Steve's Blog

Father’s Day 2011 has come and gone. It was a great day in our household, with the family gathered together for good food and fun…one of our better ones, I might add!

As the day comes to a close, I’m reminiscent of my own father, who nearly a decade ago quietly entered eternal rest after nearly nine decades of abundant life. I’m grateful for my dad, who sacrificially provided for his family and raised us in many great ways. My siblings and I are close today, and often look back with fondness to our upbringing.

My father and I were/are very imperfect dads. We have many tangible and intangible gifts to offer our children, but also lots of flaws, idiosyncrasies, and deficiencies. However, we’ve given it our best shot as husbands and fathers in our households. I trust my children will remain thankful for the good and forgive me for the rest. It’s been an awesome ride so far!

I suppose a growing awareness of my own imperfections make me all the more grateful for my completely perfect Heavenly Father. My favorite image of Father God is as a Prodigal God, waiting on the porch of heaven for us to come to our senses and head back home. I absolutely love the image of the Father running compassionately in the direction of the Prodigal Son, fully prepared to welcome him home. He embraces his son, kisses him, puts a robe over his shoulders, a ring on his finger, sandals on his feet, skewers a fatted calf, throws a party in his behalf, and celebrates his son’s homecoming. Luke 15: 11-32 leaps off the pages of Holy Scripture and lands squarely in my heart each time I read it!

When others in the body of Christ are dismissing the significance of God as Father, I not only bristle at such a thought, but stand in defense of a Trinitarian understanding of God, FATHER, Son and Holy Spirit. As a child of God, the image of a loving, steadfast, true, gracious, forgiving, redeeming, almighty God is what I long to embody myself. How else will I grow to become more like Him unless the Father is Who I seek to emulate? Like Father Like Son (or Daughter)…that’s how I want to be known and remembered. How about you?

At Pentecost Jesus followed through on his promise: “If a man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.” (John 7:37-39). After Jesus is taken up into heaven, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2: 4). This was to fulfill what the prophet Joel spoke of long before, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people…” (Joel 2:28).

Jesus’ fulfilled promise to his disciples not to leave them as orphans (John 14) was his first and best gift after leaving them in fleshly attire…he satisfied his pledge by sending the Spirit. In one accord, they rang out praise, rejoicing in various tongues, and through the sound of a mighty wind the Spirit enveloped their presence. Amazed and perplexed, they were astonished by the power of God and united by the Spirit. The first century Church is born and as a result of this great gift God “makes known the path of life, filling his people with joy in his presence” (Acts2:28 taken from Psalm 16:8). They were now fully prepared to make the invisible Christ visible to the world around them.

So often we go through the motions on holy days like Pentecost Sunday and we forget the significance of the promise fulfilled and the gift granted by God himself. Through the spoken words and fulfilled promises of Jesus, the people of God are given the Spirit to guide, sustain, empower, and renew them from the inside out. We have been given the best gift of all – the Holy Spirit. His role in our lives is what transforms us into new creatures in Christ Jesus. The Spirit longs to be acknowledged by his children, invited to reign supreme in our hearts, and released to bear fruit through the gifts he has entrusted to our care.

What is your response to the first and best gift by the glorified Christ? May you receive the Holy Spirit with joy, bow in humble adoration, rejoice with thanksgiving, and live victoriously and abundantly in the Spirit – today and forever! Alleluia!

One of my Sabbath activities today included an hour of walking through Great Meadows in Concord (MA). It’s one of my favorite destinations for exercise, reflection and prayer. Great Meadows is a National Wildlife Refuge, teeming with habitat…including a delightful diversity of birds, waterfowl (mallards and ducks), as well as deer, muskrats, red fox, raccoons, rabbits, beaver, squirrels, and a variety of other mammals, amphibians and reptiles. It’s a beautiful place for seasonal photography and bird-watching, with fabulous hiking around the water-drenched meadow adjacent to the Concord River.

Today as I entered the meadows I nearly stepped on a small, fist-sized turtle. Since I was moving at a clip I didn’t pay too much attention to his presence at the time. Instead, I kept walking, listening to my favorite Christian music on my iPod, and enjoying the sunshine of the afternoon as it glistened on every ounce of magnificence around me. Nearly an hour later, as I was on my way back to the car, I noticed that turtle in the same vicinity as before. This time I stopped to take a closer look at his color (dark black shell and red stripes along his neck and legs) and observe his sedentary place on the sandy walkway. I’m not sure how much he had moved since I first glanced his way, but certainly not too much…he must not have been in a rush.

I on the other hand had calculated my timing in the Meadow. I knew when I arrived how much time I had to walk, and be sure to get back to the car in time to get home and fulfill my family obligations for the remainder of the day.

Even though today was our Sabbath, I still found myself moving at a good pace, with several items to accomplish and activities to experience. Had my life been more like the turtle I’m confident I’d be much more content with fewer things on the list. Instead, I found myself all wrapped up in the muchness and moreness and manyness of life – even on a Sabbath afternoon. As a result, I missed attending to the richness of a quiet moment along the pathway, pondering the multiple gifts that surround me and the abundance of the spiritual life within.

I’m already looking forward to the next time I get over to Great Meadows. Perhaps I’ll take advantage of one of the lovely benches along the pathway…I’m sure they’re put there for a reason! Thanks, Mr. Turtle.

Oprah Winfrey’s daily talk show came to an end last week. It was a major television event. Several big names were showcased on the show, including Maya Angelou. When asked why Oprah was so influential and loved worldwide, Maya mentioned that chief among the reasons was how well she listened to people, “Oprah listens in a way that leads to and invites trust.”

What better way to be recognized than as a good listener? It’s certainly true that listening is one of the chief hallmarks of loving relationships. When we hit the spot and attend to the voice of another, we discover that empathy comes with greater fluidity. But, when we miss the mark and turn a muted or deaf ear to another, we end up living in isolation and relational poverty.

God longs for us to listen to his voice. In fact, doesn’t he have much more important words to say to us than we could ever say to him? Translate that to our human relationships…isn’t it far more important to listen first before offering our own words? Jesus certainly modeled that for us – asking a question in reply to one over and over again. It seems like he was always more inclined to listen, observe, and ponder first before speaking.

We know Oprah Winfrey for her talk show…but was it really more of a listen show? Listening is a lesson worth learning and adhering to no matter what. Listen to God, listen to another, listen to our world, listen even to yourself – and then offer your reply. You’ll find that what comes out of your mouth is a far better reflection of your listening heart and might in fact be much richer in wisdom and significance. Do you agree? I’m all ears…

I’m doing a slow read through the classic The Imitation of Christ. It is best read slowly, reflectively, and prayerfully. It’s too much to absorb as a quick read and it’s impossible to complete in one setting. I decided to pick it up once again after nearly two decades since I first read it. Already about a third of the way through and I’m convicted on many fronts.

Thomas A Kempis (1379-1471) does a masterful job of speaking directly to the heart of the matter: if we are to imitate Christ, we need to hold the world and all its vanities in contempt. To dwell upon the life of Jesus Christ compels us to reconsider how much we are being conformed by this world rather than transformed by Christ. His simple but profound statement, “it is vanity to desire a long life, and to have little care for a good life” provides the essence of this masterpiece.

It is written in four books, respectively entitled: “Useful Reminders of the Spiritual Life” (Book One), “Suggestions drawing one toward the Inner Life” (Book Two), “Of Inner Comfort” (Book Three), and “The Book of the Sacrament” (Book Four). It is written in the form of meditations, brief chapters brimming with insight about one major theme after another. Paying close attention to the content herein will bring the reader into a deeper self-awareness and prayerful devotion.

A few worthwhile quotes to ponder: “Many words satisfy not the soul, but a good life refreshesh the mind, and a pure conscience giveth great confidence towards God” and “Let thy company be the humble and the simple, the devout and the gentle, and let thy discourse be concerning things which edify” and “Trials and temptations turn greatly unto our profit, even though they be great and hard to bear; for through them we are humbled, purified, instructed” and “Endeavor to be patient in bearing with other men’s faults and infirmities whatsoever they be, for thou thyself also hast many things which have need to be borne with by others” and “The clothing and outward appearance are of small account; it is change of character and entire mortification of the affections which make a truly religious man.”

May the words of this wonderful text ring true in your soul and provide both refreshment and challenge to all who are seriously intentional about living for and imitating Christ in thought, word, and deed. “O how great is the abundance of Thy sweetness, O Lord, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee.” Amen.

This entry also appears in Conversations Journal Blog.

Recently I left my smart phone at home as I rushed out the door to an early morning meeting. I didn’t realize what was missing until I pulled into the parking lot for my 7:30 am connection with two very important people related to our ministry. I was instantly infuriated with my forgetfulness, frustrated with my ineffectiveness, and annoyed with my silly exasperation. Not a good way to start one’s day…especially if that one is the leader of a ministry focusing on the care of the souls of leaders and teams, and the formation of a lifestyle that features quiet reflection and a slower pace of life (yes, that’s yours truly).

It took me about 15 minutes to simply “let it go” in order to be present with my colleagues and enjoy the meeting. I was fixated on the certainty of forgetting my iPhone. It took me a while to get over the fact that I was completely (although only temporarily) out of contact with my family, office, and anyone else who would need to get in touch with (all important) me. I figured out how to meander my way back home after the meeting, albeit out of the way, in order to pick up my cell phone before continuing the duration of my day. When I finally had it back in my possession, I breathed a sigh of…relief?

Upon reflection, I was able to parse out why this scenario bothered me so much. I had to admit I am addicted to having this communication tool at my fingertips throughout the day. I had to confess to God and myself that indeed this piece of technology had a grip on my heart. To live without it for a day, or even a half-day, seemed at the moment utterly impossible. That reality hit me hard.

At each of the soul care retreats LTi facilitates, I “triple-dog-dare” the participants to place their cell phone in the middle of the worship table and forget about it for the duration of the retreat. I often scoff to myself as to how few actually take me up on my challenge. How dare I have that kind of pompous attitude ever again, after my hissy fit over leaving mine at home during the first few hours of a work day.

Lord, forgive me for the trap I find myself in when my addiction to technology replaces my soul’s steadfast desire for you and you alone. Release me from the need to be connected more to the people and issues and tasks of my day rather than be embraced and led by your Spirit. I need you much more than I could ever lean on any piece of technology. Renew within my heart a greater love for the mystery of the secret place, the generosity of the quiet space, and the abundance of the Spirit’s grace…and help me to practice life without any of the trappings that keep me from leaning solely on you, Lord Jesus!

Our favorite 15 month old, Ameliah Ruth, was with us over the weekend. It was a delight to have her in our home once again…we can hardly get enough of her! She’s been a part of our life since she was born in February 2010; her parents very special friends to us as well. We look forward to watching her grow up and we’re very excited about being her Uncle Steve and Auntie Ruthie.

It was pretty amazing on Saturday morning to realize how much time we spent doting on her…snuggling with her in our bed after she woke up, playing patty cake, singing songs, eating breakfast, coaching her as she tried to walk, enjoying her cooing sounds, watching her manipulate toys, gazing at her profile, looking in her eyes, touching her fingers and toes, sitting with her on my lap, and simply being present to her every move and need.

When she went down for her nap I found myself missing her…anxious for her to wake up so we could do it all over again. As an older uncle, long since the days of being a young dad, I knew my reality was that she would soon head home with her parents. But for the overnight joy of her presence in our midst, we counted each moment with Ameliah as pure gift.

As we kissed her goodbye, I couldn’t help but wonder about the love Jesus has for me/us when we simply are held, loved, and doted on from the embrace of heaven. How much the Father loves to lavish love upon his children…my love for Ameliah pales in comparison. However, it was good for my soul to reflect afresh on the doting love that God has over me (and you!)…and we feel it and know it when we practice learning how to do nothing but be childlike in his presence, ever attentive to the gift of his doting love. I suspect that’s what pure joy looks like from the vantage point of the eyes and heart of our Heavenly Father.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Cor. 6:19)

Paul is asking the question in an assumptive posture…hello people, didn’t you know this? Then why are you partaking in sexual immorality and giving your body away to unhealthy ends? “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Then flee from such immorality!” (vs. 15,18)

Easier said than done—especially in this sex-crazed world we are living in today. The temptations are everywhere the eye roams: television, internet, billboards, magazines, movies, etc.  Sex sells so it’s become the dominant theme of marketers worldwide. How can such influence be confronted by the Church?

I just returned from an international mission trip in Eastern Europe. We addressed this issue with a group of about 500 young adults. The mood was serious; each person attentive. We looked at the biblical text, including stories such as David with Bathsheba and Potipher’s wife toward Joseph. We talked about the universality of the temptations that challenge one’s purity. We looked at ways to practically and relationally wrestle this monster to the ground and pin down his shoulders for good. We prayed and worshiped and the challenge to live modestly and purely was given. Some responded positively; others still considering how best to deal with it for themselves.
 
Without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, purity will never regain strength. The soul on fire with immoral sexual luring will be eaten away one morsel at a time. Spirituality is directly linked to the care of one’s body, including one’s sexual practices. Apparently Paul the Apostle knew this and addressed it with force. Why should we be afraid to do likewise?

This entry also appears in Conversations Journal Blog.

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21: 1-11) is a dramatic commencement into Holy Week.

Here Jesus is living out a prophetic fulfillment on the back of a donkey, “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The disciples did exactly as Jesus had instructed them, found, untied, and prepared the donkey. Sitting on the donkey Jesus was ushered through the large crowds into the city.

I find it interesting that we’re told the disciples’ cloaks were placed on the donkey where Jesus sat for the ride. We’re also told that a very large crowd placed their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. All done in preparation for the entry into Jerusalem with shouts of “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

If you were there, would you have taken off your cloak and thrown it on the ground so the donkey could step on it as Jesus rode into the city? Or, would you have chosen instead to cut off a branch from the tree? Which do you imagine was more symbolic of the heart of the one making the offering? I never really noticed this detail until today when at church some were waving their palm branches with enthusiasm and others were simply holding them stiff as a board.

“Who is this?” the city folk asked…”Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth” they replied. But within a matter of a few short days they would cry even louder “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

I wonder…would it have mattered then what you put on the ground for the donkey to trample a few days before? Would you care if you left branches on the side of the road, or would you look carefully at your cloak with hoof prints on it as a reminder of that infamous day? Cloaks last; branches don’t. Cloaks re-worn days later bring back the memorable sights, sounds, and smells. Forgotten branches crushed afoot die off like hardened hearts.

The journey into Holy Week is relived once more. Take off your cloak, let it be trampled on, and then be sure to re-wear it with joy.

“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”

This month concludes a marvelous 7 ½ year working relationship with my dear friend and trusted colleague, Mrs. Sage Paik. For the bulk of LTi’s formative years, she’s been faithfully by my side as Executive Assistant and Graphic Designer, as well as Program Coordinator for the Pierce Center at Gordon-Conwell (location of the LTi main office). She’s worn every hat we’ve tossed her way, and she’s completed every responsibility with effervescent Christian graces and a uniquely classy style. Sage is one of a kind and she’ll be sorely missed by all of us, especially yours truly.

I initially met Sage when she was the first of 8 candidates I interviewed in one day for the position she has held ever since. I knew there was something special about this woman of God the moment I met her. She set the bar high and none of the other candidates that day came close to her combination of skills, heart and attitude. She has brought nothing but pure joy to our office ever since. Her love for God and his people, her commitment to the Word and prayer, her tender sensitivities, godly integrity, and fabulous sense of humor set her above the norm and she’s always a leader among her peers.

She waited patiently for her prince charming to arrive and two years ago became the wife of Young Paik, her knight in shining armor. I had the distinct honor of preparing them for marriage and presiding over their wedding ceremony. It’s been a joy for Ruth and I to get to know them as couples, delighting in the love they share for one another. Theirs is a marriage worth emulating, their home a welcome place to weary travelers and servants of Christ, their heart hospitality always a healing balm for the soul.

As we bless and send off Sage into this new season of life and service, we do so with profound gratitude for her loving and faithful encouragement. Her role in our lives and on our team has left an indellible impression, never to be erased or replaced by others…only to be supplemented and enhanced as we build on her legacy of grace.

We all love you, Sage, and will miss your bright smile and contagious presence in our lives. Let’s be sure to stay in touch and remain in close contact in the future. We wish you God’s abiding peace and joy as you move in to new places of love and service in Jesus’ name. We thank our God upon every remembrance of YOU!