The Lord speaks through the prophet Isaiah and says, "Behold, all you that kindle a fire, that surround yourselves with sparks: who walk in the light of YOUR fire, and in the sparks that YOU have kindled. This shall you have from my hand; you shall lie down in sorrow" (Isa. 50:11).

What a solemn warning to those who walk in darkness and yet try to help THEMSELVES out into the light. These are represented as kindling a fire, and surrounding themselves with sparks.

What does it mean?

Why, it means that when we are in darkness, the temptation is to find a way WITHOUT trusting in the Lord and without relying upon Him. We seek the light of nature, and get the advice of our friends. We RUN rather than FACE our issues and in turn run from the Healer of our hearts. 

But you might be asking -- Why bring this up on a festive night like tonight? Isn't Christmas about celebrating? You bet it is.  The event of the birth of Jesus Christ SHOULD be celebrated throughout the entire world --- but in case you haven’t noticed, not everyone is celebrating. Nowadays most American stores, schools, businesses, and most certainly government facilities have taken Christ out of the celebration altogether -and exchanged Merry Christmas for a blander, “happy holidays”. No, not everyone is celebrating tonight, not even everyone in our families! Truth be told, not all those in Bethlehem celebrated. And they had the star! 

Speaking of the star, have you wondered why Herod didn’t see it? I mean, it was bright, right? Did no one have insomnia and stare out the window that night? Was every eye in Bethlehem closed? Have you considered how crazy it is that a group of wise men would pack up and start riding their camels to follow a bright star all the way to a whole different country and yet most of the residents of Bethlehem didn’t even notice the light??? Have you wondered? I have.  

And I believe it has something to do with what God warned back in Isaiah.  You see, Bethlehem was filled with good folk who nevertheless kindled their own fire and surrounded themselves with their own sparks.  Good people who were busy.  Good people who had problems at home, problems at work, problems with their health, and perhaps were even walking in financial distress. Bethlehem was filled with good people who didn’t have the time or the energy to see the light of God. Problem is, Orange City, Lake Helen, Deltona, and Deland .are also filled with people who struggle with the very same things – and they too have kindled their own fires and surrounded themselves with their own sparks.   

They seem very content with their own light and therefore ignore the GREAT light that God has provided in Jesus. But God isn’t done yet. God has must assuredly not given up -- And that is why I celebrate tonight. 

Jesus said: “What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops…. You will be my witnesses”

That’s why we are here tonight. We have seen, we have witnessed and experienced the great light of Jesus! And we have given up our fires and our sparks, because frankly, our light simply didn’t compare to the light of God. 

Now each of us have heard Linus, Lucy, and Charlie Brown sing of peace on earth good will towards men and we have come to understand that Santa Claus, lights and presents (no matter how wonderful they are) are insufficient for the task. For God and sinners to be reconciled, truly reconciled, it took the light of Jesus 2000 years ago.  It is HIS light that is still required today. You see the star of Bethlehem faded away. But the Light of God expressed in Jesus Christ will shine forever.

I wonder, having seen the light of God, who will YOU tell?

Symbols

Today I saw a man wearing a cross on a long beaded chain.  It’s not the first time nor is this the only man I've seen wearing a cross in similar fashion.  It means something.  I just don’t know what it means.

            Symbols are important that way.  A true symbol always points to something larger or greater than itself - even if we don't understand the symbol! Doctors of all religious persuasions use the symbol of a snake on a pole to point out the high call of their healing mission (probably unaware that the snake on the pole was first recorded as being used by Moses in the desert).

            The wedding ring, various colored martial art belts, stripes on a military uniform, even the golden arches that are found in most every city in America and most every country around the globe – all these are symbols speaking of greater realities. 

              Yet the Bible claims God has gone beyond all our recognized symbols.  In the book of Romans it is declared that everything you and I see from the smallest to the greatest are actually symbols that point to the reality of God.  I find that amazing. 

            Perhaps that is why the cross in the center of the Jewish Star of David, while offensive to some, works for me.  Then again, so does the smoke used in Native American ceremonies, retreats, vision quests, candles, peace pipes, foot washings and a myriad of other symbols.  Symbols can have incredible value.

            And then it hit me.  The dream catcher.  A wonderful symbol of our good dreams ascending to the heavens while the bad ones get caught up on the web and burn up with the rising of the sun.  What if the cross were placed in the center of the dream catcher?  Sound crazy?  Offensive you say? Yet for those who believe Jesus is the Son of God, to what better place could our dreams (and our prayers) ascend? 

            Symbols.  Have you given them much thought lately?     

That's Garbage!

Today as I walked around church grounds I became more disgusted with each step.  As I surveyed the grass and sidewalk before me I saw garbage of most every description strewn all over.  I was aghast.  I was appalled.  Truth be told, I was and am sickened by the total disregard that so many have for our home … the earth.

            Please understand that I am not beating the “mother earth” drum here.  I am an educated man, yet I'm afraid I cannot speak intelligently about when the whole ‘mother earth’ craze began. Oh, I know I have heard the term associated with Native spirituality from my earliest winters.  However, those espousing Wiccan, New Age, Paganism, and even Greek mythology have perhaps focused more on the term than any of my Native brothers.

            What I am noting – even screaming – is that the way a vast majority of people treat the earth is utterly shocking. To their credit, we have church groups, civic groups, and families who care banding together to pick up the garbage lying along many American roads.  But I have to ask, “Why is this necessary?

            When did people get the idea that the earth is their garbage dump?  When did it become acceptable to treat the place we work, eat, drive, raise families, sleep, build homes, garden, and worship with such contempt? No matter who or what we believe created this earth … no matter how we believe it came to be … this is the only earth we have!  The only earth our grandchildren will ever know. 

            I've heard it said that the gum so many casually throw from their car will stay many decades upon the land.  I'm certain the cigarette butt won't last that long; yet the mindset is nevertheless the same. Is it that we don’t care? Or is it that we feel the earth will somehow absorb our folly? 

            I believe it was Chief Joseph who said, “Continue to contaminate your bed and you will one night suffocate in your own waste.” Ouch.  I know we cannot go back to the days when a man could walk for months and not see another human being. I understand that we must somehow grow accustomed to every secret place of the forest being heavy with the scent of many men. Yet my brothers and sisters, are we now supposed to stand idly by and smile as the earth is raped and polluted? Personally, I think that’s garbage!   

Why did I do that?

         For a number of years I have found myself saying, "there's a reason behind everything we do -- good, bad, or indifferent to the masses -- there is a reason ... and it might not be the reason someone looking on might first suspect."

        The Rabbi addressed this issue by speaking about the benefits of doing things in secret. Prayer?  Go in to your closet.  Fasting?  Don't allow others to see your face disfigured.  Giving? Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.  Of course, there is benefit in letting folk see you pray - you may well hear people say, "Oh how eloquent he is." There is benefit in letting people see you suffer through depriving your body - you may hear folk marvel out loud, "What a spiritual giant she is." There is   benefit in deliberately waiting for people to see you make your financial offering - they may well exclaim, "What a generous fellow that is!"

        Yet Jesus wasn't interested in the accolades of men.  The things he did ... the things he said ... he did them for The Father who sees in secret.  THAT was the benefit Jesus was looking for. And the funny thing is, he wanted his followers to see that benefit as well. 

        So when a member of the church asked me why folk were making financial offerings to a local Christian radio station and having their names broadcast for all to hear - I really didn't have an answer for him. Do you?

Hope you don't mind

 A while ago now there was an event on church property. A simple car wash. Nothing fancy. But the money raised went to help local veterans struggling with addiction and in need of medicine and travel money to get to their respective physicians.
       One of the veterans, in need of using the facilities, asked if I would unlock the sanctuary door for him. "Of course", I replied. Now I'm honestly not certain how long he was inside. Yet clearly, upon his exit, this particular veteran was feeling as if he had transgressed in some way and was feeling some culpability.
       As our eyes finally met, the man said sheepishly, "Hope you don't mind but I did a little praying in your sanctuary."
      Mind?  What are you kidding me?  Of course I mind!  There will be no praying in the sanctuary. Never. Ever!
      Actually, while I didn't say the above, neither did any great or witty comment emerge from the chasm of my open mouth. All that toppled forth over my tongue was a lame, "Don't mind at all."
      The more I consider this simple exchange the more I'm convinced there are only two possible reasons for this man to feel the way he did. The first potential reason is sad -- the second is far more troublesome and even horrible to consider.
      Perhaps this veteran, for reasons of his own, does not feel worthy to enter a church and have a conversation with God. Now that is sad given the Bible professes that God so loves the world that His Son died for our sin -- mine, yours, and this veteran's.
      Or maybe, just maybe, this veteran was concerned that the church wouldn't think too kindly of him praying in the sanctuary  because of the color of his skin or the gravity of his sin.
     Sound preposterous?  I don't know, I've known a great many folk who are disenfranchised from the church because of the way they have been treated. Like Ghandi, they think very highly of Jesus but don't see much of a resemblance in the eyes of those who follow him.
     Someone famous has said, the church is the only institution on earth that can give God a bad name. It gives me pause when I think that I make up a small part of that institution -- that I have, by my actions or lack thereof, put a blemish on the face of God.
     Today, all I can do is make apology for the past and move forward in hope that in the future I will do better ... That I will be a better witness for God. Isn't it amazing that God doesn't stop with second chances? Hope you don't mind but I think Jesus has been doing a little praying for all of us.

Thankfulness

Recently one of my closest friends noted that I am “a very busy man”. It is true, my roles and their respective responsibilities tend to keep my time occupied.  When I am not operating in my role as a substance abuse counselor I am normally doing something commensurate with the duties of the pastorate.  And when my role of pastor is not requiring specific time in service or meetings or preparation for the meetings, I tend to fill the void with the responsibilities of my role as President of New Wine Ministries.  Thrown on top of these responsibilities are the very real needs which surround my being a husband, father, and grandfather. Like many I know, my schedule is full and my time is limited – which leads me to what I want to share today. 

        Truth be told, were it not for some very key players in my world, I would not be able to do what I do.  First of all, my ‘higher power’ is Jesus Christ – without him to turn to and to converse with, I would surely lose myself in the chaos and quagmires of life. Secondly, there is my bride – the woman who proves on a daily basis that she is for me and not against me.  Marie is my helpmate and my partner, adeptly picking up the pieces I leave behind and performing tasks for me needing to get done, that honestly I have ignored, or knew about and had forgotten altogether. Thirdly, there are a host of support persons within the ministry, both domestic and international – you know who you are.  You are my go to people.  The ones I count on for innumerable tasks from the mundane to the creative, and the ones in which I am so very seldom disappointed. Most of you operate tirelessly behind the scenes with little or no fanfare.  

        As I write, I find the “key player” list just grows – my beautiful daughter, who for 17 years has given me reason to keep going when I’ve lost my way – my mother, who gave me life and has kept on giving life each time I hear her voice or feel her embrace over the 52 winters of my experience – Christie, who cared enough to theologically spar and ultimately challenge me even when she trembled inwardly at how her challenge might play out – Hannah, who offered true friendship during the most traumatic period of my life – Grandma, who gifted me with a no matter what kind of belief in me – and Lowell, who was willing to see past my idiosyncrasies and insecurities long enough to embrace me as a friend and a brother.  

       For all of you who are mentioned and for the many I have mentioned only in the recesses of my mind and heart, I AM SO VERY THANKFUL! 

Seasons

The chill in the air and the falling leaves remind me that I have entered the 52nd winter of my life.  I have always loved the way my ancestors align themselves with other wonders of creation – years become winters, months become moons, days become the rising or setting of the sun. More than just a novel or quaint way of describing the same period of time, I have found that there is great wisdom in acknowledging the parallel between our human experience and that of the trees, the animals, and even the mountains.

While none would debate that as humans we possess ability and gifts which eclipse that of the rest of creation, nonetheless it is utter folly when I hear others completely dismiss the conversation of the frogs around the pond, the wisdom shared between the owls in the trees, or the voice of the waterfall as it echoes through the mountains.  All creation has the same Creator – therefore we honor the Ancient of Days by acknowledging that we share much in common with that which surrounds us. One of those commonalities must certainly be the seasons. 

I have found that there are seasons within the seasons.  Though difficult for me to pinpoint, it was somewhere around the 48th winter of my life when I experienced a vague sense of also being in the “fall”.  The spring of my youth had passed, the summer of my adulthood had slipped by, and fall had come upon me much like the afternoon shade of the forest. Moreover, I have no doubt, should my life on earth continue for many more winters, I too shall experience the coming of winter upon my life as a fog that settles within the valley.

All this makes me wonder why so many run from, rather than embrace the changing of life’s seasons. And for all of our running, not one of us has ever escaped the realities which permeate our existence.  There is, as many have said, the circle of life – we are a part of this and not above it! Life is to death what death is to life. All things on earth have a beginning and an end. And yet the end of one thing is merely the beginning of another. “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies …” (John 12.24)

Each season has its purpose.  The bear grows during hibernation – flowers bloom in the spring and summer – the squirrels scurry to gather food in the fall – fields left to fallow rejuvenate for the future! You also are in the midst of a season.  Are you embracing it?  Are you using this season for what the Creator intends for you?  Seasons … I’ve come to see them as a gift.

I'm against that!

During the winter of 2007 I had the honor of leading a team of seven on a mission trip to India. The mission was simple in its premise … verify the work of God being done under the banner of New Wine Ministries and further train some 30 pastors who were or had established churches in their respective areas.

            Countless times we were whisked away from preaching engagements for no apparent reason – our host would simply interrupt and say, “We must go now.” After nearly 3 weeks, while baptizing those assembled in the Bay of Bengal, I began to understand the real danger of the crowd behind the crowd.

            The “againtists”, as our host explained, refers to those who rise up against all things contrary to the official religion of India --- especially Christianity --- he went on to say that the againtists have the full support of the Indian Government and can burn entire villages without consequence if they feel their religion is not being observed in the proper manner. 

            My mind was teleported back to India today as I overheard a man (who knew nothing about which he spoke) say, “I'm against that.” It seems to me that there is a fine line between being convinced your course of action is a correct one and blindly (without knowledge) being “against” everything else. Knowledge and wisdom are good teachers while intolerance is, well, simply intolerance.

            The funny thing is, I do not recall a single recorded event in the life of Jesus Christ in which he would not listen to what his opponent had to say – never a time in which he was too scared or too hardhearted to listen and then respond.

            Now I'm thinking that those who profess to be Christians, as well as those who profess to be something entirely different, could make the world just a little better place if we would listen before displaying (in word or action) our intolerance. I believe I can go on record as saying, I’M AGAINST THAT!  

A life "in Order"

The man sitting in front of me proudly proclaims, “I have my life in order and it feels real good.” I find myself strangely proud of this client as I am keenly aware that the requirements upon him currently are much more stringent than that of clients still living within the residential substance abuse program.

            There is something about the glow of this man’s face; something concerning the peace exhibited by the relaxed nature of his jaw and the gentle presence of wrinkles at his eyes that tell me he believes what he is saying to be true.  

Facing imminent death, doctors will often tell their patients to “get their life in order”. Although seldom a desired statement (especially from a trusted physician intimately aware of the peculiarities of our case), the counsel is always wise. All this got me to wondering – why wait?

Why do we wait to get our lives in order until we have lost family, home, and job?  Why do we wait to hear such a pronouncement from our doctor and then become so devastated at the prospect of the work ahead of us?  Truth be told, like waiting to wash today’s dishes until tomorrow, we tend to hope that some how, some way, we will be absolved from the responsibility.  After all, perhaps someone else will do it. And if not, we rationalize; we can always do it later.

I’m not beating the drum of “tomorrow is guaranteed to no one”.  Although true, that is not what is filling my mind.  What amazes me is that this globe is literally jammed with people who do not possess the peace that accompanies one who has his/her life in order. I find that incredibly sad.

Can you say what my client said today and mean it?  If not, do you have a plan to make it happen?  What would your “life in order” even look like?  John Denver said, “There are many ways of being in this circle we call life” – if he was right, then perhaps your life “in order” would look differently than my client’s, or mine! But here’s the thing – and there is really no way to get around this – if your life is in order you will feel good and have peace … peace that eludes those who are waiting for the doctor’s words or for tomorrow’s sunrise.

People are watching

This morning I was greeted by a client as I exited my vehicle ready to begin another day of ministry at the recovery center.  After gaining my attention, this client proclaims, “I want to let you know that a lot of people are watching you and how you treat us here.”

            The fact that he made his comment with an open posture, good eye contact, and tears in his eyes told me he was not only sincere in his comment but also that it was a positive statement and not a threat! Time, for a moment, seemed to stand still as he reached forth his hand in a gesture of good will. He is a man that trusts few. I found the moment both amazing and honoring. 

            There is, of course, a universal reality expressed here. Truth be told, we are ALL being watched, whether we know it or not … whether we like it or not.  Now we can protest and lament that we are having a bad day, physical problems, turmoil on the job, marital issues, PMS, poor karma or even bad biorhythm – yet the stark fact remains that others are watching how we treat people – and they don’t know (perhaps don’t even care) what is going on within our personal lives. 

            Now trust me, I am NOT suggesting we each adopt a plastic and fake smile to parade for the world to see.  Such disingenuousness would not serve us or anyone else for the better. I want to advocate for respect.  Respect for ourselves (yes, I am having a bad day).  Yet also respect for others (my bad day does not mean I have a license to treat you with disrespect).

            Such a way of living speaks of integrity – respect for all things and all persons within a perfect confluence of cosmic proportion.  You see, in a most fantastic way, this manner of engaging life also brings respect to our Creator.  Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5.16)

If asked, what would people report about the light we are giving forth? Does it speak of respect, or dishonor?  People are watching.  

Let's get real!

Recently a client recorded as one of his treatment goals, “I want to figure out what God is to me.” While it is true that this is an out of the ordinary goal vis-à-vis a substance abuse treatment plan, I find that he selected it nothing less than extraordinary. 

            For anyone to seek something or someone, they must first determine that what they have or who they have is somehow insufficient.  Moreover, from ‘ground zero’ as it relates to things spiritual or religious, someone seeking must be open to the reality that what they will discover may well be an “it” rather than a “who”.

            Truly spiritual men and women know their path has been littered with struggle – pain, suffering, and error have been their teachers.  You see, spirituality should never be confused with religion.  The term spirituality involves finding meaning and purpose in one’s life and experiences. It encompasses a person’s philosophy of life and world view. Spirituality, then, refers to our inner belief system.  Conversely, religion refers to the externals of our belief system and has to do with such things as church, prayers, traditions, rites, rituals, and etcetera.  Religion is the frame – spirituality is that which is contained inside the frame.

            I’m thinking it is this misunderstanding of the unique character of each of the aforementioned that leads so many Christians to abandon church attendance altogether.  Whenever one embraces the church (religion) so as to provide meaning and purpose for their lives (something it can never do), they will inevitably leave the same, feeling let down and unfulfilled – normally these misguided souls will seek and attend several different churches before ultimately believing they are ‘better off’ to stay home. 

Tragically, from the hallowed vantage point of their home, these misdirected individuals find they still battle emptiness – only now they can’t blame the church! Truth be told, the difficulty – the REAL difficulty – was their futile attempt to make the “context” of church replace a personal and feeble sense of spirituality. Sound familiar? It should.  It happens far too often!

Perhaps we should each take some time and ponder my client’s treatment goal.  Can you strip away or at least peal back the religious jargon and ritual long enough to stand before a mirror and proclaim, “I want to figure out what God is to me.”?

Judgment

I'm sitting in a circle of 68 men and I'm teaching a class on discrimination.  As class prepares to end I snatch my Blackberry from my side to check the time.  It is then that the man next to me asks, “Wayne, why don’t you wear a watch?”  The question is innocent enough. But somehow, in my mind at least, it seemed to dog pile upon a question asked earlier as I counseled a man who suffered great abuse while a child.  His question of me, which seemed to emerge from the deepest part of his soul, “Wayne, you are a pastor, a counselor, and successful family man, how can you possibly understand what it feels like to be abused?”

            As I look around the circle I see men of all sizes, ages, and racial backgrounds.  Yet I'm guessing each have judged me … each have sized me up and generally come to the same conclusion the earlier man had … “Wayne, how could you possibly know?” So I run the risk of class running over and I begin to embark upon what I hope will be self-revelation with a purpose. 

            “Gentlemen, when you look at others you only see what is before you.  But each person has a past and the past holds the reason for everything we do or don’t do.  Here’s why I don’t wear a watch … I was a freshman in high school returning with some 40 others from a sporting event when one of the upper classman had an idea. He teamed up with several others and, prompted by dislike, threw me up on the luggage rack. They bound my hands and feet to the bars using duck tape, having already taped my mouth. For over 3 hours they then beat, poked, pinched, and slapped me until they grew tired.  Ultimately, once arriving home, the entire bus vacated – including the coach.  Today, the only thing I wear around my wrist is the Native American wedding band.”

            Judgment comes so easy for us.  In a normal days time, each one of us quite probably makes a thousand judgments.  We judge circumstance.  We judge things.  We judge people.  And THAT is where things get dicey.  

            We can only judge people by what we see and that is what makes it so dangerous.  Jesus said, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." (John 7.24) I'm thinking our world would be better off if folk tried to understand before running to judge.  What do you think?

Responsibility?

Speaking before a group of high school students who had just experienced an amazing weeklong retreat within the Grand Canyon, a chaperone commented, “You have a responsibility to go out into the world and tell people what you have seen.” 

Responsibility is not a word many want to hear about in our world today; we have each met many who suffer from ‘Peter Pan’ syndrome. Yet the man who uttered the above words entered boldly into Neverland and issued his challenge.  I have a hunch that is why each of us is given such privilege to begin with. John Muir. Johann Bach. Loren Eiseley. Chief Joseph. Each embraced the responsibility to share what they had seen.

Jesus did a similar thing when he embraced HIS responsibility.  As Jesus lived His life as an example before us, He was consistent to do only what He saw the Father doing (John 5.19). He shared only what He “heard” the Father say (John 7.16).

And yet my friend, the circle doesn’t end there. We too have a responsibility. Jesus said of us, “You will be my witnesses.” (Acts 1.8). 

Our Lord does not expect us to possess eloquence He has not bestowed.  He does not require that we speak of things we know nothing about.  However, God DOES expect us to go out into the world and tell people what we have seen.  It is our responsibility to share with others the love and forgiveness we have received. Doing this doesn’t require a Master’s Degree or Bible College – it DOES require a willingness to leave Neverland and embrace responsibility.  I'm wondering, what holds so many of us back?

And so it begins ...

It was in the city of Antioch, several years after Jesus had been crucified, that the word "Christian" was first used.  The word literally meant, "Follower of Jesus" - with  perhaps a connotation of one being likened to a "little" Christ. I find it interesting and even sad that so many who are called 'Christians' remain 'little' ... remain an infant ... although the Bible certainly proclaims we should GROW UP (Ephesians 4.11-15).  Living profound Christianty is an intentional movement toward growing into the fullness of Jesus Christ -- it is being willing to take a risk and engage life in its completeness without fear -- just as Jesus, the Rabbi did. Profound Christianity means opening our eyes to see Truth as it is revealed by the Creator ... in nature, in sacred writing, in mystery, in those who have lived before us, in those living around us right now, and in embracing each moment of life as a gift. This and more is the purpose of this blog.  I invite you to join me in this adventure.