Back to the Future

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Where do you live? Many people, especially as they get older, attempt to live in the past—the “good old days,” but is there a better option?

There were a series of movies years ago now titled, “Back to the Future.” They dealt with time travel to change situations that occurred. The main actor would find a situation that needed change, but the only way he could change that was to go back in time. And it was exciting to see how he went back to another time in his life or the life of others to change circumstances. Then, however, he had to return to his own time or he would be stuck in a time before he was born. And that too would alter what was going on now.

Many get stuck in time, though, and never return back to our own time (the future when you are back in time). They get stuck in old ways of doing things—the “same-old, same-old,” the familiar and well-worn paths. But they either ignore or don’t realize that the time they live in is no longer the way it once was. The world around them has changed, yet they have not grown and therefore have remained the same, and they are a person now out of time with outmoded or useless tools to cope, to create, to make their way in the new world. Such does the church and Christians find itself today.

The Israelites found themselves in such a time in Exodus. God sent them Moses to lead them out of slavery into a “land flowing with milk and honey.” But they found that the journey was not easy—the path had many turns—and they found themselves unprepared for this new world they lived in. Despite their instructions to follow Moses and the “cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night,” (God Himself or at least, God’s way of leading), they wanted to go back to Egypt. The known, even if very uncomfortable (we often forget what it was really like “back in the good old days), often becomes preferable to the unknown of what is going on now, since I need new skills to cope with what is from what was. In essence, we need faith, but we’d rather walk by what we can see and touch and do than by trusting the unseen, the untouchable, the heavenly provider. (We like to walk by sight, not by faith.) So we do all we can to go back to Egypt, to live the known, to do it the way we are comfortable with and live in the past. We do not “press on” as Paul mentioned in Philippians 3.

But maybe we need to go back to the future in the skills we have learned to cope, the tools we have been given for the journey, and then use what we have learned to live in the now and the future. Some of our skills are applicable to the present. I am finding now that small group skills I learned at the beginning of my ministry are very beneficial to leading today. I am going back to things I learned but applying them to new ways of doing in the present. That is not getting stuck in the past, but applying things from the past that may work or may aid in ministry now. There is a difference in being stuck in a rut from using what has been learned and then adapting to the now. There is a difference in “there is only one way to do this—the old way—the tried and true way—the way we did it 50 years ago,” to what things from the past are still beneficial today and what things are not. What skills are still necessary and what things or ways of doing need to be put away for the now and the future.

Sometimes today I find myself in a time warp—I live with people who either live just in the past, or live just in anticipation of the future (heaven) yet do not live in the now or for the now. (There is the old say, “There are some people that are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good”—lots of truth in that about some, even today.) And that is frustrating and not beneficial.

Adaption and change—not fun, but necessary. What have I learned from the past that can be refined, tweaked, adapted, and yet still be relevant and beneficial in the now.

I am returning again to some small group processes I learned many years ago, in ministry among college students, and finding that they are important to this generation and people looking for groups to fit into, friends to do life with, and those longing for relationship. There is a restlessness and need for others that characterizes today, and groups help supply some of that, especially in the context of the church and its ministry. Hence the importance and success of cell groups, small group ministry, groups that meet outside the church and reach those not touched by the church that concentrates within the walls of the building.

We go back for things that still work—things that are adaptable—experiences and learning (skills) that can be used to the glory of God and for His kingdom today. But we do not live in the past, nor just in the future (heaven). We live in the now with what is helpful and we consider other things “garbage” in relation to knowing Christ and living for Him now to affect others for His kingdom. (Matt. 6:33; 28:18-20; 2 Tim. 2:2)

Back to the future!

Guest Blog by Pam White: Rooting out Bitterness

Bitterness is a weed. It comes uninvited, hides among the good plants, and often sinks its roots deep before it is noticed. It robs the desired plants of nutrients, and mars the beauty of the carefully landscaped garden. If ignored, it may eventually suck the life out of the plants around it. Given these considerations, shouldn’t we be surprised to find that many of us actually fertilize bitterness?

Unfortunately, many people, even Christ followers, tend their mental gardens something like this:

· Replay the way you were wronged, over and over in your mind.

· Play the “if only” game as often as possible.

· Envy the good fortune of others who have not suffered as you have.

· Dwell on how unfair life has treated you.

· Determine never to trust again.

· Determine never to love again.

· Convince yourself that not loving and not trusting are “for my own protection.”

· Plan ways to get even with those who have hurt you.

Most of these are thoughts, not actions (“revenge” being the exception). Yet their destructive effect is the equivalent of pouring Miracle-Gro® on the weeds in the garden of my life!

How does God instruct me to weed my garden? The following principles are based upon His Word.

· As often as the offense invades my mind, meet it with renewed forgiveness, even if I must daily forgive my offender. Matthew 18:21-22 instructs, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

· As often as my improper response to the situation invades my mind, accept God’s forgiveness and forgive myself, even if I need to repeat it daily. Isaiah 6:7 says, “your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

· Love, even though I know it is risky. I Corinthians 13:5 says, “It [love] does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

· Learn to trust again, even though I know it is risky. I Corinthians 13:7 reads, “It [love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

· When “if only” comes to visit, accept that the past will never change. Redirect my thoughts to the present and future, which can still be impacted for good. Romans 15:7 tells me to “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Jeremiah 29:11 assures me, “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

· Refuse to let my mind dwell on the source of my pain. Consciously redirect my thoughts toward the positive. Philippians 4:8 puts it this way: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

· Be thankful, even when I have to search for a reason to be so. Let my grateful thoughts become words of thanks, expressed to God and to others. Philippians 4:6, commands, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Colossians 4:2 echoes the idea with “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

· Choose happiness for the good fortune of others, rather than envy toward them. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” and Romans 12:15 carries the thought further: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

· Ask God to not let my pain be wasted. Ask Him to use it as a tool to bring about good, and to make me more like Him. Romans 8:28 assures me that “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 1 Peter 4:12-15, 19 and Matthew 5:10-12 also address this principle.

· When life gets me down, look UP to the almighty God. Psalm 121:1-2 tells me to “lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.“

· Remember that God is in control, and thank Him that I am not! Matthew 6:25-27 is an assurance of God’s wisdom and providence. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

· Wear the full armor of God. The root of bitterness tries to grow in the soil of my mind. Even though the initial attack was likely outside my mind and outside my control, the ongoing battle is very much my responsibility to fight. My success or failure depends upon whether I choose to fight in my own strength, or in the armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-17 commands, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

· Tend the fruit of the Spirit. There is little room for the root of bitterness to grow where the soil is crowded with fruit planted and tended by God. When I yield to the Holy Spirit, He will reap a beautiful harvest in my life, as described in Galatians 5:22-23. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Following these principles from God’s word is like applying Weed B Gon MAX® to the bitter root. God knew His children would struggle with bitterness. He has provided the gardening tools to eradicate the problem. James 1:21 says, “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

Life hurts. Yet I have options on how to respond to pain. I can choose to nurture the root of bitterness, and allow my garden to be overtaken. As the weeds slowly destroy me, they may spread to others, especially those closest to me. Or, I can choose to attack the root of bitterness, and kill the invader which attempts to root out the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life. I must keep on guard…weeds spring up daily. Therefore, I must choose daily to tend my garden with the principles found in God’s word.

HARD TRANSITIONS

There are some hard transitions in life. In fact, at many transitions in life, we want to go back to the previous stage, because we know what to expect there and do not know what to expect of the one ahead. Someone once said that we go through all of life, at least transitional stages, as amateurs. You just get good at dealing with a stage, and another one comes.

As I near or am at another transition, it becomes hard. I am at a stage where I have more knowledge and wisdom (at least I think so) than ever before. And yet, my physical stamina and energy is waning. (Maybe I just need to take off some weight and exercise more [and eat better].)

For the reason of the white hair and the age, many think I "cannot cut the mustard anymore," and maybe there is truth to that. It is frustrating to know you have so much to give, and yet not to be able to give it or to feel that others will not give you the chance to give it anymore. I guess that is what we face as we face retirement.

I still have 5-8 years before full retirement. Still lots to give--even in retirement, though in different ways from before. But the transition seems to be occurring, at least in the minds of others.

At age 60, one is not supposed to like to play choruses on his guitar--but I do. At age 60, one is supposed to be set in their ways and "old-thinking," at least in the minds of some, but I don't consider myself that way--at least not TOO much. At age 60, one is not supposed to like to learn new things, but I still do. These are generalizations, but many in the world think this is the case, I believe.

So in some ways, I feel stuck by the mindsets of others--the stereotypes of others. Not yet to the next stage, (at least I don't think so) and yet there in the minds of many others. (Sometimes I am just too philosophical--part of my personality. For those of you aware of Myers-Briggs, I am INFP and the F is about equally T).

I think I have blogged about this a bit before, in a post I titled, "Too."

As I thought about the next stage today, though, I thought that love will enter into the picture too when the next stage comes. In the winter stage, we cannot DO what we once could. We cannot perform as we once did. We cannot produce for our company or church or ... as we once did. But maybe we will be loved for a different reason.

Maybe in the winter stage of life, we will be loved and accepted not for what we can DO for others, but for WHO we are, or who we have been. And maybe that is the best stage yet. Truly loved for who we are, not just for what we can do for others.

But I guess the final stage before the final transition is one where we are loved because of who we've been. Years ago, I had some friends dealing with aging parents. One Lutheran lady gave me a definition of alzheimers that I liked, and it helped me deal with aging parents and nursing homes and life being tough. She said, "Alzheimer's is when the mind has gone on to heaven but the body has not yet followed."

I am not yet to Alzheimer's (at least to my knowledge). I am not yet to retirement (though I am beginning to look forward to it). I still have lots to give--through mentoring, through challenging other, through thinking and encouraging and teaching (my spiritual gifts--the two latter). Physically I can't do what I could, but there is still lots of value within. But still it is frustrating when others do not see that or give you a chance for that.

Maybe winter will not be so bad. Loved for who I am; not for what I can do for others anymore.

And as the transitions come, any of them, (marriage, family, empty nest, career change, aging, disability, etc.) there is a need to "walk by faith, not by sight." Faith--the evidence of things not seen--Read Galatians 2:20 and Hebrews 11.

What hard transition are you going through? Walk by faith in God and not by what you can see (or others think they see in you--they could be wrong). "Trust in the LORD (Prov. 3:5-6).

FAILURE

Failure comes to us for many reasons. As Proverbs tells us, it may come from laziness. It may arise from a lack of preparedness. It may come also from a lack of experience. Or it may come from working outside of our area of giftedness--trying to do what we were not created to be or do.

This week, I have had this feeling of failure. In Bible school, I have been working behind the scenes, attempting to run the sound and media system--not my area of expertise. Attempting to run a DVD player and a computer, moving from CD to DVD to MP3 to PowerPoints. And doing it all at another church from mine--with a sound system I am very unfamiliar with. (By the way, in the past, I have tried NOT to know much about the sound system. I have felt at my own church, there are other things I am called to do, and that is not one of them. (See Acts 6, where the apostles had a different calling from waiting on tables, so others were selected to serve in that area.) Whew! I appreciate greatly the guys who do this at our church.

Each evening, there has been some major snafu during our opening exercises. The PowerPoint didn't come up, or the music would not play (CD in DVD player), or moving from one to another, something was not found. The "behind-the-scenes" job has been unfortunately in the forefront, as everyone has been waiting for the technology and they have had to "adapt" and change the plan due to all of this. Very frustrating for me (and them) and very embarrassing. Not to mention--God's best has not been accomplished for the kids.

Failure--feelings of failure--feelings of embarrassment and disappointment--feelings of failing God and others.

I am reminded in Ephesians 4 that there are many different people gifted to serve God's purposes and ministry. Each is gifted in different ways. I am reminded from 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 that people are given "spiritual gifts differing." I am reminded in 1 Peter 4:10 ff., that "each is given a spiritual gift, to be used in the body of Christ and to benefit others.

Often our world is very specialized. And yet, a small church pastor is called to be a generalist in a specialist world. He is to be knowledgeable of many things. He is expected to be good at everything (but no one is good at everything--nor apparently from the Scriptures, were we meant to be). I have my strengths and weaknesses, just like everyone else. In a large church, the pastors can specialize more than in the small church. But that is where the equipping comes in--helping others learn to find their gift in ministry. In large or small church, God calls every person to find their niche in serving God--and pastors are to be equipping others to find and perform their ministry.

Failure may come as we attempt something outside our gifting. Failure may come with lack of knowledge. Those are some reasons for failure.

How does one find his or her "niche"? By attempting--by trying on hats and seeing whether they fit. That is one way. What are you interested in? What do you do well? How are you wired? (By God, by the way--He made us the way we are).

One major way of failing though is when we do not try--when we do not attempt. There is an old saying, "Fail to plan and you plan to fail." Another one from that would be "Fail to attempt and you will fail as well." The one who fails most is the one who never tries.

Seek to discover your gifting. Seek to find the way God wired you. Try something new. Try something challenging. Listen to believing friends you trust who may be able to see something in you that you don't see in yourself.

But also realize that in many areas, we can grow in our knowledge and expertise. A gift may be our gift, but just need more experience. So give the attempt some time--some experience, before you cross it off your list as "not my gift."

"I do not like green eggs and ham. ... "Try it, try it, and you may. ... I do SO like green eggs and ham. I do so like them. Sam I am." (Thanks to Dr. Seuss)

So why do you fail? Could it be because you've never really tried?

(By the way, I think next year, I will find another way to serve in Bible school and leave the media to those technologically experienced and gifted.)

LOVE READING BIBLIOGRAPHIES

I confess--I love reading bibliographies! Now I didn't say biographies (although those are not bad). And I didn't say autobiographies (not bad either), but bibliographies.

At the end of some books there are lists of books that the authors have consulted in doing their research or study for the book (or article) they wrote. And I just love reading these. Strange (you got it!)

When I was a freshman in high school, I took typing class. My teacher, Mary Ellen (had to call her Mrs. Dorris in h.s.--fun to call her Mary Ellen now), challenged me. I told her I didn't like to read. She told me I should read things I liked. At first, on the book orders, I just ordered sports books. But she gradually challenged me to branch out. Stupidly (thankfully now) I listened to her. I ordered Doestoevski's, Crime and Punishment (a book about an ax murderer--the murder happened on page 50, and then 250 more pages of his guilt, his fear of being caught, and finally freedom on a technicality). I also read some science fiction by Ray Bradsbury and a play by Arthur Miller (I really branched out). When I could select what I read, rather than teachers telling me what to read, it was fun (at least some of it.)

A few years ago now, while teaching a seminary extension class, I quoted some statement I remembered, but could not remember whose book it was in. I mentioned that, and one of my students said this of me, "Brother Sam, you sure must like to read!" I had moved a long way from Mary Ellen's class, when I said I didn't like to read.

My wife may wish I didn't like that so much. There is one corner of our living room that she can't attempt to dust, because I have so many books, piled high and beside one another, that to attempt it would be to push over the leaning tower of Pisa. Actually, I think no dust can get to that table or two where my reading clutter is piled.

Actually, I realized today that I am not really Sam White--an individual. There are hundreds of people living in my body (is that demon possession?) through all of what I've read. I am really a composite of people, Richard Foster (Celebration of Discipline, Devotional Classics), Henry Blackaby (Experiencing God), Moses, Isaiah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, and many others (Bible), Stephen Covey (7 Habits of Highly Effective People), and Henry Nouwen (too numerous to mention.

I have visited England and Narnia through C.S. Lewis; Russia through Tolstoy; China through (I don't remember who). I have visited Israel and Egypt and Turkey through the Bible (all the while sitting in my easy chair). I have gone back in history and gone forward in history and even lived in my own time through books.

Bibliographies--I love them! What they do for me (other than getting my adrenaline running faster) is to show me more books or articles to read. (Unfortunately, as Michael Card said in a song years ago, "So many books, so little time.") Reminds me of the definition of a classic book. It is a book that everyone wishes they have read but doesn't want to take the time (or energy) to read. (Began but have not gotten very far in War and Peace.)

When I see a bibliography, it shows me more books, some of which, the titles look intriguing--for future reading. I think these are actually inventions of Amazon and Barnes and Noble-- conspiracies to make money from me--and they have done quite well. That is where my kid's college money and inheritance have gone! (Do you think maybe they can sell them and get some of their inheritance when I die?)

Yes, Clint, I like to read. I like to ponder and think. I like to travel through books. I like to learn and grow and increase. I like to be challenged (though I don't always like to change).

I believe through books I have gained knowledge I would not have gotten otherwise. But also, I have grown in compassion and heart knowledge. I have come to appreciate different viewpoints from my own and cultures that I did not grow up with in a very small town. My horizons have been greatly expanded.

God has made me the person I am through the experiences of life I have had. And an important part of that for me, has been reading.

If you don't like to read, I challenge you (as Mary Ellen did me) to find something you like. Begin there. But then, branch out. I also challenge you to "read the bibliography." It will uncover more books or articles that may be of interest to you. Then take the time--make the time--find the time to sit and read (you can use your Nook or Kindle if you must--I still like the smell of dusty pages). Do not neglect great devotional literature, and especially the Bible (in a version you can understand or prefer). Build not only your mind but your soul as well. (Want suggestions, contact me.)

And see what God will make of you--where you may travel--what experiences you may have--and how much richer your life and your ministry and your service to others will be.

Present Bibliography--What I'm reading now: (Now slow down your breathing, please!)

Richard Foster, Devotional Classics

Douglas Steere, Prayer and Worship

Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch, ReJesus

Lesslie Newbigin, Gospel in a Pluralist Society

Bible--Proverbs, Luke

Quote I recently came across (I don't remember where)--"You don't read the Bible. It reads you." Think about that one a while!

Carpe' Diem! (Actually this came to me from a movie, Dead Poet's Society)

SECOND CHANCES

Life is full of second chances. (As a believer in Christ, God is full of second chances
actually.) You, yourself, have had
many. Have you seized them? (Sometimes I wish God didn’t give me second
chances to write blogs at 4:30 in the morning!)

I grew up in a small town.
I had a dream to play baseball for the St Louis Cardinals. (Actually I was pretty good.) But I lived in a town with no little league
baseball (most years) and with no high school baseball team. I played baseball when I could (gradually
that became softball). But the
opportunity never was there to pursue baseball beyond my dream (that was not
too realistic). So I had to make a
course correction in life.

In college, since I liked sports, and didn’t like many other
things (math, science, English, etc.), I majored in physical education. I would be a P.E. teacher and coach. So I studied (the math, and science and
English and other subjects in college) and received my degree to teach
P.E. I got a teaching/coaching job, but
realized in two years that I needed a second chance for vocation in life. Teaching school and coaching was not
me. (Some would say I “washed out” in
that attempt.)

During that time, I heard a missionary speak and I felt God
calling me (giving me a second chance) to serve in some Christian
vocation. Didn’t know what—but that
seemed right at the time.

I then received an opportunity to work at a Christian dorm
and with a Christian ministry that I had been part of in college. That seemed right, and when I attended a
conference, I felt God moving me to attend further schooling—seminary (education
about God and ministry).

After another degree, I came back to Illinois to serve for
19 years in Christian ministry to college students. It was an opportunity to serve God, to grow personally, to make a
difference in lives of students I worked with.
Many of those continue, even now, living out their faith in Jesus in
jobs, families, life. Some of them are
now vocational Christian workers—pastors, church planters, missionaries.

But as I got older and college students got younger, it
seemed another second chance was coming—another course correction—another
change—another leading of God. This
time to become a college teacher (I hoped), but alas, it did not happen. God led me to serve as pastor of churches—to
continue preaching, teaching, counseling in His Word, but with a more diverse
age group than I had working with college students. (Interesting though, that He also provided a chance to teach
college level courses for other pastors and others, though not
vocationally. The dream has and is
happening—another second chance.)

Over the course of my 60 years, I have needed second chances
from God while struggling with personal crises, ministry crises, financial crises,
emotional crises—yet all the while, God showed me another course—pointed me in
directions that were right instead of wrong or best over better. Life is also full of hard knocks, but God
wants to help us through those—in fact, would love to help us negotiate them
without the hard knocks--but so often we (let me confess my sins, not ours) “I,”
didn’t listen and did it “my way.”

But there were second chances, and third chances and fourth
chances. God is a god who cares for me
(and you) deeply. God is a god who
knows the right way and the best way always (even when we do not). And God wants to help us find the “best” way
over the “good” or the “better” way in life.

Through prayer and study of the Bible (and other devotional
reading), through listening to the advice and counsel of friends and my wife, through
being accepted and loved by others in life, I have found and accepted many
second chances.

At age 60, I could look back and ponder the “what if’s” of
life—what if I’d ____________? But that is not really beneficial. (The apostle Paul said, “Forgetting what
lies behind, I press on for the prize that lies ahead”—Philippians
3:13-14.) The “what if” did not
happen. Robert Frost’s poem, “Two roads
diverged …” is so true. We come to crossroads all the time. Which way to go? What to do? And we have to make decisions. But as the poem goes on to say, the road we
have taken “has made all the difference.”

I am who I am by the choices I have made. I have had opportunities by the decisions I
have made—by the path I’ve taken when the crossroads have come. For me, I am who I am because, at least at
times, I have chosen God’s way over my way.
And when I have gotten that choice right, God has made all the
difference! God’s way really is
best—best for God and best for me! (Maybe
I’ll really learn that one before I die.)

But when we head down the wrong path, God’s second chance

presents itself. When I have made a bad
choice, God has always provided for me a second chance. It was always there, if I was willing to
look for it and pursue it (and Him).

Where do you need God’s second chance today? Is it job wise? Is it in your family life or relationships? Is it in eating better or giving up a bad
habit? Is it in turning from some sin
and turning to God? Is it
_____________? (You fill in the blank)

I am so thankful God gives second chances! That truth, and mostly the loving God behind
it, for me, has made all the difference!
And then, when this life is over, heaven too. (The best is yet to come)

Pray—read the Bible—consult a Christian friend or pastor you
trust (sounds like, “ask, seek, knock” of Matthew 7:7). Accept the forgiveness—accept the second
chance—then pursue it and mostly, pursue Him.
And find your life changing and God making all the difference for you
and in you—for the best, not just the good or better.