"Mary and Joseph marveled at those things which were spoken of Him (the Christ Child)." Luke 2:33.
"Marveled" is an interesting word. It's meaning conveys that of wonderment, astonishment, a prodigy or a miracle. I am sure that Mary and Joseph had much to marvel at concerning the baby Jesus. The announcements concerning His birth would cause one to marvel. The conditions of travel and the eventual lodging accomodations would lend one to marvel. The Star, Wisemen, Shepherds and all who visited during the first years of His life were something to marvel.
I would imagine that Mary and Joseph never stopped marveling at this baby who would grow to be the Savior of the world. At each stage of His development, I am quite certain they would have been amazed at how different He was from the others. When His ministry began with miracles and teachings that caused others to marvel, I'm sure Mary and Joseph grew in their amazement over this child. I can't help but think that at His death, Mary remembered that moment some thirty years ago in the temple when Simeon spoke those words that caused them to marvel.
For Mary and Joseph to marvel as parents is no surprise. The question that rings out is, "Do we still marvel at Jesus?" Is He really marvelous to us? Does He still cause amazement in our lives? It is possible for us to loose the wonder of Christ in us. We can travel through our lives yawning at the movements of God. The problem is that we grow up and loose the childlike wonder of Christmas. The lights, sounds, and atmosphere of Christmas causes a child to brighten up with wishful eyes. But as we grow, we begin to focus on the otherness of Christmas; the shopping, the crowds, and the costs.
Our gaze on the Savior should keep us in a world of amazement. Just being with Him can cause a thrill to well up inside that is full of wonder.
I pray this Christmas you will marvel at the Christ Child. I hope that you are constantly amazed at His love for you. May each day grow in anticipation of the coming King! Never loose your wonder!
From my heart...
Pastor BR
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Monday, December 22, 2014
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Loss
Losing something can be very frustrating. Losing SOMEONE can be devastating.
I recently learned this as my father passed away the day after Thanksgiving. I have been in ministry for over thirty years walking with families and individuals through some very dark days. On many occasions offering prayers and scriptures for support and encouragement for the grieving. Understanding my role in their lives to be one of pastor and friend, I often gave advice on how to walk through the coming months and years without a family member or friend. I found scripture to give a hope for the future while wrestling with the grief of today.
Then it happened.
After caring for my father for four-and-a-half years, he passed away. Those years were very tough at times and lonely. Being a severe diabetic, my father suffered a total of seven strokes. He quickly went from living alone to being in a skilled nursing facility. I can remember countless therapy sessions as he always wanted me there. I think I could have been a therapist after all the many hours watching and learning. I saw him struggle with his balance and performing the simplest of tasks. Many times I wanted to jump in and complete the task but was held at bay by the therapists.
I remember feeding him, changing his clothes, cleaning him, and making sure he had everything he needed. I wanted to see that his every need was met and that he had every opportunity for improvement. As I watched him struggle I noticed the improvement was less and less. I knew the day was coming when there would be no more therapy.
Two of his joys were going on long rides in the country and eating strawberry malts. Wherever we went he was always up for a strawberry malt or milkshake. I think I gained about fifteen pounds!
As he was declining the trips became fewer and fewer. His participation in therapy waned. The malts went uneaten. Then the news I dreaded came from the neurologist. News I didn't want to hear but was inevitable. He wasn't going to get any better. He was dying.
His decline was swift. I prayed for God to be merciful. On Friday after Thanksgiving I received a call that his vital signs were dropping. I had spent about four hours with him on Thanksgiving Day even though he had slipped into a comma. I wanted to be with him when he died. I couldn't imagine him dying alone. I had made sure just days before to have a conversation concerning his condition. I wanted to ensure that he knew he didn't have long on this earth and that he had peace with God.
At 1:16pm Friday, November 28, 2014 he passed away at the age of 76. I was holding his hand when he took his last breath. I combed his hair, shaved and washed his face in those final moments.
I lost my father.
We didn't have the best relationship through the years but something had changed during those last four years. Hurt was still prevalent and apologies would never be heard. The past was to be as it was. Many of my questions will go unanswered. I must come to terms with how things will be. I will try to focus on the good things and the long rides while sipping on a strawberry milkshake.
I recently learned this as my father passed away the day after Thanksgiving. I have been in ministry for over thirty years walking with families and individuals through some very dark days. On many occasions offering prayers and scriptures for support and encouragement for the grieving. Understanding my role in their lives to be one of pastor and friend, I often gave advice on how to walk through the coming months and years without a family member or friend. I found scripture to give a hope for the future while wrestling with the grief of today.
Then it happened.
After caring for my father for four-and-a-half years, he passed away. Those years were very tough at times and lonely. Being a severe diabetic, my father suffered a total of seven strokes. He quickly went from living alone to being in a skilled nursing facility. I can remember countless therapy sessions as he always wanted me there. I think I could have been a therapist after all the many hours watching and learning. I saw him struggle with his balance and performing the simplest of tasks. Many times I wanted to jump in and complete the task but was held at bay by the therapists.
I remember feeding him, changing his clothes, cleaning him, and making sure he had everything he needed. I wanted to see that his every need was met and that he had every opportunity for improvement. As I watched him struggle I noticed the improvement was less and less. I knew the day was coming when there would be no more therapy.
Two of his joys were going on long rides in the country and eating strawberry malts. Wherever we went he was always up for a strawberry malt or milkshake. I think I gained about fifteen pounds!
As he was declining the trips became fewer and fewer. His participation in therapy waned. The malts went uneaten. Then the news I dreaded came from the neurologist. News I didn't want to hear but was inevitable. He wasn't going to get any better. He was dying.
His decline was swift. I prayed for God to be merciful. On Friday after Thanksgiving I received a call that his vital signs were dropping. I had spent about four hours with him on Thanksgiving Day even though he had slipped into a comma. I wanted to be with him when he died. I couldn't imagine him dying alone. I had made sure just days before to have a conversation concerning his condition. I wanted to ensure that he knew he didn't have long on this earth and that he had peace with God.
At 1:16pm Friday, November 28, 2014 he passed away at the age of 76. I was holding his hand when he took his last breath. I combed his hair, shaved and washed his face in those final moments.
I lost my father.
We didn't have the best relationship through the years but something had changed during those last four years. Hurt was still prevalent and apologies would never be heard. The past was to be as it was. Many of my questions will go unanswered. I must come to terms with how things will be. I will try to focus on the good things and the long rides while sipping on a strawberry milkshake.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for families to join together eating wonderful home cooking. I look forward to seeing everyone and catching up on the latest. Crowded rooms with loud conversations just can't be beat.
I am so thankful for all the blessings of God. All the details that make life worth living. The small simple things we often take for granted. The Bible tells us that all good gifts come from above. God swings open the doors of heaven to pour out blessings beyond what we can even imagine.
I pray that I will never forget where all good things come from.
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
I am so thankful for all the blessings of God. All the details that make life worth living. The small simple things we often take for granted. The Bible tells us that all good gifts come from above. God swings open the doors of heaven to pour out blessings beyond what we can even imagine.
I pray that I will never forget where all good things come from.
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Taking Care
It has been too long since I last blogged. So much has been taking place. I had a wreck that totaled my car. Thankfully I wasn't injured too bad other than a concussion. My Mercedes S430 is no more! I was hit by a Hummer 2 while sitting at a red light. The guy said he was distracted and never saw me. It broke the brush guard and bent the hood on the Hummer. He pushed me into the van in front which dented my front end and bent my hood. With the trunck smashed in and the front crumpled, the roof was bent. I was blessed to walk away.
I was driving that day to get supplies for my father who had just had his sixth stroke (yes, #6). He is out of the hospital and in a new assisted living with home health care providing speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
Although it has been a bit of a crazy time I am reminded that God never promised us that we would have only easy times, but that He would walk with us through ALL times. He takes care of us while we take care of our responsibilities. Taking care is such a godly adventure. The path of taking care carries you into so many exciting places while meeting interesting people. The number of new people I have met in the last few weeks has been amazing. More opportunities for ministry.
The flip side of taking care is that it can be very frustrating. Waiting is so difficult. Filling in papers is very exhausting. Healing hurts. Healing takes time and much care. Healing takes patience even when you are the patient.
The church is in the ministry of caring. Taking care of those who have great needs. Taking time to care. Being careful in our care to ensure true care. Without needs how would we experience care? Caring is curing. Yep, I'm thankful that although the car is totaled, I'm not. Recovery comes through the sweet arms of those who care.
From the heart,
Pastor BR
I was driving that day to get supplies for my father who had just had his sixth stroke (yes, #6). He is out of the hospital and in a new assisted living with home health care providing speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
Although it has been a bit of a crazy time I am reminded that God never promised us that we would have only easy times, but that He would walk with us through ALL times. He takes care of us while we take care of our responsibilities. Taking care is such a godly adventure. The path of taking care carries you into so many exciting places while meeting interesting people. The number of new people I have met in the last few weeks has been amazing. More opportunities for ministry.
The flip side of taking care is that it can be very frustrating. Waiting is so difficult. Filling in papers is very exhausting. Healing hurts. Healing takes time and much care. Healing takes patience even when you are the patient.
The church is in the ministry of caring. Taking care of those who have great needs. Taking time to care. Being careful in our care to ensure true care. Without needs how would we experience care? Caring is curing. Yep, I'm thankful that although the car is totaled, I'm not. Recovery comes through the sweet arms of those who care.
From the heart,
Pastor BR
Monday, September 22, 2014
Updates
Recently I received an update for my phone operating system. It wasn't that my present operating system was bad or broken; there were new enhancements and features that expanded the capabilities for my use. This updated system affected most all other applications which in turn needed updating.
In our Christian life we need an update every morning. Everyday we can refresh our walk with Christ. These times of refreshing affect every area of our life. While it may be easy to hold tightly to yesterday's walk, today has it's own set of challenges. Routines can turn into ruts!
In Luke 5:36-39, we are reminded that new wine must be put into new wineskins. Old wineskins cannot contain the effects of new wine. Everyday we must offer to God our new wineskin of our heart to receive the filling of His spirit for the day. This passage also reminds us that some may have new wineskins but prefer old wine. Jesus did not come to pour the traditions of the old into His new life. He came to give new life and a new relationship with Him.
"Just give me that old time religion" sounds soothing to the soul but can often grow stale. God is doing new things among us in exciting ways. We need a fresh elastic walk with Christ that allows for His ever-expanding power in us. Often our personal preferences can restrict what God wants to do in and through us.
New wine requires new wineskins. New wineskins requires new wine. Our walk with Christ requires a freshness each day. Download the update.
From My Heart,
Pastor BR
In our Christian life we need an update every morning. Everyday we can refresh our walk with Christ. These times of refreshing affect every area of our life. While it may be easy to hold tightly to yesterday's walk, today has it's own set of challenges. Routines can turn into ruts!
In Luke 5:36-39, we are reminded that new wine must be put into new wineskins. Old wineskins cannot contain the effects of new wine. Everyday we must offer to God our new wineskin of our heart to receive the filling of His spirit for the day. This passage also reminds us that some may have new wineskins but prefer old wine. Jesus did not come to pour the traditions of the old into His new life. He came to give new life and a new relationship with Him.
"Just give me that old time religion" sounds soothing to the soul but can often grow stale. God is doing new things among us in exciting ways. We need a fresh elastic walk with Christ that allows for His ever-expanding power in us. Often our personal preferences can restrict what God wants to do in and through us.
New wine requires new wineskins. New wineskins requires new wine. Our walk with Christ requires a freshness each day. Download the update.
From My Heart,
Pastor BR
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Mission Trips
I am not sure how many mission trips I have been on over the years. I guess I should have kept count of the days, miles, places, and results. I started as a teen in youth ministry and haven't stopped so it has been several for sure.
My first mission trips were really choir tours. We traveled on the church bus which was always an adventure! Breakdowns were expected. I was taught early on to trust God while traveling. I eventually went on construction mission trips. I learned most of my carpentry skills (limited for sure) while working with men building churches. Then came the VBS/BackYard Bible Clubs. Very exciting work to see children light up upon hearing about Jesus.
My missions experience expanded into evangelism, door-to-door survey, and even Christian Martial Arts demos. I eventually grew into International Disaster Relief work and teaching Pastor's Conferences in many countries.
I have grown in and through mission involvement. From participating as a teenager across the US to leading a church group across East Africa! Missions has taken me many places and to many people groups. I NEVER tire of missions. It is one of the most exciting aspects of ministry for me alongside of pastoring.
I have also payed attention and observed many "mission trips" of various groups. I have concluded that often times trips are classified as "missions" when very little, if any, true mission work is done. Many wonderful group vacations are taken under the name of missions and defined as "planting seeds" through lifestyle smiles and handshakes. I have a much different view or definition of a true mission trip.
Mission trips should include a deep heart passion for a people group. A movement within your soul that will not let you not go. It is much beyond the occasional "I'll go if I can" or "It better be fun in a great location (beach) or I'm not going" attitude. A burden must be the motivator within the mission. Such a burden doesn't care about things such as accommodations, who else is going, whom you may room with, fashion statement, or if you can wear a bathing suit or not. It doesn't matter the food, the mode of travel, or even the weather. A heart for people to hear and respond to the gospel must be the foundation.
I also believe that intense preparation is a must. Resources cannot be wasted on the true mission field. Planning and time alone with God before going is nonnegotiable for real mission work. Just signing up at the last moment because it sounds like "fun" is not what missions is about.
Desired results that are measurable is also a must. It is why planning is done and communication for support promises. "How many people responded to the gospel?" is a great question. Other measurable results include the number of people trained, discipled, witnessed to, baptized, churches started, prayer groups started, and life change.
God called. True mission work is an act of obedience. Not all mission work is fun but it is rewarding. I have been on some mission trips that break your heart and "fun" would not be an adequate descriptive word. Other trips have been the most fun I have ever experienced. It comes to the point of a true calling from God or just a trip planned by man. I know that some trips can turn into missions but something radical must take place.
I believe we must be VERY careful in what we teach children and youth concerning mission trips. We must ensure that the difference is made between a youth trip and a mission trip. Truth is that not all are ready for a true mission trip and should not be forced to attend. The future of the gospel is depending on God-called servants with a heart for missions!
From My Heart,
Pastor BR
My first mission trips were really choir tours. We traveled on the church bus which was always an adventure! Breakdowns were expected. I was taught early on to trust God while traveling. I eventually went on construction mission trips. I learned most of my carpentry skills (limited for sure) while working with men building churches. Then came the VBS/BackYard Bible Clubs. Very exciting work to see children light up upon hearing about Jesus.
My missions experience expanded into evangelism, door-to-door survey, and even Christian Martial Arts demos. I eventually grew into International Disaster Relief work and teaching Pastor's Conferences in many countries.
I have grown in and through mission involvement. From participating as a teenager across the US to leading a church group across East Africa! Missions has taken me many places and to many people groups. I NEVER tire of missions. It is one of the most exciting aspects of ministry for me alongside of pastoring.
I have also payed attention and observed many "mission trips" of various groups. I have concluded that often times trips are classified as "missions" when very little, if any, true mission work is done. Many wonderful group vacations are taken under the name of missions and defined as "planting seeds" through lifestyle smiles and handshakes. I have a much different view or definition of a true mission trip.
Mission trips should include a deep heart passion for a people group. A movement within your soul that will not let you not go. It is much beyond the occasional "I'll go if I can" or "It better be fun in a great location (beach) or I'm not going" attitude. A burden must be the motivator within the mission. Such a burden doesn't care about things such as accommodations, who else is going, whom you may room with, fashion statement, or if you can wear a bathing suit or not. It doesn't matter the food, the mode of travel, or even the weather. A heart for people to hear and respond to the gospel must be the foundation.
I also believe that intense preparation is a must. Resources cannot be wasted on the true mission field. Planning and time alone with God before going is nonnegotiable for real mission work. Just signing up at the last moment because it sounds like "fun" is not what missions is about.
Desired results that are measurable is also a must. It is why planning is done and communication for support promises. "How many people responded to the gospel?" is a great question. Other measurable results include the number of people trained, discipled, witnessed to, baptized, churches started, prayer groups started, and life change.
God called. True mission work is an act of obedience. Not all mission work is fun but it is rewarding. I have been on some mission trips that break your heart and "fun" would not be an adequate descriptive word. Other trips have been the most fun I have ever experienced. It comes to the point of a true calling from God or just a trip planned by man. I know that some trips can turn into missions but something radical must take place.
I believe we must be VERY careful in what we teach children and youth concerning mission trips. We must ensure that the difference is made between a youth trip and a mission trip. Truth is that not all are ready for a true mission trip and should not be forced to attend. The future of the gospel is depending on God-called servants with a heart for missions!
From My Heart,
Pastor BR
Monday, June 9, 2014
It Is That Time of Year Again!
School is out and Summer is here and that can only mean one thing....VBS!
Vacation Bible School (VBS) has great memories for me as a child and a pastor. I can remember lining up by age groups, marching into the sanctuary behind the flags and the Bible. We would stand and say our pledge to the American Flag, the Christian Flag, and to the Bible. I can still hear the echo of the "sit down" chord and the "stand up" chord. We would memorize our theme verse for the week as well as songs and learn Bible stories. Cookies and cool aide was the standard snack. At the end of the week we had a family night for our parents to visit our rooms and gather our crafts. Such memories!
I did not know then what I have learned now: it takes a lot of commitment and work from a whole lot of people to have a memorable VBS. The lasting impact of VBS is unquestionable. So many children experience the Bible for the first time during VBS. Many hear of missionaries and foreign lands they hope to one day encounter. VBS opens a whole new world in the eyes of a child. I know because I have never forgotten the stories while I have visited many foreign lands. As I walked the pathways in some third world countries my mind goes back to my VBS experiences.
One special memory for me is when I prayed with my very first person (child) to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. It was during VBS and I was a teenage volunteer. I can still see the pew we sat in and the sanctuary decorated. It is a memory I will never forget.
Through the years I have led numerous mission VBS trips to many parts of the country and the world. The reaction is the same no matter what language is used. Smiling children with bright eyes and endless energy running to the church each morning. Songs sung with movements to wake the body and the spirit. Stories from God's Word and prayers of commitment to Christ. Tired workers at the end of the week. Everyone knowing it was worth it all and next year we will sign up again!
From the Heart,
Pastor BR
Vacation Bible School (VBS) has great memories for me as a child and a pastor. I can remember lining up by age groups, marching into the sanctuary behind the flags and the Bible. We would stand and say our pledge to the American Flag, the Christian Flag, and to the Bible. I can still hear the echo of the "sit down" chord and the "stand up" chord. We would memorize our theme verse for the week as well as songs and learn Bible stories. Cookies and cool aide was the standard snack. At the end of the week we had a family night for our parents to visit our rooms and gather our crafts. Such memories!
I did not know then what I have learned now: it takes a lot of commitment and work from a whole lot of people to have a memorable VBS. The lasting impact of VBS is unquestionable. So many children experience the Bible for the first time during VBS. Many hear of missionaries and foreign lands they hope to one day encounter. VBS opens a whole new world in the eyes of a child. I know because I have never forgotten the stories while I have visited many foreign lands. As I walked the pathways in some third world countries my mind goes back to my VBS experiences.
One special memory for me is when I prayed with my very first person (child) to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. It was during VBS and I was a teenage volunteer. I can still see the pew we sat in and the sanctuary decorated. It is a memory I will never forget.
Through the years I have led numerous mission VBS trips to many parts of the country and the world. The reaction is the same no matter what language is used. Smiling children with bright eyes and endless energy running to the church each morning. Songs sung with movements to wake the body and the spirit. Stories from God's Word and prayers of commitment to Christ. Tired workers at the end of the week. Everyone knowing it was worth it all and next year we will sign up again!
From the Heart,
Pastor BR
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have given their life serving in our military. Their death while preserving our dignity and freedom as a country must never be forgotten. I remember the first time I visited Arlington Cemetery and viewed the changing of the guard ceremony. I was moved by the dedication and precision by which this ceremony honored fallen soldiers and memorialized those who go "unknown."
I was memorized by the commitment of the Sentinels of the Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard." Further study revealed that the soldiers must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in the barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. They cannot swear in public FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as a guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniform ready for guard duty.
Their Sentinel Creed states:
"My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection. Through years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands my respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance."
Such commitment is unparalleled in our world today!
And yet, we as Christians have a great cause worth living and dying for. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 reminds us that we are called to this Christian life to live for Christ and be willing to die if necessary. Would it be that we have Soldiers of Christ as committed as the Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard." Something worth thinking about!
From My Heart,
BR
I was memorized by the commitment of the Sentinels of the Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard." Further study revealed that the soldiers must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in the barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. They cannot swear in public FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as a guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniform ready for guard duty.
Their Sentinel Creed states:
"My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection. Through years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands my respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance."
Such commitment is unparalleled in our world today!
And yet, we as Christians have a great cause worth living and dying for. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 reminds us that we are called to this Christian life to live for Christ and be willing to die if necessary. Would it be that we have Soldiers of Christ as committed as the Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard." Something worth thinking about!
From My Heart,
BR
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
New Publisher
Well, it has been some time since I last blogged. Many things have taken place that have delayed my efforts. WinePress Publishing has closed it's doors and so my old weblog was shut down (I had over 250,000 hits!). I now have a new publisher and my book Simple Living is once again available. My new publisher is Deep River Books. Access their website at www.deepriverbooks.com and you can access my book in it's second printing.
AND we have moved to the Wetumpka area! We are getting settled in a new community. God has provided a wonderful place for us to live with many new friends.
I hope this brief update will reconnect with my friends in the blogging world.
Thanks for all your prayers and encouraging words as we move forward in the Lord!
From the Heart,
Pastor BR
AND we have moved to the Wetumpka area! We are getting settled in a new community. God has provided a wonderful place for us to live with many new friends.
I hope this brief update will reconnect with my friends in the blogging world.
Thanks for all your prayers and encouraging words as we move forward in the Lord!
From the Heart,
Pastor BR
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