We were sitting poolside having some ice cream when one of the party said “I’ve always wanted to ask God one question.” We, of course, asked what that question was.

“Does everything happen for a reason?”

Out of the mouth of a 10 year old came one of the most asked questions of all time. Does everything happen for a reason? You’ve probably heard it hundreds of times; “everything has a reason.” You may have even said it. It is one of those non-scriptural phrases that we treat like Holy Scripture. “Well, remember, everything happens for a reason.”
So the question was out there – and answering it can take many forms: Philosophical, theological or dogmatic. Then there is the pastoral answer, one formed of the other three – using our theology and philosophy to explain dogmatic concepts – explaining the nature of God, in a way that informs and builds up a person.
And the nature of God is truly at the heart of the question “Does everything happen for a reason?” Who is God? What is God like? We say a lot about God when we answer that question:
If everything has a reason says that God either made it happen (fatalism) – everything (good or evil) that happens is because God willed it so – God becomes the author of evil. Or there is the approach that God did not will it to happen, but allowed it to happen (as in “great, I will let Bill do that sinful thing BECAUSE it serves my purpose”). Either one doesn’t say much about a God of love does it?
But if we say things just happen, we start to chip away at God’s omnipotence. Is God really all-powerful? Can’t God prevent these things from happening, and why not?
But all of these answers take away that pesky little thing God gave us – free will. We have the choice of doing good or evil. We have the choice of preventing evil from happening. We have the choice – given by God. And yes it causes problems, because we often make the wrong choice, especially when we choose not to follow God. But even in this, God can do good.
Look at the Genesis story of Joseph and his brothers. Genesis 50:20 says “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” When the brothers tossed Joseph into the pit, they were doing evil – they intended harm. God “allowed” this (he gave the brothers free will to make their choices), and used it for good – God can make good out of all bad. God can and will do good things, even when we make the wrong choices. God didn’t say “great, the boys are working according to my plan” rather God took what was bad and produced good – the rescue of God’s people.
God “cannot” prevent us from doing evil – because God gave us the choice to follow or not to follow. And that choice is precious – we would do well to use it wisely. But when we falter, we know we can turn back to God – and God might just do something incredible.

Authenticity is the latest “buzzword” among the church. People are seeking authentic leaders, authentic relationships, and authentic believers. But it is not like there is an “authenticity meter” we can apply to anyone. Yes some people put on their Sunday best for church, and their Monday worst right after the service, but for the most part, we strive to follow Jesus the best we can in a fallen and sinful world. And the best way to do this is to be ourselves while allowing the Spirit to transform our minds into the likeness of Christ.
Memorial Day was a great opportunity for our congregation. The local Memorial Day parade goes right past the church building, and stops for a brief ceremony at the cemetery. We set up a table with information on the church, and gave away bottles of water and lollipops. As people were lining up for the parade, we handed out information on Vacation Bible School and the upcoming Strawberry Festival. No hype or pressure, just a couple of us talking with the community, telling them about some upcoming events.
Now here is the great part. Our neighbors brought their kids to the parade – and they got to see me in “Pastor Bill Mode”. They saw me interact with the community and with church members. And guess what? They saw the same guy who stands in the pulpit every Sunday preaching God’s word. The same guy who leads a tribe of children during VBS shouting chants like a drill sergeant (although much more fun). The same guy who talks about super hero movies, loves model trains, and shares his faith in a simple, authentic manner. The same guy who, a couple of hours later, sat around the picnic table with them, sharing a beverage and a discussion about religion in the United States.
So can I declare myself “authentic”? Or is that an unauthentic thing to do? I have no clue. What I do know is this. I am a sinner in need of a savior. I am a decent guy who tries hard to follow God’s path. I love Jesus. And all of this is true whether I’m in the pulpit, the community, or my backyard.

Peace,

Bill

I was doing some reading when I came across this statement:

A great Orthodox theologian once said that we do not believe in a God who will show us how all of the pieces of the puzzle fit together in the end. We believe in a God who will wipe away every tear from every eye.

Now I am not sure who the theologian was, nor the site where I found that quote. But it speaks to me. So often in the course of ministry we get asked the question “why?” We get asked “if God is good, why do bad things happen?” And we try to answer, often using Systematic Theology, which is a wonderful tool, but doesn’t really address the immediate need. Or we resort to the pithy statements that people make to comfort someone…statements like
“On this side of eternity we only see the hanging threads and knots, but on the other side we will see the great tapestry God is weaving.” And even though I’m sure I’ve said some version of this, I pretty much cannot stand it.

When someone is hurting and saying “why do bad things happen?” they are really asking “what is going on?” “Where is God in all of this?” And we actually have answers, some of which a hurting person is not ready to hear. But one thing they are always ready to hear is this. God loves you and wants to comfort you. A human may have hurt you; the fallen, sinful world might have hurt you. You might have hurt yourself. But God is. And God loves you. And God will wipe away every tear. That is one of His promises.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4

At the March Presbytery meeting, an amazing thing happened. It was, once again, a vote on a controversial topic that threatens to tear apart the denomination, so emotions were running high. People were speaking, debating, praying, and getting ready to vote. The outcome would mean a winning side, a losing side, and more negativity. There was a feeling of apprehension and anxiety in the air. People were saying the same battle lines over and over. But then it happened.

In addition to “THE TOPIC”, we had a mission speaker (Rev. Doug Baker) who reminded us that whatever the result of the vote, there are good things happening in this denomination, and we have an important ministry. In particular, he talked about an incredible mission program for young people.

It got me thinking. Yes there are problems within our denomination, within our presbytery, within our congregation. There are problems with our jobs, our schools, our nation, our government, even our families. But instead of always looking at what is wrong, let’s consider what is right.

What is right with…
Our denomination
Our presbytery
Our congregation
Our pastor
Our ministries
Our jobs
Our families
Our homes
Our communities

What is right? So here is the challenge. During the month of May, I want each of us to consider what is right. Each day think about one good thing you experienced, or one good thing going on in any of the above list (or your own list). Maybe you can write it in a journal. Perhaps around the dinner table families can share one good thing that happened that day. Couples can pray together at the end of the day, giving thanks for one thing that is right. Maybe we can even post some on the bulletin board, or give a brief testimony or praise during worship for what is right.

On Sunday April 19th, I preached about making efforts to be positive, loving Christians – showing the world Jesus. This would be a great way to do this – to seek out what is right.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

It is “Easter Tuesday”. Holy Week is over. The Easter Sunday service is over. I took Monday off to “rest”. Okay, actually I had to replace a leaking pipe on the kitchen sink and unclog the shower, but I did take the day off.

Now that it is all over, I want to reflect on the past week. After her first Holy Week, a friend and colleague began calling it “Holy Cow Week”. Holy Week can be grueling. It is not just a few “extra services”. Each service requires energy – physical, emotional and spiritual energy. The Palm Sunday service is filled with pageantry but in our case, shifts into the passion. On Maundy Thursday, instead of a sermon, I do drama – usually a monologue of one of the biblical characters. This year I was Pontius Pilate. Trust me; even a short drama takes a lot of energy to deliver. On Good Friday the service was small and quiet, but reading the passion scriptures is quite emotional. By Sunday morning, I was running on adrenaline, and there was still a big service to do.

The Easter Sunday morning service is always a joyous event. We have extended family, visitors and many members attend. It is always great to see the sanctuary packed – and there is a lot of energy in the room. This year was no exception – and I was fired up and ready. My sermon on Easter is pretty simple – the resurrection happened, and its power and effect are still relevant. He was not just risen 2000 years ago, but He is still risen. This should mean something to us all. God has acted in the world, God is acting in the world and God will act in the world. God is always at work, and we, as His followers, should claim that “resurrection power” as we act in the world as well.

Brothers and sisters, He is (still) risen! He is (still) risen, indeed!

Bill

It is early Saturday morning. I’m not able to sleep, probably because I am overtired from the week. The adrenaline is flowing. It has been a very busy week. The Palm Sunday service was filled with a lot of energy beginning with the children processing into the sanctuary with their palms. The service then transformed from the Palms to the Passion.

On Thursday we held two Communion services, one during our Shepherd’s Kitchen ministry, and the other during our Maundy Thursday service. Again, lots of energy extended for those events.

On Friday the church was open for meditation from 12-3 and images of the stations of the cross were projected upon a screen, with music in the back. Friday night we held a quiet service as we walked with Jesus along the way to the cross. While it was a quiet service, it still took lots of energy.

And now, Saturday morning, we wait. Holy Saturday is a day of waiting. Yes we know what happens. Yes we know that Sunday morning we celebrate, but it is a day of waiting anyway.

Many of you might be waiting for God. There might be something going on that is far beyond your ability to handle. Perhaps you have been lifting it up in prayer, but so far, no answers. Well, there is good news. God will respond. God will act. Sometimes we just need to wait. That is the message of today – the message of the Saturday before Easter. We wait.

But come tomorrow…

Why is it called “Good Friday”

My daughter keeps asking this question. She knows what happens. She is now old enough to understand that dead is dead and that killing somebody is wrong. So she keeps asking “why is it called Good?”
Now she knows the Sunday school answers: “Christ died on the cross for our sins.” She knows to say that during the Children’s Sermon, or whenever asked, but she is also smart enough to know that answer is a bit too pat. Why “Good?”

As a pastor, I read the Good Friday scriptures every year. And honestly, every year I choke back my own emotions as I read “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last (Luke 23:46).” Every time I reflect on this, I feel the anguish and torment of my own soul, for I am a sinner. And then something else happens. While I cannot explain it, while I cannot even fully comprehend it, I know. Deep in my soul I know. Jesus died for my sins. And that, my friends, is good.

Where the whole realm of nature mine
that were a present far too small
love so amazing, so divine
demands my soul, my life, my all

This is Maundy Thursday. This is the night we commemorate the Last Supper and the giving of Holy Communion to the church. Jesus, on this night, took bread and blessed it as any Jew would – but he made a slight change to the prayer over the bread. He broke it and gave it to his disciples saying “Take this and eat it, this is my body, given for you.” When he did the traditional prayer over the wine, he again changed it “Take this and drink, this is my blood, the blood of the new covenant.”

Tonight we will hear those words again. Tonight we will break bread, we will take the cup. Tonight we will remember as He was turned over to the Roman authorities.

Tonight, as we take the bread and the cup, we will remember.

On Monday I sold my pickup truck. Now my daughter is upset because she really loved that truck. And in some way, I grieve a bit because I really liked my truck too. But it was time to move on.

The truck was actually a blessing when we bought it from our friends and neighbors. It was during a dark time in our lives. My wife’s “aunt” died and so we needed to empty her apartment. My mom fell, had a hip replacement, and we came to the realization that she could not live on her own anymore. So I had to empty her apartment and move her into a nursing home. And we still had a house that needed to be fixed up and sold. Having a pick up was a great help.

But its time had come. It was no longer beneficial to keep, and so we put it up for sale. And this got me thinking about how we view “stuff”. Often things are very expendable in this country. We think little about throwing something away and replacing it with the newest version. But that is not my upbringing. I grew up in a household that could not afford new things. Early on I learned how to repair small appliances and do plumbing work because we could not afford repairmen. I did basic car maintenance, painting, paneling and carpet laying. For me, repairing old came long before buying new.

And in addition, when something’s “time has come”, I appreciate the blessing that it was. Whether an old car or truck, or piece of furniture or appliance, I am thankful for its service to our family. That attitude is completely different from the general throw away culture in which we live. And my attitude comes from my relationship with God. Just as I believe that the old snow blower can be repaired, God believes that I can be repaired. Just as I am willing to work on the old dryer, God is willing to work on me. And when it is time to replace the dryer, I will thank God for the old one – kind of like I hope to hear God say to me “well done good and faithful servant” when my time here comes to completion.

So the next time you get rid of something, consider its value. Consider what it meant to you. And give God thanks.

Bill

At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. Mark 1:12-14

I took a class in seminary about the temptations, and different theologians view points – reading such greats as Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther and John Calvin. I have both formally and informally studied human nature and sin. I have read and meditated on the three gospel versions of this story countless times and taught them almost as much.

And often all we ever hear from this gospel lesson is this message: “Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations, so you can too” in that great western viewpoint of “we can do anything by ourselves if we just pull up our bootstraps.” But we don’t. None of us are as successful as Jesus are we?

I know that I am not. That’s why so many observe the season of lent by giving up something – we are hoping to change a bad habit – hoping to change something about ourselves that we can’t seem to change without attaching it to a season. And even then we have difficulty, and we often fall prey to those temptations again. But instead of beating up ourselves, instead of giving up because we can’t do it, repent and BELIEVE the GOOD NEWS.

The incarnation was not so that Jesus would just say “look, here is how you live – just do it like me”, rather, Jesus entire life, ministry, death and resurrection was for one purpose – restoration. His ministry, his life, his suffering and crucifixion and His resurrection was to restore us to God –and this is His work – His not ours.
It is not about us being so perfect that we overcome Satan and the temptations, rather that Jesus’ work, Jesus’ merit, Jesus alone brings us salvation. And that is good because quite frankly, I cannot do it myself.

I have made many decisions in life. Some were good, some were bad. Some were God honoring, and some were not. But I’m in good company, for as the Apostle Paul said in Romans 7:15 “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

And nobody is tougher on me than me. Nobody disappoints me more than me. Someone else does something wrong, and I’m willing to forgive them right away, but if I do something wrong, I carry it like a cross – letting it’s weight bear down on me and preventing me from achieving my God given potential. I let the weight of my sin drag me down. And I’d bet the same is for you – nobody is tougher on you than you. We seem to be willing to extend grace to others long before we extend grace to ourselves.

That is where Jesus comes in. He overcame the powers of darkness he overcame death he overcame temptations precisely because we cannot do it ourselves. The entire Lenten season reminds us that we are not perfect, we are not living in God’s light all the time, but not in a “beat us up way” rather Lent is about us rekindling our relationship with God. It is about us turning from our wrongful ways and following Christ, knowing that we rely fully on Him to reconcile with God.

As we continue down this Lenten journey, be kind to yourself. Try to live as you ought, spend some time with God in prayer, meditation and scripture reading, turn to Jesus Christ as your redeemer. Repent and believe the Good News.