“The Carpenter’s Story”…2008-08-08-08-08

The entire world is watching today and will be for quite a few days to come. Today is the Luckiest Day in China’s history. There has never been one like and never will be another either. It is NOW that matters.

Most Westerners will not realize how important today is in China as they open the Olympics on the Eighth Year(of this Century), the Eighth Month, the Eighth Day, at the Eighth Hour and the Eighth minute in China.

I am very impressed with what is taking place at this exact time in China. It is all about preparation. It is all about what you have placed into the building of your world that makes a difference.

It kind of reminds me of “The Carpenter’s Story” that I listened to again yesterday. How appropriate to hear just as the potentially biggest thing ever happens for China. Their country has bounced back – but there are many marks of the past as well.

Here is “The Carpenter’s Story” for those that have not read it yet.

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family.

He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you."

What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.

So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized that we would have done it differently.

Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. The plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project."

Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.(Author Unknown)

Pause…
Is it all ‘roses’ in China and Beijing today at – 2008-08-08-08-08? How did they get to this place in time? Is it as wonderful as the Television Network’s will demonstrate it to be? Will the Chinese handlers that watch for the bad things that might bring out protests and blemishes of China? What will they do if something comes up that mars the World Show for their country? Will they allow anything to take place that will hurt their image?

I am not a good example of “Green Stuff” by any means. I have polluted my own space often enough that I am ashamed to say much.

But today in Beijing there is a haze hanging over the entire city – smog is heavy. Runners, cyclists, swimmers – all of our athletes of the world will have to suck in huge amounts of yucky air in order to win. Why? It is easy to say – a product of shoddy workmanship over many years.

For most Westerners there are the political issues of the past that hang like a smog over the country of China. Most will be struggling with the Constant Communist din that seems to control everything that China does.

But you need to know more…
The World had a great influence on building China the way that it is today. Much of the Communist power is in a direct opposition to the dominance of unbelievable leaders that could care less about the ordinary person. The Centuries upon Centuries of Emperors that had clouded the future for their people are a horrible legacy. The final years before the Communists upset that “balance” – the Emperors were in bed with the Capitalists of the outside world – that sought their own good rather than the good of these people – that were already subservient to unspeakable hardship by their own dictators. I will never forget standing in the quiet park of the 72 Martyr’s Shrine in Guangzhou, in Guangdung Province (Canton City in Canton Province) and reading the names of the young people that had died at the unmerciful hand of the Emperor’s men. They would not give their family names because they knew that after they were dead – every single member of their families would be slaughtered to the farthest family blood line – for simply having a political meeting that was against the Emperor and his horrific men.

No this was not a result of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 that was a massacre – it was long before that.

I saw this monument to these murdered workers in Guangzhou – 5 years before Tainanmen happened. There on top of the monument is a gleaming white Statue of Liberty. If you will have read or remember the scene in 1989 – the white statue was there again.

My emotions today is different from the Olympic High we will all be on. It is in a spiritual sense one of the greatest moments ever – for our Christian World. We can now focus on Praying for China like never before – that God will bless it immensely.

Did you know that God loves China – just like the rest of the world? Did you know that God’s love is not conditional on politics and human structures? Did you know that all of us had a great deal to do with what China is today? I hope you do now.

I drop this quote in again – from “The Carpenter’s Story”…
Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. The plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project."

Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.
~ Murray Lincoln ~

Sources:
Tiananmen Square
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiananmen_Square_protests_of_1989

72 Martry's Shrine
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/2ed854/#p

Transition No. 3 - The Lobster Story

Sharon read the story of the Eda LeShan. How fitting for our class to hear this at this time. I searched the Net and found the following account of this story…

Eda LeShan, late author and family counsellor, talked of an encounter with an oceanographer who asked her, “Are you aware that lobsters know when they have to de-shell? They get really crowded inside their three-pound shells and are terribly uncomfortable. And it is not possible for them to go on living if they stay in those shells. Their whole, hard shell comes off, and the pink membrane inside grows and becomes a harder shell and a bigger one. In the meantime they must go out to sea unprotected, which is very dangerous because they might hit a reef or a large fish might eat them.”

“At first it didn’t hit me,” Eda LeShan responded, “but then I realized that I have followed that philosophy of life always, and certainly it is my philosophy now. I go to the reef, even if it’s dangerous. You have to be willing to change. You have to become more flexible. You may have to face painful crises. Courage and a sense of humor are what you need. You know if you stay stifled where you are, you’re dead before you’re dead. You need to have the courage of the lobster.”

As Sharon read the story to us it hit home. I was a Lobster in so many ways. I have shed the shell and am now waiting for a new shell to form.

In the Lobster’s case this happens once a year and takes 72 hours.

In human terms the shedding happens with the losses that we experience. It may be a job loss, loss of a loved one, or the loss of relationship – you name it and someone has gone through it. We are vulnerable to the max during that time.

Perhaps for that reason we stay away from people and things.

Yesterday I met with a man that has just lost his wife. She was 63 years old. Six months ago they were living quite happily and moving toward retirement and a future watching grandkids grow.

A cough developed in November and wouldn’t go away. The doctor said it was likely bronchitis and another time it was an allergy. They finally took some X-rays and found that the mass was inoperable. Her appointment with the specialist is next Thursday…but she kept another appointment this week with her Master.

As he spoke of what had happened he shared that he just wanted to be alone. His daughters were after him and around him all the time. Grandkids were buzzing too. They all missed mom and grandma. His next words were powerful.

“Murray, I just need to be alone and deal with this. Sure it is hard – but I will get through it. There is just too much noise in my house – I asked them all to go home.”

As we stood in the crowd of well wishers at the Funeral Home it was a quiet moment for him and me. For a second we were all alone in the middle of everyone. I nodded my head that I certainly understood. He smiled and said thanks, then he turned to the next group of friends that came to make more words and stand with him in this very busy room.

The one thing that is so powerful for me in the last weeks is the down time. I am not preparing the next sermon or running to the next meeting. I am off from being and doing. It is in this quiet time that I heal and rest. I accept it as a wonder of God.

Sure part of me wants to run and scream… but come to think of that… I haven’t had that feeling for days now.

I stop the Lobster story as he grows into his new shell getting ready for the next year – and wish him the best. He survived the long years and grows to about 5 to 7 pounds – then he is silly enough to go after the bait the trap… One success story was recorded lately – that big guy named Big Dee Dee was over 22 pounds. Good for you boy – that makes you close to 100+ years old.

But then there was the baity….that is another part of the story….

~ Murray Lincoln ~

Source Become a Late Bloomer

Transition No. 2

Developing more thoughts about transition and change has been occupying my time and thoughts. As I said yesterday it was been a while before I have been able to “talk out loud about it”. I have been mulling over the stuff that has shown itself through this process.

“I hate change!” is a common thing you hear in church. “Why can’t it be the same as before?”

I remember Walkerton Pentecostal Assembly – my very first pastorate. They had two hymn books in the rack of each pew – a red one and a blue one. The red ones were very old and had been patched over and over again. The blue ones were newer – about 15 years before. When the new blue ones were bought – some didn’t like change… so they left the red ones in the pew along with the newer blue. Change was difficult for them.

One new convert to the assembly during our time, by the name of Ken F., messed up the church. He hated it when the worship leader said “Now close the red hymn book and take the blue hymn book, turning to page 101.” So Ken – went out and bought a whole new set of hymn books at a local Christian Bookstore. One Sunday morning they were installed beside the Red and Blue Hymn Books – they were Maroon in colour.

That was one of my first church conflict to settle. Worse yet later – Ken reneged on his bill at the Christian Bookstore. My wife and I took a loan to pay for the books without the bookstore. Change cost us personally. It hurt then – but now it is plain old funny!

Later when we bought a new organ for the church that had all kinds of amazing things it would do – the older folk were against that one too. Too loud, too fancy, not churchy enough – simply it was a change and change is uncomfortable!

For most of us – Change is not the problem. Even the “old stick in the mud” types look to change their cars, their furniture and even their homes to something better. Granted there are a few that will never change anything – but the operative word there is “few”.

What we hate is “transition” – at least the feelings we have in transition. William Bridges describes that for me in his book, “the way of transition” – ‘embracing life’s most difficult moments’.(again no caps are intentional as that is part of the title)

Bridges says there are two types of Transitions that we experience. Both are difficult to some degree – but one is usually handled better than the other.

One transition is “Reactive” and the other is “Developmental”.

Developmental Transitions happens all the time – i.e. going from Childhood to Teenager years, from Teenager to Young Adult and then from Young Adult to older adult… married adult… parenting and grand parenting… etc.

Reactive Transitions come when something is thrust upon us. Death of a loved one, an unfaithful partner, divorce(though this could be a developmental transition after the initial Reactive Stages), and job loss are some good examples that produce Reactive Transition.

During both kinds of Transitions there are three stages, The End, The Neutral Zone and The Beginning again…

Bridges points out that the Neutral Zone is likely the area that we experience the most uncomfortable feelings, the deepest loss of purpose, the possible depression and all the other millions of sorrowful thoughts that roar at us in quiet times.

It is plain old miserable to be in that Neutral Zone – but there is nothing you can do to get out of it. Buying a ticket to some exotic tropical island simply places you in a hot and unfamiliar place to work through the rage of feelings.

As I have been working through my feelings, doubts, fears and sense of loss over the weeks I have made some unbelievable discoveries about my life. But hey – I am older now and discoveries happened when I was young – High School helped, University was part of it, more studies that followed, and then more when we got married… add to that 34 years of being a pastor to thousands… LORD I HAVE HAD ENOUGH DISCOVERIES – THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I think Moses likely was in that state as he was a Shepherd for his father-in-law all those years… and maybe each time he had a radical job change/position change. Wouldn’t you think?

Where does the discomfort in the Neutral Zone come from? I mean I was reasonably happy up to the time that the Change came.

I was happy and joyful the week before my dad died… then the very next week my life and the life of my family were in shambles. Dad was dead! Change for me was catastrophic. I was the oldest son, I was the minister that did funerals, I knew what to do. Mom was crushed by this final blow. My siblings had never been near funerals before. As a minister they are part of “my business”. But I functioned at a low and slow level… for weeks after that.

I definitely was in a Reactive Transition and having not been there before it was horrible. It took weeks before the cloud lifted – in fact maybe even years.

In the first week of leaving the job at the church I told Alida that I had a big sob welling up inside. I felt the same as I did when my dad had died. I was in a Neutral Zone and miserable – not understanding. Yet – with the possibility of a kind of early retirement upon me – I should be happy. Add to that the FEAR FACTOR of not knowing where the money would come from to pay taxes, buy groceries, and to just do simple things like buy a coffee… it was doubly over horrible.

I was in mourning for myself – a part of me had died. My dreams and vision for the church had died. My ministry to the people that needed help was now dead. My offer to visit people was not needed – we needed a break from it all to allow the church to change leadership – my being needed for 10 years – was NOW DEAD! A big part of me DIED DEAD!

When I successfully dug the imaginary hole and placed all my dreams, visions, ministries and plans for the continued ministry at the church in that grave… then pushed the dirt back in on top of all of it… I walked away happier than I had been for days. IT WASN’T MY PROBLEM ANYMORE!

Mark this point though… I have not buried the memories. I have not left the wonderful memories of my dad. I have not lost the memories of pastoring the church for 10 years. They are mine. But I have lost the relationship with both situations and now have a new one. In the case of my father I am proud of his life and the impact on me. I anticipate that will be true for the rest of the issues with the church as well as time goes by.

At a weekend service we did recently in another church… I heard myself describe the fact that I used to be the pastor of Northview church. It felt good to say it. I had said that a few weeks ago to some one else and felt terrible when I did. Things definitely have changed.

I apologize if this seems completely self centered in writing and reflecting. I am getting notes and calls about how we are doing. And also others are now going through personal flash backs as they watch us. We are funny that way – the death of someone else makes us remember our own grief from as far back as 20 years ago(in my case).

On the journey again… and off to a Rah Rah session this morning for unemployed people that may be hurting – like I was when I signed up for this class…

Note: They never prepared us for this in our Theological Studies – oh Boy…

~ Murray Lincoln ~

Transition No. 1

Every once in a while there will come an external influence that will transform your world. Something you see, something you hear, or something that you read. There likely are more stimuli that touch your life – but in my case these three pretty much cover the way that I am deeply moved.

Coming back to Moses again… and to his burning bush experience… I see this kind of influence on his life. He led the flock of sheep to the far side of the pasture. The place was near Mt. Horeb. Then he saw a bush burning but it was not consumed with the fire that was in it.

Living on/in the desert with sheep you likely see a lot of things that others don’t see. But bushes were pretty ordinary. But it wasn’t the bush that was extraordinary – it was the moment. It was time for Moses to see it. And with that thought in mind – it was God’s time for Moses to see it.

I have waited for a few days to reveal one of my personal “burning bush” experiences. I have had to try to sort through what has taken place – or rather what is taking place. And it is not a “Bush” but rather a “Book”. Maybe like Moses I have not been sure what to say about the fact that God just spoke to me in a new way. Wow – what will people think or say!?

First I thank a friend of mine, Lauretta, for being obedient and instrumental in sending this book my way. The day the post man dropped of the package it all started.

Second I thank all the folk that have prayed me through this past three months. It has made a difference… a very real difference.

The author of the book is a man by the name of William Bridges and the book is “the way of transition” – 'embracing life’s most difficult moments' (lower case letters are on purpose – no caps in the title).

Outside of my Bible this one has hit me harder than anything that I have read for years. I have read some very good books – but this one is way above them. But it may well be just the timing – the place – the situation – the God Time for this Bush/Book to burn.

Two things happened when I have been reading and re-reading this book. First – the words need to hit home – and I must understand the concept. Second – the thoughts that are raging through me must be sorted out as well – and with that one… how will I talk about this to express the deep feelings that have rushed back from my many memories and help me to see how true what is happening to me – is GOOD – so very GOOD?

It is unfair to sum the book up in a few words – because that is not going to happen – you need to read it for yourself. But a few words will help me to help you understand – I hope.

William Bridges is an expert on the topic of Change and Transition. His life and all that has happened to him demonstrates this fact. This little book traces most of his life story.

The Concept…
Change and transition happen to everyone. Some times it is good and sometimes it is uncomfortable – or in fact down right horrible! For these reasons we may not like Change at all. We may not always be able to appreciate what is happening is for our own good with the Change and Transition.

Look at Change first. Change happens when we move from Point A in our life to Point B. This can happen with a move because of a job, a promotion or demotion, a change of jobs, a change in life, or any one of a million changes in a family. Just keep Point A and Point B in mind.

Transition takes longer than change. As we move from Point A to Point B the transition is often under way toward the end of Point A, then in the space between Point A and Point B, and finally into Point B.

Mr. William Bridges describes Transition as having
1.) An ending
2.) A neutral zone
3.) A beginning again

Change will come. It is part of life. Transition is possible – nut not always embraced or accepted – right away… and in some cases never.

In a healthy transition we must give up something. In an unhealthy transition we refuse to give up anything…or more importantly what we should be giving up – or must give up.

The giving up something takes place in the neutral zone of transition. At that point the “Old” can be let go of and the “New” can be fully embraced.

I cannot write all that Bridges has written here. You must buy the book. And No – I Will Not loan mine out for about a year – I will be re-reading this one over a few times.

My Burning Bush…
Change has happened for me – Northview Pulpit to Northview Pew… from pastor of the church to member in the pew. Change happened on June 22, 2008 when I completed that day as Pastor of the Church.

Transition began with an End. The knowledge of a possible change coming started a way back when we saw the finances begin to drop. No it wasn’t this last winter with the snow plowing costs… but longer than that… loss of the Bible college from our community… loss of members of our church for many reasons… and loss of members due to death had a greater influence than any one will ever know.

Transition in our case definitely includes a neutral zone. The clearest indication of the neutral zone beginning would be in May 2008 as our Board and myself faced the last reality of making the final decision to change our staffing at the church. To help the financial concerns at the church all the staff was dismissed – laid off – given notice. There was nothing nice about whatever way it was worded – everyone would lose their jobs initially.

Being that I was in my 64th year, 2nd month it would feel better for everyone if we talked about Pastor Murray’s “early retirement”. It would look better on paper for people to read of an older pastor making the decision to leave because of his decision – not the church’s. But in effect – that was only done to make us all feel better. And we did for a while – even me.

The announcements of
1.) Going on E.I. and then possibly starting my own new business –
2.) Becoming part of Leading Influence Ministry – an unpaid ministry with no money to pay – made me feel better for a while.

My friends were happy for me as well. That feeling of happiness lasted for a while. It returned again and again and evaporated each time when the thought returned that “you were turfed, you were fired, you are old and no one wants you…. yadda, yadda yadda.”

With the reading of this small book I have come to realize that I am in the Neutral Zone now – BIG TIME. It is uncomfortable but I am also realizing that the best thing that I could ever do is “give up something”… in fact maybe give up a whole lot of “somethings”.

The other day without anyone knowing I buried a few things that should have been buried a while ago. I gave them up. In my mind I walked out to an empty field and dug a big hole. I then grabbed the things that needed to be given up and tossed them in the Big Hole! I shoved the dirt in like it was a grave. Then I walked away.

The freedom that followed me was amazing. I am going to do much better as days go on. I am looking forward. I am alive and well.

Now the study of Moses’ life has been even better. Moses’ Neutral Zone appears to have been 40 years in length. Mine hopefully is going to be a little more than a few months.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

Harvest Fields

In less than a week the fields had changed again. From the tall and waving wheat in the sunshine last week– it now gleamed like gold in long rows lying on the ground. The swaths of wheat were rich and heavy with the gold that it contains. They had just been cut a matter of days ago – if not hours.

Timing had been everything. The sky above was cloudy and every once in a while one of them would open up with a powerful rain storm that would last for a few minutes and then it was gone. The weather man promised that in the next three days there would be bright sunshine – perfect weather for cottagers and people on vacation. And even more perfect for taking up the harvest of grain now cut into swaths.

As I stood among the swaths I thought of all the hard work over the months. The preparation of the soil, the planting of the seed and then the waiting for the first shoots to appear – all had proceeded this moment. There had been days that hail, wind, and hard rain that had pelted the wheat field. There had also been gorgeous days of sunshine that was soaked up by the wheat to let it grow to the beautiful crop that it had become.

It is truly harvest time – ripe, rich, and ready.

But as beautiful as this scene was our afternoon was not about rural beauty but rather a reunion. We were on our way to meet “our son and daughter” – Michael and Kristina Catania. Michael was on a 36 hour pass from the Teen Challenge program that he was in to spend time with his family.

Michael had entered the Teen Challenge program eight months ago as a full blown Crack Addict.

As a young man he had started his slide into “nothingness and hopelessness” with his first addictions. He had continued through his years of young adulthood. He kept it up into his married life and then even into his first years as a father. But as I came to know him just before there marriage helping them (him) during their early months of marriage and when the baby arrived – I would not know how bad the addiction was. He became a part of our church in Peterborough – he hid it fairly well from his new church friends and fellow Christians.

Once in a while Michael would simply not come to church. He would flip into his addictive mode and do multiple hits on Crack again between work weeks.

God gave Michael a lot of chances – until one night after he came home, the most horrible night I can imagine, it all blew to pieces. Michael had fought with Kristina for more money for more drugs. She wouldn’t give him anymore. He grabbed their baby Angelo and ran from the house. Suddenly he had progressed from domestic assault to possible kidnapping charges. If not these more serious charges he would be facing the “monster of CAS” (children’s aid society) and their protective mode for the child that Michael carried from the house that night. A whack of police descended on the little home in the country with dogs and their best tactical teams. Michael was a dead man – they were out to get him. It was over!

The story is long. It involved a quick move(run) from Peterborough to Calgary – where there is more money – lots of it! Michael went west to flee the oppression of those that tried to help him. Eventually Kristina went along too without her baby.

Before this turns into the more complicated story that it is… there came relief after months of waiting and wondering where they were.

Michael and Kristina came back to Ontario. Michael checked into the Teen Challenge program and made a commitment to do the full year program. Kristina went back home to live with her son.

Michael is facing his addiction face on and is finding FREEDOM.

Kristina began her college studies and shocked herself with passing marks that were often 100%. She graduates in a few weeks time – but then begins her University studies next. She has found herself and sparkles now.

Angelo is all boy – happy and healthy. He sparkles too.

As I reflect on our meeting with our “son and daughter” yesterday I come back to the harvest field along the highway. They were rich and ready – they had been transformed from the bleak and hopeless, empty fields of last winter and spring.

Michael is our Harvest field and so is Kristina.

Michael shared the details of his program at Teen Challenge. As he did he quoted scripture after scripture. The guy has become a walking theological wonder. Each day before he eats breakfast he reads at least two chapters of the Bible and his study material. Surrounding this program of disciplined spirituality are some of the greatest counselors one can ever imagine. They are doing stuff with Michael that few others could ever do – including me. They are there to walk a FREEDOM WALK with him. They are taking in the harvest now.

The harvest is great at Teen Challenge now with about 30 young men in the London Farm Program. Michael’s stories were amazing to listen to and savor. I wept for joy inside as he shared.

Part of the evening together we watched a video of that was prepared of the Teen Challenge program of 50 years of ministry. There on the screen were the images of people that I knew – stories that I was very familiar with. The story was so good to hear again – of God’s power working deeply in men and women’s lives. Stories of deliverance and freedom that thrilled me over again flashed on the screen and accounts were told. I cried again as I listened.

It was a delight to tell Michael that I had begun my Christian walk 40 years ago as I began working with Teen Challenge too. No, not as a drug addict – but as someone that stepped in to help drug addicts get to Teen Challenge and to support their program. I had been able to meet David Wilkerson, the founder, and Nicki Cruz one of the first converts under David. They had shared their testimonies at ministries I had been involved with over the years. I knew a number of the old guys in that movie.

Now the same program was helping my “son and daughter”.

If nothing else – the people that know Michael and Kristina will be shouting “GLORY” when they read these words. God is doing and will keep doing a wonderful work in this couple – over and over again.

And GUESS WHAT? It all happened because YOU PRAYED.

One of Michael’s statements last night was powerful. “I miss those people in Peterborough.”

I want to cry all over now. 10 years as a Pastor in Peterborough was worth every moment to hear “my son” speak last night! It was worth it all! It really was!

~ Murray Lincoln ~

One week ago I shot some videos of the Harvest Field… they are on YouTube now – click here to take a look.
Harvest
The Harvest is Ready (this one may have a small pause – something goofy in the video… and sound added together – but hey…love it)

Revival 101 – Church 101 Am I Missing Something Here ?

I have been in the ministry for many years as a pastor and also a layman before that. I have witnessed a lot of wonderful and sometimes strange things. Being involved with people of all kinds and in all kinds of places can give you a very different opinion and experience.

There is a controversy brewing now with a “Revival” that is going on at this time in Florida – Lakeland to be exact. It is apparently spreading to other areas as well. The “revival” has touched down in Sarnia, Ontario in recent years before this… now it is USA side of our Canada/USA border.

Web Sites are filled with information about what is happening in the many meetings that are going on now. And through the brand new use of something entitled “GodTV” you can be as up to date as the live audience is – and sometimes with a better seat.

“GodTV” is the newest Internet marketing tool for the “Spectacular in Church”. It likely won’t be broadcasting the local, boring, old pastor’s sermon too soon. It seems to need a stimulating “revival” setting. The local communion service won’t cut it I am afraid.

On one Web Site there is photo that catches the excitement of the moment… Todd Bentley(new young evangelist) is pointing to the young lady facing him and the caption beside this photo states… “A woman from Austin, Texas, who says she was not able to walk before watching the ministry on the Internet makes her way across the Lakeland Center stage to Todd Bentley.”

Healed on the Internet? Hmmm?

In a May 1, 2008 posting on one site I read…

LAKELAND - Dale Borgelt brought no X-rays to the Lakeland Center stage on Tuesday night - just pain, faith and a sheet of paper listing his date with a surgeon.

He stood before Todd Bentley, 32, a tattooed, body-pierced, T-shirt-wearing evangelist from British Columbia who is drawing crowds and international attention to Polk County.

"Lord, remove the tumor," Bentley shouted as he delivered a quick, open-handed blow to Borgelt's midsection. Borgelt fell backward, eased down by the evangelist's young staff members. A few moments later, after other healings unfolded above him, Borgelt stood.

"It still hurts," he told Bentley. Not as much, he added.

Whether healing in a medical sense is delivered here may be hard to measure, but more people each night are finding reason to believe and pouring into the 7,000-seat arena. The Lakeland movement, still in its first month, is drawing comparisons to the "Toronto Blessing" in 1994 and the Pensacola Brownsville Revival that fired up the next year.

Okay? What next?

This week I received a regular newsletter from a friend of mine, Gordon Williams, who has been involved in some radical meetings over the years on his own “revival” trail. Gordon is a former United Church minister that after a radical encounter with God and the work of the Holy Spirit – was radically changed into a power house of Pentecostalism. It is odd in a way that a former United Church guy is more “Pentecostal” than most Pentecostal Pastors.

Gordon Williams comes out on the other side of the new “revival” in Lakeland Florida. He claims that it is coming from anywhere but from God. In his newsletter he reports encounters with people that have come back from their pilgrimage to the Lakeland Florida Revival – with a new problems.

Gordon states, “I received phone calls from two women in Sudbury, Ontario, whose pastor came back from Lakeland where he received this “demonic anointing” which he then did a “transference of spirits” on them as he laid hands on them. They went home with demons which caused depression & headaches and evil invading their residences. We were able to set them free…. I cautioned them not to go back to that church or something worse would happen to them.”

Okay? What next?

Gordon is someone I know and I have seen his earnestness and the way that he cares. If Gordon felt this strongly about what he witnessed in his contact with these ladies that were so bothered… I have to believe him – I think.

BTW he told the ladies to not go back to the church or the pastor. The pastor of course contacted Gordon for interfering with members of his flock. (When they leave his church they tend to take their money with them… oh yes… I referred to that one factor yesterday. A drop in membership with death is one thing – but because you prayer over some one is another…)

Okay? What next?

Well it seems if you brag on, travel to, experience a “revival” first hand you can get excited. But that happens to me too… at my grandson’s baseball game as he leaves first – runs toward second – they almost get him out – then he runs back toward first – hesitates – then back to second and is final “Safe!”

Then if you go to the revival they will criticize you for whatever. And when you pray for two ladies with a possible history of problems – you will be reported in a newsletter by another Evangelist.

Okay? What next?

It seems that back in April or May 2008, Todd Bentley and the leadership of this present “revival” invited a “Prophet Paul Cain” to their meeting to speak on what God has shown him. Cain has been a powerful “revivalist” across the land for many years – up to 3 years ago when he fell morally. But getting his “blessing” at the meeting would assure his own crowd would pitch in to follow Bentley’s boys too.

It seems that “Prophet Paul Cain” had problems with Alcohol and Sex with Men. In the real world that is called “Alcoholism and Homosexuality” – and they don’t like it when Holy men aren’t – neither does the church. It seems that “Prophet Paul Cain” lost his credibility at the point he was caught in his sin.

It seems that either Todd Bentley or his handlers didn’t know about this small problem or feel that it doesn’t matter…

Okay? What next?

I am little tired of the back and forth, back and forth or debate of what God is doing or whoever is doing whatever. I haven’t been to Lakeland and will not likely go… (E.I. requires that you report being out of the country…).

I haven’t seen or listened to what Gordon has.

I think I see what God sees though – as an outsider to it all. He sees a “Granola Ministry”. You take the “Fruits and Nuts” out and all you have is a few “Flakes” left.

Put that in another way so you won’t miss it… take the “crazies and basket cases” out and there are only a few silly old Christians that wonder what is happening to everything out there.

I think I am a “Flake”.

Okay? What next?

I think that I will stick to my weekly vitamin dose in the one hour of church Sunday AM – boring sermon or not. Then with all that I can muster – I will give away what God has given me.

This week was amazing I helped two former Offenders that are fresh out of prison this past year. Then I helped someone that has lots of money. Another couple needed some simple friendship. Then there were the moments with my grandson and granddaughter.

All this simple stuff is God’s wonderful way to bless us this past week.

Okay? How about you? You doing okay? God cares so very much.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

PS – some are reading this weird report as “non-church goers”. If you come back to church I guarantee that it is entertaining. God laughs a lot at what he sees too… too funny.

Interesting sources:

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/may/01/lakeland-revival-attracting-national-attention/

http://christiancrunch.wordpress.com/2008/04/28/holy-roller-revival-in-lakeland-florida/

http://christiancrunch.wordpress.com//florida-revival-photos/

http://healtheland.wordpress.com/2008/05/17/did-todd-bentley-associate-paul-cain-withdraw-his-confession-of-preying-on-boys/

100 Years

This POSTING is about DEBT. Debt kills us. Debt KILLS CHURCHES as well…

First…
The following text was passed my way from a few different friends by way of an email… You probably got this one.
THE YEAR 1908
This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine!
The year is 1908.
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1908:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• The average life expectancy was 47 years.


• Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.


• Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.


• There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.


• The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.


• The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!


• The average wage in 1908 was 22 cents per hour.


• The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year.


• A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,


• A dentist earned $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.


• More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME...


• Ninety per cent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!


• Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard.'


• Sugar cost four cents a pound.


• Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.


• Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.


• Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.


• Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As I read the list I reflected on a few realities of today… that are in sharp contrast to 1908…

In 2008 – it is considered nothing to have PERSONAL DEBT that staggers one’s mind. A College Grad will have perhaps $45,000 debt. A University Grad will have close to $75,000. A Bible College Grad will have $65,000. None of them will have yet bought a car, bought a house or yet married a person with the same amount of debt.

In 1908 you didn’t want debt and paid what you owed as soon as you could.

Now in 2008 there is car debt that will not be paid off until the car is long gone. There is debt for furniture that you have ‘bought with no payments for 18 months’. There is debt for homes that will perhaps never be paid for – but the payments are considered to be like a high rent paid each month.

Now this DEBT ISSUE runs over to other areas of our lives as well… and affects us all deeply. In my case, in recent times, it was the loss of a job/ministry at our church.

You see our church is in DEBT – still after 28 years it owes money on the original debt. (If you have followed these postings from Northviewchurch.blogspot.com up to this one – you will know a bit of the story.)

The church opened in 1980 with $1,350,000 debt. 18 years later – in 1998 – it still had $1,350,000 debt – only interest had been paid on the huge debt. With a huge interest rate of 20% in 1980 when they opened the doors – they paid $1,000,000 interest in the first four years of being open for business… then another $1,000,000 in the next five years… and then another couple of more million in the next years.

Today – 10 years later – we have seen the DEBT of NORTHVIEW reduced to $775,000 – which now requires us to pay $46,000 per year on interest and handling charges. At this rate we will pay a Half Million in 10 years and a Million more in 20 years.

Reducing the Debt load each year by $77,500 would pay the debt off in 10 years. Reducing the debt by $39,000 each year would pay the debt off in 20 years. Last year at Northview PC we could not pay the $46,000 interest – let alone paying the debt down.

So we will likely be paying the Full Million more in interest in 20 years and still have the $775,000 debt load 20 years from now.

Almost all the people that built the church are now gone – or are older and will soon receive their final reward. The new people that come will be expected to pay – if they come…. That was the plan in 1980 – I think…

WHY does this Debt in church not go away?
Well there is a new attitude out there now. Debt doesn’t matter. Everyone has it. So just learn to live with it. Accept it.

There is another new attitude that didn’t exist in 1980 – let alone 1908… today you leave the church… move away from the problems and the debt. If you are tired of hearing about DEBT here – go there. It is kind of like declaring a “spiritual/church attendee bankruptcy”.

In 1908 you stuck with the church through thick and thin. In 1980 it was the same… it was your church. As to attendance you also stuck with it... each week you were there.

2008 is different in relation to church attendance and support. If you don’t like the service – you can leave and go to another “fast food” church place. If they hound you too much about money and you don’t like it – you are out of there. Attendance is better calculated in a two month basis and how many times people attend in that period. Many are now offering support in a similar fashion.

Owing money as a church in 2008 is dangerous – very dangerous. People die, people move on, people sit on the edge and people will not accept the responsibility of someone else’s grandparent’s debt decisions – they now have their own – why would they want to have the church debt as well?

In one of our sister churches in Peterborough it is reported that they have $4,500,000 debt with their bank. At 5% interest of today that is $225,000 interest per year… or $1,000,000 in four years… $2,000,000 in 8 years. Even if they pay off a huge chunk each year there is no way that the interest rate will do anything but eat away at the whole amount.

And this church, like Northview, is struggling with its attendance and support. Northview has had problems with having to use its $50,000 Line of Credit every month…. This other church has also had to use its Line of Credit as well. In fact quite a few churches do.

Guess what – both churches use the CIBC Bank. The CIBC Bank is putting just a little bit of pressure on both churches to “help” them deal with their financial problems.

Now in Peterborough there is another “good alternative” to church attendance – it is a church in a rented facility. They pay one set rental fee and know their exact costs each week. They do not beg for money each week. The church has no debt. And no one talks about your personal debt – it is your debt – they have their own.

Guess where people like to go to church? A church without debt is good. And this new alternative church has people from Northview and from the other church attending there. Hmmm? I wonder why?

Debt is like the flu… you can complain about it… people listen and then tell you stay away… they don’t want what you have. I have my own dose thank you very much.

“Pastor Murray aren’t you worried about what people will say – if you tell this story so plainly? Won’t you get in trouble or something?”

My answer is simple… “Yah… maybe they will let me go … BUT – hey they have already had to do that because of debt…”

Someone’s responsibility – somewhere – is to stand up and warn someone that DEBT KILLS people and churches.

Today – I SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOF TOP – DEBT KILLS! WATCHOUT!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
(A former pastor that was once in Debt and affected by it...)

Addendum…
Another church account came my way last month. The pastor that is leaving this church shared with me his church’s story. When he arrived at the church in 2006 he was very excited about what God could do. In 2007 that excitement was abated. In 2007 he buried 1/3 (33.3%) of the church – they all died! And when they did they took all the money with them – well not really – they just stopped supporting the church. And guess what – many were “good givers”. This summer – 2008 – they cannot pay the pastor. I am not sure if they have DEBT or not – there just is no income – so the pastor had to leave with his small family. Oh BOY! Hang on tight.