- I was raised by my Mom. My folks split up when I was 6. My dad died when I was 13. My Mom did a terrific job of giving my brother and I a healthy home environment while balancing being a single mom and working. She is one of the most caring people that I know and her compassion for others had a huge impact toward my becoming a pastor.
- My favorite musical artists growing up included The Doobie Brothers, The Marshall Tucker Band, Chicago, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot , and Linda Ronstadt. The first album I ever owned was Jim Croce’s Life and Times.
- The first time that I told my wife that I loved her was in New Orleans on one of the Tulane University quads. I played guitar and sang her a Jim Croce song:” I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song”. She continued to date me even after hearing me sing.
- My first car was a red Toyota Corolla named Lionel. I developed a habit from the very beginning of naming my cars. Good memories of Percy, Wilson, and on down the line to Edgar my Ford Edge truck that I have and love today. My theory was that if I treated them personally that they would treat me well. I have not been disappointed.
- I have memorized at different times in my life 2 entire books from the New Testament: 1 John and 1 Peter. While I can’t recite them back now, the exercise of hiding God’s Word in my heart by committing to memory extended passages of Scripture has proved invaluable through the years. I highly recommend it as a spiritual discipline if you want to maximize your growth potential.
- I was a member of a fraternity when I was In college – Sigma Alpha Epsilon. I was not really a fraternity kind of guy but since I went to a school knowing absolutely no one it was a good way to meet a lot of people quickly and have a place to belong. 30 years later I only stay in contact with 1 of my frat brothers.
- I grew up in a little town called Aiken, SC and went (at the time) to the only public high school there: Aiken High School. Aiken was a wonderful place to grow up. I have such great memories of the 14 years I spent there and still stay in contact with a bunch of the people that I graduated with.
- I picked up several hitch hikers when I was young but I have only tried to hitch hike one time myself. My buddy Wallace McNair and I were in southern France traveling after college graduation and we missed the last train out of Monte Carlo that would take us back to our hotel in Nice. We tried to snag a ride but no one would pick up two young hoodlums from America.
- I roofed houses for 6 months after I graduated seminary. In the cold of winter (25degrees) and the heat of summer (90+ degrees). This helped me to hear from God as to what kind of ministry to pursue. Mostly I knew that I didn’t want to be a roofer. It also gave me a great appreciation for everyone who works in the construction industry. That is hard work.
- I have been in pastoral ministry for 27 years (22 as a youth pastor). I have only been in 2 churches and have been blessed to serve under two great pastors. When people ask me how I have been able to be successful as a pastor I usually reply, “I stayed.” It is certainly not because of great giftedness – I have just hung around long enough to have an influence. Too many people in ministry don’t (in my humble opinion.)
10 Things You (Probably) Don't Know About Me
- I LOVED baseball growing up – huge NY Mets fan. Woke my daughter up in 1986 at 1 am when they staged their miracle comeback against the Boston Red Sox. Went to the All Star Game in Detroit in 1971. Saw 6 future Hall of Famers hit home runs: Clemente, Aaron, Bench, F.Robinson, Killebrew, Jackson. Reggie Jackson launched a shot that almost went out of the stadium.
- I met my wife in Galveston, Texas on a beach project with Campus Crusade for Christ that neither of us were supposed to be at – but that God made happen.
- My undergraduate degree is in Biomedical Engineering. I use it everyday as I do pastoral work.
Zermatt, Switzerland - I was the spelling bee champ of the 5th grade. To this day it drives it me crazy to see a word spelled rong.
- I have had facial hair since 1980. A friend of mine and I traveled around Europe when we graduated from college and grew mustaches. I haven’t shaved mine since.
- My first job was working in a Baskin Robbins while in high school. I learned to make a fantastic banana split.
- At a youth camp in West Virginia about 12 years ago I jumped over 7 standing people in a line at one time. I think Jason Palmer was one of them.
- The BEST steak I have ever had was at a restaurant in Bratislava, Slovakia called The Three Musketeers.
- The most beautiful place that I have ever traveled to is Zermatt, Switzerland. I’m going to take my bride there one day soon.
- I was at the 1978 Super Bowl in New Orleans, La when the Dallas Cowboys (with Roger Staubach and Tony Dorsett) beat the Denver Broncos. To get into the game I scalped a ticket outside the stadium for $50. Do you know how much it costs to go to a game nowadays?
(and one bonus…)
- My favorite golf tournament is The Masters. I grew up 20 miles from the course and have probably been to the tournament 30 times. When I was a kid I managed to get Jack Nicklaus’ autograph 3 times.
Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?
I’ve been a fan of The Far Side cartoons for a long time. Of course the question behind the question in this cartoon is “Why did the chicken cross the road?” But what if it was me standing there instead of the chicken – what would MY question be? Here are a few that came to mind as I started pondering on this:
- Why should I seek to live a holy and blameless life?
- Why should I work at developing an intimate relationship With God?
- Why should the motivation of everything I do be “will this be pleasing to the Lord?”
- Why should I very loosely hold on to the material possessions that I have and presently enjoy?
- Why should I be intentional about serving others and living a sacrificial life?
- Why should the advance of the gospel be the focus of my ministry?
So why do I need a reason to do any of these things? The reason has already been given. Christ gave his life as a ransom to pay a debt that I could not pay on my own. Were it not for His sacrificial death on the cross I would be doomed to live a life without an eternal purpose and doomed to die without knowing the One who created me and rescued me. However, because of what He has done for me I am destined for “the other side” and that is reason enough. The only real question at this point is “Will I be a chicken… or will I be a courageous servant of the Most High God?”
Life Verses Part 2
20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
So back to that passage again that I love so much. I want to write about those two bold words above… “and hope.” I don’t think that this was just wishful thinking on Paul’s part. Wishing that perhaps he might in no way be ashamed. I think there was a certainty about his hope. Faith is the “assurance of things hoped for.” There is a certainty about biblical hope. A certainty that is rooted in the foundational event of biblical Christianity – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul had an unshakable hope because he had an unshakable certainty in his future. Listen to some of the things he says about “hope.”
- 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2
- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
- I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you… Ephesians 1:18
- To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
- That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10
- 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
- Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
- Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
(I realize there is some debate as to whether or not Paul is the author of the book of Hebrews)
Hope is a wonderful thing. I’m not sure how people can live without hope. At least live intentional and purpose-filled lives. If for some reason you are feeling hopeless (without hope) – then I encourage you to think on these verses and let God begin the process of filling you with a hope that will transform you and give you a life and a future that you can be excited about.
Without Faith
One of the great chapters in Scripture is Hebrews 11. It gives example after example of men who walked the walked and talked the talk – of men who genuinely lived by faith. Verse 6 says: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” What does it mean to live by faith day in and day out? I was pondering this a few years ago and wrote a song that helped me to think about the practical implications of living by faith. (I know, I know – you didn’t know that I was a song writer. You probably also don’t know that I am a poet) What would it be like if believers lived by faith in everything they do? How would it change us? How would it change the church? How would it change the world? I’m gonna try ( by the power of the Spirit) to intentionally live by faith – I’m gonna need your help. Feel free to ask me about anything you see me doing – is it faith generated and how so. Here’s the song, enjoy!
WITHOUT FAITH
Faith is the assurance of the things you’re hoping for;
Faith is when you act upon the facts you can’t ignore;
Faith is when you wait upon the future that’s in store;
Faith is when you pray because you’re in a holy war.
Refrain:
And without faith it is impossible
To please our God who set us free
And those who say that they love Jesus
Must live and follow faithfully
Faith is when you stand against the fears that are within;
Faith is when you’ve fallen down but rise to stand again;
Faith is when you boldly stand beside a fallen friend;
Faith is when you stand alone while others choose to sin. (Refrain)
Faith is when you’re watching for the coming of the King;
Faith is when you lose your grip on all your worldly things;
Faith is when you’re not afraid of what tomorrow brings;
Faith is when you feel depressed but still you choose to sing. (Refrain)
Ode to Disc Golf
It’s been about a year since I have been soundly converted from a regular golfer to a disc golfer. Here are some reasons why I love the sport of disc golf:
Cost is minimal – All you need is one disc to play and a disc only costs about $15. There is no green fee or charge to play a disc golf course. Now admittedly most serious DGers have a bag full of discs but still for under $100 you can get years of play in. Contrast this with golf golf where an average green fee is around $50 for one round.
Takes about an hour – When I played the other kind of golf it was at least a half day event. 4-5 hours for a round was minimal. I can play a round of DG in about an hour if I am playing with one other person – 40 minutes if I play by myself.
Good exercise – Everybody says that walking is good exercise. The course that I generally play on has some hilly terrain so I feel like I am exercising when I play. I had gotten to the point where I almost always rode a cart with golf golf – not much exercise in that.
Fun way for guys to hang out – Guys don’t do good just sitting down over coffee and talking. They need to talk while being distracted by other stuff so that they don’t feel like they HAVE to talk. This is the great thing about DG. Guys can play together and find out about each other’s lives without the pressure of trying to keep a conversation going.
Hole in one – I played golf golf for 40 years and not once did I ever have a hole in one. I have been playing DG for about a year and already I have one hole in one under my belt. Pretty thrilling I must say.
My sons enjoy it – All 3 of my sons enjoy the game and we have a good time playing together. We actually started an annual Reyner Christmas Championship – Scott is the reigning champion.
I can be competitive – When I first started playing I would shoot about +18 for a round. Now I expect to be par or better. My best score to date is -5. And I feel like I can beat anyone I play I with on any given day. It usually doesn’t work out that way but at least I feel like I have a shot. Not bad for an over 50 guy.
Close to home – My home course is only 7 minutes away from my house. I love the fact that I can be at the course so quick.
Play year round – I would never play golf golf if the temperature was under 45 degrees. I can play DG all year. Last year I was out playing when it was 22 degrees. Just throw on a couple layers of clothes and I’m good to go.
Gives me something to ask for for Christmas – I never know what to ask for for Christmas or my birthday. Now that I’m playing DG I can always ask for a new disc that I want to try out. It’s something I will enjoy and an inexpensive gift for someone to buy.
So there you have it. So if you are reading this and have a sudden hankering to try the game out then give me a call. I’d love to get in a game with you and show you why its such a great sport.
Mysterium Tremendum et Fascinans
Sitting at Panera with my bride on a Saturday morning blogging away…
I’m reading a book by RC Sproul called The Holiness of God – considered to be a modern day classic. He introduced me to this term that I used for my blog title and I was intrigued by it.
Mysterium tremendum et fascinans (“fearful and fascinating mystery”) is a Latin phrase which Rudolf Otto uses in his book The Idea of the Holy to name the awe-some (fascinating and full of awe) mystery that was the object common to all forms of religious experience. Essentially it is the term he used to describe God’s holiness.
Fearful, fascinating, mysterious! I like that. In talking about Isaiah’s encounter with God in Isaiah 6, Sproul says this:
“He saw the holiness of God. For the first time in his life Isaiah really understood who God was. At the same instant, for the first time Isaiah really understood who Isaiah was.”
I know that I have not encountered the holiness of God as Isaiah did. I know that I need to. I need to be gripped by the fearful, fascinating, mysterious God who reveals Himself as The Holy One! I’m pretty sure that until I am I will never have the kind of walk with God that I want nor the kind of influence in ministry that I desire.
Still another way for you who are reading this to pray for me.
Life Verses Part 1
If any one were to ask me if I had a “life verse” I would say no – but I do have a life passage. It is these verses from Philippians chapter 1:
20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
From time to time I will use this blog to unpack why these verses mean so much to me. Today I want to comment on the first 3 words: “I eagerly expect…”
I have always been optimistic – a glass half full kind of guy rather than half empty. But I’m not sure that I have eager expectations the way that Paul did. I want there to be an eagerness in the way that I approach life. A hungry anticipation of what is to come. One of my favorite quotes is by William Carey – generally thought of as the father of the modern missions movement. He said:
“Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God”
Eager expectation will be followed by courageous attempts! That’s the kind of man that I want to be. Living with eager expectations and acting courageously. I’ve got so very far to go to get there but by God’s grace maybe one day. If you want to pray for me this would be a good way to start. I’m going to eagerly anticipate the transformation.
Birthday Photos
So here are a few pics from the birthday get together last night. We met at Chili’s at Triangle Town Center in Raleigh. (By the way, in case you are not aware of what the birthday boy’s plans are – he is in the 2+2 MDiv program at Southeastern Seminary and hopes to be overseas in a few years.) We had a great time. Linda and I are still getting used to relating to our kids as adults and not as children. But we are enjoying the learning process.
My Son's Birthday
It is appropriate that the first post on this blog falls on my son’s birthday. Scott is 23 years old today. Tonight our family will celebrate with him at Chili’s in Raleigh. Always fun to get together with the 6 of us. It seems that it happens less and less now that everybody is pursuing their own lives. I am very blessed to have a wife, 3 kids, and a son-in-law who all love God and are following after Him and seeking to live God honoring, gospel centered lives.
Scott, on your birthday I just want to let you know again how glad I am to be your dad. You are a wonderful son and I am proud of the way that you are pursuing God and seeking to have His purposes fulfilled in your life. If things go as you hope they will go then I know we only have a few short years before you are living a long long way from here. I’m already praying that God will give clear direction as to where you will be – and I’m already excited about coming to visit you. Here are a few observations that I have about you:
- You have always made choices based on what you want to do and what you believe God wants you to do. You have never tried to be a people pleaser.
- I am amazed at your discipline. When you decide to do something you give it your all.
- I am also amazed at your hunger to know God and His Word. Your thirst for knowledge puts me to shame.
- You have a great sense of humor – I especially notice it in your tweeting.
I love hanging out with you. I wish we got to do it more it often. I am hoping that your beloved Thunder have an awesome year and that KD wins MVP and that Carolina gets back on track in b’ball and mostly that “the joy of the Lord is your strength!”
I can’t pray for you any better than Paul prayed for his Ephesian friends when he said:
“14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
I love you!!