Reframing Our Current Situation

 A young Christian packing his bag for a journey said to a friend, "I have nearly finished packing. All I have to put in are: a guidebook, a lamp, a mirror, a microscope, a telescope, a volume of fine poetry, a few biographies, a package of old letters, a book of songs, a sword, a hammer, and a set of tools."

"But you cannot put all that into your bag,'' objected the friend. "Oh, yes,” said the Christian.

"Here it is." And he placed his Bible in the suitcase's corner and closed the lid. ~ Author Unknown

(Wallis, C. L., & Hopkins, C. (1982). Words of life: A religious and inspirational album containing over 1000 quotations from the minds and hearts of writers of twenty centuries. Harper & Row.)

The Shiloh family made a courageous decision to cut its branch from an unhealthy tree, like I did long ago (see last week’s post). We’ve chosen to graft our Christian family to a new, healthier paradigm so that vitality and fruitfulness are hallmarks of our devotion to Christ. Some will rightly ask, “What are we grafting too?” “Is it another denomination?” 

To answer that, I’d refer you to the story of my new paradigm, first, because it had more to do with internal change than with external appearances. I did not stop working in environments that tempted me to return to old ways of thinking. I still kept up with relationships that reminded me of past hurts and presented difficult circumstances. Focusing my thoughts on the long-game and gradual, permanent transformation caused me to reframe feelings and facts regularly. Reframing requires a new set of raw materials and skills. If you take an old photo to the craft store for framing, the expert will choose suitable matting layers and then draw stock for the outer edges. She will cut perfect miters and carefully fit them together. In time, the old photo in its new frame becomes a thing of beauty. 

“Ok, Dan. You’re doing that thing where you mix metaphors and create cognitive dissonance.” So, I will now attempt to tie it all together. First, I’m proposing that we should not think of our breaking and grafting as a matter of denominational affiliation. Second, I’m encouraging you to join me in carefully reframing our situation. 

It will be necessary to attend to practical matters as we move forward. Therefore, some of us will need a means of maintaining polity and doctrine (governance and religious standards). Likewise, there will be fiscal matters associated with operating an institution like ours. Alignment with another denomination offers viable options for meeting such needs. It would be reckless to associate with an entity that does not represent our core values, no matter the benefit. Isn’t that why we left the other one? So, we must feel sure about that next affiliation for the sake of our reputation and representation of Christ’s family. 

Remember, we’re reframing… Once we’ve found a suitable partner for temporal needs, the primary focus of the Shiloh family is… what?

Our journey of discernment has revealed that our Shiloh family thrives on three essential ingredients and their elements: The Bible, family, and community. 

• The Bible is a gift from God, whose Word (heart and mind) is unchanging, perfect, and true. It informs our relationship with God and each other. 
• Family, in our context, is the intimate, committed bond of Christian Believers who share the One Holy Spirit because of the sacred blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, our Christian family shares common spiritual DNA. Family unity is not dependent upon common lifestyles, languages, tastes, and traditions. We are all sinners saved by grace and born again in the same Holy Spirit. 
• Community is the place and people with whom we live, work, and serve outside the Shiloh family. We look upon our community with the love of Christ and deeply desire its salvation and well-being. We understand that our Christian witness derives from personal discipleship and holiness.

Shiloh Church of Jasper will accomplish these goals by: 

• Letting our light shine, free from worldly religion
• Worshiping God because we just can’t help it
• Loving the LORD with heart, mind, and soul
• Loving our neighbors with the grace of God

So, how does the old photo look in its new frame? 

Broken to Be Grafted

Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” - Romans 11:19 

fffffff-wapp, fffffff-wapp, fffffff-wapp, fffffff-wapp - it was the sound of rhythmic swishing as wheat stalks repeatedly passed through the air and struck a heavy stone wheel set in a circular well made for pressing grapes into juice. A camouflaged figure with only the cloth wrapped around his head breaching the rim of the pit, paused briefly to wipe sweat from his eyes with the tale of his head covering. Tiny particles glinted all around him as waning sunlight beamed from the horizon and under the wide canopy of a terebinth tree. The young man spent another post-harvest day separating wheat kernels from pods that tipped spindly, pale yellow stalks while he hid beneath the giant tree in a hole. He feared an enemy who might attack and steal food from his family’s mouths at any moment. Even so, he liked the solitude. It was a time for deep thought, and it gave him respite from bullies and critics. Observant and introspective, the young man often worked out his consternation and sought solace in a quiet place. He’d suffered through demoralizing, humiliation, and put-downs. It seemed better to risk being alone and discovered by the tribe’s enemies than to be surrounded by familiar people who seemed to delight in breaking his spirit. So, he picked up another bundle and struck it against the stone. 

fffffff-wapp, fffffff-wapp, fffffff-wapp, fffffff-wapp. After shaking the stalks hard to loosen any clinging produce, he glanced over the rim and pitched the tares onto a pile. The 20-something froze in mid toss as his heart skipped a beat and he gasped at the sight of an unexpected visitor. It was not his enemy but someone radiant who both terrified and awed him. Even more so, when the being spoke and said the unlikeliest of words, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.”

His name was Gideon and his enemies, the Midianites, had oppressed his people for some time. He was shocked in several ways as his mind silently raced through questions like, “Who or what is that?” “Am I about to die?” and “Is this guy for real?” “Mighty man of valor?” He was tempted to look over his shoulder to see if the being was talking to someone else. His people were considered the least among the nation’s tribe, and his tribe the least among the nations – An entire people group given over to general feelings of inadequacy. Then, the angel spoke another absurdity, “Go in this might of yours and save the nation…”

It’s not hard to figure out why he was humble; oppressed people learn to keep their mouths shut and their heads down. But, some possess inner strength and extraordinary faith that goes largely unnoticed until a defining moment comes and God raises them up for His Name’s sake. Gideon must have been such a man. So, he climbed out of the winepress and obeyed the LORD. 

In time, the mighty man of valor led his people to victory, giving all the glory to God. In turn, the LORD fortified his courage and faith anointing him as a judge of Israel. A lesser man would have seized the power offered to him by grateful citizens and lorded it over them, but Gideon told them to let the LORD be their judge. A lesser man would have used the power to prove himself to family and friends who’d thought so little of him before, but Gideon did not. He used his new charisma to teach and lead the people toward faithfulness. Sadly, many failed to learn and suffered the consequences. But, Gideon showed the righteous how to climb out of hiding and into God’s light. He chose to embrace a new paradigm that was always deep within. Gideon allowed himself to be cut from the trunk and stem of his old story to be grafted onto a new source of life. (Read Judges 6–8)

I’ve applied some creative license to the story of Gideon to illustrate a powerful learning and transformational change of direction that reshaped my life. I’ve painted Gideon in much the same way that I saw myself back in my early twenties, a time when I considered myself a born loser who probably deserved the suffering he endured. I’d learned to believe that my life was a series of mistakes weighed down by a growing millstone of consequences. Then, at my lowest point, Christ’s compassion overwhelmed me. He drew my attention to a small, decorative plate my mother bought from me at a yard sale that depicted the prophet Daniel at prayer and the words, “Daniel the courageous.”  I suddenly realized that my Lord saw a mighty man of valor in me. His Spirit awakened untapped inner strength and deep faith. It would take time and effort to excavate that hidden vein of unrefined ore, but it was there ready for His use.  

Long hours, days, weeks, months, and years eventually freed me from the Enemy’s lies. I slowly became the mature father to my wounded inner child. I learned to reject meanness and cruelty as if I were a parent protecting his precious son from critics and bullies. My journey slowly turned in a new direction. When I became a father I made up my mind that I would do whatever it took to start something new, whatever it cost me. The little boy in me climbed up to be a man who’d write a new story for future generations. 

“Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.”’ (Romans 11:19) 

So, like a horticulturist who cuts a growing stem from one branch and then grafts it to another, the LORD broke me and spliced me to make something new. While I will always bear the scars of the transformation, I have the joy of seeing new, wonderful fruit blooming and growing sweet from me and my beloved bride. 

Looking back, I see that I was like Gideon; Called to courage and faith that will only serve well if balanced with humility and grace. Unlikely as it seemed at the time, the LORD asked me, of all people, to teach by example and occasionally sound the trumpet herald. My testimony is not always all that I wish it could be, but Christ called me up and I will strive for His glory in the littlest of things. Though weak and often tempted to sin, I will strive to resist opportunities for pride and prestige. Like Gideon, I will seek those whom God calls to defeat God’s enemies and uplift God’s people. But, in the solitude of my home, my solace comes from serving my bride, my children, and grandchildren as a humble man of God should. 

  

Sowing for a Great Awakening

“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field…” ~ Matthew 13:24

Long-time members of United Methodist Churches like ours have expressed grief in all its forms as recent revelations have awakened them to the deep corruption within the denominational hierarchy (religious leadership structure). Most regular worshipers were content with the UMC brand and their association with it as long as their local experiences fit expectations and met basic needs. Local churches in communities like ours could feel relatively secure until national trends came home to roost. News that some United Methodist leaders and congregations in east and west coast cities overtly violated church law and went unpunished, went unnoticed by many, irritated some, and inflamed a few. The few who felt strongly about the local church’s integrity and its ties with the larger entity left in protest, and there should be no hard feelings over it. The rest held on while their pastors and lay leaders endeavored to maintain unity and vitality. During my tenure, I have and continue to sow for a great awakening. I’ve preached and taught from Scripture and methodically developed a vision and mission-based culture, rooted in the best of our traditions, within the staff, lay leadership, and the Shiloh family. Meanwhile, the UMC hierarchy continues to disaffiliate itself from the biblical doctrinal legacy of John Wesley. The resultant pushback from traditionalists and conservatives met with cruel reprisals that left their opponents with no choice but to form another denomination, and for local churches, like ours, to choose whether to remain affiliated with the United Methodist Church. We will decide on August 22, 2022.

After Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field…” he then described how the Enemy corrupted the fields by sowing weeds among the good seed. The weeds had to remain until harvesters could safely extract them from among the good produce. It is the same with our current dilemma. I enjoy thinking that Shiloh is a fruitful vine that is witnessing the Master Gardener’s weed removal and cultivation. For a time, the garden will look bare, but the produce will soon thrive in the rich soil and an uncorrupted environment; soon, fruit will drip from the branches. 

This is a time for faith and courage. Our light must shine for the glory of Christ and we must boldly move out from under the current stifling, oppressive pall. Like the people subjugated in Egypt, we know we are slaves and victims of social degradation, so an exodus appeals strongly to us, but the uncertainty of the wilderness and the unknown prospects of new ventures frightens us. That, beloved, is the essence of faith. It is confidence that Christ is with us, even while we fearfully stand outside the boat like Peter. So, let us go unfettered into the fields where the Lord of the Harvest awaits us because we believe in sowing for a great awakening. Let us join our LORD in sowing seeds of truth and love while we bravely uphold His sovereign glory. Join me in praying that the Holy Spirit’s presence will bring fresh wind and fire to our community.

The Church of the Damned

~ This was among the most vivid dreams I've ever had. A year later, it makes more sense. ~ 

It was around 3:00 a.m. on a June morning in 2021. I dreamed that I planned to visit a small church in a small town where I had once served as pastor. But, unfortunately, the church and village in my dream were neglected and overgrown with weeds and low-hanging branches. Unsealed cracks in the streets allowed shoots to poke through them, and bald patches of earth showed through all over lawns and even cemeteries. The little rectangle meeting house where I had served was no longer gleaming white, and the large oaken doors no longer glowing with fresh lacquer. Now, gray, unpainted slats topped by an un-louvered belfry wrapped faded stained glass and a corroded bell. 

A long-dead churchman stood near the signboard that once bore my name. As always, his bib-overalls contained his Dutch Master’s cigars in a pencil pocket, and his shirt collar opened to reveal white chest hair on reddened skin. “Preacher,” he said, “It’s good to see you.” Come in and sit for a spell. 

Dirty red carpet and faded brown paneling accentuated the ambiance as dust-filtered light beams cast through yellow and white pieces of stained glass. The familiar communion rail, pulpit, and backlit cross stood where they’d always been but covered in dust. An electric Wurlitzer and faded Kimble upright piano bracketed the scene. My companion spoke softly, “We’ve all died, Reverend” and then the light faded to darkness.  

Suddenly, I found myself far from that familiar place and standing near a large church building with a vast parking lot surrounding its square, Masonic lodge-like structure. The premises seemed as neglected as the little church I’d just left. Inside the main sanctuary, there were rows of theater seats beneath high ceilings and before a long, solid altar rail with a great, high pulpit at the center. Chairs for a large choir with a grand piano and majestic pipe organ on either side sat behind the pulpit. Curtains hung at regular intervals between tall, rectangular stained glass windows that cast dim light under dangling darkened fixtures. Everything was dust-covered, but not so much as the little church I’d just left. 

“What a magnificent building!” I declared to my companion. He said nothing but only stood still, watching me as I explored the sanctuary. I eventually wandered up to the pulpit and found that I had to stand upon several stacked wooden boxes to see over the top. While I teetered there, my companion called across the void, “Why don’t you try it out?” So, I began to sing a favorite old hymn in my most resounding baritone. The sound of my voice filled the large room, and I thought about how wonderful it would be to preach and lead worship in this place. After finishing a verse of the hymn, I boldly proclaimed the gospel of Christ, crucified for our sin, resurrected to bring new life in God’s favor, giving new birth in the Holy Spirit. My preaching boomed through the air, and it seemed glorious to me. Then, in the blink of an eye, I was outside, in the parking lot again.

Astonished, I asked my companion, “What happened?” He replied, “It’s a church of the damned,” and then disappeared. I stood there in confusion for several minutes before finally attempting to reenter the building. I unsuccessfully pulled on massive, metal-clad wooden doors locked from within. Somehow, I knew they were barred with a long wooden beam, so I walked the perimeter of the building until coming across an open door. When I made my way back into the sanctuary, I saw people sparsely scattered throughout the rows of seats. A tall, thin man wearing a dark suit and narrow tie stood in the pulpit speaking, but I don’t remember what he said - only that I fiercely rebuked him and demanded that he stop. In a flash, he stood in front of me at the back of the room. He seemed to tower over me as he glared down at my face. In another instant, the two of us stood in the same posture but outside, in the parking lot. 

Sensing danger of a spiritual nature, I began to condemn the man in the Name of the LORD. I said, “In the Name of Jesus Christ, I reject you.” “By the power of the Holy Spirit, I demand that you depart from me,” I repeated the phrases over and over, and as I did so, the face and head of my adversary changed. Hair faded from his head, and pointed ears straddled his pale, bald scalp. His eyes were red with rage, and I feared him. I thought, “Why isn’t this working?” “Why am I afraid?” “I know who this is, and I believe in my authority from the LORD. Finally, I cried, “LORD, save me!” and then I awakened from the dream. 

I have pondered the dream’s meaning ever since and have only a couple of conclusions: First, the churches of my denomination are dying or have already passed. Second, some of the seemingly healthy churches are dead in spirit and even led by the Enemy. My powerlessness in the face of the Enemy was a reminder that my life and times are in the LORD’s hands and, I must not take pride in the authority he gives me. 

Exile

 And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. ~ Isaiah 12:4

I often blankly stare at the computer screen when I sit down to write these weekly “encouragements.” It started as another means to keep the Shiloh family connected and upbeat during the terrible lock-down of 2020 and the rollercoaster ride that followed. Each week I try to imagine what Christ’s precious flock needs to hear and pray He will guide my words. Sometimes, I lament like Jeremiah and, at other times, uplift like Isaiah. Most of the time, I’m just me, doing the best I can and hoping it’s enough, while knowing better. When I don’t know where to begin, I often look at a “verse of the day” posted in an app I use. Today’s verse is above. God spoke through Isaiah to the people in exile. God assured them of His love and discipline so that they would better understand God’s purpose during difficult times. Sound familiar?

Now we find ourselves in a strange sort of collective denial as we live in the aftermath. The COVID virus is still with us, the ideological civil war still exists, and economic stressors continue to frustrate and frighten us. But most of us are weary of it all and eager to recapture the better version of normal we imagine. People are rushing back to “normal” and expecting it to feel the same as it once did. Returning to the activities and relationships we longed for is rewarding but very different now. There is an edginess that tempers our trust for one another; a selfishness fueled by desperation, and grief born out of so much loss - grief is a natural response to realizing permanent changes, like the death of a loved one, a lifestyle, or a dream. 

The local church is a microcosm of the community within which it lives. Its people undergo the same stressors and respond similarly to their community counterparts, unless acted upon by a different mindset and a unique power source. It is understandable that youthful Christians ignorantly do so since they lack maturity for lack of time and sanctification. This does not correlate with a person’s age and, sadly, many older Christians behave immaturely because they stopped seeking greater holiness long ago. Comfortable people do little to improve themselves and their world because their needs seem to be met. Therefore, God has little influence in their lives and serves only as a lucky charm or one to whom we foolishly cast the cares of flesh. Such people are ripe for exile.

The Old Testament story of Israel’s civil war and exile reminds us of the LORD’s discipline and grace as He both preserves and purges for the sake of His holy purposes. In fact, the entire Bible reveals this consistent pattern. Comfortable, self-serving, and disingenuous religion practicers gradually conform to the norms of the world and drag the people of God down with them. Superficial religion poorly masks their inner wickedness and causes many to be deceived. So, the LORD allows the oppression to run its course as chaos ensues. Chaos causes vulnerability that leads to devastation, and the Enemy cackles with delight. Meanwhile, God culls and cleanses His people so that a remnant emerges stronger and wiser. 

It’s hard to believe it right now, but we will give thanks to the LORD for the suffering and change we’ve endured, even as we grieve the departures of those who once felt like family. Eventually God’s guidance will take them where they need to be or allow them to go their own way. Likewise, we will see the LORD’s hand of providence as hard-hearted, comfortable people's negative influences diminish. Exile costs much, but the returning remnant will rejoice in the LORD and serve His holy purposes by persevering. “In that day the Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people” (Isaiah 11:11a)

Prepper Christian

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. ~ 2 Peter 3:9

Have you ever prayed like this? “Lord, please give me patience and give it to me now!” When we want ourselves and our society to be sanctified and won’t wait for the Spirit’s process to run its natural course, there will be consequences. Common sense informs us that impatience causes recklessness and is usually counterproductive. Peter’s 2nd letter urges Christians to press on toward godliness and yet discourages impatience for their arrival, because the LORD’s perfect wisdom and timeless plan concerns much more than today’s comforts. 

Early Christians proclaimed the soon return of Jesus to complete the work of salvation and punish the wicked. Their critics asked, “Where is this ‘coming’ Jesus promised?” They were understandably afraid the mockers might be right, so the new believers looked to the spiritual leaders who called upon the Apostle Peter. Now, we feel the same way sometimes. What’s worse is that many in our Christian family don’t really believe Christ is coming again. The Apostles called Christian Believers, then and now, to be patient and continually prepare for our Bridegroom. 

“Prepper” is a popular word for people who store up everything needed to survive disasters. They invest in learning and practicing pioneer skills; they create secret caches of supplies, and arm themselves against enemies that threaten their home and loved ones. Veteran preppers hone their skills and build their resources over years, patiently and quietly gaining what they need to be ready, survive, and thrive. Their mentors teach and preach in blogs, videos, and newsletters. They present workshops and sell resources at regular gatherings for like-minded people. They often say things like, “Don’t listen to the scoffers, the day you are preparing for will come, so don’t get discouraged.” Sound familiar?

Early Christians were preppers too. Maybe we should follow their example. They invested in learning and practical skills development. They met in secret locations where they stored essential resources for the Christian family, especially the widows, orphans, and others with acute needs. Christian Believers armed themselves against the Enemy, as their mentor instructed: 

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Galatians 6:11-17)

I remember watching a live report from Ukraine’s capital city, Kiev on February 23, 2022. In the streets behind the reporter, people parked cars, entered and exited shops, restaurants, and subways. A young boy played on his skateboard. People seemed unconcerned about the impending invasion about which the reporter was speaking. A few days later, I saw new reports with horrific images of soldiers in the same streets, destroyed buildings, dead young mothers and children, and, at least in my imagination, an abandoned skateboard. 

Beloved of God, your daily prayers, bible reading, holy conversations, weekly spiritual training, corporate worship and service to Christ are all integral in your preparations for the onslaught of the Enemy and the return of our Lord. Not doing so is like skateboarding in the streets of Kiev on the night before its near destruction. Please prepare yourselves and your loved ones by investing in your spiritual priorities. Christian salvation is not an insurance policy for after disaster, it is a way of life for vitality and confidence before the imminent things .

Are We Yet Alive?

Yet out of all the Lord hath brought us by his love; and still he doth his help afford, and hides our life above. “And Are We Yet Alive” UMH # 553 ~ Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

I used to get chills up and down my spine when a few thousand Methodists and I would stand and sing this hymn at the start of every annual session of the Indiana Annual Conference. The LORD had so completely called me to my new life as a pastor that I entertained idealistic images of a body of brothers and sisters bound by the common goal of serving Christ at all costs, that singing this hymn felt both like a victory anthem and mournful release of all who’d died for the cause. It didn’t take long to become disillusioned with the institutions and their dependents, but the idealism has only intensified. 

Being an idealist is costly and bound to produce loneliness. Even the ones who believe in your vision will grow weary of your single mindedness and relentless pursuit of the unattainable. The loneliness is due in part to the idealists’ tension between inspired leadership and disappointment with those who lack the same drive. There is a temptation to think, “if I can do it, anyone can.” Time and wisdom have softened my tone some and now I just try to avoid sources of tension and frustration. I am often afraid of what I might say or do to make things worse for a marginal believer rather than urge another saint along. Unchallenged assumptions by critics occasionally cause me great pain, and after playing out a few scenarios in my imagination wherein I set them straight, I ultimately pray for grace to abound. 

“And are we yet alive?” The question takes on new meaning when asked sincerely among like-minded, Spirit-filled servants of Christ. The question is more focused on spiritual health than on temporal affairs. Is my zeal still intact? Am I provisioned, trained, and dedicated to a long walk? “Alive” implies general well-being and vitality. I dare say, it isn’t the case anymore when United Methodists gather to sing Charles Wesley’s beloved hymn. But, when a small band of idealists gather to pray, sing, read Scripture, and witness, there is life. Can I be vulnerable with you? I’ve been craving that sort of bond since I was very young and still haven’t found it. I admit it is partly my problem because of my trust issues and idealistic rhetoric, but when I plead with you to create and/or take part in small groups, it’s because I know from personal experience that an inspired Christian Believer cannot function completely without encouragement and accountability from Spirit-siblings of Christ Jesus.

John and Charles Wesley were so idealistic as to believe entire sanctification is attainable and they felt that “Methodists” weren’t entirely alive unless holiness from God marked their days and years with visible signs — “let us make our boast of his redeeming power, which saves us to the uttermost,

till we can sin no more.”

“And Are We Yet Alive” UMH # 553 ~ Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

1. And are we yet alive, and see each other's face? Glory and thanks to Jesus give for his almighty grace! 2. Preserved by power divine to full salvation here, again in Jesus' praise we join, and in his sight appear. 3. What troubles have we seen, what mighty conflicts past, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last!

4. Yet out of all the Lord hath brought us by his love; and still he doth his help afford, and hides our life above. 5. Then let us make our boast of his redeeming power, which saves us to the uttermost, till we can sin no more. 6. Let us take up the cross till we the crown obtain, and gladly reckon all things loss so we may Jesus gain.