The Journey

Compassion for the Lost

Earlier today I went to Wal-Mart for some last-minute Christmas shopping. It was crowded. As I was pushing my shopping cart, I began to look at people with this thought in mind: "do you know Christ, or are you lost?" For most of my life this examination of people has been a common practice. I found my heart heavy--a sense of grief, of deep sorrow.

The fact is that most people have embraced the way of the world--the prevailing belief that God either does not exist or He is absent and impersonal. Strike up a conversation with a person about Jesus, and often you will be dismissed. But that does not mean we stop sharing our faith with others. The opportunities do present themselves. God does arrange divine appointments with His truth. As believers in Christ, we need to be aware of our responsibility to explain the truth of Christ.

But through it all prayer is always appropriate. My compassion for the lost leads me to prayer--prayer that God would use me to share the Good News, prayer that God would use others, prayer that people would be open to the truth of Christ. My prayer also includes the plea that I would never loose compassion for people--to love people without condition--and that I would live a life that demonstrates God's presence in me. So this Christmas, and beyond, let us commit our lives to fulfill Christ mandate to "preach the Good News to all people."

Day of Infamy

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor. It was horrific--a surprised, unwarranted, vicious attack that killed and injured thousands. And, my grandpa was there.

I do not remember my grandpa, Mike Kutchman, ever talking about his war time experiences growing up. There were pictures of his buddies, his comrades in arms--but he refrained from giving me or my siblings any of the stories. War was and is hard. There are experiences too difficult to share--unless you were there.

It was my last conversation with grandpa when he gave me a glimpse of the sorrow he felt. About thirteen years ago I went with my wife-to-be to Las Vegas to see my grandparents. We had a great time of introductions and sharing stories. Then, as tradition, we went down the hall to a room where my grandpa built radio controlled airplanes (he was a genuine artist). Something seemed different with him. As we went down the hall he stopped me and began pointing to the pictures--to his friends, especially those that died in the war. For the first time I realized the pain he held deep within all these years. These were his friends--and they died--sometimes horrific deaths.

Pearl Harbor and the air field that he was stationed--memories carved into his mind. On Sunday, December 7th, he went to the mess hall to eat breakfast. When he was done, he walked out of the building and it exploded. Friends dead. The war was on.

After our conversation Angela and I left. Three months later he died--in his hobby room. I miss him greatly. May I never forget.

Men and Small Groups

In the last couple of decades (with an exception here and there) men's ministries have been on a decline in the local church.  Men are busy - family, work, internet, and tv has occupied much of a man's time.  And as a result, men are tired; and too many are spiritually vulnerable.  And, too many are alone.

What can the church do?  I have talked with many men.  Some have had it with another program, or ministry, or event.  "I'll go to the Sunday worship service, and that's all I'll do."  Others are desparately looking for several men to come along side and talk, listen, and encourage.  I do believe that the small group concept has a place for men.  How should it work and be organized?  Well, that's a good question.  What do you think?

The Two-Ended Candle

I was burning my proverbial candle at both ends. My list of stuff to do was getting longer, and I didn’t take notice. Saying “yes” to everybody for everything has been a long-term problem in my life-management style. I don’t like to let people down—and I want everyone to succeed (and if that means I need to help, I am there!). However, a couple of days ago, my lovely wife suggested that I reduce my commitment level—let’s say it was a strong suggestion. She reminded me that I have become forgetful lately—and in the last month, I missed to important appointments (shameful).

In the American culture, we have crammed our lives with stuff—stuff at work, stuff at home, stuff during break times, even stuff at vacations. We are losing the art of down-time—of what some call vegging. Sometime it is ok to not do anything. Our bodies and our minds need to rest (and not necessarily in front of the TV). If we (and that includes me) continues to rush through life with busy, crammed schedules, eventually we will short-circuit—and that means burnout.

Burnout is not just detrimental to my physical and mental life, but it brings havoc to my spiritual development. I am reminded of one of God’s Old Testament prophets, Elijah. God used him mightily, confronting a sinful nation and their leaders. Elijah was the one who literally experienced the fire of heaven fall to earth and consume false prophets at Mount Carmel. But after experiencing mighty moves of God, he ran for his life, afraid, and wanting to give up. Elijah was burnt out. His candle was consumed at both ends. He wasn’t living a balanced life. Left to his own devices, Elijah’s story would have ended poorly. But, God came to the rescue. God’s grace and mercy flowed like a healing balm over Elijah’s tired heart. I’m glad God revealed this story in His word.

This Sunday, at Manhattan First Assembly of God, I am going to look at this story in more detail and help us understand the remedy to overcoming burnout in our lives. Hope to see you then.

The End and the Beginning

In a few hours the year 2010 will be over.  This has been a long year.  I officiated many funerals and weddings.  My kids are getting older, wiser, and more complicated (ages 10, 8, 6, and 3).  Things seem to cost more, and the economic times are a little more stressed.  Christmas wiped me out.  In other words, I have been very busy.  So, as I near the end of this year, I breath a sigh of relief.  I made it!  Now I look forward to a new year.  My focus, as it usually is in January, is to evaluate my personal relationship with God and determine what areas He is wanting me to change.  My Bible reading will begin with a focus on Jesus and His teachings (Reading Matthew through Acts).   I am determined to be a better, more involved husband and father.  I pray that 2011 will be a year of new adventures and a stronger growth in my relationship with Jesus Christ.  As a pastor, I am believing that God will empower me to advance His purpose in the lives of the people of Manhattan First Assembly of God.  So, 2011 will be (God willing) a wonderful year!

How to Live by Faith

I want to live by faith--complete trust in God and what He says in His Word.  I want to live with complete confidence in my journey of life--knowing that God is in complete control and has an amazing plan for my life.  But, I find myself living often by site--often my trying to avoid problems or please people.  But living by faith requires courage--a courage to keeps my eyes on God alone.  Sometimes I struggle to find this courage to live by faith.  Sometimes I find myself more worried and fearful, than living in courage.  But then I am reminded about Joshua.  In the Old Testament, Joshua was appointed by God to succeed Moses.  What a huge undertaking--not only filling the big shoes of Moses, but leading people--people that are not always wanting to be led.  God give Joshua this instruction: "Be strong and courageous--the Lord your God is with you!"  That is how I live by faith--God is with me.  That is how I face the hardships of life--God is with me!  That is how I lead people--God is with me!  That is how I can be a faithful husband and loving father--God is with me!  God is with me!  What a wonderful thought.

A Long Time

It has been a long time since my last blog.  Tonight I am at home helping my wife with two sick kids (maybe three).  Sadly I missed LIFEgroup this evening.  Well, it is time to put the kids to bed and find a good book to read.

Granite City, Illinois

We just arrived in Granite CIty, Illinois.  It was an uneventful trip--everyone behaved!

Eve of the Journey

Well, I am about to crash.  The packing done, the kids are asleep (except for Matthew), and I think I got everything ready for the trip to Florida.  My goal is to have fun with the family and connect with old friends in the ministry.  I'm not sure how General Council will go.  There are some resolutions that I have concerns about, but nothing very serious.  Keep us in your prayers as we travel.  Our first stop is in Granite City, Illinois--and to be with friends from our last church.

Getting Ready

We're just three days away from our journey to Florida.  Angela has most of the packing finished and everyone has pitched in to get the house ready.  Today our focus is tying up all the loose ends, including finding my lost cell phone.  I was going to do the yard work tonight, but, "sadly" a storm is coming through.  Oh well. 

I am also working on my next sermon series that will begin on Sunday, August 16th.  Actually I am working two series, one for the morning and one for the evening services.  The morning series will center on the theme of "Doing Life Together."  We need one another--we need others to help us grow and become strong.  I want to show through Scripture God's plan for a community of believers, working together toward maturity and spiritual health.  In the evening, my thoughts center on how we can be an over-comer to the hang-ups in life--those big obstacles that invite defeat and frustration.  So, we will look at four big issues that overpower so many: anger, fear, doubt, and discouragement.