Yesterday was officially the first day of Lent. At the Dodgeville United Methodist Church, we gathered for a time of worship, to remember our need of repentance, and to be marked by 'ashes' as a reminder of our helplessness without a God who loves us--who sent his Son to reconcile us, through the giving of his very life. Now, it may sound a bit strange to some, but--and especially during this time of year--I see God in the simplest of circumstances.  Do you?  There was something--just a little thing--that took place during the worship service that was a good reminder to me of the imperfect world that we live in (and, thus, our need for God). For some reason, I forgot to light the candles prior to the worship service starting. So, I decided that during the opening song would be the perfect place to go up and light the candles, in front of everyone, as an act of worship--bringing the light of God into the sanctuary. I knew that we always kept one of those hand-held lighters up front behind the 'big Bible' on the communion table. So, I just made my way up there, confident that my decision to light these babies during the opening hymn was nothing less than a brilliant cover for my forgetfulness, and what do you think  happened? You got it; the Bic ... didn't click! And, to make matters worse, I wouldn't give up trying to make it light ... though finally I had to.  (Someone finally rescued me by finding a lighter that did work, making their way up front, and lighting the candles for me. How helpless could one pastor feel!)

Imperfection. Failure. Messing up. All of these things point to our condition, without Christ. Have you ever been there before? In a couple of weeks, we're going to be looking at what took place in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before Jesus' crucifixion and death. Never has there ever been a better example of failure than what took place in the Garden ... time after time after time! But, what was Jesus' response, even at that critical time?

"Get up! Let's get going!" -- Matthew 26:46a (MSG)

If you're entering into the season of Lent this year feeling like you're not where you need to be with God ... every day, then you're not alone. And, I think that Jesus' words to his disciples on that fateful night over 2,000 years ago, would be the same that he would want to share with us today. If you're prone to falling, if you're susceptible to making mistakes, if you're weakness has been messing up in any way ... then leave it behind! "Get up! Let's get going!" is what Jesus wants to tell you today!

Well, like I said, it was a good reminder of the imperfection of our world and our lives when that lighter didn't light--not at all what God (or Rom) had planned originally. But, thank God for this season of Lent. For it's in Jesus and his humanness that we see what God had in mind all along. And, by putting our faith in Jesus--who gave his life for us as a final sacrifice, in order to reconcile our relationship with God--we can now be 'perfect' before God--not because of any effort on our part, but because our lives--through faith in Jesus--are now covered by the sacrifice of his death. What a God we have! What LOVE has come our way! Because it's only LOVE, in the midst of our everyday failures, who would say: "Leave the past in the past... Get up! Let's get going!"

On the path together,

Rom

 I usually receive several forwarded emails a week...  Most of them are worth reading; some of them are even worth considering.  I received one from my sister, Joy (Florida), this week ... and actually read it (for a second time) as a part of my devotional time one day. At the risk of you having already heard this one, here it is:

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.'

The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch.... An overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.

As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling.' His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.

I held my tears as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford.. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).

Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the Restaurant were set on me, judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.' I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you... God is here working through me to give you hope.'

I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son.. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope...' We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.

We are not church goers, but we are believers.. That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love. I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?' I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.

In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son,the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
 

As I sat there at my dining room table that day reading my Wesley Study Bible, I wondered if the Church would ever learn this lesson ... as well as this un-churched person had. Sometimes, even though we should be well aware of the word of God, we forget that Jesus said (Matthew 8:20, NRSV): "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."  In other words, Jesus was a homeless man, too!  He also said (Matthew 25:40, NRSV), as I pondered this story and its lessons for our lives, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."  If you remember the Gospel stories, you'll remember who Jesus' mother & brothers are...

Well, it really hit me today: What the Church needs more and more are for people to live their faith beyond Sundays--beyond their weekly habit of worship! I'm very proud of the congregation of Dodgeville United Methodist Church for having the love and compassion of Christ to reach out to those less fortnate in our world--the Cornerstone community in particular.  The old saying 'Ministry can be messy' sure comes to life at those parties (and if you've ever been a part of a ministry that reaches out to the underprivileged, you know what I mean)!  Thank you, God, for the opporutunities you give us to serve YOU ... and that's what we're doing every time we serve 'the least of these.'  For those of you who may have never given it a try before--to put your faith into gear and serve those less fortunate, maybe it's time for you to have breakfast at McDonald's.  I'd just bet that God has an opportunity waiting for you there, too...

On the path together,

Pastor Rom

In this particular entry, I simply want to share with you something that has become near and dear to my heart ... as I spend daily quiet time with God.  In readying My Utmost for His Highest the other day--the daily devotional based on the writings of Oswald Chambers (pictured below), he had a prayer on his January 9 page that has become an entry-point to my time with God each day--centering me, helping to re-prioritize my life, etc.  Well, I don't take his prayer exactly as it was written and pray it.  Instead, I have adapted it for my personal use.  Maybe you will find this prayer helpful for your walk with God also...

O LORD, You are the God of the early mornings, the God of the late nights, the God of the highest mountain peaks, and the God of the deepest seas. But, my God, my soul has horizons further away than those of early mornings, deeper darkness than the nights of earth, higher peaks than any mountain may possess, and greater depths than any sea in nature. You who are the God of all of these, by my God! I cannot reach to the heights or to the depths; there are motives I cannot discover, dreams I cannot realize. My God, search me ... and be my God today! AMEN.

(Adapted from O.C. Jan 9 MUHH)

For Christmas this year, I was given a 'charging station' as a gift. It was, without a doubt, one of my favorite gifts given me this year. Now, I have a central location where I can charge my iPod, my bluetooth earpiece (for use with my cell phone), and my cell phone every night, all in the same place.  And, for a Type A person like myself, it really 'trips my trigger,' so to speak.

In our personal walk with God (or just in this life in general), we too need recharging ... daily.  Where do you go to get recharged; what is your place?  And, what time of day do you set aside to get recharged? Finally, what method do you use to get plugged in each day?  The above prayer is my way.  I would be interested to hear how some of you enter into your 'quiet times.'  Again, this prayer--adapted from Oswald Chambers--is my personal way ... to position myself humbly before God ... and to prepare myself to spend time with God--to hear from God. We all have to find what works for us. But, the main thing is ... you have to find the time--not always an easy task in this life we live, but one well worth while!

God's blessings on your 'quiet time,'

Rom

 I just read a newsletter the other day that hit me as being 'right on target.'  It was a bulleye, if you know what I mean.  It just happened to be written by my son, Josh, who is a United Methodist pastor up in Richland County. And I thought it was the perfect message for a brand new year.  Listen...

Hebrews 12:1-2a reminds and encourages us, "As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end."

This passage reminds us that there are people everywhere watching our step. They know that we call ourselves Christians, but do we follow through with our actions? With this attention, let us not shrink in discouragement or fear when we slip up or when we're not perfect, but let us keep focused on the one who made our relationship with God possible--Jesus!

This passage encourages us to keeep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we continue through life. When we have something solid to focus on, we're less likely to become distracted by what's around us. We'll be less likely to choose those things that may take us away from our relationship with God with a strong focal point like Jesus before us. But, each and every day, we need to choose to make Jesus our focal point.

One way to continue to stay close to God in 2010 is by digging into God's word. Spend 10-15 minutes a day and read a few verses. Let us refocus on our relationship with God in 2010, and continue (or begin) to strengthen our relationship with God. By reading the Bible, we'll be able to get to know God a bit better. With our reading, we should spend a few moments in prayer asking for God's guidance and understanding as we read. And while we're already praying, it wouldn't hurt to lift a few people and/or situations up in prayer as well.

I'm reminded of the old chorus: "Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus." It goes like this: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look fulll in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace." Enough said.  What a perfect way to begin a brand new year...

In Christ, Rom

This week, I got to thinking about necessary change that needs to take place in the church and how difficult that can be sometimes.  I suddenly realized, in the midst of this thought, that God has given me the perfect illustration of what it takes to see positive change take place in life...

Recently, I have had to deal with some health issues that not that many years ago I would not even have dreamt of.  A few years back (I'm 51+ years old now), I began getting an annual checkup on or around my birthday.  I thought that this was a good thing to do, since I was soon to be approaching the 50 mark.  For that past several years, all has gone well.  Even my cholestrol (which always seems to be a problem for us Pegrams) was under control!  But then, this past summer, I got some not so good news.  My blood sugar levels were spiking ... out of the normal range.  My physician immediately put me on a low dose of Metformin (which those of you with diabetes probably know all too well).

The doctor--the expert in health issues, by the way--gave me some advice.  I basically had one of two choices.  I could either take the attitude that I was going to do something about this, following his instructions for changes that needed to take place in my life, thus gaining better health in the process.  Or, I could take the attitude of far too many people (according to my doctor) and just bide my time and ask for a pill--permanently.

I decided (and I believe wisely so) to take my doctor's advice--again, the expert in health issues.  (Why would you--if someone has gone to school and trained as long as doctors have to--not take their advice, since they are the experts in their fields?)  He told me that I would have to do two things that would help move me back to good health and out of the danger of diabetes affecting me in negative ways:

1. I would have to drop a bit of weight.  I was too heavy.  I'd been too heavy for quite some time ... and I knew it.  My health issues were now forcing a change that should have taken place a long time ago.  (Why are we so stubborn when it comes to lifestyle changes?)  So I met with a dietician, was educated in how I should be eating (to get my blood sugar down) and was told that that would probably take care of my weight, too.
2. I would have to discipline myself to exercise regularly--even a 30-minute walk a day.  I walked occasionally before this, but not in a disciplined way.  Now, my health seemed to depend upon it.

Well, guess what?  The 'experts' were right ... about everything they told me.  I went on the new diet (very satisfying, by the way) and not only have I gotten my blood sugar under control, but I've dropped the pounds, too ... and feel so much better (in every way).  I've added regular exercise to my new lifestyle (though it still needs improvement) and that has helped keep my blood sugar under control, too!  Amazing, isn't it?  I followed the advice off the experts, needing to make changes in my life that would assure me a healthier tomorrow ... and it's working!  But, do you know what I had to do before any of this would work?  I had to make up my mind to do the right thing...  That's it.

The Church today--most established churches anyway--are in dire need of some necessary changes to be healthy and grow.  The United Methodist Church in particular is busy dying a slow death.  That is not just a rumor.  That is fact.  So why, in the face of this fact, are we so slow to change ... or even open to necessary changes taking place?  Outside observers may think that we just don't care about the Church anymore.  But, I don't think that's true ... any more than it would be true to say that I don't care about my life.  I don't know about you, but my health is very important to me.  It has to do with longevity of life ... and quality of life while I'm here on this planet.  And, I want to be at my very best for God!  I'll be held accountable for that.  Well, it's the same with the Church.  The last figure I heard was that the United Methodist Church has 44 years left ... if something doesn't change.  That's not very long.  But, if we will just--first and foremost--make up our mind to do the right thing ... I believe the rest will fall into place.  I've helped to grow churches before (and what's healthy grows).  That's what God's called me to do.  But, will that be allowed in the future?  We need a change of lifestyle.  We need to change the way we do things.  We have the greatest message of truth this world has ever seen or heard of!  That doesn't need to change.  But, how we go about sharing that with a world that's hurting and desperately in need of some Good News ... is up to us.

Until next time, Rom

In Matthew 7:15-20 (TEV) Jesus tells us, "Be on your guard against false prophets; they come to you looking like sheep on the outside, but on the inside they are really like wild wolves. ¹⁶ You will know them by what they do. Thorn bushes do not bear grapes, and briers do not bear figs. ¹⁷ A healthy tree bears good fruit, but a poor tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a poor tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹ And any tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire. ²⁰ So then, you will know the false prophets by what they do." ...

We don't have figs growing around where I live, but we do have some grapes.  What we really have in this area of Wisconsin is apples--apple orchards galore!  My parent's last place of residence in Wisconsin (before retiring to Florida) was out in the country--basically an apple orchard that they built a house in the midst of. So, I know apples when I see them; that's for sure.

My folks retired to Florida.  One of the things my father loves best about their Florida residence is the fruit trees in the yard ... and in the neighborhood (he picks some while taking his morning walks).  He has a lemon tree, I know.  And, he's had orange trees or a variety of.  Again, because of this background, I've had some experience with fruit trees.

One thing I've discovered is this: Whatever kind of a tree it is, that's what kind of fruit should be hanging off of its branches in season.  So, here's my question, in light of Jesus' words above: Why are there so many in this world who claim the Christian faith, yet by their daily actions--especially the way that they treat others--look very little like the root who is supposed to nourish them?  Another way of asking it is this: Why are their oranges hanging off the apple tree?  It just doesn't make sense, does it?  And yet, isn't this exactly what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 7?  It seems that we are living in the midst of those days...

O.K., one more question as it relates to false prophets ... or those whose lives seem contrary to the life they verbally claim: Where's the LOVE?  If I'm reading my scripture correctly (1 Corinthians 13, for example), LOVE is the greatest witness to the presence of God's Spirit within us.  So, here we go again: Where's the LOVE?

Jesus follows up his little talk about false prophets with this, from Matthew 7:21 (TEV): "Not everyone who calls me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do."  Loving others--all others, unconditionally--is what our Father in heaven wants us to do.  How is that playing out in our lives?  Are there oranges hanging off the apple tree ... or apples?

Until next time,

Rom

A week or so ago, I was reading a devotional by Oswald Chambers (as I normally do each morning) and this one hit with great impact--like right between the eyes!  The part of the devotional that really hit me had to do with 'distractions' in life ...

John 20:21 (TEV) says, "Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you.'" According to Chambers, a missionary (and this means all of us, as disciples of Jesus Christ) is one who is sent by Jesus, just as he was sent by God.  He goes on to say that the great 'controlling factor' is not the needs of the people, but the command of Jesus (i.e. to make disciples, etc.  See Matthew 28:19-20)!  The source of our inspiration in our service for God is behind us, not up ahead somewhere...

We have such a tendency, as caring human beings, to let our motivation for serving God come out of whatever need is before us at the moment.  Now, it is important to be aware of 'felt needs,' but that should not be our overall motivation for serving God.  Our motivation should absolutely be ... our relationship to God's Son, Jesus ... and his very specific call on our lives to  'make disciples.'

Lately, the economy that we live in has been a tremendous distraction--to both Christians and non-Christians alike, I believe.  As a distraction to Christians, the state of our ecomony has done at least a couple of things as I have observed my own churches: 1) Christians have begun to live 'out of fear' more than I have ever seen it before in my lifetime.  As Christians, do we not believe that we serve a God who is bigger than any circumstance that we will go through?  Trust seems to be the name of the game.  What this economy has revealed ... is where the trust of many lies.  For many believers, it still lies in the security of money.  As one book put it, that I have read lately, 'Apparently, Christians have decided that they can serve to masters!'  The result of all of this has been a decrease in giving in local churches, less ministry or more stressed ministry taking place, and yet another distraction to take us away from our primary purpose.  Well, let me go on with this: 2) The economy has affected local churches--to the point where, with some, the only conversations taking place any more are ... financial ones.  Jesus had conversations about money, too.  But, to the best of my knowledge, they weren't the kind that we're having today.  Jesus used money as a platform to talk about who we really trust.  If our trust is in our money, we're in trouble.  As I've watched my retirement dwindle and dwindle over the past few months (unlike some who have lost it all), the one thing that I have learned all over again is ... the only place I can trust and be assured of that trust never letting me down ... is in my relationship with God.

Yes, this world has always been full of distractions, but lately ... it seems that money has become one of the worst.  Will we--like much of the rest of the world--be distracted from what really matters?  Will we be distracted from our primary calling, as disciples of Jesus Christ?  As a pastor (and I know that this may seem callous in the face of many, many needs today), my job is to keep the Church--the Body of Christ--on task.  Now, more than ever, is the perfect time to continue to focus on 'making disciples for Jesus Christ.'  It is the freedom that Christ offers humanity, in trusting him for their every need, that is what the world needs today ... in the midst of this lousy economy.  For, in the midst of this lousy economy, we serve a Mighty God ... who will see us through everything, even unto eternity...

Let's not get distracted.  Our greatest opportunity may be before us right now...

Until next week, Rom

Last week, I taught my Essential Transformation class about what a man named Harry Burger used to do every time my dad would preach the topic of 'obedience.'  He would--even sitting in the middle of the congregation in the middle of a sermon--reach his hands up high over his head ... and make a big 'O' (which stands for OBEDIENCE, of course).  We'll have to see, but many promised me that they would begin to do the same while I preach ...

Obedience is one of those things that is a part of our sanctification--our learning to be more and more like Christ.  I'm talking about the process of discipleship and the more we learn about obedience, the sooner we'll make headway in this process.

Jesus said, for instance (Matthew 7:21, MSG), "Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance—isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills." Obedience is one of those things that we may skirt around for awhile, but that kind of lifestyle will be temporary at best--if you are a disciple of Jesus Christ. It seems, somedays, that eveyone is looking for that 'secret password' to make sure that everything is O.K. between us and God ... but, in fact, there isn't one.  A life of serious obedience is the only way to know that everything is O.K.

"Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys my heavenly Father's will is my brother and sister and mother" is also a saying of Jesus (Matthew 12:50, MSG).  He was letting us know who was 'in' and who was 'out.' If we want to be a part of God's family (and all that goes with it), obedience is what will make that status possible; we have a great inheritance in Christ ... if we are obedient to the will of the Heavenly Father just like Jesus was... (Ah, there's always an 'if' or a 'but,' isn't there?)

The big lesson that I have learned (and I am still learning) about obedience is this: There is incredible freedom in a life that is being obedient to God! If we are 'walking in the light as he is in the light' ... how does it go?  From the Good News version of the Bible, the Apostle John says this (1 John 1:7, TEV): "But if we live in the light—just as he is in the light—then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin."  No matter what your life goes through, if you are 'living in the light' (living in obedience to all that you know of God and God's word), then the fellowship that we have both with God and others will not be restricted in any way.  Why?  Our sins will be purified ... and God will recognize us as one of his own--fellowshipping in that way.  No guilt.  No hang-ups. No holding back...

The greatest thing about a life of obedience ... is the freedom that Christ offers in it.  We are free to be us--who God made us to be--with no guilt, or condemnation, or unnecessary questions held over our heads.  We can know that everything's alright with God! That life comes through 'obedience'--being obedient to what we know of God and God's word on this day...

How did Eugene Peterson put it again (The Message)? "What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills."  That's it.  It's the big "O!" It's the key to a life of freedom ... and God wants you to know it!

Until next time, Rom

Well, I kind of trailed off in writing about the 5 practices of fruitful congregations, but if you go back to the September 17, 2009 post on "5 Purposes" you'll get the idea.

Today, I'd like to share some thoughts on CHANGE-yep, that thing that churches seem to dread the most.  This past weekend, I made at least one comment about this and it went this way: "...change isn’t easy.  Actually, people don’t fear change as much as they fear loss—loss of familiar & comfortable patterns, behaviors, & attitudes."  Do you believe that? ...

In the past couple of weeks, I have experienced what I believe to be the effects of this truth.  No, change isn't easy; but when it comes down to it, it is the loss of what is familiar and comfortable that really gets to us.  This is true, especially if we are one who still thinks that the Church is all about ... us.

Coming out of one worship service a couple of weeks ago, I was met by a man who was extremely angry about 'how' we did worship that morning--a video segment in particular.  Fortunately, he seemed to be the only one who was angry that morning.  I asked a few people if they thought that the video in worship that morning was too much.  Most made comments like, "It was different, but it was O.K."-knowing that our purpose, even in worship, is to reach those who do not yet know Christ.  One individual commented that there were still far too many in the pews today who still think that church is ... about them ... and just for them.  But, sometimes we need to 'speak a different language'-other than just our usual 'churchese' to communicate with the demographic we are trying to reach...

Anyway, it didn't hit me until some time later-and after a great deal of prayer-that what was happening with this individual was a mourning of loss.  Church isn't the same as it used to be!  New-fangled methods are being used to reach the lost.  And, they didn't like it!  It was a loss of the familiar ... and what had always been comfortable to them.  It makes sense.  I understand this individual better-by God's grace. Anger is very much a part of the grieving process. And, many will grieve as we move from what is familiar to us ... to what is new and, hopefully, relevant.

Let me encourage you, if you are a part of a church today, to be in prayer for those who are grieving.  Forward is the direction the Church needs to move; but the reality is that it can be a painful process. As we move ahead, let's do so with love-God's love. Because, when it comes down to it, loss of what is most familiar & comfortable ... is what hurts the most!

See you soon, Rom

When I graduated from Asbury College back in 1991, I managed--with God's help--to accomplish something that probably didn't happen everyday.  For someone who for their high school career managed a C grade point average, I graduated college at about 32 years old with a 4.0 GPA (and this was while having worked just about full-time at the same time as going to school).  Needless to say, I walked across the stage very proud of my gold cord.  At the same time, I knew that where I was headed--pastoral ministry--I would probably never be asked what my GPA was.  So, it didn't really matter to anyone but me.  That being said, there were some who took notice of the accomplishment and couldn't wait to ask me what all I'd learned in college--with that kind of academic achievement.  My answer has been the same since that day: What I learned in college was the reality that ... I still have much to learn! ...

I believe that was a healthy attitude then; and, I believe that's still a healthy attitude today.  All followers of Christ should take the same attitude.  Once justified (salvation), we move on to the process of sanctification--becoming more and more like Christ.  I don't know if I've ever known anyone to be totally sanctified in this life--some close, but just not sure of complete sanctification.  It's a process--a process of one baby step at a time, learning about how much we still have to learn, and becoming more and more like the Master that we follow ... in the process.

Learning in the church--Intentional Faith Development--is one of the 5 practices of fruitful congregations that Bishop Schnase talks about in his book of the same title.  It is one of the 'intentional' purposes of growing, healthy churches.  Learning needs to be a lifelong endeavor.  And, there should be no exceptions in the church.  Everyone is in need of continual growth in their faith--their walk with God.

Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, "Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions."  Thank God for that!  I never want to go back to where I've been.  I appreciate all of the learning that my years have afforded me.  And, I thank God for the opportunities that I have had ... and for the continued opportunities that I do have to continue to learn ... to be more and more like Jesus.  When I study Jesus' life, ministry, and teachings, my mind is definitely stretched.  And, I truly believe that I will never be the same.  Once challenged by the very presence of Christ in my life, I have to change--a metamorphosis into a new Rom--one that is more like Christ!

Intentional Faith Development...  We all need to be about 'change'--growing in our faith--as if we mean it!  I have learned the reality of ... how much I still have to learn.  How about you?

Until next week, Rom