice and then obey!  They are fully ready now to embark on their marriage with the full understanding that God has smiled on their relationship and will bless their comings and goings!

Perhaps if you watch the movie again, you will also see the development of this intimacy.

It is a lovely and powerful expression of what God desires for every marriage.  It can't be rushed.  These touches can't be commanded.  Time itself does not bring this kind of relationship.  It is the result of a growing, maturing, sharing and sacrificial connection.  Each reaches out to the other in genuine caring.  Sacrifices are made.  History is shared.  Dreams for the future are discussed.  Looking at things and situations from a common view brings us together.

And above it all is God's guiding and blessing hand!

CHRISTMAS CHANGES

I just watched a video of an 'elf on the shelf' moving from one spot to another.  It was cute.  I sent it to Tracibeth to share with her kids.  She quickly wrote back that with Coltin and Rylie being 9 and 11, she no longer does that with them.  Christmas changes.

I empathize with you who are younger as you shop, cook, wrap, hide, decorate, plan and prepare for a wonderful Christmas in your home.  Been there - done that!

For four decades I led churches through the Advent and Christmas seasons.  Early on, I decided not to add to the pressure too significantly.  I always tried to put all our emphasis on one event and give families time to be together and enjoy one another.  That also freed me up to put extra time into visiting shut-ins, the sick and the lonely.  And to work extra on preparing Advent messages that would challenge and bless!

As I look back, I see the transitions of our lives:

• the agony of trying to get to sleep as a young boy. 
• the thrill of seeing a pile of packages on Christmas morning!
• the excitement of our first Christmas as newlyweds.
• the fun of coming home as a couple to add value to each of our family's Christmas.
• the joy and fun of the years when we centered our Christmas around our kids.
• several years where the date of Christmas floated from November to January to accommodate Travis' military schedule.
• the years when Travis and Troy (and occasionally Troy's friends) joined us as young adults for a Christmas celebration of gifts and food!
• the de-nesting experience of being alone on Christmas Day and reframing our celebration around each other.
• Christmas in China for three years with our teammates and a few selected students.
• recent Christmases where we've been able to pop in a few days after Christmas to share the joy with our precious grandchildren!  

Christmas changes!

This year, we had our family home in early December to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's together!  It was WONDERFUL!!!!

In retirement, however, I'm removed from the responsibility of leading the church through the season. Debbie will be with her Mom for 24-hours on Christmas Eve - I'll be alone all day.  We'll have a quiet celebration together on Christmas morn (when she gets home).  In the afternoon, we'll join her siblings at the Whippo farm (just three miles away).  And we'll probably end the day watching THE NATIVITY movie together.  Christmas changes.

I just read a notification from a friend of ours who lives (with her husband) in India.  It revealed a picture of her with her new-born son!  Precious!

As a Christian, Ida realizes the added joy of her son being born at this time of year!  We rejoice with her!  

Our experience of Christmas changes as our lives progress through various stages.  However, the message and meaning of Christmas NEVER CHANGES!!!

God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should live eternally!  

There it is!  

God's Son, nursed at the breast of a young girl from Nazareth around 2,000 years ago!  

The Redeemer of the world made His entrance and was welcomed by animals, shepherds and strangers from a far-off land!  

Our Savior, who left the splendor of Heaven to come into the squalor of this world so that we can eventually enter into the glory of His eternal world!

"Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee!"

To my family and friends all around the world:  Have a blessed Christmas - whatever stage of life you may be in!  :-)

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT?

I'm currently reading a novel by Angela Hunt.  In it the protagonist is a famous author whose young-adult son is dealing with alcoholism.  The following dialogue captured my attention:
                                                                                                                                          

"Carl and I attend the worship service, but it’s hard to think about the holiness of God when our souls are stirring with anger, confusion, and fear.  We don’t know if the young man sleeping at our house is a victim, a criminal, a drug addict, or some combination of all three.

Even more difficult is greeting our church friends after the service, all of whom shake our hands or hug our necks after asking, “How are you?” and receiving, “Fine, and you?” in reply.

I’m wearing an artificial grin like the wax lips we bought at the dime store when I was a kid.  I smile and hug, shake hands and smile, and all the while I want to spit off that fake expression and scream that I’m going crazy, hasn’t anyone noticed?

I know it’s my fault.  My tendency toward introversion, combined with my celebrity, has caused me to hold even our church friends at arm’s length.  I’m not used to confiding in people;  I’m not sure I want to.  But that doesn’t stop me from feeling like a wounded warrior beneath a veneer only one smile thick.  If one person would take the time to look into my eyes and ask about the pain flickering there, I’d share everything.

But no one does."      [from THE NOVELIST, by Angela Hunt, pp.129-130]

                                                                                                                                            

Wouldn't it be great if someone did look into the eyes and respond to the pain?

When I read this passage to Debbie, she immediately said, "I've had lots of Sundays like that!"  To be brutally honest, so have I.

Galatians 6:2 says:  "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Quite a few year ago, I attended a conference and won a book:  CHURCHES THAT HEAL, by Doug Murren.  I took it home and devoured it;  then typed out the significant quotes.  Here are some samples:

“Churches should heal because people need healing!”  p.2

“God’s mandate (is) that His church be a place of safety for the scared, healing for the hurting, reshaping for the hurtful, and acceptance for the unloved.”  p.xiii

“A church that heals understands that its mission is to see broken, hurting people become whole followers of Christ – new creations journeying into the full discovery of their identity in Him.”  p.91

“Environment matters…a strong ‘high-touch’ environment – that is, one that offers very human benefits like friendship, encouragement, and a sense of community – enhances the immune system.”  P.40

In Mark 6:1-6, Jesus visited His hometown, Nazareth, and determined that it was not an environment conducive to healing!  Wow!  Imagine that!  How many churches today would receive a similar judgment?

Having established the topic, I'd like to comment on two facets of this issue:

ONE - WE WHO BELONG

We who belong most likely know the ropes.  Even though the format of worship may be fairly well-established, we know that people care.  We can ask for help from an individual, from the pastor, from a Sunday School class, or even publicly.  It takes great courage to do so - but it can be done.

If you're part of a growing, healthy church, this is why your leaders are always working to initiate or sustain small groups.  They know that the best caring will take place in that more suitable and comfortable environment.  We care best for each other in intimate settings where confidentiality can be limited and special attention can be lavished!

Many congregations have specially gifted individuals who move among the crowd seeming to look for those who are hiding, hurting, hesitant or rejected.  Thank God for these ones who have the eyes, ears and compassion of Jesus!  Their ministry before and after services is often more meaningful and effective than what takes place during the services!

Card-senders, callers and email-senders fit modestly into this category as well.  They seem to make mental notes during worship times and then do follow-up contacts through the week to encourage, comfort and acknowledge people more personally.  This ministry - though less direct - also frequently communicates an accepting and healing component!

There's a ministry of arriving early and staying late for those who might like to have a greater impact.  Something as simple as a change in your Sunday schedule could grow a new, fruitful branch in your life!

When I was on staff at the Cornerstone Church, there were certain individuals who told me privately that they came to our church because they received hugs.  One woman told me, "I'm a single mom and this is the only place where I am touched by others!"  The simple act of caring through an 'appropriate' hug kept her coming!

TWO - THOSE WHO DON'T BELONG OR COME

As a pastor, I was always concerned about new attenders and their comfort level.  So many things we do in church are foreign to secular people.  They're afraid to enter our houses of worship.  One man confessed to me that he first drove through our parking lot on a couple of Sundays.  Next he parked, but stayed in his car for a couple of Sundays.  Finally, he came in and his life was radically transformed!  PTL!!  

Non-churched people are intimidated by our worship centers.  They have preconceived ideas about what we do;  these are often based on what they've learned from television or the movies.

Yet, many churches do little to anything to smooth this transition for guests.

But we can be fairly certain that they have ventured into our space because they have a need or crisis exploding in their families or life!

I challenged leaders to be fully prepared and to lead with excellence.  If guests arrive and we start late or do things poorly, what will they think [this is magnified if we use countdowns]?  If they're not greeted, how will they feel?  Little things matter.  They're unlikely to know the music we sing.  So frequently, Power Point slides are not switched appropriately to allow the congregation to have the words when they need them,  The 'regular' people may know the words, but guests will be frustrated!  If we serve Communion, they will be perplexed.  They will naturally have questions about the things we do during worship;  how will they get answers?

Again, at Cornerstone, new attenders were often overcome with tears during worship - especially during the prayer time.  When they spoke to leaders about this, we got to explain that what they were experiencing was the presence of God!

Churches that want to make a difference in people's lives will be discussing these things at a leadership level and training ALL of their people to be alert to these concerns!

Wouldn't it be great if church could universally be a place where needs and hurts were recognized, addressed and reconciled?