A Proud Heritage

I just recently received a copy of the "2007 Book of Discipline" of the Free Methodist Church. Yes, I know...you're thinking "oooh, that sounds so exciting!" But, you know...it is. It is a good practice to revisit this wonderful manual that is 296 pages of our history, mission, doctrine and polity. It declares our identity of why we claim to be "Free" Methodists. I was particularly struck by some of the distinct principles of our Wesleyan-Armenian heritage that have guided us since August 23, 1860. Beyond the depth of our theological emphasis on entire sanctification, is the freedom and simplicity of just being committed to "raising up a holy people" and establishing worship that is "characterized by simplicity and freedom of the Spirit" that is "untrammeled by elaborate ritual." As Free Methodists we also focus on our "special obligation" to preach the gospel to the poor and to keep modesty at the forefront that commits itself to "the New Testament ideals of simplicity and modesty as a style of life." A whole lot of this mind-set is one that provides us freedom...freedom to do what is necessary to put all the attention on the Lord Jesus Christ and not upon ourselves. It isn't supposed to be "about us" anyway. It is taking the attitude that "the best way to keep worldliness from invading the church is for the church to invade the world with redemptive purpose." We are free...we are simple...we are focused...we are committed...to Jesus Christ and His redemptive love for all. A liberating way to live...in freedom.

Unity in Volunteering

There was a Veterans Day parade in Biloxi, Mississippi on Saturday, November 8, 2008. My wife took a picture of me marching along with fellow Airmen from Keesler Air Force Base. That's me in the second row and right in the middle of the photo. It took me a while, but I think it finally sunk in what took place on Veterans Day in downtown Biloxi, Mississippi. It was more than just a parade. It was more than just getting into my service dress uniform. It was more than just having something fun to do on a Saturday morning. It was a day of gathering in unity. It was a day of joining with other Airmen who share a love for their country, their branch of service, and their Air Force Base. Each one selflessly made a personal choice to march in the parade...a way of doing something that would instill pride and esprit de corps within themselves while at the same time giving them an avenue to express their gratefulness to all our veterans who redefined the definition of sacrifice. Nobody was forced to be there...the parade was not mandatory...a call went out for volunteers...and they came....and they marched. It was a joy to serve and I savored every step along the streets of Biloxi. To all who serve...I salute you.

Christianity Has Nothing to Do with Halloween

Question: Should Christians celebrate or participate in various activities of Halloween? This question seems easy enough to answer because most would say "yes" it is perfectly fine. But, is it? Asking a Christian about participating in Halloween would be the same as asking if they also enjoy casting spells, playing with a Ouija Board, or worshipping the dead. Although one may first react by saying "You jerk! I don't do that evil stuff...I'm a Christian. Besides, there is a BIG difference!" REALLY? Not so fast! Let me explain. Unfortunately, most of the "fun" activities and American traditions associated with Halloween are related to the seasonal holidays of the Wiccans and the Celtics. For Wicca, their celebration on October 31st is called "Samhain" and it is their highest holy day where festivities are focused on darkness and death. After all, Samhain is a god known as the Lord of Death. It is a time to embrace evil and the dark side of the spiritual world by contacting the dead and paying homage to them.

Let's Just Take a Quick Look:

• Trick-or-Treat: Celtic tradition of placing turnips/pumpkin on the porch/outside the front door to ward off and keep the dead spirits out of their house. It was a hope that the evil spirits would haunt the turnip/pumpkin and leave their family alone.


• Bobbing for Apples: Wiccan celebration during "Samhain" where they appease the dead spirits with a sacred offering of fruit to enhance their state of immortality. Known as "Paradise of Apples."


• Costuming: Celtic tradition of dressing up to mimic the "returning dead" or to pretend to be various spirits from the "otherworld." Main development of the practice was to hide one's identity from the evil spirits and ghosts that roamed freely on October 31st. Some used costumes to hide their identity at pagan festivals while others used it to "change their identity" in order to contact and talk with the dead.


• Bon Fires: Wiccan tradition of worship where cattle were slaughtered for their nightly feast of "Samhain." During the midnight festival the Wiccans would create a large fire and proceed with casting the bones of the slaughtered cattle upon the flames. This was known as the "bone fires" in which we derive the word "bon fire."

It all boils down to one thing: THERE IS NOTHING SACRED, HOLY, GODLY OR CHRISTIAN ABOUT HALLOWEEN...PERIOD. They simply don't mix...they weren't meant to be put together. Halloween is the celebration of death and darkness. Christianity is one that celebrates life and living in the Light. The two are polar opposites.

As one can plainly see...Halloween's history, symbolisms, and activities all come from and still retain the underlying associations for which they were originally intended...their original purpose. So, is this what you, as a Christian, really want to be promoting?

I pray that we will reconsider how much we associate ourselves with a pagan festival that promotes evil, death, and darkness. 3 John 11: "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil." Ephesians 5:1; 8-11, "Follow God's example in everything you do...for though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in their worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them."

May you spend October 31st this year and always in deep reflection of how to avoid all appearances of evil and to come to a point where you no longer brush off Halloween as nothing more than "harmless fun." May God be praised by your decision.

Realizing We're Wrong

I have watched with great interest the latest rounds of arguments, debates, and finger-pointing the latest 700-billion dollar banking bail-out has caused. The one thing that amazes me beyond the amount of money involved is that not one single person has admitted fault...everyone has managed to point the finger at someone else or deflect blame in the direction of another party, organization or business. Nobody really seems to be able to handle failure or accept any form of responsibility. I realize that it is basic "sinful human nature 101" to find a scapegoat for our shortcomings...after all, just ask Adam (Genesis 3:12). The fact is no one wants to be told they are wrong. It can even be taken one step further by saying that no one wants to be proven wrong. I don't think anyone really feels comfortable with hearing that it is their behavior, lifestyle, diet, work habits and morals that are wrong, immoral, or unhealthy and that by living in such fashion could greatly jeopardize their life, family, employment or someone else. So let's learn a new concept: THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW WE ARE RIGHT IS TO BE WILING TO DISCOVER WHERE WE ARE WRONG. We must be able to grow to a new depth of maturity that constructive criticism, mentorship and counsel is a healthy routine of our life style. Maturity includes a great deal of integrity to be able to realize when we're wrong and take strides to make the necessary corrections. Words such as "admit" "confess" and "apologize" must become a natural part of our character. When we realize that we are "in the wrong," let us accept and admit our shortcomings then use them as opportunities to grow and succeed at a higher level.

The God in Hurricane Gustov

We had been living here in Mississippi for just under two months when "it" finally happened...a hurricane heading our way. If you are not familiar with where we live...Biloxi, Mississippi...there is barely one tenth of a mile between the front gate of Keesler Air Force Base and the end of the United States...that is, you run out of real estate and end up in the Gulf of Mexico. The interesting thing about this particular hurricane (Gustav) was that it didn't have much sympathy for the Gulf Coast. Gustav decided to hit the weekend of not only a holiday (Labor Day) but during the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina (August 29, 2005). We experienced the anxiety and stress of an officially mandated evacuation of my family (wife and kids to Iowa) and the call for me to "shelter" on base to ride out the storm. I am thankful for God's mighty hand of how He guides even the most violent of storms. Although He may "allow" the storms of this magnitude to make landfall, He chooses to let it happen to show His love and compassion for us by working through the caregivers, weather forecasters, medical teams, chapel teams, and law enforcement/military leadership. God shows Himself through the lives of others to prove His love and care for us. In the eye of the hurricane and wrapped around the mass of moisture of the tropical depression is the presence of God. We repeat the words of Psalm 107:28-30, "Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven." We have weathered another storm and have met God in it. Once again, God showed Himself...once again, God was proven.

One Year

Look at those big blue eyes! That's Jennalyn...my daughter. She just turned one year old in August and is a show stopper....a blessing, an angel, a bundle of love. There is nothing more pleasing to the soul than to hold a baby and have them fall asleep in your arms. The fragrance of a newly bathed child is comforting and helps one reflect on the real perspectives of life. Their persistence, demands and stubbornness can make one step back and ask "Is this how I appear to God? Demanding? Requiring instant gratification? Seeking all his attention?" Babies do that. Their "humanness" in such a small package can bring light to our falleness as humans and our need for a loving parent...ABBA...Daddy...our Heavenly Father, to love and care for us.

Two Mormons and a Five Year Old Boy

We had just exited the Branch Avenue Metro Rail stop when two Mormon young people engaged us in conversation. Like a magnet quickly adheres to the refrigerator, they stuck to us and began reciting their jargon in what was seeming to be a one-sided conversation. When the conversation began including references to Jesus, I quickly interjected and introduced myself as an Air Force Chaplain and that I was had a pretty good handle on "the Jesus thing." They politely chuckled at my attempt at "religious humor" and appeared somewhat out-of-step because "another religious guy" got their "scripted words" off track. I then proceeded to let them know that even my children had "the Jesus thing" as well. It was at that moment that God appeared on the scene in the form of a five-year-old boy. My son, Tristian, who I thought was distracted by a caterpillar slugging along the sidewalk, decided to chime in on the discussion. What would at first appear to be "out of nowhere" comes the small juvenile voice proclaiming "Jesus is Lord and Savior! He died on the Cross for our sins!" I will assume he picked up that the conversation was about Jesus. Duh! I have to admit that there was no way I could have said that any better. Here I was, a spiritual leader...a pastor...a chaplain...making light on the subject of faith with two Mormon "recruiters" and I am put in my place by my five-year-old son. I was probably blown away just as much as these two finely dressed men in white shirts and ties. My son taught me a lesson that day...a valuable lesson...issues of faith are not for jesting, but professing. I am proud of my son. Never underestimate the investment in the lives of your children to teach them about Jesus Christ and the salvation he offers to us and why we need it...and don't forget to include telling them about the price Jesus paid to make salvation possible in the first place. Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way they should go; even when they are old, they will not depart from it." Invest in your children...invest not just in their "future" but in their eternity...by doing so, the dividends will be out of this world!

April 1st - The Overlooked Holiday

Most people are just content with using the first day of April to play practical jokes on each other to gain a chuckle or hearty laugh. If one could just pull off the grand-daddy of all pranks, then they are satisfied with fulfilling the revelry of "April Fool's Day." Unbeknownst to them, there lies within this 24-hour period a long forgotten, or should I say "overlooked," holiday. Yes, April 1st, of each year is, for the most part, a holiday. Although not recognized by the government as an official holiday (sorry, you can't have the day off), it could be recognized in Scripture. In the Old Testament book of Psalms in chapter 53, we find an intriguing comment that says in verse 1, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" Nothing could be more foolish than to come to a conclusion that there cannot be a God...a Higher Power, Creator and Sustainer of our life, this world, planets, sun, stars, universe and galaxies all discovered to date. So, my conclusion would be to say that those who claim there cannot be a God (whether they refer to themselves as Atheists, Agnostic, etc) should ban together on the first day of April (every year) and celebrate their holiday...the day for fools.

What Does Your Name Mean?

Our name not only gives us identity, but a sense of belonging. Names mean something. Names have meaning. As written in Matthew 1:21, "She shall give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name JESUS, because he will save his people from their sins." Philippians 2:9, also emphasises the meaning and power behind the identity of one's name. It says, "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name [Jesus] which is above every name...." The name given to Jesus wasn't haphazardly picked or randomly thought up off the cuff because "it sounded nice" since "Jesus" or "Yeshua" in Hebrew was a very popular boys name at that time. No, it was given to him for what the name means. Jesus means "the Lord saves." That is pretty specific when the whole point behind Jesus's coming to earth was to save us. God loved us so much that he sent his only Son to die on the cross to save us from our sin. The Bible tells us that there is no other name that we can cry out to that can save us. So, what does your name signify? What does it mean? Do you even know what your name means? If your name is John it means "God's gracious gift." How about Daniel or Danielle? Your name means "God is my judge." How about Michael or Michaela? This is a great name that means "one who is like God." My name is Charles. In German it means "Free Man" which is pretty cool since I am a Chaplain endorsed by the Free Methodist Church!! Learn the meaning of your name and your name will have new meaning. Identify who you are by discovering what your name means.

Stars...They Already Have a Name!

Have you ever sung this nursery rhyme:

"Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are!"

Stars are amazing! I find it fascinating and never tiring to take a moment to look up at the stars at night. I was particularly mindful of stars this past week as my family gathered outside to look at the lunar eclipse. What a spectacular cosmic display of beauty! I was also reminded about stars while I was listening to the radio as I was driving home from work and heard a very interesting advertisement that invited me to pay nearly $55 to "name a star after someone." I thought that was very interesting. If I sent this company my money, I would receive a "Star Chart" containing the name of the constellation and the telescopic coordinates where I could "find my star" by looking through a telescope. The more I thought about this the more it sounded like a waste of money…although at first it sounded like a neat idea. I began to wonder about what God would think about a company taking peoples’ money to "name a star" after someone. So, I looked in the Bible to see what God had to say. I found the answer in Psalm 147:4 which says in the Contemporary English Version that "[God] decided how many stars there would be in the sky and gave each one a name." WOW! All the stars in the sky ALREADY have a name! Although we may never know all the names God has given to the stars, we can take comfort in realizing that God not only knows how many stars are in the Universe, but that He knows each one by their name. So, the next time you look up at the sky at night and see all the stars, just remember that YOU CAN KEEP YOUR MONEY and your suggestions as to "what to name a star" because the God who placed each one of those stars in the universe is the same God who has already given each one of them their name. May astronomy never be the same again! Happy star-gazing!

Lent - Finding Identity

The forty days of Lent is a time for us to remember that we are to give up something that is a sacrifice, an act of self-denial, or some act that will remind us of Christ. Lent is sacred and spiritual for every Christian. This is the season that reminds us of the great sacrifice of Christ for each one of us. Centuries ago Jesus Christ went through an agony, a scourging, a crowning and a crucifixion. The tragedy of Good Friday led to the triumph of Easter Sunday. The acts of self-denial, the acts of sacrifice we make during this season helps us identify with the sacrifices of Christ. Uniting our sacrifice with that of Christ, uniting our pain with his, Lent is set aside just to remind us of these factors. Lent is not just a season we reflect upon and apply only to ourselves. Our acts of self-denial, our acts of sacrifices not only are directed to Christ, but to our neighbor. The whole thrust of the season of Lent is to increase one's spirituality. This comes from the simple knowledge that anything worthwhile in life demands a sacrifice. I think it's safe to say that all of us have experienced some sort of agony, a scourging, a crucifixion. It might be the agony of trying to forget a past mistake, it might be the scourging of some physical illness that just won't go away, or watching a loved one make tragic mistakes over and over again in life. You, in this year, might be going through a crucifixion of a different kind. Lent reminds you that Christ has already been where you are. Lent reminds you that if you identify your suffering with the suffering of Christ your cross will become lighter. Lent reminds you not only of the suffering of Christ, but of the love of Christ. The more you realize the sacredness of this season, the more you offer your suffering in union with the suffering of Christ, the more you identify with Christ, the more spiritual you become, the more sacred your Lent becomes.

Off the Cuff is Off the Mark

Most 'off the cuff' remarks, although paritally true, cannot stand up to scruitiny simply because they are laced with as much inaccuracy as fact. If you are going to make claims, statements, and rebuttals always take the time to think through what you are going to say. It is so easy in "the heat of battle" such as arguments and disagreements to fly off the handle with accusations such as "you're always late!" "You always say that!" and "I've had to work every weekend!" These are what I call "off the cuff remarks" because the person making these statements has not taken the time to "think through" what they are actually saying. For example, if an employee arrives late to a staff meeting and you verbally assualt the person with "you're always late" then you better make sure that it can be proven by fact that this person has been late to every single meeting since they were employed. If they have been late to 4 out of 30 meetings then how can you rightfully say "you're always late" to them? If you, after seeing the newly posted work schedule, exclaim "I'm always working weekends" but, just three months ago, were given not only Christmas, but New Year's AND the Martin Luther King holiday weekend off, how can you rightfully say "I've worked EVERY weekend? You may be RIGHT in saying "it seems like I am working every weekend" or "it seems like you've been late for a few meetings this year" but you are totally WRONG when stating these facts with the words such as "always" and "every" to make it appear like it happens all the time. Proverbs 16:13, "Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth." Exodus 20:16 "You must not testify falsely against your neighbor." When speaking and addressing issues of interest just make sure you're not speaking "off the cuff" because you could end up "losing your shirt."

The Revelation of EPIPHANY

Epiphany...my, what a word! To most, what looks like the small spattering of letters a child would randomly type on the computer, is actually a significant event of the Church Calendar. Epiphany, the twelfth day after Christmas, is the conclusion of the Christmas season. The word "Epiphany" means "to show" or "to reveal." It is also a historical date because it marks the arrival of the "three wise men" from the east who came "to show" and "to reveal" to all the world that this little 2-year-old toddler was Lord and King (Matthew 2:9-11) This is why we celebrate Epiphany! We celebrate to recall how God has been "showing" and "revealing" Himself to us ever since that one night the Kings of the Orient bowed their knees and presented their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to this little boy named Jesus. Be on guard! Watch! Our transcendent God is ever present and working in His creation to show us and to reveal to us how much He loves us and desires to have a close, personal, intimate, and loving relationship with us. A brilliant sunset, the warm hug of a grandparent, a confirming compliment from a parent, the warmth of the sun's rays on a cold winter day, the purring of a cat, the rambunctious playfulness of a dog, and the joy of fellowship with our family during the holidays...all things God uses to show and reveal His presence...His love for us. "Happy Epiphany!" How will you be "on the look out" for God's "Epiphany" to you today...this week...this year? My prayer is that you'll take notice and see a lot of God the Father in 2008!