Thinking Of My Dad

Twelve years ago today, my dad passed away. He had grown old and, suddenly one day, he just died. It was a pivotal moment for me. As an only child, I had to step up and assume the patriarchal role as “head” of the family.

I think about my dad just about every day. He was a part of a generation of clergy who, for some reason, thought the church was more important than family. He was a great dad in that he gave me everything I ever wanted, but he failed as a father because, as I was growing up, he didn’t have time for me. I am sure there are others of you reading my thoughts that had the same experience.

The reason I tell you all of this is to remind you of your role as husband, father and spiritual leader of your home and family. I don’t want you to have any regrets. I know it’s trite, but the most important people in your congregation are your spouse and children.

Talk about things other than the church. We never did that. Take time to establish memories aside from church activity. I don’t remember many of those times. And whatever you do, model love before your children for your husband or wife — and tell your family members often how much you love them…even your adolescent children.

For some reason, I feel a little empty today — but I’ll be better tomorrow. Remember — no regrets! If you have some you can begin right now to make things better.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are” (1 John 3:1). That’s what I’m talking about — “lavished” love.

Have a great week!

Politics And The Pulpit

This past weekend, the news reported that Mike Huckabee (who is an ordained minister) met with a group of pastors in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area. Sunday, he preached in a church telling the congregation his views on same-sex marriage and abortion.

I remember a few years ago when Willow Creek invited President Clinton to speak at their pastors' conference. It caused a big stir among many — both at the conference and across the country.

For years, in the African-American community, black churches have used their pulpits to entertain political candidates. But it seems this year that Barack Obama and most of the presidential candidates are courting the church and those who are "values voters" to energize their campaigns.

What do you think about politics and the pulpit? Would you have a candidate fill your pulpit on a weekend? Do you think that those candidates who do use the church for political gain are simply being opportunistic?

As we face the primaries over the next week or so, the church will continue to be in play. In the New York Times yesterday there was a piece by David Kirkpatrick that said, "Mr. Huckabee is the only candidate in the presidential race who identifies himself as an evangelical." He goes on to say, "His (Huckabee's) candidacy is threatening to drive a wedge into the movement (evangelical)." He appears correct — though Jim Dobson and Tony Perkins seem uncommitted to date — Pat Robertson is for Rudy Giuliani; Gary Bauer for Fred Thompson; and Paul Weyrich for Mitt Romney. Who among the nation's religious leaders is for Mike Huckabee?

If there is that much differing opinion among the nation's evangelical leaders, imagine what it is like in your local congregation.

With regard to your own pulpit practices, we understand that, as a 501(c)3 organization, you can address issues from the pulpit, but may not endorse specific candidates as a representative of your church. You really need to be careful. Please check our Web site at http://www.parsonage.org/faq/A000000543.cfm for more specifics on politics and the pulpit.

So, who will you be voting for? Why not comment here and tell us your thoughts.  Have a great week!

Advent's Fourth Sunday

On this coming Lord's Day, many of you will light the fourth candle representing the final Sunday in Advent.  Over the past couple of weeks, I have addressed the Advent subjects of light and peace.  In this last post on Advent, the words "fear not" come to mind.

The angels, in announcing the birth of Christ, proclaimed, "Do not be afraid." An angel was sent to Joseph with the comforting words, "Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife" (Matt 1:20)  But it was the words of Jesus Himself that gave man the greatest hope:  "He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind and to release the oppressed" (Luke 4:18).  Wherever He went, He put people at ease.  When they were sick or troubled or perplexed, He would encourage them.  "Don't be afraid.  Just believe" (Luke 8:50).  But it was His teaching found in John 14 that brought clarity to a lost and hopeless world: "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me. ... Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:1,27) He was the divine liberator. Jesus looked the enemies of sin, death and loneliness in the eye and said, "You cannot terrorize my people anymore." Paul said it this way, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity [fear], but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline: (2 Tim 1:7)

Encourage your people, my colleague!

Advent's Third Sunday

Last Sunday many of you lit the 3rd candle for Advent.  You may have reminded your congregation of the words of the angels as they announced to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace." 

The Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, wrote many years before the first Christmas that a child was to be born who would be called the Prince of Peace.  Jesus would say of himself, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you" (Jn. 14:27) 

In a world like ours, I doubt if peace among men will ever be a reality — especially in these last days — but personal peace is possible and attainable through our faith in Jesus Christ. We live in a fallen world controlled on the human level by sinful men. That combination rejects the peace that Jesus offered, but there is the promise of perfect peace that comes by emptying our minds of fear, anxiety and bitterness, and by allowing the presence of God to fill us where dismay and doubt exists.

We become instruments of His peace as we pray the prayer of St. Francis: "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy."

Preach his peace this week, my colleague. Live in peace. 

Advent: An Opportunity

The second Sunday of Advent is upon us — that time of preparation as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who entered this world at His Father's command to express unconditional love and renewed hope for all mankind.  Oh, that we would recongnize Him this Advent for Who He is, and why He came.

We know Him as Lord and Savior because we have a personal relationship, but the majority of our world seems as lost to the truth of the Messiah as those John wrote about: "The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it" (John 1:5) Our responsibility is to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in such a way that all men might know the "light of life."

What a marvelous opportunity you have been given during this Advent Season to paint a picture of the One who really has come. Isaiah proclaimed, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given ... and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) Just think what that means to people who are searching for something — anything — that will bring them the peace and assurance of a Father's attention that will never cease.  What a message!

Please, my colleague, give Jesus life through your preaching and ministry.  You will be blessed. We are praying for you during this busy season that you will feel His presence very near.

Advent Musings

Well, we've made it through the first Sunday of Advent.  The Christmas season is in full swing and I am sure you are swamped. 

I always loved the Sundays of Advent and what they represented.  Each Sunday, I would use a family in the church to light the candles and read the specific scriptures. 

Usually on the first Sunday, I chose John 1:4,5 — In Him was life, and that light was the light of men."

On the second Sunday, from the New Testament, I would most often have the reading of Luke 2:1-7 — .".. because there was no room for them in the inn."

On the next Sunday, the third Sunday, I would direct my congregation to Luke 2:8-14 — "Glory to God in the highest and, on earth, peace to men on whom His favor rests." On and on each Lord's Day of Advent would go.

Just think, you have the privilege of preaching the same message that was delivered to the shepherds hundreds of years ago — a message still relevant and life changing, "Good news of great joy that will be for all people." Be bold, my colleague.  Preach and teach the truth with passion and transparency.  Let your people know how blessed and thrilled you are to serve them as a shepherd, and feed them with the sustenance of the Scriptures.

So what do you do for the Advent Sundays?  Why not take a moment and comment here about your tradition.  I'm sure others would enjoy reading it.  And remember we have an Advent series on the podcast.  You can access it at podcast.hblondon.org.

Around The Thanksgiving Table

My memories of Thanksgiving Day are vivid, especially those that centered on the dinner table.  For as long as I can remember, our small family put great emphasis on the togetherness of the holidays.  We came from near and far, and met in places like Maplewood, Mo., Bethany, Okla., Little Rock, Ark., and San Benito, Texas.  We were a family of preachers, and we placed high priority on family time.

When I was a boy, there seemed to be a different empty place at the table each year.  A great-grandmother passed away; an uncle and his wife divorced; one year several family members didn't make the trip because of an unexpected crisis. But through the years, we maintained our Thanksgiving tradition.  Same menu, same smells, same full-to-the-brim feeling topped off with turkey sandwiches. 

My mom and Dr. Dobson's mom were the glue that held us together, even after they passed away.  The tradition continued because the next generation followed the recipes and kept the family together.  Our families have grown and new traditions have been established, but we still celebrate this time of year.

As you and your family sit around the Thanksgiving table this November, take time to be thankful and appreciate the people who mean the most to you.  Treasure those moments; laugh and enjoy one another.

I remember one of my uncles would say as he left the house for his trip back home, "We may not have this chance again."  Some years later, he was right.  Like so many things in life, we can take our most precious everyday gifts for granted.   Let your family know how precious they are to you, and whatever you do, if there are complications in your relationships, use this wonderful season to patch things up.  Thanksgiving offers a great opportunity for reconciliations — plus a whole lot of good eating!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.  let the redeemed of the Lord say this" (Psalm 107:1-2)

Reunions

This past weekend I had the privilege of returning to my college alma mater, Point Loma University, near San Diego. It is one of the most beautiful campuses in the world.  The Pacific Ocean is it's border, and from any place you can look west and see the endless expanse of God's beautiful creation.

I had not been back to a college reunion in many years,and it was a fun experience.  I caught up with friends I had not seen in forty years.  Talked careers, grandchildren, and recalled events both meaningful and painful ... but all-in-all it was wonderful.  I don't think I would want to do it every year, but once in a while it's really fun!

It occured to me that you and I have been blessed with friends we have not talked to for a long time.  Think about it.  Colleagues you went to seminary and Bible college with.  Staff members you may have worked with over the years.  Family members you have not talked to for sometime.  My point is you may not have a formal reunion — but by using the telephone, cell phone or email you could reconnect with someone and as you do, encourage and bless them.

It is Thanksgiving season — a time to reflect, (remember "the measure of a man is the number of his friends"), so have a reunion this week — one person at a time.  I will be doing some of that myself. 

Thanks for reading our blog.  Hopefully you will tell others about it .. and our podcast.  A new one was pushed today at http://podcast.hblondon.org/  It deals with the "Attitude of Gratitude".  Why not give it a listen?

Happy Thanksgiving!!  "A friend loves at all times" (Prov 17:17)

Loving God's Way

Who is your biggest fan?  That question should cause you to consider how your spouse would answer it.  Husbands and wives should be the biggest fan of one another.

What does that mean?  It means we pray for one another.  We protect one another.  We show genuine compassion for one another.  We want to be a part of the solutions rather than creating problems.  Further, it is crucial that we cheer for one another.

I remember a time a couple years ago, when I was speaking at a conference with some high-profile religious leaders.  Beverley, my wife, could tell I was nervous and that this engagement was important to me.  I delivered my message and gave it my best.  As we were walking out of the convention hall, Beverley slipped her arm through mine, looked at me and said, "I was proud of you tonight."  I can't tell you how much that meant to me.  The one who mattered most had affirmed me. 

Take a few minutes to think over the last few weeks through a relational lens.  Did you affirm your spouse and your children regularly? Did you look for the positive in each of them rather than the negative? Did you take the time to ask, "How are you doing?" Did you, by your words, actions and deeds, express unconditional love?  Did you live your faith as an example?

As I write these thoughts, I cannot help but reflect on the words of the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (I Corinthians 13:4-7).

As God has chosen to love us that way, let us seek to love one another as He has loved us.  When we do, we'll find that we've become our spouse's biggest fan. 

Are You A Universalist? What Is A Universalist?

Did you happen to read the newspaper column by Cal Thomas last week? It referred to some comments made by President Bush in an interview with Al Arabiya television. In that interview, our president made the statement:

"I believe in Almighty God, and I believe that all the world, whether they be Muslim, Christian or any other religion, prays to the same God." He went on to say, "I believe the God that the Muslim prays to is the same God I pray to. After all, we all came from Abraham. I believe in that universality."

Thomas reacted by writing, "The central doctrine of the Christian faith is that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for sinners and by repenting of sin and accepting Christ as Savior, one is 'saved' and is guaranteed a home in Heaven. Muslims do not believe God had a son and, therefore, no atonement for sin is necessary."

I would be interested in how you react to both the words of the president and Mr. Thomas.

The comments of both men take us back to the age-old question, "Can a man be saved and inherit eternal life through any other means than through faith in Jesus Christ?" The Muslims deny the divinity of Jesus Christ. Yet, "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we may be saved" (Acts 4:12). The scripture is pretty plain.

If you are a universalist, then do we really pray to the same God? Does God have different requirements and expectations for different creeds? Or was our president attempting to be inclusive and say to the Muslims, we respect your beliefs even though we do not embrace them?

Mr. Thomas concluded his article with the following statement: "No Christian who believes the Bible believes in universalism. And no Muslim who believes the Koran does either."

I know we must be tolerant of other faiths — even though, when I was a kid, the only ones getting into Heaven had to believe like me — but I wonder how healthy it is for the church to become so inclusive and accepting that, in our preaching and teaching, we fail to draw a very important line in the sand that cannot and will not be compromised — namely, faith in Jesus Christ.

From our Sunday school days, we memorized a lovely verse. For God (whose God?) so loved the world (what world?) that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever (anyone?) believes (accepts) in Him (God's only Son) shall not perish (be lost), but have eternal (live in heaven with God) life (forever!). I wonder what President Bush was really saying?

If you have a minute, let me know your thinking. Just use the comment option below this post.

Be blessed and be a blessing.

The Dream Never Dies, Just The Dreamer

I dream of ministers who are willing to take risks for the sake of the gospel. 

A few years ago I was given the opportunity to speak in churches of all sizes all over North America. I was privileged to meet with Christian leaders from churches as well as from para church ministries. I found opportunities to talk with Christian college presidents and professors of religion. I spent hours with Christians of all ages and from all walks of life. 

We talked about the church and our hopes and dreams for this God-given institution we love so much.  We discussed our concerns and even ventured some suggestions about how it could be different.

In this post I want to dream a little about the church - about its leaders, about its mission and about the people we desperately need to reach with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Perhaps you would like to dream along with me.

I dream of a church that is more interested in repentance than in recruitment.

I dream of a church that is more concerned with the health of its body than the size of its attendance.

I dream of a church that will become less and less turf conscious.

I dream of leaders who understand that we will reach the lost world as we join forces, not as we isolate ourselves.

I dream of ministers who are bold, who are willing to take risks for the sake of the gospel. These will be servants who, like Jeremiah, have their hearts broken by the sins of their world.

I dream of Christians who are determined to be peacemakers in their local church, who will not tolerate contention and disunity.

I dream of a revival among young people. I dream of teenagers who will see that a call to full-time Christian service is as significant as any vocation in the world.

I dream of racial unity. God will not bless this nation spiritually until we can love each other sincerely as brothers and sisters in Christ.

I dream of a greater church of Jesus Christ that, although being a part of the world, will not be like the world.

I dream of a church that will take a stand for morality and righteousness, that will protect the unborn, confront injustice, and battle for the souls of our children and grandchildren. 

I dream of a church that will not surrender future generations to any humanistic culture that seeks to snare them.

These are some of the dreams I have.  I pray about them a great deal because I believe that dreams such as these are given by the Holy Spirit.

What are your dreams? What is the Holy Spirit saying to you? I pray that your year will be blessed and that all your Spirit-induced dreams come true.  And if you ever get discouraged, just remember this: The dreamer may die, but the dream never will!