I’ve been on this planet exactly 21,916 days (if you are doing the math at home, I’ll save you the trouble: that’s 60 years plus one day). Me, Gwyneth Paltrow and Google had a birthday yesterday (many thanks to all who sent greetings my way). According to a study reported here, September 27 is the most common day for a person to be born. In other words, I’m not as special as my mother told me I was. 

I’ve been sucking in air for 21,916 days on our beloved revolving ball of dirt and water. Not all of those days have been great. There’s been a few clunkers. But, honestly, just a few. 

The day of my brain aneurism wasn’t a great day, but I really don’t remember much of that day. Kidney stones, a ruptured appendix and a few other assorted ailments make up a handful of bad days. The death of my parents and other close friends account for a few more bad days. There have been disappointments in people’s choices; a few church folks (not many, just a few), in the back pocket of the Enemy, made for some stinky days; and a car crash or two (who’s counting?) made for a less than perfect day. All this to say, of my 21,916 sunrises almost all have had sunsets that followed a pretty decent day. Many days were exceptional! I’ve been blessed.

If I had 150 bad days (and I think that number is high) then about 99.33% of my days have been good days. I can testify with Kind David from the favorite Psalm who wrote: “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6). God’s goodness and love have followed me. I don’t deserve the blessings I’ve received. I’m overwhelmed by God’s graciousness!

Against, my mama’s opinion, I’m not unique. You have been blessed too. Maybe you’ve have a few more bad days than me. Maybe you’ve had a few less. But the reality is that God longs to bless His children. Psalm 2:12 says, “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” Not some. Not a few. ALL who take refuge in Him are blessed.

In Jesus list of those blessed in the Sermon on the Mount (the Beatitudes), some of those considered “blessed,” are questionable. Are they really “blessed” –the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the persecuted—to name a few? It would seem that they have more than their share of “bad” days. What gives?

James understood it this way: Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12). Peter agrees: But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. (1 Peter 3:14). In other words, the worst of days of our lives don’t have the final word. Jesus does. Keep your eye on the Prize not the problems.

Unless I am like Moses (he lived 120 years) I don’t have another 21,916 days left in me. Whether those remaining days are many or few; whether the days are mostly bad or mostly good—this I know: I long to experience the blessings that the Revelator foretold: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14). That glorious final blessing is my aim and goal—I hope it’s your too.

Spiritual Renewal is something that every believer should want. The Lord’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23), who wouldn’t want a new mercy every morning?  Who wouldn’t want to be renewed in his/her spirit each day? This isn’t a conservative or liberal thing. Who doesn’t want to be revived?  

Those who might say “revivals” or periods of spiritual renewal in a church are not effective these days. They aren’t like the “good old days” when folks didn’t have anything better to do, had three TV channels from which to choose; and came out to anything the church offered. It’s true there are more things to do and more things that (we feel) must be done. Look at social media. Walked through a high school. Noticed the direction of our country. Think of the defeat/discouragement within families.  Hear the angst and the lonely cries of people all around. We need revival. More than ever, we need spiritual renewal.

Who doesn’t need: More encouragement? More strength? More wisdom? More spirit infused courage? We all need more of Jesus these days not less. Those who say, “I don’t need spiritual renewal” or “I’m too busy for revival” or offer some other excuse—are more than likely the ones most in need of spiritual renewal.  We all need it (pastors included).

Everyone can grow stale. No one is immune. Spiritual renewal is the antidote.

To combat the prevailing forces and pressures in our ever-compromising culture, we must slow down, focus on Jesus and plead to grow deeper in our walk. It might involve openness, honesty, confession, vulnerability and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. It might cost us something. Growth usually does.

Clearing calendars is inconvenient. Of course, there are commitments that have to be kept (revival week or not). There are some things a person can’t get out of doing—but there are plenty of things that we can get off our plate for a four-day immersion in soul renewing. It might involve asking to re-arrange a work schedule; cancelling a regular appointment; or asking to be excused from a class. If we claim that our soul care is the most important thing in our lives (and it should be), then, for this four-day period, we need to act like it. 

Once a year (generally the first week or two of October), Central Church sets aside four days, Sunday through Wednesday to intentionally focus on our soul reviving. This year, October 8-11, Dr. Tim Green, dean of the Millard Reed School of Theology & Christian Ministry at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee will be our speaker. We make every effort to eliminate excuses. A free dinner is served Monday through Wednesday. Our Discovery Area (nurseries and pre-school) are fully staffed. Our children’s ministry (grade 1-5) also have special speakers and workers. We prioritize this week in our budget and in our efforts. 

We put forth the energy because we believe God wants to revive our souls, improve our outlook; strengthen our families; refocus our attention and ready us for whatever the future might bring. We’ve got a couple of weeks to shuffle our duties and clear our responsibilities to enable full participation. Spiritual renewal is worth it. Revival is coming! I can’t wait!

According the picture that was on my social media time line, the rapture is happening tomorrow. Apparently, whoever made this “theological calculation” forgot Jesus’ words, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). In other words, make your car payment.

For argument’s sake, let’s say it was true. 

In 24 hours, the world is about to change… 

What would you do? 
Who would you call?  
What would you tell them? 
What if they didn’t believe you?
Would you take their “you’re crazy,” comment and drop the whole conversation?
Would you be persistent?

Are there people to whom you would need to make apologies?
Are there wrongs that need to be righted?
Are there people you’d want to thank?
Would you cancel your Saturday plans?
Would you be sad that you won’t be able to watch football this weekend?
(I’d be happy to be entering the sweet by-and-by in my fifties, not in my 60’s like a certain wife of a preacher that I know. I’d have all eternity to rub in that lil’ fact… snicker snicker).

Paul wrote this nearly 2000 years ago: 
Understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11-12

If the Apostle Paul said, “the night is nearly over; the day is almost here,” doesn’t it make sense that two millennia later, we are a whole lot closer to that Day (yes, I capitalized it on purpose) than ever?  Are we slumbering on this news? Have we put on the “armor of light”? (Read: Are we shining for Jesus?).  Jesus indicated we need to be prepare today for all eternity when He said, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:36). We are going to spend a whole lot more time in the next life than we are in this old life, so we need to be ready. For the procrastinators in the crowd remember the words of Proverbs 27:1: Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

I’m not suggesting that the rapture is happening tomorrow. I am saying, I could get in a car wreck tomorrow. You too (sorry for the Debby Downer wakeup call). Fact is, there are no guarantees in this life. If you’ve been in a car with me, you know that, statistically, there is a much greater likelihood of me blowing through a stop sign than Gabriel blowing his trumpet. Reality Check: Am I prepared to see Jesus, whatever my tomorrow may bring?

With apologies to the know-it-all, social media post, “the End” might not come tomorrow, so pay your mortgage and your tithe (hee hee)! Even more important, pay attention to the wellness of your soul.

Proof #128 that I am old: I constantly find myself saying, “it was much easier pastoring in “the good old days.” I feel like a curmudgeon to say it, but it’s true. 

Pastoring is hard. 
Harder now than ever.
People are angrier. 
Social media is brutal. 
Less people go to church, and 
those that are church go-ers, “comparison shop” more than ever.
An old preacher once told me, “once the sheep start to wander, they never stop.” We’ve got a generation of sheep wanderers, drifters and dropper-outers. That’s Baaaaa-d! (Terrible puns? Proof #129 that I am old.)

Regular attenders are less “regular.”
I’m told that there are more reasons to miss church now (I don’t really think there are more reasons to miss. There have always been plenty of reasons to miss church. It’s just these days people are more apt to miss). 
It is easier to miss church (thank you live streaming). 
The only “live streaming” in the old days was if the water fountain in the church foyer got stuck (Church foyer jokes: Proof #130 that I am old).

Growing up, we went to church. If the doors were open, we, Princes, were there. A little tummy trouble wasn’t a good enough reason to miss church. You had to have a foot in the grave and the other foot on spilled communion juice to miss. (Bad Communion jokes: Proof #131). Not so these days. 

People are less forgiving.
They draw conclusions much quicker.
Authority, respect and kindness have seemed to take a backseat to personal liberties where every behavior under the sun is validated and if you think otherwise, the “Kibosh!” will be on you!! (Use of the word, “Kibosh”: Proof #132)

Often in a vacuum (thanks again social media); non-Christians only hear the voices of like-minded people, and (not shockingly) those in the world are not favorable to the things of Christ. Proof #133: Every fiber in me, wants to make a joke how Hoovers’ aren’t the only vacuums that suck, but I’m not.

Moreover, there are “believers” who likewise are critical of the Church, pile on at any bits of trouble and regurgitate all of the Church’s flaws. Knowing the actual facts seems to be optional. Of course, accountability is needed. Errors and sins should be exposed. Flawed, sinful leaders should be expelled. I’m not talking about that. I’m referring to the ad nauseam criticism and vitriol speech from those who claim Christ. They have no problem slinging mud on the Bride of Christ’s gown. Heaven forbid, if a pastor-type should tell the aforementioned “believer” that their negativity is not helping the cause of Christ. An avalanche condemnation and denigration will fall upon the poor preacher. 

Did I say pastoring is harder now? It is.

What’s my answer to this current state of church life and pastoring? I’m going to try even harder. I am going to work to get others to join me. I’m going to preach and pray and call and visit and love and work some more until Jesus comes. I’m also going to pray for young leaders who are strong, courageous, faithful, loving, truthful, and kind. God is calling them. I’m praying these young leaders will be listening and not get discouraged. The closer I get to the finish line, the more I long to hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” A grumpy generation is not going to stop me.

Now, get off my lawn.

(The previous comment is Proof #134 reason that I am old).

I like good news. Who doesn’t?  The Gospel of Jesus Christ, of course, is the ultimate Good News. We always want to share it–as often as possible. But I also like hearing the good things that are happening in my tribe, the Church of the Nazarene. I especially want to know what’s happening in the USA/Canada region where I live and work. It seems Captain was right in Cool Hand Luke: “We have a failure to communicate.” 

There is news coming from various Nazarene entities. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries post on social media from time to time how Nazarene are helping to alleviate the world’s suffering. That’s good news. The NCM Magazine likewise provides good stories from around the world. Nazarene Missions sends an emailed prayer reminder on Wednesdays about different countries in the world. That’s good too. Nazarene News on Friday’s sends an email about what is happening here and there throughout the world. There is an obituary section (mostly USA/Canada clergy) and a once-a-month notice of the moving ministers (also mostly in USA/Canada). Nazarene News has a slight social media presence (emphasis on “slight”). Holiness Today offers good articles, but isn’t really a disseminator of news from around USA/Canada. There are probably a few other outlets of which I am unaware. Those sources are fine in what they do, but I need more good news. 

Just like the traditional news outlets, where ‘bad news sells,” social media seems to swirl around the negative. There’s bickering on all sides ad nauseam. Paul said our struggle isn’t against flesh and blood, but it sure seems like we are making it out to be. Our Enemy is the same since Eden. So why are we making it so personal against one another? (Cue: the comments about “standing for truth” or the need to “love unconditionally”). 

I’m not a Pollyanna. Bad things happen. When they do, those bad things need to be exposed. Confession, repentance, sorrow, lament and grief are legitimate responses to those bad things. They should never be swept under the rug or the bad things will keep happening. I get all of that. Still Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice!” We act (and post on social media) like Paul wrote “Keep hounding on the terrible things, again I say puke it out more and more.” Can’t we rejoice a little more than we currently seem to be? Do we have to be so negative? Our brothers and sisters might differ on some issues, but they are still our brothers and sisters. There need not be a feud in the family of God.

The truth is: Good things are happening. They are happening in my corner of the world (probably in yours too). Lots of good things. A lake-full of people getting baptized last month; the grand opening of Central Park; plenty of new folks at Pastor’s Chat and a great youth fall kickoff yesterday; and a medical team leaving for Panama on Saturday (our third team to Panama this year)—good things are happening at Flint Central Church. But I want to hear about God’s working across the country too.  

Listen in an age of angst and anger, we need to hear about the power of God at work among us. We need to be encouraged. We need reports of the good things of God. I’m not a “world’s going to H-E (well, you know the rest) in a handbasket” guy. I’m convinced that God is still at work in America. I just want to hear about it more and more.

My sons and I will be at the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Detroit Lions football game tomorrow at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Alex and Ben will be wearing Chiefs’ shirts. I will be wearing the Honolulu Blue and Silver of the Detroit Lions (I have failed as a father. Two sons. Zero Lions’ fans. But I digress.). We will be at the game along with 76,416 others in the stadium. Probably 76,415 will be cheering for the Chiefs. Hopefully, there will be two or three other Lions’ fans representing the Motor City Kitties.  

If you are not a football aficionado, I will remind you that that Chiefs won the Super Bowl last year. In fact, the Chiefs have been in the AFC championship game for the last five years, and have won two Super Bowls. The Detroit Lions, on the other hand, have never been to a Super Bowl; have won exactly one playoff game in my lifetime (you read that correctly. ONE!); and despite greater expectations for upcoming season, the Lions are not predicted to win this game.

If watching the game on TV, in a sea of red jerseys, look for a guy in the nosebleed section in the north end zone wearing blue with his hands over his ears. Arrowhead Stadium has the Guinness World record for the loudest stadium, when Chiefs’ fans’ screaming one time hit 142.2 decibels. I tend to get migraines with a little extra noise in the sanctuary. It could be a long night. If ever I felt all alone in a big crowd, Thursday might be my night. 

Sometimes one can feel like you’re wearing blue in a stadium filled with red.

Recently, a church leader wrote the following on social media: “Loneliness and isolation is (sic) the result of solitude without Jesus.” I get what he was trying to say– “you are never alone with Jesus.” It’s the “Just Jesus and me on the Jericho road” theme of the old hymn. He’s not wrong about Jesus always being with us. Jesus said, “Lo, I am with you always.” Jesus meant it. Moreover, personal sin can lead us to a lonely place as we isolate ourselves from God. My problem is with the mistaken notion that loneliness is always the result of a lack of connection to Jesus. Loneliness might have nothing to do with one’s standing with Jesus. 

Biblical heroes like David, Jeremiah and Paul all had bouts of loneliness and it wasn’t the result of a lack of faith in God almighty. Feelings of loneliness can be the result of grief, friendship changes, mental health issues, singleness, chronic pain, even the lonely servant of the Lord. None of those examples are necessarily a lack of faith and to suggest otherwise, only heaps needless guilt onto the lonely sufferer.

A remedy for loneliness is rarely a simple answer. It involves some or all of the following: acknowledging one’s situation; allowing God’s word to penetrate the soul; being proactive in cultivating Christian friendships; having fellow Christians perceptive to one’s circumstance; and ultimately allowing God to be one’s provision. 

Paul words to the Corinthian church are the beginning of the remedy: 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

In other words, the remedy for loneliness is not “just Jesus and me on the Jericho road.” It’s Jesus and me and you and other believers too on every road of life. Rueben Welch said, “It isn’t Jesus and me, it’s Jesus and we.”* It’s being comforted by God, then passing that blessed comfort onto others. When loneliness attacks, in its finest hour, the family of God moves into action. When God’s people circle the wagons of love around an individual, loneliness’ grip begins to lessen. 

Hopefully, there will be some kind-hearted Chief’s fans sitting nearby that will have compassion on this lonely Lions’ fan too. 

*Welch, We really do need each other, p. 73.