While pondering my questions about the Lord's Supper, I can't help but go one step further and question my worship. I almost hesitate to type my thoughts because someone might ask "is he talking about me?" Well, my intention is to only raise the question of my personal thoughts in the past and present but if you think the question applies to you, I would encourage you to spend time thinking about it.
To the point, WWJD in this context asks "what would Jeff do?" What would Jeff do if Jesus was sitting in worship with me? Would I be more alert? Would I sing with more fervor or smile more or show more emotion? Would I feel more emotion about the words of the song? What would Jeff do if Jesus came to preach at my church? Would I look at my watch periodically to see how long he was going? Would I be wishful that he was moving it along so I could get home and watch a football game or get my nap in? Would I spend time thinking about whether I liked the songs or not, would my mind drift off during a prayer, would I dread the potluck lunch after church? How would I view worship differently than I do today.
There are many things about our current worship that I'm not a big fan of. I think we end worship on a down note instead of an upbeat ending. I think Sunday nights are painful and forced. I want to sing more "new" songs that engage our youth in the worship as opposed to some of the standards I can sing without thinking about. At the same time, I realize other people see it completely opposite of me and in many ways, we are both right so I can accept the stuff I don't like because I know I have brothers and sisters accepting things I do like. That said, I go back to my initial question and ask myself how I would feel about worship if Jesus sat on my pew. I think I would have much fewer questions and ideas on how to make it better and would have a more intensive focus on what and who I was really there for.
I pray God will help me see Jesus on my pew every time I gather with the body to worship.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Efficiency
I wrote in one of the early blogs of this year that this would be my space to write some thoughts - often just for my own benefit - so I can see them in words to think about. This is one of those. I'm not looking for agreement nor an argument, only to think about something more deeply. If it makes you think, great. If not, great.
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I've been visiting with a friend at work recently about communion. I don't know much about it other than what I read in the Bible so I've never studied it in it's historical context. That said, my view of communion is that it is one of the most significant pieces of my worship, a centerpiece of why I am there. Because of that, it has led me to the idea that we have made the act of communion a very efficient process that I find hard to believe was ever meant to be efficient. We have the right number of men who travel the aisles passing the right number of trays with the right number of cups and then it's on to the offering and the preacher. Yet, during that efficient process, we are remembering what Christ did on the cross. Would we even need a worship service if Christ had not been our sacrifice? With that question, I begin to wrestle with how we should "do" communion. 1 Corinthians refers to a meal, albeit a meal that the Corinthians have messed up, but still a meal. When Jesus was with the apostles telling them what the bread and the wine were for, they were at a meal. In my mind, that implies a much different setting than what I see on Sunday mornings today.
The congregation I worship with shares the Lord's Supper each Sunday and that's the way I want it. My translation of the Bible says "as often as you do this..." which, in my feeble way of thinking, makes me wonder whether once a week is enough or even too often (I'll probably deal with pattern theology at some point) but I prefer to share it at least weekly because Jesus' death and resurrection is the only thing that really matters. Without that, I am nothing. With it, I have a hope that is beyond comprehension.
I could go on babbling about what I think but enough for today. I'll wrestle with it more and begin reading some books I've bought to learn more about communion in the early church. In the meantime, my only hope is that however you celebrate the remembrance and covenant God made with each of us through the cross, you will rejoice in the love and mercy God has for me and for you.
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I've been visiting with a friend at work recently about communion. I don't know much about it other than what I read in the Bible so I've never studied it in it's historical context. That said, my view of communion is that it is one of the most significant pieces of my worship, a centerpiece of why I am there. Because of that, it has led me to the idea that we have made the act of communion a very efficient process that I find hard to believe was ever meant to be efficient. We have the right number of men who travel the aisles passing the right number of trays with the right number of cups and then it's on to the offering and the preacher. Yet, during that efficient process, we are remembering what Christ did on the cross. Would we even need a worship service if Christ had not been our sacrifice? With that question, I begin to wrestle with how we should "do" communion. 1 Corinthians refers to a meal, albeit a meal that the Corinthians have messed up, but still a meal. When Jesus was with the apostles telling them what the bread and the wine were for, they were at a meal. In my mind, that implies a much different setting than what I see on Sunday mornings today.
The congregation I worship with shares the Lord's Supper each Sunday and that's the way I want it. My translation of the Bible says "as often as you do this..." which, in my feeble way of thinking, makes me wonder whether once a week is enough or even too often (I'll probably deal with pattern theology at some point) but I prefer to share it at least weekly because Jesus' death and resurrection is the only thing that really matters. Without that, I am nothing. With it, I have a hope that is beyond comprehension.
I could go on babbling about what I think but enough for today. I'll wrestle with it more and begin reading some books I've bought to learn more about communion in the early church. In the meantime, my only hope is that however you celebrate the remembrance and covenant God made with each of us through the cross, you will rejoice in the love and mercy God has for me and for you.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Precious Water
We spent most of yesterday without water. Without going into a long, drawn out story, suffice it to say that a little rubber o-ring (basically the same thing that grounded our flight home from Sao Paula in 2006) created a situation where our water had to be turned off. Hopefully, we can find a replacement this morning and get the precious commodity flowing again.
I hear stories about areas where there is a water shortage and try to imagine what life would be like when we can't get any of it. I'm hear to tell you that it would be miserable. While oil companies are wanting to pump their waste back into the ground, I'm growing closer to becoming an activist for the groundwater protection groups.
We stayed at my wife's parents house last night and my daughter had early track practice today so I had to get up extra early this morning. My son is our only morning person and even he was a bit sluggish this morning. We were 15 minutes late getting my daughter to practice so I wrote a note that I hope keeps her out of the doghouse.
If you get a chance today, have a drink of water and take the time to enjoy it. Trust me, you will miss it when it's gone.
I hear stories about areas where there is a water shortage and try to imagine what life would be like when we can't get any of it. I'm hear to tell you that it would be miserable. While oil companies are wanting to pump their waste back into the ground, I'm growing closer to becoming an activist for the groundwater protection groups.
We stayed at my wife's parents house last night and my daughter had early track practice today so I had to get up extra early this morning. My son is our only morning person and even he was a bit sluggish this morning. We were 15 minutes late getting my daughter to practice so I wrote a note that I hope keeps her out of the doghouse.
If you get a chance today, have a drink of water and take the time to enjoy it. Trust me, you will miss it when it's gone.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The View From The Road
I was up LATE last night (the can't sleep at the hotel syndrome) watching CNN's ongoing coverage of the political landscape. The Democratic and Republican "strategists" were funny for a bit and then it was too much. All they do is work to twist each other's words for their side but I guess that's what they have to do to make it all interesting. It seems Osama Obama is building the momentum and Texas is quite the focus for Hillary. Who would have thought Texas would be such a focal point of politics?
I am becoming increasingly curious who the nominees will pick for their running mate. I think the VP could play a bigger role in this election than they have in some time.
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Did everyone see Texas whip A&M the other night? Hook 'em Horns!
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I read a sad but compelling Internet email story today about a little boy who dies of cancer and writes his mother a letter from Heaven. It is very touching and just makes me want to get home and hug my family. One more sleep to go!
I am becoming increasingly curious who the nominees will pick for their running mate. I think the VP could play a bigger role in this election than they have in some time.
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Did everyone see Texas whip A&M the other night? Hook 'em Horns!
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I read a sad but compelling Internet email story today about a little boy who dies of cancer and writes his mother a letter from Heaven. It is very touching and just makes me want to get home and hug my family. One more sleep to go!
Monday, February 18, 2008
On the Road and Out of Touch
I'm headed back to Salado tonight and will be there for the next few days breaking in a new store manager. This is a part of the job I do not enjoy but necessary. Since I'll be busy trying to remember all the stuff she needs to know, I probably won't be blogging much unless those late nights not sleeping in a hotel gives me time to write.
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I went to a youth group function yesterday afternoon and ran into two relatives. One I had seen recently but he didn't recognize me. The other I haven't seen in years and it was fun to get to catch up a little in the brief time we had.
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Being at the youth event, I missed the Daytona 500 and the NBA All-Star game but did hear that the Jason Kidd deal is still likely to happen. I think the Mavs are giving up too much but if they win it all this year, I'll take it back.
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I went to a youth group function yesterday afternoon and ran into two relatives. One I had seen recently but he didn't recognize me. The other I haven't seen in years and it was fun to get to catch up a little in the brief time we had.
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Being at the youth event, I missed the Daytona 500 and the NBA All-Star game but did hear that the Jason Kidd deal is still likely to happen. I think the Mavs are giving up too much but if they win it all this year, I'll take it back.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Friction
I'm cracking up that Devean George is potentially killing the Jason Kidd trade for the Mavs. I didn't even know George was still on the team (I catch one or two games a month so I'm not completely in the know) and he certainly isn't an integral part to this or a future team yet he is holding the whole thing up.
Now, I'm not saying the trade is a good deal but how often do you see leaders trying to move forward and some seemingly insignificant piece of the whole puzzle throws a wrench in the deal? I know there have to be some really frustrated people right now all because of this one guy. On the other hand, it is his right to take care of himself and his future but it just seems so funny sitting where I am today (making MUCH less money and often paying to watch the game I love).
Now, I'm not saying the trade is a good deal but how often do you see leaders trying to move forward and some seemingly insignificant piece of the whole puzzle throws a wrench in the deal? I know there have to be some really frustrated people right now all because of this one guy. On the other hand, it is his right to take care of himself and his future but it just seems so funny sitting where I am today (making MUCH less money and often paying to watch the game I love).
Thursday, February 14, 2008
It's Hard to Write
It's one of those mornings when it's hard to write because I want to make a positive comment but the day started off in a fashion that has me mad at myself. The kids did not cooperate with me or each other which set me off. You know when one of your children asks for the definition of irate there's a good chance it's not a good thing. I hope we have all recovered and each of us put a positive spin on the day.
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I watched a bit of the Roger Clemens/Brian McNamee hearing yesterday. McNamee looks like a guy trying to get out of a hole to me. Clemens looks like a guy who may not have done something wrong but is close to the edge. The legislators - well, they just looked puffed up and self-serving. What a waste of my tax dollars. The games can't be replayed. The records can't be rewritten. Punish who needs to be punished and clean it up for the future because I really wonder if the game is much cleaner today than it was 3 years ago.
The sad part for Clemens (and anyone else accused) is that if he is innocent, his name will always be linked with the scandal. That's too bad.
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If the deal goes through, the Mavs have to win this year. I have not heard one person who thinks the trade is a good idea. I did hear it might be on the skids because of one of the spare parts in the deal. I wonder what Cuban and Donnie Nelson are thinking.
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I watched a bit of the Roger Clemens/Brian McNamee hearing yesterday. McNamee looks like a guy trying to get out of a hole to me. Clemens looks like a guy who may not have done something wrong but is close to the edge. The legislators - well, they just looked puffed up and self-serving. What a waste of my tax dollars. The games can't be replayed. The records can't be rewritten. Punish who needs to be punished and clean it up for the future because I really wonder if the game is much cleaner today than it was 3 years ago.
The sad part for Clemens (and anyone else accused) is that if he is innocent, his name will always be linked with the scandal. That's too bad.
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If the deal goes through, the Mavs have to win this year. I have not heard one person who thinks the trade is a good idea. I did hear it might be on the skids because of one of the spare parts in the deal. I wonder what Cuban and Donnie Nelson are thinking.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Thankful #3
One of my favorite songs we used to sing at church went something like "count your blessings, name them one by one, count your blessings see what God has done..."
Today I'm thankful for all the things I take for granted. I'm thankful for the health I have and the health of my family. I'm thankful for the air I breathe and the beauty around me. You get the idea. I think if we really counted all the things we could be thankful for and named them one by one, it would take our waking hours.
I take far too much for granted. I know my life could change dramatically in an instant. I was at a baseball game Monday night where one of the players chasing a foul ball went face first into a brick wall. The sound made my stomach turn. I don't know what has happened with the young man but while I stood there praying for him, I couldn't help but wonder if he would be paralyzed or dying. In the blink of an eye, his life and the life of his family may have been changed forever.
Today I thank God for so many things, big and small. I hope I will be more and more aware of the great things I have in my life and around me and take time to appreciate them more.
Today I'm thankful for all the things I take for granted. I'm thankful for the health I have and the health of my family. I'm thankful for the air I breathe and the beauty around me. You get the idea. I think if we really counted all the things we could be thankful for and named them one by one, it would take our waking hours.
I take far too much for granted. I know my life could change dramatically in an instant. I was at a baseball game Monday night where one of the players chasing a foul ball went face first into a brick wall. The sound made my stomach turn. I don't know what has happened with the young man but while I stood there praying for him, I couldn't help but wonder if he would be paralyzed or dying. In the blink of an eye, his life and the life of his family may have been changed forever.
Today I thank God for so many things, big and small. I hope I will be more and more aware of the great things I have in my life and around me and take time to appreciate them more.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Thankful #2
I am thankful for my family. I have a wonderful wife and she is wonderful for one, simple reason. Her ultimate goal is to follow God. She and I are different in many ways. She enjoys putting on garage sales and I don't. I could spend every night watching a basketball or baseball game and she doesn't care to watch any of them unless our son or a relative is playing. She's a visual person who can see most things as a canvas ready to be painted and I do good to see what is right in front of me. We are different about things of this earth but we agree heartily on the one thing that matters most and that is where we want to spend eternity. That makes everything else pretty easy. Being that it's rapidly approaching Valentine's Day, I could go on and on about her beauty - the sparkle in her eyes, the quick smile, the 19 year old figure she has - but her true beauty lies in her heart for God.
I have two pretty wonderful children too. They are a daily delight and they both do things that overwhelm me at times. They are intelligent, they are funny and they really behave well the vast majority of the time. More than that, they have both developed of love of being in the church, being apart of God's family and trying to do the right thing in all situations. They are like all kids, a little rebellious at times, very stubborn at times and forget to use their brains at times but that is nothing compared with their hearts. I have been richly blessed with two angels.
I have incredible parents - both my own and my wife's. Two of them have been my guides for 43 years and two have been great examples for 17 years. Each one is a gift I cherish.
The Lord has been so good to me and my family is a shining example of that that I am thankful for.
I have two pretty wonderful children too. They are a daily delight and they both do things that overwhelm me at times. They are intelligent, they are funny and they really behave well the vast majority of the time. More than that, they have both developed of love of being in the church, being apart of God's family and trying to do the right thing in all situations. They are like all kids, a little rebellious at times, very stubborn at times and forget to use their brains at times but that is nothing compared with their hearts. I have been richly blessed with two angels.
I have incredible parents - both my own and my wife's. Two of them have been my guides for 43 years and two have been great examples for 17 years. Each one is a gift I cherish.
The Lord has been so good to me and my family is a shining example of that that I am thankful for.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Thankful
We studied Psalm 100 yesterday in class and spent some time reflecting on what we are thankful for. One comment was thanksgiving that our Father continues to love us and forgive us when we fail, when we sin against Him.
I look around our church and I see a lot of people who have made mistakes in their lives - some big and some small - but mistakes that I bet many of them wish they could take back. There are people who have battled with drugs and alcohol, there are people who have battled with sexual sins, there are people who have spent time in prison, there are people who are battling ego and pride. There are a lot of battles going on and some of those people still lose the battle periodically but God is still there for them. He still cares, still loves, still forgives. How can we not be thankful for a God like that? How can we not shout for joy?
The thing I'm most thankful for is that while I see those people in our church, I look in the mirror every morning and see someone who needs God's love and forgiveness as much as anyone and I am thankful.
My God is majestic. My God is powerful. My God is loving. My God is forgiving. What more can I want? What more do I need?
I pray that people around me see God today.
I look around our church and I see a lot of people who have made mistakes in their lives - some big and some small - but mistakes that I bet many of them wish they could take back. There are people who have battled with drugs and alcohol, there are people who have battled with sexual sins, there are people who have spent time in prison, there are people who are battling ego and pride. There are a lot of battles going on and some of those people still lose the battle periodically but God is still there for them. He still cares, still loves, still forgives. How can we not be thankful for a God like that? How can we not shout for joy?
The thing I'm most thankful for is that while I see those people in our church, I look in the mirror every morning and see someone who needs God's love and forgiveness as much as anyone and I am thankful.
My God is majestic. My God is powerful. My God is loving. My God is forgiving. What more can I want? What more do I need?
I pray that people around me see God today.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Crunch Time
Tonight I am speaking to our youth group. When I have done this in the past, I find myself gleefully telling Jacob, our youth minister, how happy I would be to speak and then the day of the event I begin sweating early hoping I can connect the audience. I was a kid once but I'm not any longer. My thinking has changed. The way I talk has changed. The way I see things have certainly changed (I used to think 43 year old men didn't know what they were talking about - now I'm convinced they don't). I wonder if I'll be able to say things so they understand and use illustrations they can understand. When I told Jacob I would speak this week, I knew what I was going to talk about. Now, I'm second-guessing and wondering if I should come up with something different.
I think my concerns are based completely on my audience. When I talk to my peers, I hope what I talk about will help them. When I talk to our youth group, I hope what I talk about will change their lives. Surely that's not putting too much pressure on myself, is it? Ha.
Before I speak to any group I always pray the same prayer and will do so again tonight. "Father, let the words I speak be your words, let the message they hear be your message and let hearts be open to your love. Amen." I hope you'll pray that for me too.
I think my concerns are based completely on my audience. When I talk to my peers, I hope what I talk about will help them. When I talk to our youth group, I hope what I talk about will change their lives. Surely that's not putting too much pressure on myself, is it? Ha.
Before I speak to any group I always pray the same prayer and will do so again tonight. "Father, let the words I speak be your words, let the message they hear be your message and let hearts be open to your love. Amen." I hope you'll pray that for me too.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Time
I'm reminded again today how quickly time flies. Tonight, my wife is headed to the high school for an orientation session for my daughter. How in the world can my little baby girl be headed to high school? Time is speeding by me and causing me to once again look at how I'm using it. Am I letting it slip through my fingers or am I using it for good purposes? Am I doing the things God wants me to be doing? Am I using my talents? As I am pulled into my mid-40's, I am beginning to think about life, but not this life. I'm thinking about the life that awaits me and what I need to be doing today to insure that I am helping other people get there - especially my little angels, one of whom starts high school next year.
Time is flying by and I am praying that God helps me use it wisely.
Time is flying by and I am praying that God helps me use it wisely.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Bet It Was QUIET
I'm guessing the Patriots locker room was really, really quiet last night.
My hope for a 0-0 tie didn't come to fruition.
I watched more of the game than I would have since I was at a friend's house who was watching.
I wanted the Giants to win so I didn't have to hear the Patriots were the greatest team ever yap.
I wanted the Patriots to win so I didn't have to listen to any more from Mercury Morris.
Good for Eli.
Tom (Brady) and Tony (Romo) need to quit visiting girlfriends the bye-week before a big game.
I didn't catch many commercials but didn't think any of those I saw were exceptional.
I'm ready for some baseball.
I read an article about Josh Hamilton, the Rangers new centerfielder, and his path from being one of the greatest prospects out of high school to a drug addict and back again. It's one of those good stories that you hope stays good. He says his faith is what holds him up and feels a responsibility to take his story to kids in hopes of keeping them from the same mistake. Good for him. I don't have much hope for the Rangers this year but will enjoy watching this guy play.
I'm on the road again at the end of the week. Every time I put my suitcase away, I think "it will be awhile before I need that." I need to quit thinking that. Fortunately it's just a short trip to Salado but I have to hire a new store manager for that store a will have to be there for a couple of days for interviews.
Did the Super Bowl turn out like you hoped?
My hope for a 0-0 tie didn't come to fruition.
I watched more of the game than I would have since I was at a friend's house who was watching.
I wanted the Giants to win so I didn't have to hear the Patriots were the greatest team ever yap.
I wanted the Patriots to win so I didn't have to listen to any more from Mercury Morris.
Good for Eli.
Tom (Brady) and Tony (Romo) need to quit visiting girlfriends the bye-week before a big game.
I didn't catch many commercials but didn't think any of those I saw were exceptional.
I'm ready for some baseball.
I read an article about Josh Hamilton, the Rangers new centerfielder, and his path from being one of the greatest prospects out of high school to a drug addict and back again. It's one of those good stories that you hope stays good. He says his faith is what holds him up and feels a responsibility to take his story to kids in hopes of keeping them from the same mistake. Good for him. I don't have much hope for the Rangers this year but will enjoy watching this guy play.
I'm on the road again at the end of the week. Every time I put my suitcase away, I think "it will be awhile before I need that." I need to quit thinking that. Fortunately it's just a short trip to Salado but I have to hire a new store manager for that store a will have to be there for a couple of days for interviews.
Did the Super Bowl turn out like you hoped?
Friday, February 01, 2008
That's the Truth
I was reading a blog the other day written about prayer and being ready for what God has in store for us. One of the truths I've come to grips with is that God answers my prayer but it may not be the answer I want and it may affect my life in ways I didn't think about. Sometimes, these changes are good, other times they can be a little painful. I've found that through diligent prayer God has stretched me, pushed me in ways I didn't necessarily want to go, accept things I may not have wanted to accept and work through things I wasn't thinking about working through.
For years I have believed that God answered prayer and I have learned that the answer isn't always what we ask for. What I am now learning to a great extent each day is that as my prayers become bolder, as my request change from simply asking God for what I want to asking God to use me the way He wants me to be used, I have found I have to lean on Him more and return to Him for more prayer on giving me strength to do the things before me.
I am learning that the more intimate I become with God, the more I need to prepare for what God has in store for me. He will stretch me and push me, He will lead me in paths that have obstacles to overcome to mountain-tops of grandeur but it will not always be easy and it will not always fit into my grand plan.
The more I know God, the more I need God.
For years I have believed that God answered prayer and I have learned that the answer isn't always what we ask for. What I am now learning to a great extent each day is that as my prayers become bolder, as my request change from simply asking God for what I want to asking God to use me the way He wants me to be used, I have found I have to lean on Him more and return to Him for more prayer on giving me strength to do the things before me.
I am learning that the more intimate I become with God, the more I need to prepare for what God has in store for me. He will stretch me and push me, He will lead me in paths that have obstacles to overcome to mountain-tops of grandeur but it will not always be easy and it will not always fit into my grand plan.
The more I know God, the more I need God.
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