Boys Toys

We had our Senior Sunday last night. It's when we, as a church family, take a little time to recognize and honor our graduating seniors who are going off to college and leaving the Youth Ministry they've been part of, some for all their teen years. It's nice to share this experience and make it clear to them that they are part of a bigger family. We care about them, we've helped them learn about and draw closer to God and Jesus, and we want them to know that we'll always be there to help and encourage them. Still, as I watched the expected slide show with pictures of each graduate from diapers to diploma, it was fun, but no one has the same feelings as each of the parents who are just barely able to grasp what this change means for their family. Each picture that appears isn't just an image, it's a skip to a scene on "Life's" DVD. You remember the sounds and the laughter. You're taken back to a time that will never happen again and it saddens you - but fills you with joy because it's a wonderful memory. Mostly, it reminds you that seventeen or eighteen years just zoomed by - never to be repeated, never to be edited, and never to be done better. What's left - well, it's all ahead. How long? How many changes? How many Power Point slide show-reruns and flashbacks? How many new memories yet to be made? Hey, tomorrow it will be your adorable baby watching a graduation Power Point of their how-did-they-get-so-big-so-quick-child being honored at a church Senior Sunday.

Some people think about stuff like that and they go buy the Harley or the Corvette they never got to own when they were young. Me, well I just bought an Arctic Cat 400 4x4 ATV and went riding through the woods and corn fields. If I'm not back in time for the grandkids' Senior Sunday, it's because I got it stuck somewhere and I'm kicking myself for not having a wench on it yet.

That's A Mouthful

Enough of this mushy-gushy-lovey-dovey-family-and-friends stuff! Let's get dangerous and radical again! Time for another Top Ten list! I actually jotted this one down a long time ago so I could think and pray about whether or not I really wanted to do this - and, OF COURSE I WANT TO DO THIS! So, let me say at the start that we always walk on dangerous ground when we label anyone. As I've said many times, labels are so relative that they become nonsensical and meaningless (is that redundant?). Because we always start with ourselves, and we, of course, are the norm - the logical - the correct, so everyone else is either to the right or left of us - except for those few we feel truly understand and agree with us! What is a modern day Pharisee? Here are some identifiable suggestions.

You know you are a modern day Pharisee if...

1. You have to really "break" your own piece of Lord's Supper bread.

2. Everything is permissible - AFTER the magic closing prayer.

3. Real repentance only happens when a person "walks the aisle".

4. You believe a baptized twelve year old suddenly can't be taught anything from the Bible by a woman.

5. You think faithfulness is best defined by church attendance.

6. If you believe man was made for the assembly rather than the assembly made for man.

7. If you think Paul's call to follow traditions included those started in the Twentieth Century.

8. You believe every member must sing every song.

9. If every new idea makes you see "a slippery slope".

10. If a Christ-like attitude in areas of opinion is optional.

I'm glad the grace of God covers all who seek Jesus - even when we tend to be Pharisaical. Maybe the worst kind of Pharisee is the one who thinks he is better than the Pharisees. That's kind of sad - u - see. Sorry - habit!

A Reunion and A Review

We truly enjoyed having our good friends Don and Kathy Rose visiting with us this past weekend. We spent a lot of time Friday evening sharing pictures of our trip last year to Australia & New Zealand that we took with them and it brought back a lot of great memories. It was an awesome trip that was made even better by sharing it with good friends. As you can see in these two pictures, we visited old town St. Charles on Saturday and had a lot of fun walking around visiting all the shops and checking out the historical stuff, like this old train station and the Lewis & Clark statue on the riverside. This was one of their stops (L&C that is) on their famous trip across the country two centuries ago. We also had lunch at a restaurant named for them, which I feel confident wasn't around when they came through. On Sunday, after church/family time and lunch, Don and Kathy had to head back to Nashville. We are so thankful that they found the time to come visit. We stayed up too late talking and playing cards, and we ate way too much, but -hey - that's what you do with good friends. We can't wait for the next vacation we get to take together in June of '08. They've been with us on every group cruise we've taken, and a big reason why each one has been so much fun.

Donna and I went to see Evan Almighty this afternoon. I hope you get to see it and enjoy it as much as we did. Sure it's unbelieveble and I know several people who will be "punching holes" in the theology that's presented, but let me encourage you to just relax and have fun with it. It's warm, encouraging, pro-family, and even pro-God - and how often does that come out of Hollywood? The CG stuff is better than the earlier movies about the original story! Call me crazy, but I like Morgan Freeman as God. His comments to Evan's wife, when he appears as a waiter in the restaurant she's eating in, are awesome. It sounds exactly like something I'd expect God to say. There's plenty to laugh at and the "good vs. evil" part of the plot is shallow and predictable, but that's okay because I love happy endings! And speaking of endings, don't jump up and run out. There's a little dance video/out-take thing during the first half of the credits that's neat. Oh, check out God's waiter name-tag in the restaurant. Go see it!

I Like Dean Koontz

About a month ago I read a Dean Koontz book, The Husband, and really enjoyed it. I've been thinking about some way to apply it to something in my life and haven't hit on the right thing yet. It's not one of his usual "weird" books about mysterious happenings that have a logical or supernatural explanation. This is a survivor theme. One of my favorite. No blood & guts, no sex or lots of vulgarity, just a story about a humble hard working guy who loves his wife and is a really good person. Then his wife is kidnapped and he is told to do some evil things if he wants to see here alive. It's not what you think and I'm not going to tell you what happens. The point is - what would you do to save the one you love? Could you justify doing something that totally violates your principles of life - your values? What would it take to make you compromise your faith? It's not like we don't do it regularly. Anyway, it's an interesting trip into the world of rationalizing and survival. Now, how does that apply to going on an Alaska cruise that you can't afford? Oh yes! It's all for my wife - yeah - that's the ticket! Now for a survival theme...let's go with...SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A BREAK!

Planning Ahead

This is the Coral Princess. Lord willing we will be on her decks for a seven day Alaska cruise this time next year. Actually, a year from this Saturday, the 23rd. For the last ten years we have taken a cruise vacation once every two years. It's not so much a matter of planning ahead as it is saving to pay for it. I'm pumped today because we have finally been able to book this trip. They won't let you book the Alaska trips too far in advance. Anyway, if you are interested in going with us, we'd love to have you. This is our only repeat cruise because we liked it so much. The last trip we took to Alaska, was on a different cruise line and believe me - Princess is awesome. This will be our sixth cruise, but our fourth Princess cruise and we like the quality of everything they do. Last time, in 2000 we had 38 people in our group. So we have them holding twenty rooms for our group and they will hold them for the rest of the summer, through August. We are taking the Northern trip, from Vancouver to Whittier (south of Anchorage) and will probably add on a pre-stay in Vancouver, because we've never been there, and a post-cruise trip to one of the Princess wilderness lodges. We haven't decided which yet because you can add that stuff whenever you want to - as long as they're not booked up. And that's "us" personally. You can decide for yourself if you want to add anything to the seven day cruise.

Anyway, if you want more info, you can contact us or our travel agent June Webster at Damar Travel (800-999-6101 x414). It's only twenty-five dollars per person (refundable) to reserve a spot. If you want to check it out for yourself, simply go to Princess.com and click on "Find and Compare" then click the Alaska, June 2008, Coral Princess, 6-8 days - places and it will bring up the cruises. We are on the Vancouver to Whittier - embarking June 23, 2008. From there you can check itinerary, excursions, pricing (w/o tax, port fees, transfers, etc).

It's tough to wait two years to take a really nice vacation, but it sure is fun when you finally get do it and get to share it with lots of special friends. We really love cruising because it's a total package and it's all first class. Everything about it is an exciting experience, especially when you have neat stops and neat people to be with. Frankly, my favorite stop is the dinner table - where "people we know" have actually ordered multiple entrees and desserts - just to try something new. But I'm not revealing who "they" might be - yet.

Anyway - this is not a commercial, just an FYI. We like to take vacations with friends and family. It doesn't even bother me to be sailing on a "Princess". At least it's not pink!

Passion and Programs

It's good to be able to talk normally. I had such strong feelings about the lesson I preached yesterday, that all I could think of was, "Thank you Lord for letting me speak for you." I still can't speak with a lot of volume, but hey, that's why we spend big bucks on mics and sound systems. Still, I wanted to be a lot more forceful when a made a couple of points in the lesson. Is it okay to be greedy when you're sharing the Word of God? I am so grateful for a smooth sound again even if I couldn't shout. Part of the problem was that the lesson was about having a passion for the lost and it's hard not to be passionate when you're talking about passion. Paul's feelings in those first five verses of Romans nine are striking. His passion for the souls of his fellow Jews came from his passion for Jesus. This was my "Bottom Line" purpose statement at the top of my outline: There is no passion for the lost when there is no passion for being saved. Paul's passion came from his relationship with Jesus not because the church had a dynamic outreach program. Isn't it astounding to realize that the great commission is never repeated in the epistles? How about the fact that churches, even those with serious problems like Corinth, are never told to be evangelistic, form an outreach ministry, or even to focus on reaching the lost? That can't be true! We've used outreach as our permanent guilt trip forever! Yet I've never seen an outreach program that either worked or lasted long! As I pointed out yesterday, because we've institutionalized the church, we've institutionalized obedience. So now worship, learning, and outreach are ministries, programs, and functions of the institution. Until we grasp the fact that we meet together to help each other develop a deeper relationship with Jesus - and it's only when we have that relationship with Him that we witness for Him, we will continue to fail miserably at outreach and continue to define "church" by numbers rather than intimacy with Jesus.
I baptized three people yesterday afternoon. Three members of a family representing three generations. What drew them to Jesus? The very thing He said would attract people - "They will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." The great-grand mother of the youngest (so it's four generations now), was baptized just a few months ago, and she couldn't stop talking about Her Lord, and her church family. That's what Paul was talking about in 1 Corinthians 9 ("I become all things to all people that I might by any means save some.") and in Romans 9 ("my heart's desire"). The institution can never provide that kind of passion. It can only come from people who are overwhelmed by his love and his grace.

Wrap-up and Racing

I'm relaxing after spending the morning in my first Komen Race for the Cure. It was hot! Still, it was totally amazing to see so many people getting together to do something good! They say nearly 70 thousand were in it this year. Wow. That should be worth a couple seconds on the News rather than war, woes, and weirdos. I can't explain how incredible it was to wait 45 minutes at the front of the race after the "Start" whistle blew, and seeing ten's of thousands of people go past us before we jumped in - AND there were as many behind us as in front of us! We had nearly a hundred in our group from Florissant and sharing the experience was wonderful. Even the short devo in the parking lot of the church building at 5:30 AM was fun. I like devos when I have a mug of coffee in my hand. Other than Donna trying to faint in the jam-packed Metrolink and having to sit on the floor for a few minutes to stop her head from spinning and get some color back into her face, it was a great experience.

We had our final cast dinner last night. We had a great meal and all watched a "rough" copy of the DVD for the play. It was so fun to see things that you miss in the live performance. As usual, there was a lot more "hamming" than I realized, but that's the way it is with live performances and grace-driven-directors. They were an incredible group to work with and I am really proud of their dedication to quality and everyones focus on glorifying God. They honored Donna and I with some nice/thoughtful gifts. A gift card to our favorite Mexican restaurant, and a beautifully inscribed storm lamp (that's actually electric) and will be in an obvious spot in our house. So come see it! I told Donna as we drove home last night, I really feel like it's over now. And yet - we have several hundred families to follow up on! The show must go on! Besides, I have already started on next years play. Jonah and the Pirates of the Mediterranean. Sounds like a fish story to me.

Four Nights of Sharing

The whole cast and crew of "Lord of the Parables." God blesses us with excellent crowds each night and each night everyone did an tremendous job with the play. We had somewhere around 1800 total in attendance and have registration cards from over 350, who signed up to receive a free DVD of the play. I am very proud of everyone who performed or helped in any way. I am especially proud of the high level of dedication to the mission of Bible Action everyone had and the total focus everyone had on glorifying God. We are all tried, but satisfied that we "had fun, did our best, and glorified God." What a neat thrill it is for me to see what started in my head last fall, show up on stage exactly like I imagined it. God is good.


The Jews singing the famous "When you're a Jew you're a Jew all the way, from that first little snip, to your last Oy Vey!" One of my favorite lines.

This is the "Sams" doing the Samaritan song to the tune of "America" in Westside Story.

Unity at last - both groups sing "One Hand One Heart" the old fashion way - no instruments!

The bridegroom, with back up flock, sings, "Who Put The Bop"

The Foolish Maidens sing "Aint No Mountain High Enough" - Supreme's style.

The Wise Maidens sing about the Bugle Boy From Company B - played for Abraham of course.

Top Ten Surprises At Judgement

I don't know if I'm TOO comfortable where I am or if I lack imagination, but my Top Ten list of places I want to see before heaven has only two places on it so far, and they're both hunting opportunities. I usually keep a couple Top Ten lists going in my journal, and since I have a couple minutes between the three thousand things going on in my life right now, let me share a new Top Ten list.
This comes from that old church joke about people lined up at the Pearly Gate and a cheer comes down the line; "They're not counting Wednesday nights!" I always loved that one. So, I wondered.....what else might not be counted.
Top Ten Surprises at Judgement:
1. Gopher Wood was a "generic" word for any hardwood (check your c of c theology)
2. Being "The Lord's church" has nothing to do with the name on the sign out front!
3. Cain married his younger sister! (And yes, Adam had a belly button!)
4. There was nothing prophetic about Revelation!
5. Mark 16:8-16 was added later but is not necessary to prove baptism.
6. Communion was always intended to be part of a fellowship meal on any day!
7. Growing in love was the only real reason God wanted His people to assemble.
8. Every person in heaven got there by grace! So who will be surprised to see you?
9. Seeking God with a pure heart is more important than doctrinal correctness.
10. God has a sense of humor - Heaven will have closing announcements after all and Just As I Am really does have fifteen verses.

Last Regular Rehearsal

This was last nights rehearsal. Our last regular rehearsal, because tonight we do dress rehearsal and then Thursday night is the first show. It's really looking good. I'm very proud of the dedication of all those in the play - both cast and crew. This is the on-stage-all-the-time-chorus that is part of the whole play.


This is Act three when the prodigal is confronted by the Wild Women.

Here is the prodigal with the pigs. One of my favorite parts.

This is in Act two after the Foolish and Wise Maidens, with attendants, make there grand entrance singing "Going to the Rabbi, and we're gonna get married."

I'll get some pictures of the actual show sometime over the next four night. Pray for God to use this and touch many hearts with the stories of His Son.

The Edge of Normal

It has been hard to be patient as my voice has gradually been coming back to normal. It has been eleven days since the botox injection into my vocal folds and I have spent most of my possible talking moments either silent or whispering. For the first time in my preaching career, I was "in-town" and had to have a replacement do the sermon yesterday (and Jerry did a super job too). The voice is getting better every day. I listened to just a few second of my sermon from May 20th and was totally amazed at how terrible my voice sounded. If you have a few seconds, just click on the church web page at florissantchurchofchrist.org and click on listen to a sermon - hit the May 2oth and hear for yourself - just a couple seconds and you'll see. Wow, the old voice had really gotten worse in the last four months - even though I've probably had the spasmodic dysphonia for maybe twenty years. I am really anxious to hear how my "normal" voice is supposed to sound. I really did use to be a baritone.

I've said all that to make a simple point. I'd be lying if I said I've never thought about what would happen if I lost my ability to talk - to preach - to do the thing I love most in life. But I haven't worried much about it. God made me and He can remake me any time He wants. I feel so blessed to have had thirty-something years of preaching, sharing, and growing in Christ as I helped others do the same that- well, how could I possibly feel cheated if it all stopped today? I can't ask "Why me?" or "How can you let this happen?" I've had more than I deserve - and that was true thirty years ago!

Isn't that a metaphor for life - and death? How many years do we deserve? If we've enjoyed God's blessings and lived thankfully, how can we fee cheated if it all comes to an end today? We didn't deserve the first year let alone the years- in my case - almost 56, he gave us! Maybe the real secret to joyful living isn't so much looking forward to what we think we deserve as it is recognizing what we've had. Living thankfully is the only way to live for the moment. If this world is such a wonderful place to live, why didn't Jesus wait until He was seventy to die for us? I bet there's no spasmodic dysphonia where He lives!

Really Neat Places?

The other day I was thinking about writing a Top Ten list of all the places I'd like to see before Heaven. You know - a person has to plan vacations, so why not plan them around places you really want to see? I'd always prefer to see and be with family, but I'm a firm believer in vacations. I've said on many occasions that if I could do the "raising a family" thing all over again, one of the things I'd definitely do different is have more REAL family vacations (i.e. trips to fun and interesting places). That would mean a change in priorities - what we spent money on, but you know what? I cringe to think how much money went through our bank accounts over the years, and I can't even remember where most of it went - including what cars we had! But I do remember every special vacation we went on and those are also the things our family talks about when we reunite and stroll down memory lane. It's money well spent.

So - that all led me to wonder...maybe before I list the places I'd like to see before Heaven...I ought to think about the ones I've already seen. After all, heaven may be the next big trip! What are the places you've seen - just neat places - that you'd love to see again? After minimal thought, here is my Top Ten list - in no particular order.

1. The Flat Top Wilderness in Colorado - picture postcard view in every direction - even elk.

2. Hubbard, Tasmania - loved the town and the countryside - and the long ride into the harbor.

3. Speaking of harbors - Bar Harbour, Maine - just a neat place

4. St. John Island in the Virgin Islands - everything an island should be

5. Dunedin, New Zealand - beautiful Scottish influence and awesome countryside

6. Red River, NM - 9000 feet high, incredible one street town surrounded by the Rockies - great family vacations and memories

7. Alaska - all of it (includes one cruise and one hunting trip)

8. Bavarian Alps - especially area about Ludwig II castle that Disney copied.

9. Talon, Estonia - mostly the old town - real old European flavor - great walking

10. My vocal folds - could have said my colon or heart, but after 3 video trips into my voice - through the nose - and watching it work while I talk is an amazing place - now after the botox, I'm sure it's even prettier w/o wrinkles.

Any really neat places that you'd love to see again?

The Lone Rose Bush

"Be still and know that I am God" These words crossed my mind this morning as I noticed our lone little rose bush out back. It blooms in spite of all my efforts to kill it through neglect. There used to be a row of bushes across the back part of the house, but they seemed to die within days of when we signed the mortgage papers on this house. This lone bush, however, blooms every year (we're in our third year here) and amazes me with how beautiful it can be in the midst of neglect and loneliness. It encourages me to see it. God's artistry can't be buried by mulch, mowing, and minimal yard care. It's a shot of color and beauty framed by the ordinary. It's an unselfish giver of happiness asking, not for attention, but only to do the will of it's Creator. I can't point to it and declare, "Look at what I've done," because it's not blooming through my care and cultivation. It's like God is saying, "Hey, Mike! Do you have any idea how much of my creation you don't notice? It's all good! Except for the only part made in My image." We are the only part of all creation that chooses to not function the way He created us to function. I must bloom for Him even when neglected and lonely. He's the Owner - the Great Gardener.

Yes, I got that from a rose bush. It's such a metaphor for so many things in life. We preacher-types tend to see lessons in things like rose bushes. Do you see any? (Forget the blooming idiot jokes!)

A Wrinkle-Free Top Ten

"What kind of people read a blog like this?"

Well, it's been two and a half hours since my first botox injection into my throat. All things considered, it wasn't that bad and I can tell a difference. Doc says it will take seven or more days before it starts to get normal. Hey -I have had years of "not normal" so seven days is a piece of cake. It is comforting knowing all the wrinkles are out of my throat. And since I can't do a lot of talking, I thought "Why not blog something radical!" So - here's this weeks Top Ten. The idea comes from my oldest daughters favorite husband. (See comments on last blog.)

You know you're a liberal if the Holy Spirit...

1. ...doesn't scare you to death!

2. ...opened up a passage of the Bible to you, and you weren't even holding on to one!

3. ...cleaned up a prayer for you that came out of you sounding like a groan.

4. ...helped you accept grace even though you didn't "feel" saved!

5. ...caused you to smile through your pain as you wondered what good things God was going to do through your suffering.

6. ...uses music to open hearts - all else is immaterial.

7. ...is one of your favorite gifts from God.

8. ...is an active, living personality that completes the Trinity, who all dwell in you.

9. ...helps carry out the providential work of God.

10. ...is as real as angels!

The Eyes of Grace

I just finished this Sunday's lesson and I can't help but be amazed at how differently I see and understand Romans now. I'm in chapter 8, the great comfort chapter - you know "all things work together for good" - "we are more than conquerors" and "nothing else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" - that chapter. How many times have a studied it, preached it, used it at funerals, taught classes, and encouraged others to look at it? It's never looked as good or as exciting as it does right now. Have I been dumb in the past and just missed too many things? Maybe, but the biggest difference is that I see how Paul is trying to help us understand how wonderful our Father is - how He has done so much to bring us back to a relationship with Him, and how absolutely amazing His grace is! I talked a couple of Sunday's ago about looking through "The Eyes of Grace" and I think I'm really doing that. I see his love in ways I've never noticed before. The whole tone of the three chapters leading up to that wonderful question in 8:31 "What then shall we say in response to this?" is jam packed with God's love, God's care, and God's concern for us - His adopted children. When we consider all that He has done - when we really look with the eyes of grace - what can we say? His love overwhelms - it penetrates the heart so deeply that we dare not get distracted by fear, insecurities, and selfish pursuits. I've quoted it, preached it, and cheered with others as we shared it - but here's the deal - we are only really more than conquerors through Him who loved us when we, with the eyes of grace, understand what our Father did to make that possible. If we only see what we have and not what He did, we're looking through the wrong eyes. The more we see His grace, the more we see with grace.

From Backyard to Backwoods

"Denny" came through the back yard yesterday, but he was in a hurry to fish, so it's a real action shot through the back window.

And here is Deborah's favorite critter, Mr. Muskrat, gathering grass while one of our baseball team players jogs past behind him.

And this guy is wondering who the nut is on the patio swing, keeping him from the big worms!

I finally had a chance to travel down to my hunting spot just outside of Sullivan, MO. and retrieve my stands from hunting season - which ended back in mid January. Danny Younger, my new hunting buddy and trainee, and I collected his ladder stand, from which he took his first deer this past year with bow and arrow, and then we hiked over to my stand to pick it up. Boy did things look totally different with all the foliage back. In fact, we came to my tree and my hang-on stand with Rapid Rail ladders was GONE! That's right! Someone took it! From private property no less! Even with a cable and lock on it! After kicking a couple of sticks around and wondering why things looked so different, I finally realized that we were standing at the wrong tree. Fifteen yards away was an identical tree, except it still had my deer stand attached to it. Oh well, so much for impressing my new hunting student with my wilderness skills. There's a lesson there somewhere. Let me think! Got it! You can quote me on this: Some times you just go to the wrong place! Profound aint it? I think it'll preach.

Yes, Another Top Ten!

It's time for another Top Ten list. I don't care at all for Letterman, but I do like Top Ten lists. Since these have no particular value (i.e. 10 to #1) I'm just going to throw them out. If you are new to my blog, please understand that these are tongue-in-cheek, but then, if you don't know me, you probably won't be back anyway. Just for fun - or is it?

You know you're a liberal if...

1. You question the essentiality of a communion presider.

2. You wonder how the Catholics can "be so wrong" yet did a perfect job of picking which books belong in the Bible.

3. Some one yells - in shock - "they're saying Jesus was married" and you answer "So what?"

4. Your heart doesn't condemn you, but the line of those who do is getting longer.

5. You think God's plan is simple but man's is complicated.

6. God talks to you! You believe if Satan can put a thought in your heart, surely God can too.

7. There are times when there are more important things to do than go to church. (NEVER!)

8. You suspect our true beliefs about sin are more influenced by society and tradition than by what the Bible really says about it.

9. You wonder how murder, adultery, homosexuality, etc. can be forgiven, but misunderstanding the doctrine of baptism can't?

10. You believe God rewards those who seek Him even if they haven't found all the parts of the puzzle yet.

Remember, a Liberal is anyone who is less conservative than you are. It's a relative term. All your relatives are liberals!

The Ten Percent Solution?

Have I said how much I enjoy being out of the Bible Belt? Sorry family and friends in the Buckle, but it's nice to be in a part of the country where when you say you're the preacher for the Florissant Church of Christ, people say, "Church of Christ? What is that?" Wow - am I glad you asked! And they do, regularly! And not only that (hold on to your hats BB people), but they actually walk into our building to check us out - every Sunday! Real "unchurched" guests, who didn't come from the C of C down the street! Okay, so I have some new Christians who occasionally call me "Pastor Mike" and I hear other you-weren't-raised-in-the-church comments, but I appreciate the respect and the openness I see in so many.

That having been said, I hear folks talk (and I am often asked) about the subject of tithing. Frankly, when I look at our congregational budget and our income - I've wished for tithing, because most Christians have certainly freed themselves from any obligation to it. Which would be wonderful if we were truly "cheerful givers" and truly believed it's "more blessed to give than it is to receive." But make no mistake - to bind tithing is dangerous. How can any of us read Romans and Galatians and continue to live by laws - whether man made or from the abuse of scripture? "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Gal.5:1) Paul was even clearer just three verses later, "You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen from grace." He summed up our lives, our actions, and our giving patterns in vs.6, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

Anything that moves our giving from love to law is ungodly, un-spiritual, and un-Christian. Use tithing as a personal goal, but don't turn your love offering into a law or a burden to place on others. Anything we create for the purpose of feeling good about ourselves or to compare ourselves to others is self-righteousness. It's the pull to self-righteousness that makes us love laws, rules, and regulations. It's why we still define "faithfulness" by attendance, which is why we "freak-out" when someone suggests we change times, styles, or even (forgive me Lord) cancel the assembly! It must all be about our love for God and His family. He adopted us, gave us His Spirit to help us and guide us, and He made us heirs and co-heirs with Jesus! That's some awesome love/grace on His part! Giving must always be about learning to love like He loves. That's why even if I give all I possess to the poor and give my body to burned but don't do it out of love - it's worthless. Becoming a "living sacrifice" took giving right out of the percentage business. Sometimes it's not about tithing but about teething. It's time to move from baby food faith to the real meat of a mature walk with our wonderful-always-giving-Father.

From the Vocally Challenged

I preached my first "full-length" sermon at a little church in Morvan, GA back in the fall of 1968. Wow, that was a few years ago! Of course, I was only two at the time - not! Once I began full time work in '74, I started having all the usual preacher voice problems that come with the job. Sore throats and occasional laryngitis are just part of the job. In the mid '80's I started raising the pitch of my voice and straining the muscles around it as I would preach, and I knew at the time it was un-natural and damaging. But a Dr. at the time said all looked well and it was just a matter of how much pain I could put up with if I decided to continue to talk that way. However, I noticed that talking in crowds, like the foyer or noisy restaurants would just wear out my voice and that meant something wasn't right. Well, for the last year (okay, I won't say it's been coming to a head) it's been rapidly getting worse - to the point I avoid talking any time I can. An ENT Dr. last September suspected it was spasmodic dysphonia, as well as a speech pathologist I went to, but it seemed to improve a little after some practical therapy sessions. Last week, after finding a Dr. who specializes in SD and is one of the top guys in the country on the disorder, it was confirmed. SD "is a voice disorder caused by involuntary movements of one or more muscles of the larynx or voice box." It's believed to be a neurological problem in that signals from the brain cause the vocal folds to shut or open involuntarily and disrupt the speech pattern. The only treatment that seems to be having any success at the time is botox injections directly into the laryngeal muscles. I'm scheduled to have my first one on the 25th. I'm not excited about having a needle stuck into my throat, but I am very excited about getting my voice back. I don't know which is worse, having people flinch when they hear me talk because it sounds like I'm in pain, or people telling me I sound like Bill Clinton. The nice part is that with lots of air and volume, I can preacher relatively okay, but it still sounds to the listeners like it hurts. It doesn't and the Dr. says I'm not causing any permanent damage. It does take a lot more effort and it does really tire my voice a lot more than normal. Right now I'm thankful that God helped me find this specialist, and what's even more amazing, got me in to see him in two days. God gave me the voice, called me to preach, and has guided me every step of the way. If He wants me to keep on keeping on - either the botox will work or He'll do something else. In the mean time, I'm remembering all those times as a kid and early teen when we used to call each other "spastics" all the time. Now I really IS one! Of course, "spasmodic" sounds almost scientific - or like something Bill & Ted might say - "Man, like I'm really feeling kinda spasmodic today dude." And dysphonia sounds like "talking trash" on the telephone.

My brother sent me this picture of the real cause of Global Warming.

Last Sunday I introduced my lesson by asking everyone to write down the five most important words in your life, and I specifically asked them not to focus on religious words just because we were "at church". I mentioned that our five words probably would change with every change of life. When I was a child, my five would have been recess, dessert, passed, Christmas, and P.E. As a teen the five would have been; girls, sports, blonds, basketball, and cheerleaders. (I couldn't multi-task as a teen) My five today are family, friends, love, memories and Jesus (and various forms of each).

So here's my TEN list for this week after that elaborate introduction. What Ten Words will "Make Your Day"? Here are mine - at least for this day and in no particular order.

1. COFFEE - who wants to start a day with anything else?

2. SHOWER - (see above)

3. MORE? - no explanation required

4. FREE!

5. RELAX

6. DINNER - still my favorite call of the day - especially with my loved ones at the table.

7. AMEN! - I like the sound of agreement!

8. THANKS - It's nice to be appreciated!

9. HOME - There's still no place like it - Ozly enough!

10. FORGIVEN - Whether received or given it's grace in action and Jesus really living!

That Peaceful Place

One of the best parts of living in the house we live in is enjoying the peace and serenity of our little pond out back and watching all the critters that reside there. Yesterday, after my morning jog - as I get ready for the Race For the Cure 5K, I sat on our patio swing and absolutely reveled in the beautiful day God had given. The pond was smooth as glass, the sun was bright with that early morning crispness that only happens that time of day, and our circus of critters were in full form. I watched rabbits, robins, and muskrats do their wild-thing, totally unaware that a human was watching them. All I could think of was "Thank you God for letting me live another day and see these wonderful parts of your creation."

And yesterday our sweet sister Patty Mehlberg was taken by angels to be with God for eternity. She was a wonderful, sweet-spirited child of God. She'd been Donna's helper in the Toddlers class for the past year, and even though she was in her late sixties and struggling with poor health, she was diligent about serving others and glorifying God. There was nothing "retired" about Patty. Monday night, in the hospital, we prayed with her and I said, "We'll see you tomorrow," and she shook her head "No". I then told her, "Well, if we don't see you tomorrow, you know where we'll see you next then?" And she nodded her head and whispered "Yes." She was ready. We prayed for God to heal her - and He did. No more pain or struggle to make an ailing body work. We will see you later. That's a promise - from us - but more importantly - from our Father.

And this morning, out back, the sun was shining, the rabbits, robins, and muskrats were doing their wild-thing, because that's the way God's creation works. All the billions of people who've lived throughout time, whether Bible characters or heroes of history, all enjoyed crisp beautiful mornings and they came to an end for them. The beautiful mornings continued. "It's appointed unto man to die once and after that the judgment." No one is exempt. One day you'll hear that Mike Root's morning watching has ending, but the rabbits, the robins, and the muskrats will still be doing their wild-thing. And me, I'll be more alive than ever before, like Patty, finally in that perfect piece of real estate. I wonder if there will be a pond with rabbits, robins...

Is it church growth or faith growth?

I would have to say that "Church Growth" has been the most read about and studied topic in my ministry career, second only to the Word of God. It's still seems to be the number one topic in the religious world - certainly the Protestant/Christian world anyway. The volume of books, magazines, seminars, workshops, degrees, and experts is an industry unto itself. For those of us seeking to "be successful" in what we do, we can't help but feel that Church Growth, as a field of study, holds the secret to leading THE "Great church," a "Mega-church" that God wants us to build. But is that really the goal? Is that really what God wants? Is that what makes a ministry successful? I think not.
What would Paul think about "church growth" - the modern movement to build bigger churches? First, we'd have to explain to him how "church" has gone from being "the called out followers of Jesus" to an address, a building, and an institution. If we didn't, he'd probably just say that church growth was a child of God maturing in Christ. We all say that we aren't interested in numbers, just souls, but when was the last time the leader of a small group of Christians was called a church growth expert? The first century? I think Paul would define growth as every member of our church family becoming "mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ...no longer infants...builds itself up in love, as each part does it's work." (Eph.4:11-16)
So, why do we seek to be or build large church families? There are advantages and disadvantages to being large, just as there are for being small and intimate. But, the ONLY criterion that should be considered, the only driving force that guides our planning, preparing, and purposing should be "what helps us draw closer to Jesus." The tool, (church/assembly/christian togetherness) needs to be wisely and effectively used, structured, and organized to bring one another into a deeper relationship with Jesus. If "mega" makes it happen, then we better do what works best, but if spiritual relationships happen in smaller settings, who are we kidding (or impressing) by pushing bigger is better? Large and intimate do not have to be mutually exclusive, but the focus has to stay on drawing closer to Jesus and not buying into the world's definition of church growth.

It's Coming Together!

We started our third month of rehearsals this week and in many ways it's the toughest. We started putting together the songs and the script and it makes the cast fell like we are starting all over again. I'm am very proud of the dedication and hard work of all those who are pulling all the elements of this play together. I began seeing it in my head back in October, when I started writing it and it's thrilling to see it start coming together. Of course, as we get into the realities of staging, cast movement, and timing, well - one has to be flexible. So, we change things every day and will right up to the week of the play. It's just a month from this week - June 7, 8, 9, & 10. We've got the T-shirts - so now it's GOT to happen! I really appreciate all my cast and crew members. Super folks who all have a passion for telling God's story. I'm excited about how He is going to use our efforts. To Him be all the glory.

Another Top Ten Stange Things List

Since I pulled no punches in talking about some of my strange experiences as a preacher (see previous article), I thought it only fair to put together a new Top Ten list about elders. So, here is my Top Ten Strange Things I've Heard From Elders.

10. "We are the fathers and the members are the children, and they do what we tell them."

9. "Someone said to me that it looked like Mike was running things around here." To which I did respond, "Well, you straightened them out didn't you?"

8. "Don't dance with the elephants!" Wisdom (?) from a retired Air Force officer about knowing my place in an elders meeting. I missed the dance and still got trampled - ouch.

7. "Members say they can't concentrate on the Lord's Supper without a set of communion trays up front, so let's leave them one set up front on the table." This was after they received flak for serving communion from the back. One tray was placed on the front table. Idolatry?

6. "You shouldn't go jogging (with the Youth Minister) at 3:30 in the afternoon because people think you're not working." And the reason why that was the only available time to run was....?

5. "Nothing personal, it's just business." Odd, coming from a friend and brother.

4. "Pews are more comfortable than chairs." The rationale for not turning our auditorium into a multi-purpose room by using stacking chairs. If the theater people only knew...

3. "I think we need to be seen up front more often." Still a wrong image of shepherding.

2. "We're the shepherd's, trust us." If you have to ask...

1. "What were we supposed to think?" Like Jesus? As I always say, "If you don't communicate you speculate." I must not have said it enough...

Sorry they're not all funny, but some of them weren't funny at the time and they still aren't, but they still make my top ten list of strange things I've heard from elders. And in their defense, I wish I had a nickel for every statement I've made through the years to an elder or elders that I wish I could take back or restate. Mere men - awesome grace! Thank God!

Springtime In the Woods

An early morning walk in the woods - seeking Tom Turkey - always has things of special beauty to see that I had forgotten about. Spring is so wonderful in the woods. It's full of new growth, bright flowers, lots of critters, and easy to see deer sign (for Fall planning purposes of course). I completely missed last Springs turkey season and this is the last week of MO's season, so I went out this morning and really enjoyed the walking, looking, turkey calling, and taking a few pictures. I had a nice little raccoon kitten all curled in a ball just five feet from me, at one point, and neither of the pictures were good. So, lavender flowers and Mr. Turtle get top billing.

Look close at his mouth. Mr. Turtle is chomping on Mr. Grub. Ouch! Or is it yummy?

Each of these nests had a huge crane in it - all "Denny's" I'm sure, but they really took issue with me being in their area so I took this from about a hundred yards away with one crane who returned in the lower left. I didn't realize they could make such noise, but they did. I wonder if they had eggs or chicks in their nests and were trying to keep me away. It worked. Of course it was across a river from me too.

This is as close as I got to Mr. Turkey and this is a full zoom on the camera. He's about 125 yards away and really full of himself. He headed for that far corner off behind him and I circled way around the left to head him off - but - he went right at the corner. Go figure. Wait 'til next time Mr. Turkey - ha, ha, ha......

The best part was that as I walked or stopped and viewed things, I kept thinking "Man this is awesome!" Then I remembered, "But heaven's gonna be better!"

Revelation And Realtree

"I was caught up into the third heaven on the Lord's day," which of course is every day he gives us. I passed pillars of stone, through automated doors, and into - the smell of hunting - new hunting! A grizzly at full stance greeted me, tables of labeled hats and t-shirts surrounded me, and to my left and right were the keys of untold wonder - Customer Service! From every column protruded a moose, a caribou, or an elk. In lines on the wall, in all directions, majestic trophy whitetail deer, with huge B & C or P & Y numbers posted below them, and if I squinted hard, I could see "Taken by Mike Root in 19__ or 20__". The streets of gold lead to a wildlife museum, a gun collection, and aquarium and other mansions on the hilltop. The walls were Realtree Hardwood, the curtains Mossy Oak, and Seclusion 3D was everywhere. There were racks and racks of camo cloths of every shape, size, fabric, and purpose to touch, feel, try on and visualize on your body - or just hanging in your closet. Clothing to impress the most discriminating of wildlife. There's no excuse for anyone to not be Critter Chic upon entering the forest his coming season. Each turn brought all new sections of the Master Catalog into reality. Hunting boots, camping gear, fishing stuff, and the new toys - ATV accessories! Rows of bino's and GPS's, tons of wild game cooking possibilities, and a wall of rifles from muzzle load to auto load, which I pass in a blur as I saw the Holy Grill of hunting sections - the archery shop. Tree stands in the air, Leafy wear waving, Scentlok unnoticed, 3D targets posing, and rows of little add-ons that every bowhunter must think about. Blinds, rain gear, camo underwear, and, and, and, more STUFF than any hunting lodge could possibly hold. The Fort Knox of gear! The Mt. Everest of accumulation! The Mecca of outdoorism! The Wonderland of wilderness possibilities! The ultimate Visa workout center! And I left it empty handed - but I'm making a list and checking it twice - and looking forward to being naughty and nice!

Inward Focus?

Is the church too inwardly focused? If you're talking about members being selfish, petty, comfort oriented, steeped in tradition, theologically shallow, and managing mole-hills - yes! If you're talking about our tendency to fuss and fight over preferences and treat the assembly as our most important activity - yes! If you're referring to the history of smugness, exclusiveness, proof-texting, and labeling others and one another - yes! If the subject is protectionism, isolationism, and legalism - well - yes! Is it the reason why we aren't spreading the Gospel more and converting more people to the cause of Christ? Yes - or no - depending on how you are using the terms "inward focus". Let me explain.

No one will stand before God on the day of Judgement and be condemned because their congregation didn't have an effective outreach program. The bible is clear, "each one of us must give account of himself" to God. The biblical concept (and purpose) of the church has been so blurred by institutionalizing it that we can't and don't recognize what the church really is anymore. Every "called out" individual is the church! Is outreach the responsibility of "the church"- assembled or the church - individuals? I just read another article from a church growth magazine dogmatically declaring the church's mission was to reach the people in our community! Because we have an institutional or temple paradigm of "church" we keep defining our purpose institutionally. Why did God command Christians to form a "body" or "a family" or be "the bride of Christ"? We can't do "one another" stuff unless we are with "one another." Are the "one another" things inward focus things? Which "one another" passage includes outreach? Jesus gave one identifying characteristic for his church that would show the world that we were his disciples - love one another. People will see it (or should), and realize they need it, and be attracted to it. Worked in Acts 2 (47)!

I can hear the screams already. Are you saying that the church is not supposed to have an outreach program?!!! It's a great idea to organize and be good stewards of our time and effort, but where's the hint that it's the purpose of the church (assembled)? It is the purpose of the church, that is every called out person, to share, witness, be ready to give answer to anyone who asks, and be living epistles of God! How many successful outreach ministries or programs have you seen a church put together? Why don't they last? Why are so few members part of it?

This is a blog not a book, so here's the bottom line. The purpose of Christians getting together (i.e. church assembled) is to build relationships that bring us into a deeper relationship with Jesus! We've spent so many years converting people to CHURCH that people don't know Jesus, and you can't give away what you don't have! Church togetherness is a tool not the focus! When we encourage one another (Heb.10:25-25), and when leaders equip members for maturity and closeness to Jesus (Eph.4:11-16), we go forth to "tell our story" (witness) every time God gives us the opportunity. The Christian assembly was never meant to be (and never was in the NT) an outreach event! When done right - focusing on family needs (yes, inward focus) - it should cause outreach. You don't win games at the pep-rally, but you can fire up the participants to play harder and represent who they play for.

So yes, we better be inward focused in bring each other closer to Jesus. Without Him, there's nothing to be outwardly focused about. The problem is not the inward focus, but the inward focus on the wrong things - doing "church" instead of knowing Jesus.

Spring Critters Out Back

This is Mr. Muskrat swimming back to his underground home. A second after this picture, he submerges and enters his house from underwater. Unfortunately, that's why people don't like to have muskrats around. They dig holes all around the pond and actually destroy the structure that holds the water in place. Each year our home owners association pays someone to trap (i.e. exterminate) the muskrats, and each spring they return. The Missouri River is only about a mile away, and that's evidently where they come from. We've lived in this house for a little over two years and we really enjoy watching all the critters around the pond. The edge of the pond is about twenty yards behind our house. We get to see turtles, muskrats, "Denny" crane, an occasional deer, and a huge variety of birds. These pictures were taken this past Saturday from the kitchen widow.

This is grandpa turtle. No telling how old this fellow is. His head is about the size of a Coke can and his shell is like a rock. After a long - hard winter, I'm sure the sun really feels good.

The muskrats quickly come out of the water and grab a mouth full of grass before hustling back into the water and taking the food to their family back in the underground home.

Next week on Wild Kingdom, we'll look at the insect world of the Root's back porch...

Interesting Preaching Moments

It's time for a new list. The following is a list of "Interesting Preaching Moments" since my first "full length" sermon in the Fall of 1968. WOW! Is that really almost 40 years ago? I never have trusted my math! Which leads me to the following:

1. That very first sermon was capped off by a young boy standing up in the middle of my lesson and projectile vomiting all over the pew and wooden floor of that old country church building. Was it a comment on the lesson?

2. In the middle of my first "Gospel Meeting" - I was preaching and I ment to say "trap" but, you guessed it all ready, I say "crap" with all the "fire & brimstone-Jimmy Allen-look-a-like" I could muster. What did I do? I acted like it never happen.

3. Then there was the time I tried to think of a different word for swine, from the gospel story where Jesus caused the herd to rush off a cliff into the see. Out of nowhere, I called them poultry, and couldn't figure out why so many people giggled through the rest of the sermon. I guess the mental picture of chickens going over a cliff does change the story.

4. Just before I stopped using a pulpit, I discovered a little known reason to keep using it. As I stood to sing the official "song before the sermon," I put my hands in my pocket and suddenly felt a rush of air flow into my pants from the front. Yes, it was the unattended zipper. Back then, the coat I wore hid everything and the pulpit gave me the cover to recover. Now I know why so many of our folks think sports coats and pulpits are required parts of worship.

5. With three published books on worship, I tend to think I have a thorough understanding of the subject. Except for the time in Texas when I preached an entire lesson on "Horizontal Worship and Vertical Worship" and had horizontal and vertical backwards for the whole thing.

6. Then there was the little boy on the front pew with a toy gun, which he kept pointing and shooting at me until I finally stopped and suggested someone give him some guidance.

7. I will never forget the invitation song where a cricket came the full length of the aisle, all the way to the front. What could I do? I baptized him of course.

8. In Virginia, we had a guy come to church and he had a Bible with a nail driven through it. He said God told him what to say so he didn't need an open Bible any more. So we made him an elder. (Just kidding!)

9. As a fresh-out-of-college-preacher in Arkansas, I got so excited to baptize someone who responded to my lesson that I put my light brown "leisure suit" back on forgetting that my underwear was soaked. They didn't have waders, so I just used a baptismal jumper and kept my undies on. I had a rather interesting "ring-around-the-pants" when I came back out to do the final announcements. Did I learn anything? Depends.

10. I don't know! When all is said and done, I still think of Kevin's "JOY TO THE WORLD" invitation song experience as one of the highlights of my preaching career. (For those who don't know, my brother-in-law scared us half to death with his sudden start to the old song and since the whole family was there for Christmas, we try to make sure he never forgets it) Thanks Kev.

Alright you gutless preachers! Own up to your low-lights!

Yes, He's there and He cares!

I had a funny blog I was going to put together today, but my heart aches too much for all the students, teachers, and families of Virginia Tech to write anything lighthearted today. Another crazy, self-centered, gun carrying anti-social angry person destroying the lives of thirty-two people, most just kids in adult bodies, and leaving a scar that will forever mark a good school. I suspect we need to redefine the word "terrorist" to include community psycho's. And the news sharks are already focusing on who did what wrong and blaming everything from the police to the Virginia gun laws, and ignoring the simple fact that in an open society, there is very little we can do to protect ourselves from a determined suicidal maniac. We could put a guard at the front of every school, church building, and public event and all we be doing is guaranteeing that he'd be the first one shot. I am thankful for all the focus on prayer and the need to help those who are grieving. I've been encouraged to hear so many fellow students talk about the faith of their friends who were killed and to hear them so be so comfortable and confident about their place in heaven. May God comfort and strengthen them and help them to see how He will use this to cause thousands, maybe millions, to think more about eternity and the brevity of life.

Something else that disturbs me is the on-going debate about "you-know-who" and his racist remarks. After listening to so many comments and arguments about who's racist, who started it, who's responsible, and who's going to change things, I've been very frustrated waiting for someone to point out that THERE IS NO SOLUTION WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE AN AGREED UPON SET OF VALUES! Everyone talks around it because they're talking about what's socially acceptable. If they just listen to God, it would all be clear. It's never right to hate, show prejudice, be unkind, or degrade anyone in anyway - period! That takes it out of the realm of finger pointing and historical research immediately, but no one wants to point out that "God says" or "the Bible says" because that's not politically correct. Get ready America. The more we remove our God-given value system from our society, the more we are going to argue about what's right and wrong.

Did I mention that turkey season started this week?

Epiphany!

Epiphany? What a weird word. Sounds like the name of some Mother Goose fairy or the south side of a north-bound "Epi". It's actually a word that deals with spiritual discovery or experience. Our walk with God is full of life changing moments and discoveries. An epiphany is the proverbial light bulb going on as our Father gets our attention and reveals something incredibly profound to us. In 1972 I had an amazing epiphany when a missionary from Greece, who was fluent in ancient Greek, pointed out that in the New Testament the word or concept of "worship" was never applied to the Christian assembly. (Yes, in 1972, Donna Sue was an epiphany for me too.)

For me, questions have been the greatest source of personal discovery. When I honestly asked the question "How can I get to know Jesus?" I started to move from religion to personal faith. About 8 to 10 years ago, the epiphany for me was "What is lacking in my life that is keeping me from really being like Jesus?" That caused me to seriously focus on humility, compassion, and thankfulness. Until we ask that question and deal with it honestly, we're playing church.

A couple weeks ago, while riding alone in my car, another question popped into my head (maybe placed by God is more accurate). It wasn't new. In fact it's an old old question that had probably been turned into a cliche for me and most people. What would I be without Jesus? Simple aint it? I've said it, sang it, preached it, and wrote it, but for the first time I applied it and it impacted me - surprised me, like I never would have imagined. What would I be without Jesus? The picture was striking, sad, and scary. I didn't like what I saw. I know what kind of person I would be if it weren't for Jesus. Selfish, uncontrolled, addicted to everything wrong, and angry with life. I could feel it - see it - and the thought of how much I would have missed in life brought tears to my eyes. All the wonderful family and friends I would have missed - all the people who have touched my life, and I theirs - all the stepping stones to a closer relationship with God - all the - the goodness and grace of God! To have missed that is the saddest thought I've ever had. With tight throat and wet cheeks, all I could say was "Thank you Jesus."

Then I thought, "What about those who don't know what they're missing?"

"Country Road" to Florissant

We were so blessed to have Kevin and Kathy with us this past weekend. Kathy is Donna's sister and Kevin, our brother-in-law, (dah!) has been my hunting buddy for over a couple of decades. They are wonderful people that we love a lot. Back in the days of our ministry in Fairfax, VA we were only five hours away from their WV home in Mannington and we used to get together several times a year for visits and vacations and HUNTING! Kev and I have gone to Colorado together to bowhunt for elk and mulies since 1986. There is no better hunting partner. He enjoys others successes more than his own and that takes a special person. Thanks for sharing Easter with us! I'm glad you got to be with our Florissant family too.

It you haven't eaten at Mel's in Hardin, IL, you have truly missed something special. It is really awesome food and huge portioins and choices - heaven right? I'm pumped because it's minutes from our new hunting spot. I smell ham and eggs already!

We took the Golden Eagle ferry back across the Mississippi River to "God's Country" but after Mel's, I have to say He's on both sides now. We had a great day seeing some wonderful IL country and enjoying wonderful friends (and relatives). God is so good!

Grace Is Scary Stuff!

I wonder how I spent so many years as a Christian and heard so little about grace? It was rarely taught, preached, or even talked about during my early years. Did people not know about it or understand it - or were they just afraid of it? I pick "all of the above" but sadly recognize that fear was the major reason. It's still true today in some areas. Why after all, if you start teaching people that they are and can be forgiven for any sin they commit who knows what kind of ungodliness they might get into? Grace is scary! It messes up our ability to judge others and condemn them to hell. It really messes up our ability to distinguish between the big sins and the little sins...the dirty sex sins and the heart-level greed and pride sins...the socially acceptable sins and the Puritanical heathen sins! The fearful think grace means license! "You're telling people it's okay to sin because they'll be forgiven!" That's why the possibility of God forgiving divorce is so repugnant to some. "Why it's telling people that it's okay to destroy their marriage vows, because they can always just ask God for forgiveness and start all over again!" Does the old saying, "It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission" really wash with God? Paul said, "May it never be!" Grace isn't about license or liberty, at least as Paul was using it in Romans. It's about motivation! God is so good - so amazingly gracious - so loving and so forgiving - HOW COULD WE EVEN CONSIDER SINNING! The person who sees God's kindness as their personal Trump Card on sin is missing the bigger point! His grace cost too much to treat it so shabby! Grace is for the seeker not the swindler! It's not real grace to us until we are overwhelmed by God's love. Fortunately, God is bigger and grace is greater than our ability to understand it or live up to it, but then - that's what makes it grace.

Real Religious Robbery

Our spring cherry tree out back just before the record spring freeze (25 today)!

When the prophet asked, "Will a man rob God" he was talking about tight-fisted Jews not giving to the Temple. Becoming a true cheerful giver is one of the never ending goals of life for anyone who is seeking God. The other day, as the topic of pain and suffering came up again for the countless time in just a few days, I started to wonder if robbing God is a much bigger subject. The real question about pain and suffering is why doesn't God intervene and stop or prevent MY PAIN and MY SUFFERING! Because until it's MINE I can be incredibly firm in my theological convictions and simply say, "who knows the mind of God - our job is to trust him." Amen? Here's where we rob God! First, we rob him by forgetting all the answered prayers that he's blessed us with throughout our relationship with him. We pray, he delivers, and we forget, and sometimes don't EVER recognize his involvement or thank him for his answer. Check Philippians 4 again and see how petitions and thankfulness go hand-in-hand.

And then there's the bigger way, I believe, that we rob God, and this just dawned on me the other day. We love God for what we know he has done, but what about all that he's done that we DON"T know about? We don't know the specifics, but because we KNOW he cares and is involved CAN YOU EVEN BEGIN TO IMAGINE HOW MUCH HE HAS PROTECTED YOU FROM OR HEALED YOU OF? As I told my church family last Sunday, "When the doctor looks at me and says 'Mike you have terminal cancer,' instead of saying 'Why me, Lord' I need to realize that he may have kept me from or healed me from cancer ten times in the last fifty-five years to give me all the days he has blessed me with." How many times has he guided us to an event that changed our life or kept us from being in a fatal car accident? How many diseases has he removed from our bodies that never even gave us a headache? The possibilities are endless! Were all those "close calls" in you life simply "good luck"? Maybe if we give God a little more credit and thanks, we won't continue to feel like life owes us so much. And maybe (?) we won't feel so inadequate in confronting those who question God every time they have or see pain and suffering. We need to start hearing Satan say, "This is a stick-up!"

You may be a "Change Agent" if...

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but most everything else is constantly changing. And I'm glad - aren't you? Life would be boring if things never changed. This past weekend, our oldest daughter and our only son became another year older and our middle Root-kid moved to a new house. How can my kids get old when I stopped getting old several years ago? Change and denial usually go together! I am reminded of two very important things. First, how proud I am of my three "adult" and very spiritually mature kids, and secondly, how thankful I am for each of my kids-in-law. Chad, Pat, and Holly are amazing people who I love and respect more each year they are part of our family. It's difficult being far apart, but knowing all our kids, their spouses, and their kids are growing and maturing in Christ makes the time apart manageable. After all, eternity will be a long vacation.

As warned in the last blog, here are my ten picks for; You know you're a "Change Agent" if...
10. FHU will never appear on your speaking appointment resume.
9. You think Jeff Walling is "sound in the faith" as well as a good speaker.
8. You believe "the tie that binds" is not the TIE that binds.
7. You see clapping and raising hands as irrelevant issues in the Christian assembly.
6. You ignore the verse in the Bible about how many song leaders there can be at one time.
5. You confess to having read Spilt Grape Juice, Unbroken Bread, or Empty Baskets.
4. You wonder if "pattern theology" is just neo-legalism.
3. You believe the assembly is a giving opportunity and not about rituals, rites, or receiving.
2. You ask "When are we going to restore New Testament Christianity?" and people look at you like you are crazy.
1. You died on a Cross for the sins of the world.