The Great Equalizer
Feb 10th
I was searching my journal this past week for one reason and in the process noticed something striking to me. It seems that my visits to Ghana are often accompanied by involvement with deaths either during or after the trip. Since returning I have been asked to perform 2 memorial services for people in the community, attended the funeral of my next door neighbor who died from a car accident last week, and responded to the death of an employee’s relative and the death of an employee in the context of my Marketplace Chaplain visits. I will also be sharing reflections of our recently departed missionary, Katherine Grainger, at her Memorial at Eastern Hills this Sunday. There are others I won’t add as I think you can see the trend.
One of the characteristics of countries where the vast majority live in material poverty is their direct and frequent contact with death. They see death assault the very young all the way to the very old. They see the frailty and brevity of life without costume or anesthetic. Nick Mangine spoke of this (you can find it at http://www.itsjustathoug.ht/2012/02/haiti-is-more.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter) in a blog he posted. Here is a short extract from it:
It’s like we’ve covered life with a blanket to make it softer but lost its shape in the process.
It’s like we’ve processed life into a fast-food hamburger. It’s predictable, but lost its flavor.
It’s like we’ve built a road up the mountain of life. The climb is easier, but it’s lost its meaning.
It’s like we’ve added guardrails to the scenic router. Sure it’s safer, but the views not as good.
We do all these things in attempt to make life better. But then we experience a place like Haiti and we realize that softer, easier, predictable, safer are not better– they aren’t more– they are actually less.
Death is the great reality check on life. It shows us the consequence of separating God from life. It shows us that our time is finite, fleeting and valuable; worthy of evaluating and guiding according to God’s purposes. It shows us that down deep we are all equal in a most humbling way.
Then this week, with multiple examples of death on my mind, my men’s group study “happened” to include this passage:
On this mountain he will remove
the veil of grief covering all people
and the mask covering all nations.
8He will swallow up death forever.
The Almighty Lord will wipe away tears from every face,
and he will remove the disgrace of his people from the whole earth.
The Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:7-8 (GWV)
The sadness and separation of death lingers until God completes His plan of redemption for all people in all places. Despite our best efforts to mask its pain in our culture, it is a pervasive reminder of our need for the Divine intervention that took place on Calvary’s Cross. That intervention crosses all cultures and economic divides and provides a mission for us all. Between now and when Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled, the task of conveying God’s love and God’s power over sin and death is the unifying and motivating common ground for us all. For me and I hope for our faith community here at CCC, I want to grasp reality. I want us to face and respond to the “shadow of the valley of death” with the great news of the Gospel that tells us how God intervened with Jesus and is working a plan for His children that will conclude when “He will swallow up death forever.”
This weekend we will be studying about “Rehab” as a part of Spiritual Fitness. Have you ever felt spiritually “injured” or “wounded”? We will look at ways the Scripture encourages us to “rehab” our spiritual pain.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Mick
Transformational Teams
Feb 3rd
Last week’s installment on Spiritual Fitness focused on the need for teammates. We talked about the characteristics, benefits and costs of being part of a healthy spiritual team. I am convinced God wants each of us to be part of a transformational team—a team that leaves a positive mark on those who are part of the team and those around the team. Have you ever been part of a team like that? What should you look for in a team?
First of all a transformational team is centered on a mutual commitment to the Lord and His kingdom. Lasting transformation comes because God makes it happen. Jesus in his last hours spoke to the disciples about “abiding in the vine” and He identified Himself as the vine. He said, “Without me, you can do nothing.” Our teams will only be as fruitful and transformational as our connection to the empowerment of Jesus Christ as individuals and a group.
Another trait of such a group is transparent relationships. It usually takes some time, but a group makes its impact in and through its teammates because they develop the ability to trust and open themselves to one another. Our fallen nature wants to hide, like Adam and Eve after they had violated the one restriction they had been given. Opening ourselves to others goes against our hiding instinct. It also shields some of the areas of our life most in need of transformation. Trust and trustworthiness become the catalyst for transparent relationships. We need to develop the ability to trust others, despite the fact that they are imperfect and despite the fact that others may have let us down in the past. We also need to develop trustworthiness so that others can be transparent with us, valuing and guarding that trust.
A third trait of a transformational team is reliance on God’s truth expressed in His word. In this team the playbook is of divine origin and provides guidance for what we do and how we do it. It can arbitrate for us because of its objectivity and applicability. The steps of a transformation process can be seen in these two passages…
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
The first points out the diagnostic power of God’s truth as it reveals some of our most hidden recesses. The second passage shows us the growth process and how Scripture benefits every step in that process.
Finally, a transformational team includes mutual accountability. Whether written or unwritten the team members partner to help each other live up to the goals and standards they have chosen.
Reviewing those traits it makes sense that transformational teams are usually small, with 2, 3, or 4 people. I believe they work best when they are all of the same gender. So how could you become a part of such a team? Our men’s and women’s ministry leaders would love to help you become part of such a team; but as you can see from the traits of such a team, you will need to take some initiative, perhaps challenging an existing friend or 2 to take on this new level of interaction. I want to offer my help in getting started and sustaining the effort.
Inertia is a challenging part of life. We all tend to roll on “as is” unless some force is applied that changes things. We fear the extra effort this process will take. After all, most of us have very full schedules.
This weekend we will explore how to inject “balance” or sanity into this process of Spiritual Fitness. I hope you will be able to join us.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Mick
Coconut Trees
Jan 27th
A week ago right now we were concluding our last day of ministry in the Volta Region before setting out the next morning for Accra and our eventual flight home. We visited a village with a well that had been provided by funds from Eastern Hills Bible Church. After a lively celebration and “ribbon cutting” (without the ribbon!), we were invited to visit the water source the village had been relying on prior to the well. It was a walk of almost ¾ of a mile (one way), along a winding path through corn fields, tall grasses, and clumps of trees. Those in the front of the pack got moving rather quickly and some of us in the back became separated. We took right when we needed to take a left after losing sight of the lead group. We were only misplaced for about 4-5 minutes and only went about 200 meters out of our way, but it made me wonder what you do if you’re lost in the heat of African dry season, without water or food. We quickly back-tracked and found the rest of the group. We did get to see the dried up “pond” which had been the sole source of water for this village. It will remain dry until April or so when the rains come. Meanwhile, if this well had not been provided they would be walking an additional 1-2 miles past the pond to the next village to get the water they need.
Later on the bus ride back to the hotel, I discussed the “lost” question with Albright Banibensu, an inspiring young leader among our Ghanaian friends. He said that if you are ever lost in the bush just look for the tall coconut trees and walk toward them. Where there are coconut trees there will be at least one building and usually some people, a path, and a way back.
In an African analogy, we followers of Jesus are meant to be coconut trees. We should stand morally tall and straight—visible from a distance. We should be a pointer where people who are confused or misled can find hope and a path to truth and a relationship with God.
This weekend you’ll hear more about the recent trip to Ghana in the context of our Spiritual Fitness sermon series. The topic is Spiritual Fitness Teammates and we will have Ken Kaiser the EHBC Ghana ministry leader and Jes Sudol joining me to discuss aspects of teamwork they experienced on the trip and the impact it has had on the results.
I thank all of you who prayed for the team while we were gone; we could see evidence of God’s hand in numerous ways.
Looking forward to seeing you this weekend!
Mick
Spiritual Fitness Progressions
Jan 6th
Physical fitness is a booming, multi-billion dollar industry in the U.S., incorporating sports equipment, food supplements, guidebooks, video exercise routines, personal trainers, gym memberships, and exercise wardrobes and footwear. I believe physical fitness is a worthy goal and that God wants us to take care of the “temple of the Holy Spirit” He has made of us. But the Apostle Paul puts physical fitness and spiritual fitness in perspective…For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8 NIV) Clearly if we completely ignore physical fitness we will compromise our health and it will impact our ability to function spiritually as well. However we be glowing specimen of human form and physical health and be on spiritual “life-support.” As we start 2012 we are studying principles of Spiritual Fitness together. In this memo I want to lay out spiritual fitness progressions based on the metaphors used by Paul in his letters.
As with physical life, we have a spiritual birthdate. At some point we choose to accept Jesus Christ and believe the truth of the Gospel for our salvation. At that point we are a spiritual infant, regardless of our chronological age. We are in need of basic teaching and truths and in need of others who can provide us with those truths and that guidance and an example to follow. For those who have a spiritual birthdate later in life it takes humility to accept this need for help and to follow others lead.
At different paces of development we then move on to Spiritual Childhood. We tend to make mistakes and hopefully learn from them. We need large doses of unconditional love and protection from our spiritual leaders and we need to increasingly identify with Christ, our Spiritual role model.
The next stage in the progression could be called adolescence. At this point we are gaining in confidence, discovering our spiritual gifts and ministry talents and developing them. We are developing our understanding of God’s priorities and working at making them our own. We need encouragement and feedback on our skill development and for those times when we don’t experience the kind of success we expect.
The stage called adulthood is the final progression, though it is a stage without an endpoint. We should remain “learners” even as adults. We relate to others with mutual and reciprocal influence, leading and following. We have developed awareness of our best assets and a healthy dependence on the Lord. We set spiritual goals for life and prioritize Kingdom values. Our need is for fellowship, encouragement, feedback, and teamwork with peers.
Where would you place yourself on the progression stages? What steps could you take in 2012 that would move you along toward the next phase?
I hope you will be able to join us this week as we launch our series on Spiritual Fitness.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Mick
PS Please pray for Jes Sudol and I from CrossRoads, 8 folks from EHBC and 3 from Chapel of the Cross in MA (including my daughter Kelly Canney) as we travel to Ghana this Thursday for a week of ministry with our friends in Ghana. If you want to follow our trip blog you can find it at…ehbcghana.wordpress.com or by connecting at EHBC Ghana on facebook.
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
Dec 29th
The start of a new year is often marked by looks in the rear view mirror as well as predictions for the future. Socrates’ famous quote is apropos, “The unexamined life is not (or hardly) worth living,” along with George Santayana’s often paraphrased statement, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Scripture encourages reflection also. Paul tells the Philippian believers to focus their thinking this way, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:8 NIV) The writer of Hebrews recognizes and urges us to cleanse our conscience with these words, “…since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Heb. 10:21-23 NIV)
As you look back I want to encourage you to employ Paul’s advice from Philippians. Look for “God sightings” and for positives. Bad news travels extremely far and extremely fast. News outlets are poised to project the next natural disaster, catastrophic accident, violent crime, or international scandal. Good news usually takes more reflection, with the good news often being intertwined with the bad news. This past year at CCC I had a great example. I was enthusiastically anticipating adding a very capable colleague to our staff. However God had other plans. As a result we have all had the joy of meeting Anthony Pratt and his family and now look forward to them joining us in 2012!
We also benefit from corrective reflection. Where have I messed things up this past year? Are their habits that have undermined my relationships with God and other people? What are some strategies I could pursue to overcome the grip of those habits and what resources are available from God that could empower me in a positive direction?
As you look ahead, take the positive reflections to the next step. How can we trust God to bring about good for the next year? Are there trends that may be an indicator of how He would want to direct my life?
This weekend we will discuss “Answering the Call,” looking at God’s calling of Jeremiah to his special assignment as a prophet.
God bless as we enter 2012! Looking forward to seeing you this weekend,
Mick
Waiting
Dec 23rd
How are you at waiting? Yesterday I spent an hour with a friend waiting for the outcome of surgery for their spouse. I’m sure it was one of his longest hours. I remember in my Navy days, waiting for a lengthy cruise to come to an end so I could see Betsy and our children. The final 2-3 days of those cruises were excruciatingly slow with everyone on the ship developing a case of insomnia.
When Jesus came people were waiting for Him to show up. As we have been studying in our advent series, they were looking for a deliverer—someone who would conquer their enemies and release them from bondage. It had been about 600 years since the people were truly free from foreign domination. That’s a long time to wait!
There are two characters in the birth narrative of Jesus who were made famous for their “waiting,” Simeon and Anna. Check out this account of their wait…
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
We tend to see people as kooks who set a date and are “waiting for Jesus.” I wonder how people responded to them as they waited. Did their family consider them deadbeats? Did they get mocked out for it?
Through their patient waiting they were rewarded with a personal encounter with the new born Messiah. Simeon was “moved by the spirit” to go to the temple that day; Anna practically lived there. For both of them, that was the extent of the salvation they saw. Herod and the Romans were still in power and calling the shots. There was no inauguration of Jesus as the King of Israel. But Simeon said… “my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people.” That’s because Jesus is not just a giver of salvation, He IS salvation. Salvation is knowing Him, being with Him. They experienced salvation because they were with Him.
As we celebrate the incarnation, the salvation is His presence with us. By His life and death for us we are rescued from life without God and experience Immanuel, God with us! May you enjoy His presence as you spend time with family and friends this Christmas.
I want to thank all who made “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” such a great experience for all who attended. We were all blessed by your generous use of your gifts and talents.
I hope you will be able to join us for Christmas Eve services at 4:00, 5:15, or 6:30 PM on Saturday and for our Christmas Sunday service at 10:45AM.
Betsy and I wish you all a blessed Christmas,
Mick
Opportunity Worth Considering
Dec 9th
Our Global Ministry team has been contacted by Joy In Hope, the home agency for the Mangines’ efforts among Haitian orphans. For $32 per month an individual, family, or small group could sponsor one of the children the Mangines have adopted into their home.
I’m convinced this ministry resonates with God’s heart. One of many examples of this in Scripture is this passage from Psalms…
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
6 God sets the lonely in families,
he leads forth the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm 68:5-6 (NIV)
The Global ministry team is enthusiastically encouraging CrossRoads folks to consider a commitment of sponsorship for the children Nick and Gwenn are raising in Haiti. This money is used for their food, housing, school and medical needs.
As you consider the many options for honoring God with the resources He has provided to you I hope you will look at this option carefully and with prayer.
Another great opportunity worth considering is inviting your friends, neighbors, co-workers and extended family to CrossRoads’ presentation of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” next weekend. The cast is doing a great job, the set-builders are investing time and effort, and the play itself is a gem of humor and clear communication of the good news. But without the crucial element of your invitations the opportunity will not be fully realized!
This weekend we will have music from the kid’s choir, the adult choir and a song combining both; along with our second message of advent on “Messianic Expectations.”
Hope to see you this weekend,
Mick
Authentic Advent
Dec 2nd
At the risk of sounding like a Scrooge, I have to say advent season (more precisely the celebration of the first advent of the Messiah) has some paradox for me. As I have just returned from visiting a friend at the bedside of his terminally ill wife, I am reminded that life is not all tinsel and decorations. In fact, the origins of advent were steeped in hardships and the challenging realities of life. It was a time when God’s people were oppressed by Roman occupation, divided by political and religious factions, and misled by errant teachers. Jesus’ mother Mary and “foster” father Joseph were both ridiculed and marginalized, ridicule that followed Jesus when He went public 30 years later. They lived a life of modest means. Hundreds of innocent infants were murdered by a paranoid King in an attempt to assassinate Jesus while his parents took him into Egyptian exile. Doesn’t sound like much of a welcome for the Blessed Hope and Coming Messiah.
But it fits. The bleak circumstances of the first advent show the necessity of its radical mission. This advent would crown the king with thorns not jewels. He would have far more opponents than advocates. He would experience far more pain than pleasure. His incarnation was prompted by the desperate need we have for reconciliation with God. As we read the headlines in the papers, on TV or on the internet we have ample evidence that the human condition still necessitates that radical treatment. Humankind is skilled in evil and in need of God’s intervening grace.
Advent tells us of great need for God’s intervention and the great love of God that has chosen to intervene. We celebrate with authenticity in the midst of the challenges of life in the intervening era between the first advent and the second advent; when Jesus will return again in glory to fully restore what continues to be broken by our rebellious attitudes and actions. In the interim we celebrate a loving Father who cares enough about us to send His obedient Son to bear the consequences of our rebellion. We celebrate that He rose from the dead, demonstrating that justice had been satisfied and His mission accomplished. We celebrate the privilege of being advocates and ambassadors for Him and His message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). And we anticipate the complete fulfillment of His Messianic promise when He will return again and these words from “Joy To the World” will be fully realized:
He rules the world, with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness
And wonders of His love; and wonders of His love.
So forgive me when my looks back at the past and my looks around at the present get in the way of my anticipation of the future. I also thank God that He is working His plan for a time when this passage from Isaiah will be completely, rather than partially fulfilled:
In that day you will say:
“I will praise you, O LORD.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.
2 Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.”
3 With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.
4 In that day you will say:
“Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
Isaiah 12 (NIV)
God bless as you remember His first coming and anticipate the next!
Hope to see you this weekend,
Mick
Making Good Use of Our Mouths
Nov 23rd
Sometimes my mouth is a liability. If I fail to control it two bad things can happen. In regard to food (ouch, thanksgiving meal) my mouth or appetite can result in health challenges. In regard to words, the other major function of my mouth, it can produce unhealthy or even harmful communication. Thanksgiving is an opportunity for us to make healthy use of our mouth as we express our gratitude to God.
God’s people are called to give Him the praise of our lips. The Psalmist writes:
Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
Psalm 111:1-4 (NIV)
The first verse even suggests a venue for praise, “in the assembly.” One of the functions of gathering God’s people together in the OT was to give opportunity for folks to voice their appreciation to God and describe God’s deeds to one another. This weekend has been our traditional weekend to give the CCC family the opportunity to tell of God’s work in their lives over the previous year. It is always one of my favorite services. Hearing how God is at work gives me hope and encouragement for facing the challenges ahead and I believe it will do the same for you. I hope you’ll be able to join us!
This year we are directing our Advent Conspiracy project toward famine relief in the horn of Africa. If you have been following the international scene there has been a terrible drought and famine in that area resulting in the loss of life for tens of thousands and with millions still in danger. An organization called CNY Horn of Africa Famine Relief is partnering with World Vision to bring relief. Every dollar we donate will be matched with a 5X donation from World Vision. Advent Conspiracy is a movement to limit our Christmas giving among ourselves to empower us to be generous in helping somewhere in the Third World. I hope you will prayerfully consider a donation to this effort.
Like the Apostle Paul when he wrote letters to churches, I cannot help but give thanks to God when I think of the CrossRoads faith family. Your recent generosity in providing Thanksgiving meals to over 115 families in our area is one of many ways you inspire me. I pray that you will sense God’s delight and His presence with you in your celebration of Thanksgiving this year.
I look forward to seeing you and hearing how God has been at work in your lives when we gather this Sunday.
God bless,
Mick
Growing in Gratitude
Nov 18th
At times I have found myself grumbling about the “repetition” and “programming” of gratitude by having a national holiday called “Thanksgiving.” After all, we should all be thankful. We should all be conscious of the debt we owe to God for the many ways we have been blessed. What I have discovered about myself and maybe even some others I have encountered is that we tend to forget. We pray for things in the middle of a crisis, but forget when God shows up with His provision or His rescue. We take great pride in accomplishments which were made possible by God’s choosing to inhabit and multiply our effectiveness and tilt the table in our favor. We see the unanswered prayers instead of the unspoken prayers already answered. We see the imaginary hardships yet to be faced instead of the hurdles already cleared by His grace. Slowly…grudgingly, I guess I have to admit that it is a good thing to be reminded to be thankful and to set aside a repetitive time of the year to draw out of the hidden recesses those “God sightings” He has allowed for my benefit. The Apostle Paul’s reflections from prison, shared with his friends in Philippi are classic reminders for me:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:4-13 (NIV)
I need to hone my skills at rejoicing in the Lord; in prayer, in giving thanks, in directing my thoughts toward the noble and good; and in practicing contentment. First and foremost, I can see how these skills honor and please God. I can also see how they will enrich my life and the lives of those around me. This weekend we will look at the three required pilgrimage celebrations God put on the calendar of the Israelites and learn some lessons from their examples.
I want to thank the members for your attendance at the congregational meeting last Sunday night and for the overwhelming support for calling Anthony Pratt to join us as Associate Pastor of Spiritual Transformation. As I write Anthony and Ashley continue to pray seeking God’s wisdom and direction for response to this call. Please join them in prayer for God’s clear guidance.
God bless,
Mick
