The Journey

The Journey Toward Worship

This Sunday I am going to conclude my series of messages centered on a conversation that Habakkuk, an Old Testament prophet, had with God.  I see a lot of myself in Habakkuk.  There were times in his life that he did not understand God or His plan.  It seems that I can find myself right there a lot!  I see our culture, the nation that I love and respect, drifting toward a complete rejection of God and His ways.  Just like Habakkuk, there is a feeling of "what do I do now?" 

Habakkuk, in his frustrations and confusions, realized the powerful lesson of waiting before the Lord.  Waiting is powerful, but very difficult to accomplish.  I am a fixer--I enjoy coming up with a plan and fixing things.  But, many times, God is wanting us to wait before Him--no plans, no action, no panic--just "Be still and know than I am God!"  It is in that waiting that something begins to happen--something so profound--something so marvelous.  During that time of waiting, and praying, and listening, we begin the hear the heart of God--we begin to"know Him, and the power of His Resurrection, and the fellowship of sharing in His suffering, becoming like Him in death, and so, somehow, to attain unto the Resurrection of the dead" (Philippians 3:10-11).

And, when we know Him, we will authentically worship Him.  That is the subject of my message this Sunday morning (10:15 a.m., Manhattan First Assembly of God).  I can't wait to preach this one!

Why?

Years ago I ran into an obscure book in the Old Testament--the Book of Habakkuk.  It was transformational.  Habakkuk was a prophet of God during the reign of King Josiah and his sons.  Toward the conclusion of Josiah's ruler-ship, Israel began a terrible slide toward idolatry and depravity.  Habakkuk was stunned and broken.  He cried out to God--WHY?

It is a question that I find myself asking at times: Why?  Why God?  Why do the wicked advance and the righteous suffer.  Why does a country that was clearly founded on solid biblical principles now considers itself embarrassed over any reference to God, prayer, and biblical obedience?  Why do spiritual leaders fall like flies?  I can easily find myself discouraged and angry.

But discouragement and anger was an initial reaction.  As I began to read all of the book of Habakkuk, I found my attitude and thoughts change.  God is in control.  His plan will be completed.  The real question is not why?, but will I trust God completely, regardless of what others do?

Tomorrow I will begin to preach a three-part series on the Book of Habakkuk entitled: "A Conversation with God." 

Church Work and the Work of the Church

Several years ago I was given the task of recruiting Sunday School teachers due to the expansion of the adult classes.  My focus centered on a retired couple who spent over forty years in full-time church ministry.  I was confident that they would welcome the invitation and eagerly prepare for their new assignment.  One Sunday morning I approached them with a smile and then expressed to them my need and my thought that they would be perfect for this position.  How wrong I was in my thinking.  Don't get me wrong, they were nice and polite; however, they were clear: "No way!  We served our time!"  I was--well, I was sad.  Ministry was to this couple a prison sentence. 

Sadly, too many people look at ministry work as a negative experience--a prison sentence.  Why?  As with many issues, there are two or more sides.  One way of looking at this situation is that people are lacking the time and energy to do the "Lord's" work.  Another way of looking at this is that the "work" is focused on maintaining traditions and programs rather than advancing the Kingdom of God. 

As the church in America continues to drift toward the margins, it is important for the Christian community to review its activities and ask the hard questions about what we do and why.  I am interested in what people think about this.  For those that are not involved in church ministry, why?  And, for those who work, and work, and work--why?  As a pastor of a growing church, I want to seriously define and implement biblical ministry and provide the opportunities for every Christian to fulfill their calling (their God-given calling).

Change

I want to be considered as an agent of change--facilitating improvement and encouraging others to succeed.  However, I realize that at times I am a traditionalist.  I know that change is inevitable and change happens regularly--but that doesn't mean I like it.  Take for instance today.  I went to Wichita with my wife and family to honor our pastor and friend, Ken Woods, who was retiring from Bethel Life Center.  It was like going to a funeral.  Don't get me wrong--it was a beautiful service, with great music and a wonderful celebration of twenty-three years serving at the helm as senior pastor.  But, I was deeply sad.  Pastor Woods means a lot to me and my wife.  He invited Angela to be his Children's Pastor.  Years later, he invited me to serve with him as an associate pastor.  He officiated our marriage, dedicated all our children, and was a great friend and mentor.  I wish things could stay the same--but, I know that kind of thinking is somewhat foolish.  Change happens--all the time.  I wish Pastor and Sandy well--but, the tears still flow!