Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
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Harold Camping is a false prophet.
Forget his predictions for 1994, 5/21/11, and 10/21/11 (Not again!).
Jesus said, "Many false prophets will appear and will lead many people astray...Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever. However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen...Only the Father knows."
HC is a false prophet because, essentially, he has been saying, "I know that's what Jesus and the Bible say; but I think..."
Whoa.
Mainline denominations are increasingly apostate and hawkers of false prophecy.
Forget their declining memberships as young and old believers move away from them quicker than Republicans from Newt.
Jesus said, "Obey all that I have commanded you...I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven...If anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck. How terrible it will be for anyone who causes others to sin. Temptation to do wrong is inevitable, but how terrible it will be for the person who does the tempting."
Mainline denominations are increasingly apostate and hawkers of false prophecy because they increasingly approach Biblically Christocentric faith and morality, essentially, just like Camping: "I know that's what Jesus and the Bible say, but we think..."
Whoa.
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That's why He's gotta be amused by mainliners who make fun of people like Camping; for they posture/pontificate just like that old coot.
I'll never forget a meeting of snooty mainline clergy - you know, uh, the kind that have separated themselves from the God of the Bible by degrees (AB, MDiv, ThD, PhD, DMin, STDs, Bull...) - shortly after those Jimmy dudes, uh, exposed themselves with Jessica and other, uh, uh, uh,...
Anyway, the, oh, sooooooo holy mainliners were laughing/mocking/condemning 'em so loudly that I felt compelled - inspiration or indigestion - to blurt, "Yeah, we're so much better than them, aren't we? Actually, we just haven't been caught yet! And I know I don't want to hear this and I know you don't want to hear this buuuuuuut I'll guess they have pointed more people to Jesus as Lord and Savior and carried out more Matthew 25 ministries than any of us."
I kinda ruined the meeting.
As I was leaving later in the day, a synod executive - I don't really need to explain synods if you don't know what they are because they don't really exist anymore anyway anyhow - cornered/castigated me: "Displays like that are why you'll never go very far in our denomination."
Adding my personal/professional sins to those kinda rhetorical moments in an etiological kinda way, he was/remains right.
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I don't know when the end's coming; but I do know I don't know as much as I've pretended to know over the years.
Here's what I know for sure.
Just like Camping and mainline denominations, sometimes, essentially, I go through life feeling/talking/acting a little too big for my britches: "I know that's what Jesus and the Bible say; but I think..."
I know I'm like every other wretched dude/dudette who depends upon His amazing grace to make it in the end.
Nobody ever becomes, uh, Godly enough not to need God in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Any other claim is false prophecy.
Worse.
Blasphemy against...
That's why there's heaven for those who defer to Him and...
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
KDs are designed/developed/inspired/mused/auto-suggested/indigested to make folks think; an especially uncommon experience among Democrats, Republicans, and jingoistic mainline denominationalists who continue to discourage dissent with their ever-threatening thought police.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
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Now that BBPBHO has pulled the trigger on OBL and befuddled critics questioning his manhood, he's more of cinch to win again in 2012 than anything materializing that Harold Camping has ever predicted.
Really, any one of the current pack of announced GOP hopefuls has about as much of a chance of bouncing the Hawaiian - Wink! - as I do of being elected or even nominated as the next moderator of the PCUSA or even little old Blackhawk Presbytery.
C'mon, Newt dissed his own party and got nuked, the Libertarian is too old and, uh, nutty, Huckleberry likes Confederate flags, Sarah's very hot but even more polarizing than JJ, and I can't see rank and file Republicans (aka rednecked crackers) nominating another black guy for the, uh, White House despite him making more sense than all of the insurgents and incumbent combined.
I like the Latino guy in Florida; but he's too young and won't have more than two years in the Senate by...
Hmm.
O.K., that didn't matter last time.
Buuuuuuut I still don't see rank and file Republicans (aka...) nominating a brown guy; unless, maybe, it's for VP with the Mormon at the top of the ticket.
Yeah, I know the "Mormon" thing could be an issue.
Think about it.
Mormon? Muslim? Mormon? Muslim?
Maybe we're getting really, really, really inclusive and there's a chance for...
Nah.
BBPBHO is a shoo-in in 2012; even if he shows he's still strictly OJT as evidenced by his latest lame-brained idea about going back to 1967 borders in the holy land.
Buuuuuuut every day is a learning opportunity for BBPBHO and he's smart enough to catch on.
Annnnnnnd despite the many wrong and right reasons for people hoping he follows in the footsteps of the increasingly self-marginalized peanut farmer, I just don't see it happening.
Of course, I never thought he'd win in the first place; until, you know, the GOP picked McCain.
Parenthetically, only the PCUSA rivals the thanatos libido of Republicans.
Take it to the bank.
BBPBHO wins in a walk.
@#$%
@#$%
Staying with continuing education, I really want to take a motorcycle maintenance/repair, uh, crash course; you know, uh, one of those one week deals specializing on hogs.
Except for $ and convincing my ecclesiastical superiors not to mention wife that it would be really therapeutic and other stuff...
Really, I want to do that; but, of course, my vocation seems to limit lotta stuff that I'd like to...
Instead, I'll settle for less than a week with a really, really, really famous yet authentic Christian in October with my covenant group (i.e., authentic brothers who really, really, really care, bear, and share more than when it's convenient/palatable/auto-suggested).
I can't tell you who he is before we do it because, well, uh, geez, sigh, it's just not right to...
If I have to explain that to you, you won't get it anyway.
Continuing education is important for everybody; unless, uh, you're God's other son and already know everything which is as ridiculous as suggesting those 1967 borders in the holy land.
@#$%
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Brother Daniel, a Trappist monk at Assumption Abbey in Ava, Missouri, taught me about authentic continuing education long ago.
Sparing the details, I asked how he knew so much more about a particular Psalm than moi without being like moi who studied in really important American/European academic factories not to mention several trips to the holy land and sat at the feet of icons like Claus Westermann, Wolfgang Lowe, Walter Leibrecht, Bernie "the word" Anderson, Bruce "he wrote the Bible" Metzger, Ed Dowery, Donald Tooloud, John Dim, Jurgoon Meltdown, Wolfhard Pannedtheburg, Cardinal Wazupwitdat, and so on.
He said, "I asked God what it means."
Authentic continuing education.
@#$%
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Blessings and Love!
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
Now that BBPBHO has pulled the trigger on OBL and befuddled critics questioning his manhood, he's more of cinch to win again in 2012 than anything materializing that Harold Camping has ever predicted.
Really, any one of the current pack of announced GOP hopefuls has about as much of a chance of bouncing the Hawaiian - Wink! - as I do of being elected or even nominated as the next moderator of the PCUSA or even little old Blackhawk Presbytery.
C'mon, Newt dissed his own party and got nuked, the Libertarian is too old and, uh, nutty, Huckleberry likes Confederate flags, Sarah's very hot but even more polarizing than JJ, and I can't see rank and file Republicans (aka rednecked crackers) nominating another black guy for the, uh, White House despite him making more sense than all of the insurgents and incumbent combined.
I like the Latino guy in Florida; but he's too young and won't have more than two years in the Senate by...
Hmm.
O.K., that didn't matter last time.
Buuuuuuut I still don't see rank and file Republicans (aka...) nominating a brown guy; unless, maybe, it's for VP with the Mormon at the top of the ticket.
Yeah, I know the "Mormon" thing could be an issue.
Think about it.
Mormon? Muslim? Mormon? Muslim?
Maybe we're getting really, really, really inclusive and there's a chance for...
Nah.
BBPBHO is a shoo-in in 2012; even if he shows he's still strictly OJT as evidenced by his latest lame-brained idea about going back to 1967 borders in the holy land.
Buuuuuuut every day is a learning opportunity for BBPBHO and he's smart enough to catch on.
Annnnnnnd despite the many wrong and right reasons for people hoping he follows in the footsteps of the increasingly self-marginalized peanut farmer, I just don't see it happening.
Of course, I never thought he'd win in the first place; until, you know, the GOP picked McCain.
Parenthetically, only the PCUSA rivals the thanatos libido of Republicans.
Take it to the bank.
BBPBHO wins in a walk.
@#$%
@#$%
Staying with continuing education, I really want to take a motorcycle maintenance/repair, uh, crash course; you know, uh, one of those one week deals specializing on hogs.
Except for $ and convincing my ecclesiastical superiors not to mention wife that it would be really therapeutic and other stuff...
Really, I want to do that; but, of course, my vocation seems to limit lotta stuff that I'd like to...
Instead, I'll settle for less than a week with a really, really, really famous yet authentic Christian in October with my covenant group (i.e., authentic brothers who really, really, really care, bear, and share more than when it's convenient/palatable/auto-suggested).
I can't tell you who he is before we do it because, well, uh, geez, sigh, it's just not right to...
If I have to explain that to you, you won't get it anyway.
Continuing education is important for everybody; unless, uh, you're God's other son and already know everything which is as ridiculous as suggesting those 1967 borders in the holy land.
@#$%
@#$%
Brother Daniel, a Trappist monk at Assumption Abbey in Ava, Missouri, taught me about authentic continuing education long ago.
Sparing the details, I asked how he knew so much more about a particular Psalm than moi without being like moi who studied in really important American/European academic factories not to mention several trips to the holy land and sat at the feet of icons like Claus Westermann, Wolfgang Lowe, Walter Leibrecht, Bernie "the word" Anderson, Bruce "he wrote the Bible" Metzger, Ed Dowery, Donald Tooloud, John Dim, Jurgoon Meltdown, Wolfhard Pannedtheburg, Cardinal Wazupwitdat, and so on.
He said, "I asked God what it means."
Authentic continuing education.
@#$%
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
A Biker on Colored Churches
Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
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While being interviewed for pastor of a predominantly African-American church, I was asked, "As a white man, how do you think you will feel being pastor of a mostly black church?"
Response: "Awful! God doesn't like black churches!"
Having caught the attention of my sisters/brothers, I added after an appropriately awkward dramatic pause, "God doesn't like white, yellow, brown, red, green, purple, or orange churches either. Our God of the rainbow likes all of His created colors and expects us to overcome the different shades of separation/segregation through Jesus and worship, witness, and work together as one united family of faith for Him."
Then I quoted a hillbilly preacher who got it/Him: "If you one with Jesus, you one with all kinds of His children; and if you ain't, you ain't!"
I've always believed something is wrong with churches that aren't multi-colored/classed/cultured.
Jesus did not come to enable divisions.
He came to inspire us to overcome 'em through and for Him.
Read John 3:16-17 closely.
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I'm often asked what I'd like to be called.
Response: "I'm called many things; so feel free to label me as you'd like."
Exception: "If we're going to a fancy-schmanzy restaurant, call me Dr. Kopp; 'cause it usually means getting a better table."
Parenthetically, I've always felt "Reverend" and "Pastor" are too pretentious; 'cause I'm not that reverent and only know one Pastor/Person who deserves reverence. I'd prefer people refer to me as undershepherd to the Good Shepherd; but that's too thoughtful/cumbersome for most folks. So, uh, having no, uh, real palatable preference for popular consumption, I don't waste much time or thought on the subject. Again, I'm called many things.
Wink.
Anyway, one part of my, uh, identity is biker; hoping to come off more like Wyatt than Billy if you know what I mean.
Nothing really/ultimately/eternally against Billy; but I'm trying/praying to go through life/ministry more reflectively than reflexively.
Moretheless, I like to hang out with bikers because, for the most part, they remind me more of Matthew 5:37 and 1 Corinthians 1:10ff. than most posing pulpiteers/pewsitters that have crossed my path over the years.
I've never had to guess what a 1%er, fender bunny, or even AMAer has in mind.
Moretheless, bikers don't expect/demand cookie-cutter reflections of themselves; again, doing a much better job of enfleshing higher ideals like Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 than most, uh, "normal" churchgoers.
Maybe that's why bikers are considered sooooooo "off" by more conventional pseudo-believers.
Yeah, there are bad bikers; but, and I may be wrong, I'd wager in a Christian kinda way that there are more posers on church rolls than poker runs.
It just takes so much more honesty about one's self to mount a mule than add a name to a church membership roll.
Be that as it may be and I wouldn't have said it if I didn't think it would be so hard to disprove, I'm not into biker churches either; for the same reasons highlighted in the first section of this KD.
And I don't bless bikes!
I invoke God's blessings on bikers!
Geez.
That second commandment is so easy to break.
O.K., I admit my relationship with Return (my mule) seems over the top on occasion; but...
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Some KD readers are sooooooo old like moi that they/we remember those church growth movements that encouraged building churches around homogeneous demographics because it's natural for people to want to hang around with people like themselves.
Yeah, it's natural.
Not Christian.
Natural.
Biased.
Segregated.
And that should be the rub for folks who aren't posing Christianity.
Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you..."
Of course, authentic Christianity is increasingly rare in America.
WWJD?
Nah.
Today, it goes like this: "I know that's what Jesus and the Bible say; but I think..."
Whoa.
In short, Jesus never said, "Have it your way!"
He said, "Come, follow Me, and I will make you..."
The invitation was inclusive; and remains so with those who get it/Him.
@#$%
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
While being interviewed for pastor of a predominantly African-American church, I was asked, "As a white man, how do you think you will feel being pastor of a mostly black church?"
Response: "Awful! God doesn't like black churches!"
Having caught the attention of my sisters/brothers, I added after an appropriately awkward dramatic pause, "God doesn't like white, yellow, brown, red, green, purple, or orange churches either. Our God of the rainbow likes all of His created colors and expects us to overcome the different shades of separation/segregation through Jesus and worship, witness, and work together as one united family of faith for Him."
Then I quoted a hillbilly preacher who got it/Him: "If you one with Jesus, you one with all kinds of His children; and if you ain't, you ain't!"
I've always believed something is wrong with churches that aren't multi-colored/classed/cultured.
Jesus did not come to enable divisions.
He came to inspire us to overcome 'em through and for Him.
Read John 3:16-17 closely.
@#$%
@#$%
I'm often asked what I'd like to be called.
Response: "I'm called many things; so feel free to label me as you'd like."
Exception: "If we're going to a fancy-schmanzy restaurant, call me Dr. Kopp; 'cause it usually means getting a better table."
Parenthetically, I've always felt "Reverend" and "Pastor" are too pretentious; 'cause I'm not that reverent and only know one Pastor/Person who deserves reverence. I'd prefer people refer to me as undershepherd to the Good Shepherd; but that's too thoughtful/cumbersome for most folks. So, uh, having no, uh, real palatable preference for popular consumption, I don't waste much time or thought on the subject. Again, I'm called many things.
Wink.
Anyway, one part of my, uh, identity is biker; hoping to come off more like Wyatt than Billy if you know what I mean.
Nothing really/ultimately/eternally against Billy; but I'm trying/praying to go through life/ministry more reflectively than reflexively.
Moretheless, I like to hang out with bikers because, for the most part, they remind me more of Matthew 5:37 and 1 Corinthians 1:10ff. than most posing pulpiteers/pewsitters that have crossed my path over the years.
I've never had to guess what a 1%er, fender bunny, or even AMAer has in mind.
Moretheless, bikers don't expect/demand cookie-cutter reflections of themselves; again, doing a much better job of enfleshing higher ideals like Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 than most, uh, "normal" churchgoers.
Maybe that's why bikers are considered sooooooo "off" by more conventional pseudo-believers.
Yeah, there are bad bikers; but, and I may be wrong, I'd wager in a Christian kinda way that there are more posers on church rolls than poker runs.
It just takes so much more honesty about one's self to mount a mule than add a name to a church membership roll.
Be that as it may be and I wouldn't have said it if I didn't think it would be so hard to disprove, I'm not into biker churches either; for the same reasons highlighted in the first section of this KD.
And I don't bless bikes!
I invoke God's blessings on bikers!
Geez.
That second commandment is so easy to break.
O.K., I admit my relationship with Return (my mule) seems over the top on occasion; but...
@#$%
@#$%
Some KD readers are sooooooo old like moi that they/we remember those church growth movements that encouraged building churches around homogeneous demographics because it's natural for people to want to hang around with people like themselves.
Yeah, it's natural.
Not Christian.
Natural.
Biased.
Segregated.
And that should be the rub for folks who aren't posing Christianity.
Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you..."
Of course, authentic Christianity is increasingly rare in America.
WWJD?
Nah.
Today, it goes like this: "I know that's what Jesus and the Bible say; but I think..."
Whoa.
In short, Jesus never said, "Have it your way!"
He said, "Come, follow Me, and I will make you..."
The invitation was inclusive; and remains so with those who get it/Him.
@#$%
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Amendment, Blackhawk Presbytery, and...
While KD recognizes its readers exceed the parochial bounds of one particular ecclesiastical franchise, we have decided to post this because, uh, we do have some readers within one particular ecclesiastical franchise and beg the prayers of others watching it go down the toilet quicker than poop through a goose.
For more detailed information about this issue please go to churchandworld.com for complete coverage.
Everything but heaven is breaking loose!
I've already heard from several members who want to take down the sign out front and move to major creative neglect concomitant to the franchise.
So sad.
The left has won this battle.
Jesus has/will won/win the war.
Now we must remain faithful...regardless.
Unfortunately, many of our brothers/sisters do not have the courage to do what is necessary because they are so concerned about perks, pensions, and relocation - the high steeplers being most historically culpable. They are so afraid of being black-balled because they want that proverbial "seat at the table" and really don't like where they're currently installed as pastors. Of course, that's why we're in this mess in the first place. The satisfied and nervous have found it too inconvenient to be faithful.
So many of the bravehearts have already gone; and so many of the fainthearts talk the talk but don't...
Correction.
Bravehearts have not gone.
If they were truly bravehearted, they would have remained even it means death in, through, and for Jesus.
Those who have left like the hard left need to remember the Bible is bigger than their favorite parts.
They have proven to be as fainthearted as the fainthearts...
As pour moi, I will pray and labor to become more intimate with Jesus, go deeper than ever before, and ask His help to renounce self.
I am prepared to be even more dissed, disgraced, and, uh, damned for Jesus.
Well, I'm not totally prepared; but I know He will provide the saints to support me in Belvidere and beyond if I look up, stand up, speak up, and act up for Him.
Fortunately, the 99 at First are with it/Him; and the other 1 has already left or are kept in check by the 99 (Romans 16:17-20). God knows we had some snakes among the sheep - wolves in...
Kinda like our franchise.
Our boards are Christocentric, Biblically based, increasingly evangelistic, and learning, avec moi who needs the most help on this, to love Jesus by loving like Jesus.
In other words, we are going nowhere.
We will remain faithfully.
Jesus did not call us to retreat or recluse.
That's for cowards.
We will pray and labor to be a beacon for Jesus and safe haven for everyone who needs to experience His love through His extended family of faith.
While I am overwhelmed with sadness over what has become of our beloved franchise, my passion for knowing Jesus and making Jesus known grows daily with more boldness and less fear.
Aside from our family of faith at Belvidere being with it/Him, there are so many others in Blackhawk Presbytery who get it/Him. While obviously outnumbered by folks who long for the way things never were or maybe were but are no more, we are increasingly bonded by our love for Jesus and are increasingly determined in a Joshua 24:14-15 kinda way.
Our left is not as meanspirited as the rest of 'em in the franchise; and while a tad witless or reckless in what this means juxtaposed to Holy Scripture supported by our confessions and constitution (while we still have one), I am convinced they love Jesus and will be merciful and maybe even inclusive to the increasingly marginalized members who still love Jesus as attested in Holy Scripture and, again, supported by...
Yes, the battle has been lost.
The franchise's thanatos libido accelerates.
Yet Jesus remains Lord and will not be robbed of His victory by wandering sheep who have forgotten He is Lord.
Hence, we will live triumphantly amid the meanness, madness, and misery of a modern world which has so paralyzingly polluted our favorite franchise.
No one can wipe the smiles of joy from our faces!
For He is Lord!
He is risen from the dead and He is Lord!
Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess Jesus is Lord!
Dressed in His armor, we press on - undaunted and unafraid of the darkness that His light will expose and overcome sooner or later and definitely in the end.
Praise the Lord!
Blessings and Love!
For more detailed information about this issue please go to churchandworld.com for complete coverage.
Everything but heaven is breaking loose!
I've already heard from several members who want to take down the sign out front and move to major creative neglect concomitant to the franchise.
So sad.
The left has won this battle.
Jesus has/will won/win the war.
Now we must remain faithful...regardless.
Unfortunately, many of our brothers/sisters do not have the courage to do what is necessary because they are so concerned about perks, pensions, and relocation - the high steeplers being most historically culpable. They are so afraid of being black-balled because they want that proverbial "seat at the table" and really don't like where they're currently installed as pastors. Of course, that's why we're in this mess in the first place. The satisfied and nervous have found it too inconvenient to be faithful.
So many of the bravehearts have already gone; and so many of the fainthearts talk the talk but don't...
Correction.
Bravehearts have not gone.
If they were truly bravehearted, they would have remained even it means death in, through, and for Jesus.
Those who have left like the hard left need to remember the Bible is bigger than their favorite parts.
They have proven to be as fainthearted as the fainthearts...
As pour moi, I will pray and labor to become more intimate with Jesus, go deeper than ever before, and ask His help to renounce self.
I am prepared to be even more dissed, disgraced, and, uh, damned for Jesus.
Well, I'm not totally prepared; but I know He will provide the saints to support me in Belvidere and beyond if I look up, stand up, speak up, and act up for Him.
Fortunately, the 99 at First are with it/Him; and the other 1 has already left or are kept in check by the 99 (Romans 16:17-20). God knows we had some snakes among the sheep - wolves in...
Kinda like our franchise.
Our boards are Christocentric, Biblically based, increasingly evangelistic, and learning, avec moi who needs the most help on this, to love Jesus by loving like Jesus.
In other words, we are going nowhere.
We will remain faithfully.
Jesus did not call us to retreat or recluse.
That's for cowards.
We will pray and labor to be a beacon for Jesus and safe haven for everyone who needs to experience His love through His extended family of faith.
While I am overwhelmed with sadness over what has become of our beloved franchise, my passion for knowing Jesus and making Jesus known grows daily with more boldness and less fear.
Aside from our family of faith at Belvidere being with it/Him, there are so many others in Blackhawk Presbytery who get it/Him. While obviously outnumbered by folks who long for the way things never were or maybe were but are no more, we are increasingly bonded by our love for Jesus and are increasingly determined in a Joshua 24:14-15 kinda way.
Our left is not as meanspirited as the rest of 'em in the franchise; and while a tad witless or reckless in what this means juxtaposed to Holy Scripture supported by our confessions and constitution (while we still have one), I am convinced they love Jesus and will be merciful and maybe even inclusive to the increasingly marginalized members who still love Jesus as attested in Holy Scripture and, again, supported by...
Yes, the battle has been lost.
The franchise's thanatos libido accelerates.
Yet Jesus remains Lord and will not be robbed of His victory by wandering sheep who have forgotten He is Lord.
Hence, we will live triumphantly amid the meanness, madness, and misery of a modern world which has so paralyzingly polluted our favorite franchise.
No one can wipe the smiles of joy from our faces!
For He is Lord!
He is risen from the dead and He is Lord!
Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess Jesus is Lord!
Dressed in His armor, we press on - undaunted and unafraid of the darkness that His light will expose and overcome sooner or later and definitely in the end.
Praise the Lord!
Blessings and Love!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Don's Right!
Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
With so many big things going on, this may seem rather insignificant; but I'm becoming healthier in a physical kinda way by not eating my last meal of the day after 7:00 p.m.
Let me explain.
I was on a bad streak of eating late and then hitting the sack.
While Kopper and my high maintenance ministries demand an early start to every day, my stomach began demanding attention around 2:00 a.m.
Simply, this gross stuff kept bubbling up and...
And to think I used to make fun of Grandma Thelma for popping Tums like Junior Mints at a Saturday matinee.
Anyway, Don heard me talking/moaning about it and said he hasn't had those kinda challenges since eating his last meal of the day before 7:00 p.m.
Don's right!
I tried it and it works.
That's why I refuse to eat after 7:00 p.m. no matter who's offering tempting treats.
Of course, I have a whole new set of problems; like coming off as rather rude at wedding receptions, family gatherings, and other dates when the last meal of the day begins after 7:00 p.m.
I've solved that by chalking it up as another opportunity for family, friends, foes, and others to ___ and ___ about me.
Parenthetically, I've learned some not most people need targets of transference for their pejorative pathologies.
Blame me!
Be that as it is, I've made the decision that I don't like getting up at 2:00 a.m. because I need four or five hours of sleep to be reasonably alert through waking hours.
Getting back to Don, he's right on lots of stuff.
He's a Gideon.
I like Gideons because they like Jesus and know everybody needs Jesus and enflesh Romans 1:16-17; unlike most mainline pulpiteers/pewsitters that I gotta hang around.
They also believe the Bible is more, uh, divine than Twain, Maclaine, and whatever fancy satiates lusts.
Don takes Matthew 25 seriously; knowing the call/command is to all people who take Jesus seriously and not just those who are paid to be holy.
He has never come to me and asked, "Pastor, have you seen ___ lately?" He does it! Aside from knowing I rarely have time to schedule poops anymore, he knows true believers don't wait for somebody else to do what God has already called/commanded them to do.
As I was thanking God for Don on the bigger things, something from Jesus came to mind: "Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling small things, so now I will give big things to you to handle. Let's celebrate together!"
Could it be that Don does such a good job on the big things because he knows how to handle the small things?
Could it be that too many churches do such a lousy job on the big things because they can't handle the small things?
Is that why churches paralyzed/polluted by pettiness never seem to get around to...?
Whoa.
Don's right!
@#$%
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
With so many big things going on, this may seem rather insignificant; but I'm becoming healthier in a physical kinda way by not eating my last meal of the day after 7:00 p.m.
Let me explain.
I was on a bad streak of eating late and then hitting the sack.
While Kopper and my high maintenance ministries demand an early start to every day, my stomach began demanding attention around 2:00 a.m.
Simply, this gross stuff kept bubbling up and...
And to think I used to make fun of Grandma Thelma for popping Tums like Junior Mints at a Saturday matinee.
Anyway, Don heard me talking/moaning about it and said he hasn't had those kinda challenges since eating his last meal of the day before 7:00 p.m.
Don's right!
I tried it and it works.
That's why I refuse to eat after 7:00 p.m. no matter who's offering tempting treats.
Of course, I have a whole new set of problems; like coming off as rather rude at wedding receptions, family gatherings, and other dates when the last meal of the day begins after 7:00 p.m.
I've solved that by chalking it up as another opportunity for family, friends, foes, and others to ___ and ___ about me.
Parenthetically, I've learned some not most people need targets of transference for their pejorative pathologies.
Blame me!
Be that as it is, I've made the decision that I don't like getting up at 2:00 a.m. because I need four or five hours of sleep to be reasonably alert through waking hours.
Getting back to Don, he's right on lots of stuff.
He's a Gideon.
I like Gideons because they like Jesus and know everybody needs Jesus and enflesh Romans 1:16-17; unlike most mainline pulpiteers/pewsitters that I gotta hang around.
They also believe the Bible is more, uh, divine than Twain, Maclaine, and whatever fancy satiates lusts.
Don takes Matthew 25 seriously; knowing the call/command is to all people who take Jesus seriously and not just those who are paid to be holy.
He has never come to me and asked, "Pastor, have you seen ___ lately?" He does it! Aside from knowing I rarely have time to schedule poops anymore, he knows true believers don't wait for somebody else to do what God has already called/commanded them to do.
As I was thanking God for Don on the bigger things, something from Jesus came to mind: "Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling small things, so now I will give big things to you to handle. Let's celebrate together!"
Could it be that Don does such a good job on the big things because he knows how to handle the small things?
Could it be that too many churches do such a lousy job on the big things because they can't handle the small things?
Is that why churches paralyzed/polluted by pettiness never seem to get around to...?
Whoa.
Don's right!
@#$%
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
I'm Sooooooo PO'ed!!!
Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
One of America's most popular evangelists and best-selling authors used the "S" word while speaking to our elders when I was an undershepherd in a fabulously well-to-do church in Kansas City.
When a rather religiously proper one of 'em scolded Tony, he said after bobbing his head in apparent/staged disbelief, "Our world is plagued by wars, starvation is rampant, people don't know Jesus, and people who say they know Jesus treat each other like ___; and you have the nerve to tell me that you don't like me using ___ to shake you out of your lazy lukewarm Christianity? Is that the extent of your concern? Does my offensive language matter more to you than everything going to hell because you care more about me saying ___ than leading people to Jesus and loving like Jesus?"
Go on!
Parenthetically, I'm coming to realize some not most pulpiteers/pewsitters paralyze/pollute churches by their pettiness over, uh, petty ___ because that diverts their attention from consequential matters beyond their influence/control/whatever. In other words, while the world is on fire, they start little ones to distract their noodles from...
Kinda sick.
But, uh, didn't He say the healthy don't need a...?
Anyway, making no apologies apart from my desire to clean up my language in an Ephesians 4:29 kinda way that's still a WIP, I'm sooooooo PO'ed!
Let me explain.
After 35+ ordained/installed years, I can take the thanatos libido of my ecclesiastical franchise, transferred angers of members/staff/others who need me as an occasional scapegoat - Yes, blame me! - to avoid the mirror's reflection, family members who regularly point out my limitations and failures to meet their expectations, and other ___ symbolizing a greater kinship to the Adamsons than...
I'm used to that ___; and if I weren't, I'd be among the 1400 to 1500 pastors who split from the vocation every 30 days.
Experiential calluses supported by increasing intimacy with Jesus have enabled me to overcome the cultural obstacles to authentic undershepherding a little more than less.
I can still be as full of ___ as anyone; but, not asking you to excuse the grammar 'cause I can't think of a better way to say it, I'm more better than more worse a little more than less.
Be that as it is with a confession that I'm probably still not as more better as my mommy advertises or I hallucinate, I'm sooooooo PO'ed because a woman who's even more of a geezer than moi spent three days in the hospital and no one in her family or church told me about it.
With current laws prohibiting anyone outside of hospital employment to review computer listings of patients and hospitals very, very, very rarely calling reports to us anymore, it's next to impossible to know if someone is hospitalized unless relatives or friends of a patient call and squeal.
So the woman who assumed I could check the computer listings and assumed someone must have told me felt I had ignored/abandoned her; not giving a ___ about the state of her...
And despite telling her over and over and over again that...
Simply, I'm sooooooo PO'ed because she didn't/doesn't think I care about her because biological and spiritual family members didn't care enough about her to provide the privilege to me to care about her concomitant to my call.
Or something like that.
While, again, I am as full of ___ as anyone else sharing my vocation, He has gifted me for bringing the care/compassion of Jesus to folks in such challenging moments; and so I still get sooooooo PO'ed when I don't know...
Surely, cynics will say I'm more concerned about my reputation than love for...
I'm so full of ___ on/about so many things that I can understand their cynicism about me.
I'm such an awful person/pastor/partner/parent that I understand cynicism about my motives as well as enfleshments.
But I just have this OCD call to be with people when they're scarred ___less in the hospital.
Believe it or not, I want to help as enabled by Him.
No ___.
AAAAAAAaaaaaaahhhhhhh, I don't feel better even after venting.
I'm sooooooo PO'ed.
Maybe if we really cared just a little bit more about really caring for others, our world wouldn't be filled with so much ___; and maybe our Lord wouldn't think we're so full of ___ when we say how much we llllllluuuuuuuvvvvvvvsssssss everybody as a by-product of loving Him.
We better check to see if Matthew 25 is in the latest revised too standard version of the...
It's kinda like Tony said.
If you've read this and are more concerned about the ___s than what hasn't been filled in...
@#$%
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
One of America's most popular evangelists and best-selling authors used the "S" word while speaking to our elders when I was an undershepherd in a fabulously well-to-do church in Kansas City.
When a rather religiously proper one of 'em scolded Tony, he said after bobbing his head in apparent/staged disbelief, "Our world is plagued by wars, starvation is rampant, people don't know Jesus, and people who say they know Jesus treat each other like ___; and you have the nerve to tell me that you don't like me using ___ to shake you out of your lazy lukewarm Christianity? Is that the extent of your concern? Does my offensive language matter more to you than everything going to hell because you care more about me saying ___ than leading people to Jesus and loving like Jesus?"
Go on!
Parenthetically, I'm coming to realize some not most pulpiteers/pewsitters paralyze/pollute churches by their pettiness over, uh, petty ___ because that diverts their attention from consequential matters beyond their influence/control/whatever. In other words, while the world is on fire, they start little ones to distract their noodles from...
Kinda sick.
But, uh, didn't He say the healthy don't need a...?
Anyway, making no apologies apart from my desire to clean up my language in an Ephesians 4:29 kinda way that's still a WIP, I'm sooooooo PO'ed!
Let me explain.
After 35+ ordained/installed years, I can take the thanatos libido of my ecclesiastical franchise, transferred angers of members/staff/others who need me as an occasional scapegoat - Yes, blame me! - to avoid the mirror's reflection, family members who regularly point out my limitations and failures to meet their expectations, and other ___ symbolizing a greater kinship to the Adamsons than...
I'm used to that ___; and if I weren't, I'd be among the 1400 to 1500 pastors who split from the vocation every 30 days.
Experiential calluses supported by increasing intimacy with Jesus have enabled me to overcome the cultural obstacles to authentic undershepherding a little more than less.
I can still be as full of ___ as anyone; but, not asking you to excuse the grammar 'cause I can't think of a better way to say it, I'm more better than more worse a little more than less.
Be that as it is with a confession that I'm probably still not as more better as my mommy advertises or I hallucinate, I'm sooooooo PO'ed because a woman who's even more of a geezer than moi spent three days in the hospital and no one in her family or church told me about it.
With current laws prohibiting anyone outside of hospital employment to review computer listings of patients and hospitals very, very, very rarely calling reports to us anymore, it's next to impossible to know if someone is hospitalized unless relatives or friends of a patient call and squeal.
So the woman who assumed I could check the computer listings and assumed someone must have told me felt I had ignored/abandoned her; not giving a ___ about the state of her...
And despite telling her over and over and over again that...
Simply, I'm sooooooo PO'ed because she didn't/doesn't think I care about her because biological and spiritual family members didn't care enough about her to provide the privilege to me to care about her concomitant to my call.
Or something like that.
While, again, I am as full of ___ as anyone else sharing my vocation, He has gifted me for bringing the care/compassion of Jesus to folks in such challenging moments; and so I still get sooooooo PO'ed when I don't know...
Surely, cynics will say I'm more concerned about my reputation than love for...
I'm so full of ___ on/about so many things that I can understand their cynicism about me.
I'm such an awful person/pastor/partner/parent that I understand cynicism about my motives as well as enfleshments.
But I just have this OCD call to be with people when they're scarred ___less in the hospital.
Believe it or not, I want to help as enabled by Him.
No ___.
AAAAAAAaaaaaaahhhhhhh, I don't feel better even after venting.
I'm sooooooo PO'ed.
Maybe if we really cared just a little bit more about really caring for others, our world wouldn't be filled with so much ___; and maybe our Lord wouldn't think we're so full of ___ when we say how much we llllllluuuuuuuvvvvvvvsssssss everybody as a by-product of loving Him.
We better check to see if Matthew 25 is in the latest revised too standard version of the...
It's kinda like Tony said.
If you've read this and are more concerned about the ___s than what hasn't been filled in...
@#$%
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Peterson's Pity Party for Pastors
Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
Two real covenant brothers consistently wrestle with me about sabbat.
They are convinced of my disobedience in failing to keep personal sabbat to honor Him and allow Him to refresh me.
They're right.
While my personal daily spiritual disciplines increase to enable availability/ability to meet the increasing demands of an increasingly high maintenance ministry in a Luther kinda way - praying for an hour on most days but for four or more on especially challenging ones - I don't take days off, never take off time for continuing education (though I'd really like to enroll in a HD maintenance crash course), and hardly ever use the vacation allotted to me; though I rationalize that by saying I play nine holes every now and then and usually more then than now, mount the pony to avoid seeing the shrink, and don't feel bad about seeing my Pennsylvania relatives once or twice a year for a few days because, uh, I can take calls on my cellular and answer e-mails on my laptop and...
Yeah, I'm guilty; and can't help myself.
While I need to go deeper in personal intimacy with Him via sabbat to honor Him and know Him better to make Him known better, I've become rather OCD about renunciation of self.
Of course, having been and continuing to be so selfish in so many ways, I've gotta lot of catching up to do in the...
But, again, yeah, they're right.
I just can't help myself.
@#$%
@#$%
Surprisingly, one of 'em suggested I read Peterson's The Pastor.
I say surprisingly because he knows my low regard for most pastors these days who seem to care more about pensions, perks, and popularity than the penitential/pastoral/prophetic call.
In other words, I just know too many pastors who are such wimps and cater, as Dylan sings, to wandering desires like errand boys for everybody but Jesus.
I don't see many cubs for the Lion of Judah.
Be that as it may be which will surely spark defensiveness and nasty notes from those paid to be holy, there are two other reasons why I didn't want to read it.
First, I'm tired of pastors who are always telling their flocks how hard it is to be a pastor and quoting other pastors in their sermons as if anybody really cares about 'em and stuff like that; reminding me of the local editor of a news rag who is always writing about her/his craft as the world turns and...
Parenthetically, I've been pathetically guilty of the sins catalogued in the previous sentence-paragraph.
What me worry?
Second, I confess a little jealousy in that he's outselling anything that I've ever written by about two trillion to one.
What me worry?
But the recommendation/direction came from a real covenant brother; and unlike posers, real covenant brothers pay attention to each other and wrestle with each and hang in with each other in a quest to know Him better and make Him known better.
Or something like that.
Anyway, I read it.
I was wrong.
He is right.
Peterson's book isn't a pity party for pastors.
Reading it is...sabbat.
@#$%
@#$%
Actually, except for book sales, fame, and vocational efficacy, I really, really, really identified with his descriptive and prescriptive metaphorical memories.
It's going to be a classic; and should be required reading for everyone who thinks she/he is called to the office; and it doesn't hurt for geezers like me to read it and remember why we felt called in the...
I don't find it especially challenging, convicting, or comforting.
I find it...honest; and with so many posers polluting the vocation, it's refreshing to read something about an authentic call to the penitential/pastoral/prophetic office.
Personally, I wish I read this long ago; especially the part about size [of church] not mattering as much as...and that part about Fosdick...and that letter to the young pastor...and those pages on being a least likely candidate for...and how he reminds me so much of Brother Lawrence without...and that...and...
I'm not going to cheat you of the tasty, nutritious, and energizing solid food on just about every page.
The Pastor could help revolutionize/regenerate a vocation that's lost touch with its...Founder.
@#$%
@#$%
BTW, our covenant group is discussing it for a few hours on Friday.
I recommend it to yours.
It would also be a good book for adult Sunday School classes to read because maybe, just maybe, prayerfully maybe, their pastors would then be encouraged/freed to be, uh, genuine undershepherds in keeping with the Good Shepherd.
Yeah, my brothers are right.
We need to be obedient; which includes seizing sabbat.
I need to be obedient and...
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
Two real covenant brothers consistently wrestle with me about sabbat.
They are convinced of my disobedience in failing to keep personal sabbat to honor Him and allow Him to refresh me.
They're right.
While my personal daily spiritual disciplines increase to enable availability/ability to meet the increasing demands of an increasingly high maintenance ministry in a Luther kinda way - praying for an hour on most days but for four or more on especially challenging ones - I don't take days off, never take off time for continuing education (though I'd really like to enroll in a HD maintenance crash course), and hardly ever use the vacation allotted to me; though I rationalize that by saying I play nine holes every now and then and usually more then than now, mount the pony to avoid seeing the shrink, and don't feel bad about seeing my Pennsylvania relatives once or twice a year for a few days because, uh, I can take calls on my cellular and answer e-mails on my laptop and...
Yeah, I'm guilty; and can't help myself.
While I need to go deeper in personal intimacy with Him via sabbat to honor Him and know Him better to make Him known better, I've become rather OCD about renunciation of self.
Of course, having been and continuing to be so selfish in so many ways, I've gotta lot of catching up to do in the...
But, again, yeah, they're right.
I just can't help myself.
@#$%
@#$%
Surprisingly, one of 'em suggested I read Peterson's The Pastor.
I say surprisingly because he knows my low regard for most pastors these days who seem to care more about pensions, perks, and popularity than the penitential/pastoral/prophetic call.
In other words, I just know too many pastors who are such wimps and cater, as Dylan sings, to wandering desires like errand boys for everybody but Jesus.
I don't see many cubs for the Lion of Judah.
Be that as it may be which will surely spark defensiveness and nasty notes from those paid to be holy, there are two other reasons why I didn't want to read it.
First, I'm tired of pastors who are always telling their flocks how hard it is to be a pastor and quoting other pastors in their sermons as if anybody really cares about 'em and stuff like that; reminding me of the local editor of a news rag who is always writing about her/his craft as the world turns and...
Parenthetically, I've been pathetically guilty of the sins catalogued in the previous sentence-paragraph.
What me worry?
Second, I confess a little jealousy in that he's outselling anything that I've ever written by about two trillion to one.
What me worry?
But the recommendation/direction came from a real covenant brother; and unlike posers, real covenant brothers pay attention to each other and wrestle with each and hang in with each other in a quest to know Him better and make Him known better.
Or something like that.
Anyway, I read it.
I was wrong.
He is right.
Peterson's book isn't a pity party for pastors.
Reading it is...sabbat.
@#$%
@#$%
Actually, except for book sales, fame, and vocational efficacy, I really, really, really identified with his descriptive and prescriptive metaphorical memories.
It's going to be a classic; and should be required reading for everyone who thinks she/he is called to the office; and it doesn't hurt for geezers like me to read it and remember why we felt called in the...
I don't find it especially challenging, convicting, or comforting.
I find it...honest; and with so many posers polluting the vocation, it's refreshing to read something about an authentic call to the penitential/pastoral/prophetic office.
Personally, I wish I read this long ago; especially the part about size [of church] not mattering as much as...and that part about Fosdick...and that letter to the young pastor...and those pages on being a least likely candidate for...and how he reminds me so much of Brother Lawrence without...and that...and...
I'm not going to cheat you of the tasty, nutritious, and energizing solid food on just about every page.
The Pastor could help revolutionize/regenerate a vocation that's lost touch with its...Founder.
@#$%
@#$%
BTW, our covenant group is discussing it for a few hours on Friday.
I recommend it to yours.
It would also be a good book for adult Sunday School classes to read because maybe, just maybe, prayerfully maybe, their pastors would then be encouraged/freed to be, uh, genuine undershepherds in keeping with the Good Shepherd.
Yeah, my brothers are right.
We need to be obedient; which includes seizing sabbat.
I need to be obedient and...
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Guest Columnist Bruce Urich
Dear Family and Friends,
My blogs are meant to encourage and to inspire you! If they don't, what is lacking in YOU that stops them from encouraging and inspiring you?
Here are some possibilities (with answers):
1. You have allowed yourself to become old and embittered. You can find hope in the Lord!
2. You are cynical. You can find hope in the Lord!
3. You feel that there is no hope for your life. You can find hope in the Lord!
4. You feel that I am only bragging! Guilty on all counts, now find something or make something to brag about!
5. "I just don't feel well!" Please study carefully the material that I sent to you on a total health plan and two "simple" ideas that will revolutionize your health. If you need them again, I am glad to resend them!
Almost all of you are younger than I am at 78 3/4, even if only by a few months and I am continually adding new things to my life. There is no reason not to have hope in the Lord and to start over!!!!
Below is a 1981 song that I heard about from Daryl Owens of "The Orlando Sentinel." It sums up what many have lacking in their lives--they are only working for the weekend, not enjoying today!!!
I really encourage you to figure out what is lacking in YOU that you are not encouraged and inspired by my blogs--then write and tell me!!!
Bruce Urich
"Working for the Weekend" 1981
Everyone's watching, to see what you will do
Everyone's looking at you, oh
Everyone's wondering, will you come out tonight
Everyone's trying to get it right, get it right
Everybody's working for the weekend
Everybody wants a little romance
Everybody's goin' off the deep end
Everybody needs a second chance, oh
You want a piece of my heart
You better start from start
You wanna be in the show
Come on baby lets go
Everyone's looking to see if it was you
Everyone wants you to come through
Everyone's hoping it'll all work out
Everyone's waiting they're holding out
Everybody's working for the weekend
Everybody wants a little romance
Everybody's goin' off the deep end
Everybody needs a second chance, oh
You want a piece of my heart
You better start from start
You wanna be in the show
Come on baby lets go
(quick break)
You want a piece of my heart
You better start from start
You wanna be in the show
Come on baby lets go
You want a piece of my heart
You better start from start
You wanna be in the show
Come on baby lets go
My blogs are meant to encourage and to inspire you! If they don't, what is lacking in YOU that stops them from encouraging and inspiring you?
Here are some possibilities (with answers):
1. You have allowed yourself to become old and embittered. You can find hope in the Lord!
2. You are cynical. You can find hope in the Lord!
3. You feel that there is no hope for your life. You can find hope in the Lord!
4. You feel that I am only bragging! Guilty on all counts, now find something or make something to brag about!
5. "I just don't feel well!" Please study carefully the material that I sent to you on a total health plan and two "simple" ideas that will revolutionize your health. If you need them again, I am glad to resend them!
Almost all of you are younger than I am at 78 3/4, even if only by a few months and I am continually adding new things to my life. There is no reason not to have hope in the Lord and to start over!!!!
Below is a 1981 song that I heard about from Daryl Owens of "The Orlando Sentinel." It sums up what many have lacking in their lives--they are only working for the weekend, not enjoying today!!!
I really encourage you to figure out what is lacking in YOU that you are not encouraged and inspired by my blogs--then write and tell me!!!
Bruce Urich
"Working for the Weekend" 1981
Everyone's watching, to see what you will do
Everyone's looking at you, oh
Everyone's wondering, will you come out tonight
Everyone's trying to get it right, get it right
Everybody's working for the weekend
Everybody wants a little romance
Everybody's goin' off the deep end
Everybody needs a second chance, oh
You want a piece of my heart
You better start from start
You wanna be in the show
Come on baby lets go
Everyone's looking to see if it was you
Everyone wants you to come through
Everyone's hoping it'll all work out
Everyone's waiting they're holding out
Everybody's working for the weekend
Everybody wants a little romance
Everybody's goin' off the deep end
Everybody needs a second chance, oh
You want a piece of my heart
You better start from start
You wanna be in the show
Come on baby lets go
(quick break)
You want a piece of my heart
You better start from start
You wanna be in the show
Come on baby lets go
You want a piece of my heart
You better start from start
You wanna be in the show
Come on baby lets go
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