Faith Matters

Stop It: Boredom

2010-08-25T05:30:00.001-07:00

I am so bored with the complaint, "I'm bored!" It is amazing to me that our world of hundreds of TV channels, high speed internet, sophisticated home gaming systems, IPods and the IPad, has become uninteresting, not only to small children, but to adults as well. How is it possible that we can be so bored when there are so many ways to occupy our time and attention?

To be "a bore" has been an expression in the English language since the 18th century, referring to a person who was dull or uninteresting. Charles Dickens used the word "boredom" for the first time in the novel, The Bleak House, in 1852 (some theorize this was Dicken's way of expressing his views about his publisher, or his general attitude after writing his ninth novel). However boredom is an ancient concept referring to a lack of fascination and satisfaction with life and its activities.

While psychological studies have been done to understand the emotional response of being bored, it is my opinion that boredom is every much a philosophical result of a person's worldview, rather than a condition of one's emotions. People who are bored easily are so because few events and people captivate their interests. Activities and entertainment are used to fill time and provide some sense of excitement and purpose, but after a while, those become mundane and uninteresting.

So, before I bore you further with more questions and theories, let me tell you what I believe the cure is for boredom. Curing bored begins with accepting a worldview which believes that enjoying life is not about constant entertainment and rushes of adrenaline, but rather enjoying the richness and fullness of creation, even when doing nothing.

I realize there are those who just read this blog and said, "how boring." Each week, I preach to an audience where I know there are at least a handful who are bored before the message begins. However, before you write this blog off altogether, consider this cure for boredom: seek to be engaged, rather than entertained. Be more engaged in life's simple pleasures - in conversation with someone you can learn from, in contemplation of God's meaning for life, in participation of activities that actually make a difference in the world.

How can you stop from being bored? Stop being a bore, and quit depending upon artificial activities and fantasies from having preeminence in your life. Engage yourself with God, his world, and his people, and not only will the world become more interesting, but so will you.

"Stop It: The Blame Game"

2010-08-19T03:41:00.000-07:00

If there is a mantra for people forty years and younger it is, "it's not my fault!" Whether it's poor job performance, participation on a sports team, or dealing with life issues, Gen X'ers and Gen Y'ers frequently want to blame someone or something else for their failings. This isn't a newly uncovered social discovery I'm sharing with you, but it is one that needs to be confronted.

Since I am not a social scientist, and have done no studies on this issue, I cannot tell you where this all came about. I can only conjecture that perhaps since the 1960's, our country has put so much emphasis on a child's self-esteem, that we have neglected personal responsibility in the raising of children. Whatever the reasons, there are many young adults today who are incapable of admitting blame, and taking responsibility for their mistakes. As a pastor, I have seen this affect everything from marriage difficulties, job dissatisfaction, to drug and alcohol dependency in today's 20 to 30-somethings.

All of us have negative and difficult situations to deal with in life. There are some people who have had devastating and tragic things happen to them, that are no fault of their own. What is our responsibility is how we respond to these adverse situations, and decide to live from that point forward.

So, in keeping with the spirit of this blog series, I'm not going to give complicated, psychological answers to change this behavior; all I'm going to simply say is: STOP IT! Stop blaming other people for your failings. Stop reacting to correction before you've actually listened to what is being said. Stop the attitude that you can do nothing wrong, and therefore, cannot be corrected by anyone. Stop the thinking that you are perfect, because you're not, and neither am I.

When Christians play "the blame game," it limits opportunities for growth. Hebrews 12:4-6 reads, "In ths all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through...So don't feel sorry for yourselves...My dear children, don't shrug off God's disciple, but don't be crushed by it either. It's the child he loves that he disciplines, the child he embraces, he also corrects. (The Message)"

Fellow believers, listen to the correction of God and God's people. It's not being done to make you feel badly, but rather to make you better! Be better today. Be people who are strong enough to accept blame, when necessary, and wise enough to learn from it.

STOP IT!

2010-08-10T06:01:00.000-07:00

As a pastor, I listen to a lot of people who have problems. Some of these problems can be blamed upon the sinful realities of our world, but many are simply due to their own mistakes. For some time, I have been concerned with the inability of some people to own up to their sinfulness or self-pity and simply stop their destructive behaviors. So, over the next several weeks, I will be addressing various actions that people simply need to stop. It will be unapologetically blunt, honest, and open. It is not necessarily a reflection of issues that people in my church are currently dealing with, but rather the self-inflicted struggles I have witnessed inside and outside of the church. In case you think I'm being pompous and judgemental, some of these will be issues that I've struggled with in my life and need to stop doing as well.

So, if you are interested in knowing how to make your life better, I encourage you to read the postings over the next several weeks. Until then, check out and enjoy the "Stop It!" clip featuring one of my favorite comedians, Bob Newhart.

Bob Newhart-Stop It!!

2010-08-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

Lessons From Joshua: "Unlikely Heroes"

2010-02-22T05:34:00.000-08:00

The book of Joshua is about the second generation of Israelites who take possession of the land God had promised them. It is a book of warfare, diplomacy, and espionage. In chapter two, there is an interesting story about a woman who becomes an ally of Israel, Rahab. Rahab is a resident of the great walled city of Jericho, which was one of the first major obstacles for Israel to overcome in possessing the Promised Land.

Joshua sends two spies to infiltrate Jericho to gather intelligence for the upcoming battle. The king of Jericho hears of this and begins a search for the spies. However, Rahab hides them in her house, in exchange for the safety of her family when Israel invades Jericho. The reason Rahab gave for doing this was because of the reputation of Israel's God. Rahab testified, "the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath." At that moment, Rahab became a follower of the one true God.

If you do not know the story of Rahab, you may be surprised at what she did for a living - she was a prostitute. However, upon hearing of the greatness of God, and given the opportunity to believe, she did, and her life was transformed.

What may be more surprising about Rahab, is that she became an acestor to a great lineage of descendants. After the battle of Jericho, the Israelites allowed Rahab and her family to become part of their community, and she eventually married, and had a family of her own. Her impressive list of progeny include Ruth, Jesse, David, and Jesus. That's right, a one-time pagan prostitue was an ancestor of our Lord!

The story of Rahab is a great lesson that God can use anyone, in spite of whatever background or lifestyle one had. The Bible is full of unlikely heroes whom the world dismisses, but God never gives up on. Maybe you feel unworthy of God's love, or there is nothing you can offer to God. If that is your feeling, just remember, one of Jesus' great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, grandmother's was a prostitue.

Suggested Reading:
*Joshua Chapter Two
*Matthew 1:1-17
*Hebrews Chapter Eleven (notice verses 30-31)

Lessons From Joshua: "Be Strong and Courageous"

2010-02-15T06:07:00.000-08:00

Beginning in June, I will begin a series of messages at Community from the book of Joshua. In preparation for that series, I have begun reading Joshua and reflecting upon it personally. Each Monday, I will share a thought from the sixth book of the Old Testament, and suggest some readings for the rest of the week. The first one is from Joshua chapter one.

The book of Joshua is about the people of Israel inhabiting the land that God had promised them upon their release from slavery from Egypt. Moses had just died and God placed Joshua as leader of Israel. Because of Israel's lack of faith and disobedience, a generation of people had to die off before God gave them permission to enter "The Promised Land" and it was now time. Only two men from the first generation were allowed to enter the land, Joshua and Caleb. They were the only two of the twelve spies, in the book of Numbers, who had faith that God could deliver the land to them. They were not only men of faith, but men of courage.

It should not be suprising to us then that four times in chapter one (verses 6, 7, 9, and 16) Joshua tells the people of Israel to "be strong and courageous." Joshua reminds this new generation that God will provide what he promised and when given the plan for possessing the land the people responded, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go (1:16)."

Joshua could encourage the people to be "strong and courageous," because he was strong and courageous. He had built up enough "leadership capital" that when the time for action came, the people believed in their leader. Joshua had proven to be a man of great faith, and this encouraged the people in their faith.

I once heard that "courage is not the absence of fear, but action in the presence of fear." Perhaps you are facing a major decision or action this week that requires a great deal of courage on your part. Maybe you are fearful of making a wrong choice and you are tempted to not do anything. The reason we are talking about Joshua today, 3,000 years removed from his death, is because he was a man of courage who found his strength in the Lord. If you are crippled by your fear, turn it over to God, and be empowered by God's strength. He has enough for all of us!

Suggested Reading:
*Numbers Chapters 13 & 14
*Joshua Chapter 1

Big News For The Adams Family

2009-12-12T18:18:00.000-08:00

Michelle and I want to share some wonderful news with you. As you may know, we do not have children and have considered adoption throughout the years. In recent months we've decided to not pursue an adoption through an agency, but rather give our situation to God and accept his will for our lives - whether that would be our own biological child, receive a child through a private adoption, or remain childless. We purposed in our hearts that if God blessed us with a child then we would know it was truly a gift from him, and not through our own efforts.

Well, in the past few weeks, God has answered! Through a series of events we were contacted, out of the blue, by a father whose teenage daughter is pregnant. This young woman decided to place her unborn son up for adoption and contacted us. This family knew of us through a person in our church, but we knew nothing about them. After phone conversations and a meeting with this family, we have joyfully agreed to adopt this child as ours. The due date for our son is April 13th.

There is so much to this story that I will one day share in more detail, but we wanted our cyberspace community to know our wonderful news. We appreciate your prayers because this has happened so quickly and there is much to do by April. We are so humbled by God's gracious gift to us. He truly has provided for us!

Veterans Day Ironies

2009-11-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

This past Wednesday, November 11th, marked another Veterans Day holiday. Originally called "Armistice Day," the holiday was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on November 11, 1919 to remember the formal cessation of the "Great War" (later to become known as World War I) the following year. In 1954, Congress changed "Armistice Day" to "Veterans Day," making it a federal holiday honoring all veterans of the United States armed forces.

Two events took place this past week that seemed to add more sobriety to this year's Veterans Day: the shooting at Fort Hood, Texas on November 5th, and the execution of the "D.C. Sniper," John Allen Muhammed on the 10th.

Major Nidal Malik Hasan, a psychiatrist in the United States Army, is allegedly responsible for the shooting that claimed the lives of 13 people, and injured 30 others at the Soldiers Readiness Center at Fort Hood. Hasan, a Muslim, was shot, and at least temporarily paralyzed, but in stable condition at the time of this writing. So far, his motives are only speculated upon, but there appears to be some indication that Hasan's religious views could have played a part in the rampage.

Over a three-week span of time in October of 2002, John Allen Muhammed, and his 17-year old companion, Lee Malvo, shot fifteen people in the Washington, D.C. suburbs of Maryland and Virgina, killing ten. Muhammed and Malvo were connected to seven other murders in Alabama, Louisiana, Arizona, California, and Washington state the month before. Malvo would be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Muhammed was convicted by the state of Virginia for the murder of one of the victims and executed by lethal injection at 9:11 PM on November 10, 2009. He had been a sergeant in the United States Army and served during the Gulf War in the early 1990's. While no clear cut motive had been given by Muhammed, Malvo testified at his trial that the shootings were motivated by Muhammed's plan to extort money from the United States government, and use it to "set up a camp to train children to terrorize cities."

As a side note, the Beltway Sniper Attacks are very personal for me because the church I was serving at the time, Montrose Baptist Church in Rockville, Maryland, was in the epicenter of the first two days and last day of the shootings. One of the shootings took place at a gas station that I frequented, and was at the night before the final shooting, which occurred one block away. The attacks created a tremendous amount of fear for the region. Outdoor sports events were canceled, people sat in their cars while getting gas, and some even used vacation time or sick leave to get out of town while the matter was resolved. The school associated with our church, Montrose Christian, would not allow children to go outside for recess and changed the procedures for how parents could drop-off and pick-up their children for school. It is a testimony to the fear that a couple of individuals can inflict upon millions of people.

Major Hasan and John Muhammed were both veterans of the United States Army. Their service records had given no previous indication that they were capable of such attrocities, and some have wondered if the stresses of the military and combat are what contributed to their violent actions. Whatever the causes for their actions, it is reminder that not all who wear the uniform and benefit from the training of our nation's armed forces do so honorably and act responsibly.

Honor comes from what one does, not from the uniform worn or the position attained. History has shown that there have been people who have served in our armed services, that were not honorable people. The same can be said of every service profession that people admire such as educators, police officers, and ministers.

The shootings at Fort Hood, Texas and the execution of John Allen Muhammed, both within a week of Veterans Day, were ironic events that could have easily distracted us from honoring those men and women deserving of honor. However, it appeared to me that this year's Veterans Day was much more meaningful for people. If so, maybe it was due to a growing appreciation of our military because of the ongoing efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, or that most of us know at least one person who have served in those two countries recently. Perhaps it was because of the stories of two veterans who behaved dishonorably and we wanted to take the focus away from them. Whatever it was, I believe Americans wanted to express their appreciation to our veterans this Veterans Day more than they have in a while.

As Army veterans, Nidal Malik Hassan and John Allen Muhammed may have brought shame upon themselves, but not on others who have served and lived their lives honorably. Hassan's and Muhammed's stories, and the ironic timing of their actions and demise, do not taint the bravery and commitment of the majority of men and women who wear the uniforms of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. In fact, it probably heightens our sense of appreciation more.

Veterans and current members of the United States armed forces, God bless you! Thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country. May your actions prove to be beneficial, not only for the United States, but in all the countries you serve.

Flu, Fear, and Faith

2009-10-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

There is a menace running amuck, and it is called H1N1, or "The Swine Flu." This supposedly new strand of influenza was discovered this past year, and has set-off panic in much of our country. As of October 10, 2009, H1N1 has spread to 46 states and caused 292 deaths.

"The flu," is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. There are many different strands of it, with H1N1 being the most famous right now. A few years ago, Avian Influenza, or "the Bird Flu," was the trendy fear, now, "the Swine Flu," has taken its place.

I don't want to be insensitive to those who have contracted the flu, or even died from it. It is a very serious illness, especially for children, the elderly, and anyone with an existing disease or disability. I've only had the flu once in my life, when I was 17, and it was horrible! I missed an entire week of school, and literally stayed in bed, quarantined from family, for three days. It was the sickest I had ever been in my life and hope to never have it again!

However, something this morning set me off to this "Swine Flu Pandemic" panic. On my Yahoo home page, there was a featured video about H1N1, from a local New York City televion station. I don't know the technical jargon for news production, but when the story segue from the previous story to the feature on the flu, a dark graphic with dramatic music, and a grim-faced and solemn speaking anchorperson appeared, telling us that they were "tracking the H1N1 virus." "Tracking," really? Were they going to individual homes and documenting who had been infected with the virus? Did they send out teams of reporters, hoping to film footage of the virus morphing itself into a giant, uber germ intent on attacking Manhattan, like Godzilla?

The age we live in seems to be one in which people are immobilized by their fears. I don't mean a healthy fear of things that can truly harm us, but fear of the normal things in life, like the flu! Guess what, the flu comes every year. People get it, and sometimes, a few people die from it. However, people also get the mumps, chickenpocks, and measels and sometimes die from them as well.

H1N1 can cause serious illness and disruption into people's lives, and should be taken seriously. There are signs to watch for, vaccinations to receive, and preventative measures to take to attempt avoiding it. However, it is not the end of the world. It is the flu and more than likely, you will not die from it, even though it may feel like it.

We live in a world crippled by fear. I think one of the reasons for this is most people are not accepting of the way things are in this world. The fact is, people get sick and die. Economies rise, and fall. Fortunes are earned, and lost. While we should strive for a world that is healthy, fair, and equitable, we need to understand that this world will never be perfect; it will never be free of disease, sickness, accidents, and failure. However, we can be free from the captivity of fear, and live our lives with peace and contentment, no matter what difficulties occur.

Psalm 27:1 says, "The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" What do you fear the most? Is it H1N1, losing your job, global warming, death? Whatever is causing you to be held captive by fear, I want you to ask yourself, "what is the 'stronghold' of my life?" If you are terrified of financial ruin, then money is what you value. If you stay awake at night, tormented with thoughts of environmental chaos, then this world is what you love the most. If God does not enter your thoughts at any time during your difficulties, then you will know that God is not real to you and does not have control of your life.

God has created us to desire more than the things of this world. I think one of the reasons God allows sickness, personal problems, and difficulties, is that God wants us to realize that all this world offers is temporary. It has no lasting value, and is only used to give us a glimpse of the eternal.

I hope you don't get the flu this year or ever. I hope that you can live your life in health, wealth, and comfort, but you know as well as I do, that difficulties are always around the corner. Whether it is H1N1, cancer, marital problems, or unemployment, it will be something, and in that moment of difficulty, you will truly know what and who is the stronghold of your life.

In the meantime, try to stay away from the flu. For more information about Influenza, check out these sites:

http://www.flufacts.com/
www.CDC.gov/swineflu

"Fool Me Once...Fool Me Twice: Why Kentucky Fans May Be Fool Me Thrice"

2009-08-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

You will not find a bigger University of Kentucky basketball fan than me. My earliest remembrances of UK basketball was watching the 1978 team beat Duke for the National Championship, with my dad. A few months later, Dad took me to a local car dealership to get an autograph from All-American center Rick Robey. From that moment on, I was hooked. Basketball was my sport and Kentucky my team and I have loved following it for most of my life.

I know the history of Kentucky basketball inside and out. I can tell you the jersey number of the reserve power forward from the 1981 squad - Chuck Verderber, #34 - who incidentally had an appendectomy the middle of the season. I remember big shots, plays and moments from the greatest games during my life. I'm such a big UK fan, that in spite of my admiration for the Civil Rights Movement, the famed 1966 title game against Texas Western (who was the first team to start an all black lineup) is just another heartbreaking loss for me and not a great social moment to celebrate in the progress of African-Americans.

As with many other rabid UK basketball fans, often our passion for the program overtakes our judgement and reason. For instance, I remember people celebrating the resignation of head coach Joe B. Hall in 1985, because he hadn't "won enough" during his tenure. However, in 13 years, Coach Hall won a national championship; was a runner-up in 1975 to the legendary John Wooden, whose last game was that title game against the Cats; went to another Final Four in 1984 and lost a heartbreaking overtime game to Louisville in the 1983 Mid-East Regional that would have sent them to another one. He also had a record of 297-100, which is a .748 winning percentage.

Here's another example of UK fans' passion, that often translates to lunacy. In the early part of the decade, I ran into a friend at a mall, while visiting my parents in Ashland. We were talking about then UK coach, Tubby Smith, and how disappointing his season finishes were after winning the National Championship his first year in 1998. I'll never forget my friend's response when I said that Coach Smith may need to win the National Championship to keep his job: "Oh, I don't think he'll keep his job even if he wins the National Championship." Huh? Are you serious? (Actually, I asked him if he was "stupid") See what I mean? There is a fine line between passion and insanity and Kentucky basketball fans are often on the wrong side.

Today, at the age of 38, I still love Kentucky basketball. However, one thing I no longer do is attach my ego and sense of self-worth to whether college students win basketball games or not. Credit it to maturing, moving out of the state of Kentucky, realizing that most of the world doesn't give a crap about college basketball, I don't know, but I feel that I have a better handle on allowing my passion overtake my judgement.

This past week, the NCAA ruled that the University of Memphis must forfeit its 2008 Final Four appearance, due to an ineligible player who allegedly had someone take the SAT college entrance exam for him. The coach of Memphis that year was John Calipari, the new UK coach. These allegations are intensified by the fact that this is the second Calipari coached team that has had a Final Four appearance erased. His 1996 Massachusetts team was stripped of their Final Four because a player had signed an agent and received payment throughout the season, a major NCAA violation.

In both instances, John Calipari was not named in the NCAA's investigations. He was not directly blamed for the player's indiscretions, nor did he personally ever receive sanctions from the NCAA. However, the two schools he coached at before UK did suffer a blow, not only in the loss of rewards and accolades, but in reputation. It has been described that you never saw the fires of misconduct at a John Calipari program, but rather a haze that shifted wherever he went. Unfortunately, that "haze" has shifted to Lexington.

The scandals at Massachusetts and Memphis have followed Coach Cal to Lexington, and everyone from the Governor of Kentucky to the most loyal UK fan blogs are defending the coach. "He didn't sign the agents;" "He didn't setup someone to take the test;" "He can't know everything that goes on with his players," are the common defenses for the coach, who has not even won a game for UK, but whose past successes have titillated fans with dreams of more championships.

During the late 1980's, the University of Kentucky men's basketball program received major NCAA sanctions because of supposed money being given to players, and even a test taking scandal. Kentucky was stripped of games, lost scholarships and for two years was not allowed to play in the post-season. As the all-time winningnest program in college basketball, it was a huge story, and brought shame to the Bluegrass state. It seems that many UK fans forgot the embarrassment and disappointment of that scandal plagued era.

I can't help to think that we are on the threshold of another scandal at UK. However, when I suggest that, I don't hear the same concern from my fellow UK fans, but rather knee jerk defenses that it won't happen here again; that the UK administration has Calipari on a short-leash and there is more accountability of him here than at Memphis and UMass. Well, I certainly hope so, but UK fans don't have a good track record when it comes to common sense and sound judgement. Winning and competing for championships is all that matters, and in a state where a college sport is worshipped, Kentucky fans have adopted a "don't ask, don't tell" policy when it comes to the recruiting practices of its coaches.

John Calipari may have been the best option for Kentucky as far as coaches go. He has demonstrated that he can recruit top talent and actually coach them. Another positive is that he actually has a high graduation rate for his players. However, I am amazed by the lack of concern of UK fans for the scandals in Calipari's past. Whether he had knowledge of what his players were doing or not, is not the issue. The point is that he should have. He should have known that Marcus Camby (former UMass player in 1990's) had hired an agent, while in school, and then kicked him off the team for doing it. He should have known that the Memphis player (believed to be Derrick Rose, now of the NBA's Chicago Bulls), associated with the kind of people who would try to help him cheat on a test. In all likelihood, Calipari did know, but turned his back to it, hoping that nothing of consequence would happen. I cannot blame Calipari for the decisions of his players, but I can accuse him of not doing his due diligence to avoid scandal.

You know the saying, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." Well, given Calipari's track record, my fear is that the University of Kentucky will be the third school where the embattled coach will have scandal, and it will be the UK administration and fans that will be the fools. You can't blame UMass, because Calipari was a young coach with no issue when they hired him and you can't blame Memphis either, because it had been several years since Calipari had coached college basketball when he took over as coach of the Tigers. However, UK fans demanded a high profile coach and university officials, and even the Governor himself, conceded to gamble on whether or not Calipari would stay clean at his third big-time program. For the Big Blue Nation, it is a high risk, but unfortunately, the odds are against us.

So, my fellow UK fans, enjoy the euphoria that will come with short-term success, but be prepared for when Coach Cal is long gone that we will likely reap the rotten fruits of his labor. I hope I am wrong, but Calipari is two-for-two when it comes to scandal. Why wouldn't UK be any different?

Being a supporter of something does not mean you cannot criticize it. Just because I am a Republican, does not mean I cannot be critical of the decisions of former President Bush. In fact, your love and support for something should cause you to demand ethical excellence and accountability from those who represent your interests.

When it is all said and done, Kentucky basketball is just a game, that's all. It doesn't broker world peace, feed the hungry, or offer hope for the salvation of the world. It is a game played by young men and coached by one who gets rich off their performance. However, our unchecked passion and demand for championships will reflect what we value and what ethics we are willing to exchange for short-term success; and in the end, it may be the fans who end up looking foolish.

"The Audacity of Hops"

2009-07-31T05:42:00.000-07:00

Hey, did you hear the one about the Professor, the Policeman and the President getting together for a beer at the White House? Probably not since I just made it up...

The President, a professor and a policeman were invited to the White House for a beer. When asked what beer they would like to drink, the policeman said, "Give me whatever you've got on tap." The professor answered, "I don't drink beer; may I see your wine list?" And the President responded, "I'll have to confer with my political advisors first to see which beer is least offensive to both religious and non-religious groups, as well as the beer making cities of America. In the meantime, just bring me water, but not in a bottle, because that's not ecologically friendly; oh, and not from a tap, because that's surely not safe either. Instead, fly some in from a pristine moutain stream in one of the most economically depressed areas in the country and pay them a million dollars for it. Better yet, hold the water and I'll go there myself for a great photo op; Mr. Vice-President, take over!"

My feeble attempt at humor is not to make fun of the real-life meeting that took place yesterday between President Barack Obama, Vice-President Joe Biden, Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates and Cambridge, Massachusetts police sergeant Joseph Crowley, but rather to illustrate the vast diversity of experiences and perspectives represented at the small table on the White House lawn. Ok, maybe it was also intended to make a little fun of it too.

The famed "Beer Summit" was caused by events in July that led to the arrest of Professor Gates, an African-American, at his own home by Sergeant Crowley, a white man. The cause of the arrest was disorderly conduct, allegedly after Gates protested for being questioned from trying to forcibly enter his home due to not having his house keys. The details of the situation have been murky and both sides have continued to justify their actions and responses.

What fueled the intensity of the situation was President Obama's answer when asked about Gates' arrest. The President strongly stated that the Cambridge police department "acted stupidly," when they arrested his friend, Gates, at his home. The Cambridge police quickly dropped the charges, but the debate has only intensified. The Gates situation has highlighted, once again, that race is still an issue in America, even within a year of the election of the nation's first African-American president.

I have been, as the President described, "fascinated by the fascination," to the meeting yesterday. Cable news pundits, bloggers, and even my own Facebook friends, have weighed in heavily on whether the President had any business meeting with Gates and Crowley, and whether or not this was just a staged photo-op to help the President smooth over his statements about the Cambridge police. Well, here's my two-cents: the President not only had the right to engage in this dialogue, but the responsibility, especially after commenting as strongly as he did about the situation.

What President Obama displayed at the July 22nd press conference, in using the now infamous adverb, "stupidly," was that he is not just the nation's first African-American president, but also a human being. He is personally affected when a friend is arrested and it appears race was an issue. He understands that racism still exists in America and his legacy will largely rest on how he addressed those issues as president. While President Obama has an ambitious agenda, the fact is, he will be judged primarily on whether or not he narrowed the racial divide in the U.S., or split it even further.

I believe much of the motivation in scheduling yesterday's unique event was for the President to calm reactions to his rhetoric about the situation. How many of us have said things in haste that we later regretted? How many of us did something to correct it afterward? I'd like to commend the President for having the guts to do something different, even if it looked a little cheesy.

The responses I see from some of my fellow Republicans, about this situation, are down-right ridiculous. Fox News conservative talk-show host, Glen Beck, recently accused the President of hating "white culture." "White culture," what is that? If Beck means monster-truck rallies, wall-mounted singing toy fish, and the mullet hairstyle, then count me in as a "hater" as well. Beck's comments and the knee jerk responses from Republicans, who automatically take issue with anything Democrats propose (which also happens vice-versally), displays that our country has a communication problem. Which is why what happened at the White House lawn yesterday was so refreshing; and I don't mean the cold brewskies that were served.

In all realms of life, many people do not know how to dialogue with those whom they have disagreements. From pastors and parishoners, to politicians and passionate idealogues, statements are made about others we disagree with without first understanding their point of view. It is much easier to blog, post a YouTube video, make a statement to the press, or just complain to someone else, than talk to the person you disagree with and gain a better understanding. This does not mean you will walk away in agreement, but it does mean that you can disagree with dignity and open the door for some sort of reconciliation in the future.

Yesterday's White House "Brew Ha Ha" may have been only a publicity stunt or political ploy in order to improve the President's poll numbers. However, the symbolism of the pictures was dramatic! It was just fifty years ago that in much of the country, a black person could not eat in the same restaurant or use the same toilet as a white person. Now, a U.S. president and Harvard professor, both black, could sit peacefully at the White House and have a beer with two other white men, the Vice-President of the United States and a police office, and discuss one of the most sensitive issues of our time.

As I saw the limited pictures and video from yesterday's meeting, I began thinking about how this approach should be utilized more in the church. Yes, I know there are Christians who don't want anything to do with alcohol, so insert your favorite frosty or hot, non-alcoholic beverage here. The point is, how many theological and ministry differences could be handled better if believers just sat down and talked to one another? Instead of rattling off Bible verses, writing letters to denominational agencies, or leading coups to get pastors fired, why not go to the person you have an issue with and dialogue? Have a beer, get a coffee, go for ice cream, whatever, but at least talk AND listen. Who knows, maybe you'll end up learning something and become a better person - how audaciously hopeful!

"Leadership Lesson #1: Leaders Are Not Born, They're Made

2009-07-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

The mafia has a term for one of its own who transitions from an underling to a position of leadership: a "made guy." This means they have risen in the ranks of the "family" by demonstrating loyalty, leadership, and of course, the ability to commit nefarious crimes successfully and profitably. While we should not advocate the mafia style of leadership to anyone, it is interesting how the captains and bosses are always looking out for the next generation of "made guys" and are willing to invest time in them. They know that leadership is not limited to a son of the Don, but will often be revealed in someone who has perservered through trials and found worthy of being made a leader.

You've probably heard it said of someone, "they're a born leader," upon witnessing leadership qualities in them. However, there is a problem with the phrase, it assumes that all leaders are equipped with the skills necessary having just exited the womb! As if leadership can be genetically passed down, or prepared pre-natally. The fact of the matter is, leaders are not born, they are made through the experiences and reactions of life and the mentorship of other people.

Take Moses for example. He was born into slavery then hidden by his mother to spare his life from the infanticide of Hebrew babies, ordered by the Egyptian Pharoah. Moses was discovered by a princess of Egypt and grew up with all of the privileges that living in the royal household could provide: the best education, physical training, and mentorship in learning how to rule an empire. All of these experiences helped to prepare Moses for a time when he would return to his Hebrew roots and lead his people in a mass exodus from Egypt, to a land where God would make them a nation of their own.

Moses was not a great leader because he was born that way, but because he was made one through mentorship and life experiences. He did not just benefit from privilege and opportunity, but also from difficulties and challenges.

I have found that people perceive challenging life experiences in one of two ways: as great teachers or great torturers. If you are constantly looking at the challenges of life negatively and asking, "why me?" You will never be a great leader. However, if you understand that life is comprised by both blessings and burdens, and that we can learn and benefit from both, then you have the potential to be made into a great leader.

Leaders take advantage of all of the opportunities they receive in life. Most of us will never benefit from an Ivy League education or learning from the great business tycoons or political minds of our time. However, opportunity for learning and growth is available to all of us in extracting the lessons from life that builds a foundation for leadership.

Perhaps the most important foundation for leadership is not being "naturally born," but rather "supernaturally born." God has a way of taking all of our talents, abilities, interests and experiences and making us into what he wants to get things done.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6)." When we allow God to utilize all that makes us who we are, we can lead and influence people, no matter what situation we were born into, and what we have experienced in life. Leadership is not a pedigree to be passed down, but rather the potential in a person to be developed.

Leadership Lessons: Intro

2009-07-06T06:18:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing that there is not a lack of in the world it is books on leadership. So, intending to share my thoughts about this subject over the next several weeks, probably seems redundant and repetitive. However, there are many facets about leadership that intrigue me, notably, those who claim to be experts on the matter and the goals of potential leaders. Much of the material about leadership is self-serving and encourages people to use others for their own personal goals. Certainly, not qualities becoming of a Christian leader.

Pastors are among the highest readers of books on leadership. Many of us devour these resources, looking for the next great principle or innovation that will help transform us into dynamic, charismatic leaders, enabling us to lead our churches from being good to great. These books read are not limited to pastoral authorship: business people, sports figures, military personnel and politicians represent the diversity of leadership perspectives that pastors have received their counsel and mentorship from. On my bookshelf alone, I have three leadership books written by modern authors who have extracted and summarized leadership principles from the lives of the late Confederate General Robert E. Lee and Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Harry Truman.

There is nothing wrong with learning from other leaders. Any time you are in a position of leadership it is good to be motivated, get new ideas and seek to improve your skills. However, leadership is not limited to pastors, managers, coaches, politicians, and CEO's. You do not have to be employed or even have a public ministry to be a leader. Leadership is about influence - about getting things done. Any time you can influence another human being qualifies you as a leader.

So, over the next several weeks, I want to focus on some key leadership principles from Scripture. The blogs will highlight the leadership styles and experiences of key biblical people from both the Old and New Testaments. The first discussion will be on Moses and his leadership of the people of Israel from their time of slavery in Egypt to the threshold of them entering the "Promised Land."

Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." All of us are in positions to lead and be led. As we seek to sharpen our influence on others, lets allow ourselves to be sharpened as well.

Jon & Kate, Too Late?

2009-06-23T05:03:00.000-07:00

I am no fan of "reality" television. In the past ten years, Michelle and I have watched the second season of "Survivor" and a couple of the "American Idol" seasons, but as far as that genre goes, that's about it. So, when tabloids began reporting the marital problems of Jon and Kate Gosselin, of the reality TV show Jon & Kate Plus 8, I wondered why it was such big news.

In my research on the hit TLC series, Jon & Kate Plus 8, I learned it has had five seasons and the most recent season premiere achieved a 9.8 ratings share, which is huge for a cable network. I knew the show featured the lives of Jon and Kate Gosselin and their eight children: a set of twins, age eight, and a set of sextuplets who are five years old. However, until recently, I didn't know the couple lived about an hour from me and their sextuplets were born at Hershey Medical Center. So, when the rumors began circulating about the Gosselin's marital problems, I started to take a little more interest since this was a local story and I knew people in my church watched the show.

On an episode that aired this past Monday, June 22nd, the couple confirmed they were having problems in their marriage and would be legally separating. However, that episode was recorded about a month before it aired, so it was reported on the show that the couple actually filed for divorce that day, June 22nd.

While I could care less about Jon & Kate Plus 8, I care about Jon and Kate Gosselin and their eight children. I do not know these people, what they have done in life, or what is in their hearts. So, my comments here are not intended to stand on some moral high ground and cast stones at the Gosselins. However, whether it is fair or not, the Gosselins made themselves public figures, and subsequently, their marriage, children and parental skills have become the subject of national discussion. Therefore, I would like to comment on three pitfalls of marriage that many couples, like the Gosselins, fall into today.

Pitfall #1: The Need for Children Becomes Greater Than Loving One's Spouse

Notice I did not say the "want" for children, or the "desire" for them. I purposefully wrote the "need" for children. As one half of an infertile couple, I understand firsthand the heartbreak of not being able to have children. Couples who choose not to have children may have different feelings about the matter, but I can tell you that is very difficult when the choice is made for you. Couples who deal with infertility face the decisions of trying fertility treatments, adoption, or remain childless. It is amazing how others want to make the decision for you when they find out you cannot conceive - how they think it is so easy to just flip a switch and go from learning that you cannot have children to automatically assuming that you will do whatever it takes to getting one. Well, I can tell you, as far as Michelle and I are concerned, it is not that easy.

As a pastor, I deal regularly with couples experiencing problems in their marriages, and one I encounter frequently is children taking priority over the marriage. Now, I understand when children are young they will command a great deal of their parent's energies and attention. There will be changes to the family dynamic that will challenge the husband and wife's intimacy and ability to spend time together. However, this is no excuse for diminishing your spouse. One of the best things I remember my father telling my brother and me is that while he loved us both deeply, he would always love our mother more and that's the way it should be! From what little I know of Jon and Kate Gosselin, it appears they had the opposite perspective on marriage.

Jon and Kate were in their early to mid-twenties when they married in 1999. It was less than one year later that Kate underwent fertility treatments which caused her to become pregnant with twins. Think about that - in just a year's time, the couple went from becoming husband and wife, to facing the challenges of infertility, to adjusting to life with twins. Then, four years later, they underwent treatment again and became pregnant with six! I applaud the Gosselins for not selectively aborting some of their fetuses when given the opportunity. However, why are so many married couples, like the Gosselins, so ambitious for children and will do whatever it takes to get them? This leads to a second pitfall of marriage...

Pitfall #2: Not Realizing When A Family Begins

Over the years, Michelle and I have been asked regularly when we are going to start a family. Originally, I probably said something "spiritual" or sanctimonious like, "in God's time." However, my answer now is that we started our family on August 7, 1993; we just haven't added any children to it.

Family begins with the husband and wife. If more couples understood this reality, it would transform their marriages. When a couple makes it their primary ambition and priority to have children, the marriage will fail. That does not mean they will divorce, but more often than not, it will mean that when their children are out of the house, they will likely be left with an empty and unfilled marriage.

Parents who understand that their first responsibility is to their spouses and not their children, will not only transform their marriages, but will also become better parents. A happy household is when mom and dad love one another and are examples of a committed, loving relationship to their children. Children are most blessed, not when they are the center of attention, but when they witness the love and commitment their parents have for each other and that is celebrated in the family dynamic. Abraham Lincoln said it well, "The greatest gift a father can give to his children, is to love their mother."

To anyone who is married, or considering marriage, the decision to have children should not be to fulfill some selfish need for validation or to leave a legacy, but rather it should be the celebration of the love the husband and wife have for one another.

Pitfall #3: Personal Ambitions Defining Personal Happiness

I do not know what motivated the Gosselins to agree to have their lives invaded by television crews and allow millions of people to watch them live their lives - perhaps it was financial. I mean seriously, how does one feed eight kids? Maybe it started out simply as a human interest story and then the allure of fame and fortune became too much. I don't know, like I said, I don't know these people. However, I do know people who allow work, career, education, money, etc, to become the most important thing in their lives. No longer are they primarily interested in taking care of their families and providing financial security for them, but they neglect them in order to get something that appears to be more satisfying.

If I have sounded judgmental of Jon and Kate Gosselin, I apologize. My heart breaks for them and I hope they can find peace and reconciliation. However, the sadness of this story is that it appears a ten-year marriage will be dissolved and that eight children will have to split time with the two people who love them most in this world, rather than celebrate their family under one roof.

Is it too late for Jon and Kate Gosselin to reconcile and save their marriage? Due to their filing for divorce this past Monday, it appears that way. However, I hope that I am proven wrong and hear that they are able to reconcile and have a fulfilling life together, with their eight children. What troubles me most about this situation, is many seem more concerned with Jon & Kate Plus Eight than they are with Jon and Kate Gosselin and their eight children. Maybe, that's what the problem was all along.

"The Contemplative Christian"

2009-06-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

Recently, I began re-reading a book I had to read my first year of seminary, by the late Trapist monk, Thomas Merton (1915-1968). The book, New Seeds of Contemplation, is an updated and expanded version of one of the most popular of the seventy books that Merton wrote. Fifteen years ago, I did not want to read this book. At the time, I could not understand why an evangelical, Protestant seminary was requiring me to read a book written by a Catholic priest! However, I read the text and completed my assignment, which included a summary on each chapter and my response to Merton's thoughts.

Typically, when reading theological and devotional books, I write in the margins or the last page of the chapters, in order to dialogue with the author and reflect upon the themes at a later time. As I began my second reading of the book, I reviewed my comments, and realized that it impacted me more than what I had thought or wanted to admit! In reading Merton's book, I was challenged for the first time to not only learn about the facts of the Bible and Christianity, but to consider the deep mysteries of faith, while embracing the struggles of the contemplative life.

As is suggested by the title, Seeds of Contemplation was Merton's attempt to encourage Western Christians to contemplate and consider more deeply the spiritual life. While Merton studied Eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, he remained committed to Christian doctrine, but was impressed with the discipline of meditation those other religions employed.

A student of Eastern religions knows their desired outcome of meditation is to empty oneself of the world and escape the reality of its evils. In contrast to these outcomes, Merton is clear about his view of contemplation: "Let none hope to find in contemplation an escape from conflict, from anguish or from doubt. On the contrary, the deep, inexpressible certitude of the contemplative experience awakens a tragic anguish and opens many questions in the depths of the heart like wounds that cannot stop bleeding."

Today, many are trying to escape reality through such avenues as exotic vacations, video games, cyber-relationships and constant activity. The harsh realities of our world are often too much for some as they attempt to engage with life just enough to make money and then escape into some type of mental or physical recreation. No wonder that yoga and other meditative classes and activities are so popular; people want a break from the world because they do not know how to deal with it!

A contemplative Christian is one who does not escape the realities of our world, but rather engages with it. While many critics of our faith point to evil and injustice as "evidence" against a loving, all-powerful God, the contemplative Christian recognizes those realities do exist and are part of life's tapestry, which can lead to a fuller understanding of existence and a deeper experience with God.

Thomas Merton was a unique Christian. By vocation, he was a monk who lived a life of seclusion and asceticism in a monastery in western Kentucky. He was not married, did not have children, nor did he have to commute to work and deal with traffic and continual road repairs. His life was dedicated to the reflection of the spiritual, while he was often isolated from the realities of the physical. However, Merton's books continue to be popular among Christians, and non-Christians, who are looking for a way to be in the world, but not of it.

On the night of his arrest, Jesus prayed, "My prayer is not that you take them [his disciples] out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one (John 17:15)." From the time of his original disciples, to the modern church today, it was never God's plan to remove Christians from the world, but rather to empower us to engage with it.

So, how prepared are you to engage your world? How much contemplation and meditation have you given to the truths of our faith? When you are practicing the Christian disciplines are you doing so in order to appease a guilty conscience, impress others with your spiritual "maturity," or to understand more fully the application of our faith in world that will always need Christ?

Think about it.

There But For The Grace of God Goes Sandy Adams Jr...

2009-06-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

John Bradford was a leading English, Protestant reformer during the reign of Catholic Queen Mary Tudor in the sixteenth century. Bradford was executed for his Protestant convictions and reforms, but is best known for saying, "There but for the grace of God goes John Bradford." Bradford uttered this enduring statement in prison after witnessing the hanging of another inmate. However, he would experience the same fate due to his Protestant beliefs and efforts to reform Christianity in England.

For five centuries, Bradford's statement has been quoted by English speaking peoples with one alteration, the replacement of his name with the first person personal pronoun "I." Usually, those who quote the statment have witnessed someone who has fallen upon hard times or made a life altering mistake. It has served as a reminder that all of us are susceptible to life's pitfalls and none of us are above making tragic choices that could lead to our demise.

I have reflected a lot upon John Bradford's statement, and Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall," after learning that a former pastor and boss of mine finally plead guilty to several federal crimes, which included tax evasion and fraud, a couple of weeks ago. Almost seven years ago it was revealed to the congregation at Montrose Baptist Church in Rockville, MD, where I was an Associate Pastor, that our pastor had channeled funds from our Christian school through a "dummy" organization to help him purchase property which would become a Christian retreat center in Hagerstown, MD. The legal process was long and drawn out, and the scandal adversely affected the church of about 1,100, eroding it to about 250 today.

When I heard that the six-year federal investigation had finally ended and that my former pastor/boss plead guilty and would be facing prison time, I had several reactions: sadness, relief, sickness, pity, self-righteousness. I thought about a man with tremendous talents who allowed his personal ambitions and quest to build a "great church" cloud his judgement and respect for the law. For just a moment, I thought about how "good" I was and would never do something like this, but then I was convicted. The Holy Spirit brought to mind Proverbs 16:18 and John Bradford's famous statement. I started to understand that I had no right to cast judgement or invoke moral superiority over my former pastor/boss. The same temptations and tendacies to sin are every bit as evident in my heart and mind as his.

Being a pastor today is very challenging. No longer are we just called to "preach the word" and care for the spiritual and emotional health of our congregations, but we are expected to be experts in church growth and ministry development. The modern church's success is primarily measured on how large the congregation and budget is and how innovative or "cutting edge" we are. As a pastor who has received his vocational training in a Christian college and three seminaries, in the past twenty years, I have been exposed to the latest trends in church ministry. As a young man, these methods are so alluring because they are presented as if followed, then I too will have a "big" church, which must mean that I am doing something "great" for God.

When I think about my former pastor/boss, it is easy for me to pity him and be prideful. However, the truth is, I am every bit as capable of justifying my actions and believing that I am above reproach and accountability. I may not be breaking the law and may even have the best intentions in my ministry ambitions, but pride and arrogance will always be looming and I will often listen to their alluring call.

For the most part, there was nothing wrong with my former pastor's ministry ideas. However, they were implemented without respect for the church and the law. His ambitions were all that mattered to him and his arrogance deceived him into thinking that he was above accountability. However, those same dangers are lurking at the door of every pastor. While I am disappointed and saddened by the demise of a pastor, the lesson for me is that it is only by God's grace that I am not there myself. "There but for the grace of God goes Sandy Adams, Jr.," and oh by the way, you too.

A Little Bible Can Be a Dangerous Thing

2009-06-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

Alexander Pope wrote that "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing." I'd like to add that a little knowledge of the Bible can be a dangerous thing as well. Constantly, Christians claim understanding of the Bible simply because they own one and can read, which results in some making statements that are inflammatory and threatening.

Take for example Pastor Wiley Drake of the First Southern Baptist Church of Buena Park, California. The "Rev." Drake has recently stated that he is praying for the death of President Barack Obama, invoking the authority of the "Imprecatory Prayers" of the Psalms. The Imprecatory Psalms are those writings of David that pray curses and destruction upon his enemies and are among the most problematic passages of Scripture for Christians to explain. In a nationwide interview with Alan Colmes of Fox News Radio on June 2nd, Drake said that he is claiming the authority of the Word of God by praying for the death of the President by using Imprecatory Prayers.

Drake called President Obama an "usurper" to the White House and stated that "Imprecatory prayer is agreeing with God, and if people don't like that, they need to talk to God." When asked twice as to whether he was "praying for the death of the President of the United States," Drake answered "yes." He also added that "if he [Obama] does not turn to God and does not turn his life around, I am asking God to enforce imprecatory prayers that are throughout the Scripture that would cause him death."

Wiley Drake is an excellent example of someone who does not know the difference between what Scripture says and what Scripture means. While it is true that in times of distress King David prayed for the destruction of his enemies and invoked the authority of Yahweh to make it happen, there is no evidence that God answered his prayers. Also, there is no place in Scripture that commands us to pray for the destruction of anyone, no matter how egregious their actions.

The Imprecatory Psalms record the honest, and sometimes uncomfortable, thoughts and feelings of one of God's most famous servants. We know that David was not perfect and while his words are inspired, they are not an instruction manual for seeking the demise of people we consider our enemies. If we are to implement Drake's hermeneutic in this case, then why stop there? Why not restore Levitical law and return to sacrifices and stoning? I have a feeling that Drake would gladly welcome the latter!

Wiley Drake stated he is assured that he will be going to heaven because he has "a personal relationship with Jesus." Well, it appears the Pastor Drake forgot the shocking language of our Lord who said, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44)."

Pastor Wiley Drake may know Bible verses, but he does not know Jesus. If he did, he would be praying for the President of the United States, rather than praying for the death of a devoted husband and father of two. Wiley Drake may have received forgiveness for his sins, but I question his "personal relationship" with Jesus. It seems that Pastor Drake is more in love with the words of Scripture than the God behind it, and that my friends is idolatry, which was punishable by stoning in the Old Testament. It's a good thing Jesus said, "he who is without sin, cast the first stone (John 8:7)." I wonder if Pastor Drake knows that verse.

Blogging, Take Two

2009-06-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

After a hiatus from semi-regular postings on other social networking sites, I have reentered the blogging world in order to share whatever perspectives I may have regarding faith and how it is evidenced in all facets of life. However, my intention with this effort is to be more regular with at least one posting a week.

"Faith Matters" will feature my thoughts and commentary on the expressions of Christian faith in society, academia, pop culture, politics and of course, the church itself. My goal is to encourage Christians to think about larger theological, political and social issues, even if it challenges long held positions.

The spirit and intent of "Faith Matters" is to be devotional and encouraging. While controversial subjects may be addressed, my motivation is not to create controversy or offend anyone, but to broaden the dialogue of all who state that "Jesus is Lord." If you have topics that you would like for me to write about please let me know. Also, please let me know if the blogs are challenging and encouraging to you.

The United Methodist Church adopted a new slogan a few years ago: "Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors." I'm sure there were a lot of Christians who did not like this statement, but I like it; I like it a lot. That is the spirit of what I want "Faith Matters" to represent and I hope whatever is written is both challenging and encouraging to you.