There was a song back in the 80’s (I know that was just yesterday) and the chorus went like this:  “Ain’t nothing gonna break my stride, nobody gonna slow me down.  Oh no, I got to keep on moving.”  The song was Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder and could be a good way to leave our articles on Mark’s gospel.  Mark showed Jesus moving here and there, no one could slow him down, not even the cross and death.  There is some controversy over chapter 16 of Mark.  Some evidence shows that verse 9 to the end was added later.  Mark may have stopped with the resurrection of Jesus.  That would be like Mark, short and sweet, cover the most important points.  I also see the last verses being very much like Mark as well.  In a few verses he covers all the events from Jesus’ resurrection to his departure, not spending a lot of time or words on one thing, but keep it moving.  Either way it is clear, things didn’t end with the resurrection, they were only just beginning.
   The gospel message hasn’t slowed down since.  Acts tells us about the early years of the church and especially Paul’s missionary trips.  The church grew and it continues to this day around the world.  Those carrying the message have changed but the message of a Savior who came to live and die for us hasn’t changed, and it hasn’t slowed down.  We look around and worry that the church will somehow become obsolete, that the old old story will be lost.  Stop worrying.  The force behind all of this is not a human one.  We tire, and retire, but scripture tells us God doesn’t sleep or wear down.  As I look to slow down some, I’m reminded that the work of the Lord will continue and though I may slow down there will always be a job to be done and a place to serve, after all I got to keep on moving.
 
                                        Don
 

​   In the middle chapters of Mark (7-10) Jesus’ ministry continues to grow.  Last month we saw how hard it was for him and the disciples to have even a moment to themselves.  His popularity was reaching what we might call “Star” status.  His reaction to this may surprise you.  He did his best to downplay his popularity.  He often told the people he healed, “Don’t tell anyone.”  But word of him spread like wildfire.
   Many people today are looking for recognition.  We post something on social media and then count the number of “likes” or responses we get.  Even our choice of restaurants and what we order is shared for all to see.  How do we know when to share something or when to keep it between us and God?  One of the first questions we should ask ourselves is why am I looking for popularity?  What do I hope to gain?  Who do I want to get the recognition or credit?  Jesus warned us in the Sermon on the Mount not to do our acts of righteousness just for others to see.  Who do I wish to receive the recognition?  Do I genuinely want others to see Jesus in me and for him to receive the praise? 
    Jesus knew why he had come and it wasn’t to build a large fan base or receive the adoration of the crowds.  He was here to carry out the will of the Father and that was more important to him then winning the praise of men.  There’s an old saying that goes something like this, “It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we don’t care who gets the credit.”  In your life who are you trying to impress, yourself, others, or the Lord?
 
   Don

   We’ve been looking at lessons from the Gospel of Mark and one thing we’ve noted is that in Mark things just keep happening and happening.  The Gospel of Mark has Jesus on the move.  Chapter six illustrates this so well.  At the beginning of the chapter Jesus instructs the twelve disciples and then sends them out to preach (Mark 6:7-13).  Then after pausing to cover the events of the death of John the Baptist  (v 14-29), the disciples return excited over all they were able to do and teach.  The reunion is cut short because so many people are coming to Jesus that he and the disciples don’t even have time to eat.  Jesus then calls his disciples to come away to a quiet place so that they can have some time to themselves and rest.
   Even these plans are interrupted when the crowd sees them trying to slip away and follow him and the disciples to a remote place.  When they land the crowds are already there.  Instead of being frustrated with them and angry, Mark says that Jesus had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd (v34).  Jesus then teaches the people.  Jesus does even more, at the end of the day even more tired and hungry than when he started the day (remember that was the reason for the get-away in the first place) he then feeds them.  We know this part of the story as the “Feeding of the 5,000”.  Jesus takes two fish and five loaves of bread and feeds the crowd.  We now get a sense of just how many people were crowding in, 5,000 men (not counting women and children). 
   So, Jesus started out the day wanting some time with his disciples, needing to eat and get some rest.  He ends up spending the day even busier, more tired, and hungry than when he started.  He now tries again.  He sends his disciples on ahead. I imagine hoping that in the dark his disciples can steal away, and he slips off to have some quiet time in prayer.  We know what happens next, Mark 6:45-52, the boat is caught in a storm and the disciples fear for their lives.  Jesus then comes to their rescue by walking on the water during the storm.  You would think the story ends there with “They lived happily ever after.” But as the chapter ends, we see that wherever Jesus goes the demand for him is just growing.
   I entitled the article “perseverance” for two reasons.  Jesus showed great perseverance in seeking what he needed for himself and his disciples, some time away.  The second reason is that the crowds showed even greater perseverance.  When people are in need they grasp for answers and help.  These people were like sheep needing a shepherd.  Instead of being angry and frustrated we see Jesus having compassion, patience, and time for the crowds.  What Jesus really persevered in was this.  No matter the needs he continued to give of himself, ultimately to the point of giving his life for us. 
    It is easy to feel overwhelmed by life and to think what is the use of trying, the needs and the needy will always be there.  But with perseverance we can see past the moment to the goal.  Jesus calls us to do, he calls us to ministry even if it is only to give a cup of cool water.  The apostle Paul reminds – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  Galatians 6:9-10.

    Don
 

      Last month I started a series of articles from the gospel of Mark and one of the characteristics of Mark’s gospel is that we see Jesus in action.  Mark’s account of Jesus doesn’t waste any time on setting up the story or giving a lot of background information. 
         In chapter one after his baptism and temptation Jesus is preaching, healing, and calling his disciples and we still haven’t left chapter one.  We see in calling Andrew and Simon (Peter) that he calls them and “at once” they leave their nets and follow him.  Just a little further down Jesus sees James and John and without delay he calls them and they too follow.  Sometimes it’s a good thing to take your time to decide, but at other times you just know what you need to do.  In those incidences not responding can be the wrong thing.
    How do you know when a decision requires proper thought and when do you need to, as the old saying goes, strike while the iron is hot?  Part of the answer is in how much you know about the situation and the decision you need to make.  A decision may seem hasty and made in the moment, but when you think about it, it is something you’ve been mulling over for some time.  We know from John’s Gospel that the calling of these four wasn’t just in one moment.  John 1:25-51 gives a distinct perspective.  Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist and probably so was John.  It mentions two of John’s disciples were with him when Jesus passed by.  John points to Jesus and proclaims him as the lamb of God.  After talking with Jesus, Andrew goes and tells his brother, Peter.  The reason we think the other disciple was  John is that John rarely named himself when writing about a scene in which he was actually there.  So, when Jesus called them to follow him in Mark, this may have been something that they had actually been thinking about. 
   There are also times and situations that don’t require a lot of thought.  Those often involve situations involving right and wrong.  In those cases, our gut reaction is the correct one and we are looking for a justification to do what we want, even when it isn’t the right thing.  When Jesus calls us, and we know that it is from him, hesitation usually doesn’t lead to a better decision.  Andrew and Peter; James and John, for whatever reason, knew they needed to follow Jesus, right there and then.  They didn’t say to him, “Come back tomorrow.”  They knew what they needed to do. 
   As a church we are looking at what is next as I plan to retire from full-time ministry.  We are asking for input on the direction we need to go.  That applies not just to who will fill the pulpit, but to all of us.  What is God calling you to do for our (His) church?  Maybe that is something you need to put thought into.  If so, plan to give it the time and consideration it deserves.  You may already know what it is you need to do.  In that case don’t think, DO!  I’m asking all of you to pray for our church and these decisions.  I’m also asking you to show up on Sundays and for our other activities.  You may not realize how important your presence is, but it is a game changer in so many ways.

 Don
 

   Sometime back there was a revival of the book “In His Steps” where the main characters are encouraged for one year to ask themselves, “What would Jesus do?” before they make any decision. The  story was fictional, but the concept was transformative. It still is. Many of my articles deal with living as Jesus would, doing our best to be like Jesus. The main reason for this is that if we would work on that one thing it would still transform our lives today.

   But before we can do what Jesus did, we need to know what Jesus did. The best place to go for answers to this is the gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  In particular Mark, which often gets overlooked.  Historians believe that it was written by John Mark who started out with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey in the book of Acts. He dropped out on the trip for reasons unknown, but continued to be a part of the church.  Mark was also a relative of Peter, possibly a nephew.  His gospel is thought to either be the memories of Peter or Peter actually dictated to Mark because he was better at writing.

   Mark’s gospel stresses what Jesus did, we see Jesus on the move.  We need to know the teaching of Jesus, but just seeing what he did gives us a picture of what was important to him. Mark’s gospel skips the birth narrative and gets right to his ministry. The first chapter begins with the ministry of John the Baptist and then goes to Jesus’ baptism and temptation. Even here Mark doesn’t tell us much about either event, but this is how Jesus prepared for going out.  For him to minister to others it was important to first prepare himself. In Matthew we see that Jesus told John the Baptist that he was being baptized because it was the right thing to do to fulfill all righteousness. My translation of this is that Jesus was saying, “It’s the right thing to do to do the right thing.”  Jesus didn’t need to repent, but he did need to submit to the Father and this was one way to show that submission.  Before we can live for God we have to submit to his authority in our lives. 
   The next thing we see, immediately, is that the Spirit led Jesus out to the wilderness for a time of contemplation and temptation. Now this isn’t the only time Jesus was tempted, but here at the beginning of his ministry it stands as an example to us of what it means to be ready to serve God.  It won’t be easy and we will be tempted to take short cuts or to make situations about us and not about following God. Jesus needed to be focused and to have his priorities in order and this time in the wilderness gave him time for both.  Often in our lives we want the easy and quick answer. Living for Jesus takes time and commitment.  Jesus’ example to us shows us that he was willing to put in the time and to commit to this path.

   As we prepare in this New Year to do what Jesus did, we need the same willingness to put in the time and commitment it will take. That is true of everything we want to do in life. If you want to get in better shape you have to put in the time and stay committed to the process. You want a better marriage once again you need time and commitment. This won’t happen overnight, but over many nights, some of them sleepless.  But if we will keep our eyes on Christ we will find greater blessing and encouragement in doing as Jesus did.
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   So sit down and read Mark.  What Mark lacks in depth of details he makes up for in giving us a picture of how Jesus lived and what was important to him.  As we live and face situations each day in our lives knowing what Jesus did will help us to know how to live for him today.

   Don
 

 

   Now many of you are thinking, “Preacher, are you crazy.” And while that may be a definite possibility hear me out.  One reason for having a garage sale is to raise some extra cash, but we also have garage sales to get rid of stuff. Most of us have way too much stuff and we need to make room in our lives for what’s important.  So here at Christmas time what is some of the stuff that we need to get rid of and what do we need to make room for?
 
   When going through your closet you look for items that no longer fit and/or just aren’t your style anymore.  That leisure suit from the 70’s probably isn’t coming back any time soon and the mini skirt was questionable even when you were young.  And let’s be honest you will never be a size three again or wear any pants with a 30-inch waist.  Those things are just taking up space and we can let go of them.  In your life what things are outdated? What beliefs do we hold that no longer fit?  If you feel like everyone needs to love you or agree with everything you say, you should let go of that.  If there is some hurt you still grieve over or forgiveness you are withholding let go of it.  Is there someone you need to seek forgiveness from?  What is robbing you of the joy and peace you want to experience at this time?  Can you let it go, do you need to make a point of talking with someone or do you need to go to your knees and have a long talk with the Father?
 
   With the space and energy you free up what are you going to put in its place?  When I am no longer seeking everyone else’s love and approval I can decide to feel joy in God’s love and acceptance of me.  When I am no longer holding on to hurts and old wounds I can choose to think about how to love others.  This Christmas do some Spring cleaning, have a garage sale and make space in your life to truly celebrate the reason for the season.
​
Don
 
 

   Most of you have heard by now, but just in case you haven’t, I officially offered my letter of Intent to Retire to the Board a few weeks ago.  So let me clarify a few things.  I’m not leaving immediately, but I did feel that it was time to begin this process.  I’m not mad at or upset with the church or anyone, in fact I love you all dearly and this was a hard decision.  Jacqueline and I aren’t leaving Carthage, as far as I know anyway.  But it is time to retire and step aside when the right person is found.  I plan to serve until that happens up to a year.  One reason for the announcement now is that decisions have to be made about the parsonage and it wouldn’t be fair for me to be quiet knowing what my plans are.  As to our relationship with the church once I do retire, that hasn’t been fully determined yet either.  I would love to continue a scaled down involvement, but that depends on the next minister to some degree.  As I said I’m not upset with anything or anyone, and so to continue as a member would be possible.
 
   Now to the thankful part.  With all the changes going on with retiring from the college and making plans to retire as your pastor, I’ve done a lot of reminiscing and contemplation.  I have spent my adult life here.   Jacqueline and I have raised our family here and so many of our memories have the church and Carthage as their backdrop.  When we were preparing to move from the parsonage, we asked our kids what their favorite memories were of living there were and they had so many great memories that they shared with us.  I feel the same looking back on what has already been a 39-year ministry.  We truly made Carthage and First Christian Church home.  I have counted you all as friends not just members of the congregation.  I have shared joys with each of you and sorrows.  They say life is what happens while we’re making plans.  We never could have seen staying in one place all this time but I thank God all the time that he allowed this.
 
   As you read the rest of the newsletter, you’ll see that not much is changing right away.  As we move into the holidays there are programs to be planned, dinners to be cooked and all the usually holiday trimmings.  Please plan to be a part of each moment and to commit to supporting our church.  There is so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to.

   Don
 
 

   That title is a line from a song by one of my favorite singer/song writers, Don Henley.  It’s a song about praying for rain and realizing we need to be reminded that we aren’t the ones in charge.  There are many times in my life when I need to be reminded of that and many of the other lessons I learned back in Sunday school.  Paul reminded Timothy, “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.  Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you - guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”  II Timothy 1:13, 14
   What lessons do we need to remember from Sunday school? 
Flannel boards are cool.  I know this one shows how old I am, but long before computer graphics there was the simple flannel board with cut-out characters the teacher would use to illustrate the story.  In our young minds it helped us to see the story come to life.  It did require a little more imagination then being able to pull up a lesson from Right now Media (don’t get me wrong, I love Right now Media) and anything that engages our brains is a good thing. 
   Sunday school songs rock.  In church we had to sing hymns, which were kind of boring, but in Sunday school we got to sing snappy songs that even had motions to them for us to get up and move around.  How cool was that.  And the message of those songs often went far beyond just keeping us occupied for a few minutes in Sunday school.  Jesus loves me this I know, that’s good to know even today. 
   David, Moses and Abraham went through some dangerous times, but God always brought them through and he would do the same for me.  Jesus could do amazing things with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish, but most of all he could do amazing things in me.  And by the way God had a plan and he still does. 
   Sunday school isn’t just for kids.  We all need to learn and relearn those lessons.  As I got older and learned more about those stories from the Bible, I learned the lessons weren’t also so simple but the truths were still true.  David didn’t just fight giants from without; some of his greatest giants were right inside of himself.  Jonah got swallowed by the whale, not to make a fun story, but because of his stubbornness to do what God was calling him too.  God loved the prodigal son, but he loved the older son too, even when the older brother didn’t think so.  
   There is still much to learn from Sunday school, so come out and join us at 9:45 for a cup of coffee, a donut and some great learning.
​
Don
 

​   The sculptor began with a shapeless block of granite.  There seemed little use or beauty in the chunk of rock.  What he saw in it was a mystery to those around who questioned the amount of time and work it would require to make anything useful out of it, let alone something that could be called art.  As the days passed and the dust and chips of stone piled up there seemed little progress and most of those who passed by continued to consider it a fool’s mission.  The sculptor at times would work with a frenzy of activity and at other times he would seem to stand still for hours before making the smallest of strikes against the stone with his smallest hammer.  Few were impressed with progress he made and some even consider that the man was mentally unstable.
   However, as time passed, progress slowly began to emerge from the block of granite.  People would stop and take note of a hand emerging from the stone or features of a face were becoming recognizable.  And in many of those places where they thought the old man was slow or crazy, now were seen to be the delicate details which gave the statue a realness, as if it truly would come to life.  On the day that the sculptor finally finished his work the crowd had now gathered and all declared this was truly a masterpiece of art.
   We are that block of granite and Jesus is the sculptor.  What he is creating in us is his own image and it is a slow and tedious work.  We call this spiritual formation, Jesus forming out of our   humanness the likeness of the creator in us.  At times it may seem we are growing and changing over night, but most of the time the work is slow and may take years to truly see the effect.  Those around us may doubt that Jesus is really doing anything of worth; we may even despair of progress.  But if we are faithful and patient we can catch glimpses of the changes that Jesus brings about.  Then one day as we stand before him in glory the masterpiece that he has sculpted will be on display for all to see.
   “Dear friends, now we are the children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.  But we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.  Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” 1 John 3:2,3
 
                                                                                             Don

   The movie for our recent Burgers and Movie Night was Jesus Revolution with Kelsey Grammer.  The movie is based on a book by Greg Laurie, who is one of the main characters in the movie about the beginnings of the Jesus Movement in Southern California.   The story and movie are based on his own involvement in the movement and those around him.  The movie also presented the music group Love Song, which was one of the first Christian rock groups, that later became known as contemporary Christian music.  I remember loving their music when I was introduced to it sometime in the mid 1970’s.  I have two of their albums and in fact I’m listening to one of them as I write this article.   It is still as beautiful and meaningful as it was in 1967 when it was released.
    On the back of the album cover (yes it’s a real record) the group shared some thoughts. 
“When we had no tale to tell, it seemed unimportant to join the endless parade of recording artists for any reason other than personal gain.  Then – something happened to us.  In the midst of the confusion and uncertainty in the world today, we experienced the realization of a personal and meaningful relationship with the One who created us all.  No new thing; the same experience which has been known by so many others throughout the last 2,000 years, and is happening to so many now. We are so thankful to God to have the opportunity to share with you on this album, some of that experience; the one thing we know that has the power to change lives, the simple gospel message of the truth of God:  The love of the real Jesus Christ, God’s Son.”   Love Song
    That truth hasn’t changed in 50 years or even 2,000 years.  The world doesn’t need to hear what the church hates; it needs to hear what and who we love.  We still need to be Jesus Freaks.

     Peace,
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        Don