One Arm Inspiriation: Kevin Laue

6’11″ Kevin Laue has one arm. He is receiving a scholarship to play basketball at Manhattan College. You just got to read the story.
<a href=”http://http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=jn-laue060509&prov=yhoo&type=lgns “>

It’s Friday, But Sunday is Coming!

Imagine that first Easter weekend. It’s Friday—the two days before God’s appointed time. Promise is overshadowed by grief. The city of peace wakes up to the closing days of Passover. This Passover has been anything but a celebration. The dust of Jewish rejection and Roman complicity killed Jesus and is settling on the streets of Jerusalem. But you are a follower of Jesus Christ—a Galilean. Your faith, hope and love lies in a guarded tomb—borrowed at that. It’s hard to get out of bed. Every fiber of your being aches with grief. “Crucify him, crucify him” rings in your ears. So does the agony of Jesus crying out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.” And those last words, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” is beyond comprehension.

There is no fight left in you. You’re hoping no one asks if you are a follower of Jesus. It’s not a matter of embarrassment; rather you need some space to consider what’s next. Getting out of the city is the only thing on your mind. The smells of harvest and fishing call you back to sustaining your family. Sabbath is just hours away. Traveling home to Galilee will have to wait till Sunday. It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.

And Sunday comes. It’s time to go home to Galilee. You hear that Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James went to the tomb with spices. You gather your stuff and begin the slow walk home only to see another follower of Jesus running toward you and saying, “He’s gone. The tomb is empty.” Could it be? No way. But, what if… Your friend reminds you of the words of Jesus—the words of suffering, three days and resurrection. Hope lives. Grief shoved out by joy. Passover is about deliverance. God has a future for his people.

It happened, you know? The resurrection of Jesus Christ is our only hope. Without it our faith is futile, our failures are fatal and death is final.

The resurrection makes Christian faith unique from all other religions.
I cannot imagine life without Easter, can you?
God did something on a Sunday morning in history. Hallelujah!

It’s Friday, but Sunday is Coming!

It’s Friday. The sky is bright blue, not a cloud in sight. The air is cool and the sun is warm. Silence beckons. Birds chip the language of peace and quietly soar against the blue tapestry of heaven. Peaceful. Serene. It is a morning of silence before God.  For some reason, I do not even hear a plane, train or automobile. The pounding of construction is absent. It is a rare morning where I live in the city.  No radio or television as background noise  can be heard. I can almost feel my own heart beating. It is good, actually, more than good. It is essential for me.  For I cannot minister, or even be Christian without this time. Silence is not always peaceful when I get to the spiritual center and admit some things.   But without it, the shallowness of life and the weariness in my own spirit consumes me. What about you?

No doubt Jesus had mornings like this. He often withdrew to a solitary place–a place where his own heart could be stilled. It was a rhythm in his life to withdraw into silence. Solitude. Silence. Prayer. Even Jesus had to have it.

It’s Friday. Over 2,000 years ago there was a silent Friday when the disciples could only hear their own fears. The cold, stone tomb silenced hope. But Sunday came. It was evening on the first day of the week–the day of resurrection.  The disciples were huddled in a room, the doors locked for fear of the Jesus. And Jesus appeared–”Peace be with you.” After the shock, there was ecstatic joy (Jn 20.19f). Just imagine. When Jesus breaks the silence of fear he always speaks peace to the heart.

It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming!  No doubt you need some silence in your life. The silence calls you to God–to the peace and joy of resurrection life.  But, if the silence draws out your fears, it is even more reason to gather with his people this Sunday to worship. The peace of Christ can rule your heart. Resurrection says so.

Be still and know that I am God. This is what one silent worshipper said from experience years ago (Ps 46.10).

Come. Sunday is.

Applying My Faith

Immigration is a hot topic these days. I live in a global community. Stereotypes abound. Racism is not dead and raises its ugly head even “down at church.” Jesus had his share of struggles with us religious folk, didn’t he?

I have been considering what it means apply my faith in light of social justice. As a follower of Jesus Christ and one who holds up the Bible as God’s Word, then and now, how can I ignore social justice? From my reading of Scripture it is woven into the very fabric of what it means to be God’s people. God himself has a few things to say about justice. The prophets railed against injustice in God’s people as well as the pagans. Amos may have been a sheepherder, but he certainly understood God’s will about social justice.

My particular religious heritage is not known for social justice initiatives. In fact, historically, we have distanced ourselves from the words, “social justice.” In my life time it may be that “SJ” has been associated with those “bleeding heart liberals” (whatever that stereotype means) or only the “democrats.” Or maybe those radical who blow up abortion clinics (hardly something that Jesus would advocate). For some, “SJ” is only about MLK and civil rights.

Living as redeemed people in Jesus Christ compels me to engage in deliberate thought and action regarding social justice.

So what is social justice to you? Let’s talk. I have some examples.

It’s Friday, but Sunday is Coming!

Friends. On this Friday of uncertainty, wearied spirits, and tired bones I am thinking of friends. Uncertainty because someone, somewhere is feeling it. Life is short.  Wearied spirits because it’s life and sometimes it takes a toll.  Tired bones because life is not fair, people baggage is real and looking in the mirror is difficult.  Who invented mirrors anyway?

The wisdom writer is right–”There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Prov 18.24).

I wrote a “thank you” letter to a good friend this week. It seems that cancer may get the best of him, sooner than later. I ate breakfast with a thirty year friend whose wife has left him. When he said, “I just miss her” I was speechless and just sighed. Even good coffee could not drown out the lonely cry. A friend called to affirm our long friendship this week–what a blessing.  I called some friends for some relationship maintenance this week. I am glad I did.  This whole guarding your heart stuff matters (Prov 4.23). The heart is the well spring of life.  Inside stuff is where we really live.

I have some friends who stick closer than a brother (Prov 18.24).  Don’t you?

Jesus had friends–companions on the way to the cross.  They did not understand everything he said and messed up quite a bit. But Jesus stuck with them.  He knew what they would do and he knew that their failures were not fatal. There was Judas–who sold out Jesus. And in the garden, Jesus said to Judas, “Friend, do what you came to do.” I wonder what Jesus was thinking and feeling when Judas kissed him with betrayal?  Jesus said, “friend” to Judas.  Whew!  I choose to believe that Jesus was not being sarcastic.

On that resurrection morn’ it was friends and relatives who came to the tomb.  They were shocked and soon filled with joy. Their friend, Lord, and Savior was alive!

The best friends are those who know the tomb is empty and live accordingly. Resurrection friends know how to celebrate. Together. Praising God. Knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

See you Sunday, friends!

Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

John 13.13-15

It’s Friday, But Sunday is Coming!

It’s Friday—the cold, rain continues to fall soaking the dry winter ground. Days like this force us inside. I generally like rainy mornings—time to think and reflect. A warm beverage, a comfortable chair and seeing the world through a rain drop window is a welcome friend. But cold, rainy days are not friendly for everyone. 

For some people, days like this foster anxiety—the dark cloud of depression hangs low, and those who live by no work, no pay reality stare at unpaid bills. I am also mindful of the homeless. In California, tent communities are growing due to unemployment. In Irving, Texas, children go to school after spending the night in a car. The numbers increase. Foreclosures force families to the streets. Life choices narrow quickly. Cold, rainy days mean something different for those living in a tent or worse, on the street.

A grieving mother called this week. Her 36-year old son died. He was homeless, mainly by choice. Oh, he had a history of chemical abuse, even prison time. But he always managed to make it. Every few weeks he would call his mother and say, “Momma, I am ok.” Recently, he said he wanted to change his life. The police found him on the street—a massive brain aneurysm burst. Mom and son’s last words were, “I love you.” Today’s raindrops are heaven’s tears for a grieving mother.

Another brother in Christ, who has been a long way from God’s people lost his job. Lots of health issues with him and his wife. And now, he has no insurance. Water cut off. Eviction notice came yesterday. He called to say, “I am not asking for anything. I just need someone to talk to. I don’t know what to do.” It’s a cold, rainy Friday in his life. I listen. I pray. I feel helpless. I cannot fix it, but desperately want to. I know you understand.

It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming! Cold, rainy days are inevitable, but they will not last.

• People of the resurrection live differently on cold, rainy days.
• People of resurrection do what it takes to help others.
• People of resurrection refuse to give up.
• People of resurrection give themselves to prayer and share resources.
• People of resurrection gather on Sunday to say to themselves and the world—Jesus is Lord. God is sovereign.\

It’s raining again—somewhere in the world.

And you know what I mean, don’t you?

Come Sunday to worship God-rain or not.

It’s Friday, But Sunday is Coming!

It’s Friday. Mr. Dow Jones does not look good–in fact, he is very depressed.  Resume after resume is submitted only to hear the same refrain, “We’re not hiring.”  And the bills keep coming. There are children to feed, mortgages to pay and creditors in the same boat have to do their job.  Voice mails ignored. Educated, well-trained people are taking menial jobs just to have something coming in. Helplessness abounds. Companies give notice daily that more cuts are coming. Who’s next?  Maybe you. These are not random occurrences–these are people, friends of mine.  Political ideologies don’t matter and it is doubtful that the government is the answer. Who didn’t see this coming? Why are we surprised? As a nation, we have been living beyond our means and on credit for quite some time. And we are sill the wealthiest nation in the world.  Go figure. It’s definitely Friday in so many ways.

What gives you comfort in times like these?  Did you know that the sale of chips and ice cream are soaring.  They are considered “comfort” foods–something to indulge in to ease the pain, cope with stress, and supposedly help. Umm

It’s Friday and the last thing you need is to become one with the couch or worse, feed your addiction. Addictions–we all have them, you know? An addiction is whatever we are attached or nailed to.

Jesus was nailed to the cross on Thursday. The disciples sat in gloom on Friday. Peter concluded it was all over and said, “Let’s go fishing–tantamount to get back to work. Hope is gone. The powers of evil win again.

And then Sunday came and you know the rest of the story. Paul Harvey did too.  And Sunday still comes. For  you. For me.

Being present, fully present in worship on Sunday will not pad your resume or even guarantee a job. It could, however, give you strength, courage and certainly hope.  Don’t underestimate what God does when we open up our heart and worship.

BTW–We are considering the implications of the resurrection of Jesus Christ for our lives on Sunday (1 Cor 15).

It’s FRIDAY for sure. But Sunday is COMING, without a doubt.

It’s Friday, But Sunday is Coming!

Pilot Point Church of Christ

1864. Yep. That’s when the church building was built complete with hand crafted oak pews, a bell tower and of course, a genuine, cast iron bell complete with rope for the children to ring every Sunday morning.  I know. I heard it loud and clear as I stood in the small foyer greeting people. I was the guest preacher last Sunday. And I was blessed more than I blessed.

The pulpit and communion table are original. Above the tile drop in ceiling is the original wood/log rafters. Wow. For 145 years people have gathered at this church in Pilot Point, TX in the name of Jesus Christ, raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of God.

Children squirmed in their seats. Grandparents held newborns. One sister said, I have been here all my life in this church. She’s 84 and puts God first. The bell has been ringing in her life to gather with God’s people for a long time.

It’s the bell that keeps ringing in my spirit. Do you have a bell in your spirit that calls you back to God?
God’s people have always had to be called to worship–to come into the presence of God and have life re-oriented.  Sometimes it involved repentance of a major sort. Sometimes it involved confessing great need or breaking idols. When the bells rings it is time to assemble with God’s people.

What the trumpet was to God’s people in Scripture is what the bell is for believers in Pilot Point.

• The priests called God’s people to gather with trumpets (Numbers 10).
• Joshua’s march around Jericho and at the blowing of the trumpet the walls came down (Joshua 6).
• And who can forget scared Gideon and the trumpets that were blown for battle (Judges 7).  BTW-God showed up and his people won.
• And then there were trumpets of celebration (1 Chronicles 15).
• And don’t forget, the seven angels who stood before God and were handed trumpets (Rev 8).  These were trumpets announcing judgment.

When the cock crowed in Peter’s life it was, in the words of Peter Marshall, “the trumpet of the dawn.”  Peter knew deep down inside what it meant. He heard the word of Jesus about his denial when the cock crowed. And he wept (Mk 14.72).  He would never forget that sound. He would also never let go of the resurrected Christ. He is our living hope (1 Peter 1.3f).
It’s Friday and maybe the cock is crowing in your life.  But Sunday is coming. The bell is ringing. The trumpet is sounding. Come. Gather with others and worship.

It’s Friday. Come Sunday a 12 year old boy named John will ring the bell in Pilot Point. And people will gather just like they have done for 145 years to be called back to God.

Do you hear the bell of resurrection hope in your spirit?

I do. See you Sunday!

It’s Friday, but Sunday is Coming!

Spring is Coming!
The winter season is still here according to the calendar. Yet some trees are already budding and the grass is greening. Sunny, warm days during winter remind us that spring is near. Without a doubt we know that spring will come. And with spring comes the rain and renewal of the earth. It is God’s doing—he set all the boundaries of the earth and made both summer and winter (Ps 74.17).

With spring comes resurrection—the cold, dry, brown earth fades and barren trees sprout new life. Resurrection is more than an event; it is the very essence of a creative, powerful life giving God who does not abandon his creation. This means you, too—created in the image of God, made new in Christ longing for spring to come. C. S. Lewis vividly portrays winter as death and spring as life in The Chronicles of Narnia. The best selling book, “The Shack” is a place of death and life; winter and spring for a troubled soul needing a relationship with God. Even Hosea, whose wife left him numerous times for other lovers knew about winter and longed for spring.

“Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”
Hosea 6.3

Winter can last a long time for some people. Winter can be a barren soul—empty, cold and void of life. Winter can be a long illness—a worn out body aching for relief and healing. Winter can be grief–tears won’t stop, little things trigger sadness and the night are so long. Winter is a broken relationship, a covenant gone awry, love lost. Winter comes.

Spring is coming. The signs are there. God’s timing is perfect. Winter will not last. You may need to hear this today.

Spring is coming. With spring comes resurrection. God is all about resurrection. That’s why Sunday is essential to keep spring alive in our heart when you are in the middle of winter.

Come Sunday. Worship with those who know winter won’t last.

It’s Friday, But Sunday is Coming!

Good morning! I have a confession to make–the writers block demon has consumed me.  I have written and deleted the first two lines at least ten times. My fingers rest on the keys waiting for my mind to engage. Nothing. So I thought I would simply get it out in the open.  There, I confessed.  Thanks for listening.

It’s Friday. Maybe you can identify with something akin to writers block. Here are a few possibilities.

Low morale. No energy. Health issues.

Feeling trapped in a situation. Wishing someone would change.

An irreconcilable difference. A sense of loss. Sadness.

No job. Worry about the future and on it goes.

Any one of these can leave us searching for words and staring into space.
Any one of these can consume the heart and paralyze the mind. This human thing is not easy. It makes confession a necessity.

The thing about Jesus is that he always knows what’s troubling us. He knows what it means to be human. He had to be made like us in every way (Heb 2.14-18).

He knew Friday was coming and all that it would entail–grief, loss of hope, darkness in the disciples souls. Fear of the future. Roman power rejoicing. Jewish rejection validated.

But Sunday came. The stone that blocked the tomb rolled away. There was plenty to talk about. Roman powers trembled. Jewish rejection silenced. Disciples ran from the tomb. Faith, hope and love walked the earth again.

Whatever is blocking you from resurrection joy can be confessed on Sunday. When you sing of God’s faithfulness, consider your baptism in Christ, participate in communion and interact with other believers you are confessing. To confess simply means you agree with God–you speak what God already knows about you and all that blocks your spirit.

It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming. The stone that blocked the tomb is gone.

Come as you are. Leave with the hope of Christ in your heart. Confess.