Rob Prince's Blog, page 11

Who are you eating dinner with?

Who do you eat meals with? (Dear Grammar buffs…sorry about the dangling preposition). For me, it’s usually Karla. Sometimes I eat with church folks. Once in a while I eat alone. Often in the gospels we are told how Jesus ate with “the tax collectors and other sinners.” Occasionally the gospel writer will add “prostitutes” to the unsavory group. Tax collectors, as you probably know, were considered collaborators with the occupying Roman enemy. They were hated. The worst of the worst. And “other sinners” could be described as “even worse.” Then add the prostitutes… well, you know, where they stand. So, Jesus ate with “the worst of the worst and even worse and sometimes worse than that” people.

If we are to be like Jesus (and we are); if we are to act and think and love like Jesus (that’s the goal); then here’s a simple question: When was the last time you had dinner with “the worst of the worst and even worst and sometimes worse than that” people?

Maybe that’s too hard. In my mind “the worst of the worst and even worse and sometimes worse that that” people, are child molesters, serial killers or drug kingpins. I don’t know too many serial killers and drug kingpins. Let’s make the question a little easier: When was the last time you had dinner with “the not-so-bad, and even nice, just don’t know Jesus” people? 

For some it’s every night, I’ve described someone in your home. They are good people. Not so bad. Even nice. Just don’t know Jesus. Some of us eat with them a lot.

For others, you will have to think about it. It’s been a while since you shared a meal with “a not-so-bad, and even nice, just don’t know Jesus” person. Maybe it was last Christmas when your crazy cousin Willodeen was at the family gathering talking about was her seventeen cats. Think about it: When was the last time you had dinner with “the not-so-bad, and even nice, just don’t know Jesus” person?  You are probably a Christian. All of your friends are probably Christians too. You know a few “not-so-bad, even nice, just don’t know Jesus” people, but you’ve never had dinner with them. It’s your mail carrier; the check-out lady at the grocery store, maybe your next-door neighbor. 

Where did Jesus meet so many tax collectors, prostitutes and other sinners? Maybe they had a special club where they hung out. Or more likely, Jesus was intentional in making friendships with those people far from God. Jesus probably went out of his way; cleared his calendar; and prioritized their gatherings and made hanging out with “the worst of the worst and even worse and sometimes worse than that” crowd kind of fun. It seems like they wanted to be with Jesus too. 

If we truly want to be like Jesus, then maybe instead of sucking down a Coney dog (Detroit style for me, please) with our Christian friends, we should be thinking about who we know that doesn’t know Jesus; is far from God; but with whom we might share a meal. Try it. You’ll be more like Jesus if you do. Make the meal fun, and pass the mustard!

War, Evil and Our Trivial Disagreements

The world is on pins and needles observing the war in Gaza. The suffering is incomprehensible sitting in our comfortable living rooms watching the events unfold. I’ve never been in a war-torn area. I’ve never heard bombs and gunfire outside my bedroom window. I’ve never had a loved one raped or murdered simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time or who was of the “wrong” nationality or “wrong” religion. 

It is heartbreaking. So we in America pray, pray, pray. 

As we watch the evil atrocities of Hamas and the scarcity of the basic necessities of life in Gaza, it makes the petty things we, Christians in America, fight over seem all the pettier. 

A couple of weeks ago, a few people took acceptation to a blog post of mine. Folks from the right and left didn’t like it (usually a sign I was on target). They wrote and said mean things. Lies even. My skin is pretty thick when it comes to things written or said; but my skin is not thick enough if it were bullets being fired. Compared to the situation in the Middle East, my tribulations are extremely light and momentary. In fact, I don’t like using the word “tribulations” in comparison to the suffering occurring in our world. We need to put in perspective our trivial disagreements.

I get it. Theology matters. We want to be correct biblically, of course. People will not always agree with our nuanced look at scripture and theology. Fundamentalists, Calvinists and Wesleyans hold different beliefs about the Bible, women in ministry, the atonement and a host of other things. We all believe in Jesus. We might be neighbors in heaven. Can’t we turn down the rhetoric? 

John Wesley said, “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?” It’s a good question. 

I get it. I’m a white, over sixty (boo hoo) male. I’m not excluded because of my gender or race. Maybe I shouldn’t be the one stating this, but our bickering over non-essentials is not worth the fight. In our ever-divided world, for many their “non-essential” list is shrinking, and their “essential” list grows. But should it? Our trivial differences seem so inconsequential as people’s lives are destroyed and so many are left wondering about their very survival in the Middle East. 

As the world watches in horror the events in Gaza, of course, our enemy is not the innocent Israeli or Palestinians. Neither is our enemy those Christians who might view scripture differently. There is evil in the world and it’s not the Methodists, Baptists or Catholics. Our Enemy is the roaring lion of whom Peter instructs: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8). In such a time, we believers must stand as one and denounce evil in all of its forms (Reject every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22). We must pray, weep and hope together. In the face of evil, Christian brothers and sisters must live into Romans 12:9: Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. In other words, know the Enemy. It’s not my Christian brother or sister who might differ with me on the nuances of Scripture or end times theology. It’s really not.

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:16-18

Be Happy. Not Sad.

Once upon a time there were twins, Humperdinck Bartholomew and Salvador Montgomery. To make things simple, their parents called Humperdinck Bartholomew, “Happy” and called Salvador Montgomery, “Sad.” Never wanting one boy to think the other was more favored, Happy and Sad’s parents made sure the boys always had the exact same things. Throughout their lives Happy and Sad had everything identical, except one thing– their attitudes.

Happy had a blue shirt, and loved every thread.
Sad had a blue shirt, but wished it were red.

Happy had a toy truck. “Wow! it rolls far!” 
Sad had a toy truck, but wanted a toy car

Happy had chocolate cake. “Yummy, it’s cake! Right?” 
Sad had chocolate cake. His favorite cake was white.

Happy had a Christmas list, and wanted something on it.
Sad had a Christmas list, and wanted everything on it.

Happy had holey jeans. He thought, “I’m wearing the latest style.”
Sad had holey jeans. He threw them in the big junk pile.

Happy got a B on a test, and said next time I’ll do better.
Sad got a B on a test—Jealous of those with a better letter.

Happy went to church. He enjoyed every song.
Sad went to church. The preacher preached too long.

Happy grew to be a man, and appreciated sunshine or rain. 
Sad grew to be a man, and found reasons to complain

Happy got married. They rarely had a fight. 
Sad got married. His wife could do no right.

Happy had kids. Even small things caused celebrations.
Sad had kids. They never met his expectations.

Happy when wronged, forgave those with whom he disagreed.
Sad when wronged, took to social media. Slander guaranteed.

Happy had a job, worked hard, excelled in all he did.
Sad had a job, worked little, behind his desk he hid. 

Happy was old and passed on all that he had learned.
Sad was old. Toward future generations– unconcerned.

Happy reach the end of his days, thankful and glad.
Sad reached the end of his days, grumpy and mad.

The moral of the story: 
Be happy. Not sad.
Count your blessings, don’t compare them.

Second moral of the story: 
Don’t name your kid, “Sad.” It’s a terrible nickname.

The end

The Big Fat Juicy Lie about Small Churches

There is a lie floating around about small churches. A big fat juicy lie. The false narrative asserts that small churches are nothing but trouble. To those sensing a call into ministry, the Great Fib says, “Stay away! Don’t go there!” Sucked into the faulty story, many called into ministry believe it’s better to plant a church, or start a Christian coffee shop or do just about anything else than to go to an existing small church in a small town and deal with the stuck-in-their-ways, older congregation.  

Reality: Small churches can be a huge blessing to the community and pastor. I was called out of a small church (so was my brother and others). It’s a doctor’s office now. My wife’s small church had people called into ministry. It is also closed too. Those two churches were not failures. The doors are shut, but the ministry of the Elmwood and Reading Churches of the Nazarene continues through those of us who are still serving the Lord. 

Granted it’s been a while, but my first church was the Bad Axe Church of the Nazarene in the Thumb of Michigan. I joke about being a “Bad Axe Pastor.” Saying it fast without annunciation sounds a little funny. 

There were 40 people present on my first Sunday as a Bad Axe pastor. The church was located on a side street. Even people who lived in Bad Axe for years, didn’t know where the church was located. The parsonage and church were so close together, they were connected with a tunnel between the basements. The church fellowship hall was the parsonage basement. Eventually the living room became a Sunday school classroom. 

I was a solo preacher. Meaning I was also the lawn care provider, snow shovel-er, counselor, sometime special singer (big regrets over that), bulletin designer, director of VBS, bat exterminator (yikes), youth group leader, senior adult director and shortstop on the church softball team. You name it, I did it. 

I made mistakes in Bad Axe. Too numerous to count. But the good folks of Bad Axe loved me anyway. Folks would drop off vegetables from their gardens or homemade goodies. We lived below the poverty line and the district paid for half of our health insurance. Still, it was such a rewarding time for a young pastor and spouse. 

I loved Bad Axe (if you couldn’t tell). It was a good ministerial start and I’m a better pastor today because of my three years as a Bad Axe pastor. 

All this to say, small churches aren’t bad. They aren’t mean (there might be a meanie or two in some places). They aren’t pastor-assassinators and joy-killers. 

I recently wrote on the slow leak of young people leaving the church; but there are plenty of young people who want to stay. We need them to stay. Small churches need young pastors. They need the vitality that young pastors bring. They need new life, new energy, and a new hope for the future. A good small church will love to be pastored by a young adult!

Don’t believe the big fat juicy lie that small churches aren’t worth the trouble. Don’t believe the false narrative that small churches are mean, hard-hearted or void of potential. Small churches can be such a blessing to their community and their young pastor! 

(as part of “Pastor Appreciation Month,” I’m taking time to appreciate the wonderful church’s where I have been blessed to serve)

A Plumbing Problem in the Church of the Nazarene

When a pipe bursts, you know it. There is water everywhere. But when it’s a leak, a slow leak, it is easy to overlook the problem. If the leak persists, year after year, without being addressed, eventually the damage could be worse than the bursting pipe. Slow leaks unattended can destroy the whole structure.

We’ve got a plumbing problem in the Church of the Nazarene. It’s not a pipe bursting (see the United Methodist Church); it’s a slow leak. 

I used to think the Church of the Nazarene might split over (you name the issues): Drinking; Speaking in Tongues; or the Wesleyan view of Scripture to name a few. It doesn’t appear that the Nazarene’s are marching toward a massive split. The last major split (I believe) was the formation of the Bible Missionary Church back in the 1950’s over watching TV. (The Bible Missionary Church was against the “devil box” placed in everyone’s home). 

The Church of the Nazarene will continue to die in USA/Canada (not necessarily in the rest of the world) because of a slow but steady exodus of young people. Check out the average age of newly licensed ministers. It’s not men and women in the early 20’s (like when I received my first license); it’s people in their late 30’s. Why is the average age so high? Because young people are walking away. 

It’s a slow leak.

Denominational leaders will point to the year-over-year level number of credentials surrendered and say, “See, we aren’t doing so bad.”  The problem is that young people aren’t even going through the process of getting a district license. They are dropping out. 

It’s a slow leak.

They see the division in churches; the deception of church leaders; the battle lines drawn over opinions; the angst over human sexuality; the fundamentalists gaining ground; the limits on discussion; the heavy-handed restrictions on creativity; the overtly political agenda; rise of Christian nationalism and young ministers-in-training say, “It’s not worth it. There’s too much baggage. It would be easier to pastor a non-denominational church; plant a church or be a Christian “minister” in a coffee shop.” Then they walk away.

It’s a slow leak.

What can be done to stop the leak? There isn’t a quick answer. There’s no magic substance that can plug the hole. But maybe the beginning of the answer is through listening and conversation. It begins with a posture of humility in our leaders. Listening is not liberal, conservative, “woke,” fundamentalist, progressive or any other label. Listening can’t hurt, will probably help and at the very least bring all parties to a better understanding of the other. Before drawing conclusions, passing down injunctions, removing status or walking away, couldn’t we listen?

People leave when they feel their voices aren’t heard. Listening (on all sides) can only help end the slow leak.

I’m blessed– you can be too!

I’ve been on this planet exactly 21,916 days (if you are doing the math at home, I’ll save you the trouble: that’s 60 years plus one day). Me, Gwyneth Paltrow and Google had a birthday yesterday (many thanks to all who sent greetings my way). According to a study reported here, September 27 is the most common day for a person to be born. In other words, I’m not as special as my mother told me I was. 

I’ve been sucking in air for 21,916 days on our beloved revolving ball of dirt and water. Not all of those days have been great. There’s been a few clunkers. But, honestly, just a few. 

The day of my brain aneurism wasn’t a great day, but I really don’t remember much of that day. Kidney stones, a ruptured appendix and a few other assorted ailments make up a handful of bad days. The death of my parents and other close friends account for a few more bad days. There have been disappointments in people’s choices; a few church folks (not many, just a few), in the back pocket of the Enemy, made for some stinky days; and a car crash or two (who’s counting?) made for a less than perfect day. All this to say, of my 21,916 sunrises almost all have had sunsets that followed a pretty decent day. Many days were exceptional! I’ve been blessed.

If I had 150 bad days (and I think that number is high) then about 99.33% of my days have been good days. I can testify with Kind David from the favorite Psalm who wrote: “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6). God’s goodness and love have followed me. I don’t deserve the blessings I’ve received. I’m overwhelmed by God’s graciousness!

Against, my mama’s opinion, I’m not unique. You have been blessed too. Maybe you’ve have a few more bad days than me. Maybe you’ve had a few less. But the reality is that God longs to bless His children. Psalm 2:12 says, “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” Not some. Not a few. ALL who take refuge in Him are blessed.

In Jesus list of those blessed in the Sermon on the Mount (the Beatitudes), some of those considered “blessed,” are questionable. Are they really “blessed” –the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the persecuted—to name a few? It would seem that they have more than their share of “bad” days. What gives?

James understood it this way: Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12). Peter agrees: But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. (1 Peter 3:14). In other words, the worst of days of our lives don’t have the final word. Jesus does. Keep your eye on the Prize not the problems.

Unless I am like Moses (he lived 120 years) I don’t have another 21,916 days left in me. Whether those remaining days are many or few; whether the days are mostly bad or mostly good—this I know: I long to experience the blessings that the Revelator foretold: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14). That glorious final blessing is my aim and goal—I hope it’s your too.

Revival Is Coming! I can’t wait!

Spiritual Renewal is something that every believer should want. The Lord’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23), who wouldn’t want a new mercy every morning?  Who wouldn’t want to be renewed in his/her spirit each day? This isn’t a conservative or liberal thing. Who doesn’t want to be revived?  

Those who might say “revivals” or periods of spiritual renewal in a church are not effective these days. They aren’t like the “good old days” when folks didn’t have anything better to do, had three TV channels from which to choose; and came out to anything the church offered. It’s true there are more things to do and more things that (we feel) must be done. Look at social media. Walked through a high school. Noticed the direction of our country. Think of the defeat/discouragement within families.  Hear the angst and the lonely cries of people all around. We need revival. More than ever, we need spiritual renewal.

Who doesn’t need: More encouragement? More strength? More wisdom? More spirit infused courage? We all need more of Jesus these days not less. Those who say, “I don’t need spiritual renewal” or “I’m too busy for revival” or offer some other excuse—are more than likely the ones most in need of spiritual renewal.  We all need it (pastors included).

Everyone can grow stale. No one is immune. Spiritual renewal is the antidote.

To combat the prevailing forces and pressures in our ever-compromising culture, we must slow down, focus on Jesus and plead to grow deeper in our walk. It might involve openness, honesty, confession, vulnerability and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. It might cost us something. Growth usually does.

Clearing calendars is inconvenient. Of course, there are commitments that have to be kept (revival week or not). There are some things a person can’t get out of doing—but there are plenty of things that we can get off our plate for a four-day immersion in soul renewing. It might involve asking to re-arrange a work schedule; cancelling a regular appointment; or asking to be excused from a class. If we claim that our soul care is the most important thing in our lives (and it should be), then, for this four-day period, we need to act like it. 

Once a year (generally the first week or two of October), Central Church sets aside four days, Sunday through Wednesday to intentionally focus on our soul reviving. This year, October 8-11, Dr. Tim Green, dean of the Millard Reed School of Theology & Christian Ministry at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee will be our speaker. We make every effort to eliminate excuses. A free dinner is served Monday through Wednesday. Our Discovery Area (nurseries and pre-school) are fully staffed. Our children’s ministry (grade 1-5) also have special speakers and workers. We prioritize this week in our budget and in our efforts. 

We put forth the energy because we believe God wants to revive our souls, improve our outlook; strengthen our families; refocus our attention and ready us for whatever the future might bring. We’ve got a couple of weeks to shuffle our duties and clear our responsibilities to enable full participation. Spiritual renewal is worth it. Revival is coming! I can’t wait!

Headline reads: “Rapture Tomorrow” (My Tip: Make your car payment)

According the picture that was on my social media time line, the rapture is happening tomorrow. Apparently, whoever made this “theological calculation” forgot Jesus’ words, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). In other words, make your car payment.

For argument’s sake, let’s say it was true. 

In 24 hours, the world is about to change… 

What would you do? 
Who would you call?  
What would you tell them? 
What if they didn’t believe you?
Would you take their “you’re crazy,” comment and drop the whole conversation?
Would you be persistent?

Are their people to whom you would need to make apologies?
Are there wrongs that need to be righted?
Are their people you’d want to thank?
Would you cancel your Saturday plans?
Would you be sad that you won’t be able to watch football this weekend?
(I’d be happy to be entering the sweet by-and-by in my fifties, not in my 60’s like a certain wife of a preacher that I know. I’d have all eternity to rub in that lil’ fact… snicker snicker).

Paul wrote this nearly 2000 years ago: 
Understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11-12

If the Apostle Paul said, “the night is nearly over; the day is almost here,” doesn’t it make sense that two millennia later, we are a whole lot closer to that Day (yes, I capitalized it on purpose) than ever?  Are we slumbering on this news? Have we put on the “armor of light”? (Read: Are we shining for Jesus?).  Jesus indicated we need to be prepare today for all eternity when He said, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:36). We are going to spend a whole lot more time in the next life than we are in this old life, so we need to be ready. For the procrastinators in the crowd remember the words of Proverbs 27:1: Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

I’m not suggesting that the rapture is happening tomorrow. I am saying, I could get in a car wreck tomorrow. You too (sorry for the Debby Downer wakeup call). Fact is, there are no guarantees in this life. If you’ve been in a car with me, you know that, statistically, there is a much greater likelihood of me blowing through a stop sign than Gabriel blowing his trumpet. Reality Check: Am I prepared to see Jesus, whatever my tomorrow may bring?

With apologies to the know-it-all, social media post, “the End” might not come tomorrow, so pay your mortgage and your tithe (hee hee)! Even more important, pay attention to the wellness of your soul.

Proof that the Old Preacher is Old

Proof #128 that I am old: I constantly find myself saying, “it was much easier pastoring in “the good old days.” I feel like a curmudgeon to say it, but it’s true. 

Pastoring is hard. 
Harder now than ever.
People are angrier. 
Social media is brutal. 
Less people go to church, and 
those that are church go-ers, “comparison shop” more than ever.
An old preacher once told me, “once the sheep start to wander, they never stop.” We’ve got a generation of sheep wanderers, drifters and dropper-outers. That’s Baaaaa-d! (Terrible puns? Proof #129 that I am old.)

Regular attenders are less “regular.”
I’m told that there are more reasons to miss church now (I don’t really think there are more reasons to miss. There have always been plenty of reasons to miss church. It’s just these days people are more apt to miss). 
It is easier to miss church (thank you live streaming). 
The only “live streaming” in the old days was if the water fountain in the church foyer got stuck (Church foyer jokes: Proof #130 that I am old).

Growing up, we went to church. If the doors were open, we, Princes, were there. A little tummy trouble wasn’t a good enough reason to miss church. You had to have a foot in the grave and the other foot on spilled communion juice to miss. (Bad Communion jokes: Proof #131). Not so these days. 

People are less forgiving.
They draw conclusions much quicker.
Authority, respect and kindness have seemed to take a backseat to personal liberties where every behavior under the sun is validated and if you think otherwise, the “Kibosh!” will be on you!! (Use of the word, “Kibosh”: Proof #132)

Often in a vacuum (thanks again social media); non-Christians only hear the voices of like-minded people, and (not shockingly) those in the world are not favorable to the things of Christ. Proof #133: Every fiber in me, wants to make a joke how Hoovers’ aren’t the only vacuums that suck, but I’m not.

Moreover, there are “believers” who likewise are critical of the Church, pile on at any bits of trouble and regurgitate all of the Church’s flaws. Knowing the actual facts seems to be optional. Of course, accountability is needed. Errors and sins should be exposed. Flawed, sinful leaders should be expelled. I’m not talking about that. I’m referring to the ad nauseam criticism and vitriol speech from those who claim Christ. They have no problem slinging mud on the Bride of Christ’s gown. Heaven forbid, if a pastor-type should tell the aforementioned “believer” that their negativity is not helping the cause of Christ. An avalanche condemnation and denigration will fall upon the poor preacher. 

Did I say pastoring is harder now? It is.

What’s my answer to this current state of church life and pastoring? I’m going to try even harder. I am going to work to get others to join me. I’m going to preach and pray and call and visit and love and work some more until Jesus comes. I’m also going to pray for young leaders who are strong, courageous, faithful, loving, truthful, and kind. God is calling them. I’m praying these young leaders will be listening and not get discouraged. The closer I get to the finish line, the more I long to hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” A grumpy generation is not going to stop me.

Now, get off my lawn.

(The previous comment is Proof #134 reason that I am old).

Hey Nazarenes, We Need More Good News!

I like good news. Who doesn’t?  The Gospel of Jesus Christ, of course, is the ultimate Good News. We always want to share it–as often as possible. But I also like hearing the good things that are happening in my tribe, the Church of the Nazarene. I especially want to know what’s happening in the USA/Canada region where I live and work. It seems Captain was right in Cool Hand Luke: “We have a failure to communicate.” 

There is news coming from various Nazarene entities. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries post on social media from time to time how Nazarene are helping to alleviate the world’s suffering. That’s good news. The NCM Magazine likewise provides good stories from around the world. Nazarene Missions sends an emailed prayer reminder on Wednesdays about different countries in the world. That’s good too. Nazarene News on Friday’s sends an email about what is happening here and there throughout the world. There is an obituary section (mostly USA/Canada clergy) and a once-a-month notice of the moving ministers (also mostly in USA/Canada). Nazarene News has a slight social media presence (emphasis on “slight”). Holiness Today offers good articles, but isn’t really a disseminator of news from around USA/Canada. There are probably a few other outlets of which I am unaware. Those sources are fine in what they do, but I need more good news. 

Just like the traditional news outlets, where ‘bad news sells,” social media seems to swirl around the negative. There’s bickering on all sides ad nauseam. Paul said our struggle isn’t against flesh and blood, but it sure seems like we are making it out to be. Our Enemy is the same since Eden. So why are we making it so personal against one another? (Cue: the comments about “standing for truth” or the need to “love unconditionally”). 

I’m not a Pollyanna. Bad things happen. When they do, those bad things need to be exposed. Confession, repentance, sorrow, lament and grief are legitimate responses to those bad things. They should never be swept under the rug or the bad things will keep happening. I get all of that. Still Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice!” We act (and post on social media) like Paul wrote “Keep hounding on the terrible things, again I say puke it out more and more.” Can’t we rejoice a little more than we currently seem to be? Do we have to be so negative? Our brothers and sisters might differ on some issues, but they are still our brothers and sisters. There need not be a feud in the family of God.

The truth is: Good things are happening. They are happening in my corner of the world (probably in yours too). Lots of good things. A lake-full of people getting baptized last month; the grand opening of Central Park; plenty of new folks at Pastor’s Chat and a great youth fall kickoff yesterday; and a medical team leaving for Panama on Saturday (our third team to Panama this year)—good things are happening at Flint Central Church. But I want to hear about God’s working across the country too.  

Listen in an age of angst and anger, we need to hear about the power of God at work among us. We need to be encouraged. We need reports of the good things of God. I’m not a “world’s going to H-E (well, you know the rest) in a handbasket” guy. I’m convinced that God is still at work in America. I just want to hear about it more and more.