Family Man Big Buck Contest

It is so time for Christian guys to be, well, guys! I'm not talking about being some kind of bizarre "superman" kind of thing. I'm so all over The Family Man Web's Big Buck Contest.

Okay, I admit it, this was the first thing I clicked on when I came over to check out this site...how awesome is that for a contest! Thanks to Lori at All You Have To Give who definitely has done great work in watching out for the women out there.

It just started, the rut is in full swing now down here in Georgia and I know it is other places. Fall turkey season is cranking in other states and waterfowl season is about to open down south. Get your sons and daughters out if you can too. Now is the time - get out and make some stories!

Remember - Communion

1 Corinthians 11:23-29
I remember the coupon. It was kindergarten and I had been awarded a yellow coupon – one free cheeseburger at McDonalds. I remember taking that coupon in hand with fear and trembling because I had never had a yellow coupon before. I was a plain white coupon kid – straight up hamburger kind of guy. No cheese had ever defaced my burger. So it was that a few days later, with my dad willing to sacrifice and eat the cheeseburger, that I Kenneth Lee Hagler, presented the yellow coupon to the cashier at the McDonalds in Starkville, Mississippi. With that first bite, a whole new world opened for me – cheese was a good thing – No – it was a GREAT thing on a burger!

On the night that he was betrayed, Jesus certainly did more than add cheese to hamburger. Jesus did more than just break bread and pour out juice. Jesus did more than interrupt the celebration of the Jewish Passover meal. He He gave us himself. In communion, this reality is what we remember.

The communion meal is a mystery. For centuries, there have been different thoughts among Christians on this meal. I have come to respect all of those that respect the meal. When Paul wrote to correct the Corinthians, he gave to us the first and most basic ritual of communion. And what he was saying to those who were gathered – remember the meaning – don't play with this – it is seriously GREAT!

The United Methodist has 43 page document titled, Holy Mystery
that outlines how the United Methodist Church understands all of communion. It is good reading but it isn't a sermon – it is more like a little homework – as I'm sure you don't want me to read off a paper!

Where it gets personal is this – Jesus took bread and wine – and he set them aside in a ritual. They became the essential tangible items through which Jesus connects to us. We remember what Christ did in the past, receive his presence in our lives today and place our hope in a future God has promised. The past, present and future connect with us.

But why should a person even take communion?

It follows Jesus' example.
Mark and Matthew's Gospels record the words that reflect that Jesus took part in the ritual. "Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." (Mark 14:25)

It honors Jesus' teaching.
We understand that the communion meal was something Jesus taught to be done often...
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. (1Co 11:26 NASB)

It demonstrates my faith in Jesus.
The record in Acts records how the early church made communion a habit as did the early church as a whole.
Acts 2:46 "Day by day, attending the Temple together and breaking bread in their homes…"
Acts 20:11 "And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed."

What about the questions around communion?
Why do you let children take communion?
When children come forward we tell them the bread and juice remind them that Jesus loves them very much. After all, this is the truth we all need to hear! Jesus said we should not stop the little children from coming to him and if the bread and juice represent him, it is appropriate for children to come.

Why is grape juice used rather than wine?
It came about during the 19th century in response to prohibitions of alcohol and the growing problem of alcoholism and continues through to today.

Why do you use bread with yeast when Jesus didn't?
It has been in question for a number of years what meal it was exactly that Jesus celebrated in the upper room. The word used for bread in Greek could refer to any type of bread, with or without yeast. Of greater importance is our belief in an open table where all can come and receive.

What do you believe happens to the elements?
We believe that the elements are a tangible way through which God can work though the elements though they remain bread and juice. John Wesley wrote that this “This is the food of our souls: This gives strength to perform our duty, and leads us on to perfection” (“The Duty of Constant Communion,” I.3).

What do you do with the leftovers?
Traditionally, the elements are returned to creation or consumed by those who prepare and serve. The handling of the bread and juice should be handled and used with reverence.

Can anyone take communion @ Crossroads?
The answer is yes. We call our table an open one. You don't have to be a United Methodist or a member. You may not even feel worthy. You may not even be a Christian. We believe this simple meal with all its meaning, is God offering us grace.

This meal is a chance to remember that Jesus is all we need. We'll never experience God fully if we act like a diner who keeps interupting their meal to go eat at the restaurant next door, says author Larry Crabb. This is food for our soul.

Remember...begins this Sunday

I'm really excited about the next two weeks at Crossroads UMC as we look at the two practices Jesus told us we should remember to do - Communion and Baptism. This week, as we take a look at Communion, I want to recommend a little reading.

Check out This Holy Mystery. This is an explanation of the background, meaning and practice of Communion in the United Methodist Church.

Heroes & Villains - Part 2

Sometimes the Villain is the Hero...
There are a lot of negative outcomes surrounding discrimination. But maybe the worst thing about discrimination is how it contributes to disconnection. We build barriers and walls and push away those who might be the very ones who are meant to bring hope and joy into our world. But the unknown, the concealed parts of our lives including the potential for pain, make it nearly impossible to move forward.

The relationship between Bella and Edward in the Twilight series highlights this and this one scene captures the tension that exists throughout the series of novels. “What if, I am not the hero? What if I am the bad guy?” And in all that we've been taught, we know that Edward must be a monster for after all, Edward is a vampire.

But author Stephanie Meyers challenges us with the question, a tension that exists in Edward's own character – What if the villain is in fact the hero? It was on his death bed that Edward was turned into a vampire by one who was also a doctor. A doctor named Carlisle Cullen.

Carlisle was the son of minister in the 18th century when he was bitten and because of his convictions, fought to live a new way. Now stop and imagine this – a doctor with over 200 years of medical training. A doctor with a moral compass, a conviction not to survive off of humanity but to heal humanity. A vampire, surviving off of animals rather than humans.

Sometimes the villain is the hero.

This truth has been at the heart of the spiritual struggle that takes place behind the scenes in our world. The story of Elijah the prophet of God in the Old Testament illustrates the ongoing struggle of spiritual warfare. The Bible tells us that King Ahab and Queen Jezabel probably did more evil in the sight of God than any other King or Queen of God's people. In fact, they didn't even worship God but instead chose to worship Baal. In the face of this idolatry, Elijah stood firm and condemned the false worship. Ahab and Jezabel did all they could to dicredit and destroy Elijah. The nation wasn't sure who to believe. In the most powerful exchange in 1Ki 18:17-18 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, "Is this you, you troubler of Israel?" (18) [Elijah] said, "I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father's house have, because you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and you have followed the Baals. (NASB)

What happened to Elijah was a pattern that would continue and has continued for all who follow after God. To the religious leaders of the day, Jesus, was himself called the villain. Matthew records in chapter 12 the story of a man who was blind and couldn't speak, he

“(22)...was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw. (23) All the crowds were amazed, and were saying, "This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?" (24) But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons." (25) And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. (26) "If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? (27) "If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges. (28) "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Mat 12:22-28 NASB”
The Jewish religious leaders had already discovered that Jesus was out of their control. In their minds, he was not “their messiah.” He regularly did things they did not approve of, like spending time with prostitutes, fishermen, shepherds and tax collectors. He healed people on the Sabbath and even touched the most vile to heal even! Rather than try to control, they sought to destroy – to discredit and lie.

What do they say? They say Jesus is of the devil! Of all things they could say they try to discredit Jesus by saying he is of the devil. And it is here that Jesus gives the famous - “house divided” teaching. In these lines Jesus again highlights this core value of evil that I spoke last week - '"Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (Joh 8:42-44, NASB)

Paul points out what should be evident, is the character of Jesus. Imitated by evil of course, this is what we have to be careful about. But Paul wrote to the Galatian church that the “...fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Gal 5:22-23 (NASB))”

I can best describe it this way. The pastor that had the biggest impact on my life wasn't the best preacher or the best chaplain. No, Malloy Owens showed it to me because of a life that was simply being a Christian – a word that means literally: “little Christ.” Malloy wasn't boisterous but was simply the kind of guy you liked to hang out with. He wasn't my pastor for more than two years but it was enough. Even within the face of opposition, Malloy showed in his life, the character of Christ – the fruit of the Spirit.

It wasn't a character that Malloy created in himself but what Jesus did in and through him. It is this change that puts God and others first that shows through our lives – it is the loving acts done one at a time that mark the hero from the villain. The devil is in the details – the fine print – the words – Satan is a liar. But Jesus came not to change words and details but to make a difference in our lives – heroes are always found in actions – one loving act at a time.

Heroes & Villains - Part 1

Throughout the story of Harry Potter, there is a denial of any possibility that the great evil wizard, Lord Voldemort could still be alive after his disapperance. Over and over, Voldemort's followers are able to manipulate and infiltrate the ranks of authority and power. The turning point finally coming when Voldemort replaces one of the most powerful wizards with a look alike. As the tension builds and the wizarding world is overthrown by the dark lord, One of Harry Potter's professors makes this simple statement, “Voldemort is playing a very clever game. Declaring himself might have provoked open rebellion: Remaining masked has created confusion, uncertainty, and fear.” (pg 208, The Deathly Hallows)

The parallels throughout history are unmistakable. Adolf Hitler brought hope to a nation and then led Germany down a path of complete darkness and oppression. King Henry the VIII pride and selfishness led England into a downward spiral. One of the United States earliest and greatest generals was Benedict Arnold. Because of his early successes against Great Britain, some even desired to replace General Washington with Arnold. Yet, this hero was found to be a wolf in sheep's clothing and his name became forever associated with his traitorous deeds.

Real life and fictitious stories often parallel one another. Stories such as Harry Potter, Twilight, Batman and Star Wars, have brought to light a rather challenging and at the same time, disturbing reality – what if the hero is the villain?

It is a reality we face most specifically when we begin to deal with the spiritual realm. So many things sound good and make us feel good. Even in the Church universal we have in the last few decades decided that to talk about...Satan, is taboo. When Paul wrote the Corinthian church, it was this reality he was writing about. There is opposition we face in following Jesus Christ and you may never realize it because Satan is a master of disguise.

Disguising and Lying
It was Paul who highlighted that Satan comes disguised as heroes, even as pastors and clergy, but it was Jesus himself who pointed out where it comes from. It is a core value of evil to lie. In confronting the religious leaders of the Jewish people, Jesus said, '"Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (Joh 8:42-44)

Like those surrounding Harry Potter, so many wanted their world comfortable. Like our day, we don't want to believe there might be true evil. You may not even want to hear me talk about the possibility that there is a true evil one at work in our world in opposition to God. But I've had plenty of things that have over and over again confirmed Satan's work. I have seen it in relationships with friends and marriages. I have seen it in the corporate world and in ministry. But it has been in starting a new church that I have most seen the work of Satan. Whether in people or some in businesses, there have been those who have tried to take advantage and undermine the mission of Crossroads.

Satan does not want people connected to God, following Jesus or becoming his disciples. And as Carlester pointed out to us last week from his experience playing professional football – even within the Church, there are times and people where circumstances appear and people who appear as men of peace.

Ultimately, within society and today, among Christians the evidence is present that we have come to believe that our “self-interest is a virtue.” This may be the greatest lie that Satan, has been able to infiltrate among believers. It sounds good – it makes us feel good but as Dorothy Sayers so distinctly expresses it – “hell is the enjoyment of our own way forever.”

Sometimes the hero is the villain.
If any one of Jesus' followers knew this truth, it would have been Peter. He tried rebuke Jesus. Failed at following Jesus. He even denied knowing Jesus. But this follower, this saint, would also come to die for his belief in Jesus Christ.

He wrote from his own experiences that we should, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (5:8)” In other words, be humble, keep in check your self-interest - Methodist pastor Adam Clarke wrote centuries ago that Peter was saying - “be not overcharged with the concerns of the world.”

Satan doesn't care for you at all. Why does sin never satisfy us? We are never satisfied with our awards are we? Our toys? Our salaries? Because we never satisfy the devil. You and I are only snacks. Satan is into snacking – he is always looking out for his own self-interest. Just as he is never satisfied – sin will never satisfy no matter how good it looks.

But Peter said there is a way to resist the Devil – the villain in a heroes clothing - But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. (1Pe 5:8-10)

It isn't in your strength, or your wisdom or your spiritual abilities – but in your faith. Peter doesn't back away from saying it will be hard – our self interest after all isn't a virtue in God's eyes. We find our faith strengthened in knowing we are journeying with others – our bretheren – the Saints – after the way of Jesus.

GAME TIME

You have waited. Kick off finally came. So how goes it with your team? Is a perfect season in your grasp or are 'your' boys already out of the hunt? Hanging on to a shred of hope or are you looking to support your conference? Funny thing about that oblong piece of pigskin, you just can never tell which way the ball will bounce. But any given weekend, there is always the possibility of a game changer or even a season changer.

“Football Is an honest game. It's true to life. It's a game about sharing. Football is a team game. So is life.” Those rather philosophical words were not spoken by a sage like Don Shula or Tom Landry but rather by Joe Namath. “Broadway Joe,” the showboating quarterback of the '70's that lead the New York Jets to the Superbowl, was known more for his glitz and glamor than for his philosophical outlook. Yet he understood how important a team is to football and to life.

How many times in a loss have the fingers been pointed at the quarterback or one missed play or a fumble? If Joe was right, then we have been looking at things all wrong – both on the field and off.

I spent two seasons on the sidelines of a new high school's football team as their chaplain. In two years they won just one game – the first one they played. The team learned that it was never just one person's fault – the blame never fell on one set of shoulders. And in the third season, when they began to win and went to the playoffs – (and game changers appeared) everyone held their heads high.

Let me ask you this – who is winning in your family? Stephen Covey, author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has said, “If everyone in the family isn't winning, then someone is losing.” How about your business? Are all the employees on the team or just a few? If the company is 'winning', is everyone? Are you waiting for a game changer?

In life, you can wait, point fingers and manipulate all you want but I can tell you that there is already a game changer on the field. A true game changing player does not desire to take all the credit, because they know they cannot. “The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had: He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to remain equal with God. Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant. He became like a human being and appeared in human likeness. (Philippians 2:5-7, GNB).

I suggest where ever you are – get off the bench and go after Jesus – every day has the potential to be a game changer. It is GAME TIME!

Why Are Cleaning Buckets Important? Take a look...

Why are cleaning buckets so important? Because more than homes are needing to be healed - the lives of our neighbors need to be shown we care.





Today, I saw first hand the power of community coming together. Through UMCOR and the North Georgia Conference, 216 flood Cleaning Buckets were delivered to Westridge Church, unloaded by a variety of volunteers from Crossroads UMC and Samaritan's Purse to be distributed to families and work teams around our neighboring counties.

Later, I joined a Samaritan's Purse team that worked on the street and in the homes pictured above, right here in Paulding County. On the same street, was a UMVIM team made up of local churches. I met ladies from Marietta, a couple from New Mexico and a father and son from Pittsburg, PA. We were hidden behind masks and gloves, working in the midst of mold and mildew with homeowners trying to help them take one more step back toward a normalcy.

To all of you that have done something - thank you. To all of you that are sacrificing every day - we *heart* you!! ;) If you have yet to do something, then the this is the call. The 216 flood Cleaning Buckets were part of a shipment of 1500 that came in because someone, somewhere in the U.S.A. cared enough to make them. What happens when they are used up and none are there to take their place?

When Paulding County comes together, we can make a difference! Now is our time to love our neighbors!

Confessions of Selfishness

There is a sobering reality as I realized today that Paulding Flood Relief is and will likely be just as much about Paulding helping it's own people as it will be about Paulding helping our fellow neighboring counties. As I look at pictures coming from by fellow pastors in Austell and Douglasville, as rain pours again, and as I look at my muddy boots in my dry garage; I realize just how much we still don't get it.

I mean that even personally not just corporately. I confess, I am still struggling with my own selfishness that my schedule has been interrupted. My plans for the weeks and months ahead must change. Why?

Something just came along and robbed my neighbor. Can we blame the storm? Sure and so we could blame God too right? I mean, that is the easy way out. But it wasn't Jesus' way.

Jesus replied: As a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, robbers attacked him and grabbed everything he had. They beat him up and ran off, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road. But when he saw the man, he walked by on the other side. Later a temple helper came to the same place. But when he saw the man who had been beaten up, he also went by on the other side. A man from Samaria then came traveling along that road. When he saw the man, he felt sorry for him and went over to him. He treated his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put him on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next morning he gave the innkeeper two silver coins and said, "Please take care of the man. If you spend more than this on him, I will pay you when I return." Then Jesus asked, "Which one of these three people was a real neighbor to the man who was beaten up by robbers?" The teacher answered, "The one who showed pity." Jesus said, "Go and do the same!" (Luke 10:30-37)

I noticed today that Jesus didn't blame the robbers at all, they're a side note to the story. Who Jesus condemns are those who walked by. Jesus doesn't indicate how long the man from Samaria may have thought over the need in front of him. The man even realized he could only do so much - he couldn't do all that was necessary to help the needy.

Sure, one more reason to blame God. One more reason God isn't fair. You and I can't do it all either BUT you can do something and Jesus says that is what matters - not our opinions of God.

Just What Are We Facing In Paulding and Surrounding Areas?

Today I spent my time working and communicating with some of the incredible businesses in Paulding County who are collect Cleaning Buckets. For more information on how to build a bucket, where to give online, and what businesses are partnering to help, go to www.pauldingfloodrelief.com.

After that I took time to see what we're facing here in Paulding County. I spent the afternoon at Sheri and Al's home in Hiram. Their home sits below a dam that had a hole in it about 18' tall and 30' feet wide. The flood of water left dead fish, debris and trees in it's wake. All before crashing into their home.

(Thanks Kerstin!!! You're doing an awesome job on the documentary!)

Tonight, because of community response, this family has moved out what they could and moved in with other relatives. But what then? Like most, they don't have flood insurance and are having to make do with what they have and figure out what steps to take next. As disaster survey teams arrive from various groups, assessments will be made and opportunities for hands on response will grow. Already, assessments are indicating there are growing needs in other counties nearby.

This is not the time to sit by but to be proactive! Check out www.pauldingfloodrelief.com and get involved!

The Days, Weeks and Months Ahead.

This week has been a little deja vu for me. One of my fraternity brothers called up asking how he could give to help the folks here in Paulding County, GA. As we talked, he reminded me that it was 10 years ago that Hurricane Floyd devastated Eastern North Carolina and my home town of Greenville.

While the disaster here is not on the scale of the flooding of Floyd or Katrina, it is vitally important that the correct response is taken and a long haul approach is taken. The response will be measured in months not weeks when you consider some of these homes lost family memories, pets, vehicles, etc.

We all want to help but doing the right things at this time are better than just doing anything. With the regional impact of this flood being felt not just in Paulding, but also Cobb, Douglas and other metro counties - more will need to be done than we can imagine. As I understand it, there will be a conference call today taking place between a number of the disaster relief teams coming in to help. It is hard to wait.

So what can you do?

1. Make a flood Cleaning Bucket and get it to the drop off sites provided around Paulding and the surrounding communities.

2. Check out Paul Richardson's blog at West Ridge Church for where to drop donations of water and blankets.

3. Check your calendar and clear your time to be ready to volunteer when the call goes out.

4. Pray for those most effected by this disaster and the first responders, power companies, DOT, water company, etc. who have been working round the clock.

5. Consider giving financially to help through UMCOR (United Methodist Council on Relief). One of the most trusted disaster response organizations, guaranteeing that 100% of your gift will go directly to the disaster.

This is what it means to RETHINK CHURCH - it is time to put hands and feet to Jesus' words.