Does God Hear My Prayers?

Sometimes events take place in our lives where we as Christians are left wondering – is God really out there? Where was God when the twin towers of 9/11 fell? Was God there when the holocaust was happening and millions of Jews were being murdered? Why didn’t God stop the death of the 200,000 people in Haiti’s earthquake last year? Was God watching over that little girl and protecting her when she was taken and abused and killed? Sometimes we wonder, where is God when…? Maybe we even question, why is he silent? Why doesn’t he intervene in those moments?

These are hard questions – serious questions – the question of where is God when…? And perhaps we find ourselves asking this type of question when something calamitous is happening around us. We’re praying because there is something going on and it feels like our prayers are unanswered. And so we ask,

Does God really listen? Does God even care? Why is God silent? God, are you there?

This last week I’ve been working on my message of ‘Why doesn’t God answer when I pray?’ and the song Garth Brooks made famous, Unanswered Prayers has been running through my head. In the song he thanks God for not answering his high school prayers over his high school sweetheart. He sings these words:
Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

A friend of mine has been seeking work for quite some time now. He’s had interviews and close calls in being hired, but hasn’t had that offer yet. During this time his faith has remained strong. He has told me a number of times that God has something in mind for him and that he just needs to remain patient (hard as that is). In the past he might have given up, or lost faith, or turned away from God, but not this time. He knows God has something in store for him. And when his prayers are answered he will be doubly blessed.

There are times in our lives when it seems like God isn’t listening, doesn’t care, or isn’t answering our prayers. Yet, the reality is he does care. He is listening. He may not answer our prayer in our timeline, or in quite the way we want him to; but, God is always with us. The hardships we face are part of life and while we sometimes pray that God will change those conditions around us – that doesn’t always happen. Yet God is with us.

Let me close with this. I read recently one person’s interpretation of prayer is this: “Maybe thinking of prayer as something that needs to be ‘answered’ is asking the wrong question. Maybe prayer is something like ‘entering into a relationship,’ or ‘yielding our lives to God.’ Maybe it’s less of a transaction and more of an investment or even a communion.”

I think perhaps that person is on to something. I think maybe he was right.

May God bless you this week; may your faith stay strong; and may you trust God to care for you in the way he knows is best. See you Sunday my friend.

Underage Drinking

Last Wednesday I was invited to a community wide meeting held at our high school to discuss the problem of underage drinking. The discussion centered on the issue of teenage drinking and drug usage; the prevalence of it in our community (communities across the nation really); and the startling statistics associated with this.

Speaking at the event was our Municipal Judge Kris Koeffler and Jo Anne Franzene – one of the teachers at MECAS. We had group discussions, a video, and large group discussion as well. There are two statistics that stuck out for me. The general perception from youth polled that the use of marijuana is not harmful nor does it lead to harsher, more addictive drugs. I remember from my own youthful days this same mindset - 'pot' is not addictive, it doesn't lead to other drugs, it really isn't a big deal! Yet, statistics would prove otherwise.

The other statistic that caught my attention was the early age our youth are starting to drink and experiment with drugs. It seems each year (or generation) this gets younger and younger.

From ages 13 to about 25 a pruning and strengthening process is happening in the teenage brains. During that time, the brain cells and connections that get used the least die off; those that get used the most get stronger. If during this period, teens experiment with drugs and alcohol the brains region that's responsible for making complex judgments is directly impacted. Alcohol use during adolescence may result in decreased attention, memory, planning and executive functioning. (see more information at www.drugfree.org/teenbrain)

The primary focus for this meeting was to bring awareness of the issue to the parents and community members. Following the meeting I talked with one of the coordinators of the event to ask how we, Milton UMC, might further participate or help. I'll be meeting with her at a later time to talk more in-depth about this, but having literature available, hosting a church-community meeting discussion of our own, being available as mentors to the middle schoolers and high schoolers in need.... are some of my suggestions.

I'll leave you with this thought – parents are the number one deterrent when youth are deciding whether to use alcohol and drugs.
1) Establish some "together time", don't be afraid to ask the hard questions;
2) Eat together as often as you can;
3) Be a better listener;
4) Give honest answers;
5) Be a day-to-day example for your child;
6) And lastly, be absolutely clear with your youth that you don't want them using alcohol or drugs. Ever. Anywhere.

Blessings,
Patrick

He said what?

Not too long ago I posted a comment about my Uncle Cal being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The family is pulling together to support and care for Cal (and his wife Chris). He's currently in stage one of Alzheimer's - as I understand this disease affects everyone differently, but the eventual result is death.

Shortly after visiting my uncle, and posting my comments on his Alzheimer's, I read an article by Pat Robertson (a popular televangelist) who said it would be ok to divorce your spouse on the grounds of Alzheimer’s. "I know it sounds cruel,” he continued, “but if he’s going to do something, he should divorce her and start all over again, but to make sure she has custodial care, somebody looking after her.” You can read his comments further at this link: [http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/17/us/pat-robertson-remarks-on-alzheimers-stir-passions.html]

As pastor, religious leader, and Christian I have to say I disagree vehemently with his comments. All too often I see marriages disintegrating when they should be strengthening. For some (or many if you look at the divorce rate statistics) the vows we take, to be together for better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us part, become meaningless or a best trivial. While some may argue that Alzheimer’s is a kind of death - it is not death while the spouse is living. If one cannot rely on the spouse to be faithful and stick by when in thick or thin, then what value do the vows really have? I believe our tradition and scripture maintains that we are to remain faithful to our spouse through good times and bad.

What gets me is instead of working to strengthen marriages, especially when they are troubled, all to often the couple turns the other way and seeks an easy way out. A husband and wife have a troubled marriage and instead of seeking ways to strengthen their bond the husband goes out on a regular basis for bowling and video games with the guys. A young couple I married some time ago lasted less than a year in their marriage - this after completing about six months of premarital counseling. And not once did they come to me after their marriage to say they were having troubles. What can we do? Can you help us? There are a multitude of marriage strengthening workshops, retreats, and even biblical studies to help couples draw closer together.

There are resources the pastor can provide or direct couples to to help most situations. Now, there are times when divorce is perhaps the best answer - especially when abuse is taking place (physical, emotional, even sexual). But Alzheimer's does not fit this category for me.

I have the utmost respect for our own congregation members who have gone through (or are going through) having a spouse with Alzheimer’s. It's not easy. Admittedly, I don't know the half of it. But I commend those of you when you stay by your spouse even in (and especially in) the bad times.



Blessings to you my friends.

Patrick

Sometimes we cry out, but we just don't feel like we are being heard

Thursday afternoon I was home playing with Gracie before I had to go back to church for evening meetings. We were playing outside on a little slide one of our church members had given to us. Earlier I had taken the slide part off the plastic unit and had not yet put it back together. Gracie took the slide, leaned it up against the plastic stairs of the unit, and was playing until it fell while she was on it. I started to put it back together (the way it was supposed to be!) and she began to cry. I asked her what was wrong but with her crying and talking at the same time I could not understand her.

I asked her to stop crying and use her words. I told her I couldn't hear her - meaning I could not hear her over the sounds of her crying. She looked at me and said, 'I'm crying loudly so you can hear me.' Of course I could hear the crying! I wanted to her to use her words to explain what she was unhappy about.

I thought about this later that evening. I think sometimes we all have a tendency to cry louder hoping someone will hear us, notice us, understand what the problem is and fix it. We fail to understand that we have to use our words. We have to say what it is that is bothering us in a way that others will understand. We want someone to know what is causing our pain. But if we don't speak clearly, in a way that someone can understand, and we only 'cry' louder, we aren't really communicating effectively.

Sometimes it is hard to use our words. We fear what someone might say back to us or how they will react. And so we don't say anything of real substance. We just, 'cry' louder hoping someone will fix the problem.

It is fascinating watching Gracie as she grows and realizing the lessons she is teaching me about life in general. There are times when I need to use my words and speak more clearly and cry less loudly. I pray that God will help me to do so.

The Act of Giving

On almost any given day you would find some kind of trinket: a bauble, a stone, a feather, a glass bead... in my pocket, on my desk at home or the church office, in my bedroom, or in my car. These are items of little monetary value, but of great sentimental value. They are something my four year old daughter, Gracie has given to me. So often she will come up and hand me something to keep. It is something to 'make me happy' or to 'think of her' she tells me. I revel in the seriousness and excitement she has each time she gives me a 'treasure'.

About a six-eight weeks ago I went on our mission trip to South Dakota. On the day I left, Gracie came to me and gave me a miniature pillow (from her doll house) and a polished stone. These were to remember her. I carried them in my pocket each day and often took them out to hold in my hand.

Two weeks ago I was at the church office on Monday afternoon. It was quiet; everyone else had gone home. I heard a noise out in the hallway and went to see. Two young girls were walking in - chattering and giggling a bit to themselves. I greeted them, introduced myself and asked how I could help. The older girl - 9-years old - said they had just had a lemonade sale today. The younger girl - about 8 years old - said they had sold $12.00 worth of lemonade. They held out an envelope and with big smiles said, 'We want to give $6.00 to the church.' Neither of the girls are church members. Both were so excited to give half of their earnings to the church! I thanked them and told them how wonderful this was. They left as they had come - chattering and giggling. What a wonderful and unexpected gift! The $6.00 went to our missionary fund for Paul Webster in Zambia. Just that Sunday in fact, we were having our monthly noisy can collection for Paul.

Gracie's and the two girls generous giving often reminds me of how we are called to give to God. We are to give with a glad heart - with the heart of child. We are to come to him with joy and laughter and generosity - giving to him, that which is his already. Wouldn't it be wonderful if each one of us gave so gladly and selflessly that we had no other motive or intent other than sharing our joy with God? When we come to the altar in worship of God, let's give of ourselves so completely and with great love. Let us give of our offerings, our tithes, our spiritual gifts, our time and talents. Let us give with a smile on our face. In doing so, we bring a smile to God's face.

My Uncle Cal

My uncle Cal was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Some of you have dealt with this deadly affliction yourself - with your spouse, or mom or dad, or grandparent. And you understand how tragically this disease impacts the whole family. Uncle Cal has recently had to retire from work, because of this disease, and is currently at home with his wife. He served in the Marine Corp as a machine gunner and was wounded in Viet Nam. He went to bible school many years ago and has served as deacon for his church for quite some time. He raised three lovely children (my cousins) and is my godfather who stood with me when I was baptized. It is difficult to see anyone, much less a close relative whom you love dearly, be affected Alzheimer’s.

Cal and I share some things - I was in the Marine Corp right out of high school. I'm in the ministry. Cal is my mother's brother - mom passed away July of last year. His struggles with this disease touch me quite closely.

We visited Cal and his wife this last weekend. What a wonderful visit. You would not suspect anything amiss, from just sitting and visiting with him. However, Chris (his wife) mentioned he can no longer drive. And while he loves to read, he gets quite overwhelmed when visiting the local library to find new books. And he has some difficulty following the printed words of a book - so he is listening to books on tape (CD really) more and more.

There is a sense of helplessness in watching someone go through this. You know you can't change what is happening. There may even be a question of where God is in the midst of all of this. If God is a loving, kind, generous God, then why does he allow something like this to happen? I don't know if I can answer that question to everyone's satisfaction (perhaps my own included). What I do know is that God has never promised any of us an easy life. Many of the biblical people we talk about each week have had tremendously difficult lives. Yet, God promises to be with us and to give us strength to see us through the difficult times. When we find our strength failing, and our faith flagging, perhaps we can remember that we find more strength in the relationships with those around us. Those who are willing to pray for us, to sit with us, to hold our hand when we need holding; they give us strength and remind us of God’s love for us.

“Then I saw a new heaven and anew earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the old order of things have passed away.” (Rev 21)

A Sense of Community

Earlier this week I stopped by the Milton Family Restaurant for a late breakfast. As I sat in my booth, reading one of my books and eating a wonderful omelet, I listened to the chatter and laughter around me. I enjoy so very much listening to people in fellowship. Friends reuniting, family members gathering, people talking and sharing. As I came into the restaurant I walked by a table without really looking – until a young voice said to me, “Hello pastor!” I turned and there was my young friend Jacob eating with two of his buddies. We visited for a moment or two and then I went to sit down.

In some ways I feel like Norm of the old TV show Cheers, when I enter our local restaurant. I guess we all want to go to a place where everyone knows our name. The Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans, “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (15:7).

It is important to feel like we belong. I'm working towards the finish of a sermon series entitled, "Men of the Bible; Women of the Bible" and the last two sermons (focusing on women of the Bible) the characters I talked and taught about were outcasts, unwanted, ostracized by the community. How terribly lonely we can feel when we aren't wanted. Have you ever felt that way?

Not everyone finds that sense of belonging in the church. I wish they did - truly I do. I'm very glad to be a part of a church where we do our best to make people feel wanted, like they belong. I'm sure we are not one hundred percent successful with this. But I really believe we try.

Where do you go to feel like you belong? Home? The bar? The restaurant? Church?

Bless you my friends. I’ll see you on Sunday. Let us all welcome one another by name and enjoy our time of fellowship and worship.

God of Wonders

A week or two ago I listened to a thunder and lightening storm roll in. I watched the lightening stream through the sky. I heard the thunder rumbling in the heavens. I felt the raindrops pelting down. And I wondered at the wonder of God’s might. Several weeks ago, as I drove through the Bad Lands in South Dakota, I wondered at the creative, majestic, might of God. And I was drawn to the words of Psalm 8:

“O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?”


It is amazing that in all of God’s creation we (you and I and all humanity) are placed first before all else. It is equally amazing that God continues to stand by his creation, loving and caring, forgiving and shedding grace – even when we so little deserve it. Today, I give thanks for all God has given us. The beauty of this world and all its majesty. The beauty of the people around me. The boundless love and grace our God shares through Jesus Christ.

Take some time this week, my friends, to wonder at the wonder of God’s might and creation around us! Blessings to you and see you on Sunday!

Patrick

The Parable of the Sower

I was recently reminded of the parable of the Sower, found in Matthew 13:1-23, when my 3 year old daughter asked me about our roses (growing outside our back door). We have a small rose bush that gives 2-3 roses each summer. As we were coming into the house she asked me why one rose was blossoming and looking beautiful, and the other two were not. I said perhaps the one rose bud is getting more nutrients and is being fed, while the other two aren't. She puzzled and pondered that for a while, asked many more why questions, and eventually moved on to something else.


As we spoke and I answered her questions, I was reminded of the parable Jesus tells of the seeds that are sowed on rocky grown, the seeds that fall among the thorns, and the seeds that fall on good soil. Of course, the seeds on good soil grow and bring forth grain and the others do not. He goes on to explain this parable by telling the people that when one hears the word of the kingdom (the gospel of Jesus) and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in the heart. In order for us to grow from this teaching, this word of Christ, we must understand that when we find ourselves on rocky ground or amongst the thorns of life - where we are not in a good place in our relationship with Christ (through our prayer lives, regular bible study/reading, attending worship, serving and giving to those in need) we will find ourselves not growing. "But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundred fold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." (Matt 13:23)


During the summer months we sometimes take off - from church services, from bible studies or time in the bible, from Christian fellowship. Travel, beautiful weather, friends and family visiting... can lead us to take the summer off. Please stay immersed in your relationship with Christ - even and especially during the summer months. Let us stay focused on Christ that we may bear fruit for him and the Kingdom of God on earth.

God's peace to you all,

Patrick

Keeping It Green - How are we stewards of God's earth?

I recently completed a sermon series entitled, “Keeping It Green”. It was a short series – 3 weeks long. The overarching scripture verse supporting the series came from Genesis 2

“Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have
dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over
every living thing that moves upon the earth.

I have given you every plant yielding seed and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. Every beast of the earth, every bird of the air, everything that creeps on earth, and everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.”

I recieved about three to four times the number of people supporting and substantiating the need to talk about how we are stewards of God's earth as compared to negative comments for this series.

Following the second part of this series, where I talked about the foods we eat, how they are processed and how that impacts our health and the health of our planet, I was invited by one of my regular church attenders to tour his corporate pheasant farm. He wanted to show me around since he is a corporate food producer. I appreciated his positive approach and his wanting me to be informed. He wasn't criticizing - he wanted to enlighten. So, I took him up on his offer.

I truly enjoyed the tour and appreciated the time he took to do so. He runs a wonderful pheasant farm raising over 1.5 million birds a year and selling them worldwide. His facilities are clean, sanitary and many of his employees have been there for years – the longest 25. They focus on being ecologically, environmentally, healthy and bird conscience.

I had a good time listening to him talk about the industry and how they do things. One regret I have is that I did not talk to him before I ran the series. I would have appreciated the balance he would have brought to my message. I know not all food providers or industries are as conscientious as he is, but there are those who are. And we need to know about them, recognize them, and applaud them.

And on a side note one of the most surprising statistics I came across was the rapid declination of our rain forests. 1.5 acres are cut down every second. By the year 2025 over one half of the world’s rain forests will be gone. By 2060 all of our rain forests will be gone. What will happen to our world’s climates, the air we breathe, and our atmosphere when this happens?

As I prepared for this series I learned a lot about people and businesses that are doing much toward perserving our world and world resources. At the same time I learned there is still much work to be done. If we believe what scriptures have to say, and we work to follow God's commandments and commission, I know that we can better stewards of what God has blessed us with.

So my question for you all – what do you think of being environmentally green? Do you think it is biblical – that God calls us to be stewards? Are we treating God’s green earth the way you think he would have us? What are your thoughts?