Busyness is not a sign of success, effectiveness, or importance, yet many live their lives as if it is. Busyness is a sign that our schedules are too full, and we are missing the opportunity to be fully present in the moment, focused on our true priorities. Of course, there are times, maybe even seasons, where circumstances require us to live with heavy agendas, but this is not meant to be a way of life. Even Jesus, a man with a tremendous mission, made time to be alone; to step away from the activity of ministry to be renewed.

When I first entered the process toward ministry, my uncle (who is also a pastor) gave me a profound piece of advice, “Remember, the pastor who is always available, usually isn’t any good when he or she is available.” I remind myself of this often, as many around me judge down time as a sign of ineffectiveness. I’ve seen it in meetings of clergy and lay people, whose calendars are filled with appointments. They pass the same judgement on themselves as they do others, believing that more items in their agenda, and on their “to do” lists, is a sign that they are doing more effective work for God. This approach often leads to little time to soak in the word, enjoy God’s presence, and listen to the voice of the Lord.

I remember being confronted by a person who had something they believed I should add to my schedule. The church I was serving at the time required a lot from me in the mornings, and the evenings were often filled with meetings and classes. This left a little time in the afternoon to get away with my wife, enjoy the company of friends, and spend some quiet time with God. When it became clear that I was not going to add this request to my agenda, her reply was, “Well, if you have time for coffee in the afternoon, you have time to do this for me.”

I could have chosen to allow this to offend me, but actually, it made me sad. Sure, there was little respect shown for the commitments I already had, but her comment represented the way she lived her life. It was no wonder she was stressed, and no wonder many of us are for the same reason.

We can talk about going deeper in our walk with God, pressing into our relationship with Jesus, and soaking in the scripture, but if we do not slow down and make time in our schedules, we will only give lip service to these ideals. Being good stewards of our lives and of our faith development requires us to be attentive to how we allocate our time. Time spent with God is an investment in all that we do in Jesus’ name, and it comes with great reward.

Here is where it can get a little sticky. There are things we need to do, and there are demands on our schedule we should attend to, but drawing the line between those activities and the countless nonessential requests can be difficult. Our view of ourselves, our desire to be needed and respected, and our fear of judgement can keep us from making healthy decisions about our time.

Not long ago, I was sharing with a colleague my struggle with what people expected from me. Between ministry and family, I was finding little time for nourishing my spirit and developing my creativity. Many of the things I wanted to do were being put off, or lost all together. His response was exactly what I needed to hear, “Who sets your schedule?”

We all like to claim the people in our lives are responsible for our busyness, but the truth is, the choice is ours to make. While there may be consequences from not taking on a task or appointment, the decision to include them in our agenda is ours to make. I needed that reminder. Maybe, you do too.

Developing our spiritual life requires an investment of time. If it is a priority, we will make time for the things that will grow our faith and relationship with God. In my own life, there are times when I will cancel my time with God to attend to other matters. I console myself with the knowledge that God understands, but if the appointment was with my Bishop, my Superintendent, or numerous other people, I would never cancel the appointment for those reasons. It is a difficult truth to accept, but I find it too easy to ignore what is most important.

This is why I need to be reminded of how Jesus ordered his life. One specific story always stands out for me. Jesus is on retreat with his disciples when someone finds him to tell him his beloved friend Lazarus is extremely ill. Jesus’ response to this news is to remain on retreat for two more days! When he finally arrives, Martha is quick to remind him that he arrived too late. If only he came sooner, Lazarus would be alive. Of course, the story concludes with Jesus raising him from the dead, but the message of his actions is clear, it was more important to stay apart with God, than to rush back, in spite of the expectations and opinions of others.

Experiencing a deep life of faith will require sacrifices. It will mean that we must prioritize our lives, and live out of those priorities. We will need to slow down and make room for God to have our attention for more than a few moments, or while we are rushing on to our next appointment. These decisions will not be easy, or popular, but they will be right, and as is often the case, the best results will come from doing the hard thing.

The post Slow Down appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

As you can imagine, accepting the coming change is a difficult thing. Some people are ready to move forward while others are still trying to adjust to the news. For many this time simply feels like chaos, and questions about the future seem unanswered.

Yet, in the midst of it all, God is present and that is the whole point of what we celebrate on the Day of Pentecost. Some call it the “Birthday of the Church,” but it is so much more. Pentecost is the celebration of Jesus’ promise that God would send the Holy Spirit. It is a celebration of God’s intimate presence with us.

I find it so appropriate that Pentecost Sunday should fall on Memorial Day weekend. In the midst of our national time of remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for our future, we celebrate the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ who sacrificed his life for our salvation.

Jesus told his followers that the Spirit would remind them of all he said to them and teach them everything. The presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives would allow them to remember all that Jesus did and said so that, from their remembrance, they would be able to look forward to God’s future for them and for the world.

The Spirit does the same for us today. We too, are reminded of the teachings of Jesus’ life and words, and we are equally empowered by his indwelling presence to fulfill God’s destiny for our lives. By the Spirit’s leading and empowerment we are able to face our fears and challenges, even an unknown future, with divine direction and strength.

As we remember those who gave their lives so that we might be able to live, and as we celebrate the presence and power of the Spirit of Christ within us, let us be good stewards of the lives we are given. Placing our trust in God and in the power of his strength, let us boldly embrace the future before us as we savor and celebrate each day. With the presence of God within us, may we walk by faith in such a way that we might leave a legacy of love and hope that enables others to experience the power of the risen Christ and embrace the promise of God for their lives as well.

The post The Power of Pentecost appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

Yesterday, one of our seminary interns preached the sermon for our Sunday Worship. It was a wonderful service and a great message that challenged us to move beyond our worry and fear and look for ways we can be servants of God in ministry to the world. At the heart of the message was this simple, yet profound question: “What do you have that can be put to use for God?”

It is a question well worth pondering by anyone working to make their heart resonate with the heart of God. God gives us so much: time and money, skills and talents, faith and spiritual gifts. Each of us is made to be a special and unique part of the body of Christ so that together, we can represent the fullness of God. If we understand that we are blessed to be a blessing, then it is important to ask why God made us the way we are and gave us what we have. Certainly, part of the answer is the joy our blessings bring to God and to us, but there is surely a place for the joy, healing and witness our blessings can bring to the world through us.

Too often, we address stewardship as if it is just another annual fund raiser to get money for the coming year’s ministry. We reduce the role of faithful stewards to check-writers for programs and events, but that is not the definition of real stewardship. Instead, stewardship is about celebrating and sharing what we receive from God so that God will be glorified and others cared for, blessed and strengthened.

So, this brings us back to the question. What do we have right now that can be put to use for God? Is it money that can be used to enable outreach in God’s name, or to be the outreach to someone in need? Is it time that can be given in the service of others, or in prayer? Is it our skill that can empower others by assisting them with challenges that restrict them or by teaching them new ways to identify and use their own God-given gifts and talents?

These are just the beginning. The list of possibilities is as endless and the creative power of God at work within us. As we enter this new week and begin preparing for the coming new year, let’s ask ourselves the question and ask the Holy Spirit to help us identify our gifts and empower us to use them in new ways. Let’s keep looking to embrace the new possibilities God presents to us, letting go of the fear of failure, or of change, and stepping boldly into the future by faith. There is real excitement ahead of us and wonderful opportunities to make a difference for God.

What do you have that can be put to use for God right now? What is God asking you to do? What might happen if you step out in faith today? Imagine, there are people waiting right now, for you to step forward in faith and be the answer to prayer. What a wonderfully awesome opportunity and responsibility. We do not have to be, or have, what someone else is, or has, to make a difference. We only need to be available to God and together, we can change the world. Let’s make the investment together and be the world changers we were meant to be.

The post Simply World Changers appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

I remember when there was no instant messaging, texting, or email. It was a time when a letter could arrive on my desk, sit for a day or two before a read it, be mailed by the end of the week and I was considered prompt. Now, I occasionally get phone calls in the early afternoon wondering why I did not respond to the email sent to me at 11:00 a.m. that morning. People with crises message me on Facebook and are shocked that I am not constantly aware of what is happening there. It is a different world.

Don’t get me wrong, I love technology. We live in an exciting time full of possibilities others could only dream of. My productivity is greatly enhanced by the ease and accessibility of my iPad and computers and I find great pleasure in reading ebooks on my reader. I just recognize that there are times it is good to unplug.

As the effects of a busy Easter season, vacation, and a myriad of work and family obligations made there impact on my life, it became obvious that I needed time, time away from busyness to refresh and offer my best to my family and the ministry. I chose to unplug and seek some renewal. I thank all you, my followers, for your patience during this season. My family and church thank you too. As a result of the time away, I feel more energized in my relationships, my ministry and my writing. I look forward to sharing this experience with you.

As I return to my regular posts, let me encourage you to be attentive to you time and the rhythms of your life as well. don’t be afraid to step away from the computer, turn off the cell phone, or even leave your email in the inbox for a bit while you enjoy time with family, friends and God. Technology blesses our lives, but it does not own them and sometimes an electronic fast can do you good.

The post It’s About Time appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

In my comment, I affirmed the quality of the piece and the Nature Conservancy’s willingness to post it. I added my own acknowledgement that many Christians are deeply concerned about the environment and believe that we are called to be good stewards of all creation. I even added a reference to John Wesley’s Three Simple Rules, “Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.” It was not long before several other Christians “liked” my comment and went on to post similar concerns about Christian awareness of environmental issues.

I did not think much more about it throughout the day as I spent time with family on the last days of our vacation. When we stopped at the coffee shop a little while ago, I decided to read more of the 150 plus comments on the issue. I was shocked!

Rather than celebrating the awareness, passion and efforts of many in the Christian community, numerous posts were filled with anti-Christian and anti-religion rhetoric. It would seem that only atheists have anything to offer to the environment. One commentator even stated that atheism was thankfully free of the baggage of self-righteous, judgmental attitudes (even as he self-righteously judged all religions in a few short sentences).

I was indeed shocked, not by the anti-Christian attitude (I’ve become accustomed to that), but rather by the shoddy reasoning and self-negating comments of the people who stand in judgement of the faith. There is no doubt that great evil has been done throughout history in the name of God and by people claiming to belong to God. However, there has also been great good that came from faith in Christ and true followers of him.

People who celebrate their pure scientific understanding and education forget that a great majority of the institutions of higher learning that gave them such understanding were born from the Church’s support. Forgotten are the great investments in the arts commissioned by the Church. Lost are the tremendous acts of charity done in the name of Jesus Christ by the religious institution and by countless individual Christians.

The choice to be Christian is just that, a choice, but the selective memory of the past is not, nor are false stereotypes, misinformed comments and poor reasoning. These errors must be avoided by atheists and Christians alike. Just because we want something to be true, does not make it so, no matter how much we wish it, tell it or believe it.

There is room at the human table for all of us and how beautiful it would be if we could all bring our distinctive perspectives to the discussion and our unique abilities to tasks at hand. The Scripture says, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” Maybe it is time to focus on working toward the truth together instead of attacking one another.

Just some thoughts from the cafe on Saturday night.

The post Good Reasoning and Getting Along appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

We have the opportunity to the impact our communities and to consider what we are leaving behind us. Many others will inherit the results of our decisions and ministry efforts, just as we received a similar gift from those who went this way before us. So it is important to pause and ask ourselves, “What legacy are we leaving in the wake of our ministry?”

The Word of God tells us in 1 Peter 2:9, that we are a, “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” God gives us the opportunity to impart this reality to our children and grandchildren, to those we disciple in the faith and even to the community we serve. In all humility, we recognize that we are where we are by the grace and mercy of God. Being chosen is not a sign of our worthiness; rather it is a testimony to the faithfulness and love of God.

Nevertheless, since it is God who chose us and called us a holy nation of priests and kings, we ought to live as God sees us and be the example we were called to be. We ought never to settle for less than God’s very best for our lives and we should always strive for excellence, doing everything as unto the Lord. Our life and ministry is a representation of the kingdom and we should rejoice in the beauty of who God makes us to be, and we should instill that identity in all those who follow us in the faith. Our legacy should declare the joy of the Lord and the beauty of His holiness.

There is, what has become a classic contemporary Christian song by Steve Green that says:

May all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.
(Copyright 1988 Birdwing Music/Jonathan Mark Music (admin. By The Sparrow Corp.))

Indeed, we want to be faithful as we follow Jesus and show others the way. We want those who follow us in the faith to learn from our mistakes and even more from our example as we point toward the One who calls us to Himself.

Never forget who you are in Christ, and do not lose sight of those who are running the race behind you. Keep on following Christ through the heritage of those who have gone ahead of you, and be a shining example to those who are looking to you that you may, “proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

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Stewardship can be an unpopular topic. We like our privacy. We tire of the media voices inundating us with requests for money, and honestly, we’ve seen far too many over-paid people asking for our support. Thankfully, real stewardship is far more than a financial pledge, so far beyond paying church bills. Stewardship is an attitude of the heart; a way of life that responds to the generous heart of God with a willingness to be generous ourselves. Real stewardship acknowledges that we are blessed and seeks to be a blessing to others.

On my first mission trip to Brazil, I attended a worship that changed my life and my understanding of Christian stewardship. Sitting in a cramped pew within a crowded church, I watched as people who clearly fit within my definition of poverty came forward to place their offerings in the collection box at the front of the sanctuary. I asked one of the young women who sat next to me why they did not pass plates like we did back home. She explained to me that they believed it was important for the young people of the congregation to see their parents, family and friends putting their faith into action by giving.

I went on to ask her what the significance was of a large basket that sat behind the collection box. I’d watched as people put their tithes in the box and then placed something in the basket. She replied, “Oh, those are our gifts for the poor.” The shock on my face must have been evident as I tried to make sense of the scene – poverty stricken people collecting gifts for the poor! The young woman smiled and said, “You don’t get it do you?” I replied, “Apparently not/” Her face beamed as she said, “We have everything, because we have Him. How can we not share what God has given us with those who need it too?”

I was speechless, and moved with deep emotion. Earlier, I’d been lamenting things I, and the church I served, did not have. Now, I was sitting in the face of the most powerful sermon on stewardship I’d ever experienced. Here were people who understood that what really mattered was more than a collection of things, but a connection with people and with the heart of God.

This year, as our church celebrates its Consecration Sunday, I pray that we can capture some of that same awareness and generous spirit. I hope I can as well, as I still have much to learn. Maybe, as we embrace how richly God provides for our lives, we can embrace the opportunity to share richly with others, for that is where the real blessing lies.

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