July 2, 2010

Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)

@#$%

A friend counseled, "You've gotta get rid of those hideous white-framed sunglasses that you wear on your bike; and while we're at it, those painter and cargo pants gotta go! They're not the image!"

Retort: "If I really cared about image, I wouldn't ride at all."

The first visit to my favorite HD dealership in Woodstock comes to mind.

When asked what I, uh, do for a living, I revealed, "I'm a pastor, professor, and writer of non-best-selling books; but I'm not that conventional."

Response: "You wouldn't be in here unless you weren't a little off."

@#$%



@#$%

Normal.

What is normal?

Who defines who's normal?

Doesn't normal mean fitting into the culture without a conscience?

Doesn't normal mean being a Democrat/Republican who only votes for Democrats/Republicans?

Doesn't normal mean being like mainliners who long for the way things never were or maybe were but are no more?

When I think normal, I think boring.

I think going with the flow even if it's headed in the wrong direction.

I think moderate; as in people who are moderately committed to Jesus, America, family, vocation, and so on.

Jesus wasn't normal.

He was counter-culture.

He thought normal was very, uh, natural; as in, "You're only being natural."

Read Colossians 3:1-2.

Normal?

I hope not.

Of course, normal people crucified Jesus; which, I guess, means...

I'm reminded of youngsters who dream (nightmare) of becoming pastors: "I want to grow up to be just like Jesus."

Yeah, except for the crucifixion part.

@#$%



@#$%

Our family of faith was very nice to me on Pastor Appreciation Month last October.

I got gift certificates to Starbucks, Golf Shack, Outback, and my favorite HD dealership.

One note hangs in my study.

It's attached to a picture of a biker babe who is applying heavy make-up while looking into the mirror of her old man's hog with this caption: "Do this. Do that. Don't do this. Don't do that. Blah, blah, blah."

The note:

I appreciate Pastor Bob all year long because...

He, like Jesus, loves and cares about me and my family
unconditionally.

Also, that I do not have to fit into a predetermined criteria to
be his special friend in Christ.

Finally, somebody got/gets what I'm trying to be all about.

It ain't normal/natural.

I fall way, way, way short of what He expects; but I'm praying and laboring to...

@#$%

Referring to my favorite devotional writer (www.PassagewayTulsa.org), a friend wrote, "I know you receive and enjoy her messages. I'm forwarding this one to you because it bears repeating to you over and over again! You certainly are rightfully a weary shepherd and many take you and your devotion to your flock so for granted. They are quick to question, condemn, and comment; but so few confirm you. You just can't hear her message too often. Please apply it today. I have a bit of an idea how weary you must be...You hide it well; because, I guess..."

Excerpts: "Jeremiah 31:25...Matthew 11:28-30...The weary shepherd slowly made his way back to the flock. A cunning lion had tried to slip in, but the bleating of the lamb that was trapped in the jaws of the lion alerted the watcher...the fight was on. Finally, bruised and bleeding, the watcher defeated the lion with a mighty blow of his shepherd's staff. He gently carried the shaken and trembling lamb back to safety. Too many long nights and too many battles such as this were taking their toll on the shepherd...This is no glamorous position that he holds. Instead, he smells of the sheep he watches over...sheep that are too innocent, or too blissfully ignorant to understand and appreciate the shepherd's loving care...He must always be on guard, for there are wolves...So he continues to stand watch and reminisce...Memories assail him...He still feels the sting of losses. He remembers the sweet times...leaner times...'These are good sheep...sheep that are worth fighting for!'...There are baby lambs...There are older sheep who need wise guidance. Indeed, his fold still has great potential. He loves his sheep...He knows them...So, the weary shepherd continues to watch, to fight, to pray, to lead, to feed, to guide...His tired, but keen eyes scan the horizon, looking for predators in the fading darkness. Something catches his eye...It's none other than the Chief Shepherd who has come to see about His servant's shepherd! They spend time together...They gaze over the flock...The Shepherd King says, 'You love them as I do. Come, let me tend to your bleeding wounds and pour the balm of healing on your poor, tired heart. Sit at my feet and be refreshed in My presence. Rest a bit while I watch the sheep...I was with you each and every time you fought off a lion...I was as disappointed as you when some sheep left the fold or were attacked...But I've got great plans for you and the future of your sheep!...Rest now in Me, and find your strength again! It's not over, but the best is to come!'...The Shepherd King has much to say to you!"

Selah.

Go to www.PassagewayTulsa.org and read the whole thing from Him through her for you (6/30/10).

@#$%

People mean well when they tell me to wear a helmet; even if they've never mounted a mule and have no clue about the subject (i.e., ignorant).

I'm reminded of folks who tell me to stop talking on the cellular when I'm driving in my cage because it's not safe.

Some of those same folks tell me how frustrated they become when I'm riding my RK and they can't reach me on the cellular.

Yeah, I'm weary.

Praise the Lord for the truth in the preceding section of this KD.

@#$%



@#$%

Blessings and Love!