The World at Heathrow
posted by
gdk
on
03/24/2008 |
I landed in London at Heathrow Airport this morning. It's an eight hour layover before the 10 hour flight to Lusaka, Zambia. Every fashion shop is here at Terminal 4. Right now, I feel at home at Starbucks as I drink my Chai Tea Latte. I hear it's good for the stomach. This airport is the crossroads of the world. I have found it fascinating to just watch and listen to the myriads of people. Many languages fill the air. Pluralism in every sense of the word is at Heathrow.
Upon landing in Chicago, I grabbed a bite to eat at where else, McDonalds. The lady at the counter was not a happy camper. I tried to cheer her up, but to no avail. It took the little Indian girl with beautiful brown eyes to make her day. Humbled again. On the flight from Chicago to London I had an interesting conversation with Ian, from London. He asked where I was going and, well...you know the rest of the story. He began to tell me just how few people attend church in England--all of Europe for that matter. He was kind, but did not want to engage the "R" word (religion). He asked what I would be teaching. When I said the Gospel of Matthew he replied, "That's good." But that was it. It is always humbling to consider just how much to share. It reminds me that there is no "stock" presentation--one size fits all. The last thing I wanted to do was fit his stereotype of what a minister is and does. Then, he took an envelope from the British Airways packet, dropped some change in it and said that it is good to help the children. BA is helping children in Africa by asking people to donate their pocket change. He may not be interested in "religion" in the way you and I might understand it, but is given to be compassionate. Umm!
Being here for several hours is humbling. God created us in his image. Being made is God's image has so many implications. Of course, we are all ethnocentric; that is, our ethnicity is the center of the universe. Not really, but that's our blessing and curse in following Christ. God is cross-cultural. It's one thing to say, "For God so loved the world" and yet another, to look at so many people that look and sound different than me. This "love the world" from God's perspective is challenging. Umm!
Umm! It's the response of reflection; of watching and listening; of considering my own little self in the midst of a great big world. Lord, help me look at no one from a worldly point of view. Why? I am a new creation in Christ. (2 Cor 5.17) and the love of Christ, compels (2 Cor 5.14f)
Umm! It's the most religious word I know today. Umm!
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The Gospel is a Way of Life!
posted by
gdk
on
06/06/2007 |
How are you living the gospel? In nearly 30 years of ministry I have often heard the refrain, “Just preach the gospel, brother!” I have and now believe in its necessity more than ever. The challenge, however, is to not reduce the gospel to a set a facts to believe only, rather as a way of being, of living in relationship to who God is and what he has done and will do in Jesus Christ.
The church needs the gospel for the gospel informs, shapes, and infuses the church with God’s power. The gospel calls the church into God’s life and mission in very practical ways. No wonder Paul says, “Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Phi 1.27).
My preaching is better than I live. Lord, help us live the gospel.
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"Help me, church!"
posted by
gdk
on
05/18/2007 |
“Help me, church!” This is familiar refrain in African-American preaching. It is a way of seeking affirmation of the message or a particular emphasis, point or truth. I like it. By calling forth the verbal affirmation of the church the preacher knows the church is hearing and bearing witness to the message. In this way, preaching is participatory and a form of worship. We typically do not think of preaching as worship, but it is. Preaching is not making a speech and merely quoting an ancient document as a source. Preaching is a lived experience with God, Scripture, the congregation and life. It is awesome, humbling and frightening to dare speak for God. Pouring over Scripture, asking questions and questioning the questions is hard work. Struggling with interpreting the church, the culture and discerning meaning is never ending. It goes way beyond three points, an illustration and a poem (something the preaching of the prophets, Jesus or Paul never did). Preaching calls forth the demons in one’s own soul. Preaching is not for the fainthearted or merely enjoying being in front of people with a nice talk. Preaching absorbs your whole life. Jeremiah tried to quit and couldn’t—the fire burned in his bones (Jer 20.9). It was not about ability, rather, the call of God in his life. I am just now beginning to understand. The church was birthed by the power of the Holy Spirit through preaching. It was God’s way.
I have been preaching in some form or another since I was 16. I am still amazed at how God uses this clay vessel to speak through me—even during times of great struggle, lack of preparation and sinfulness. I pray every Sunday morning that God cleanse my heart, sanctify my lips and give me courage to speak God’s message.
I am helping encourage some young preachers as of late. I am blessed. Far too many of them are really discouraged. Some are leaving preaching and the Churches of Christ. I hurt for them and us. It doesn’t have to be so. “
I am a preacher. There, I said it. “Help me, church!” Help me, Lord!
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Reflections on Hospital Stays
posted by
gdk
on
04/16/2007 |
I am writing from the 15th floor of Baylor Hospital, Dallas. It is a great view of downtown. The nursing staff is kind and for the most part, attentive. I am here not as a minister per se but as a son caring for a mother. My wife has been a lifesaver staying countless hours with her. For hospitals, to a large extent about hurrying up and waiting--for tests, doctors, and procedures. Time passes slowly. Here are a few observations from five days of being in two hospitals with mom.
1. Be prepared to give the same personal information multiple times. Forget integration of departments. Paperwork is directly linked to liability.
2. Ask questions--particularly about meds. It's your right and too many things work against other things from a well intentioned team of doctors.
3. Expect delays--hurry up and wait is the norm, not the exception.
4. Key family members need to be present when doctors do arrive. When they do come. Ask questions, take notes, record times and ask more questions. Being present is essential.
5. Know that there is a severe nursing shortage and hospitals are generally understaffed and overwhelmed. Treating the hospital staff with kindness, patience and appreciation means that they work harder for you. In general, be an active advocate for your family member in a kind and consistent manner. Be sure to take short walks down the hall, deep breathing and prayer always helps.
P.S. Christians were the first to offer hospice care. It's part of showing the world that God cares for the sick.
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Are you afraid?
posted by
gdk
on
03/28/2007 |
Fear is a big deal. It lies just under our skin and oozes out more than we want to admit. Fear controls. Fear paralyzes. Fear causes us to lose sleep, cry, yell and even do stupid things. Naming our fear, getting it out in the open is important for our mental health and relationship with God. Are you afraid, let God know it. It’s called confession—agreeing with God about what is controlling you. Luke mentions fear or some close relative of fear more than twenty times. It oozes out in the disciples or religious people consistently. Often, Jesus says, “Do not fear!” Jesus knows what is in the heart and what people are thinking. He can smell fear a mile away, then and now, you and me, in the church, even in elders, Bible class conversations, e-mails and certainly in gossip. I have found that naming or more boldly confessing fear is essential to healthy faith. Sometimes our fears are disguised as blame, addictions and it takes a while to get them out. But when we do, it is liberating and gives us energy to move forward. I can hear Jesus saying it right now--
“Do not be afraid..” Can you?
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