Tuesday, August 28, 2007

A Gift


Have you ever seen some of those shows that “discover” how much something is worth? People find things in obscure locations and find out that it is worth tremendous amounts of money. Often times these items are in near perfect condition, hardly used, and probably seldom enjoyed.

I have often thought about some of the things that have been discovered and think back to the items that I once had: Star Wars toys and figurines, Steel Tonka trucks, and large sized G.I. Joes. All of these toys that I once had could have been on a list of things discovered. Only one problem – I played with them.

I have a doll (I choose to call it a toy) in my drawer. His name is Harry Baby. I don’t think that’s his original name, but it is my name for him. He is a cloth doll with hard rubber arms, head and legs. He has electrical tape holding his head on. His fingers and toes have been chewed off, and he has had several appendectomies. He is my toy, but he was enjoyed by my siblings as well.

If he was not about to fall apart at the slightest breath, I would probably let my children play with him. I am told that it was/is a Madame Alexander Doll. Some might know what that really means, but to me he was just a bald and naked baby doll that I carried around by its neck. I guess if we hadn’t played with him, he could be one of those discovered treasures.

This year, our children received very expensive dolls for Christmas. They are American Dolls. Some children get the dolls and they dress them up and put them on a shelf, only to be admired, looked at, and never touched. When we were looking at the dolls and asking questions of the representative, we were discouraged at one point from even buying a particular doll. “Your daughter is too young for Falicity,” we were told.

When my kids got them, I guess they could have done the same as some children and place them into mothballs, but they didn’t. My parents who actually gave the girls the dolls told them, “these dolls are for play, not show.” Good thing too – I don’t think putting it on a shelf would have worked in our family.

Gifts are an amazing thing. Yet often times we choose to put them on a shelf, or in a cupboard so that they won’t be broken or destroyed. Sure, you may be able to “discover” them later in life, but what do you gain in the meantime. You may also see that the gift goes unused, only to see its value diminished in the future.

I for one am in favor of playing away. My life is much better having played with my Harry Baby and my Star Wars figures, and our daughters are better off playing with their American Girl Dolls.

The Gospel of Matthew tells a story in chapter 25 about talents. It is a parable that talks about being given so much. The characters are just given the gifts, one five, one two, and the other one. They go off each in their own direction, each with their talents. Two invest, and one decides to play it safe and put his on a shelf.

That story reminds me of the gifts that we are given. We have a choice to bury them, put them on a shelf; or use them and discover the hidden treasure that is revealed. It is a story that talks about how God has given us so much, so many gifts. We have a choice to make. We can either choose to neglect those gifts, or use them.

I guess you know where I stand.

Maybe as we move forward into a new year within the church, you should be asking yourself some tough questions. What gifts have I been given? Have I been using them to the glory of God? Am I building the kingdom, or just hoping to reap some benefit for myself later? Finally, how can I use the gifts that I have been given?

Gracious and loving God, you have given us so much. For that we give thanks. But we pray this day that we might first discover what you have given to us and not waste the provisions and the gifts that you share. Embolden us to service, O Lord, that others will come to know you and your great love. In Jesus name, Amen.

Humble Thyself

Last week on a retreat, our covenant group had some candid and honest conversations about Leadership and moving forward in ministry. We talked a lot about not getting distracted by things that may seem of the earth, while at the same time being Biblically focused and Christ Centered.

Today in my devotion (trying to do that following our discussion), I read scripture not only from Psalm 1, but also Matthew 20. The Matthew text reminded me of our discussion on Thursday and Friday and reinforced it completely. In order to become great, we must be a servant first.

And then I read a great selection from a reading. James Allen wrote in "As a Man Thinketh" this passage.

And you, too, youthful reader, will realize the Vision(not the idle wish) of your heart, be it base or beautiful, or a mixture of both, for you will always gravitate toward that which you, secretly, most love. Into your hands will be placed the exact results of your own thoughts; you will receive that which you earn; no more, no less. Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain, or rise with your thoughts, your Vision, your Ideal. you will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration . . . .

In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result. Chance is not. "Gifts," powers, material, intellectual, and spiritual possessions are the fruits of effort; they are thoughts completed, objects accomplished, visions realized.

The Vision that you glorify in your mind, the Ideal that you enthrone in your heart - this you will build you life by, this you will become.

Leadership is not an easy task. And we must be careful to be mindful of all that God is continuing to bring to us in scripture, thought, prayer, and ultimately service.

Let's pray that we continue to look to God for the Vision of our hearts.

Monday, August 27, 2007

First Thoughts

Mike Vick made a statement following his appearance in court today. It was not the most eloquent statement that I have ever heard. I question his sincerity and some of the advice that he may have been given.

I was shocked by one statement. After saying that he was going to "turn to God" through this situation, he proceeded to say "I will redeem myself."

Wow! Didn't know that was really possible.

I think he has some more "turnin' to God" to do.

Back to School

Well, it's that time of year again. Back to school. In so many ways, we are relieved that it is here. Back to a normal schedule, Normal as possible I guess. Trying to put back some routine into a child's life is a good thing. Reminds me that I too need to be back to the things that make Disciples. Let's all pray for the students, teachers, administrators, bus drivers, and all those who work with our children this week. Thank God for their lives and for their influence in our children's lives. May they be good Christian examples.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

When the Rain Comes

It is hard to believe that just a few short weeks ago, our region was on a drought watch. Our water tables had dropped below acceptable levels, and we were being asked to voluntarily conserve water in some areas. How quickly things change.

Flooding throughout the country caused by extreme weather has been the story nationally. Globally, the story has been Hurricane Dean which hit landfall this morning in the Yucatan Peninsula with record winds and record lows for barometric pressures. And locally, the rains have come once again. Rising creeks and streams seem to be the attention seekers these days, but we know that culverts also overflow and basements flood in unusual places as well.

Some of us are lucky during these times. We can simply hunker down in our homes, hope that the lights do not go out, and ride out the storm with a good book. But many are not lucky. Simply the threat of rain has them looking out their doors wondering if the waters will rise. They enter the dark reaches of their life and completely shift boxes and hope that the water heater doesn’t get flooded. They pack up their things, and hope that they have a shelter to which they can return.

I think about those people in these times. Hurricane victims in regions of the globe who have no hope; residents of communities that have no choice but to remain in their homes, no one would buy their house from them; older individuals who find it hard to live paycheck to paycheck let alone try to pay for a new furnace. I think about them.

But I also think about those whose lives are damaged by the difficulties they encounter each day. These stories often don’t make the headlines: People facing cancer treatments, people who are depressed, families enduring abuse, and those whose lives seem directionless.

Those people often feel as if they have somehow been separated from God. But I am reminded that the promise we have is that there is nothing that can separate us from God and his love. Paul reminds us in the letter to the Romans, that there is nothing that can separate us from that great love. Neither life nor death, height nor depth, principalities or powers, angels or demons, and I might add that neither rains nor floods can remove that love. God is with us. We are not alone.

One of my favorite Christian Artists is the group, Third Day. They have a song that talks about this rain and reminds me that even when the rain comes, God is still there.

When the rain comes it seems that everyone has gone away.
When the night falls you wonder if you shouldn’t find someplace.
To run and hide, escape the pain
But hidings such a lonely thing to do.

I can’t stop the rain from falling down on you again.
I can’t stop the rain but I will hold you till it goes away.

When the rain comes you blame it on the things that you have done.
When the storm fades you know that rain must fall on everyone
Rest awhile, It’ll be alright
No one loves you like I do.

I can’t stop the rain from falling down on you again.
I can’t stop the rain but I will hold you till it goes away.

When the rain comes I will hold you.

Let’s pray for those experiencing the rain this week. May God continue to hold them in the palm of his hands.

Almighty God, we come praying for those who watch the rising waters and falling rain. We feel hopeless, but we know that there are those without any hope. We pray that you would restore that hope and remind them that you are present. Hold them, dear Lord, until the rain goes, and the sun reappears. We pray these things in Jesus name. Amen.

This week, we will be hearing a message entitled, “It’s for you” from the prophet Jeremiah. I hope that you have a great week. One more week until school starts in many places, and college students are returning this week. Remember to pray for them too.

Pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.

Greg

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

From the world of the Bizarre

If any of you have ever had the pleasure of walking into a toy room with bare feet, you may have stepped on a Lego or something small enough to send white hot streaks of pain shooting up your nervous system. You hop and fume, you may even spew a bowling word or two. If you live in a house with all girls, the small objects are usually something like a Polly Pocket. It wasn't enough that they created small rubber suits that call for nimble fingers. But no, they created hard plastic clothes that stick to Polly and her plastic faced friends' bodies with magnets.

But alas, there is relief! There is a recall! Now I just have to convince my children that Polly and friends needed to go back to the Grinch's workshop.

Well, I bet you can tell that ain't gonna happen. So I guess that I'll just have to keep the magnets out of their mouths, and the hard clothes off the floor.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Gifts that Differ

“For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function.” Romans 12:4

There are moments in life when you know some things to be true. There are things that we have learned and they become part of our collective understanding of reality. Then there are times when we learn something, and it goes completely against everything that we come to know as truth.

There are also moments in life when you hear something again and it only reinforces ideas or concepts that you have previously accepted. Sometimes, by hearing something again, you hear it differently than you had the first time. You can gain new insights, new ways of thinking, and for that matter, a new energy for moving forward.

That’s how I felt after having attended a continuing education event last week. I am a firm believer in Leadership Development and so having an opportunity to attend the Willow Creek Association Leadership Summit gave me an opportunity to hear some new and exciting ideas as well as being reminded of some things that I had already come to accept. Further more, I was given new energy to move forward in innovative and exciting ways in ministry.

In addition to hearing from the likes of Bill Hybels of Willow Creek, Carley Fiorina who served as CEO of HP, and Colin Powell, we had a session with business consultant and best-selling author Marcus Buckingham. In Buckingham’s books, he gives new insights to maximizing strengths and understanding the crucial differences between management and leadership.

Buckingham’s discussion centered on his new book “Go Put Your Strengths to Work.” In our society today, most people think that we need to fix the characteristics that are our weakest. However, he argues that we need to build around our strengths and manage our weaknesses. This is counter-intuitive, but it makes a lot of sense.

Think about it. If you want to make a strong marriage, are you going to study good marriages or bad ones? If you want to know what makes people happy, are you going to build upon what makes them happy, or ask them what makes them sad? If you want to know what makes people healthy, are you going to study the well or the sick? He would argue obviously toward the characteristics that lead to strengths. I like that!

Buckingham concluded that afternoon by talking about 4 signs of strengths. First of all, we find success when we operate out of our strengths. There are things that happen more out of our instincts. We can see growth in our lives. Finally, when we operate out of our strengths, there are certain needs that are met; when we fulfill those needs, you feel effective. You can say, “I feel strong when I ______.” You fill in the blank.

Events such as the Leadership Summit are designed in many ways to make personal application. But, they are also designed for leaders to develop other leaders. Certainly there are personal applications, but there are so many that apply to those who sit in the pews. I am looking forward to reading Buckingham’s book. But I am also excited to think about how this applies to the church.

Everything that Buckingham argues is exactly what we find in the scriptures. Paul argues in the book of Romans that each of us has different strengths. In the church we call them Spiritual Gifts. There are some that are more suited to certain activities. Some are leaders, some are teachers, some are preachers, and some are prophets. However, not everyone has the same gift, nor should everyone be doing the same thing.

If we combine those two thoughts, it would follow that maybe what we should be doing is targeting our strengths, our spiritual gifts, and use them rather than complain when someone asks us to do something toward which we are just not gifted. We should be maximizing our spiritual gifts, and managing those things that are just not our strongest.

I know people who have the gift of hospitality. You feel welcomed by them anytime you are in their presence. I know people with the gift of compassion, their heart breaks any time that tragedy strikes. You know people who have the gift of generosity, they would give you the shirt off their back without a question.

Doing those things, and operating out of those strengths only make those persons stronger. They also make the body of Christ stronger. There are also studies that show that when we operate out of our giftedness in the church, we are less likely to burn out, give up, and ultimately throw up our hands in frustration. When we are passionate about what we do, great ministry can happen.

What Buckingham is preaching is something that I needed to hear. Some of his insights were new twists on things that I had already come to know, but some of what he argues just goes against conventional wisdom. However, this idea of operating out of our strengths is exactly the truth that I have come to believe. “We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” Romans 12:6

But I think you knew that.

Won’t you pray for your strengths? “Gracious and loving creator, I thank you that you have given me so many gifts. I am unique and wonderfully made. Use me, O God, for the work of the church that your name might be glorified. Strengthen me for your purpose and toward you will. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.”

This week, Hengust Robinson will be preaching at College Hill. I will be preaching at my home church of St. Paul’s in Allison Park, as part of the 40th Anniversary celebration that is happening over the next few months. They have invited former pastors, and those who have been called into ministry from the church to preach. I am excited about it – it was the place where I came to know that I had some Spiritual Gifts to share. I will miss being with you this week, but know that Hengust will be spectacular! Don’t miss it!

Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Day Two

What another great day at the Leadership Summit. I am so excited about Leadership Development, but my only regret is not taking some members of my congregation with me. I need to refocus sometimes and think about continuing education, or leadership development from a congregational level sometimes.

Friday we heard from Harvard Business School's Michael Porter on Strategy and Leadership. He was first of all, very learned. He is widely regarded at the leading authority on Strategic Planning. His primary focus for the day was to focus in our institutions where we can have most value. Social benefit per dollar = value. In order to do this we need to think strategically with goals. Strategy and goals can not be confused. I enjoyed this lecture.

Secondly, we heard from Colin Powell. Powell has always operated on a set of axioms that he uses. He shared some of these in a conversation with Hybels. It was really great. All I can say at this moment is that the United States lost a great chance at having him as our First African American President. I have a lot, and I can not stress that enough, a lot of respect for this man. What passion! What conviction!

Finally for the afternoon (we missed the last one due to an Ingomar Commitment) was John Ortberg. Wow, what an inspirational and powerful speaker. His conversation was on a Leader's Greatest Fear. Leaders have many fears, fear of failure, fear of mutiny, fear of criticism, but he talked about the greatest fear - the fear of something that can happen in all of us as leaders. Our greatest fear in our ministry is moving from our mission to what he called a shadow mission. Shadow missions are the ones in our lives that are not that different that our primary mission, but they are self serving and self-destructive. He reminded us that Jesus' shadow mission was to be the messiah without suffering, Lordship without the cross. Jesus faced this shadow mission with the devil in the desert, with Peter, in the Garden, and even on the cross as others called for him to save himself. Powerful stuff.

Well the drama continues at the Cox Household. Elisabeth got sick last night at the aforementioned Ingomar Function. Yes, my worst fear came true. She vomited buckets in public at the Heinz History Museum, right in front of a huge room of people who were eating. Yup, I felt like Gil in Parenthood. So I am home, and Tracy is off to hear Jimmy Carter and Bill Hybels again on the last day.

I can't wait till next year. I think that this should be one of the events that our Annual Conference should be promoting for leaders throughout our connection!!!

Thursday, August 9, 2007

On a High

Today, I attended the first day of the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. It was awesome in so many ways. I believe very strongly in leadership development, and this is only a small part of my own growth.

Bill Hybels began the day with a talk about casting vision that you would be willing to die for in the church. It was a dynamic beginning. He talked about the new approaches to building vision that is based upon team ownership rather than the old model called the Sinai Model. Many old school pastors remember casting their own vision that they got from on high and then tried to sell it. Doesn't work that way anymore.

Next we heard a conversation between Hybels and the former CEO of HP, Carley Fiorina. This was an interesting engagement talking about character and authenticity. She said that leadership requires passion. Good stuff.

The next speaker, Rev. Floyd Flake was interrupted by this afternoon's storm. We were moved to the basement for the Tornado Warning. Good decision, but we missed the greater part of his opening. He was not as easy to follow.

Finally, the best part of the day was with Marcus Buckingham. if you ever get a chance to read some of his stuff, I would recommend it. He was engaging and dynamic. He was talking about putting our strengths to work in an atmosphere were we always seem to want to focus on our weaknesses. He was talking about Building around strengths and managing our weaknesses. Awesome.

I can't wait for tomorrow when we hear from Colin Powell, and Jon Ortberg among others.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Filling Up

I really try my best to attend continuing education events, or seminars. I do not feel that the expectation of continued learning is a burden in my professional career. I see it as a part of my overall growth personally and professionally.

There are some who find the concept beyond their "need" or responsibility in ministry. I find this attitude misguided. However, there is the other strain of professional that just finds it overwhelming to fit it into the weekly grind.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I will be attending the Leadership Summit at Orchard Hill Church in the North Hills. I am very excited. Mostly because this is exactly what I need right now, but also because this is the kind of seminar that really revives me.

That being said, I am falling into that previous category of those who find it hard to fit in. No doubt, I am going. But today, I am feeling the pressure of getting things done and prepared for this weekend.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Remote Controlled


At what point do we become ruled by earthly things? At what point do we become captive to the things in our lives? Excellent question you may say. But why the questions, you may ask?

There are points in my life when I realize that I have a relatively firm grasp on things. First and foremost, I strive each and everyday to live not to myself, but for God and Jesus Christ. I like to think that ultimately, God has control over my life and through God’s grace I have control over my life. Because of that grace, things do not lord over me and control me. I like to think that I have a firm grasp of my health. I like to believe that I have a good sense of abiding by rules. I like to assume that debt and consumerism do not control my every action. I do not live in fear, so therefore I assume that the world and everyday circumstances do not dictate whether I go outside. Even after this past week’s tragedy in Minneapolis, I like to think that bridges are safe and therefore I will travel over them. Living in Western Pennsylvania, we have no choice but to cross bridges, even if they are “structurally deficient.”

But just when I think that I have things in control, there are moments when I realized just how enslaved I am to some things.

Friday night, Tracy and I left to go to a rehearsal dinner for a wedding I officiated this weekend. During the day, we knew that the television was used and the remote control was facilitating that use. While we went to the rehearsal, our girls stayed at home for another hour and then went to a date night co-op event that was held at the church.

Later that night when we returned home, we put the girls to bed and Tracy and I prepared to unwind from the evening, watch the evening news and eventually go to bed. When I attempted to turn the television on, I could not find the remote. Upon asking the inevitable question, the answer came, “I don’t know.”

Here’s where the control or lack of control comes into focus. Thirty years ago, it would have been nothing to manually turn the television on and sit back and watch a program. But after 25 years of having a little clicker thingie in my hand, I could not. We checked everywhere for that remote and it was no where to be found. Yes, we even checked between the cushions in the couch.

You would have thought that having a firm grasp on reality would indicate that the remote was indeed in the house. But the enslavement took over and I actually went to the store on Saturday morning to buy a new remote.

I bet you know where this story is going. And you would be in the same camp as my wife who later used a very familiar phrase, “I told you so.” You guessed it! The remote showed its unruly head just as I had completed the complicated task of programming my entire entertainment system into my universal remote.

If you have any sympathy for my situation and my enslavement, you will agree that remote controls do not belong in the toy room, in the craft box, under construction paper. I know some crafty people would have found it there, but remember I have an aversion to crafts – therefore the craft box would be the last place I would look.

I know that I should have just slowed down, taken a deep breath and pretended that it was 1977 again, but I could not. I was totally wrapped up in this remote. Which led me to think about a passage from Colossians 3.

1So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. 5Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). 6On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.

I have to constantly remind myself about being controlled by earthly things. Yes, I knew that the remote was going to show up sometime – it didn’t have legs, and the girls were absolutely sure that it didn’t leave the house – but I just couldn’t imagine getting up to change the channels until we found it. At that moment, I realized that I was being controlled by a remote control.

So what’s got a hold of your life this day? What do you need to do to remove it, and focus on Christ?

“Gracious and loving God, help me to always focus on you and on your kingdom. Free me this day from the things that control me and allow my life to be more holy each day. Remove all wrath and passion, and the greed that controls me. Replace that desire with a desire to love you more. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.”

This week in worship, we will continue our series on the sacraments, and focus on Baptism. I hope to see you this week.

Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg

Monday, August 6, 2007

Weighing in on 755

Saturday night, Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants, tied a longstanding record for career home runs in the Major Leagues by hitting number 755. He tied the great Hank Aaron who broke the record long before I was a baseball fan.

I love baseball and have ever since I was a kid. I love going to the ball park to watch games, and I really do love to see a great game. The Long Ball makes games exciting, and so being in the presence of some great players and watching them crush a ball can be a thrill.

I'm not a baseball purist, that is to say, that I do not mourn the breaking of records. Records, as they say, are meant to be broken. They are great milestones in history and it can be exciting to watch it happen.

That being said, I can't really say that I'm all that concerned with this one. Yes, it's too bad that the controversy surrounds it and it has to happen this way, but normally I would like to see history in the making. I don't feel that way with this one. I guess I'm ambivalent!

I would, however, like to see Bonds' record be broken. That may actually happen very soon.

Then maybe we will have something to celebrate in Baseball.