Lifelong faith

“Much to learn you still have…my old padawan.” … “This is just the beginning!”

– Yoda (http://www.yodaquotes.net/page/6/)

You know its going to be a great blog post when we begin with a Yoda quote.

This week I had the privilege to attend our annual West Ohio Conference (WOC) of the United Methodist Church. I wanted to share a thought with everyone on continuing the learning process. The WOC brought a teacher Dr. Thomas Long from the Chandler School of Theology in to teach the entire conference. Dr. Long brought one simple premise to a room full of trained theologians. The four gospels, and what they would look like if they were actual churches. On the outset, it seemed to be far too simple a subject to educate trained professionals. “Really?” “The gospels?” Most Christian pastors spend a majority of their time in the gospels because these are the teachings of the Christ. But, masterfully Dr. Long began to wander down the road of the four churches, leaving even the most well trained theologians in the room teary eyed, and awestruck by the teachings of Jesus. Here’s a brief summary:

The church of Saint Mark: “We do what we can!” God is bigger than we are, is the mighty power in the world, not humankind.

The church of Saint Matthew: “Casting the nets deep.” Christians are not meant to be saved and moved on, but becoming a disciple of Christ is a forming process, and through the power of God, God’s people can become great by His Spirit.

The church of Saint Luke: “The main piece of the building is the fellowship hall.” Luke sees Jesus as the master of a great banquet and all are invited. Luke’s church is open to all people, and no one is refused fellowship with the God of grace.

The church of Saint John…kinda…The House church of Saint John. “Love” Love and people are the focus of John’s church.

Dr. Long taught us in two parts Monday afternoon, and Tuesday Morning. Check Him out along with the whole conference here at: http://livestream.com/accounts/4268345/events/4095662

I have no doubt you will love Dr. Long’s teachings, but that’s not why I have called this blog conversation to order..oops…Sorry, too many days being in session with parliamentary procedure.

The point today is to note that no mater how long you have traveled the road with God and others there is never a point where you are a know it all. If a conference with over 1,000 churches represented can be moved to applause, and tears with a simple teaching on the most basic books of Jesus. That should signify that God is the great teacher and we are all on this journey to know Him better, no matter our time on the Christian journey. 

In college, I had the overly wise roommate who seemed to know, or informed  everyone around that they were the wisest person in the room. This person was always cynical, and never amused by anything, because why find joy when you have mastered the universe? Hanging around this individual was always draining, and everyone always felts undermined, and belittled. No questions could be asked, because our wise all-knowing friends always responded with snarky and mean answers. No ideas where brought about because they were too petty for this wise sage. Are you beginning to understand the environment around this person? Not a very powerful, or positive one. Why? Because, part of the human to God exchange, or, simply part of being on this earth with others is the vulnerability to express growth, and expose ignorance. Ignorance is not a negative concept, it simply states there are things yet, I as finite person do not know. When we travel the road of life surrounded by people who are willing to help us learn, and also let us teach we are growing in unity together. Otherwise, it becomes a tense place where growing cannot is stifled, or worse, belittled. 

“Have you learned all you can know about God, and people?”  If the answer is “Yes” The the appropriate thing to do is of course repent of this lie, and accept the teachings of the prophet Isaiah, who in the 40th chapter declares, “Who can understand God?” Not that God is entirely a mystery, but that all the ways of the Almighty can not be known in a few quick readings of scripture. Or, unpacked in a few quick listening to skilled teachers, or read in lofty academic theology books.  But, God is learned in pieces, movements, and especially in God’s Holy Spirit. Every lesson will lead you one step closer to knowing God and people. But, do not fool yourself into thinking this road will somehow come to an end. Because, the tragedy in life is not that we cannot know all about God and people, but the converse. The tragedy is not enjoy the journey towards God and people. We are called to be curious creations following after our brothers and sisters in the world, whilst trying to find our Heavenly Father and know Him in every facet of His Grace! If we become less sure about our  knowledge, and more sure about the adventure here the seeds of a life long faith are planted. I would like to suggest that as the Christians church we do two things. One, God is working in us and our relationship is growing with every breath of the Holy Spirit, and through every curious creation seeking their Creator. Secondly, we cannot believe the journey can end, because we must know more about God, through The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit, because the Triune God deserves to be known.

I am pleading with you in all sincerity, if I as a trained clergy can be renewed by a simple gospel lesson, then you can be renewed in whatever step you need to take in knowing more about God and others. Whether you have never known God through the powerful story of Jesus Christ, or you have been around God for a century. You do not know all God wants you too. You have not mastered God or people. Know this friends the adventure is not in arriving at full knowledge, but chasing after God into the wild unknowns of the world, and the Heavens. Finding new roads, new understanding, new emotions, new lessons. Life is the adventure to know God, and to love people. Will you adventure with me? I will adventure with you!

Strive on my friends, Strive on,

Pastor Richard

focusonthecross.org 

"Hold Your Breath!"

Today is the most polar opposite day of the year for us as Christians. One the one hand there is the blessing. Jesus gave up his life for you, and I on the brutal, bloody, and unforgiving Cross for the sake of forgiveness of our sins, and the chance to be connected with God again in Spirit, and truth. This calls for a celebration right? Wrong! Not yet, Sunday is on its way you can toast the campaign then, but for the next three days we need to enter into a Holy State of breath holding. When Jesus gave up his life on the cross the apostles, and all of his followers had to retract themselves, and wait. There was no jumping ahead to Easter morning. All they had was darkness, despair, and hopelessness. Sounds like a barrel full of fun right? They were in a shocked moment of wondering if God would indeed resurrect their Messiah, teacher, and friend Jesus or would this be the last of his teachings, and legacy. All the while they were asking softly and genuinely  for God to perform a miracle, and bring Jesus back as he had foretold. 

When I look around at the Easter weekend I see egg hunts, festivals, clowns, and novelties. This is great to enjoy the joy of Easter with family, and so that churches can try to attract families to hear the resurrection story on Easter morning. But, where in the busy schedule of entertainment do we as the church carve out a serious time for asking God to forgive us. Being made aware that it was the sins, and brokenness all of us that put him there. In Celebrate Recovery™ a Christian based recovery group the 4th step is “Creating a Fearless Moral Inventory.” This is writing down all good, and bad moral qualities in a hopes to reconcile past mistakes, and pave the way to a bright, and healthy future. The 4th step is not just addicts in hopes of recovery, but for all Christians and is aptly named “Good Friday”. This is the day when sins are forgiven, but everyone must also make peace with the fact that no matter how perfect anyone has been it was added to the suffering of the Christ. 

What I am hoping for this weekend is a call to Holy breath holding like the apostles. Spend the great times laughing with your family. Enjoy all of the festivities that all the local churches have to offer. But, create some somber space in your life. During these next two days be in some sorrow, and be grounded in our failures. As a pastor, I have hurt people in my church with my quick to respond personality. As a husband, this was one of the hardest years in my marriage, and it has taken a lot of forgiveness, repentance, and improvement. As a son, I have failed to check in with my Mom like I should. The list goes on and on, and while its not easy to post these realities out there on the world wide web its the heart of “Good Friday.” If we are brave enough to mourn our failures over these next two days. Then we can be the first to run to that open tomb on Sunday and receive God’s full pardon as His son Jesus comes back to the world to prove that he is indeed the God of grace, love, and forgiveness. Be somber today, but know that Sunday is just around the corner.  

Today, I hold my breath with the apostles so I may celebrate with them in the fullest on Easter morning. Will you join me in this time of breath holding today? Amen.

Strive on my friends, Strive on,

Pastor Richard

focusonthecross.org

Mind your Manners!

Please and Thank you. These are the basics of manners, and are taught to us as children early on. When someone is generous to us the correct response is “thank you.” If you are in need you say “please” its simple, and easy. But, what if the gift is too big, grandiose, excellent, expensive, or overwhelming. What happens when the gift is too good? My response to gifts that are so kind, and thoughtful is shock, awe, and being overwhelmed by someone’s extreme generosity. The please and thank you system is easy for small things, but the larger the ask the harder these systems are to us. 

Now is the time of year when we ask God “please renew our faith in your son Jesus as he goes toward the cross”, and we say in soft muttered words, “thank you for taking my place on the murderous Roman cross.” As I prepare for our Palm Sunday service I am overwhelmed with the, “Thank you.” Don’t make fun, but, every time I say it to God for the gift of His Son. I get choked up, and it becomes more surreal that Christ would take my place on that bloody cross. 

This weeks blog is simple, and easy in the ask. I am challenging all of us to spend the next week to get down on our knees, and tell God “Thank you!” That’s all. Simple, but what will happen afterward is what I am excited about. They say attitude is everything, and with your heart in the proper place any task become more focused, and enjoyable. What I am praying happens over the next week as we pray, and say thank you over, and over, again is our hearts will be aligned to the story of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. So that Good Friday is more that “TGIF”, but that we are broken with our Lord, and cry over his death. It’s ok you manly men, its a great thing to cry, especially when you realize that the celebration of Good Friday is being forgiven by God above, and that it was all paid in blood through Jesus. Why do I want you to be broken on Good Friday? 

Because, if you are able to handle the weigh of Jesus’ death, and if it crushes your Spirit. When we all come together for  Easter Sunday you will have something to resurrect. The celebration of God’s Son overcoming the grave will be thunder and lighting to those who have taken the weight of His death on their shoulders. What I want for Easter this year more than anything else, is not a church full of people, its not some new crazy good candy. Nope, I want our hearts to be broken with the weight of God’s gift, and the transformation that comes with the understanding of God’s resurrection. “Please”, and “Thank you.” Can we say it to God until our hearts are changed? Until,our lives are filled with more of God than anything else? I think so, what do you say we try? Amen.

Strive on my friends, Strive on!

Pastor Richard

Spiritual Fitness: Prayer

“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.” Exodus 17:11

Lent is a journey. We are walking in memory with our Savior Jesus Christ and this journey always ends in sacrifice and victory. But Lent is the perfect time to explore different types of spiritual discipline. It’s a great time to engage ourselves in different practices. The way I look at it Easter is for the church, the same as New Year’s is for the gym. why not try it out, see what works, and explore new and different spiritual disciplines. In the excitement of the risen Lord now is our time to engage our faith journey’s with intent, focus, and passion. 

So, as part of the weekly blog series I am going to engage us every week with different spiritual disciplines.

This week we are looking at the most basic but often overlooked discipline Prayer.

Prayer is so effortless that is can be mistaken for powerless, or too easy. It’s like the stretching of spiritual exercise, “There can’t be much value, because it’s so easy to do.” But without limbering up after every work out soon, the harder stuff like weights, running, or cross fit can lead to injury, or stiffness. Stretching keeps the body limber and able to move well. What is the use of being a 230 lb. muscle machine if you can’t move well. Same with prayer. How can you know God only through a book or public opinion, but never really have dialogue with Him.

The practical challenge this week is 1.) Reading this story in full in Exodus. Moses has to keep his hands in the air as a sign of prayer and as long as Moses is in this prayer posture Israel is winning the battle, but when he lets his hands drop, or looses his prayer posture Boom! Israel begins to loose.

Take this in our spiritual lives. The moment we stop praying, even if we maintain some other spiritual disciplines we are loosing our relationship with God. Paul says to pray without ceasing. 

The other piece to the practical challenge is this. Visit this link: http://www.positiveprayers.com/4-types-of-prayers.html 

Check out all this different kinds of Prayers, postures, and even positions.

About three Easters ago my pastor and I were in his office and he said “come let’s get down on our knees and pray!” Then without question this grown man gets on his knees in the middle of his office and starts to pray. I joined in and he grinned afterward and said, “Hey why did you change?” When I was face down before God my language, attitude, and entire demeanor changed. Because I put myself in a different prayer position it reminded me of the reverence I need to have when in God’s presence. It was amazing. Try the tradition kneeling bed side, or the standing with arms out like moses. Just shake up your prayer life this week, because God is dying to hear from you!

Just remember prayer is our connection to God and when we walk away from it the battle is all but lost.

Strive on my friends, Strive on!

Pastor Richard

focusonthecross.org 

Happy Thanksgiving

“Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth!

    Serve the Lord with celebration!

    Come before him with shouts of joy!

Know that the Lord is God—

    he made us; we belong to him.

    We are his people,

    the sheep of his own pasture.

Enter his gates with thanks;

    enter his courtyards with praise!

    Thank him! Bless his name!

Because the Lord is good,

    his loyal love lasts forever;

    his faithfulness lasts generation after generation.”

Psalm 100 Common English Bible (CEB)™

Here we are again another time of Turkey stuffing, family, and shopping. If you are expecting the pastoral rant about making the holiday more about Christ, thats not exactly what I had in mind. No, thanksgiving comes to us as a time to be thankful in all things, and for all things. While we may spend that time in the food, or football, or in my family all the holiday shopping ads, those things are not wrong nor do they make God angry. This year I would like you to consider that instead of forgetting all about God, or going all extremist and all things about the holidays are a sin, instead can He be first? I am hoping that my family will start with prayer, or will start with a heart of Thankfulness to God before gorging into the stuffing, and the green bean casserole (My wife’s favorite!) Here are some suggestions for us to keep God first!

• Got any music lovers in your family? Why not sing Amazing Grace sometime in the middle of the meal?

• Pray before you eat.

• Go around the room and say one thing you are thankful for and then after everyone has gone, say thank you to God and Jesus.

• Make plans as a family to go to church on Christmas Eve! What a great thing to see candle light, and sing Silent Night together!

• Set a budget for the holidays that gives families room to breath, so their stresses can be on kids like me finding gifts (Sorry Mom!:( 

• Finally, if nothing else this Thursday when you and I wake up, will you join me in kneeling old school by the bed first thing in the morning and thanking God for all He has done and will do! 

My prayer for you this year is to find out God’s greatest gift for you is Christ! I am thankful that you would dare even try to figure out what Christ means this Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Strive on My Friends Strive on!

Pastor Richard Hiltibran

focusonthecross.org

Off to the Races

“He has told you human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 Common English Bible (CEB)®

This small piece of Scripture is a very eye opening tale into what the people of God are to do. Micah 6:8 is what is known as the Great Requirement. The short hand version is that we are to be a loving people, who look out for oppression and abuses of any kind, to defend the weak and helpless, and to never walk without our Heavenly Dad in a humble position allowing Him the authority to guide us all of our days. The one thing you do not see on here is an age, or social status when you may no longer need to fulfill this requirment. Matters of fact, the only qualifying note God places on Micah 6:8 is “human one”, if you consider yourself to be a “human”, then guess what, God requires this of you. 

More so, the lack of qualifiers of who this requirement belongs to leads us into the knowledge that these are active statements, not passives one. Here in Micah 6:8 is an understanding that loving God, and living for Him is mission driven. God does not call people to experience the salvation of Jesus Christ simply rot on this planet until they’ve reached a heavenly goal. John Wesley the founder of Methodist believed that “Heaven starts now!” Waiting for an after world religion to Wesley was a foolish and unproductive one. Today we intrinsically know this still to be true, think about the saying “so Heavenly focused of no earthly good.” Micah 6:8 should act to the Christian, the same way as the shoot opens for the horses at the Kentucky Derby. The world should looked amazed as our Lord Jesus says “And they're off!” seeing the people of God mobilized in their requirement for faith, loves, and justice. Yet, in my darkest moments I must confess that I look outward to others, and inward toward myself and all I can see is a stagnant faith, which doesn’t energize the Christian, nor transform the world. Micah 6:8 becomes only another theological knowledge of what God wishes for His people, but not a serious request to be taken in “fear and trembling”. I lost my father (Mark) in his early 40’s when I was only 18 years old, my Grandma (Daisy) when I was 25, and buried my uncle Ron in 2006 he was only 53. At 32 I have already seen several personal deaths, and more in leu of my profession as minister. Micah 6:8 should make us charge this world with a passion that is unearthly because we do not get to stay here. If you found the love of God in Jesus Christ you are a blessed person. As a matter of fact you are “a blessing to all the nations” (Genesis 12:2) What God needs from us as His people is to actively pursue the world sharing with all the blessing we have received, the salvation from our own brokeness through Jesus Christ. But, not in a calm orderly state as to suggest we are in no real hurry, but as thoroughbreds pounding our hooves into the sand as if one lap is all we have for victory. Because today is the only day you and I are guaranteed, and to show love, justice, and share Christ our only requirements. Let us be of earthly good toady, and Heavenly focused when we get there! 

Strive on my friends, Strive on!

Pastor Richard

focusonthecross.org

You're Running the Wrong Way!

In John 21 Peter who was ashamed that he had denied Jesus three times decided that instead of continuing the journey he went back to his old way of life. Peter left the pulpit to pick up the fishing net in order to start a life where maybe he could once again be successful and whole. 

As a rule of thumb we are prone to want to give as much as we receive. Yet, in God’s world that is impossible because no one can wholly live up to being Holy (Perfect)! This is why remembering that in our weakness we can have God’s strength. The burning question before us today is which way are we running? Is God’s perfection too much? Instead of going toward the light we are sprinting into the darkness at break neck speed. If you feel in the pit of your stomach this feeling of longing, urgency, and loneliness maybe its time to stop, catch your breath, and look at the compass your of life. Just like Peter when he tried to run away from who God had made him to be, or when he placed value and worth into things other than God namely his trade as a fisherman all he got was a night with no sleep, and zero fish. Yet, when Jesus appeared and told Peter to throw the net on the other side of the boat his nets were overflowing. As soon as Peter realized this strange man was Jesus he jumped off the boat and swam fearlessly toward Him. 

Do you feel lack of purpose and value in your life, work, and family? Do days pass by mindlessly and your thoughts run wild about having a different wife, kids, job, and to live in a different place, or country? The problem might just be that in our daily lives we have been chasing after money, popularity, and comfort for so long only to realize we missed the greatest goal to chase after our Heavenly Father with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength! (Matthew 22:37) The goal of this life shall either be the safety and comfort of this lifetime, or to live for something bigger than only one lifetime. What would our current state of affairs look like if Peter would have stayed on that boat? After all the first sermon about Jesus was preached by Peter in Acts chapter 2. Peter chose in a moment to leap from the security of what he had always done and ran back to Jesus despite feeling as if he was a failure. This is what we must do as well. Instead of looking at life with mundane glasses we start to see what God can and will do with us if we allow him space, and we chase after a real relationship with Him. 

The Challenge this week should you choose to accept it. Take 15 minutes each day in a quiet place praying to God to show you forgiveness for your faults. (He Will!) Then ask God to show you an adventure this week and to live for something bigger than your one lifetime. 

This is a small feat, but can you see if you did this for weeks? Months? Or even Years? As the clock ticks by you will be so busy in God’s adventure you will not have time to see the world through mundane glasses!

Strive on my Friends! Strive On!

Pastor Richard Hiltibran!

focusonthecross.org