Category Archives: Pastoral thoughts

Pastoral thoughts

Making Sure

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PRINCIPLE: “When you want to be sure, check with the owner.”

While in seminary I worked part-time at a wonderful furniture store. Often I made deliveries. But I did spend time on the floor helping customers – especially on weekends when traffic was heavier. I enjoyed the people contact, but was always a little uneasy because I wasn’t really a furniture expert or salesman. I had no problems answering questions about smaller items, like lamps or small end tables (or candles or candy from the little gift shop that was part of the store). But when it came to bigger ticket items – like couches, bedroom suites, grandfather clocks – I didn’t feel real adequate. I didn’t know enough to answer all their questions, which of course, was necessary in making sales. So I would greet customers and offer to help, and would do so until such a question arose. Then I would politely tell them the owner would meet with them as soon as he was free. That’s when I began to believe in the simple principle “When you want to be sure, check with the owner.”
Now, many years later, I realize this is an important principle for life as well. So many times I do not have an answer for a question, or advice for a problem, or direction for a situation. I have learned, the hard way, that “When you want to be sure, check with the owner.” If I’m driving a rental car and it has a problem, I call the owner – They own the car and it’s their decision that counts. If the plumber finds a problem with our drain, before he fixes it he gives us the information and asks us if we want him to proceed.  As the owners, it’s our responsibility to make the call. That’s why Paul wrote that “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” (1 Cor. 6:19-20) When faced with a question, or a problem, or a situation it is only wise to check with the owner so we can do what He wants us to do. Wise obedience is the only way to be sure and right.
But while it’s possible that an owner knows little about his possession (I own some things I know little about!) Paul is talking about an owner knows what He has. Consider Paul’s frame of reference – certainly he knew the Psalmist’s words (139:13-16 MSG):“Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.” Our owner is our creator! He knows us inside and out. Her knows what makes us tick. He knows what it takes for us to be whole and healthy. He knows what brings us into peace. And He loves us so deeply that when we were lost He paid the price to purchase us back. And He so deeply desires that we live in wholeness and health that He wants us to check in with him. “When you want to be sure, check with the owner.”
Perhaps you’re wrestling with a question. Or maybe you’re struggling to solve a problem. Possibly you’re searching for direction. “When you want to be sure, check with the owner.” It’s the wisest choice you can make. This might be the best reason when waking up each morning to declare, “I am not my own, but belong body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. Christ has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.”
Pastoral thoughts

Remember Your Pin

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PRINCIPLE: “When you’re going round and round, getting nowhere, remember your pin.”
The van was new, just a few weeks old. It was an Econoline Van, perfect for our family of five, for anticipated years of hauling stuff to and from the college campus, and for pulling our camping trailer. We were loving it. Early one Sunday morning I drove up 131 from Kentwood (where we lived) to our church near downtown Grand Rapids – a trip I made numerous times each week. I pulled into the parking lot of the church and started to back into a parking space. I turned the steering wheel to straighten in between the lines and nothing happened. In fact, the steering wheel just kept going round and round. It was impossible to turn. I just backed in as best I could and went about the business of Sunday morning. After church I rode home with Barb in our other car. Monday I called the car dealership and the van was towed for repair.
The verdict? One of the main pins that held the steering column to the axles was missing. In fact, it appeared it had never been put in – which means we had been driving it around all those weeks with no pin. It was a miracle things held together all those miles on the highway in the middle of rush hour. It made for some scary thoughts as we considered all the possible scenarios of what could have happened. We were convinced that with the pin gone, God held it all together. He was the pin.
I realize now that God was teaching us a lesson: “When you’re going round and round, getting nowhere, remember your pin.” I shudder to think how many times in my life I went round and round and getting nowhere. If only I had stopped and remembered my pin, the One who holds it all together. The apostle Paul put it poignantly in Colossians 1:16-17. “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Jesus Christ is the pin that holds everything together. Only in Him can I steer safely through life. So “When you’re going round and round, getting nowhere, remember your pin.”
I invite you today to pray. “Lord Jesus Christ, it is important that we focus on you, for our lives spring from and revolve around You. This is good because in You all things hold together.
Sometimes we feel our personal world and life is falling apart – but in You all things hold together. You work all things together for good for those who love You.
Sometimes we feel lost, confused by all the directions and lures of the world around us – but in You all things hold together. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Sometimes we feel all alone – but in You all things hold together. You have promised that You will never leave us or forsake; You will not leaves us as orphans.
Sometimes we hurriedly go round and round, getting nowhere fast. But in You all things hold together. You are the pin that keeps the steering wheel of our lives intact and functioning correctly and safely.
Sometimes we feel unloved – but in You all things hold together. You so loved us that You died for us.
Sometimes we feel abused – but in You all things hold together. For our sakes you were despised and rejected.
Sometimes we are ill, in body, mind, or soul – but in You all things hold together. By your stripes we have been healed.
Thank you, Lord, for pinning my life together. Amen.”
“When you’re going round and round, getting nowhere, remember your pin.”
Pastoral thoughts

Hugs

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PRINCIPLE: “Hugs are not just for kids.”
The first church I was privileged to serve was in Sioux Center, Iowa. We lived one long block, downhill from the church. At the time we had one son, who was 3 years old. Often, weather permitting, I would walk to and from church. I have such fond memories of walking home! Our son, if he knew I was on the way, stood at the front door until I got close, then would run outside, arms outstretched, to greet me. Then it was one big hug. I’m sure you know the feeling. There’s nothing warmer, more exciting, more loving than that.
And why did my son do that? He was glad to see me; he loved me; he wanted to be with me. And he knew he’d get a big hug in return. And we both felt good! Maybe that’s why I still like to hug my bos (and grandkids – but that’s another story for another time!)
I thought of that scene the other day as I was thinking about my relationship with Jesus. Do I approach Him the way my so approached me? Am I that glad to meet with Him?  Do I love Him that much? Do I want to be with Him that badly? Then it hit me – if a hug between me and my son meant so much to both of us, wouldn’t it be the same hugging Jesus? That’s when it hit me – “Hugs are not just for kids.” It’s okay to hug adults, to hug anyone we love. It’s okay, then, to hug Jesus. “Hugs are not just for kids.”
So why am I so formal when I approach Jesus? I sit down in a comfortable place, make sure I have my Bible, my devotional, a pen or pencil, and some prayer notes. Then I begin. But am I really glad to be meeting with Him? Am I excited about the opportunity? Shouldn’t I bounce out of bed each morning ready to run out and hug Jesus? Shouldn’t I go to bed each night only after hugging Jesus? Could there be anything warmer, more exciting, more loving than that? Wouldn’t it make us both feel good? “Hugs are not just for kids.”
I admit I’m not sure what ‘running out and hugging Jesus’ looks like. But I’m doing an attitude check as I try to figure it out. I encourage you to do the same. “Hugs are not just for kids.” Why not give your kids an extra hug today (or when you see them next) – and experience the exhilaration it brings. Then hug Jesus  – whatever it looks like for you.
Pastoral thoughts

The Wrong Place

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PRINCIPLE: “If you’re in the wrong place, repent.”
I had enjoyed the first day and a half of the ‘Festival of Homiletics’ in Minneapolis. (For those wondering about ‘homiletics’, it means ‘pertaining to the nature of preaching. In other words I was at a preaching festivalJ It just sounds more impressive to use the big word!). I had returned to my motel – just across the street from the new football stadium of the Minnesota Gophers – to spend the evening reading and planning. But first, I needed to eat. On the key cards of the motel there was an ad for 10% off pizza at a local establishment. I had discovered the location was less than a block away so figured I could phone in an order and then pick it up. As I was preparing to make the call I noticed the pizza ad on a plastic stand on the bed stand next to my bed. On the backside was a menu and a note that the complete menu could be accessed through a web link. So I grabbed my computer and went to the site, selected what I wanted and ordered online. After the allotted time I walked to the pizza place up the street. I gave them my name only to hear that they had received no order. I explained it was an online order and gave them the confirmation number, 140. Still no record. The nice man was willing to make the pizza so he asked what I had ordered. The name of the particular pizza didn’t ring a bell with him. Even if it did, I didn’t want to reorder because my card had been charged for the previous order. But I could sit down and wait for him to bake one and I was hungry. While he went to check with his manager, I began to wonder if I was in the right place. By now I figured something wasn’t right. So when he returned and asked what I wanted to do I simply said “I’ll go back to my room and recheck everything.” When I got back to my room I realized the ad on the bedside stand was not the same place that advertized on the room key card. I had been in the wrong place all that while. Glad I didn’t stay!
As I reflected upon and eventually laughed about my embarrassing adventure (and yes you can feel embarrassed even if no one else knows what you did!), I realized that this was not the first time I had been in the wrong place in my life. I’ve often made decisions and taken actions that landed me in many wrong places. And I’m sure I will be in more wrong places. What I’m learning is this: “If you’re in the wrong place, repent.” Yes – seek forgiveness. But ‘repent’ also means to turn around and head in the opposite direction. The Psalmist wrote (34:14) “Turn from evil and do good.” Similarly, Ezekiel said, “Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?”  You see, I could have apologized to the nice man and had him bake a good pizza – but I would have paid for a pizza I never received or ate; I would have forfeited the blessing of what turned out to be a fabulous pizza. I wouold have ‘died’ to that pleasure.
So “If you’re in the wrong place, repent.” Change your location and your actions. Otherwise you’ll never move forward and never get the pizza you deserve and have paid for. Being sorry and embarrassed is not enough. Only true repentance, a true turning of our lives, leads us to the blessing.
So the next time you realize you’re in the wrong place, no one else needs to know. Just remember: “If you’re in the wrong place, repent.”
Pastoral thoughts

On Being New

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PRINCIPLE: “If you want something new, you must be willing to get rid of the old.”
I should have known. I took the week after Easter off with no plans to go anywhere but outdoors to get a good jump on this year’s yard and garden work. After all, with Easter being so late, the weather should be wonderful. Well, it was a good thought. Who’d have thunk we’d have rain every day? So much for lots of yard work!
So early in the week, to get some exercise, Barb and I went to Menards – just to take a walk. Right! We came home with tiles for one of our bathrooms. Then the work began. After a few hours of scraping up glue and the remains of the old tile, I was really wishing for the rain to go away so I could spread all that mulch! And I really felt like just slapping down the new tiles without getting the surface beneath totally clean. After all, good tiles would stick anyway! Good thing I’m married to Barb. We persisted and got the floor totally clean. She even said to me, “There has to be an illustration in here somewhere.” Yep – and here it is: “If you want something new, you must be willing to get rid of the old.” The new tile will not perform at a maximum level unless you first get rid of the old. I’ve been thinking about that quite a bit. I love the new – but I find it hard to get rid of the old. That’s why I have three wallets – one I use and two old ones on hand ‘just in case.’ (Okay women – before you smile too broadly, how many purses do you have?) That’s partially why we have our old hard drive is still in a closet – just in case we need it. That’s why I have so many old shirts taking up closet space. And the list goes on.
Now think about the principle in our spiritual lives. “If you want something new, you must be willing to get rid of the old.” If you want to be more loving you must first get rid of anger, hatred, and envy. If you want to be more generous, you must first get rid of greed and lessen desire. If you want to be more patient, you must first get rid and anxiety. If you want to be more at peace, you must first get rid of worry. If you want to live more like Christ, you must first get rid of selfish desires and motives. That’s why Paul loved to write about taking off the old and putting on the new. We cannot wear the new if the old is not gone. In fact, this is a key theme in Paul’s letter to the Romans (6:6-14 MSG): “Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin’s every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That’s what Jesus did. That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you’ve been raised from the dead!—into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God.”
I can’t say it any better (which is why Paul’s words are canonized in Scripture and mine are not!). So remember, “If you want something new, you must be willing to get rid of the old.”
Pastoral thoughts

Soar

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DECEPTIVE, BUT FRUITFUL
I chose to read and review Kenny Luck’s book because the title, “Soar,” intrigued me and the question on the cover grabbed me: “Are you ready to accept God’s power?” I want to soar and I want to be filled with God’s power – so reading this book made sense. 
Reading the book has been fruitful. Luck does an outstanding job of thoroughly dissecting and presenting the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit in fresh ways. I consider it a unique theological work and a solid Biblical study. What keeps it fresh and stimulating is his creative approach and contemporary illustrations. Each chapter begins with an image or story and that theme is always perfectly related to whatever aspect of the Holy Spirit he’s discussing. For example his stories of flying an airplane, receiving a special Christmas gift, and his son’s broken arm are all outstanding images for understanding certain aspects of the Holy Spirit. Some chapters clarified my understanding, in some I learned something new, and in some I discovered a new, refreshing way to present an old concept.
Luck divides the book into three sections, which I found helpful. Part 1, “Transitions” deals with changes in the way we normally think about the Holy Spirit. Part 2, “Transformations” discusses how the Holy Spirit impacts and changes us. Part 3, “Transactions” points to how the Spirit impacts others through us. This is a nice summary of the purpose and ministry of the Holy Spirit, but it also allows readers to focus on each aspect of the Holy Spirit’s ministry for an extended period of time.
And when I say an extended period, that’s what it really needs to be. “Soar” cannot be a quick read – nor is it intended to be. Since I was reading it with the intent of writing a review, I tried to read through it somewhat quickly. But I would have benefited even more if I had really taken the time to utilize the great study guide, either alone or in a group setting. A group setting would, I believe, bring about the most beneficial study. Luck has put great thought into how to apply what the reader learns along the way. While my reading was fruitful, it could have been abundantly fruitful if done within a group.
I do have two criticisms or concerns. One is Luck’s repeated references to his earlier books. I found his repeated parenthetical comments referring to something he covered in one of his previous books as intrusive to the flow. A comment in the Introduction or in a footnote along the way mentioning that reading his previous books would be helpful could suffice. By weaving the repeated references into the book itself I found myself asking “Should I stop and read that book before continuing? Is he trying to sell me his previous book? Is he saying I can’t understand this without reading his previous book?” I kept wondering what it would be like if, during my sermons, I repeatedly said “I covered this last week, last month, etc.)”
My second concern is that the book is billed as part of the “God’s Man Series,” which means it’s written for men. That’s where the deception comes in. While Luck does, at times, try to draw some application to men, I found those applications fitting for women as well. Nothing he said screamed at me “This is for men only.” Since it’s billed as for men, I wonder how many women will ignore it and thereby miss what could be a vital study and life-transforming experience.
Neither of these concerns keeps from recommending this outstanding book. God blessed me – or should I say the Spirit blessed me as I read, studied, and prayed. In fact, I was deeply moved be Luck’s repeated use of passages from John, Romans, and Acts. Perhaps our Lord knew I was planning on preaching from John during Lent, from Romans next summer, and Acts next fall! For me, it was God’s sign that the book was meant for me. Read “Soar” and you will find it meant for you as well.
(“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group fopr this review.”) 
Pastoral thoughts

When Anticipating a “No”

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PRINCIPLE: “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.”
One of my all-time favorite television ads featured a young teenage boy trying to call a girl for a date. He was nervous and hesitant, sure of a “No” answer. But he calls anyway – and when the girl answers “Yes” he’s so stunned all he can say is “Really?” Then he’s speechless. I confess that I loved this ad because it reminded me of me in my teen years. Yes – I know it may be hard to believe that I was shy and lacked confidence but believe me – I was shy and lacked confidence. Calling a girl to ask her out was a big deal for me. I spent an unbelievable amount of time rehearsing her possible responses and what I would say in response to her responses. Then I’d pick up the phone – hesitate – and put it back down again; I needed to go over it all one more time. . Then I’d pick up the phone – hesitate – and put it back down again; I needed to go over it all one more time. . Then I’d pick up the phone – hesitate – and put it back down again; I needed to go over it all one more time. You get the picture. And while I wasn’t always as fortunate as the boy in the ad, it usually turned out okay. But the funny thing is that when I did get a “No” it was usually with some response I hadn’t rehearsed!
I’m glad I don’t have to call for dates anymore! But through the years, as I’ve thought and chuckled about that teenage struggle, I’ve concluded that it’s better to try and get a “No” than to never try and never get a “Yes.” So “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.” I’ve also learned that this principle is especially true when it comes to calling God. First of all, if the answer really is “No,” God will confirm it and we’ll be within His will. But, second, God often surprises us. But if we don’t call, He won’t answer! The truth is. He’s waiting for us to call. “O people of Zion…you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help. As soon as He hears, he will answer you.” (Is. 30:19) “Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” (Is. 58:9) “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” (Is. 65:24) “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8-9). “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.”
What do we have to lose? If we get a “No” we are certain of our Father’s will. And if we get a “Yes” we are certain the Father’s will. So the only way we will not be certain of the Father’s will is to not call. “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.” God is waiting to share with us, to give to us, to free us, to empower us. We just need to make the call – even is we’re sure God will say “No.”
I have one final thought from my experiences of calling for dates. Sometimes I was just flat turned down – no reason given. But the tone and silence communicated the feelings. That hurt. I’ve discovered that while God sometimes says “No,” He never just flat turns me down. It may feel that way but sometime, somewhere along the way the reason will be clear. He cares too much to just leave me in the dark. He is, after all, the Light of the world. So the next time you’re uncertain, or want to get in touch with our Father, even “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.”
Pastoral thoughts

When You Wreck It

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PRINCIPLE: “When you wreck it, thank God.”
Barb & I were so excited! We were finally entering the process of getting a ‘new’ car. In those days they called it a ‘used’ car, but it would be new for us and better than what we had at the time. A wonderful man in our congregation, Ade, sold used cars and was happy to work with us. He showed us one we wanted to try so he told us that since he trusted us we could drive it around a while and check it out. So off we went. Eventually we ended up in downtown Holland and parked on the street while we did a couple of errands. A short time later we came back to the car – and it had a huge dent in the side! Someone had rammed it – and of course they left no information. We were sick – it wasn’t even ours and now we had to take a wrecked car back to this nice man, and tell him what had happened. Sure, it wasn’t our fault, but we were embarrassed, hurt, and sorry all at once. Ade had taken a risk with us and all he got in return was damaged goods.
When we told Ade what had happened he was, not surprisingly, very gracious. He basically said, “It happens.” In the years since then I’ve learned how right he was – it happens. God takes risk with us every day. Think of what he loans us – children, talents, gifts, and resources. Think of the responsibility He’s given to us – to share the Gospel and build His Church. Think of how often we return things back to him in a wrecked condition. We come up short; we fail to use what He’s given and entrusted to us and return to Him only damaged goods. It should make us feel sick, embarrassed, hurt, and sorry – especially since it is our fault.
Yet, what I have learned is “When you wreck it, thank God.” If God didn’t loan us all these things and entrust us with all these responsibilities we wouldn’t have anything to wreck! The fact that God trusts us enough to keep taking such risks with us is a sign of His grace – He keeps on trusting us.  So “When you wreck it, thank God.” Thank Him for loving you enough to give you second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth – indeed unlimited – chances. Imagine, if God expects us to forgive ‘seventy times seven’, how many more times will He forgive us? I’m not saying we should take it easy and not worry about all He gives us nor be irresponsible with it – far from it. But, “When you wreck it, thank God.” Thank Him that “…in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” He will even …increase your store of seed and enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. He promises You will be made rich n every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.” (2 Cor. 9) He’ll just keep taking the risk with you.
So do all you can the best you can. Yet, “When you wreck it, thank God.” Thank Him, as Paul wrote, for His indescribable gift!
Pastoral thoughts

Show Me, Lord

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“Show Me, Lord”
So many times I’ve bowed my head,
“Oh Lord, show me your will,” I said.
He answers back, “Go walk this mile;”
I break a frown and not a smile.
“Dear Lord, an inch or two I’ll go –
But a mile, I just don’t know!
Why the mile? Why there, not here?
My life right now is just so dear.”
“Your will I want to do, I do –
But I have my conditions, too.
Oh Lord, I’ve served you with my heart;
Now this one time, please do your part!”
“Hear my prayer, just ask an inch;
And I’ll obey without a flinch.
It’s my reward for all I’ve done,
By serving faithfully your Son.”
“My son,” He said, “There’s just one thing
That to you reward will bring.
Obedience is my chosen way
To send rich blessings down your way.”
“So lose your life in serving me,
And only then will you really see,
You’ve found your life and reward too
For I myself will honor you.”
Somehow the mile has gained appeal
In fact, I consider it a deal.
I’ll walk it now, and without complaint,
And with His Spirit, I’ll not faint.
For when I put my hope in Him,
My strength renewed will not grow dim.
On eagle’s wings I know I’ll soar,
And not grow weary evermore.
So now I bow my head and say,
“Oh Lord, show me your will and way.”
He answers back, “Go walk that mile.”
I walk, and praise Him all the while.
Pastoral thoughts

Remember the Touch

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“When the touch stings, remember the touch.”
It’s so great to begin the day with the very word we need to hear – it’s almost as if God knows what we need! (Come to think of it, He does!) Such was the case for me a few weeks ago. Here’s my journal entry for that day.
“From Zechariah 2:8 – “Whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye; I raise my hand against them…” Children always seem to know when they are ‘the apple’ of someone’s eye – they may not even understand the phrase but they know the feeling. They know they are treasured and loved unconditionally – no one and nothing can change that. They love being in the presence of the one who so treasures them. These words were affirmation for me this morning – words of assurance and comfort from the Lord. He will stand up for me again today. Nothing can separate me from His love. Thank you, Lord.”
“When the touch stings, remember the touch.” God never says that we will be free from getting slapped or hit – He just says He will take the hit with us – ultimately that’s what He did on the cross. No matter how tough a day or moment may be, no matter how strong the reaction or action against you, no matter how strong the opposition or sharp the criticism, the only raised hand that matters is that of God – “I raise my hand against them.” “When the touch stings, remember the touch.” You are in the presence of your loving Lord, the one who stood on the cross for you; you are the apple of His eye; He will stand up for you today – and always. So, “when the touch stings, remember the touch.”