The Halloween Question

Upon receiving an email from a children's ministry site I use for our Kid's Ministry from time to time, I followed a link to a forum (posted over a couple of years) about Christians and Halloween. I was interested to see what others thought, since this can be a sore spot of controversy between Christ-followers. I decided to copy my post here, to offer my thoughts to a few and see if you had thoughts of your own. My post, as well as the others, can be found at http://ministry-to-children.com/open-forum-halloween-and-christians-2007/comment-page-3/#comment-38740.

Feel free to comment below.

"We have a Trunk or Treat at our church. We probably touch both ends of the spectrum, with those that don't touch Halloween with a 40 foot pole and those who have never thought twice about it. I am the Associate Pastor of our church. My personal feeling, as well as [some of] those in the top committees of our church, is that it's a great opportunity to be visible to our community.

In the Keys, there is one road that connects everything. We are off of the Northbound lane. Everyone who wants to go somewhere will eventually go by the church. We will have live music (our Praise Band), a fire pit for s'mores, corndogs and lots of goodies to hand out. We even had a lady last year who dressed up like a Bible character and told the children Bible stories. We make it like a small fair where families can get off the street and away from the haunted houses (lots of people do this to their homes here), and get a dose of pure Love with no strings attached.

It may not be for everyone, but I have seen God bless our people, as well as the families that stop and visit."

In the Potter's Hand,
JW

New Song for Worship: O Great Love

So I heard this the other say for the first time and am impressed not only by the Spirit in the music but by the versatility and singability of the song. I am excited to teach this to our church.



You can download the chord chart (PDF) here:

O Great Love Chord Chart (Ab)


In the Potter's Hand,
JW

The Love Of God- Trouble

I have long told my children to be careful when someone else gets into trouble not to be make fun of them or enjoy it when an enemy suffers. The second half of this verse says this, "You will be punished if you make fun of someone in trouble." I think that's good outside motivation to not make fun of someone having a hard time, especially if they have brought it upon themselves.

But I think God loves a deeper motivation for not being happy about others' troubles. That's why I teach my children and those to whom I minister about 1 Corinthians 13:6. "Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil." the Love which God gives us through the Holy Spirit would never be happy when another suffers; no matter whom, no matter why.

Lord, cause me today to Love like You. Lead me to someone who needs Your AGAPE Love shown in their life, and make me an effective witness of what You desire for them.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

I Want To Know, Part 1

A person I follow on Twitter posted their reaction to a recent develpoement in the Presbyterian Church (USA) regarding the ordination of Gays and Lesbians (http://pomomusings.com/2011/05/11/presbyterians-to-ordain-gays-lesbians/). Upon reading it I really ran the gamut of feelings and, being the first to post a comment, wrote this:

"While being gay is not what ultimately separates a person from God, as ordained clergy myself I firmly believe that the Word of God is clear about God’s feelings about living an actively homosexual lifestyle. What urges and feelings a person overcomes through the help of the Holy Spirit when they stand in the pulpit is vastly different from living a lifestyle contrary the the Bible and proclaiming the Truth of God’s Word. I honestly do not see how this is reconciled anywhere in the Bible. (Perhaps this is where denomination steps in- I am Southern Baptist, which carries its own stigma.)

The following statement is made in all humility and honesty: I would very seriously like to see some Biblical backing and gain some wisdom in this issue. Can anyone show me?"

After a few days and an email message, I returned and saw the unfolding, fairly standard debate. After reading through a few, I posted this:

"I found myself starting to look for scriptures to back up my position with the intention of fighting and debating, and then I stopped.

The truth is this: God is Love. God loved all of us broken, egotistical, self-centered humans so much that He left Glory, committed Himself into the hands of a child and a middle-aged man as a Baby. He lived, He taught, He loved, He died, He atoned, He forgives, He rose, He ascended, He is coming.

HE rules and HE reigns and I DO NOT!

I guess what a denomination does or does not condone is up to them and their interpretation of the Bible, which I still believe is the FINAL AUTHORITY. And truthfully, I believe that if a church or denomination is doing something you do not agree with, then prayerfully leave that place and go where the Spirit leads. That’s why I am affiliated with a Southern Baptist Church. Overall, I agree with what my church does and does not do, with an exception here and there. But I know this is where God wants me. So, here I am.

Ultimately, whatever condemnation or praise comes will come from God. HE ALONE has the last word. I just want to love others like Jesus did, and show the world that God truly is in love with them."

The question is this- how do YOU feel about it? I mean, really, what is your deep down, raw feeling about the change? How does it stack up to the Bible? What has God shown you in your journey with Him?

Really, I want to know.

The Death of Osama bin Laden

So much news- so many opinions: TRUTH- he was created in the image of God, Jesus died for him, and he has stood before his Judge. Justice? Vengeance? To whom do these truly belong?

I just don't think Jesus would dance and sing "We Are The Champions" while Satan drags another soul to hell. I pray that God keeps us, our families, our troops safe; and may we remember that people are dying without Jesus even though Jesus died to be with them.

Where does that leave those who have chosen to identify their life by the name of Jesus Christ?

In the Potter's Hand,
JonWesley

Worship Recap 20110403

(This blog entry is linked to the Sunday Setlist Carnival at http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-141/)

This Sunday was a special themed Sunday: Luau Sunday. The church was decked out á la an Hawaiian Luau. Sunday School was replaced with the feast. Likewise, our musical worship changed a little. Everyone was decked out in their Hawaiian best, complete with leis and Gardenias for the ladies.

We went with a more acoustic worship, including an acoustic bass and a ukulele. We have used a ukulele before with "Grace That Is Greater," á la Bart Millard; it has always been fun. But today was the first time I led out with the uke.

We had a BLAST! Clapping, praising, worshiping- it was amazing. God showed up and blessed us big.

Songs for Worship:
• I Saw The Light
• Victory In Jesus
• Grace That Is Greater
• Amazing Grace

I pray you all had an amazing meeting with God today, too.

In the Potter's Hand,
JonWesley

Protecting The Promise

Genesis 15:1-21 (TNIV)

Most people familiar with this passage know that this is where God made the covenant with Abraham through which the promise of ultimate redemption would come; viz. the image of God walking through the blood as a picture of Jesus walking through death. In verse 11, we see Abram running off the "birds of prey." 

God had instructed him to prepare a sacrifice. Abram didn't know what God was going to do. He did not know that God was about to make a promise that would ultimately change the entire world. He only knew what God had already promised, and that he was not about to let ANYTHING take that away. He was going to obey!

Has God given you a promise? Has God asked something strange of you? Has He laid something on your heart that no one understands, not even your spouse? This verse is encouragement today; do not let anything take from you what God has given. Man doesn't have to understand, you only have to obey.

Father, thank You for Your promises and promptings. Help me today to be true to what You have given me, and let me not stray from the path You have laid before me. I trust You, Lord. In Jesus' Name, Amen.