Bill's View

Christmas Bah Humbug!

2009-11-10T17:22:00.002-06:00

A story was told to me recently about a person who was leaving a local store with their shopping basket full of, well for a better term, stuff! The thing that caught my friend’s attention was that this person, who had overflowed their cart, had a frown on their face. How could this be? Had they not acquired all their heart’s desires? My reaction to the story was that the person was not happy because they had just spent their rent money on things that they did not need.

I have only one thing to say about what Christmas has become, “Bah Humbug!” I confess that I have been caught up in the economic stimulus package called Christmas; bought things I did not need, bought things for people they did not need, and spent money I did not have any business spending. Really! What does Jesus think about all this?

It’s time to do something different, something that will be so radical and crazy that people will catch the fever and change the insanity of present day happy holiday. Consider the following, instead of charging to Visa for Christmas gifts, pay your Visa bill off. Don’t have a credit card? Then take the money you would spend on Christmas gifts and pay off debt. A lot of people will feel better when the credit card statements come in January with this plan.

You say that you don’t have any debt? Take a look and see if anyone owes you any money, if so, forgive the debt they owe you. After they pick themselves up off the floor and stutter asking you why, take the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ who died for your sins and tell them about a God who is full of love and grace and is ready to forgive and forget.

What? You say that you do not have any debt and nobody owes you anything? Great! Then instead of shelling out money on material possessions find a cause that you are passionate about and go help that cause by getting your hands dirty. Stock a local food pantry with the money you would have spent on Christmas, see how many winter heating bills you can pay for others, go serve in a soup kitchen and then bless that ministry with the money you would have spent. The possibilities are endless.

Grandpa does not need another tie! Instead of giving gifts that collect dust, end up in the trash or get re-gifted, wouldn’t it be funny if grandpas wrapped last years tie up and gave it back to you? Give gifts to ministries in the name of family and friends. Let your friends know that Christmas is changing and that you are not going to give them stuff that they cannot use and instead are giving gifts to families around the world who need water, food, any a means to survive this year.

When all is said and done and everyone believes that you have gone crazy, invite your family and friends to church, invite them to a radical and crazy experience with the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s make Christmas Jesus Crazy!

How Do You Say Thank You To God?

2009-06-26T13:17:00.001-05:00

Today I was reminded of the many times I was told to thank people. As a child I was encouraged to thank others for acts of kindness they may have shown me. These acts of kindness might range from opening a door, passing the potatoes around the table one last time or in the receiving of a gift. These lessons of childhood carried over to my own parenting lessons. I would usually hang over the kids as they received a gift waiting to see if they would utter the mandatory words of gratitude. If not, I would be quick to point out to them the need for a thank you.
When was the last time we thanked God? It’s not as easy as saying, “thank you”, is it? Can we send God a hand written thank you note expressing our thanks? How about sending God an email with a link to open an e-card we picked out? Many times I ponder how God could appoint me to serve in pastoral ministry! I cannot fathom that the creator of the universe finds me faithful enough to be entrusted with the scriptures, preaching, and teaching of the people. What an honor and what a joy to be given that responsibility! But, how can I show my gratitude to the one who gives me strength?
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.” 1 Timothy 1:12.

My Three Kids

2009-05-16T07:18:00.004-05:00

During my reccent study of scripture and preparing to preach this week I realized something about love. I have always told my kids how much I loved them and even made up silly games that had no ending to show that my love for them went on forever. I even told them that I loved them so much that I was willing to die in thier place. I suppose that I was taking the words of Jesus literaly when he said in John 15:13 "No one has greater love than this, to lay down ones life for ones friends." I have come to a different understanding today about that verse and the love that I have for my children. Yes I would lay down my life literaly for them however, they are in need of a love that through word and deed works towards making thier life better. They are in need of encouragment, advice, prayers, and understanding. They are in need of help when trouble comes and when times are good. They are in need of a father who is willing to say, "I love you this much" (arms outstreached). We cannot change the past, yet we can learn from it. To Amber, William, and Jariel I look forward to a future filled with this love that Christ wants for us.

Love Dad

It's William's Birthday

2009-04-25T05:39:00.005-05:00

I would not say that I take the same day each week to call my "day off" however, Friday is the winner the majority of the time. Since I have not discovered a true hobby, I've always claimed eating was my hobby, I will take my day off and do laundry, yard work, chore around the house, or work on the cars. This Friday I had the opportunity to take the afternoon to celebrate with my son, William and my grand-daughter Mia, Williams 20th birthday. An interesting thing happened as the afternoon developed; When I picked him up I yelled across the street to some friends, "It's William's birthday!" When we sat down for lunch I made sure the waitress knew that, "It's was William's birthday." As we went to the auto parts store, wal-mart, and the community center I made sure that everyone knew it was, William's birthday. Everyone I talked to that day I made sure they knew that it was William's birthday. Why? One may say because he is my son and that is what fathers do. Others may say that I am proud of my child. These are good reasons yet, I would either in my mind or during one of my birthday announcement would go back to the day he was born. I was there that day had saw with my own eyes the miracle of birth, I am an eyewitness to this and because I am an eyewitness I can proudly proclaim my son's birthday.

Jesus told his disciples in Luke 24:48, "You are witnesses to these things." A group of people huddled in a room filled with fear, doubt, denial, and wonderment are eyewitnesses to the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. As we have learned through time the drive like that of a proud parent drove the disciples to tell everyone they meet that Jesus is risen and to repent and believe the gospel. That fervour of that eyewitness account still moves today in christian disciples all over the world. Wow, what joy to hear the story again from an eyewitness account.

By the way, yesterday was William's birthday.

Peace

2009-04-24T07:10:00.004-05:00

A book was recently shared with me titled Walking on Water by Anthony De Mello. At first glance it was smaller in size that most books and the cover picturing a woman walking on water peaked my interest. However, it was the timing of this book that reached out to me. While studying the resurrection appearances of Christ following the Easter season I picked up my new book and came to chapter three where this story is found.
"There were two monks who lived together for forty years and never argued. Not even once. One day, one said to the other. 'Don't you think it's time we had an argument, at least once?'
The other monk said, 'Fine, let's start! What shall we argue about?'
'How about this piece of bread?' said the first monk.
'Okay, let's argue about this bread. How are we going to do it?' said the second.
'The first said, "This bread is mine; it belongs to me.'
The second said, 'If it is, take it.''
De Mello moves on to say, "Peace isn't necessarily destroyed by a quarrel or an argument. It is the "I" that destroys peace." I imagine our Lord Jesus standing in the upper room with the very disciples who were hiding in fear, filled with doubt and denial because of "I" attitudes and uttering the assuring words of "peace be with you" a peace that says I forgive you and love you even when you face fear, doubt and denial.
As we continue the Easter season may we too find the peace of Christ as we struggle with our "I" of fear, doubt and denial of the very one who died for us. Peace!

Jeff, Thank you for sharing this book with me.

De Mello Anthony, Walking on Water, Crossroad Publishing., New York, 1998 (page 25-26)

How Funny Is It To God?

2009-03-08T06:05:00.001-05:00

An Eternity Magazine article entitled “Bring on the Bromide Seltzer” poked a little fun at some of the Christian expressions commonly used in a 1984 Charles Swindoll tape. Here are a few of the clichés regarding money:
Share- Christians don’t tell, they share. They don’t criticize, they don’t give, they don’t testify, they don’t talk, they share.
Opportunity to have a part- what radio preachers say when they want you to give money.
As the Lord leads- cliché for when your guilt becomes unbearable.
Further the ministry- another way of saying let’s keep this baby afloat.
Love offering- opposite of hate offering.

In the above story once shared by Dickey Love, and that I have used in a previous Church News article for the local paper brings yet another chuckle of laughter as I share it with you. However, I’m not so sure that we should be chuckling. It’s not very funny when we come to the realization that as Christians we do not tell the greatest story on earth in how God loved us so much to give the gift of his son Jesus Christ. We do not care if we are a part of the greatest opportunity in all of humankind as we sit in the comfortable confines of our churches. We have not care as to whether the ministries of our churches are furthered for the good of our communities because we are fine just like we are. Do our offering that we bring to God really express our love or do the offer a simple token of our appreciation. Can we really accept being a cliché? Can we really continue down the same path of dysfunction? Do you think God is laughing

Come and See

2009-02-24T05:22:00.003-06:00

Scripture:
Philip found Nathanael and said to him, 'We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joesph from Nazareth...Come and see'" John 1:45-46

From D.L. Moody:
The next thing to knowing that "we have found Him" is to find someone else, and say, "Come and see." - Frances Ridley Havergal.

From Wesley's "Test for Self-Evaluation:
When did I last speak to someone about Christ?

It was during summer church camp at Camp Galilee a few years ago that the entire camp became totally enveloped with a piece of plywood. Well at first reading I'm sure you don't understand but allow me to explain. This piece of precision molded plywood was cut to resemble a human figure. It was with some skilled painting that the pressed wood became a figure of Jesus himself. This life size figure was placed at the check in table for all campers and parents to see when they arrived, however, it was what ensued next that captured the entire camps attention for the week. With three different camps going on during the week and some crafty yet sinister leaders began a game. Each team would find interesting ways to kidnap the plywood Jesus. He ended up in some interesting place's; By the lake, in the woods, in someones cabin, etc. This fun game of cat and mouse however, coined a phrase in the camp, "Where have you seen Jesus?"
It was from that silly game with the new phrase that something else happened. Prior to our worship each night we would invite the children to come up and share something about their day. The name of the sharing time was, you guessed it, Where have you seen Jesus? Children would come and share things like; in the tree's, in my counselor who let me sleep in, counselors would say that they saw Jesus in their campers for letting them sleep too. Yet it was the other comments about Christ that reminded us of Jesus' words to let the little children come to him. It was seeing Jesus in others that day who helped them when they were hurt or upset, the list goes on but one small child summed a whole week up when they came to the front. Standing only a few feet tall this young 5th grade girl stood in front of the whole camp looked at one of her counselors, silence filled the space as she said with all sincerity, 'I see God in your eyes!"
Our game now had no more meaning as we realized that we had just found Jesus in our service to these little ones. We had just found Jesus in the sharing of the good news.

Peace Be With You - Bill

I Just Want To Be Feed - Not!

2009-02-09T06:16:00.003-06:00

Scripture: He that saith he abidith in Him ought himself also so to walk even as He walkd. 1 John 2:6

From D.L. Moody: The preaching that this world needs most is the sermons in shoes that are walking with Jesus Christ.

From Wesley's Test for Self-Evaluation: Did the Bible live in me yesterday?

During some relax time last night I sat with my daughter Jariel watching the conclusion of a television program called, "Extreme Makeover". If you are not familiar with the program it's purpose is to help people in varied situations in life that an improved home situation could bring some stability and hope back to their sometimes shattered lives. As we watched the entire town along with complete strangers make a difference for one family I turned to her and said, That's what being a Christian is." I continued by saying, "If everyone would come together to help each other as they had need then that would be the very thing Christ wanted from his followers." My daughter then shifted my focus to what the reality is, "People are selfish dad and don't care." I still have hope that we can become what Christ calls us to be.
I'm reminded of people who enter churches saying, "I just want to be feed" How selfish! Do we really worship the creator of the universe for our own self satisfaction? It might be compared to someone sitting at the dinner table all day eating. The inevitable is bound to happen as the person becomes overweight and dies, preferably for them at the dinner table were they were feed. The church is like that. People come sit in the pews feeding on the resources but never getting up and exercising their faith. Without exercising the person at the dinner table like the pew sitter will die, right along with the church.
Christians are called to serve not to be served. Hum I wonder who else said that?

Help The Teachers

2009-02-03T06:43:00.004-06:00

From D.L. Moody
In whom all the building, fitly framed together, groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord. Colossians 2:21
The life-tabernacle is a wondrous building; there is room for workers of all kinds in the uprearing of its mysterious and glorious walls. If we cannot do the greatest work, we may do it least. Our heaven will come out of the realization of the fact that it was God's tabernacle we were building, and under God's blessing that we were working.-Joesph Parker.

Test for Self-Evaluation
Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?

Anyone with at least 60 credit hours of college education can enjoy the wonderful experience of substitute teaching. I have taken the time this school year to experience such a wonder of educational bliss. Speaking for myself, I had the understanding in my own mind that all class rooms were orderly and a place where learning could easily take place. I also believed that cafeteria food was the best and that everyone got along for the greater good of our children. As the year wore on I continued to believe these things until yesterday when I met the 5th grade for a day. May I put it simply? Never has a beer sounded so good after that experience! I did not fall down that road again however, I did stop thinking about myself and turned my thoughts to those who teach children. They need our help!! I believe that we must do all that is in our power and that God has given us the ability to partner with and pray for our teachers. Let's mobilize the army of God and make a difference in our schools. You say it's not that bad? Please, may I introduce you to the 5th grade? BK

Up In Smoke

2009-01-26T07:36:00.004-06:00

Devotion from D.L. Moody
'My God shall be my strength" Isaiah 49:5.
Oh, do not pray for easy lives! Pray to be stronger men! Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks! Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle. But you shall be a miracle. Every day you shall wonder at yourself, at the richness of life which has come in you by the grace of God. - Phillips Brooks.

Test for Self-Evaluation:
Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?

Often when I hear the word, "habit" my mind goes directly to the negative. The negative for me was the habit of smoking. A habit that went from the day's of swiping cigarettes from my friends nanny to full fledged 1 plus pack a day addiction. Many times I sought to break the habit however, it completely enveloped me. I tried to stop for others whom I cared for, to no avail. I prayed that God would lift this from me, no apparent answer. It was not until I made up my own mind and asked God to give me strength did I finally have victory.
What are those things that consume us? What are the things that we ask God to take away with no effort on our part as we look for the easy way out? God give us strength before we go "up in smoke". BK

Frozen in Florida

2009-01-23T07:59:00.002-06:00

Devotion from D.L. Moody:
Scripture: "Under His shadow" Song of Sol. ii.3.
Frances Ridley Havergal says: I seem to see four pictures suggested by that: under the shadow of a rock in a weary plain; under the shadow of a tree; closer still, under the shadow of His wing; nearest and closest, in the shadow of His hand. Surely that hand must be the pierced hand, that may oftentimes press us sorely, and yet evermore encircling, upholding and shadowing!

Test for Self-Evaluation:
Am I thoughtful in expressing 'thanks' to people for what they've done for me, no matter how insignificant it seems?

Just back from a relaxing trip to sunny, yet cold Florida. Yes, I go south where warm is the norm and freeze warnings for central Florida were prominent. As I reflect on the week and the devotion for today I am warmed by the thought of God's shadow encircling and bringing me peace in the midst of His shadow. I also contemplate the warmth one experiences when they receive a kind word of appreciation. May we all take time each day to seek out one person to share in the experience of the shadow. -BK

Did I Say That?

2009-01-17T06:47:00.005-06:00

From D.L. Moody:

Scripture: "Elisha said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see. 2 Kings vi. 17.

Devotion: "This is the prayer we need to pray for ourselves and for one another, 'Lord, open our eyes that we may see'; for the world all around us, as well as around the prophet, is full of God's horses and chariots, waiting to carry us to places of glorious victory. And when our eyes are thus opened, we shall see in all the events of life, whether great or small, whether joyful or sad, a 'chariot' for our souls. Everything that comes to us becomes a chariot the moment we treat it as such; and on the other hand, even the smallest trail may be a Juggernaut car to crush us into misery and despair if we so consider them. It lies with each of us to choose which they shall be. It all depends, not upon what these events are, but upon how we take them. If we lie down under them, and let them roll over us and crush us, they become Juggernaut cars, but if we climb up into them, as into a car of victory, and make them carry us triumphantly onward and upward, the become the chariots of God-Smith. (Thoughts for the Quiet Hour pp14)

Self Evaluation: Do I pass on to others what is told to me in confidence?

I am reminded of the game where a group of people sit in a circle and one person begins by telling the person on their right some phrase or word. This phrase or word is then passed on around the circle until it comes back to the person who began the game. The point of the game is to illustrate that what was originally said is not communicated the same around the circle and thus the phrase or word has been distorted into some other fashion.
This lesson should teach us the dangers of sharing with others what has been told us in confidence. I find that there are times when I need to vent my frustrations to others so that the pressure of ministry does not implode within me. However, I must be careful whom I share. Can you imagine someone getting a hold of the inner thoughts of the pastor passing it around the community and then over hear your vented thoughts, completely taken out of context, being discussed in the coffee shop some day? It's important I believe to find a trusted person to hold things in confidence with you and it is dually important that if you are that trusted person not to break that trust.-B.K.

The Put Down

2009-01-16T06:03:00.003-06:00

From D.L. Moody, " The life of fellowship with God cannot be built up in a day. It begins with the habitual reference of all to Him, hour by hour, as Moses did in Egypt. But it moves on to more and longer periods of communion; and it finds its consummation and bliss in days and nights of intercession and waiting and holy intercourse.-F.B. Myer.

Today's Self Evaluation: "Is there a tendency to put others down so that I'll be thought of more highly?"

I can hear my grandmothers words ringing in my ears, "Honey, love one another" She always would pull this saying out especially when I was in full combat mode with my sisters when we would visit. If you have siblings I'm sure your familiar with the argument. I does not matter what you did or if you are guilty of the crime someone else either made us do it or did it first. I futile attempt to make the others crime appear more evil than ours. Grandma didn't go for it and neither does God. The word "humility" rings in my ears today.-B.K.

I Did It My Way: Her Way?

2009-01-15T06:44:00.005-06:00

Daily devotion from D.L. Moody, This, my soul, is the triumph of thy being-to be able to walk with God! Flight belongs to the young soul; it is the romance of religion. To run without weariness belongs to the lofty soul; it is the beauty of religion. But to walk and not faint belongs to the perfect soul; it is the power of religion.
Canst thou walk in white through the stained thoroughfares of men? Canst thou touch the vile and polluted ones of earth and retain thy garments pure? Canst thou meet in contact with the sinful and be thyself undefiled? Then thou hast surpassed the flight of the eagle!-George Matheson.

Self Evaluation Day 3: "Do I insist on having my own way?"

I came to a realization the other day that the reason I get upset with others is because they do not want to do it my way. An example is a recent shelf project in our home. My dear wife, trying to finish her bachelors degree wanted to set up a work area upstairs. She had made all the plans, drew a diagram in her head and then asked for my help. Well at first my help consisted of learning what she wanted to do and then attempting to change her mind about how to do it. This caused endless arguments on who was right about the project in question. It was not until I yielded to my ideas and listened to her instruction did the project get completed. I remember standing and looking at the finished product, "So that's what you wanted" Lord, protect me from myself.-BK

Self Evaluation-Day 2

2009-01-14T06:21:00.003-06:00

A few credits first this morning. The self evaluation questions that I'm working through are attributed to John Wesley. As I said yesterday the paper appeared in "one of those stacks" However, there is a reference to a web site joniandfriends.org

Today's question to ponder. Do I laugh at the mistakes of others, reveling in their errors and misfortunes?

I would like to just say, "yes I have" and end the blog. The first thing that came to my mind as I read the question was how my competitive nature really comes out at sporting events. How I long for the other team to be penalized, turn the ball over, make mental mistakes, and even have the star player limp off the field. All for the sake of my team winning. This behavior is justified, so I believe, when I utter the words, "I'm very competitive". Do these attitudes spill over into everyday life? Do we hope that others will "mess up" so that we can win in the game of life? Do we feel big when others are made low? Considering the possibilities for discussion today-BK

Self Evaluation- Day 1

2009-01-13T06:25:00.002-06:00

While cleaning out some old papers in my office at home I came across a Test For Self Evaluation. I do not remember saving it, however, it must of spoken to me at some time. As I look over the page, many of the questions speak to me and call me to take a closer look at my life.

Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I'm a better person than I really am?

I sincerely try not to. That is the best answer for me. A couple of examples in my life that I want to share include the following: One, is the status of my higher education. I have actually walked in graduation for my Associates degree however, it's not official until I get my last math credit. So I tell people that I have 63 hours of college credit rather that an a degree. The second example is when others listen to gossip and rumors believing they are fact and then confronting me about them. It is so tempting to tell them why the other person is actually in the wrong rather than myself.

What are the other ways we struggle with this? Do we dress a certain way, drive a certain car, tell lies so that we look good on the outside where others can see. What does the Lord think of us as he looks at us on the inside.

No Baptisim = No Heaven

2009-01-10T08:40:00.004-06:00

The title is misleading to how I believe, yet I got you to read this far at least. Baptisim is not nessessary for salvation and the thought that it is does not put much faith in God's promises. What draws me to the subject is that I will be doing a funeral for a baby this morning. As I thaught of what words I could use to bring comfort and assurance to the family I reflected on this weeks descussion of baptisim. Could not the water of the womb be the infants baptismal waters? Could those waters have clearly represented the outward sign of an inward work of a loving God? "Bring the little children unto me"-Jesus

Connected

2009-01-07T13:50:00.002-06:00

We had a great Bible Study this morning and baptism is always a fun subject for people. I think one of the best insights from this morning was when we talked about the presence of the Trinity (God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) all being present at the Jordon River when Jesus was being baptized by John. It was a great day and all, I'm sure that some people may have been impressed by God's voice and the Holy Spirit all "doved" up, however what inspired me about the day was seeing the presence of the Trinity more as being connected through time. God representing creation and the time leading up to Jesus and his ministry to that of the Holy Spirit which connects us in the present.

Immersion Only Please

2009-01-06T07:07:00.002-06:00

In the tradition I was raised; baptism by immersion was the only way to go and any other method (pour or sprinkle) just seemed to not get the job done quite as well. I remember adults who had been baptised in other faiths had to be put under as if a spot still remained. One of the arguments for immersion was "we want to do it like Jesus did" this has also been a point given when discussing the sacrament of communion. My point of thought and discussion today is why will we fight to the death over the methods of baptism wanting to do it like Jesus did and yet not give a care about living like Jesus did?

Water, A Little or Alot?

2009-01-05T06:12:00.003-06:00

I have found in my own experience and in reading of others experiences that baptism offers many different views or understandings. If I were to go through down I could easily come up with those who opposed infant baptism, felt that immersion was the only way to go or that baptism was not an important part of the faith journey.
I would like to discuss this topic for awhile. Why do we seem to focus of the method? What are the reasons for infant baptism? What is the real significance of this disputed sacrament?-BK.

I Love Rocky Movies

2009-01-03T09:44:00.003-06:00

One of the greatest gifts I ever received from my son William was a set of Rocky movies. Rocky I, II, III, and IV. It was one of our greatest times together as we sat in front of the TV one night and watched them all in a row along with a 25oz Cowboy steak and a huge baked potato. My daughter Jariel and I watch III and IV last night and I could not help but notice Pauly this time. Pauly is Rocky's brother-in-law who believes that because Rocky is a successful friend he is owed something. Pauly is found always looking for a lavish gift. My comment last night was, "I never realized how selfish Pauly is."

Sad thing is I have found myself acting like Pauly. Thinking that I am owed something without doing anything for it. At times I have even acted that way to God and then become discontented when God does not give me what I want. God, forgive me.-BK

Lazy Day

2009-01-02T08:56:00.002-06:00

Every once in a while it is nice to have one of those day's when you do absolutely nothing. New Years day was one of those days. Sleep in, read the paper, (I did not watch any football) had an evening movie marathon. But the best part of the day was spent looking over Lucinda's pictures from her recent mission trip to the island of Eluthera in the Bahamas. It re-kindled my own desire to be in mission and explore our world serving the Lord.

Looking forward to doing something for someone else. -BK

The Year 2009 Has Begun

2009-01-01T08:48:00.003-06:00

On a night famous for Dick Clark on Times Square, funny hats and noise makers, and designated drivers I found myself at a local youth worship event eating (I'm sure to have another resolution again this year on the subject) and praising God through music and fellowship. As we closed the evening of fun and began the new year we went to the Lord in prayer. The sanctuary was filled with noise upon noise just moments earlier and now you could hear a pin drop as we huddled together listening to God's voice and lifting petitions on prayer up for others.

How did you honor God when you brought in the New Year? What will you do for someone else this year that will honor God? Resolved in 09-BK

Just Enough

2008-12-31T07:12:00.004-06:00

Last night as I prepared for bed I wanted to do something different than check my e-mail and look over news headlines on MSN. So I picked up my Bible and decided to read something that would put my mind to rest and have thoughts of God flowing freely about.

Easier said than done. As I lied down with a Bible I could not decide what to read. I even considered closing my eyes and just open it and read what was there. However, I resorted to a old method of mine when raced with such a dilemma. Go to the book of Proverbs. You see Proverbs has 31 chapters so it is easy to decide what chapter to read since you can just read the chapter for the day it currently is. Since my mental indecision did not carry me into the next day I opened my Bible and read the 30th chapter of Proverbs. All was going smoothly until verse 8 and I read.

Remove far from me falsehood and lying;

give me neither poverty nor riches;

feed me with the food that I need,

or I shall be full and deny you,

and say, "Who is the Lord?"

or I shall be poor, and steal,

and profane the name of my God.

Just enough is all that we need. We do not need anything more nor anything less. Is that not what is meant by praying, "Give us this day our daily bread?" Last night in the national news reports it was told how that retailers relied so much on Christmas shopping that it made up 40% of their revenues and that is what puts them over the top every year. No wonder Christmas is so commercial. I'm not denying a business person the right to make a profit. I'm questioning why the majority of Christians are running around saying "Who is the Lord?"

Just enough is all right we me.-BK

Reality TV

2008-12-30T05:35:00.003-06:00

I don't know what it is about the new reality TV show "Mamma's Boy's" that has me and my daughter longing for Monday night TV now. This show is like the reality show "Bachelor" were a house full of women attempt to win the favor of the bachelor. The exception in Mamma's Boy's is that their are three bachelor's a house full of women and the mothers of the bachelors all caught up in a triangle of doing what's best for these young men or so it seems.

There is a constant struggle between the men and their mothers about who is best for them and who it is that both mother and son can approve of. Their was this one woman who's name escapes me right now that was not playing the game, she would be found serving others my cleaning up for them, doing dishes, and other jobs while everyone else was out on dates and having a good time. It was apparent that she was out of place however, because of her true humility she became a favorite of the rest of the women there. There was one point at the end of the show last week were the women attempted to make her look different so that she could awe the men by the pool and get another chance at love with one of these three men.

Well it was by the pool that she stood facing elimination from the show and the make-up, hair down, gussy-en up by the girls worked. She was given another chance. As see walked away however she could not complete the rue. She humbly said that the woman left standing by the pool deserved her place and in an act of true humility eliminated herself so that someone else could have a chance. Instead of watching her leave all three of these bachelors should have chased her down and proposed right then.

I am very thankful that I was able to witness in someone such a giving spirit. BK

Rooted Together

2008-12-29T08:03:00.003-06:00

The huge redwood trees in California are considered the largest things on earth and the tallest trees in the world. Some of them are three hundred feet high and over 2,500 years old. One would think that trees so large would have a tremendous root system reaching down hundreds of feet into the earth. The redwoods actually have a very shallow system of roots, but they all intertwine. They are locked to each other. When the storms come or the winds blow, the redwoods stand. They are locked to each other, and they don't stand alone, for all trees support and protect each other.-Robert J. Morgan

When I read this story I see the church. The sad thing is that we do not always lock to each other; instead we run off on our own thinking that we can survive the storms and winds that blow trouble and despair our way all by our self. It makes my heart heavy to see and experience this. I want to reach out and grab them, pull them into the safety of the faithful and protect them. Yet like a Small child who wants to do things on their own cry out, "I can do it by myself."

We can do nothing by ourself. However, we can do all things through Christ Jesus who stregthens us. How I long to lock arms to support and protect you. BK

Wait Till Next Year

2008-12-28T19:21:00.002-06:00

The other day we went for a jaunt to Wal-Mart and I decided to put my Chiefs stuff on. I received some looks accompanied with laughter and some guy out of the blue said, "You must be a Chiefs fan." I wonder what gave him that idea since I was dressed in Chiefs from head-to-toe? However, he spoke to me a total stranger. Did he talk to me because he recognize me as someone that was like him and thus he was comfortable with a conversation? Or maybe he recognized me as someone who needed help.

I wonder how many people we have recognized in our community lately that may need a Savior? Or how many people have we seen that may need some joy or hope in their life. It all started this morning on my way to the church as I saw the sheriff at our local convenience store apparently broken into again. Why? Do those responsible know about the peace of Christ? The harvest is plentiful in our small town, their are many people yet to be introduced to Jesus Christ.

My Chiefs will have to wait till next year. However, for the least and the lost we cannot wait. God Bless-BK

Short and Sweet

2008-12-27T12:42:00.002-06:00

Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm going to make this short, sweet and to the point"? I have, even used it a few times. I'm invoking the familiar saying today.

I promise you this. If you continue to seek God; God will fill you with assurance and peace. I could not be more sure right now of God's blessing's and purpose in the life of the Rockville church.

Thanks be to God! BK

A Hard Candy Christmas

2008-12-26T06:31:00.003-06:00

It is my hope that everyone has enjoyed a Christmas filled with hope and joy. We have longed to make Christmas in our home more calm by moving away from the hustle and bustle of travel so that we could bring our focus back to Christ. I really sensed that this year as we did not play Santa early in the morning nor did any of us even get up at regular times. I was able to finish a book that one of my parishioner gave me, read the Daily Office for Christmas day and do my laundry before my favorite grand-daughter Mia arrived. (she is my only grand-daughter).

I was like a kid in a candy store as I heard them enter the house, still looking to be sure she still had ten toes and ten fingers I could not wait to share gifts with her on her first Christmas. This was also the first Christmas with out my dad. It's been eleven months now since he died. I remember our last conversation and can hear him clear as day yelling at the dog in the background. "SCRAPPY!"

I received two gifts: the first was a picture of Mia sitting on Santa's lap and the kid's wanting to catch my expression as I opened it. . . my reply was the standard, "Oh honey you look so cute their with the woman Santa" I must admit that is the first time I've seen that. As I opened my second gift I had a sense of what it may be however, I really didn't think my son could devise such a plan. As I removed some of the paper and began reviling the contents of the gift I began to weep un-controlably. Some may wonder why a grown man would weep as I did over a canister of Washburn's Old Fashioned Hard Candy, yet I did. That hard candy was one of my dad's favorite things and we always made sure he received plenty of it at Christmas. However, now the mantle has been passed and my son understood the importance of remembrance and keeping tradition alive in the family. It was also humbling to realize that I was now the patriarch of the family and recipient of the hard candy.

May you find the sweetness of our Lord Jesus Christ in your life today-BK

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T07:26:00.004-06:00

I sure could sense the excitement of those who had gathered for our Christmas Eve service at Rockville UMC last night. Even during my welcome I shared with those gathered there my sense of the Spirit at work and my anxiety. I was feeling that from that holy night God was going to move on some or all of the congregation. Being like an excited child on Christmas morning I just can't seem to wait for Gods work to begin.

It was actually a little smaller crowd than expected as we prepare for 100 on this night however, the 81 in attendance experienced the spoken and proclaimed word. Joyce had prepared a wonderful set of pre-service music on the flute, Daylan brought us a special on the saxophone, Laura and Paige's duet had the congregation pondering the Christ child. (I was worried they were going to do their sisters, sisters act from high school). And the children sang happy birthday to Jesus and re-created the nativity for us. The evening ended with all holding onto the light of Christ singing Silent Night, Holy Night. A great time of ritual and tradition reminding us all for the reason of Christmas celebration.

I thank God for the Rockville church and it's witness in the community and the world and I hope for them a very merry Christmas and a life changing New Year.-BK

Christmas Eve and Elvis

2008-12-24T05:51:00.002-06:00

Christmas Eve is here! My hope is that everyone has got their shopping done. I am so blessed; you see I have a personal shopper in my family. Yep! My dear wife buys all the gifts (even her own) wraps them and gives them to the appropriate person. All I do is smile when people say thank you and ask, "What did I get?" Yesterday's discussion reminded me of many a Christmas Eve as an child.

As I settle down in my chair this evening after services with just the lights on the stairs and tree on I'm sure to flash back to yesteryear. I can picture myself alone in the living room of our home laying on the carpeted floor with the Christmas tree decorated and lights flashing in random intervals gazing over the packages. All is quiet as I contemplate which package I will open first. Before laying down I was able to find the Elvis Christmas record. A wonderful work all packaged on that 33 rpm vinyl bringing the joy and peace of Christmas into the room.

Tonight I will consider a different gift. The gift of salvation for all people in Christ Jesus. I also wonder how we (Christians) have gotten so off track with the meaning of Christmas? Spending money we don't have on people who will not even like what we bought, charging our purchases on credit cards that we can never pay off and allowing the stories of Santa to be more prevalent in our homes than those of Christ. We are more likely to say, "Santa Claus is coming tonight" rather than, "Jesus is coming tonight."

Sorry Santa, nothing personal but I need a Silent Night and a Holy Night tonight.

O Come, O Come Emanuel, BK

Me and D.L. Moody

2008-12-23T07:23:00.005-06:00

It was a month ago when I was sorting through my books that I came across my "Grandpa pile". My Grandpa Bates was a part-time local pastor in the baptist tradition whom I was blessed to receive some of his sermon preparation books, bible commentary and inspirational books. It is one in particular that has really intrigued me. It is titled, Thoughts for the Quiet Hour and is edited by Dwight L. Moody. It is a work that has daily scripture passages with accompanying comment for each day of the year and was copyrighted in 1900. However I have found the reflections to be inspirational still (108 years) later.

December 23rd
Go and sit down in the lowest room. Luke xiv.10.

He who is willing to take the lowest place will always find sitting room; there is no great crush for the worst places. There is nothing like the jostling at the back there is at the front; so if we would be comfortable, we shall do well to keep behind. -Thomas Champness.

I have been well known for finding ways to be at the front of the line when it comes to pot-luck suppers, family meals, or any gathering that includes food. However, recently I sat back and allowed others to be first. I found the conversation in the back of the line to be very uplifting and rewarding. As others were pushing and cutting in line to get to the goodies first. I was able to laugh, listen to stories and enjoy people.

It is the same with our daily life. We spend all day trying to get at the head of the line, to be ahead of everybody else that we miss out on the healing power of Jesus in the back of the line. The healing of fellowship and laughter.

O Come, O Come Emanuel - BK