I just got back from a ten day missions trip to northern Maine with the student ministry of our church.  WHAT A BLESSING!  God does need to take us out of our normal routines to show us his love in ways that our routines distract us from perceiving.  I am so grateful for that time, and the presence of His spirit with us.  More to come on that later!

I was in the word this morning, and was challenged by 1 Peter, and wanted to share it with you.  Last time we talked, we were in Psalm 119, and talking about the joy of obeying the law.  1 Peter walks right in line with that.  In Verse 13-16 we read "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. ¹⁴ As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.¹⁵ But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; ¹⁶ for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”


We are called, and we are called by the one who is holy, the only one who is pure holiness.  He has called us "2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, (it is the spirit of God who works with us daily to shape our lives to be a more perfect reflections of Jesus Christ) for obedience to Jesus Christ...


He called us to holiness, which for us is unattainable apart from salvation from God in Christ Jesus and that daily working out of the Spirit.  It is a process, and this side of heaven we never fully attain it, but display it and experience it in glimpses.  Holiness, in this case seems to reference two aspects.  One, being set apart, and two, being purified.


Why are we set apart? We are set apart for many reasons, but this passage seems to point out that our faith lived out in the world "7b may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed".  Christians are constantly under observation.  Our faith is judged by what we say and how we act.  Can our actions as a set apart people result in praise and glory, now, AND when Jesus Christ is revealed?  Will people remember us, our actions, and equate our way of life to Jesus Christ, and give God the glory for that?

Why are we purified?  This is the part that resonated with me, coming form Psalm 119, and the desire to obey and cherish the precepts, the commands, the truths of God.  v 22 gives us the result of our obedience.  "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.


Obedience results in purification.  The outcome of that purification is NOT a pat on the back for doing good, or a place of stature in the community as a "Holy One", a leader, a deacon, an elder.  It's result is LOVE, and love pointed outward, towards our brothers.  This love is deep and sincere, because it doesn't come from anything selfish, but a selfless obedience to God.  This deep love wouldn't be a choice, it would be the byproduct of a purified life.  I won't be chosing to love people because I want to be obedient to God, it will just happen as a result of the purified life, and all glory will be given to God for it.


I see this reality working itself out in the seasons of my life.  When I am close to God, living in obedience to Him, love is more often my response to whatever life throws at me.  And it doesn't seem to be a choice, it just happens.  When I stray, and get to focused on the end of my nose, love at best is a choice, and at worst absent.  There are many time when the choice to love must be made, especially when our feelings are pulling us in a different direction.  But as we become more purified, more obedient to God, love becomes less a choice, and more the reality of our existence.  That is what I want to strive for!


Just my two cents for the day.   I welcome your thoughts on this, as we sharpen each other as we ponder the things of God.   In the words of 1 Peter, "Grace and peace be yours in abundance!"

More observations from the trip

"I had promised to share some of the insights I had while away from the routine, which is what the trip provided.  A church friend of mine once commented to me after returning from a three month trip overseas to care for a family member, "I forgot how distracting the routine can be."  More than once those words have challenged me to resist the narcotic effect of routine.  Trips and times away can be a refreshing reminder that there is more to life than the pattern we have sunk into.

Part of my pattern was strongly challenged on this trip.  When on a motorcycle in the middle of God's beautiful creation, the words of Psalm 19 are so evident, as the sky and all creation speak of God, His Power, Majesty and Love.  But now I am back in somewhat less scenic Delaware.  That doesn't mean that God isn't speaking to me, it just means I need to go where I can hear Him.  And that is where my daily routine needs a challenge!

God speaks to us most powerfully through His Word, the Bible.  Sadly, that part of my routine has been sorely lacking.  Challenged by that reality, I have taken the first half hour at work to praise God at the piano, and read the bible.  It has been a fountain of refreshment in a season that needs it.

The first part of scripture I was drawn to was Psalm 119, the longest chapter in bible.  I have often pledged to read and study this Psalm, but reading often turned into skimming, and I never did a full study of the Psalm.  Today, I finished my first full reading of the Psalm.  It took three days, as I would set it down when the brain started to fuzz out.  

Brain fuzz was very easy in reading this Psalm, because it basically says the same thing for 175 verses, "I cherish your law, your precepts bring me joy, I cherish your commands. (my horrible paraphrase)"  Now, that is something we need to hear.  Joy does come through obedience of God's Word.  His laws are a pathway to life.  But the human side of me started to get frustrated with the Psalmist.  He would say things like,

 

"I will always obey your law, 

    for ever and ever."

and

"This has been my practice:
    I obey your precepts."

and it would frustrate me.  No one, save Christ, has a spotless record when it comes to obeying God's law.  If David is the Psalmist, which there is good reason to believe he is, I know your story buddy boy!  It was not your practice.

Part of my indignation was probably connected with my own failings.  I want to be that kind of man, who joyfully seeks out God's path, God's truth, God's law, and follows and obeys it joyfully.  Far to often I find myself running to the other path, the path of selfish indulgence.

But my frustration was given hope, when after 175 verses of, "I will follow your law, teach me to follow your commands", we are given verse 176, the last verse of the Psalm:

I have strayed like a lost sheep. 
    Seek your servant,
    for I have not forgotten your commands.

Oh words of life!  I resonate with that statement.  Sometimes at the end of a long argument with God about my righteousness and injustice, the look in the mirror moment is necessary. And the only conclusion I can come to is, "I have strayed like a lost sheep." "Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."  

The aspiration of the prior 175 verses of this Psalm are right, and good, and what we should strive for.  I hope to see that more prevalent in my life.  However, when we fall short, and we will fall short,  don't hesitate to call out to God, "I have strayed.  Lord, please seek your servant!"

I am going to take the next few weeks on a slower trip through the Psalm, with the help of scholarly works.  I look forward to sharing what God shows me, and I encourage any insight you wish to share.

Peace to you all in the name of Jesus

Summary of a great trip!

Just came back from a 11 day motorcycle trip that took me through 4,000 miles of this beautiful country, the parts Jason Aldean calls the fly over states.  I called it the friends and family tour.  It started with ten friends somehow associated with my church, and Alex, my eldest son, riding to Robbinsville, North Carolina.  Our goal was to enjoy the journey, then enjoy all the great motorcycle roads around the Great Smokey Mountain National Park.  We rode Moonshiner's 28, The Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Foothills Parkway, and many other roads in the area.  We enjoyed God's creation, (Alex and I saw a bear!) and some fine local cuisine.

It was a pleasure getting to know new friends on the trip.  I look forward to riding with you all in the near future.  The real treat for me was experiencing the ride with my son.  He was great!  Yes, he got tired, and bored!  But we had a chance as father and son to share experiences that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.  It is amazing how spending that time together has brought Alex and I together.  There is a new level of trust between us, and a new level of respect for each other.  I wouldn't want to say we have become better friends, because I think it is different than that.  I have a deeper respect for the way God has put my son together, and what he as a young man is living through.  I have sensed his respect for me as his dad deepen.  We had some great conversations on the trip, and have had great times since then.  Thank you Lord for that blessing!  Dads, I hope you all get a chance to get away with your sons for something similar.  It is such a blessing!  Thanks to my wife for taking care of the home-front.  We couldn't have done it without her blessing and effort.

After 5 days of great riding, I bid a teary farewell to my son, who returned home with the group, and pushed on to Nashville, TN.  I was fortunate to spend some quality time with a couple of friends from high school, and their families.  Al, Pete; it is always a pleasure to see you and your growing families!  Thank you for your warm hospitality and friendship!  You refresh my soul every time I see you.  I am excited for the adventures that lie ahead of both your families.

Then the clandestine part of the trip started.  Sunday morning, I woke and rode 1100 miles from Al's house in White House TN, to my folks place in Glenwood, MN.  I hadn't told them I was coming, for a number of reasons!   I honestly didn't know if the bike was going to make it, and I didn't want to get their hopes up only to not show up.   I didn't want them shifting their schedule, as I know they are working frantically to get out of town in two weeks to visit my sister Sarah and new baby Emmit in Taneytown, MD.

I spent the day dodging storms.  I originally wanted to go through St. Louis and catch a Cardinal's game at Busch Stadium.  The radar had other plans!  When I woke at 4:30, the radar showed an intense line of thunderstorms bearing in from the west, so those plans changed.  Instead of St. Louis, I pushed a little east and straight north through Lexington, Indianapolis and eventually as far north as I80 south of Chicago, just to get north of the storm.   I thought I was in the clear!  I was hoping to head into Iowa and make my way up 35 into Minnesota.  But the storm took a northern turn, and I ended up having to take 39 through Rockford.  So though I wanted NOTHING to do with a ride through Wisconsin, I found myself on I90 pushing through Madison!

The benefit to that was it sped up the trip, and I was able to take time out to have a wonderful supper with my in-laws, Dave and Donna.  Nana made up a great plate of Spaghetti and meatsauce, which was just what I needed!

Back on the road, I pulled into Sauk Centre, MN, half an hour from my house, at 11:00 pm.  That is when I called the folks to let them know I was coming.  It took some convincing, but after a "Don't shoot the guy all dressed in black that is going to walk through the door in 30 minutes", mom finally believed me!

What a treat!  It was so refreshing to spend time with my folks.  We told stories, caught up on the extended family, and enjoyed each others company.  I got to go with dad on one of his runs.  He currently takes people from the Glenwood area who need transportation to their medical appointments throughout the state.  It was fun to watch dad love on these people, and know that he does so in the name of Christ.  I am very proud of you, dad!

We also caught up with many aunts and uncles, cousins, AND my old boss and his wife.  (Not saying that you are old, Del.  Just saying it has been 15 years since I worked for you.  He says I still get blamed for things!)

The return trip was long, but oddly refreshing.  I had to dodge storms again, so I ended up heading straight south from Glenwood, down to I90 in Jackson, MN.  From there I made my way to Indianapolis through Albert Lee, MN, Cedar Falls and Davenport IA, and Peoria, Champaign, and Bloomington IL.  Spent the night at a Hampton Inn just west of Indy, which had a hot tub!  and MAN did I need it.  I managed to stay dry, but had to leave very early the next morning to beat another thunderstorm out the door.

I took the southern route home (I70 through Ohio and WV), so I could stop off and meet my new nephew, Emmit!  What an cutie!  Sarah and baby are doing well, though tired.  Allergies aren't helping!  On the way I saw some beautiful country off US 40 that was new to me, and I got to motorcycle through one of my favorite towns, Cumberland, MD.  Very Cool!

I made it home by 8:00, and was very excited to see my family.  As much fun as it is on the road, there is nothing like making it home to your loved ones!

God taught me a lot out there, and I hope to share some of that with you in the days to come.  Above all, a trip like this pulls me back to the on who created such beauty, all for the purpose of displaying himself winsomely to us, so that our ONLY response can be worship. Thanks be to God!

Been a while

If you are still out there, I know it has been a while. I have gotten out of the habit of blogging for a while, but am looking forward to starting the conversation up again, about life, and about worship. Feel free to chime in!

Music of the morning=George Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue. Ahhhhhhh!

And the little shall lead them...

As a worship leader, I constantly struggle to find ways to engage people in worship. Don't just go through the motions, engage God with your hearts, and your intellect. We try any number of different things to keep worship fresh and engaging.

This morning I was reminded that the worship of God is largely in God's hands. Midway through our morning service, a young boy stepped up and played one verse of Amazing Grace on his violin as an introduction to the song "My Chains are Gone". Through that simple and beautiful line, and this boy's willingness to lead a congregation in worship, I could see peoples defenses, distractions, and walls crumble, and their hearts open up to God's presence around them. It was humbling to watch God do so perfectly what needed to be done. It was awe inspiring to feel the presence of God in that way. And it was a reminder that worship is always in His hands.

Why God's Wisdom is a body

Choir rehearsals have started for the year, and I have thoroughly enjoyed being back with the choir. This year and a half has been a tough stretch. I haven't had the weekly contact with them, since most of my time is spent working on the contemporary services in the gym. Phil Woodworth, Christopher Kraus, and Ruth Ann Stovicek have done a wonderful job in my absence, but I have missed my time with the choir.

Yesterday was an especially powerful rehearsal for me, because it was a keen reminder of why God has us in community; why God, in His wisdom created the church as a body. One of our members informed us of an unfavorable medical prognosis. We were all very saddened at the news. But then, a response that could only happen in the body of Christ took place. We surrounded this member, laid our hands on them, and prayed for healing and blessing for all involved.

I was blown away to watch this member receive the blessing of our prayers. I was blown away as I watched our members fervently seek God's intervention on behalf of this member and the family. We all needed this time, and God in his love gave it to us and blessed us.

So how was this evening a display of God's wisdom? God places us in community that people would know Him though how we love each other. Jesus told his disciples in the week leading up to his death;

John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

We love each other to show Christ to each other and the world. If you find yourself a part of this church and are looking for that kind of community, please talk to us, Pastor Karl Nockengost in particular, about becoming part of a small group. Through this ministry, we look to find authentic community where God's love can show through our love for each other to the world around us.

I didn't think the Granny Car was my midlife crisis

Yesterday, I drove home something I never thought I would, a Honda Goldwing!


A friend from the congregation let me know that his father was selling this bike, and at the end of the chain of events, Jen and I bought this 1985 Honda Goldwing (1200 cc, Interstate dress). My uncle Bob has driven a Goldwing as long as I have known him, so I had always hoped to someday own one, I just thought it would be a midlife crisis purchase, or at worse a retirement purchase. It is easy to say that we didn't see this one coming!

So today I spent the morning, and a good part of the afternoon, riding motorcycle in the tri-state area! This bike is ALOT bigger than the bike I drove in college, so it is going to take some time to get used to. Thank you all for your admonitions to safety. Believe me, if you saw me driving, you would laugh!

Happy riding! If you are out, give me a call!