Yesterday just before leaving for Oklahoma City, I checked my e-mail to discover two "breaking news" notes. I read them both and was not surprised to learn the United State Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, declared that the Ten Commandments cannot be posted in government buildings if the intent is to convey a religious ethic. The court found such a posting a violation of the separation of church and state.
That ruling pertained strictly to the case in Kentucky.
Ironically enough, the court also ruled the display of the Ten Commandments on a granite monument outside of the Texas legislature was permissible on the grounds that it delivers a "predominately secular message."
Huh?
For a two-sided opinion in the ruling, click this link. I have to agree with the Wall Street Journal's take -- the court's ruling on these two matters does create more "confusion."
My position from the outset, which I have shared with our church family during my "Summer At Sinai" series, is that the most prominent display of the Ten Commandments is in the heart of God's people; not on the walls of public buildings. My view is people are more moved by seeing the Ten Commandments lived out by Christians rather than a cursory reading of the Ten Commandments on a plaque or a granite monument.
When God's people choose to live according to God's ethical call, it raises the moral standard of life. God's intent was that in living the Ten Commandments, his people would be "holy" i.e. set apart, unique, different. It is in the living out of God's ethical call that the boldest statement of faith is made!
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Rick and I had a great time in Oklahoma City last night. Though the Redhawks dropped the game, 10-7 to the Nashville Sounds, it was great to see future Rangers like super-prospect Ian Kinsler in action. We also got to see Justin Thompson pitch in relief of Josh Rupe. Rick and I opined that if Thompson had been healthy for the last five years -- since the trade of Juan Gonzalez to Detroit that brought him to the Rangers -- all those times of longing for "one more starter" would have been moot. It would be awesome to see him get one more chance to pitch in a major league game.
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As expected, giving the starting pitching matchup of C.J. Wilson versus Bartolo Colon, the Rangers dropped game one to LAA of A 13-3, falling to 7.5 games behind the Angels.
Tonight, emergency starter John Wasdin goes for the Rangers, filling the spot of Kenny Rogers who is recovering from a broken finger in his non-throwing hand. The injury occured when Rogers took out his frustration on a water cooler when lifted by Buck Showalter in a recent start against Washington.
Could there be something to this issue of veteran players taking issue with Showalter?
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Finally, with the Rangers fading fast in the AL West standings, will Texas assume a buyer or seller role at the trade deadline? The Rangers are still only 3 games back in the Wild Card standings.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Monday, June 27, 2005
Saturated with Stuff
Tonight, the Angels come calling at the Palace and the Rangers are in a must-sweep situation. As Adam Morris said today on his website: Realistically, in about 10 days time, the Rangers have gone from being serious contenders to being on the fringe of the playoff hunt. And if they don't kick it in gear and sweep the Angels, they are going to be sellers after the All-Star Break.
Morris also quotes Jon Heyman of New York Newsday with this interesting note:
Some Texas players are starting to dislike Buck Showalter. One Rangers observer said, "He treats them like they're idiots."
That might explain how Showalter, who's superior strategically, garnered 12 percent of the vote in SI's spring player poll for "worst manager," which tied for most with Frank Robinson.
Showalter has a notorious reputation for wearing thin on veteran players with his shtick. Could his style be growing old in his third year with the Rangers?
Needless to say, with the Rangers now 6.5 games back of Anaheim, anything less than a sweep over the next four days puts the Rangers in a deep hole with the All-Star break looming. The promise of last Monday is fading rapidly.
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A big thanks to all my fellow Villagers who thought enough of our junk to buy it off of us on Saturday at the garage sale. I'm reminded of the words of Jesus: "a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Yet, so much advertising in American culture is built on the acquisition of stuff. Saturday's garage sale was a sterling reminder to me that we don't need more stuff, we need more sanity to avoid buying stuff we don't need (stuff that will probably sit in a corner for a couple of years and then be pawned off at the next garage sale).
Morris also quotes Jon Heyman of New York Newsday with this interesting note:
Some Texas players are starting to dislike Buck Showalter. One Rangers observer said, "He treats them like they're idiots."
That might explain how Showalter, who's superior strategically, garnered 12 percent of the vote in SI's spring player poll for "worst manager," which tied for most with Frank Robinson.
Showalter has a notorious reputation for wearing thin on veteran players with his shtick. Could his style be growing old in his third year with the Rangers?
Needless to say, with the Rangers now 6.5 games back of Anaheim, anything less than a sweep over the next four days puts the Rangers in a deep hole with the All-Star break looming. The promise of last Monday is fading rapidly.
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A big thanks to all my fellow Villagers who thought enough of our junk to buy it off of us on Saturday at the garage sale. I'm reminded of the words of Jesus: "a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Yet, so much advertising in American culture is built on the acquisition of stuff. Saturday's garage sale was a sterling reminder to me that we don't need more stuff, we need more sanity to avoid buying stuff we don't need (stuff that will probably sit in a corner for a couple of years and then be pawned off at the next garage sale).
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Becoming Missional
So here's the real stinker: I trash the Rangers yesterday and they respond with a win! Great! I put the final touches on tonight's sermon (a full blown immersion into the missional paradigm) and feel it to be a real treasure! But when I return to MLB.com's Gameday feature, I see Juan Dominguez trashed in the bottom of the 10th.
Rangers lose, 3-2. As Adam Morris has pointed out, the Rangers are now closer to last place than first place.
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Tomorrow, my great friend and mentor, Rick Northen and I will make the five-hour journey to Oklahoma City to watch the Rangers AAA affiliate, the Oklahoma Redhawks. The trip is a generous gift from Tony Ross, a new member of our church family, who wished to convey his thanksgiving for our ministry in a special way. Tony has a relative in the media in Oklahoma City and she has hooked us up with second-row seats and a free dinner in a restaurant adjacent to the stadium.
I'm excited about my first game at Bricktown. I've been to and through the stadium during the winter and the architecture and setting seem really promising for a neat atmosphere.
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It really hit me today as I was tying up loose ends on tonight's message that I have been saturated in the missional paradigm during the last three months. Hammering out a sermon to define and describe what "missional" is and means was cheese, what with Dallas Willard, Lesslie Newbiggin, Reggie McNeal, Brian McLaren, et al dancing in my head.
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As for missional resources among churches of Christ, let me point you to Salt and Light Resources. The articles and projects on Salt and Light are wonderfully done and extremely insightful. Also, I strongly suggest you visit their recommended readings link if you are interested in more insight into the missional church paradigm.
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The shame of it all is even speaking of "missional" as if it were a new discovery. Perhaps the drift away from the church being missionally minded was brought about by the less taxing, less demanding "Come" approach to church. I still submit that Jesus Christ remains the only qualified candidate to invite others to "Come." Our task in the contemporary church is to "Go" -- to leave places of safety and security with little demands for those nooks and crannies of adventure in the world where God is clearly at work. Those adventures of faith -- the adventure of partnering with God where He is at work -- are so frightening, yet so rewarding!
My prayer is that the missional church paradigm will reinvigorate our churches so those seeking spirituality in our current cultural context will find a treasure trove in the exalted Christ and what He has to offer.
Rangers lose, 3-2. As Adam Morris has pointed out, the Rangers are now closer to last place than first place.
----------------
Tomorrow, my great friend and mentor, Rick Northen and I will make the five-hour journey to Oklahoma City to watch the Rangers AAA affiliate, the Oklahoma Redhawks. The trip is a generous gift from Tony Ross, a new member of our church family, who wished to convey his thanksgiving for our ministry in a special way. Tony has a relative in the media in Oklahoma City and she has hooked us up with second-row seats and a free dinner in a restaurant adjacent to the stadium.
I'm excited about my first game at Bricktown. I've been to and through the stadium during the winter and the architecture and setting seem really promising for a neat atmosphere.
----------------
It really hit me today as I was tying up loose ends on tonight's message that I have been saturated in the missional paradigm during the last three months. Hammering out a sermon to define and describe what "missional" is and means was cheese, what with Dallas Willard, Lesslie Newbiggin, Reggie McNeal, Brian McLaren, et al dancing in my head.
----------------
As for missional resources among churches of Christ, let me point you to Salt and Light Resources. The articles and projects on Salt and Light are wonderfully done and extremely insightful. Also, I strongly suggest you visit their recommended readings link if you are interested in more insight into the missional church paradigm.
-----------------
The shame of it all is even speaking of "missional" as if it were a new discovery. Perhaps the drift away from the church being missionally minded was brought about by the less taxing, less demanding "Come" approach to church. I still submit that Jesus Christ remains the only qualified candidate to invite others to "Come." Our task in the contemporary church is to "Go" -- to leave places of safety and security with little demands for those nooks and crannies of adventure in the world where God is clearly at work. Those adventures of faith -- the adventure of partnering with God where He is at work -- are so frightening, yet so rewarding!
My prayer is that the missional church paradigm will reinvigorate our churches so those seeking spirituality in our current cultural context will find a treasure trove in the exalted Christ and what He has to offer.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
One Man's Trash
The Rangers haven't played competitively for a full week, dropping game one in Houston last night, 5-2. Last night, Roy Oswalt was filthy and the Rangers offense, trashy.
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This morning, Mandy and her sister are having a garage sale at our home. What a kick to walk out the door 45 minutes before the advertised start time of the sale to see cars parked in front of the house.
Before 7:00, half the trash they were attempting to pawn off on others was already gone.
Guess the old proverb is true: One man's trash is another man's treasure.
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All this talk of trash reminds me of Ephesians. Paul makes it abundantly clear to the Ephesian Christians that, prior to their faith in Christ, they were trash. They were "dead in sin...without hope and without God."
But because God viewed us, even in our trashiness as His treasure, He sent Jesus "because of His great love and mercy." The atoning sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary's cross is a permanent statement of the love of God for humanity.
No matter how trashy your past, realize today that God values you as His treasure! Your past doesn't define you and its only significance for your life is to serve as a teacher -- to teach you to make better decisions in the future. Your past doesn't dictate your future because God values you, in spite of your past.
Are you presently living your life through the lens of trash or treasure?
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This morning, Mandy and her sister are having a garage sale at our home. What a kick to walk out the door 45 minutes before the advertised start time of the sale to see cars parked in front of the house.
Before 7:00, half the trash they were attempting to pawn off on others was already gone.
Guess the old proverb is true: One man's trash is another man's treasure.
----------------
All this talk of trash reminds me of Ephesians. Paul makes it abundantly clear to the Ephesian Christians that, prior to their faith in Christ, they were trash. They were "dead in sin...without hope and without God."
But because God viewed us, even in our trashiness as His treasure, He sent Jesus "because of His great love and mercy." The atoning sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary's cross is a permanent statement of the love of God for humanity.
No matter how trashy your past, realize today that God values you as His treasure! Your past doesn't define you and its only significance for your life is to serve as a teacher -- to teach you to make better decisions in the future. Your past doesn't dictate your future because God values you, in spite of your past.
Are you presently living your life through the lens of trash or treasure?
Friday, June 24, 2005
A Father's Day Gift that Keeps Giving
This year, my sister subscribed my dad and I to Paul Lewis e-tip of the day for dads. Lewis is with Smart Families, Inc. and his e-mails (which are free by the way) have been arriving in my inbox, providing wonderful insights and tips on the fascinating, challenging world of fatherhood.
Thought I'd share with you today the e-tip I received yesterday. It is loaded with practicality.
Your home is "bugged." There are one or several pairs of eyes watching what you do and pairs of ears listening to everything you say.
We tell our children, "It's not what you say that counts; it's what you do." Is it fair when they say the same to us?
No dad is perfect. Most of us are far from it. But, in doing our work as fathers, we can be helped if we will answer honestly practical questions like these:
• If my child treats his or her spouse the same as I treat mine, will it be a good marriage?
• If my son someday prioritizes his fathering responsibilities the same as I do, will my grandchildren have the father they need?
• If my son or daughter gives spiritual life habits the same attention I do, will his or her spirituality be vital?
• If my daughter handles debt the same way I do, will her finances be well-managed?
• If my son takes care of his fitness and health just like I do, will he have the energy to be a good dad?
Remember: There are no perfect fathers. But every one of us can be a progressing father. . . and humble about our failures!
Thought I'd share with you today the e-tip I received yesterday. It is loaded with practicality.
Your home is "bugged." There are one or several pairs of eyes watching what you do and pairs of ears listening to everything you say.
We tell our children, "It's not what you say that counts; it's what you do." Is it fair when they say the same to us?
No dad is perfect. Most of us are far from it. But, in doing our work as fathers, we can be helped if we will answer honestly practical questions like these:
• If my child treats his or her spouse the same as I treat mine, will it be a good marriage?
• If my son someday prioritizes his fathering responsibilities the same as I do, will my grandchildren have the father they need?
• If my son or daughter gives spiritual life habits the same attention I do, will his or her spirituality be vital?
• If my daughter handles debt the same way I do, will her finances be well-managed?
• If my son takes care of his fitness and health just like I do, will he have the energy to be a good dad?
Remember: There are no perfect fathers. But every one of us can be a progressing father. . . and humble about our failures!
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Wretched Worry
Well, on Monday I pontificated that if the Rangers could win 4 of their next 7 games with LAA of A, it would be a mild success. 5 of 7 would have been a huge success.
It has come down to the Rangers needing to sweep the Angels next Monday through Thursday in Arlington in order to win 4 of the 7 games.
Last night, the Angels finished off a sweep of their own, pummeling the Rangers in all three games played in Orange County. All you need to know from this series is Ranger starting pitchers had this combined line: 9.1 innings pitched, 30 hits allowed, 18 runs allowed.
Was it woeful pitching or running head-long into the buzzsaw that is currently LAA of A?
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Ron Mehl's excellent book The Tender Commandments: Reflections on the Father's Love has been a powerful resource for me during my study of the Ten Commandments.
In his comments on the first commandment (to put God first, above and beyond all things), Mehl notes the place worry plays in derailing God's will and fouling up our moods. Mehl says, "worry is the red warning light on the dashboard of life, alerting us that we are not putting God first" (48).
What are you worried about this morning? What has distracted your heart from your higher calling? What is dictating your emotional mood swings?
In my life, worry is most often the root cause of my moodiness. I get so focused on fixing my worries that God is uprooted as my protector and sustainer.
If your life has had far too many "red warning lights" on the dashboard lately, then let me share with you this morning some encouragement.
It has come down to the Rangers needing to sweep the Angels next Monday through Thursday in Arlington in order to win 4 of the 7 games.
Last night, the Angels finished off a sweep of their own, pummeling the Rangers in all three games played in Orange County. All you need to know from this series is Ranger starting pitchers had this combined line: 9.1 innings pitched, 30 hits allowed, 18 runs allowed.
Was it woeful pitching or running head-long into the buzzsaw that is currently LAA of A?
-------------------
Ron Mehl's excellent book The Tender Commandments: Reflections on the Father's Love has been a powerful resource for me during my study of the Ten Commandments.
In his comments on the first commandment (to put God first, above and beyond all things), Mehl notes the place worry plays in derailing God's will and fouling up our moods. Mehl says, "worry is the red warning light on the dashboard of life, alerting us that we are not putting God first" (48).
What are you worried about this morning? What has distracted your heart from your higher calling? What is dictating your emotional mood swings?
In my life, worry is most often the root cause of my moodiness. I get so focused on fixing my worries that God is uprooted as my protector and sustainer.
If your life has had far too many "red warning lights" on the dashboard lately, then let me share with you this morning some encouragement.
You can't worship God and money both. If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss and worry about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to life than the food you put in your mouth, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count far more to Him than birds!
Has anyone by fussing, by worrying, ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion -- do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, why not walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color or design quite like it?
If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers, don't you think He'll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? What I'm trying to say here is: relax. Don't be so preoccupied with getting so that you can respond to God's giving! People who don't know God and the way He works fuss and worry over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry so much! You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Matters of Faith and Opinion
The Rangers fell 3 1/2 games back last night, losing 8-6 to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Rangers fell behind early, 8-0, and fought back only to fall by two runs. Richard Hidalgo was personally responsible for leaving 8 men on base, including the bases loaded twice and the tying run in the 9th.
The Gambler must be on tonight.
Evan Grant's weekly Rangers newsletter on the Dallas Morning News site has a wonderfully moving tribute to Michael Young's decision to be home for the birth of his first child. Not only is Young in Dallas, he is planning to stay for several days to bond with his newborn son and assist his wife. Grant's words are an impressive compliment to Young -- who has always impressed on the field -- as a man who has his priorities in order.
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This spring, I led a Wednesday class through a discussion on "Hermeneutics: How to Get the Most from Bible Study." It was a fascinating journey down the path of Biblical interpretation.
As we neared the conclusion of the class, I did a survey of 25 issues that are subject to debate as a "matter of faith" or a "matter of opinion." The responses were amazingly diverse, indicating to me the struggle to reach consensus, even within our own fellowship at the Village.
I noted to the class the week following the survey that, in spite of the lack of agreement among our own class, we have met together weekly as brothers and sisters and held to amazing unity, displayed in loving fellowship for one another.
Unity, even within our own little family of faith at the Village, is not solely dependent on doctrinal agreement. In spite of our interpretive differences, we find our relationship to Christ as the ground for unity.
That's not to say that doctrine is irrelevant. It's simply a reminder that too many of us have made matters of faith out of matters of opinion. How many divisions within the body of Christ have been born of a stubborn reluctance to compromise on a matter of opinion issue?
As the church advances into a culture of rapid change, it is imperative to take our stand on the unchanging matters of faith explicitly mentioned in Scripture. It is also imperative to keep our eyes fixed on the King of the kingdom and to recognize that, as long as He is on the throne, His kingdom will be strong!
The Gambler must be on tonight.
Evan Grant's weekly Rangers newsletter on the Dallas Morning News site has a wonderfully moving tribute to Michael Young's decision to be home for the birth of his first child. Not only is Young in Dallas, he is planning to stay for several days to bond with his newborn son and assist his wife. Grant's words are an impressive compliment to Young -- who has always impressed on the field -- as a man who has his priorities in order.
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This spring, I led a Wednesday class through a discussion on "Hermeneutics: How to Get the Most from Bible Study." It was a fascinating journey down the path of Biblical interpretation.
As we neared the conclusion of the class, I did a survey of 25 issues that are subject to debate as a "matter of faith" or a "matter of opinion." The responses were amazingly diverse, indicating to me the struggle to reach consensus, even within our own fellowship at the Village.
I noted to the class the week following the survey that, in spite of the lack of agreement among our own class, we have met together weekly as brothers and sisters and held to amazing unity, displayed in loving fellowship for one another.
Unity, even within our own little family of faith at the Village, is not solely dependent on doctrinal agreement. In spite of our interpretive differences, we find our relationship to Christ as the ground for unity.
That's not to say that doctrine is irrelevant. It's simply a reminder that too many of us have made matters of faith out of matters of opinion. How many divisions within the body of Christ have been born of a stubborn reluctance to compromise on a matter of opinion issue?
As the church advances into a culture of rapid change, it is imperative to take our stand on the unchanging matters of faith explicitly mentioned in Scripture. It is also imperative to keep our eyes fixed on the King of the kingdom and to recognize that, as long as He is on the throne, His kingdom will be strong!
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
How bout them Bug Killers!
I know all of you who read my blog have been sitting on the edge of your seats wanting to know the outcome of tonight's critical game between Terminix and Village Mortgage in the 7-to-9 year old girls softball league at the Paul Bewie Boys and Girls Club.
Drumroll please......
The Bug Killers dominated, winning 8-2! The girls played great, especially defensively! It was by far the best game of the year defensively for our girls. Not the best game offensively, but the girls scratched and clawed their way into 8 runs, more than enough to win.
Village Mortgage is now eliminated from contention, leaving next week's game between Terminix and His Way Construction for all the marbles.
I can honestly say of all the youth teams I've ever coached or been associated with, including the four years I helped coach the high school team at Jessieville, this team has been the greatest bunch of overachievers! They have improved so drastically from our first practice it is just amazing.
I am so proud, can't you tell?!
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Meanwhile in Anaheim, Chan Ho didn't make it out of the second inning tonight. The Angels are leading 5-0 with the bases loaded and no outs in the second. A sweep tonight makes next week's four games absolutely critical at this stage in the season.
Drumroll please......
The Bug Killers dominated, winning 8-2! The girls played great, especially defensively! It was by far the best game of the year defensively for our girls. Not the best game offensively, but the girls scratched and clawed their way into 8 runs, more than enough to win.
Village Mortgage is now eliminated from contention, leaving next week's game between Terminix and His Way Construction for all the marbles.
I can honestly say of all the youth teams I've ever coached or been associated with, including the four years I helped coach the high school team at Jessieville, this team has been the greatest bunch of overachievers! They have improved so drastically from our first practice it is just amazing.
I am so proud, can't you tell?!
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Meanwhile in Anaheim, Chan Ho didn't make it out of the second inning tonight. The Angels are leading 5-0 with the bases loaded and no outs in the second. A sweep tonight makes next week's four games absolutely critical at this stage in the season.
Doctrine, Relationship and Unity
Paul Byrd was ridiculous last night for the Angels. Complete game. Six hitter. By far his best outing of the year. Angels take game one 5-1, pushing their lead over the Rangers to 5-1. The lone bright spot for the Rangers was David Dellucci, busting out of a prolonged slump with a 3-4 night, including a homer.
As usual, Vlad Guerrero tore up the Rangers with 4 RBI's on a double and homer. Guerrero sure know how to rise up when the Rangers are in the other dugout.
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Heading into the last three games of the season, the Terminix Bug Killers are tied for first place and one game ahead of the third place team. Tonight, we play the third place team and conclude our season against the first place team. Win out and the inexperienced, undermanned Bug Killers take first place!
As coach, I can only hope all my 7-9 year old girls don't spend all day at the beach or in the pool!
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Just wondering: Is doctrine the only means to unity? Can unity be born of relationship to God, as families find unity in their relationship to one another? Is relationship with God only possible through doctrine, therefore making unity only possible through doctrine?
I think the answers to the above questions will be critical as the churches of Christ head toward 2006 and a fork-in-the-road historically because of the 100 year "anniversary" of the division between the churches of Christ and the independent Christian churches.
As usual, Vlad Guerrero tore up the Rangers with 4 RBI's on a double and homer. Guerrero sure know how to rise up when the Rangers are in the other dugout.
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Heading into the last three games of the season, the Terminix Bug Killers are tied for first place and one game ahead of the third place team. Tonight, we play the third place team and conclude our season against the first place team. Win out and the inexperienced, undermanned Bug Killers take first place!
As coach, I can only hope all my 7-9 year old girls don't spend all day at the beach or in the pool!
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Just wondering: Is doctrine the only means to unity? Can unity be born of relationship to God, as families find unity in their relationship to one another? Is relationship with God only possible through doctrine, therefore making unity only possible through doctrine?
I think the answers to the above questions will be critical as the churches of Christ head toward 2006 and a fork-in-the-road historically because of the 100 year "anniversary" of the division between the churches of Christ and the independent Christian churches.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Rangers/Angels Series Preview
Tonight marks the beginning of the most important 10-game stretch to date for the Texas Rangers.
The Rangers converge on Anaheim, California trailing the AL West leading Angels by a game-and-a-half. The Rangers and Angels will play three games in Anaheim, followed by four games in Arlington next Monday through Thursday.
Tonight, Chris Young toes the rubber for the Rangers. He'll be facing the weakest link in the Angels rotation, Paul Byrd. Give tonight's game to the Rangers. On Tuesday, Chan Ho Park, he of the dubious 7-1 record faces Angels ace Bartolo Colon. The Angels get game two. The rubber game on Wednesday features the Gambler against Jarrod Washburn. Texas clearly has the upper hand in the finale with Rogers toeing the rubber but Texas has been abysmal this year against left-handed pitching. What would seemingly be a Ranger strength is off-set by the Angels pitching Washburn. Wednesday's game is a push.
For me, rather than getting too high or low on the basis of this three-game set in Anaheim, I'm going to view these seven games between now and next Thursday as one extended series. If the Rangers could take five of seven, it would be awesome. I could live with four of seven. But anything less than four will be a disappointment during a crucial mid-season stretch.
Mark Teixeira is phenomenal. Yesterday, he took the Major League lead in home runs by clubbing his 20th of the year. He is on a +50 pace in home runs on a year when home runs are down. Perhaps as impressive has been his Gold Glove caliber play at first base. Tex is the total package.
One overwhelming sentiment among the DFW press is the Rangers selection of John Mayberry, Jr. with their number one draft pick two weeks ago is the heir apparent to the first base spot with the Rangers. The press corps reasoning is since Tex's agent is Scott Boras, his asking price will be through the roof when he hits free agency following the 2007 season.
That's a long way off -- I simply want to relish the opportunity to watch an MVP in the making day-in, day-out. He may not be a Ranger come 2008, but the privilege to watch him for the next two-and-a-half years is going to be great!
The Rangers converge on Anaheim, California trailing the AL West leading Angels by a game-and-a-half. The Rangers and Angels will play three games in Anaheim, followed by four games in Arlington next Monday through Thursday.
Tonight, Chris Young toes the rubber for the Rangers. He'll be facing the weakest link in the Angels rotation, Paul Byrd. Give tonight's game to the Rangers. On Tuesday, Chan Ho Park, he of the dubious 7-1 record faces Angels ace Bartolo Colon. The Angels get game two. The rubber game on Wednesday features the Gambler against Jarrod Washburn. Texas clearly has the upper hand in the finale with Rogers toeing the rubber but Texas has been abysmal this year against left-handed pitching. What would seemingly be a Ranger strength is off-set by the Angels pitching Washburn. Wednesday's game is a push.
For me, rather than getting too high or low on the basis of this three-game set in Anaheim, I'm going to view these seven games between now and next Thursday as one extended series. If the Rangers could take five of seven, it would be awesome. I could live with four of seven. But anything less than four will be a disappointment during a crucial mid-season stretch.
Mark Teixeira is phenomenal. Yesterday, he took the Major League lead in home runs by clubbing his 20th of the year. He is on a +50 pace in home runs on a year when home runs are down. Perhaps as impressive has been his Gold Glove caliber play at first base. Tex is the total package.
One overwhelming sentiment among the DFW press is the Rangers selection of John Mayberry, Jr. with their number one draft pick two weeks ago is the heir apparent to the first base spot with the Rangers. The press corps reasoning is since Tex's agent is Scott Boras, his asking price will be through the roof when he hits free agency following the 2007 season.
That's a long way off -- I simply want to relish the opportunity to watch an MVP in the making day-in, day-out. He may not be a Ranger come 2008, but the privilege to watch him for the next two-and-a-half years is going to be great!
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Ministry Life
I've heard preachers through the years speak of "hitting the wall" when it comes to sermon prep. Seems there is a time in the average preacher's life when gearing up Sunday after Sunday becomes tiresome. Consequently, many guys later in their ministry life resort to preaching from memory rather than staying fresh with the message.
It's Sunday night and another day of ministry has ended. Heart and soul were poured out today and now, I'm already reading ahead, praying ahead and thinking ahead to next Sunday.
And ya know what? I'm no where close to hitting the wall! I still love and relish the challenge of sermon prep week to week. It's not only convicting. It's fun!
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Tonight, we were fed the word from Bruno Zapata, preacher for the Iglesia de Cristo in Hot Springs. Bruno will be leaving soon, with his wife Teresa, for Veracruz, Mexico to continue his ministry in his native country.
It was wonderful tonight listening to the Word, translated from Spanish to English. It reminded me of the need of every person to hear the simplicity of the gospel story communicated in their native language.
That includes the various cultures and generations in the United States today. Contextualization is not just a tool for the "mission field;" it is a tool required of every capable spokesman of God in our own homeland.
It's Sunday night and another day of ministry has ended. Heart and soul were poured out today and now, I'm already reading ahead, praying ahead and thinking ahead to next Sunday.
And ya know what? I'm no where close to hitting the wall! I still love and relish the challenge of sermon prep week to week. It's not only convicting. It's fun!
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Tonight, we were fed the word from Bruno Zapata, preacher for the Iglesia de Cristo in Hot Springs. Bruno will be leaving soon, with his wife Teresa, for Veracruz, Mexico to continue his ministry in his native country.
It was wonderful tonight listening to the Word, translated from Spanish to English. It reminded me of the need of every person to hear the simplicity of the gospel story communicated in their native language.
That includes the various cultures and generations in the United States today. Contextualization is not just a tool for the "mission field;" it is a tool required of every capable spokesman of God in our own homeland.
Friday, June 17, 2005
A Summer at Sinai
We are spending Sunday mornings this summer at Sinai, learning from the Ten Commandments.
In his excellent book, The Divine Conspiracy, Dallas Willard talks about the reluctance of Christians and modern Bible teaching to address the life-change available in the Word of God. He sees this reluctance extend to our application of God's "Perfect Ten."
Hard to argue with Willard's charge, isn't it? Christians argue vehemently for the posting of the Ten Commandments in courthouses, statehouses and school houses. But why do we avoid posting them in our church houses?
Perhaps we'd all be better if we reminded ourselves that a visible posting of the Ten Commandments on a public facility wall is not nearly as impacting as the posting of the Ten Commandments on the wall of our heart!
In his excellent book, The Divine Conspiracy, Dallas Willard talks about the reluctance of Christians and modern Bible teaching to address the life-change available in the Word of God. He sees this reluctance extend to our application of God's "Perfect Ten."
This remarkable reticence extends even to the Ten Commandments and to all the specific moral directives of the Judeo-Christian heritage. Amid much talk, there is little resolute conformity to them. Some current critics of the U.S. Supreme Court like to point out that it does not allow the Ten Commandments, though written upon the walls of its own chambers, to be displayed in public schools.
But where do we find churches that put them on their walls? The Ten Commandments really aren't very popular anywhere! This is so in spite of the fact that even a fairly general practice of them would lead to a solution of almost every problem of meaning and order now facing Western societies. They are God's best information on how to lead a basically decent human existence (56-57).
Hard to argue with Willard's charge, isn't it? Christians argue vehemently for the posting of the Ten Commandments in courthouses, statehouses and school houses. But why do we avoid posting them in our church houses?
Perhaps we'd all be better if we reminded ourselves that a visible posting of the Ten Commandments on a public facility wall is not nearly as impacting as the posting of the Ten Commandments on the wall of our heart!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Children and Tests
One question for Ryan Drese: where was that command and control when you were in a Rangers uniform? Good grief! Drese two-hit the Angels last night in leading the Nationals to a 1-0 win, bringing the Rangers within a game-and-a-half of the Angels. As Jamey Newberg said so well this morning, "that is the best help he's given the Rangers this year" in their quest to win the AL West.
Rangers win 9-5 last night over the Braves and all their bandwagon riding fans, like Michael Bennett and David Owen. Wouldn't want to be those guys today. Let em have it, Greg!
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This morning, my brain is in mental retreat following an ultra successful VBS '05. This evening, I will retreat with my fellow boards members on the Jessieville School Board, so I'm gonna take a break today and share with you a blog entry culled from Larry James. James ministers in inner city Dallas and is a must-read for me each day. Yesterday, he borrowed an article that speaks to the albatross that is the "No Child Left Behind Act" and its implications in education.
Rangers win 9-5 last night over the Braves and all their bandwagon riding fans, like Michael Bennett and David Owen. Wouldn't want to be those guys today. Let em have it, Greg!
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This morning, my brain is in mental retreat following an ultra successful VBS '05. This evening, I will retreat with my fellow boards members on the Jessieville School Board, so I'm gonna take a break today and share with you a blog entry culled from Larry James. James ministers in inner city Dallas and is a must-read for me each day. Yesterday, he borrowed an article that speaks to the albatross that is the "No Child Left Behind Act" and its implications in education.
Marian Wright Edelman's Child Watch ColumnJune 4, 2005
CHILDREN ARE MORE THAN THEIR TESTS
I talked recently with a Black grandmother with a second grade grandson who asked me to pray for him. He was in the middle of testing for the week in his exclusive private school and was stressed out. A smart child, she feared he might not be the quickest responder on the tests and thought the week long process was a lot of pressure for such a young child. He and she felt extra pressure because he was the only Black child in the room and she did not want him to feel or appear to be dumb if he didn't do as well as his privileged White peers.
So many children are weighed down by the expectations and needs of adults - good and bad. Parents, teachers and administrators need to have high expectations for all children, but they also need to be mindful of trying to judge children's intelligence and talents just on the basis of tests or fit our children into a single label, simple box, and the convenience of school systems. Schools exist to teach and help children learn and develop the whole self: mind, body and spirit. Appropriate tests should identify children's strengths and weaknesses in order to better help not stigmatize them.
I strongly support holding schools accountable for educating every child and support the disaggregation of children's academic progress by race and income. But the do or die testing underway under the No Child Left Behind Act is causing many children great harm.
Too many schools are teaching to the tests rather than teaching to the child. Too many educators are over labeling children as special needs children to exempt them from regular testing procedures so their school will look better. Too many children are being retained in a grade without getting the extra help they need which increases the risk of them dropping out of school and puts them at greater risk of being sucked into the prison pipeline. And too many schools are transmitting their fears of being labeled a failing school if children don't do well on the tests by pushing them out of school for behaviors that are often a cry for help.
We need to remember that each child is an individual. Policymakers, parents and teachers need to see and respect the various ways and paces children learn and develop even as we try to make sure that they gain all the basic competencies they need to succeed in life. Reading , computing, writing and thinking are crucial, but creativity and different talents in our children must also be honored.
I love a wonderful parable I first read in a book by the distinguished Black theologian Howard Thurman that I found again in an Outward Bound reader.
"Once upon a time, the animals decided they must do something heroic to meet the problems of a 'new world.' So they organized a school. They adopted an activity curriculum consisting of running, climbing, swimming and flying. To make it easier to administer the curriculum, all the animals took all the subjects.
The duck was excellent n swimming, in fact better than his instructor, but he made only passing grades in flying and was very poor in running. Since he was slow in running, he had to stay after school and also drop swimming in order to practice running. This was kept up until his web feet were badly worn and he was only average in swimming. But average was acceptable in school, so nobody worried about that except the duck.
The rabbit started at the top of the class in running, but had a nervous breakdown because of so much make-up work in swimming.
The squirrel was excellent in climbing until he developed frustration in the flying class, where his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of from the treetop down. He also developed 'charlie horses' from overexertion and got C in climbing and D in running.
The eagle was a problem child and was disciplined severely. In the climbing class he beat all the others to the top of the tree, but insisted on using his own way to get there.
At the end of the year an abnormal eel that could swim exceedingly well, and also run, climb, and fly a little, had the highest average and was valedictorian.
The prairie dogs stayed out of school and fought the tax levy because the administration would not add digging and burrowing to the curriculum. They apprenticed their child to a badger and later joined the groundhog and gophers to start a successful private school."
Is there a lesson here for how we treat our children in too many schools?
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Marian Wright Edelman is President and Founder of the Children's Defense Fund and its Action Council whose Leave No Child Behind® mission strives to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. Visit www.childrensdefense.org.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
The Postmodern/Missional/Spiritual Formation/Emerging Movement
Pedro Astacio...uuuggghhh! If the Rangers cut ties with Ryan Drese, their opening day starter, I've got think the scissors couldn't be far behind for Astacio. Giving up seven runs to that Braves lineup isn't acceptable.
The Dallas Morning News is projecting a matchup of Kenny Rogers against Ryan Drese Friday night when the Nationals come to the Palace.
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Since this year's Tulsa Workshop, I've immersed myself in reading everything I can get my hands on regarding the Postmodern/Spiritual Formation/Missional/Emerging Movement. It's probably not fair to lump all those angels of discipleship together, but they are all being birthed out of a similar paradigm.
I'm not on board with all the emergent stuff. It seems to me to make too many concessions to culture. The Spiritual Formation/Missional stuff, on the other hand, seems to be a gold mine.
I love the missional approach to contextualization and redefining mission as the prime directive of every Christian. Our language betrays that. We speak of "missionaries, the mission field, mission committees" as aspects of taking the gospel to foreign soil. What the missional church seeks is a recommitment to the reality that every Christian is not just a minister; every Christian is a missionary! That makes the mission field our neighborhoods, schools, and work places. The church collectively is the mission committee, charged with making disciples of all nations...beginning at home where we live!
Spiritual Formation is the recreation of the character and mission of Jesus Christ in the heart of every Christian/missionary. It is, pure and simple, practical discipleship development.
What the missional/spiritual formation effort does is raise a heightened awareness of the need for every follower of Jesus to become like Jesus for the sake of the lost next door. Across the street.
Perhaps the last century, in our quest to define our distinctiveness in relation to the rest of Christendom, failed us in our effort to be Jesus. We learned the proof texts to argue our uniqueness with our Christian friends while forgetting the necessity of being Jesus to the poor, the hungry, the lost.
The heart of the matter is: will we love God above everything else and love our neighbor enough to care about their eternal destiny?
The Dallas Morning News is projecting a matchup of Kenny Rogers against Ryan Drese Friday night when the Nationals come to the Palace.
-----------------
Since this year's Tulsa Workshop, I've immersed myself in reading everything I can get my hands on regarding the Postmodern/Spiritual Formation/Missional/Emerging Movement. It's probably not fair to lump all those angels of discipleship together, but they are all being birthed out of a similar paradigm.
I'm not on board with all the emergent stuff. It seems to me to make too many concessions to culture. The Spiritual Formation/Missional stuff, on the other hand, seems to be a gold mine.
I love the missional approach to contextualization and redefining mission as the prime directive of every Christian. Our language betrays that. We speak of "missionaries, the mission field, mission committees" as aspects of taking the gospel to foreign soil. What the missional church seeks is a recommitment to the reality that every Christian is not just a minister; every Christian is a missionary! That makes the mission field our neighborhoods, schools, and work places. The church collectively is the mission committee, charged with making disciples of all nations...beginning at home where we live!
Spiritual Formation is the recreation of the character and mission of Jesus Christ in the heart of every Christian/missionary. It is, pure and simple, practical discipleship development.
What the missional/spiritual formation effort does is raise a heightened awareness of the need for every follower of Jesus to become like Jesus for the sake of the lost next door. Across the street.
Perhaps the last century, in our quest to define our distinctiveness in relation to the rest of Christendom, failed us in our effort to be Jesus. We learned the proof texts to argue our uniqueness with our Christian friends while forgetting the necessity of being Jesus to the poor, the hungry, the lost.
The heart of the matter is: will we love God above everything else and love our neighbor enough to care about their eternal destiny?
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Crazy Guy on a Bike
So I've been writing recently about accepting our mission of mercy; of the need to accept the call of Jesus to make a difference in the world.
My uncle is attempting to do just that in a unique (read "crazy") way!
George Cobb is my mom's younger brother and an employee of the Arkansas Children's Hospital. Beginning on Saturday, July 9, he is going to ride the perimeter of the entire state of Arkansas, culminating at the Children's Hospital on Friday, July 22. The ride is to raise funding for research and development for the Children's Hospital.
Here is the text of a letter he sent to family and friends. I hope as you read it, your heart will be touched to donate so that you can participate in this unique, crazy mission of mercy.
I hope all of you who visit and read my blog regularly will join me in digging deep enough to share some of the blessings you've received from God to bless the lives of children.
My uncle is attempting to do just that in a unique (read "crazy") way!
George Cobb is my mom's younger brother and an employee of the Arkansas Children's Hospital. Beginning on Saturday, July 9, he is going to ride the perimeter of the entire state of Arkansas, culminating at the Children's Hospital on Friday, July 22. The ride is to raise funding for research and development for the Children's Hospital.
Here is the text of a letter he sent to family and friends. I hope as you read it, your heart will be touched to donate so that you can participate in this unique, crazy mission of mercy.
There comes a time in life when you stop and wonder what you have done to make a difference, to make the world a little better. That time has come for me!
Every day, I walk into the Arkansas Children's Hospital and see faces. Faces of happy kids, faces of new parents, and the smiling faces of the staff that provide the care, love and hope.
Unfortunately, not every face I see is smiling. Some faces are filled with worry. Some with fear. Some with loss. Those are the faces that break my heart. Those are the faces I would like to team up with you to change.
As many of you know, I love to ride my bike. Being outside, not matter the season, is pure therapy for me. You see things you would normally fly right by in a car. And I love my home state! Arkansas is one of the prettiest states in the country. So I thought to myself, why not see the Natural State on my bike and do some good for the hospital at the same time.
Starting on Saturday, July 9, I will begin a journey in Fort Smith bicycling around the borders of the state to help change the lives of children. There will be 1,141 miles to cover in 14 days and there will be $10,000 (hopefully more) to hand over at the ride's end, at the front door of ACH on Friday, July 22.
This is where I would like to ask your help. It will take all of you to help me pull this off. $10,000 is no small amount of money but every dime will help make a child's life better. Every dime will help ease a person's worries. Every dime will make you feel you've helped change the world for a child. So I ask you, please donate.
There are several ways you can give. You can make out a check to Arkansas Children's Hospital and send it to me. If you prefer to mail it, the address is Arkansas Children's Hospital Foundation, 800 Marshall Street, Slot 661, Little Rock, AR 72202. You can also donate online. On your donation, please put "George Cobb's Bike Ride" in the memo line. All contributions are tax deductible.
You can watch the ride unfold by going here. There you can read the story, the training journal, and then as I begin the ride, you will be able to read daily updates showing where I am and the adventure I had that day.
All I ask is that you give from the heart. Think of your children and family and what joy they have brought to you. Think of how your donation will change the life of a child.
From myself and all the kids here at ACH, we say, "Thank You."
I hope all of you who visit and read my blog regularly will join me in digging deep enough to share some of the blessings you've received from God to bless the lives of children.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Welcome Home
To the Rangers. I come home from VBS to find my Rangers in front 7-0. Nothing like a return to the Palace in Dallas, aka "the launching pad," to get back on track. Soriano twice and Blalock once have already gone deep.
Chris Young looks nasty, he of the 1.83 ERA in his last 10 starts!
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VBS 2005 is going great! The kids are making a "Serengeti Trek" and the adults are being blessed by the inspiring, insightful teaching of Leon Barnes, preaching minister for the rapidly growing Central church of Christ in downtown Little Rock.
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I want to brag on my wife tonight. Mandy is running the crafts area in VBS. She is doing a great job. Her commitment this week has been a wonderful example to her little girls of a godly mommy who serves others. I love her dearly.
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Kudos also to Trae. She realized Jimmy committed the unpardonable sin last night by forgetting to lead "Booster" during VBS. Tonight, that was corrected, thanks to the perception of a little seven-year old who is madly in love with Jesus.
Chris Young looks nasty, he of the 1.83 ERA in his last 10 starts!
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VBS 2005 is going great! The kids are making a "Serengeti Trek" and the adults are being blessed by the inspiring, insightful teaching of Leon Barnes, preaching minister for the rapidly growing Central church of Christ in downtown Little Rock.
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I want to brag on my wife tonight. Mandy is running the crafts area in VBS. She is doing a great job. Her commitment this week has been a wonderful example to her little girls of a godly mommy who serves others. I love her dearly.
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Kudos also to Trae. She realized Jimmy committed the unpardonable sin last night by forgetting to lead "Booster" during VBS. Tonight, that was corrected, thanks to the perception of a little seven-year old who is madly in love with Jesus.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
First Things First
In the calm before the storm -- aka: a quiet house filled with napping girls before tonight's start to VBS 2005 -- I am reflecting on the movement of God through His Word.
This morning, we received our second message in our "Summer at Sinai" series. The first commandment, to place no other gods before God Himself, is the most basic starting point of faith. It affirms that God Alone is qualified to rule my life as Lord, Sovereign and King. It affirms man's place while upholding the reign of God.
You'd think that message would be so simple, lifelong Christians would be bored to tears. And yet, through the move of the convicting Spirit, God once again used His Word to convict hearts to repentance.
His Word, even in its most "elementary" moments, still penetrates to the point of dividing soul and spirit. I witnessed that again this morning and experienced it again this week as God worked on my heart in the development of His message.
This morning, we received our second message in our "Summer at Sinai" series. The first commandment, to place no other gods before God Himself, is the most basic starting point of faith. It affirms that God Alone is qualified to rule my life as Lord, Sovereign and King. It affirms man's place while upholding the reign of God.
You'd think that message would be so simple, lifelong Christians would be bored to tears. And yet, through the move of the convicting Spirit, God once again used His Word to convict hearts to repentance.
His Word, even in its most "elementary" moments, still penetrates to the point of dividing soul and spirit. I witnessed that again this morning and experienced it again this week as God worked on my heart in the development of His message.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
11 Years Ago Today
The Rangers are imploding. The luster of the 9-game win streak is gone, thanks to two wins in the last nine games. The pitching staff is in shambles. The move of Ryan Drese seems to have deflated the team...and the fans.
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Let me make a book recommendation. Reggie McNeal's book The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church is far-and-away the best read for me on the emerging culture and the church's response to the emerging culture. It is steeped in developing a missional mindset and is filled with practical ideas to engage "pre-Christians" in conversation.
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Eleven years ago today, Mandy Williams walked down the aisle to pledge to live the rest of her life by my side. Today, we celebrate eleven years of marriage -- eleven years that have brought us immense joy, especially with the births of two beautiful gifts from God. These eleven years have brought enormous challenges which have only deepened my love for my bride.
Our wedding vows eleven years ago centered around the theme of Ecclesiastes 4.9-12: "Two are better than one...a cord of three strands will never be broken." I didn't realize all that vow would entail on that sunny Saturday eleven years ago, but every experience of our shared lives has only reinforced the truth of God's Word.
In fact, we named our first little girl "Trae" for she is a living, breathing testimony that the relationship of her parents is not a relationship of two, it is an unbreakable bond of three: Mandy, myself, and Jesus Christ. "Tori" (Victoria) is the goal of our life -- that our marriage and our home will result in the victory that only Jesus Christ can offer.
Today, I'm overwhelmed in my heart with gratitude and love for my wife. In every way, she completes me. As a man and as a minister, I'm so much better with her than I would ever be without her.
I can only hope and pray she feels the same way!
---------------
Let me make a book recommendation. Reggie McNeal's book The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church is far-and-away the best read for me on the emerging culture and the church's response to the emerging culture. It is steeped in developing a missional mindset and is filled with practical ideas to engage "pre-Christians" in conversation.
---------------
Eleven years ago today, Mandy Williams walked down the aisle to pledge to live the rest of her life by my side. Today, we celebrate eleven years of marriage -- eleven years that have brought us immense joy, especially with the births of two beautiful gifts from God. These eleven years have brought enormous challenges which have only deepened my love for my bride.
Our wedding vows eleven years ago centered around the theme of Ecclesiastes 4.9-12: "Two are better than one...a cord of three strands will never be broken." I didn't realize all that vow would entail on that sunny Saturday eleven years ago, but every experience of our shared lives has only reinforced the truth of God's Word.
In fact, we named our first little girl "Trae" for she is a living, breathing testimony that the relationship of her parents is not a relationship of two, it is an unbreakable bond of three: Mandy, myself, and Jesus Christ. "Tori" (Victoria) is the goal of our life -- that our marriage and our home will result in the victory that only Jesus Christ can offer.
Today, I'm overwhelmed in my heart with gratitude and love for my wife. In every way, she completes me. As a man and as a minister, I'm so much better with her than I would ever be without her.
I can only hope and pray she feels the same way!
Friday, June 10, 2005
Bug Killers!
The Rangers are so depressing right now I'd prefer to look to another diamond to find joy!
Last night, the Terminix 7-9 year-old girls softball team pulled off a stunner, knocking off last year's league champion, Village Mortgage, 7-6. For a team undermanned in terms of age and experience, it was a remarkable night. The girls have improved so much since our first practice.
On a personal note, Trae continued her 2-for-3 pace. She's great her first two at-bats every game, but that third one -- when fatigue has set in -- is usually a struggle.
Last night's victory vaulted the Terminix girls into 2nd place in the league, one game behind His Way Construction, for first place. We've had three scheduled games with His Way rained out, so there is still a 1st place opportunity sitting out there for the Bug Killers.
Regardless of where this team finishes in the standings, as their coach, the look of satisfaction and accomplishment on the faces of those little kids last night was priceless! They knew they'd accomplished something very special, making the moment very, very special for a proud coach (and a proud daddy)!
That moment -- the looks on those faces, especially the look in Trae's eyes -- is a memory forever locked away in the treasure chest of my heart. That is a moment I wouldn't trade for any amount of money, any possession, or any career accomplishment. That shared moment with your child that gives real meaning to the word "daddy."
Last night, the Terminix 7-9 year-old girls softball team pulled off a stunner, knocking off last year's league champion, Village Mortgage, 7-6. For a team undermanned in terms of age and experience, it was a remarkable night. The girls have improved so much since our first practice.
On a personal note, Trae continued her 2-for-3 pace. She's great her first two at-bats every game, but that third one -- when fatigue has set in -- is usually a struggle.
Last night's victory vaulted the Terminix girls into 2nd place in the league, one game behind His Way Construction, for first place. We've had three scheduled games with His Way rained out, so there is still a 1st place opportunity sitting out there for the Bug Killers.
Regardless of where this team finishes in the standings, as their coach, the look of satisfaction and accomplishment on the faces of those little kids last night was priceless! They knew they'd accomplished something very special, making the moment very, very special for a proud coach (and a proud daddy)!
That moment -- the looks on those faces, especially the look in Trae's eyes -- is a memory forever locked away in the treasure chest of my heart. That is a moment I wouldn't trade for any amount of money, any possession, or any career accomplishment. That shared moment with your child that gives real meaning to the word "daddy."
Thursday, June 09, 2005
If We are the Body
One of the chief complaints I've heard against Buck Showalter is that "he is too loyal." Wonder if Ryan Drese would agree with that charge this morning?
Yesterday afternoon, in a shocking move, the Rangers designated Drese, their number one starter coming out of Spring Training, for assignment. That leaves ten days for Drese to be claimed by another team, traded, or outrighted to the minor leagues.
The move is a stunning admission of wrong judgment on the part of Showalter and Orel Hershiser. Their faith in Drese, based on last year's effort which was an aberration, went unrewarded...and they weren't afraid to pull the trigger on moving him. Ricardo Rodriguez will join the Rangers on Sunday and start against the Marlins.
For an excellent analysis of the move and all the considerations that went into the move, follow this link to Jamey's Newberg's outstanding Newberg report.
As for the team on the field, the city most known for celebrating freedom has been a prison the last two nights for the Rangers
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My wife has turned me on to Casting Crowns, a beautiful blend of contemporary Christian voices. One of their songs is very compelling, especially in light of our discussion here the last two days.
It's crowded at worship today
She walks in, trying to fade into the faces
The girls teasing, laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know.
But if we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body, why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way!
A traveler is far away from home
He sinks in, trying to fade into the back row
Their judgmental glances tell him that his chances
Are better out on the road.
But if we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body, why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ.
If we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body, why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
Jesus is the way!
Yesterday afternoon, in a shocking move, the Rangers designated Drese, their number one starter coming out of Spring Training, for assignment. That leaves ten days for Drese to be claimed by another team, traded, or outrighted to the minor leagues.
The move is a stunning admission of wrong judgment on the part of Showalter and Orel Hershiser. Their faith in Drese, based on last year's effort which was an aberration, went unrewarded...and they weren't afraid to pull the trigger on moving him. Ricardo Rodriguez will join the Rangers on Sunday and start against the Marlins.
For an excellent analysis of the move and all the considerations that went into the move, follow this link to Jamey's Newberg's outstanding Newberg report.
As for the team on the field, the city most known for celebrating freedom has been a prison the last two nights for the Rangers
------------------
My wife has turned me on to Casting Crowns, a beautiful blend of contemporary Christian voices. One of their songs is very compelling, especially in light of our discussion here the last two days.
It's crowded at worship today
She walks in, trying to fade into the faces
The girls teasing, laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know.
But if we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body, why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way!
A traveler is far away from home
He sinks in, trying to fade into the back row
Their judgmental glances tell him that his chances
Are better out on the road.
But if we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body, why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ.
If we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body, why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
Jesus is the way!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
The ONE Campaign
Blessed to be a blessing...but how? How can I be a conduit for God's mercy in the world? How can I feed the contemporary Jesus who is pictured in Matthew 25 as the "hungry" who are in need of food?
Yesterday, I received an e-mail from Brad Pitt (which made Mandy insanely jealous). The e-mail, generated through the ONE campaign, was a reminder of his Primetime Live special with Diane Sawyer. The special aired last night and was primarily devoted, not to his acting career or his personal life, but his efforts in the ONE campaign to eradicate poverty and hunger in Africa.
Pitt's continual statement to the effect of "we can be the generation that eliminates worldwide hunger" was gripping. He is convinced, as are others, that if the people in the most blessed part of the world will simply extend mercy and aid, worldwide hunger can be erased within 20 years.
The images last night gave new meaning to "our daily bread" as whole families in Ethiopia live on bread day-after-day.
As Christians, we have been delivered not just to an eternal end, but to be an extension of the deliverance of God in the here-and-now. The people of Africa need deliverance now. That is the aim of the ONE campaign.
Below are two letters. The first is a letter from Rick Warren, author of the Purpose Driven Life, encouraging church leaders to sign on to the ONE campaign. The second is the text of a letter drafted by church leaders to President Bush. You may sign on to the ONE campaign here.
Yesterday, I received an e-mail from Brad Pitt (which made Mandy insanely jealous). The e-mail, generated through the ONE campaign, was a reminder of his Primetime Live special with Diane Sawyer. The special aired last night and was primarily devoted, not to his acting career or his personal life, but his efforts in the ONE campaign to eradicate poverty and hunger in Africa.
Pitt's continual statement to the effect of "we can be the generation that eliminates worldwide hunger" was gripping. He is convinced, as are others, that if the people in the most blessed part of the world will simply extend mercy and aid, worldwide hunger can be erased within 20 years.
The images last night gave new meaning to "our daily bread" as whole families in Ethiopia live on bread day-after-day.
As Christians, we have been delivered not just to an eternal end, but to be an extension of the deliverance of God in the here-and-now. The people of Africa need deliverance now. That is the aim of the ONE campaign.
Below are two letters. The first is a letter from Rick Warren, author of the Purpose Driven Life, encouraging church leaders to sign on to the ONE campaign. The second is the text of a letter drafted by church leaders to President Bush. You may sign on to the ONE campaign here.
June 3, 2005
Dear co-worker in Christ,
I have a simple request -- but it could determine whether millions live or die.
You’ve probably read in the papers about “The ONE Campaign: To Make Poverty History” that’s been endorsed by a wide coalition of folks from all across the faith and political spectrum. Helping the hurting is something we all want to do.
I’ve never been involved in partisan politics -- and don’t intend to do so now -- but global poverty is an issue that rises far above mere politics. It is a moral issue … a compassion issue … and because Jesus commanded us to help the poor, it is an obedience issue! He told us to do all we can to alleviate the pain of our brothers and sisters: “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40, NKJV)
That’s why John Stott, Billy Graham, and many other evangelical leaders are joining me in lending our names and prayers to this campaign. I deeply believe that if we as evangelicals remain silent and do not speak up in defense of the poor, we lose our credibility and our right to witness about God’s love for the world: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” (1 John 3:17, NIV)
We are blessed to be a blessing to others, and certainly America, as the most blessed nation on our planet, has the greatest obligation to help those who are stuck in poverty around the world. Last month, I was in Kenya and Uganda, and then in Rwanda where the average income in that nation is 67 cents a day! Imagine trying to raise a family on that.
If you were hopelessly in debt, with no chance of ever getting out of debt -- or even your children getting out of debt -- you’d despair. But if someone cancelled all your debts -- as the Bible commanded Israel to often do -- you’d have the hope of a new future. The poor aren’t asking for a handout -- they just need a hand up!
This summer, at the G8 conference, our nation has a historic opportunity to lead the world by showing a visible and significant commitment to the fight against global poverty, hunger, and disease. In early July, President Bush will gather together with leaders from the world’s eight wealthiest nations in Edinburgh, Scotland, to discuss these very issues -- especially in Africa.
We all grieved when 250,000 lives were lost in the tsunami in Southeast Asia. But there is a health tsunami of that proportion in Africa every 12 days!
What can we do? Join me and other evangelical leaders in an open letter to President Bush that encourages him -- with our support and prayers -- to take specific, measurable actions to fight poverty, hunger, and disease at the G8 summit. Below is a copy of the text of this open letter we’re sending.
All I need you to do is e-mail me back at rick@peace.gs giving your name and title, and I’ll add your name to the list. Also you can visit www.one.org for more information.
If you can send a copy of your signature (preferably in a jpeg format) to add to the bottom of the letter, that would be great, but don’t let that delay your response. We'd rather hear from you now.
Thanks in advance for showing your compassion for those suffering from disease, hunger, and poverty.
May God bless your ministry,
Dr. Rick Warren
Pastor, Saddleback Church
Author, The Purpose Driven Life
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June 1, 2005
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Bush,
Because:
· ONE billion people around the world live on less than ONE dollar a day;
· The US government spends less than ONE percent of its budget on fighting global AIDS and poverty;
· Americans are uniting as ONE across political and religious divides to support action to overcome the emergency of global AIDS and extreme poverty.
At the G8 leaders meeting on July 6th we urge you to:
· Help the poorest people of the world fight poverty, disease, and hunger at a cost equal to just ONE percent more of the US budget on a clear timetable;
· Cancel 100% of the debts owed by the poorest countries;
· Reform trade rules so poor countries can earn sustainable incomes.
We urge you to lead an historic deal with other nations to help Africa and the poorest nations overcome global AIDS and extreme poverty. Together as ONE, we can Make Poverty History this July.
Sincerely, U.S. Faith Leaders
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
We Must Shame them into Saving Us
On Monday night, I watched the most moving movie I have ever seen. Hotel Rwanda is the riveting story of the 1994 genocide that left over one million dead.
The story revolves around hotel manager, Paul Ruseabagina, who uses his five-star hotel as a refugee camp for Tutsis from the oppression unleashed by Hutu rebels. The hotel would become a shelter for some 1200 refugees fleeing the genocide.
The one scene in the movie that really captured my heart was the exchange between Paul and an American cameraman. The cameraman had left the safety of the gated hotel grounds to capture footage of the slaughter. When the video was inadvertenly shown with Paul in the room, the cameraman grew apologetic.
Here's their exchange:
Paul: "I'm glad you captured the atrocities for all the world to see. That is our only hope for intervention."
Cameraman: "Don't count on intervention. When they see the pictures, they'll say, 'Oh my God,' then go right back to eating dinner."
With a look of absolute dismay, Paul hangs his head and walks away.
I can't help but ask myself: why was I so fortunately blessed to be born in America? Why are my children so fortunate to be born in America, rather than Rwanda or Sudan, wracked with genocide just ten years after the atrocities in Rwanda? Why have I and my family been so lucky to be born and raised in a civil society, rather than one based on medieval oppression?
And Paul's statement to UN Peacekeepers: "we must shame them into saving us" convicts my heart.
The blessings we've received from the generosity of God are not our shame. Our willingness, or lack thereof, to see ourselves as conduits through whom God can bless the lives of the less fortunate is our downfall.
Hotel Rwanda is a shock to the middle-class American status quo. It is a convicting reminder of how blessed we are and how oppressed others in this world are. It is a call to mission -- that we are not the end-users of our blessings -- to use the blessings we enjoy to bless the lives of others.
As American Christians, we are stewards of the most incredible grace from the storehouse of God. Those blessings can never be used for our self-serving purposes. Those blessings are our motivation to mission -- to love the least of these in this world God loves so much (see Matthew 25 and John 3).
Just as the Passion of the Christ moved me, Hotel Rwanda moved me. It moved me to see my role as a disciple of Jesus on a grander scale. It moved me to see all the blessings God has poured out on me and my family as a means to bless the lives of others, even if they are an ocean away.
The story revolves around hotel manager, Paul Ruseabagina, who uses his five-star hotel as a refugee camp for Tutsis from the oppression unleashed by Hutu rebels. The hotel would become a shelter for some 1200 refugees fleeing the genocide.
The one scene in the movie that really captured my heart was the exchange between Paul and an American cameraman. The cameraman had left the safety of the gated hotel grounds to capture footage of the slaughter. When the video was inadvertenly shown with Paul in the room, the cameraman grew apologetic.
Here's their exchange:
Paul: "I'm glad you captured the atrocities for all the world to see. That is our only hope for intervention."
Cameraman: "Don't count on intervention. When they see the pictures, they'll say, 'Oh my God,' then go right back to eating dinner."
With a look of absolute dismay, Paul hangs his head and walks away.
I can't help but ask myself: why was I so fortunately blessed to be born in America? Why are my children so fortunate to be born in America, rather than Rwanda or Sudan, wracked with genocide just ten years after the atrocities in Rwanda? Why have I and my family been so lucky to be born and raised in a civil society, rather than one based on medieval oppression?
And Paul's statement to UN Peacekeepers: "we must shame them into saving us" convicts my heart.
The blessings we've received from the generosity of God are not our shame. Our willingness, or lack thereof, to see ourselves as conduits through whom God can bless the lives of the less fortunate is our downfall.
Hotel Rwanda is a shock to the middle-class American status quo. It is a convicting reminder of how blessed we are and how oppressed others in this world are. It is a call to mission -- that we are not the end-users of our blessings -- to use the blessings we enjoy to bless the lives of others.
As American Christians, we are stewards of the most incredible grace from the storehouse of God. Those blessings can never be used for our self-serving purposes. Those blessings are our motivation to mission -- to love the least of these in this world God loves so much (see Matthew 25 and John 3).
Just as the Passion of the Christ moved me, Hotel Rwanda moved me. It moved me to see my role as a disciple of Jesus on a grander scale. It moved me to see all the blessings God has poured out on me and my family as a means to bless the lives of others, even if they are an ocean away.
Monday, June 06, 2005
The Double-Edged Sword
After visiting with my brother-in-law following my cousin's wedding on Saturday, I realize not everyone who visits my blog regularly salivates over my Texas Ranger analysis.
Sorry, Ryan, but here goes. But first I'll throw you a bone: a rematch of last year's World Series between the Cardinals (Ryan's favorite team) and the Red Sox kicks off tonight. Tonight's game and Wednesday night's game are both on ESPN.
If the AL Cy Young Award vote were held today, the Gambler would win in a landslide. Following yesterday's 8-1 victory over the Royals, Kenny Rogers's ERA dropped to 1.62. During his current eight-consecutive start win streak, Rogers has recorded an ERA of 0.97. Astounding, especially for a 40-year old. Before this year, my greatest fear was Rogers would begin to show his age this year. Physically, there is no sign of age; mentally, he's pitching like a wise sage.
Michael Young is hot too, now entreched in a 15-game hitting streak. The Rangers have at least 10 hits in seven of their last eight games.
----------------
On Saturday, I wrote about the joy I experience when I, as the officiant of a wedding ceremony, experience the first sight of the bride. On Saturday, my cousin Linsey, escorted by her father and my uncle, Tim, entered through the doors of the church building to "How Beautiful." The timing was flawless! As the doors of the auditorium opened, these words rang through the assembly.
"How beautiful the radiant bride who waits for her groom with his light in her eyes. How beautiful when humble hearts give the fruit of pure lives so that others may live. How beautiful...how beautiful.
So beautiful, in fact, it brought tears to my eyes, making it only the second wedding ceremony I've ever performed (my sister's being the first) where I choked up.
--------------
Last week, I spent some time writing about the need to question. Bible study is a dynamic exercise and part of that dynamic is found in the freedom to take the Bible into our own hands and read it anew every day. We must approach the Bible, not as an encyclopedia to confirm our presuppositions, but to be changed by the penetrating double-edged sword.
To this end, I share with you today the words of Vincent Donovan. Donovan is a Roman Catholic missiologist who is quoted often in Brian McLaren's book A Generous Orthodoxy. McLaren quotes Donovan's writing in Christianity Rediscovered.
I love Donovan's insight because it has been a bedrock in my quest to better understand the will of God. Bible study, sermon prep, class discussion, small group interaction -- all of these means are fresh challenges to me. Challenges, not to simply affirm my faith but to reorient my faith anew in Jesus. They offer invaluable opportunities to be convicted again by the penetrating double-edged sword that is, the Word of God.
Sorry, Ryan, but here goes. But first I'll throw you a bone: a rematch of last year's World Series between the Cardinals (Ryan's favorite team) and the Red Sox kicks off tonight. Tonight's game and Wednesday night's game are both on ESPN.
If the AL Cy Young Award vote were held today, the Gambler would win in a landslide. Following yesterday's 8-1 victory over the Royals, Kenny Rogers's ERA dropped to 1.62. During his current eight-consecutive start win streak, Rogers has recorded an ERA of 0.97. Astounding, especially for a 40-year old. Before this year, my greatest fear was Rogers would begin to show his age this year. Physically, there is no sign of age; mentally, he's pitching like a wise sage.
Michael Young is hot too, now entreched in a 15-game hitting streak. The Rangers have at least 10 hits in seven of their last eight games.
----------------
On Saturday, I wrote about the joy I experience when I, as the officiant of a wedding ceremony, experience the first sight of the bride. On Saturday, my cousin Linsey, escorted by her father and my uncle, Tim, entered through the doors of the church building to "How Beautiful." The timing was flawless! As the doors of the auditorium opened, these words rang through the assembly.
"How beautiful the radiant bride who waits for her groom with his light in her eyes. How beautiful when humble hearts give the fruit of pure lives so that others may live. How beautiful...how beautiful.
So beautiful, in fact, it brought tears to my eyes, making it only the second wedding ceremony I've ever performed (my sister's being the first) where I choked up.
--------------
Last week, I spent some time writing about the need to question. Bible study is a dynamic exercise and part of that dynamic is found in the freedom to take the Bible into our own hands and read it anew every day. We must approach the Bible, not as an encyclopedia to confirm our presuppositions, but to be changed by the penetrating double-edged sword.
To this end, I share with you today the words of Vincent Donovan. Donovan is a Roman Catholic missiologist who is quoted often in Brian McLaren's book A Generous Orthodoxy. McLaren quotes Donovan's writing in Christianity Rediscovered.
Never accept and be content with unanalyzed assumptions, assumptions about the work, about the people, about the church or Christianity. Never be afraid to ask questions about the work we have inherited or the work we are doing. There is no question that should not be asked or that is outlawed. The day we are completely satisfied with what we have been doing; the day we have found the perfect, unchangeable system of work, the perfect answer, never in need of being corrected again, on that day we will know that we are wrong, that we have made the greatest mistake of all.
I love Donovan's insight because it has been a bedrock in my quest to better understand the will of God. Bible study, sermon prep, class discussion, small group interaction -- all of these means are fresh challenges to me. Challenges, not to simply affirm my faith but to reorient my faith anew in Jesus. They offer invaluable opportunities to be convicted again by the penetrating double-edged sword that is, the Word of God.
Saturday, June 04, 2005
The Bride
Today, I have the honor of performing my first cousin's wedding as she marries her high school sweetheart. Lindsey is run-way model beautiful and her soon-to-be husband, Joe, is a former lineman for the Henderson Reddies football team.
The best part of officiating a wedding ceremony is this: along with the court, I get to see the bride before anyone in the congregation does. When the doors in the back of the sanctuary open, the bride escorted by her father, comes into the full view of those of standing on the stage.
In all of the weddings I've performed, I've never seen an ugly bride. Makeup perfect. Dress beautiful. Every hair in place. A glowing smile.
Is it any wonder that the church is called "the bride of Christ"? Are we a beautiful bride? Do we value unity in our one another relationships that makes us attractive to our groom?
As the bride of Christ, it should be the aim of every Christian to be beautiful in the eyes of our groom.
The best part of officiating a wedding ceremony is this: along with the court, I get to see the bride before anyone in the congregation does. When the doors in the back of the sanctuary open, the bride escorted by her father, comes into the full view of those of standing on the stage.
In all of the weddings I've performed, I've never seen an ugly bride. Makeup perfect. Dress beautiful. Every hair in place. A glowing smile.
Is it any wonder that the church is called "the bride of Christ"? Are we a beautiful bride? Do we value unity in our one another relationships that makes us attractive to our groom?
As the bride of Christ, it should be the aim of every Christian to be beautiful in the eyes of our groom.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Basking in the Mystery of it all
Yesterday, the Rangers wasted a marvelous 4-hit outing by Chris Young. Kam Loe came in on the 8th, trying to protect a 5-3 lead and promptly allowed the first two Tigers to reach base (one on a single, the other on a hit-by-pitch). Sensing things slipping away, Buck Showalter went to Francisco Cordero for a 2-inning save opportunity.
It didn't work.
Cordero surrendered two runs in the 9th. Nick Regilio came on in the 10th and gave up a run and the Rangers, after winning nine straight, have now lost two in a row, falling 6-5.
Rumors began to swirl yesterday that the Rocket, Roger Clemens, is interested in the Rangers, in addition to the Yankees. One ESPN radio voice yesterday said, "Roger Clemens would vault the Rangers into the best team in the American League." And while the prospect of Clemens would make any Ranger fan salivate, the 8th inning is the weakness right now. Carlos Almanzar, he of the recent Tommy John surgery, was so steady and dependable last year as the 8th inning guy. The Rangers must find that missing link to this year's team.
----------------
Last night was a blast. Dinner at Outback, with my wife sans children, and a movie at the Rave in Little Rock.
On the drive up, Mandy and I talked about my blog yesterday. In her own insightful way, Mandy raised this idea: Does every question we ask of Scripture have to have a clear answer?
Brilliant!
We ask questions out of our setting of an ancient text that, by its nature, was written to answer the questions of first-century believers. Some of our questions have no pat answer. And the answer to some of their questions, take idol meats in 1 Corinthians 8 and 10 for example, have no real application for our setting.
What Mandy was saying was the very thesis of Leonard Sweet's excellent book Out of the Question...Into the Mystery. Sometimes, proof-texting a lame answer doesn't substitute for simply living in the mystery of God's will. Some tough questions have no conclusive answers. In that case, we should marvel at the mystery of it all and live in abiding faith in the answers we do have.
It didn't work.
Cordero surrendered two runs in the 9th. Nick Regilio came on in the 10th and gave up a run and the Rangers, after winning nine straight, have now lost two in a row, falling 6-5.
Rumors began to swirl yesterday that the Rocket, Roger Clemens, is interested in the Rangers, in addition to the Yankees. One ESPN radio voice yesterday said, "Roger Clemens would vault the Rangers into the best team in the American League." And while the prospect of Clemens would make any Ranger fan salivate, the 8th inning is the weakness right now. Carlos Almanzar, he of the recent Tommy John surgery, was so steady and dependable last year as the 8th inning guy. The Rangers must find that missing link to this year's team.
----------------
Last night was a blast. Dinner at Outback, with my wife sans children, and a movie at the Rave in Little Rock.
On the drive up, Mandy and I talked about my blog yesterday. In her own insightful way, Mandy raised this idea: Does every question we ask of Scripture have to have a clear answer?
Brilliant!
We ask questions out of our setting of an ancient text that, by its nature, was written to answer the questions of first-century believers. Some of our questions have no pat answer. And the answer to some of their questions, take idol meats in 1 Corinthians 8 and 10 for example, have no real application for our setting.
What Mandy was saying was the very thesis of Leonard Sweet's excellent book Out of the Question...Into the Mystery. Sometimes, proof-texting a lame answer doesn't substitute for simply living in the mystery of God's will. Some tough questions have no conclusive answers. In that case, we should marvel at the mystery of it all and live in abiding faith in the answers we do have.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Afraid to Ask
Well, I guess all good things must come to an end and it did last night for the Rangers. A 6-4 loss at Detroit brought an end to a fabulous 9-game win streak. The Rangers continued to mash with Shrek and Hidalgo going deep. Ryan Drese was cruising, until he hit the wall in the 7th. The Motor City Kitties plated 5 runs in the 7th. Former Ranger, Ugueth Urbina, notched the save by striking out Hidalgo, Andres Torres and David Dellucci in the 9th.
Today, Chris Young takes the mound in a 12:00 Noon (CDT) first pitch. With the game on FSSW, I wonder if Jeanne might be so kind as to let me "work" at home this afternoon?
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I can't wait until 4:00 this afternoon. For the first time in what seems like 6 months, Mandy and I are going out on a date! It's been far too long to steal away for an evening together, which makes the anticipation of an evening with my wife (without kids for a change!) so inviting.
--------------
Questions are never a dangerous thing. Asking hard questions of the text of Scripture and of long-held beliefs are never a dangerous thing. If those long-held conclusions are true, they will not falter under any weight of scrutiny. The quest brought on by the tough questions might just deepen my faith in the faith. How could that ever be a bad thing?
Has our fellowship strayed from the Restoration ideal? Have we gotten away from providing a safe environment for people to ask tough questions? Do tough questions scare us?
One of the cornerstones of our heritage has been a freedom to think. For individual Christians to take the Word in their own hands and study for themselves. The problem (if you deem it to be a problem, "challenge" might be a better term) with that ideal is sometimes two different, sincere Christians might arrive at different conclusions. The quest through the tough questions might lead to two different destinations for two different people. In those moments, what do we do?
We forfeit our competitive drive to be right for the sake of the relationship!
Today, Chris Young takes the mound in a 12:00 Noon (CDT) first pitch. With the game on FSSW, I wonder if Jeanne might be so kind as to let me "work" at home this afternoon?
--------------
I can't wait until 4:00 this afternoon. For the first time in what seems like 6 months, Mandy and I are going out on a date! It's been far too long to steal away for an evening together, which makes the anticipation of an evening with my wife (without kids for a change!) so inviting.
--------------
Questions are never a dangerous thing. Asking hard questions of the text of Scripture and of long-held beliefs are never a dangerous thing. If those long-held conclusions are true, they will not falter under any weight of scrutiny. The quest brought on by the tough questions might just deepen my faith in the faith. How could that ever be a bad thing?
Has our fellowship strayed from the Restoration ideal? Have we gotten away from providing a safe environment for people to ask tough questions? Do tough questions scare us?
One of the cornerstones of our heritage has been a freedom to think. For individual Christians to take the Word in their own hands and study for themselves. The problem (if you deem it to be a problem, "challenge" might be a better term) with that ideal is sometimes two different, sincere Christians might arrive at different conclusions. The quest through the tough questions might lead to two different destinations for two different people. In those moments, what do we do?
We forfeit our competitive drive to be right for the sake of the relationship!
"Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with -- even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently...So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault" (Romans 14 from The Message ).
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Consistent Grace
The Ranger win streak reached 9 last night with an 8-2 spanking of the Tigers in Detroit. That's the way to start a 14-day road trip! Kenny Rogers was once again masterful, allowing a leadoff home run to Brandon Inge, then settling into to allow only 2 more hits over 7 innings. The Gambler finished the month of May by going 6-0 and has now win 7 starts in a row. Can you say American League Pitcher of the Month?
For the second consecutive game, every player in the lineup recorded at least one hit with Kevin Mench going deep for the 9th time this year.
---------------
This coming Sunday, we will begin "A Summer at Sinai." The Ten Commandments are not arbitrary edicts from a cosmic killjoy; they are the loving instructions of a gracious Father.
For years, I have wondered about the context of the Ten Commandments? Why ten? Why in the immediate aftermath of Egyptian deliverance? Was God's intent in delivering them from Egyptian bondage to enslave them again with arbitrary commandments?
And it hit me that the proper context to understand the Ten Commandments begins, not with Exodus 20 but with Exodus 19! Exodus 19 paints a sterling picture of the graciousness of God. It is a call to remember -- remember the deliverance of God. Remember the grace of God. Remember the salvation of God.
The means of sanctifying Israel (The Ten Commandments) follows on the heels of God's salvation of Israel. In that vein, the Ten Commandments are not arbitrary, but a precursor of what was to come in the New Testament.
Maybe the covenants are not so much a contrast as they are a consistent revelation of the grace of a loving, compassionate Father of mercy.
For the second consecutive game, every player in the lineup recorded at least one hit with Kevin Mench going deep for the 9th time this year.
---------------
This coming Sunday, we will begin "A Summer at Sinai." The Ten Commandments are not arbitrary edicts from a cosmic killjoy; they are the loving instructions of a gracious Father.
For years, I have wondered about the context of the Ten Commandments? Why ten? Why in the immediate aftermath of Egyptian deliverance? Was God's intent in delivering them from Egyptian bondage to enslave them again with arbitrary commandments?
And it hit me that the proper context to understand the Ten Commandments begins, not with Exodus 20 but with Exodus 19! Exodus 19 paints a sterling picture of the graciousness of God. It is a call to remember -- remember the deliverance of God. Remember the grace of God. Remember the salvation of God.
The means of sanctifying Israel (The Ten Commandments) follows on the heels of God's salvation of Israel. In that vein, the Ten Commandments are not arbitrary, but a precursor of what was to come in the New Testament.
Maybe the covenants are not so much a contrast as they are a consistent revelation of the grace of a loving, compassionate Father of mercy.
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