Making Beautiful Music

Just about everybody that has known me for any length of time knows that I am not a “country boy.” One time I was riding with my wife in the area where she grew up (which is a country setting) and I exclaimed to her, “Look at those cows sitting in the pasture.” For the next half-hour she could not stop laughing while repeatedly telling me, “Cows lay or they stand, but they definitely do not sit.” She still laughs about my ridiculous comment to this day.

It’s not the only time I’ve made one of those “city-boy” mistakes, nor will it be my last, I’m sure. Once while preaching I referred to cows with masculine pronouns, rather than feminine ones. You would have thought I had told the funniest joke on planet earth and sadly, for awhile, I didn’t even know why people were laughing. Thankfully, my loving spouse explained to me my gender confusion and made me promise never to “utter” another illustration about farm animals. That’s why some of you are going to scratch your heads as to why I would choose to share this next illustration.

It has been told to me by those who supposedly know these things that it’s not uncommon for hound dogs placed in the back of a pickup truck to bicker and fight among themselves. But, if you turn them loose to chase their prey, they will work together in perfect harmony. Actually, these same dog owners say that the sound of their dogs on the hunt is like beautifully orchestrated music to their ears.

The same basic principle is at work in a symphony orchestra. If you have ever attended a concert and arrived early to take your seat, you were probably treated to some of the most unusual instrumental sounds you have ever heard emanating from the stage. Different instrumentalists playing different notes at different times and none of them blending together to make anything intelligible sounding. But, when the conductor arrives to lead the orchestra with everyone playing from the same sheet music, suddenly everything makes beautiful sense.

Obviously, you know the reason for the change in both of these illustrations. When there is a common goal, both animals and humans alike can be brought into wonderful harmony. When they are working together for the common good of all, the end result is beautiful music to your ears. This is the goal that scripture presents as an ideal to be sought by all believers in Christ’s church and which they should be protecting like a valued jewel. Listen to the words of the psalmist, “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” (Psalm 133:1)

Chuck Swindoll in his book, Hope Again, gives an excellent definition of unity and helps us to distinguish it from some things that masquerade in its place. He writes, “Union has affiliation with others but no common bond that makes them one in heart. Uniformity has everyone looking and thinking alike. Unanimity is complete agreement across the board. Unity, however, refers to a oneness of heart, a similarity of purpose, and an agreement on major points of doctrine.”

No matter which illustration best speaks to your understanding, it is important to acknowledge that God never intended unity to destroy a person’s individuality. But, neither should a person’s individuality be allowed to destroy unity. God calls Christians to come together around core doctrines/purposes that transcend our individuality and that allows us to work together in unity. Unity isn’t about seeing everything exactly the same on every issue. Rather, it is about NOT allowing ancillary matters to distract us while following our Leader (Christ) as He directs us toward common purposes.

One of the most beautiful images in scripture demonstrating the unity Christ desires in His church is found in the human body. When the different members of our bodies properly relate to the head by responding to orders issued from the brain and nervous system, then each member works together in unity/harmony for the good of the overall body. When the body functions in this fashion it is not only a healthy body, it is also able to fulfill the purpose for which it is designed. This means that unity is not to be an end in itself, but it is to be a means to an end.

That is why Christians are so often exhorted in scripture concerning the unity of His body. It is because disunity shows the body to be unhealthy and only serves to hinder God’s work rather than advance it. It’s no wonder Paul said, “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” (Ephesians 4:3) All it takes for the unity and effectiveness of Christ’s church to be seriously impeded is for one member to refuse to cooperate with the impulses/directives of the Head (i.e., Christ).

People that are consistently out of step with their local Bible-believing church are often those that have some type of spiritual illness that prevents them from getting the proper orders from the impulse center of the “Brain” (i.e., Christ). In other words, much of the disunity we see in our churches today is simply the result of people being out of touch with Christ, resulting in His body being crippled in its work.

I have personally witnessed churches disintegrate because of the selfishness of members that have chosen the “spiritually diseased approach” of going it alone and/or forcing their own agenda. Forget the hours of prayer that the leaders have invested in discerning the vision of God for their congregations or the careful exposition of scripture that shows the inaccuracy of closely held “convictions” that are not biblically based. All that matters to some people is that they get their way no matter who it hurts or how it affects the rest of the body. They have decided to go rogue and act independently of the “Head.”

What our churches need today is an old-fashioned revival that brings conviction of sin to spiritually ailing members. I don’t mean revival meetings that are scheduled in the spring and the fall, but, rather, a divine work of God that occurs as we seek Him with all our hearts and turn from our wicked ways (2 Chronicles 7:14). We need to feel God’s spiritual scalpel operating on our hearts, cutting out our selfish, arrogant, and un-Christlike attitudes and motivations.

Church isn’t about tailoring every service to suit your preferences or maintaining the status quo so that your comfort level is preserved. Church is about people from all walks of life coming together around our common salvation, beliefs and purposes so that we can work together for the good of the overall body. When that happens, the church is healthy and able to thrive while effectively accomplishing God’s work in the world.

If you’re out of step with your local church then maybe the problem is in you and not the ones you’re targeting with your public/private campaigns of terror. Strange, isn’t it, how we too often see the splinter in our brother’s eye, but miss the log in our own.

Parenting Today's Teens

This is one of the best articles I've read on parenting teens. I hope you'll take the advice to heart. --David Lemming

Baby Boomers were so bent on having better relationships with their children than they had with their own parents, they tended to set aside their primary role as parents. Their desire to be their child's best friend spawned a self-centered, demanding "Me Generation" who believes the world revolves around them.

Parenting in past generations -- too rigid

As I grow older, I see more with the eyes of my heart than I do with those on each side of my big nose. And the aging process has brought me to a greater understanding of my own mom and dad's parenting style. I've learned that things really weren't as bad as I used to think they were.

My dad, like yours, was less than relational; his focus was on providing for his family. Working at the same job for 38 years; providing was his way of showing love for his family. He demanded respect. He taught us to be responsible because that's the way he was taught, and he wanted us to live the same way.

My father worked hard because he grew up during the Great Depression, and he knew first-hand the challenges of having little to live on. He also saw to it that our family was protected. Food was always on the table, a roof was always over our head, we all went to college, and the enemy he fought in the South Pacific never marched on our homeland.

Parenting in today's generation -- too relational

Then, the 60's and 70's came along. Some called it a revolution. Millions of "Baby Boomers" fell head over heels toward relationships and feelings of love for all mankind. Our music and lifestyle expressed our desire for universal peace and love. We swooned to lyrics like "all you need is love" and "smile on your brother; everybody get together; try to love one another right now." There was a "whole lotta' love" going around. And we "showered the people we love with love...showing them the way that we feel." Then we took our desire for peace, love and affection right into our parenting style.

Baby boomers as parents focused on maintaining peace and love, at all costs. We determined to have better, stronger relationships with our kids than we had with our parents; carrying out these normally good and healthy desires to an extreme. Out of financial abundance, we gave our kids everything they ever wanted, and more. Modern conveniences allowed for more free time and less responsibility. Soccer moms equipped with minivans shuttled kids from one event or activity to another, with stops at McDonald's in-between. We indulged, spoiled and provided too much "stuff" as misguided expressions of our love.

But love and friendships are good, aren't they?

What's wrong with too much love? Nothing! But there is something wrong with it if it is our only focus. To put it bluntly, placing kids on a pedestal and focusing our lives on them created feelings of entitlement. Kids began equating our love with our pocketbook and our willingness to do things for them. Their thrills in life came from getting new toys, new clothes, new honors, and new excitements. They became demanding, selfish, adrenalin junkies, searching daily for new thrills. When the excitement ended or the money train slowed, they became angry. We wanted to be the best parents ever, but the more we focused our attention and our money on our kids, the more they fell into anxiety, depression, and outright defiance. After all, they wouldn't admit it, but deep down they were terrified for what they would do after they left the comforts and indulgences of home...

...The crux of the matter is that it is hard to be a good parent when our focus is on having peace, love and friendship with our children. This becomes especially difficult in step-families and some adoptive families. The crucial role of correcting and holding children accountable is impossible when our overriding concern is to avoid any form of damage to our friendship. But what we need to realize is that our children need parents first, not more friends.

So, the big question is this: How do parents establish their position of authority, while also maintaining their relationship with their teen? In other words, how do we find a proper balance without swinging the pendulum too far the other way?

Parenting the right way - balanced

A simple answer is to say things like "No" and "Maybe" more often; and we need to apply boundaries and consequences when our kids cross over the line. Balanced parenting is applying strength when needed; and tenderness at the same time. It is not just one or the other, it is both. The essence of balance in parenting is to stand beside our children and walk with them through life, while also determining to stand in front of them when we need to stop them from their foolish ways...

...Our goal should be to help our kids get to where they want to be, and keep them from going to a place they really don't want to end up. But since they are too immature to know any better, we need to remain in control, no matter how upset it makes them temporarily. Then, as they mature in their thinking, the reins can be gradually released. Believe me, your kids will express their appreciation when they are older for holding them in line as teenagers, and they'll realize that you did it out of love, not to be mean or rigid. In fact, they'll ask for advice when they have children -- and the beat goes on.

Scripture describes God as a mighty warrior and a fierce lion. Scripture also reveals His softer side, "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you" (Isa 66:13). One purpose of parenting is to give a child a taste of the character of God, and that means giving them both sides of His character.

It's never too late to start being a balanced parent; have a loving relationship, while also holding them responsible. Your children need your correction, wisdom, and willingness to help them travel the path God has for them. They need you to be gentle and loving, but also firm -- a clear reflection of both sides of God's character.

A wise man once told me, "When you're called to be a servant, don't stoop to be a king." Parents are never more like a servant than when they willingly love a child through anything. But don't grow weary in doing what is right, since your first job is to be an authority in your child's life. Your teen needs a parent and a friend -- but when push comes to shove, they need a parent more.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=990524

Answers in Genesis Conference

Our Answers in Genesis Conference begins this weekend on Sunday morning at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. We will have additional sessions on Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. and on Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. (complete schedule below).

If there was ever a conference that you were going to attend with your ENTIRE family then this would be the one.

If you want to know the TRUTH about the origins of life then this is the conference for you.

Your children and teens NEED to hear these messages that show the SCIENCE of CREATION and why it matters. Evolution is only a THEORY!!

Sunday, May 16, 2010 to Monday, May 17, 2010
Dr. Tommy Mitchell

Schedule

Note: Any overlapping times indicate multiple, simultaneous sessions

Sunday, May 16, 2010
9 a.m.	Dr. Tommy Mitchell	Why Genesis Matters
10:30 a.m.	Dr. Tommy Mitchell	Why Genesis Matters
6:30 p.m.	Dr. Tommy Mitchell	Why Can`t a Day Mean a Day?
Monday, May 17, 2010
6:30 p.m.	Dr. Tommy Mitchell	Noah`s Ark and the Global Flood
7:30 p.m.	Dr. Tommy Mitchell	Jurassic Prank: A Dinosaur Tale

http://www.answersingenesis.org/outreach/event/6623/

Lewis Memorial Baptist Church

5385 W. Pea Ridge Road

Huntington, WV 25705

304-736-7676

"The West Ridge Fellowship"

Daily Prayer for America

Someone has said that if Christians really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless.

Did you know that during WWII there was an advisor to Winston Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace?

I'm joining a group of people who are organizing the same thing here in America. If you would like to participate: Every evening at 9:00 p.m., stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, and for a return to a godly nation. If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along.

Some National Day of Prayer History

National days of prayer have occurred since 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the nation to join in a petition for divine guidance. Since then, 34 of 44 U.S. presidents have called for days of prayer during times of crisis, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.

This has been the tradition of our nation from its founding.In 1952, both houses of Congress passed legislation establishing an official Day of Prayer. It was signed into law by President Harry Truman. In 1988, Congress passed an amendment to the earlier law designating the first Thursday of May as the annual National Day of Prayer.

• 1775: The first day of prayer was declared when the Continental Congress "designated a time for prayer in forming a new nation."
• 1783:"...the conclusion of the Revolutionary War marked a temporary end to the National Day of Prayer."
• 1795-FEB-19: George Washington proclaimed a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.
• 1813: President James Madison proclaimed a day of prayer.
• 1863-MAR-30: Abraham Lincoln signed a Congressional resolution of MAR-3 which called for a day of fasting and prayer during the Civil War (1860-1865).
• 1952-APR-17: A bill proclaiming an annual National Day of Prayer(NDP) was unanimously passed by both houses of congress. President Truman signed it into law. It required the President to select a day for national prayer each year.
• 1972: The National Prayer Committee was created. The National Day of Prayer Task Force is a project of that committee.
• 1988: A bill was introduced to Congress which fixed the annual NDP at the first Thursday in May. The Senate bill, S 1378, was introduced by Strom Thurmond (R-SC); a matching House version was initiated by Tony Hall, (D-OH). It received broad bipartisan sponsorship and support, and became Public Law 100-307. It was signed into law by President Reagan on 1988-MAY-5. He commented:"On our National Day of Prayer, then, we join together as people of many faiths to petition God to show us His mercy and His love, to heal our weariness and uphold our hope, that we might live ever mindful of His justice and thankful for His blessing."
• 1993 to 1998: The concept of the NDP as a multi-faith event which recognizes the extensive diversity of religious expression in the U.S. was echoed by subsequent presidents in their proclamations.
• 1993: "Through prayer our people take a moment away from the concerns of everyday life to understand the greater power that gives us guidance. We come together in an act common to all religions."
• 1994: "I encourage the citizens of this great Nation to gather, each in his or her own manner, to recognize our blessings, acknowledge our wrongs, to remember the needy, to seek guidance for our challenging future, and to give thanks for the abundance we have enjoyed throughout our history."
• 1995: "I call upon every citizen of this great Nation to gather together on that day to pray, each in his or her own manner, for God's continued guidance and blessing."
• 1996: "And though our citizens come from every nation on Earth and observe an extraordinary variety of religious faith [sic] and traditions, prayer remains at the heart of the American spirit."
• 1997: "...let us uphold the tradition of observing a day in which every American, in his or her own way, may come before God seeking increased peace, guidance, and wisdom for the challenges ahead."
• 1998: "In every city, town, and rural community across our country, people of every religious denomination gather to worship according to their faith. In churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques, Americans come together to pray."
• 1999: According to some reports, all 50 U.S. state governors and several governors of U.S. territories proclaimed the National Day of Prayer within their jurisdictions.
• 2001: The 50th National Day of Prayer was held on MAY-3. Its organizers estimate that about 2.5 million people attended the approximately 40,000 events across the U.S.
• 2002: The National Day of Prayer Task Force reported that "...approximately 40,000 events were held nationwide. Local volunteers and coordinators held a variety of activities ranging from prayer breakfasts, Bible reading marathons, concerts of prayer, rallies, church prayer vigils, student flagpole gatherings and observances held in sports stadiums." President George W. Bush stated in his proclamation that the two purposes of the NDP were: "...to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to honor the religious diversity our freedom permits..."
• 2003:The National Day of Prayer was held on MAY-1
• 2004: According to the NDPTF web site: "In 2004, approximately 40,000 events were held nationwide. Local volunteers and coordinators held a variety of activities ranging from prayer breakfasts, Bible reading marathons, concerts of prayer, rallies, church prayer vigils, student flagpole gatherings and observances held in sports stadiums." It is not known whether this is an estimate of the NDP events that it coordinated, or whether it is an estimate of the total number of NDP events across the U.S.
• 2006-MAY-04: The theme is "America, Honor God."
• 2007-MAY-03:According to Shirley Dobson, chairperson of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, the theme for the 56th annual National Day of Prayer is "America, united in prayer." It comes from 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV): "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
• 2011 will the 60th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer.

Dealing With A Church Bully

I’ve never owned an expensive jewel, nor really had the desire to do so. But if I did, I know that I would make every provision to safeguard it in order to protect my valuable investment. I would want it to be treated with the utmost care and consideration, including how it was handled and stored. And the reason for feeling this way should be obvious. It’s because the jewel is a treasured possession that is rare, difficult to replace, and of high value.

I know a lady that wears a beautiful solitaire diamond ring nearly every day of her life...or so I thought. One day I asked her if she was ever afraid to wear the diamond in public for fear that someone might try to steal it. I was shocked when she told me that her two-carat stone she wore so frequently wasn’t a real diamond at all, but only cubic zirconia. She went on to explain that she kept the authentic diamond in a secret safe and only brought it out for very special occasions.

Of course, the practical side of me wanted to ask the question, “If the pseudo-diamond is so beautiful then why spend the money for the real thing?” Thankfully, my better judgment convinced me not to ask such a silly question, knowing that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” I won’t tell you what I was thinking after that passed through my head, but this incident proves my point. When you have something of great value it becomes your passion to protect and preserve it.

There is something of greater value than any jewel that God has given to His church. It is the unity of the body. The scriptures are replete with references to the importance of this valuable possession and even teach that the advancement of the Gospel depends on it being safeguarded. Consider just a few of these:

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. (Ephesians 4:3)

Jesus, praying, said, ...May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. (John 17:23)

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:14)

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:2-3)

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people. ( 1 Corinthians 14:33)

Clearly, these passages reference something more than organizational unity or some kind of forced uniformity. This is a God-ordained and Holy Spirit-produced “oneness” that sits atop the exquisite gold setting of His church, reflecting the light of His love. So valuable is this jewel that God has committed to every believer the responsibility of protecting and defending it from the mishandling of some who don’t understand or appreciate it.

Guarding church unity should in no way be construed as sacrificing truth, but rather, it is a unity that is grounded in truth. Sadly, though, much of what disrupts local congregations has nothing to do with truth at all. Too often the disunity can be traced to nothing more than the selfishness of people that have decided their own interests are more important than the interests of the whole. They force, politic, cajole, murmur, complain, and fight in an effort to make sure their wishes are honored above those of others. A man whose church had been through a split once said to me, “One side or the other was going to win the fight so I thought it might as well be mine.” He went on to declare, “Preachers come and go, but I’ll be here till I die.” Most people would never resort to such overt statements of carnality, but their actions too often match his sentiment.

What do you do with a church bully that keeps insisting on his own way and circumventing the chain of command? What do you do with the person that uses his/her tongue to continually hurt people in the effort to force his agenda? Are we supposed to protect this valuable jewel of unity by always giving in to the whims of those who refuse to practice Spirit-filled Christianity marked by kindness and love?

After more than thirty years of ministry, I have bitten my tongue on many occasions trying to avoid saying something I shouldn’t say. I’m a peacemaker at heart and love to bring resolution wherever possible, even if resolution means giving up something I like. I want to do all that I can to avoid creating, heightening, and/or continuing conflict. I believe I should do this because the good of the overall body and the glory of God is more important that forcing my agenda when I know it will only exacerbate the strife. But, there comes a time when dealing with those that have no vestige of tactfulness and/or reasonableness that you have to draw the line.

I can count on one hand the number of occasions I have taken this approach in my ministry. It inevitably meant pain for me and those around me as we were forced to weather the storm this created. But, people who are continually disrupting the unity of God’s church, circumventing the leadership, and sowing seeds of discontent can’t be allowed to operate with impunity forever.

Many times I’ve faced circumstances with fellow believers where we disagreed about a matter, but we maintained a good spirit toward each other while working to find common ground. Other times, a person’s perspective was well-reasoned, as well as wise, and I made adjustments to accommodate their concerns. Still, other times we agreed to disagree, while maintaining a love for each other and a commitment not to allow those differences to become the rallying point for division. It’s okay when people don’t agree on every issue, so long as we don’t let our disagreements become Satan’s passageway to creating partisanship and conflict.

However, there are some occasions when people neither display the Spirit of Christ, nor the best interest of the congregation and you must resist their will. It’s the time when you draw the line and refuse to give into selfish, carnal ambition.

In other words, sometimes to protect the unity of the church you have to lovingly, but forcefully, resist someone whose primary interest is himself and/or his agenda. This is usually a last resort and only employed after all prayerful and reasonable means have been utilized to rectify the conflict. But, peace at any cost isn’t unity, it’s dictatorship.

There will be times when “...to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace,” you will have to stand your ground and not give into the bullying of pseudo-spiritual antagonists. Solomon was clear when he said, “Throw out the mocker,* and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.” (Proverbs 22:10)

* The attitude of conceit and disrespect for others, expressed in speech that insults or hurts.