I’m fascinated by any dialogue regarding the existence of God. And I don’t say that as a “spiritual” person, as strange as that might sound. I say that as a human being with a functioning (debatable) brain. Honestly and truly, I’m so intrigued by the thoughts of others (and even myself) in relation to God, or gods, or goddesses, or a supreme cosmic whoever-you-are. Intellectually, sociologically, emotionally, and in many other ways–I’m just drawn to conversations like the proverbial moth to a flame.

Pretty consistently however, I have made an observation when I read the writings of atheists. They usually seem kind of angry. And I use the term angry in a loose fashion. Anger is a broad term and I understand that it might sound unfair. But indulge me because I’m about to put myself in the same boat. Far be it from me to look down my nose at anyone. I know myself too well to pull a stunt like that.

I was reading just yesterday a lengthy blog by a rock-solid atheist, along with the host of replies the blog post received; each one seeming to agree with the author’s position and thereby offering replies of support and cohesion with his stance. Fair enough. But as I re-read his post and even re-reading many statements several times, I couldn’t help but imagine in my mind a man who is so calloused and yet so seemingly clothed in the guise of a liberated mind. It was a post that was actually painful to read.

And I can say with a fair amount of confidence that if the author of that post happened to stumble upon this one as I write about him, he’d be very quick to tell me not to categorize him, pity him, or even speak about him. After all, he’s far too learned and therefore undefinable.

The sense that I got from his writings is that he has come in contact with a long line of people who perpetrate the argument that a God does indeed exist. And let’s not be pigeon-holed into speaking of one god. As we know, there are far too many gods in far too many religions for anyone to be able to say with a straight face that there is only one God. The Hindu religion alone has over 330 million gods. But what those he has interacted with or heard from afar would proport is that there is really only ONE God. So, with faith that flies in the face of science, intellect, and plain ‘ol common sense, this man has come out the other end with his conclusions:
-I am an intellegent adult human being.
-Science explains everything I need to know.
-Logic has no room for the notion of God.
-Those who would suggest otherwise are simply ignorant and weak.
-I’m sick and tired of “Christians” peddling their mumbo-jumbo in the name of their fairytale God.
-I have taken my anger toward them and will dispute loud and long the inadequacies of their “faith”.
-As for me, I choose a godless life.

And I confess that while all that makes sense on a very cerebral/logical and even secularistic scientific level, I must, albeit naively ask: “Do you have any need for hope?” I would guess that his answer would be a resounding “No.” It seems that hope is for those who can’t handle the current reality the way it is. Hope is for those who aren’t strong enough for today’s affairs and therefore must pin their dreams elsewhere. Put simply: Hope is for wusses.

And how might an atheist argue for human rights? I’m not saying that all atheists are on the same plain as cannibals, of course. But follow the “logic”. If there is no God, then no matter which way you slice it, we are a product of ourselves or more likely, some far off collision that accidentally happened and over billions of years we have become so evolved that we can create vehicles whereby we can send each other into space and back, we have created devices that allow us to have instant conversations with each other while on two opposite sides of the planet. We have evolved to where we have created a machine that can take a frozen burrito (which we invented), put it in a box for 2 minutes, and have a piping hot meal. So, if we are the result of such an accident then there is no power/being/force overseeing us. We’re it. And if there is no being overseeing us, there is no arbitrator or judge to which we will be help accountable. So, why in the name of us would I do anything civilized? Why would I treat another person with respect? Simply because that person is a fellow human being? Sorry, but that argument doesn’t stand to reason. Logically, without a creator, the creation should do exactly whatever the creation wants to do. After all, without a designer, there is no design. Without design, we’re simply random beings co-existing the same planet until our hearts stop pumping and our brains stop firing. At which point we simply decompose. So, to an atheist I am nothing more than a pre-decomposed being without any grasp of purpose, direction, or guide. I dare you to explain something to me that convinces me otherwise.

Yep, I’d be angry too. And honestly, I’m not trying to be belligerent or inflamatory. I have long ago become aware of the futility of argument between such opposing viewpoints. And yet what I read yesterday (and some might argue this blog is exactly the same thing) was dripping with such angst, such passion, and such disdain for anyone of “faith”. And I don’t know the intended point of the blog I read yesterday. I’m not entirely sure it had one. I freely acknowledge that the same could be said of this one. I’m just so intrigued by humans who seem so intent on eradicating their world of the nonsensical idea of a divine, loving God.

But to what end? It’s a preposterous idea to think that someday the entire earth will be covered with people who share a common view of a non-existent God. In fact, I believe the opposite will be true. I believe that the God who is the Creator will show Himself in no uncertain terms to His creation, and the earth will be covered with people who share the common view that there is indeed a God. A loving, caring, just, eternal, holy God.

And I don’t say that as a “spiritual” person. I say it as a human being with a functioning brain.

Let me start off by saying that if you’ve ever watched “The New Yankee Workshop” on PBS, you can appreciate what goes through my mind every time I watch it:

Norm Abram is ridiculous. With a million-dollar (at least) shop complete with every imaginable tool he’d ever need to build anything he’d ever want to build…I mean it’s no wonder he can do what he does. I don’t mean to totally discount his talent. I’m just saying, give me a woodshop like that and I could do much the same work. Many times, it IS about having the right tool. And he has this way of saying, “See, it’s just that easy.” Well sure Norm, it WOULD be that easy if my shop looked like yours.

Not sure what I’m talking about? Next Saturday morning turn on PBS and watch for yourself. Norm Abrams is ridiculous. Okay, Norm rant over.

The other day my oldest son was sitting at the breakfast table and said, “Dad, counting sheep doesn’t make you fall asleep. It makes you a shepherd.” So true, son. So true.

There’s a great verse for pastors/leaders found in Proverbs 27:23 that I refer to often:
“Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds…”

In that comical statement by my son the other day, God reminded me of what it means to be a pastor–a shepherd–a person who cares well for other people. In a word, its investment. Not investment for dividends’ sake (anyone in ministry can tell you that we’re not here for the paycheck), but investment for the sake of seeing people find, understand, and embrace the key realities of life; realities that so many miss out for a myriad of reasons. Realities like:
-We’ve all been created by God, our Creator.
-Our Creator not only loves us, but has come to us, and has a spectacular plan for each of us.
-That plan is best (and sometimes only) seen through the decision and acts of selfless living.
-Selfless living mirrors the life of Jesus, the One whom our Heavenly Father is pleased with.
-It is only through Christ that we find redemption; both future tense and present tense. (This statement is often labeled as narrow-minded, though it is anything but.)
-The ultimate selfless act committed on our behalf and for our benefit was that of Jesus’ death on the cross. It was in our place that He died and for our sake that He rose from the grave, so that we might have a re-established relationship with our Creator.

I could most certainly go on, but I want to keep the key realities central.
And it is for these truths that I live.

I was leaving work yesterday to run home and grab some dinner before having to come back for student ministry night. I was sitting at a red light in my ’92 Crown Victoria, when all of a sudden a felt a really hard BUMP and was jarred in my seat. Driving the old clunker that I do, I immediately thought, “Good Lord, the engine just fell out!” Then I looked up at my rearview mirror and saw a vehicle that seemed to look closer than it should. That’s when I realized, “I just got hit.” Not only did the car behind me run into me, but he seemed to be PUSHING on my car! I bore down on the brake and put on the emergency brake pedal. When I decided that I wasn’t going any further forward, I got out and walked back to the other car, a cute compact car with the engine revving, seemingly against my back bumper. It was like a dog pushing against a horse. I approached the driver’s window and saw an elderly man in the driver’s seat with his wife in the passenger’s seat. He was calling something out to me, but his window was up, so I couldn’t quite make it out. What was he saying? “Buy soot!” “Fry boot!” What was he saying? I opened the door and heard a clear “My foot!” (Turns out he didn’t want me to buy soot.)

He was telling me in his “old-man-I’m-panicked” sort of way that his left foot had slipped and was stuck underneath the brake pedal, while his right foot was still on the brake pedal trying to brake. I reached down, grabbed hold of his foot (after surmising that he was not injured, but only panicky), and moved it from behind the brake pedal. Oh did I mention? I first made sure his car was in “park”.

I thought I’d be cordial. “Hi, how you doin’? Are you okay?” They were both fine, but I grew increasingly confident that this gentleman had no business driving a car. And I hope that if necessary, somebody tells me the same thing when I get to that point in life. And then provides me with a chauffered luxury vehicle.

His wife seemed to have her head on a bit straighter and was able to give direction to her dearly beloved. Why she wasn’t driving, I’ll never know. So, I got his insurance information, checked my bumper and his fender and found that there was no apparent damage to either, and went on my way. Actually, an un-uniformed official of some type showed up soon after the bump, made sure we were okay, ensured we were exchanging information, and asked if we wanted a uniformed officer. I told him I thought we were fine, and that we’d be done and gone shortly. He then left. On the way home, I began to imagine that my neck was a little sore. And I began to wonder, “Maybe I should have called the police.” and “A helicopter ride would have been cool.” and “I’ve never lit a flare.”

So, that was my slice of drama on the road yesterday. And not that I wasn’t appreciative before, but I definitely was glad for being the larger car.

When its time for my next vehicle, I’ll likely forego the car lot and head to the army surplus store.

Its Friday morning and its my day off. Before my wife went off to work this morning I asked her, “Is there anything you’d like me to do today?” Her response:

“Oh, I could give you a huge list of things that need to be done. But its your day off.”
(Is it any wonder I’m so crazy about this woman?)

So, here I am sitting on our front porch, sipping coffee, lounging in our Adirondack chair, watching an insanely beautiful butterfly gently open and close its wings, seemingly for the sheer joy of showing them off. The grass is cut, the breeze is cool, and the perfection of the morning has just been interrupted by an electric hedge clipper down the street.

My blog well has been dry for the past several days, so its good to get back and try and eek out another post. Hopefully it’ll include some worthwhile things. I honestly don’t post when I don’t feel like anything is worth sharing. Some people can post everyday and always seem to have something interesting to say. Maybe I’m just too busy living to be able to pull that off.

So, let’s see. I saw a bumper sticker yesterday that said, “Jesus Loves You…..but I’m His favorite.” Maybe you’ve heard that Jesus loves you so much that if you were the only person on earth, He still would have come and died just for you. Well, I don’t know how that stands up to theological/doctrinal scrutiny, but I DO know that such a thing was never His plan or desire. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus came for ALL people, everywhere, for all time. Sadly though, not all will embrace Him as Savior and Lord during their lifetime. But all people WILL call Him King of Kings, for that is what He is.

Years ago I was a youth pastor in Nyack, New York. I served at Simpson Memorial Church (which has since been renamed, thank the Lord) for 7+ years. I joined a multi-staff ministry team and LOVED every one of them. But as time went on, one by one they felt called to other places and ministry roles. Until I finally found myself as the only pastor on staff. Can you imagine the youth pastor running the church? Even with a couple Godly and committed confidants to lean on, there were times when I simply felt…well….lonely. For some reason, I found encouragement in Kirk Franklin’s song “Hold Me Now”. There were times when I would literally be on the floor of my office, praying for wisdom, and listening to that song. Sounds silly, I know.

Somewhere in those 14 months of being the solo pastor at Simpson Church, I went to our denomination’s annual assembly called “Council”. It was held that year in Nashville, TN. I stayed at the beautiful Opryland Hotel. There was literally a canal boat ride that went through the palatial atrium/lobby of this huge facility. During that week, I bought a worship music cd because I had forgotten to bring any music with me (uncommon for me). On that compilation cd, I listened for the first time to a song called “Here I Am To Worship”. Today, that song is well known by so many. But that was the first time I had ever heard it before. And not to exaggerate, but the words to that song both met the need of my heart at the time as well as taught me what it truly means to worship.

[A side note: During an adult small group Bible study years later, I heard the best definition of worship I had ever encountered: “singlemindedness.”]

So, in that hotel room at Opryland hotel, I listened to that song repeatedly. It wasn’t but a few minutes later it seemed that I could sing every word as an expression of my heart to God…
“Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You’re my God.
You’re all together lovely,
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me.”
To this day, I consider this song one of my favorite songs to sing to the Lord.

And in those days as a young pastor, my perception of being in ministry began to change. Truth be told, it changes every day as I experience more and learn more; I hope that it will never stop changing. When it does, that means I’ve stopped learning and growing. I couldn’t stomach that.

That might be why I seem to thrive in an ever-changing environment. The sense of sameness that many churchgoers seem to find comforting, I find unnerving. Doing things the same way, even if its “working” isn’t something that appeals to me. I’d rather change the way things are done, even if that way works just fine. Some say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I’d say, “If ain’t broke, break it.” To me, the risk of going after a new thought, a new paradigm, a new path is completely worth the chance of falling flat on my face. I should also mention that I truly believe failure is more valuable than success…much more, in fact.

Whereas I would had previously thought (years ago) that being in ministry was summed up by “Keep people happy”, I would now contend that being a leader in ministry is better summed up by “Love Jesus and don’t fear it when people aren’t comfortable with all He expects us to do.”

Well, when you’re not sure how to end a blog post, its never a bad idea to ask, “What do you think?”

The Four-Fingered Pianist from Family First on Vimeo.

There’s a show on television that I find intriguing. It’s called “Magic’s Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed.” Basically its a guy who pretty much explains how every “magic trick” or illusion is done. How you make an elephant disappear? How do you walk through a steel wall? How do you levitate? How do you impale the pretty assistant on an iron spike and have her end up being just fine? This guy shows it all. And I eat it up with a spoon. I’ve never been a real fan of magic tricks or illusionists. I’m embarassed for guys who take being so silly so seriously. So, needless to say that when someone comes up to me and says, “Pick a card.” I say, “No.” Because we all know that look. The look they give after they’re done doing that trick. The look that says, “I know how to do a card trick and you don’t.” To me, it’s very similar to the look that says, “Punch me.”

So, this TV show is kind of like showing behind the scenes at Disney World. The result is that the sense of magic and wonder is gone, but its still kind of fun.
I’m guessing all other illusionists hate him. That’s probably why he wears a mask.

Jesus had a lot of followers who were only there to “see the show.” We’re not sure how many came for that reason, but we do know that many were changed once they realized that this was no magic, no slight of hand, no illusion at all. Jesus’ power wasn’t dependent on a stage hand just out of camera shot who pulled the cable on cue. Jesus’ power was and is from His identity as God.

And so as crowds came, crowds believed. Word spread. More came. More believed. But in John 20 Jesus says something interesting and it actually has something to do directly with you and me.

These words were spoken by Jesus to Thomas (called Didymus), after Thomas saw Jesus with his physical sight and only after did he believe that Jesus had risen from the dead:

John 20:29: Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”

I remember laying in bed one night and talking to God about how I really wanted to see Him. Not someday, but right then, in my room. I know it sounds really ridiculous, but that’s okay. I’m kind of ridiculous with God sometimes. I remember being there in my bed and trying to explain to God that if I could just see some kind of physical something-or-other, then I would REALLY be able to believe Him hardcore. It was essentially a “show up in this room and I’ll be even more convinced” kind of thing. It was essentially (in hindsight) the words of Thomas. The one we affectionately still know as “Doubting Thomas”.

But when I read John 20:29, Jesus called me “blessed”. The Greek word is “makarioi”, and its an adjective. The “blessed” is a descriptor for anyone today who has not seen Jesus with their physical eyes, but yet know who He is and call Him Lord because of their spiritual eyes. The word blessed means “supremely blest, fortunate, well off.”

So, as it turns out the prayer I prayed in my bed that night so long ago was a naive request at the time, but God answering “no” actually kept me in the camp of those who are “supremely blest, fortunate, and well off.”