For the most part we like to be in control, or at least think we are in control. We like to call the shots, make the decisions and have a pretty good idea of how everything will turn out. But when that control is out of our hands and we feel helpless, that is a feeling we seldom welcome.
In a very simple form I have been forced to deal with feelings of helplessness. Seven weeks ago I injured my knee in a basketball game and for six of those seven weeks I have tried to pretend that I am in control. I visited the doctor a couple of times but I was pretty sure I could do something, anything to fix my knee. Whether it was ice, or rest or the right exercise I really thought I could fix this one. An MRI destroyed all of those thoughts. A torn ACL is not something I can fix on my own and I am in the hands of the doctor and his staff to make this one right.
When it comes to our faith are we in control? Do we like to be in charge, call the shots and have a pretty good idea how everything will work out? When we talk about faith and salvation those are things that are entirely and completely out of our control. It is nothing that we do, can do or will do, it is what has been done for us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is completely out of our control. And as hard as it is we need to let go, trust God, and allow him to fix this one for us.
I am going to do my best to take my own advice and trust that I am in good hands and that this one can and will be fixed without me. For my knee but also for my soul.
See you in church,
Chris
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Someone You Can Relate too
The other night my family and I watched the new film "Dolphin Tale." It is a movie based on the true story of Winter, a dolphin who lost her tail at two months old after it became entangled with a crab trap. Now as you can imagine, or if you have seen the trailer, this movie is a tear jerker, (my kids and I have a contest to see how many times my wife will cry in such a movie-I think Dolphin Tale is the new leader) and more than a few tears were shed as we watched the film. One of the things that I enjoyed most about the movie was how this dolphin was an inspiration for others, especially children, who had lost legs or weren't able to run, jump, etc like the other kids. At one point this girl who had lost one leg (we never know how it happened) drives a long way to see Winter and when she does she says, "she is just like me." Winter was an inspiration to this girl and many others because they could relate to her.
There is a parallel here with the Christian faith, God is someone that we can relate to through Jesus Christ. When we read the Gospels we see that Jesus' life was anything but easy. He is dismissed by his hometown, his own family calls him crazy, and the few friends he has abandon him when he faces his most difficult challenges. And then he experiences death. Whatever you have been through God has been there too.
Are you able to relate to God? Do you believe that when you struggle you don't struggle alone? That whatever you are going through God has experienced before and he experiences it again with you? Are you able to relate to God? Too often we think of God as this distant deity that rules from afar, deeply removed from us and our experiences. If we feel that way we need to remind ourselves of the 30+ years that God spent on this earth in the form of his son. God can say, with complete certainty and confidence, "I know what its like, I have been there too, you are not alone" because he has been there before and he is there with you now.
God IS someone we can relate to. I hope you feel that way too.
See you in church,
Chris
There is a parallel here with the Christian faith, God is someone that we can relate to through Jesus Christ. When we read the Gospels we see that Jesus' life was anything but easy. He is dismissed by his hometown, his own family calls him crazy, and the few friends he has abandon him when he faces his most difficult challenges. And then he experiences death. Whatever you have been through God has been there too.
Are you able to relate to God? Do you believe that when you struggle you don't struggle alone? That whatever you are going through God has experienced before and he experiences it again with you? Are you able to relate to God? Too often we think of God as this distant deity that rules from afar, deeply removed from us and our experiences. If we feel that way we need to remind ourselves of the 30+ years that God spent on this earth in the form of his son. God can say, with complete certainty and confidence, "I know what its like, I have been there too, you are not alone" because he has been there before and he is there with you now.
God IS someone we can relate to. I hope you feel that way too.
See you in church,
Chris
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Is God a Broncos Fan?
Just in case you aren't a sports fan let me give you a quick update. For the past few weeks Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the Denver Broncos, has been the talk of the NFL. Tebow was an enormously successful college quarterback but nearly every scout said he did not have what it takes to succeed in the NFL. Since Tebow has taken over as the starting quarterback for the Broncos they have won six games in a row and 7 of their last 8 games. And, I have to admit, that I have jumped on board the Tim Tebow bandwagon. Yes, it is Tebow time.
Now aside from his uncanny ability to win games Tebow has been extensively criticized about the fact that he is outspoken regarding his faith. He already has a patented move, a prayer like pose that he strikes quite frequently, and Jesus and his faith are routinely a part of his post game interviews. For some they find this offensive, some fellow Christians (including another former NFL quarterback and strong believer Kurt Warner) have told him to tone it down and even Tebow's pastor in Denver is saying that they are winning because of his faith. So is God a Denver Broncos fan?
I do not believe that the Broncos are winning because God is willing it to happen. I do not trivialize God to be a good luck charm that helps us win and those non-believing heathens to lose. But for whatever reason I am cheering for this guy. I am cheering for Tebow not because I am a Broncos fan (actually they beat my team last week and I may have been secretly pulling for the opposition) and I am not cheering for him because of his faith (even though I do find it refreshing.) I am cheering for Tim Tebow because he is not ashamed to be himself. If faith is a part of who he is that is what you are going to get. Like it or not, that is who he is. He may not be the prototypical type quarterback but he doesn't change just because he doesn't fit in. This is who he is.
Too often I fear we worry about offending others or we worry that we don't fit in so we deviate from who God made us to be. Too often I worry that the church has softened the Gospel because we don't want to rock the boat for fear of losing people or turning them away. Being a follower of Jesus means a lot of things that we have hushed into the corner. Being a follower of Jesus means that we are generous. Being a follower of Jesus means that we care for those who are hurting. Being a follower of Jesus means we live our lives according to a specific code that typically goes against the norms of the world. And I worry, we may at times, shy away from this because it doesn't fit in.
I am not a Broncos fan (and I don't think God is either) but I am pulling for Tebow. I appreciate his courage and confidence to be who God has called him to be, even if that isn't the most popular thing. Who has God called you to be? Are you being that person? Or are you too concerned about fitting in?
See you in church,
Chris
Now aside from his uncanny ability to win games Tebow has been extensively criticized about the fact that he is outspoken regarding his faith. He already has a patented move, a prayer like pose that he strikes quite frequently, and Jesus and his faith are routinely a part of his post game interviews. For some they find this offensive, some fellow Christians (including another former NFL quarterback and strong believer Kurt Warner) have told him to tone it down and even Tebow's pastor in Denver is saying that they are winning because of his faith. So is God a Denver Broncos fan?
I do not believe that the Broncos are winning because God is willing it to happen. I do not trivialize God to be a good luck charm that helps us win and those non-believing heathens to lose. But for whatever reason I am cheering for this guy. I am cheering for Tebow not because I am a Broncos fan (actually they beat my team last week and I may have been secretly pulling for the opposition) and I am not cheering for him because of his faith (even though I do find it refreshing.) I am cheering for Tim Tebow because he is not ashamed to be himself. If faith is a part of who he is that is what you are going to get. Like it or not, that is who he is. He may not be the prototypical type quarterback but he doesn't change just because he doesn't fit in. This is who he is.
Too often I fear we worry about offending others or we worry that we don't fit in so we deviate from who God made us to be. Too often I worry that the church has softened the Gospel because we don't want to rock the boat for fear of losing people or turning them away. Being a follower of Jesus means a lot of things that we have hushed into the corner. Being a follower of Jesus means that we are generous. Being a follower of Jesus means that we care for those who are hurting. Being a follower of Jesus means we live our lives according to a specific code that typically goes against the norms of the world. And I worry, we may at times, shy away from this because it doesn't fit in.
I am not a Broncos fan (and I don't think God is either) but I am pulling for Tebow. I appreciate his courage and confidence to be who God has called him to be, even if that isn't the most popular thing. Who has God called you to be? Are you being that person? Or are you too concerned about fitting in?
See you in church,
Chris
Monday, December 12, 2011
A Bold Vote Forward!
I feel as if much of the past 13 years has been working towards this one vote on Sunday, December 11.
After years of buying land, eliminating debt, expanding parking, meeting with the builder, designing with the architect and raising money, this congregation voted to move forward with The Master's Plan on Sunday. It was an overwhelming affirmation without a single negative vote. We all know about the concerns for the money, attendance and debt but after weighing all the options, we have decided that now is the time for construction of our new sanctuary, youth space and commons area.
So, mark you calendar for a ceremonial groundbreaking on January 15. The actual construction will take about 14 months. Tell your family and friends now to join you for Easter worship at CLC on March 31, 2013 for the first worship service in the new sanctuary.
What excites you about this project?
Peace,
Pastor Scott
After years of buying land, eliminating debt, expanding parking, meeting with the builder, designing with the architect and raising money, this congregation voted to move forward with The Master's Plan on Sunday. It was an overwhelming affirmation without a single negative vote. We all know about the concerns for the money, attendance and debt but after weighing all the options, we have decided that now is the time for construction of our new sanctuary, youth space and commons area.
So, mark you calendar for a ceremonial groundbreaking on January 15. The actual construction will take about 14 months. Tell your family and friends now to join you for Easter worship at CLC on March 31, 2013 for the first worship service in the new sanctuary.
What excites you about this project?
Peace,
Pastor Scott
Monday, November 28, 2011
Historical Vote on December 11
It has been a long time in the making. No one can complain, "Why are we rushing this?"
I'm talking, of course, about moving forward with the Master's Plan. The congregation generously increased its commitments from 6 Million to 7 Million at this halfway point in the campaign. I am humbled and excited about this high level of support across the entire congregation with a participation rate of about 80% of our active members.
December 11 will be decision day. We will review the numbers and bids from our Contractor and vote whether or not to approve the contract. In addition, we will also look at the bank financing and make an informed decision on that.
I want to urge the congregation to attend this historic congregational vote, ask the hard question, examine the information and cast your vote. This is a significant moment in the life of Christ Lutheran. This will impact our congregation and the community for the next 100 years!
So December 11 is important. It is historic. It is bold. But the one thing it is not is hasty. We have been working towards this day for at least 15 years. Now it is time for a decision.
See you on the 11th.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
I'm talking, of course, about moving forward with the Master's Plan. The congregation generously increased its commitments from 6 Million to 7 Million at this halfway point in the campaign. I am humbled and excited about this high level of support across the entire congregation with a participation rate of about 80% of our active members.
December 11 will be decision day. We will review the numbers and bids from our Contractor and vote whether or not to approve the contract. In addition, we will also look at the bank financing and make an informed decision on that.
I want to urge the congregation to attend this historic congregational vote, ask the hard question, examine the information and cast your vote. This is a significant moment in the life of Christ Lutheran. This will impact our congregation and the community for the next 100 years!
So December 11 is important. It is historic. It is bold. But the one thing it is not is hasty. We have been working towards this day for at least 15 years. Now it is time for a decision.
See you on the 11th.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
A Good Read
When you come across something that you think is really good, often times you want to share that with others. Last week I read the book "Rooms: A Novel" by James L Rubart. It is a fascinating book. Its style is very similar to The Shack which was wildly popular just a couple years ago. I think it would be hard to describe the book in just a few words but it really talks about past hurts and brokenness, purpose and the tough decisions we are asked to make in our lives. I don't want to tell you too much about the book because I want you to read it and let me know what you think. If The Shack wasn't your cup of tea than this one probably isn't either but if you like that kind of book I think Rooms will speak to you too.
Pick up a copy, read it and let me know what you think.
See you in church,
Chris
Pick up a copy, read it and let me know what you think.
See you in church,
Chris
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Say it ain't so Joe.
One of the biggest stories over the past few days has been the abuse scandals that have rocked Penn State. What is even more difficult to believe is that Joe Paterno's credibility has been tarnished. Joe has been at the head of Penn State's football program for over 45 years and he stressed character and honor as much as winning. These recent events have left many reeling as someone they looked up to could be part of such a situation.
Growing up my hero was a baseball player named Kirby Puckett. After he was forced to retire early due to glaucoma numerous allegations surfaced about Kirby's life and his reputation was severely tarnished. My hero was not who I thought he was.
Maybe what is worse of all is that these types of stories are becoming more and more frequent. Individuals that we look up to, trust and admire seldom remain on that pedestal. Whether it is an employer, a politician or maybe even a leader within a church it seems as if everyone is capable of falling.
For the most part we focus on the individual who has erred but really the greater hurt probably lies with those who looked up to this individual or those who were hurt by that individual. They put their faith in someone who did not deserve that trust. They put their faith in someone who is not perfect and who will make mistakes. Have you been burned in this way?
This begs the question, where do you put your trust? If we have been disappointed time and time again maybe we need to take a better look at who or what it is we look up to. This is where faith comes in. From a faith perspective we would argue that we can only fully put our trust in God. Everyone else will always disappoint but God will never disappoint.
Now it is also important to remember that the church is not God. Although the church does its best to represent God the church is made up of people and it too will fall short. Our faith must go beyond everything of this world, including the church, and reside only in God. This is the only way to avoid disappointment.
So, where are you placing your faith?
See you in church,
Chris
Growing up my hero was a baseball player named Kirby Puckett. After he was forced to retire early due to glaucoma numerous allegations surfaced about Kirby's life and his reputation was severely tarnished. My hero was not who I thought he was.
Maybe what is worse of all is that these types of stories are becoming more and more frequent. Individuals that we look up to, trust and admire seldom remain on that pedestal. Whether it is an employer, a politician or maybe even a leader within a church it seems as if everyone is capable of falling.
For the most part we focus on the individual who has erred but really the greater hurt probably lies with those who looked up to this individual or those who were hurt by that individual. They put their faith in someone who did not deserve that trust. They put their faith in someone who is not perfect and who will make mistakes. Have you been burned in this way?
This begs the question, where do you put your trust? If we have been disappointed time and time again maybe we need to take a better look at who or what it is we look up to. This is where faith comes in. From a faith perspective we would argue that we can only fully put our trust in God. Everyone else will always disappoint but God will never disappoint.
Now it is also important to remember that the church is not God. Although the church does its best to represent God the church is made up of people and it too will fall short. Our faith must go beyond everything of this world, including the church, and reside only in God. This is the only way to avoid disappointment.
So, where are you placing your faith?
See you in church,
Chris
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