I just wanted to drop this note to say, "It's been way too long since a blog post from me." I wonder if this has anything to do with starting Greek in May? Who knows? I do know that I am coming back soon and blogging will once again be on my schedule!
Until then, be blessed!!!
PR
Friday, September 3, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Friend
In Matthew 26:50, Jesus called Judas "friend." That one has always gotten to me. Right in the heat of betrayal, Jesus was still a true friend to Judas--although Judas was no friend to Jesus. Your mind has to wonder, was Judas ever a friend to Jesus? Some, I am sure, would argue the point that he must have been but at some pivotal juncture he switched sides. But for me, I think that a follower, somewhat; an opportunist, likely; but ever a friend, probably not.
Switch gears. I have a friend in Houston. His name is John. John and I met in a pre-teen Sunday school class in the early eighties. John and I grew up and ultimately chose different paths. I went into ministry, John into business. I was a church guy, John--not so churchy (if you know what I mean). But John and I are friends. Although we have stood on different sides of life--we kept our friendship close. Did we agree on everything--no way! But we are friends!
I look then at others who have called me friend in the so called Christian ranks. It came to me, just today, that I spent nearly 35 years of my life working and worshiping among people I thought were my friends. But were they? Whatever we were--we must not have been friends. I understand that religion divides. Judas discovered that for sure! Perhaps this final word from Jesus is what haunted him so much in the end--Jesus called him friend even in personified betrayal by a man wrapped up in religious prejudice. Impressing the religious establishment was enough to sell out his friend.
I encourage you to find your true friends although they may be small in number! Not those people who are 'friends" as long as you see eye to eye on everything. Not those "friends" who are only loyal when religious differences aren't revealed. Not those "friends" who claim to be close in the fair weather days of life but have a disappearing tendency in a strom. Nope--look around for the John's! Those friends who will stick with you all the way past a cross!!
Jesus had a friend named John too--I take comfort in that. Although I have been betrayed by a whole string of religious "friends", I talked to John yesterday...We're staying in his house again in June ( I carry a key to his house at all times)...he gives Raylene and me his master bedroom...and he is my friend!
Switch gears. I have a friend in Houston. His name is John. John and I met in a pre-teen Sunday school class in the early eighties. John and I grew up and ultimately chose different paths. I went into ministry, John into business. I was a church guy, John--not so churchy (if you know what I mean). But John and I are friends. Although we have stood on different sides of life--we kept our friendship close. Did we agree on everything--no way! But we are friends!
I look then at others who have called me friend in the so called Christian ranks. It came to me, just today, that I spent nearly 35 years of my life working and worshiping among people I thought were my friends. But were they? Whatever we were--we must not have been friends. I understand that religion divides. Judas discovered that for sure! Perhaps this final word from Jesus is what haunted him so much in the end--Jesus called him friend even in personified betrayal by a man wrapped up in religious prejudice. Impressing the religious establishment was enough to sell out his friend.
I encourage you to find your true friends although they may be small in number! Not those people who are 'friends" as long as you see eye to eye on everything. Not those "friends" who are only loyal when religious differences aren't revealed. Not those "friends" who claim to be close in the fair weather days of life but have a disappearing tendency in a strom. Nope--look around for the John's! Those friends who will stick with you all the way past a cross!!
Jesus had a friend named John too--I take comfort in that. Although I have been betrayed by a whole string of religious "friends", I talked to John yesterday...We're staying in his house again in June ( I carry a key to his house at all times)...he gives Raylene and me his master bedroom...and he is my friend!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Busy is not Always Bad
.....But it does keep you from keeping up with your blog.
Ok, my last blog had captain Phil in it. I have to admit, watching Deadliest Catch the last two weeks, knowing that Phil dies before the end of the season, is sad. But that aside, ever wonder what life would be like if you knew the end of every circumstance before the end. I am really thankful I don't. I'm afraid I'd miss too much of the journey simply because things don't always end like I expect.
I know for a fact that I have made decisions that if I'd known the end, the price, the pain, the stretching me; I would have probably said no way! But alas, I had no conscious reality of the implications of the journey, therefore I decided. Am I sorry? Absolutely not! I am so very thankful that I made the choice, even if the journey from that choice was difficult!
I do know that one huge result of making a decision to follow our heart is the satisfaction of knowing you went for it all! Any of us can stay in the doldrums of complacency! Any of us can sell our dreams to the lowest bidder of peer pressure and desire to fit in! Any of us can continue going with the flow because we are afraid of the response from family and friends when we swim away upstream! Any of us can care more about pleasing people than pleasing God or even our own passionate pursuit of destiny!
I am busy! Working the plan! Getting a masters degree! Pushing for revival in our church, youth, and children! Meeting new people! Listening to new ideas! Thinking! Loving!! Helping feed the hungry!! I am busy in pursuit of something better for myself, my wife, my boys, and my church! Busy is not always bad....as long as you are not busy doing nothing!
Until next time....
PR
Ok, my last blog had captain Phil in it. I have to admit, watching Deadliest Catch the last two weeks, knowing that Phil dies before the end of the season, is sad. But that aside, ever wonder what life would be like if you knew the end of every circumstance before the end. I am really thankful I don't. I'm afraid I'd miss too much of the journey simply because things don't always end like I expect.
I know for a fact that I have made decisions that if I'd known the end, the price, the pain, the stretching me; I would have probably said no way! But alas, I had no conscious reality of the implications of the journey, therefore I decided. Am I sorry? Absolutely not! I am so very thankful that I made the choice, even if the journey from that choice was difficult!
I do know that one huge result of making a decision to follow our heart is the satisfaction of knowing you went for it all! Any of us can stay in the doldrums of complacency! Any of us can sell our dreams to the lowest bidder of peer pressure and desire to fit in! Any of us can continue going with the flow because we are afraid of the response from family and friends when we swim away upstream! Any of us can care more about pleasing people than pleasing God or even our own passionate pursuit of destiny!
I am busy! Working the plan! Getting a masters degree! Pushing for revival in our church, youth, and children! Meeting new people! Listening to new ideas! Thinking! Loving!! Helping feed the hungry!! I am busy in pursuit of something better for myself, my wife, my boys, and my church! Busy is not always bad....as long as you are not busy doing nothing!
Until next time....
PR
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Longing for the Chair
OK...call me strange, or melancholy, but I must give you a slight peek into my thought life. Today my mind strayed--while driving in the fog--to a recent development in the lives of my "TV" friends on the Discovery Channel reality show, The Deadliest Catch. Now, for those of you who do not know what this show is--either you think TV is a sin or you can't stand a man show--I will give yo the short version.
The Deadliest Catch is about Alaskan Crab Fishermen who fish during winter on the Bering Sea. It is a brutal job. I don't know any of these people personally, but after several years of faithfully watching the show I feel that we are close friends. This brings me to my fog thoughts. Today I remembered the death of Captain Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie, who passed away while filming this years season on Feb. 9th.
Captain Phil was near death with blood clots two seasons ago. He spent time in the hospital during filming and was doubtful in coming back for 2009. Matter of fact, he was told that getting back in the captains chair was a death sentence. Blood clots are nothing to play with and the extremely long hours in that chair didn't bode well! But Phil couldn't stay away! The chair called him every day with a deafening roar! He had to go back--his destiny was set--he'd die in that chair! He didn't actually die in the chair--but he was on the boat when the final blow (a massive stroke) took its toll. Phil decided that the experience in the chair was worth the price---he was only 53!
Do you feel that strongly about anything? Is there anything calling for you? Something that no matter what the price is for the experience, you're willing to pay it. You know, those dreams that people will despise you for reaching after! Those God ideas that test the metal of your faith because many don't understand the why! I made my first mad dash for the chair in my life several years ago. I had people saying, "Don't get in that chair or you'll lose everything!" I, like Captain Phil, realized that NOT getting in that chair was losing everything! I realized that if I didn't follow my heart, if I didn't make some drastic changes, if I didn't pursue the dream, that I would not experience everything God had for me!
Boy, am I ever glad that I made that choice! My life is blessed and I am enjoying the chair!
The Deadliest Catch is about Alaskan Crab Fishermen who fish during winter on the Bering Sea. It is a brutal job. I don't know any of these people personally, but after several years of faithfully watching the show I feel that we are close friends. This brings me to my fog thoughts. Today I remembered the death of Captain Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie, who passed away while filming this years season on Feb. 9th.
Captain Phil was near death with blood clots two seasons ago. He spent time in the hospital during filming and was doubtful in coming back for 2009. Matter of fact, he was told that getting back in the captains chair was a death sentence. Blood clots are nothing to play with and the extremely long hours in that chair didn't bode well! But Phil couldn't stay away! The chair called him every day with a deafening roar! He had to go back--his destiny was set--he'd die in that chair! He didn't actually die in the chair--but he was on the boat when the final blow (a massive stroke) took its toll. Phil decided that the experience in the chair was worth the price---he was only 53!
Do you feel that strongly about anything? Is there anything calling for you? Something that no matter what the price is for the experience, you're willing to pay it. You know, those dreams that people will despise you for reaching after! Those God ideas that test the metal of your faith because many don't understand the why! I made my first mad dash for the chair in my life several years ago. I had people saying, "Don't get in that chair or you'll lose everything!" I, like Captain Phil, realized that NOT getting in that chair was losing everything! I realized that if I didn't follow my heart, if I didn't make some drastic changes, if I didn't pursue the dream, that I would not experience everything God had for me!
Boy, am I ever glad that I made that choice! My life is blessed and I am enjoying the chair!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Philippine Thoughts
I just got back from a 10 day trip to the Philippines--Davao City at that! Wow! Go to http://www.harvesthouse.ph/ and click the January 2010 trip link for more info on the ministry and to watch a video of my experience!
God is certainly good to us! Going to a place like Davao Philippines opens your eyes to just how blessed we are in comparison to most in the world. I could not help but think, "Most of these wonderful people live in less space than my master bath!" My master bath! Not my master bedroom, or half of my house, or the kitchen and living room! We visited cell groups in homes that housed multiple people--adults, teens, and kids--that had less room than my master bath!! That is humbling for sure. But it also helps me understand that the blessing of God isn't in what you have materially--but what you have spiritually!
Their heart for God is amazing! So open, so receptive, and so hungry! The hunger for God is uninterrupted! People who show up more than an hour early for church to intercede in prayer! People who just give time to their walk with God, being willing to sacrifice in order to make it happen. People who worship without caring what others think! Young people fired up about God and church! I like that! I want that!
To my Filipino brothers and sisters, I will be back! But not only that, I will lead our church and others in supporting the work of Harvest House in the Philippines! I also make a commitment to honor the prayer you put towards me in seeking more of God and striving to stir more hunger than ever before on this side of the Pacific Ocean!
Yes, I'm jetlagging! But I am blessed!
Peace for now,
PR
God is certainly good to us! Going to a place like Davao Philippines opens your eyes to just how blessed we are in comparison to most in the world. I could not help but think, "Most of these wonderful people live in less space than my master bath!" My master bath! Not my master bedroom, or half of my house, or the kitchen and living room! We visited cell groups in homes that housed multiple people--adults, teens, and kids--that had less room than my master bath!! That is humbling for sure. But it also helps me understand that the blessing of God isn't in what you have materially--but what you have spiritually!
Their heart for God is amazing! So open, so receptive, and so hungry! The hunger for God is uninterrupted! People who show up more than an hour early for church to intercede in prayer! People who just give time to their walk with God, being willing to sacrifice in order to make it happen. People who worship without caring what others think! Young people fired up about God and church! I like that! I want that!
To my Filipino brothers and sisters, I will be back! But not only that, I will lead our church and others in supporting the work of Harvest House in the Philippines! I also make a commitment to honor the prayer you put towards me in seeking more of God and striving to stir more hunger than ever before on this side of the Pacific Ocean!
Yes, I'm jetlagging! But I am blessed!
Peace for now,
PR
Monday, December 7, 2009
Good Change
I have been thinking today about where I am in the great scheme of things. I pastor a growing, lively, powerful, fun, family, friends, awesome band, great singers, anointed worship, awesome pastoral team, wonderful volunteers, kind of church. I have a fantastic wife and two awesome boys! I have great friends. I go to a great university..ORU. I am blessed.
Wow, that's already a bunch. But this kind of thinking makes me reflect on where I've come from. I am thankful God has lead me here! I am thankful that I was willing to make some hard choices concerning doctrine, denomination, and direction. I am glad to be out of a religious system where politics and legalistic control hold a prominent place in "pleasing God."
I am thankful I made the choice to leave all of that! And I am even more thankful that those in the denomination who said God would leave me if I left them were wrong! Those who still say God's anointing has lifted off of my life, my wife, and my ministry are wrong! I am thankful that although religion may pronounce judgment, God himself is the only real judge--and he judges me to be righteous through Christ! Where people string harsh words of condemnation, God speaks words of peace and joy. I have therefore now no condemnation! Why? Because the only one in this entire universe who holds the power to really condemn, is the one who sanctioned and called me to be where I am right now!
Now a word for those who have also dared--or are about to dare--to follow God in the face of all opposition. If religious people have spoken against you because you chose to follow God and forget their hoops to jump through; take heart, they don't have the say that counts. If religious people get all upset because you chose to follow in the steps of a God that knows how to upset the system and do the unusual, then so be it! They can't rain on God's parade being fleshed out in your life!
My life is really, really, really good...I am extremely glad to right where I am!
PR
Wow, that's already a bunch. But this kind of thinking makes me reflect on where I've come from. I am thankful God has lead me here! I am thankful that I was willing to make some hard choices concerning doctrine, denomination, and direction. I am glad to be out of a religious system where politics and legalistic control hold a prominent place in "pleasing God."
I am thankful I made the choice to leave all of that! And I am even more thankful that those in the denomination who said God would leave me if I left them were wrong! Those who still say God's anointing has lifted off of my life, my wife, and my ministry are wrong! I am thankful that although religion may pronounce judgment, God himself is the only real judge--and he judges me to be righteous through Christ! Where people string harsh words of condemnation, God speaks words of peace and joy. I have therefore now no condemnation! Why? Because the only one in this entire universe who holds the power to really condemn, is the one who sanctioned and called me to be where I am right now!
Now a word for those who have also dared--or are about to dare--to follow God in the face of all opposition. If religious people have spoken against you because you chose to follow God and forget their hoops to jump through; take heart, they don't have the say that counts. If religious people get all upset because you chose to follow in the steps of a God that knows how to upset the system and do the unusual, then so be it! They can't rain on God's parade being fleshed out in your life!
My life is really, really, really good...I am extremely glad to right where I am!
PR
Friday, November 20, 2009
Back in Action
Well, it has been a while since my last blog post so I thought it best to dive into something. Here it goes!
Dream. Change. Progress. Destiny.
That seems like the kind of progression that I want in my life! Destiny comes in stages! First, you dream of what might be. Then you begin to make changes that facilitate the dream. You then mark progress as you move toward that last item--DESTINY!
What about your destiny? Do you think about it? Do you pray about it? I can say that for most of us life has been more about "one day at a time" than it has been about what tomorrow could hold! I don't know about you, but for me--I don't want to be a just existing, wasting my life away "one day at a time", kind of guy! That's the wrong song!!! I want to dream, and change, and progress, to my destiny!
I am currently working on my Masters of Divinity degree at ORU. I am presently planning service additions, ministry expansions, and personal goal accomplishments in the next year. I am leaving some things behind--like Paul--and reaching for something new! This is where the most crucial part of the progress takes place.
That change part! Changing routines! Changing habits! Changing associations! Meeting new people! Doing new things! Those uncomfortable issues of change that are absolutly necessary if destiny is to ever be realized! It is through change that progress takes place! Not just going through another day, but siezing the day to thrust me into my future.
No one can stop that! Not the nay sayers from the past! Not the critics! Not those who heap praise and say its just fine like it is! I think I'll just keep in the change mode as destiny unfolds before my eyes and I think I'll go out singing a different song (with the Little River Band):
"Time for cool change. I know that it's time for a cool change. Now that my life, is so pre-arranged. I know that it's time for a cool change!"
Dream. Change. Progress. Destiny.
That seems like the kind of progression that I want in my life! Destiny comes in stages! First, you dream of what might be. Then you begin to make changes that facilitate the dream. You then mark progress as you move toward that last item--DESTINY!
What about your destiny? Do you think about it? Do you pray about it? I can say that for most of us life has been more about "one day at a time" than it has been about what tomorrow could hold! I don't know about you, but for me--I don't want to be a just existing, wasting my life away "one day at a time", kind of guy! That's the wrong song!!! I want to dream, and change, and progress, to my destiny!
I am currently working on my Masters of Divinity degree at ORU. I am presently planning service additions, ministry expansions, and personal goal accomplishments in the next year. I am leaving some things behind--like Paul--and reaching for something new! This is where the most crucial part of the progress takes place.
That change part! Changing routines! Changing habits! Changing associations! Meeting new people! Doing new things! Those uncomfortable issues of change that are absolutly necessary if destiny is to ever be realized! It is through change that progress takes place! Not just going through another day, but siezing the day to thrust me into my future.
No one can stop that! Not the nay sayers from the past! Not the critics! Not those who heap praise and say its just fine like it is! I think I'll just keep in the change mode as destiny unfolds before my eyes and I think I'll go out singing a different song (with the Little River Band):
"Time for cool change. I know that it's time for a cool change. Now that my life, is so pre-arranged. I know that it's time for a cool change!"
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