"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him" (Psalm 34:8)
The other day one of my kids asked me "Why Do They Call it Black Friday?" I was tempted to answer her that it's because according to many of the blogs, Newspaper articles, Facebook posts I read Black Friday is one of the most evil of days.
It's black because it steals from us our hard earned money as we buy more than we should. It's black because of how people act when they got out to the stores to get a good deal. Normal nice people trample on one another. There are injuries and death. It's black because it's evil grows. It has grown into cyber Monday. This year some stores allowed it's blackness to extend even to Thanksgiving Night, threatening to take store workers away from their families.
I could have said all of this, but I didn't. I gave her the real answer. It's called Black Friday because it's traditionally the first day many stores begin to run "in the black" and make a profit for themselves. That's why they push so hard to get your business because it gives them a larger profit.
I didn't say all of those other things, because I don't know that the days in and of themselves are evil. I'm even willing to go out on a limb and say if you are a Christian and participated in Black Friday it's not a sign you have lost your faith. I've been out on a few of them and I've not lost mine. I've had it tested more than a few times, but never lost it. One could, I imagine even make the case that one is practicing good stewardship by trying to save some money.
So if you went shopping over the weekend don't feel guilty. Just don't ask Black Friday to do more than it should. It might save you a few dollars, but it won't satisfy your soul. That's the problem with having things. They promise us the more we have the happier we will be. Therefore the more we get for other people they happier it will make them. But it never seems to work out that way does it? Often having more things just makes us more unhappy. We worry about making payments, about upkeep and maintenance. Just when we should be happy with what we have, somebody comes out with a new version and tells us what we have is obsolete.
Whenever I see the ads for Black Friday I think of the book of Ecclesiastes, where the author looks at everything in life, including possessions to make him happy and answer the great questions of life. All leave him unsatisfied.
If you are looking for the best deal this Christmas Season, might I suggest you look to our Scripture. It says "Taste and See that The Lord is Good". I love that. God's goodness, His ability to satisfy us, isn't theoretical. It's real, definable, measurable. There is a goodness to God that touches all our senses and satisfies our hearts. This year, don't let Jesus be an afterthought for you. taste and experience His goodness. Pray and worship more. Serve more. enjoy Him more. Taste and See that he is Good. It's a deal that will last for eternity.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
GETTING READY
"Without A Vision, The People Perish" (Proverbs 29:18)
Sometimes everything on the Calendar just falls right where you want it to. This Thursday is, of course, Thanksgiving and Saturday is, of course, the Ohio State/Michigan game. Which means by Sunday morning I'll just be coming out of a cholesterol/football coma. My eyes will be bleary and I'll have gained a few pounds. And thoroughly enjoyed every part of it.
Few things rival the week before "The Game" at least in Central Ohio. I assume it's the same thing in Ann Arbor. The game will be analyzed by every angle. Every sportscaster will get in on the act. Stores will be selling "game" food and clothing so you can show your loyalty. The streets will become virtually deserted Saturday when the game starts. The bad jokes will begin.
This is not intended to be one of those, "I wish you got as excited about the Church, or Jesus, as you do the game". or "I wish you took your faith as serious as you do the game" messages. I've never thought guilt was the strongest motivator to get someone excited about Jesus. It seems to me that the more we walk with Jesus, He does a pretty good job of motivating us Himself.
Nor do I think we are necessarily being bad Christians because we are excited about the game and want to have a good time. Laughter and fellowship are usually pretty good things. So watch the game, eat a few nachos, it's not going to wreck your faith.
Actually I think "The Game" has something to teach us in the church. While we begin to get hyped up this week, the team has been preparing all year long for this moment. Through grueling Spring and Summer workouts, to watching tape of game after game the teams have been getting ready. The coaches even more so. Countess hours of watching tape, looking at strategy getting every one ready comes down to that moment.
It's an incredible amount of work. Why do they do it? Because if you aren't prepared you can't win. One needs a goal and needs to intentionally prepare. All the pep rally's and well wishes mean nothing if you haven't prepared yourself for the actual game.
That's what the author of the Proverbs at the top of the page meant when he wrote, Without a vision, the people perish". God's people are to have a visions and they are to get ready they are to prepare to accomplish the task God has given them to do. All to often we act as if our spiritual victories are to come from well wishes and hopes. The truth of the matter is that if we do not prepare we cannot reach to gaol of God's vision for us.
How are we to prepare? How are we to live with some intentionality? The Founder of the Methodist Movement, John Wesley believed that we best prepare ourselves by attending to certain things in life. He called the early Methodists to regular worship. Daily Prayer and Scripture reading, Regular attendance at the Lord's Supper. Meetings with others who would hold one accountable for their faith. The sue of the gifts and graces to be in mission in the world as much as possible.
History tells us when the Methodists prepared, God agave them a vision and they changed the world. I wonder what might happen to us, if we would prepare in the same way? Would God give us a vision? Would we see that vision come to fruition? Would we change the world. I think we would. God has a vision for you. How will you get ready?
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones
Sometimes everything on the Calendar just falls right where you want it to. This Thursday is, of course, Thanksgiving and Saturday is, of course, the Ohio State/Michigan game. Which means by Sunday morning I'll just be coming out of a cholesterol/football coma. My eyes will be bleary and I'll have gained a few pounds. And thoroughly enjoyed every part of it.
Few things rival the week before "The Game" at least in Central Ohio. I assume it's the same thing in Ann Arbor. The game will be analyzed by every angle. Every sportscaster will get in on the act. Stores will be selling "game" food and clothing so you can show your loyalty. The streets will become virtually deserted Saturday when the game starts. The bad jokes will begin.
This is not intended to be one of those, "I wish you got as excited about the Church, or Jesus, as you do the game". or "I wish you took your faith as serious as you do the game" messages. I've never thought guilt was the strongest motivator to get someone excited about Jesus. It seems to me that the more we walk with Jesus, He does a pretty good job of motivating us Himself.
Nor do I think we are necessarily being bad Christians because we are excited about the game and want to have a good time. Laughter and fellowship are usually pretty good things. So watch the game, eat a few nachos, it's not going to wreck your faith.
Actually I think "The Game" has something to teach us in the church. While we begin to get hyped up this week, the team has been preparing all year long for this moment. Through grueling Spring and Summer workouts, to watching tape of game after game the teams have been getting ready. The coaches even more so. Countess hours of watching tape, looking at strategy getting every one ready comes down to that moment.
It's an incredible amount of work. Why do they do it? Because if you aren't prepared you can't win. One needs a goal and needs to intentionally prepare. All the pep rally's and well wishes mean nothing if you haven't prepared yourself for the actual game.
That's what the author of the Proverbs at the top of the page meant when he wrote, Without a vision, the people perish". God's people are to have a visions and they are to get ready they are to prepare to accomplish the task God has given them to do. All to often we act as if our spiritual victories are to come from well wishes and hopes. The truth of the matter is that if we do not prepare we cannot reach to gaol of God's vision for us.
How are we to prepare? How are we to live with some intentionality? The Founder of the Methodist Movement, John Wesley believed that we best prepare ourselves by attending to certain things in life. He called the early Methodists to regular worship. Daily Prayer and Scripture reading, Regular attendance at the Lord's Supper. Meetings with others who would hold one accountable for their faith. The sue of the gifts and graces to be in mission in the world as much as possible.
History tells us when the Methodists prepared, God agave them a vision and they changed the world. I wonder what might happen to us, if we would prepare in the same way? Would God give us a vision? Would we see that vision come to fruition? Would we change the world. I think we would. God has a vision for you. How will you get ready?
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones
Monday, November 12, 2012
PERSPECTIVE
"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 107:1)
A thank you is in order to Gary Brand, and the Generations Council for sponsoring the Trinity movie night last night. It was a wonderful night of fellowship, food and a movie with an important message. The movie, entitled "Temple Grandin" Is the true story of a young woman who not only overcame her Autism to earn a PhD. but learned that her Autism was a gift that enabled her to see the world in ways others could not.
In one scene, Temple's high school science teacher shows the class an optical illusion and challenges them to come up with how it was done. Almost immediately Temple responds "perspective". The teacher informs her she is correct but then adds another challenge. Can you repeat the illusion? Can you figure out the perspective?
In many ways that's the theme of the movie. Perspective. We see the world form temple's perspective, and we see temple form the perspective of others. To the cattlemen, she is an intrusion. To the students, she is a freak. To her roommate she is a friend. To her mother she is her daughter whom she will not let be ignored by the world. To her science teacher, and in many ways her Aunt, she is potential. It reminds us that life can be seen from several different perspectives. It's up to us to choose the perspective, the lens, through which we view the world and others.
I've seen that reminder in a different way the past few weeks. It's a trend I'm seeing in many social media venues. That's surprising as most social media trends tend to be a bit tiresome. But not this one. Many of my friends have taken "the 30 days of thanks" challenge. Each day they are to list three things they are thankful for. Each day has a theme so it can be a task.
It's refreshing to see some good things in social media. Its nice to see people being thankful. But I think the challenge is designed to teach us perspective. One can look at the world and only see challenges and problems. Or one can look at the worldand see the marvelous grace and blessings of God that are all around us. Do you see your job as a burden, or are you thankful for the blessings of having employment.
I suspect changing our perspective to seeing blessings, learning to be thankful, has some wonderful benefits. maybe you should try it. What might happen if you would change your perspective on your world and be thankful? As we creep closer to the holidays, there is no better time to start.
In Christ,
Dr. Brian Jones <><
A thank you is in order to Gary Brand, and the Generations Council for sponsoring the Trinity movie night last night. It was a wonderful night of fellowship, food and a movie with an important message. The movie, entitled "Temple Grandin" Is the true story of a young woman who not only overcame her Autism to earn a PhD. but learned that her Autism was a gift that enabled her to see the world in ways others could not.
In one scene, Temple's high school science teacher shows the class an optical illusion and challenges them to come up with how it was done. Almost immediately Temple responds "perspective". The teacher informs her she is correct but then adds another challenge. Can you repeat the illusion? Can you figure out the perspective?
In many ways that's the theme of the movie. Perspective. We see the world form temple's perspective, and we see temple form the perspective of others. To the cattlemen, she is an intrusion. To the students, she is a freak. To her roommate she is a friend. To her mother she is her daughter whom she will not let be ignored by the world. To her science teacher, and in many ways her Aunt, she is potential. It reminds us that life can be seen from several different perspectives. It's up to us to choose the perspective, the lens, through which we view the world and others.
I've seen that reminder in a different way the past few weeks. It's a trend I'm seeing in many social media venues. That's surprising as most social media trends tend to be a bit tiresome. But not this one. Many of my friends have taken "the 30 days of thanks" challenge. Each day they are to list three things they are thankful for. Each day has a theme so it can be a task.
It's refreshing to see some good things in social media. Its nice to see people being thankful. But I think the challenge is designed to teach us perspective. One can look at the world and only see challenges and problems. Or one can look at the worldand see the marvelous grace and blessings of God that are all around us. Do you see your job as a burden, or are you thankful for the blessings of having employment.
I suspect changing our perspective to seeing blessings, learning to be thankful, has some wonderful benefits. maybe you should try it. What might happen if you would change your perspective on your world and be thankful? As we creep closer to the holidays, there is no better time to start.
In Christ,
Dr. Brian Jones <><
Monday, November 5, 2012
What All Means
Shortly before he died, Singer Rich Mullins wrote a song about the infant daughter of a friend. The little girl, Madeline, was born severely handicapped. The Dr wasn't sure that Madeline would survive. In an interview after Rich's death the Madeline's father said that every time Rich would come to their home he would whisper into Madeline's ear. He asked Rich what was he whispering. "My prayers". "I believe when Madeline prays she prays for us all"
The notion that a little girl who could not speak, had almost no cognitive ability heard or understood Rich Mullins prayers smacks of sentimentality. Or at least our cynical hearts tell us. How could she possible know what a prayer was, let alone repeat it?
But there is great wisdom in what Mullins did. I don't think it was sentimental at all. he simply had a good grasp on what the Kingdom of God is all about. In an earthly kingdom only the powerful, the beautiful, the "gifted" can make a difference. In God's Kingdom even those for whom the world has little use can change the world. In fact we have a God who delights in using the least likely people to advance His Kingdom. He uses the murderer Moses, the adulterer David, the persecutor Saul, and the braggadocios Peter. He uses broken vessels like you and me. So why is it so strange to believe the prayers of Madeline could move mountains?
The church is at its best when we remember this. In the church, in this this little frail microcosm of redemption. everyone has a place. All are loved. All are useful. We are all hampered by something. For some of us its a physical or developmental difficulty. Some of us are hampered by fear, or guilt or regret. Most of us struggle with sin in some area of our lives. And yet Jesus still has a place for us. He still welcomes us and puts us to work in His Kingdom.
In this Election Week it's easy to believe that power lies with the charismatic, the wealthy, the well known. But the Bible tells us all of that will pass away. I for one am thankful that in the end my allegiance lies in a Kingdom where the prayers of the Madeline's of the world still make a difference.
If you would like to hear Madeline's song, cut and paste the link provided below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTwjsorzNz4
In Christ
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones
The notion that a little girl who could not speak, had almost no cognitive ability heard or understood Rich Mullins prayers smacks of sentimentality. Or at least our cynical hearts tell us. How could she possible know what a prayer was, let alone repeat it?
But there is great wisdom in what Mullins did. I don't think it was sentimental at all. he simply had a good grasp on what the Kingdom of God is all about. In an earthly kingdom only the powerful, the beautiful, the "gifted" can make a difference. In God's Kingdom even those for whom the world has little use can change the world. In fact we have a God who delights in using the least likely people to advance His Kingdom. He uses the murderer Moses, the adulterer David, the persecutor Saul, and the braggadocios Peter. He uses broken vessels like you and me. So why is it so strange to believe the prayers of Madeline could move mountains?
The church is at its best when we remember this. In the church, in this this little frail microcosm of redemption. everyone has a place. All are loved. All are useful. We are all hampered by something. For some of us its a physical or developmental difficulty. Some of us are hampered by fear, or guilt or regret. Most of us struggle with sin in some area of our lives. And yet Jesus still has a place for us. He still welcomes us and puts us to work in His Kingdom.
In this Election Week it's easy to believe that power lies with the charismatic, the wealthy, the well known. But the Bible tells us all of that will pass away. I for one am thankful that in the end my allegiance lies in a Kingdom where the prayers of the Madeline's of the world still make a difference.
If you would like to hear Madeline's song, cut and paste the link provided below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTwjsorzNz4
In Christ
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones
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