The Heart of a Giant

Saturday Morning…
Saturday’s surprise was delightful. There standing on my front porch was something that was almost as wide as it was tall. It was Yellow and Black in colour and moved quickly to confront me…then it hit me mid section and pushed me backwards. I pushed hard and tried to stop it from getting past me – but I had to work at it hard to stop this new apparition.

If this was a quiz I would run out of hints before you would guess the correct answer.

The Yellow and Black colours are the colours of the “Steelers” Football Team – which is part of the Kinsmen Youth Football League for kids up to Grade 8. The “thing” that is a wide as it is tall – is Emma – dressed with her Football uniform on wearing her brother’s Team Jersey. She is really into it.

The first practice day had enough for two teams of 8 & 9 year olds. There were 4 other girls as well that have joined in the first day along with Emma.

When this first shot was taken I asked her to “look as mean” as she could. (It kind of looks like the way she looks at her older brother sometimes.)
I was just a little bit proud of this Little Giant in front of me. She is willing to take on something so non traditional and really get into it. What a gal. And when she shoved on me on our front porch she meant business as she tried to get past.

I thought about her a lot yesterday. I thought about her attitude and her willingness to get involved in the struggle that would eventually mean her team would win. It would be an immense effort of her part to stop the opponent and move forward. It would be team work that would make it happen. It will mean keeping all the young shoulder side by side and pushing ahead.

Sunday Morning…
Sunday’s early announcement didn’t catch anyone in Canada off guard. For about two weeks we had known that it would probably take place Sunday morning. The Media had speculated about this and leaders had hinted regularly. Our Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that he is calling for an election on October 14th in Canada.

Immediately the country is now entering a flurry of the News Media being salted with announcement after announcement from one political party after another. For 37 days we will hear over and over again why we should vote for one person, one party or one ideal over another. Our countries weaknesses as well and the weaknesses of the other leaders will be pointed out by the leader that is caught on video at that moment. It will become a virtual circus for all to watch.

The News Media announced yesterday that the different political party’s “War Rooms” were now ready. Meaning of course that the people leading each party and all their advisors were now in a steady stream of conferences behind closed doors to strategize how they would get their message out to Canadians and how they would effective nullify their opposition.

In our Canadian political case, the opposition to any party is coming in at least four directions – three other political parties and the Media. The Media in Canada is a formable force in that each kind/each media corporation takes to backing one party or another and opposing the other parties.

So think for a moment what it would be like to be in a “War” – or maybe a Football Game that you had not only one opponent but four. Which way would you fight back in that game? Which way would you push forward? No wonder they need a “War Room”!

For those that wonder at my guesstimate of four opposition parties take a look at our present leadership folk
Stephen Harper – Leader for the Conservatives
Stéphane Dion – Leader for the Liberals
Jack Layton – Leader for the NDP (New Democratic Party)
Elizabeth May – Leader of the Green Party of Canada
All the News Media forms/companies – representing the TV, Print Media and the individual reporters…

It will take the Heart of a Giant to win this new battle announced on last Sunday AM. The amazing part will be the way that the new announcements will be released in different areas of the country – timed perfectly and planned precisely. It will be a wonder if some hidden secret or scandal doesn’t break in one of the weeks to discredit one of the oppositions – or weaken a strong point. Vulnerability is what it is all about – and using their vulnerability to your advantage is the key to winning.

I am a spectator not a participant at this stage. I watch and wait for the next announcement. I am ready to help with prayer not party stuff. In fact I am best at supporting everyone.

Alida and I don’t do “Lawn Signs” declaring our preference of one person over another. If I had one it would say, “I vote for God” – but not enough people know Him and His name is likely only used occasionally in different ways than I use his name. That’ll likely happen a few times over these next few weeks.

I am now committed to pray for the people that are involved in the “War Rooms” more than ever. They will be tired and stressed. Their personal relationships at home will be stretched beyond imagination. Their children will be subjected to stress that other kids are not.

Think about the families as Dad or Mom is not home now for the next 37 days. And if they are home they are constantly on their telephones for the next instructions as to where to be and when to be there; as to what to say and not say; what to feel and show feelings on and what not to…. Think of the staff of each politician that may lose their jobs if their boss is not elected.

Someone needs to support all of them.

That is what I do as a Chaplain to the Leadership of Ontario – and Canada. I pray for them all – wherever they are and whatever they are doing.

Some have asked me – “How can you do that? How do you know what to pray for and when?”

Well remember that one Opposition Group – the Media? They help me all the time. They give the name and the issue, the place and the time, the problems that are being presented and then the Individual’s response. How they give it to me usually has a slant to it – their Media’s slant.

I immediately think of all that the person is and where they come from. I think of their family, their relationships and their whole person. I wonder what it would be like to be in their shoes right at that moment – then I pray, “God wherever “Jane” or “John” is right now bless them with your power and presence. Let them know that you care for them and that I care too. And Lord if it is within your plan let me talk to them personally someday – to deliver the message that I have prayed for them. Thanks God – I know you will do all that and more!”

Try to put yourself in their shoes today. Imagine that for at least the next 37 days – two thirds of all Canadians could be “hating” you because of your political beliefs. Well maybe not “hate” you – they just don’t trust you at all – because you belong to a political leadership of some form. Your partner at home loves you but these people around you don’t.

How does that feel when you put that feeling on?

Now consider that same person that is told by maybe just one person that they have been prayed for today… rather than hated. Do you think it would make a difference?

I have witnessed that very reaction at a “God Moment” with one of my Ontario leaders. They smile from ear to ear and say deeply, “Thanks Murray that means more than you can ever know.”

Gotta run… lots to pray for today. God has called and wants me in his “War Room” for a while this morning. We have got to get ready for what is coming today.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

The National and International Media Services have not got a hold on this choice bit of News. I am sure of that. Wow!

I concluded the post of yesterday with this paragraph…
Now take a close look at American Politics and the way that each convention is displaying their “product”. Have you noticed how everyone is “in love with Mrs. Sara Palin”? Before last week the world had little idea of who she was. Today I know so much I am astounded… she is only the VP Candidate… not the Presidential Candidate….. and I am not even American nor will I vote for her… BUT FEEL THE HYPE – WOW!

Well I confess here that I certainly didn’t know anything – until early this morning. Governor Sara Palin is “one of us”… and more particularly – “really one of us”. One of the Vice Presidential Candidate for the next American Election is a Pentecostal. Hokey Mokey!

In a touching speech shown in a graduation ceremony for a Master’s Commission – where young men and women have completed their Bible College studies mixed with practical ministry – the then Governor of Alaska, Sara Palin – stirs her audience with her words.

At the Base of the Video Screen are these words describing this special day….
This video was taken from the Wasilla Assembly of God Church in Wasilla, Alaska. The church's website has been taken down due to heavy traffic after Governor Palin was selected by Senator John McCain as his running mate. We believe this is an important video for Christians to watch and it is presented here courtesy of Wasilla Assembly of God Church www.wasillaag.net. The church website states that "Governor Palin did attended Wasilla Assembly of God since the time she was a teenager. She and her family were a part of the church up until 2002. Since that time she has maintained a friendship with Wasilla Assembly of God and has attended various conferences and special meetings here. This June, the Governor spoke at the graduation service of our School of Ministry, Master’s Commission Wasilla Alaska." This is a video of that message.

This was shot in June 2008 in the Wasilla Assembly of God Church.

I am not sure how long this will be on the Internet when her handlers get a hold of it…or when her opposition gets a hold of it. If it becomes a tool to destroy her – the home church will gets some pressure to remove it – no doubt.

As this has stirred my heart I am reflecting on my new role as a Chaplain today. As I move toward the fuller realization of being a Chaplain to the Leaders of our Province – the men and women that are involved in the political structure of our province – I am deeply moved by what I view here.

The questions loom for me, because you have found out that the person that you have just met is a “Born Again Christian” – will he or she get more of your time, prayer, and support than others – especially if they are a politician? If they believe in what you personally believe in – will you favour your work with them more than others?

As I join the Christian Ministry of Leading Influence Ministries Ontario I am deeply moved by a call that God has placed on my life to love people – no matter who they are. I am there in a place to help everyone – just like any Chaplain does. Yes I will pastor/care for whoever needs help. No they, the Christians, will not get preferential treatment over others that are not like me – they will get tons of help and blessings just like the Sikh or Islamic or non religious person does.

In the very delicate balance and very active politically charged atmosphere of American Politicians – it must be very difficult for a Christian that is on the other side Politically from VP Candidate Sara Palin. Think of it. She sits in your church one Sunday and you know she is on the other Political Side – yet she is s sister in Christ.

Do you yell at her…
“I hate your political stand you are the biggest jerk ever!”
and then kindly say –
“I love you in the Lord my sister and I am praying for you. May God bless you richly!”

Kind of dilemma isn’t it.

Potentially I face that predicament. I am praying for men and women that are in leadership of our Province. I know where I stand personally in the world of politics and also in the spiritual world. I am me. But that has not changed my stance of praying for God to bless my leaders in my government – in Ontario… my MPPs.

The media at times dissects them and tears the political person to pieces. When they get wind of this video link of Sara Palin – my guess is they will FRY HER. Her non-scripted message given in the Wasilla Assembly of God Church was not Okayed by the Presidential Candidate John McCain – or his powerful handlers that get people elected! It is powerful!!!

In her speech she said the phrase, “For such a time as this…”

That is I the way that I feel. I feel so strongly about what I am doing as well. I am placed in a situation by God that no one else has been placed in. It is unique and it is wonderful. In this position I have no idea of what I will do each day – other than be faithful. I have no idea who I will meet – but only know that I will. I may have nothing happen in one day and then all kinds of wonderful things happen the next day. I am here for “Such A Time As This” – to be ready to help, encourage, lift up and simply be there for someone that needs me…no matter what political stripe they are, not matter what Faith Group they represent, of what kind of person they are – I am there for them.

But then as a Politician enters her or his role in this world – that is exactly what they do.

I highly respect them for that – and I will support them in Prayer and in Person.

Thanks for the Video Link my Brother Les… it was for “Such a time as this…”

~ Murray Lincoln ~

More about Governor Sara Palin – now Vice Presidential Candidate.
http://www.netbroadcasting.tv/sarah_palin.html
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4LjsfWbZLA

The Abuser – People That Abuse

“Where in the Dickens did that come from?” was one comment about yesterday’s posting. It bubbled out of the reader. In a Blog like this it seemed unusual. Let me explain.

Recently something that seemed perfectly good went bad. A man that was having great influence on people’s lives and many churches made some very radical departures from what is the norm for the people that he was ministering to. He left his wife for another woman. At least that is the story that came with the sudden departure from his ministry role.

For non church goers that seems a little strange I am sure. But in the “church world” – marriage and its quality is held high among the congregation – at least high on the standards of its leadership. Men and women that are speaking from places of authority – the pulpit – need to live above the normal standards. They are held to a higher standard.

The vague references that are made about something going bad – refer to Todd Bentley, a very unusual Evangelist that came from British Columbia, Canada and ministered in a number of places across North America.

Google his name today and you will get over 620,000 responses. A great deal of the responses are about his work and radical ways in Lakeland, Florida. The unusual thing is that he has already made it to the Wikipedia.org group (where anyone can post something and others can edit – kind of encyclopedia).

(For fun I did a Google of my name and found 9,690,000 references – but I didn’t make it to Wikipedia – anything with the word or name “Lincoln” in it is there. Yes and I am also… Try your own name.)

In our Ontario and Canadian context, Todd Bentley was an Evangelist that was the mover and groover. God was talking through Todd.

But it all finally fell down. The Glory and the Revival ended when Todd was found out to be messing around with female staff members. Then it was announced that he was separating(separated) from his wife and a divorce was taking place.

It is at that moment in time people that watch the Pulpit and the Guy behind the Pulpit - say that is enough – no more – we are out of here. The Moral Code that they held in relation to Todd was broken. He fell from their radar… his revival days were over.

It seems as I read more about Brother Todd there were some really sordid things in his past. It was the events of the present that seem to bring the most suspicion. But how much of the past affects the present? Plenty maybe the best answer.

In our church system we have a good accountability structure set up. As pastors we are under someone else. We connect with others. We are accountable to our peers around us. Ideally we are in submission to each other.

In Todd’s case he seems to have forgotten all of that and moved on.

Someone referred to Todd Bentley as “Benny Hinn with tattoos” in describing his ministry style and life style. I found that interesting to say the least. Success in ministry can lead to some excesses that are not good.

What has that got to do with anything in your life?

Well who are you listening to? Who has power over your life and life decisions? Is there any problem with what they are saying and how they actually live? Is there anything in their past that might indicate something is deeply hidden and might show up as a problem? If what the person that has great influence in your life is not what they say they are… how will it affect you in the long run?

These questions have huge spiritual impacts on people – let alone long term psychological affects.

Let me put it this way… if a person that you respect and “receive ministry from” looks great and his abilities are amazing… is found out to be a child molester… what would happen to your feelings knowing that? What if he or she had raped a child? OH I know – I know that is much worse than just being an alcoholic or a drug addict. I know it is worse than being a thief. But what if…?

I know a lady that was brutalized by her “Christian” Doctor who knew her better than others… then messed with her mind until she could hardly function. I have seen spiritual abuse.

I know another lady that was molested by her father when she was little – but will say nothing today for fear of losing the money that might come her way. Her father is a minister today.

I know another lady that was raped, repeatedly by the traveling Evangelist when he stayed in her home. Her father was a pastor and knew nothing of the continual rapping and messing with his daughter. The Pedophile got away with and was never charged.

Now if I tell you that these three ladies live in Peterborough – the Peterborough audience will gasp with that revelation. It is not in Lakeland, Florida or British Columbia – it is next door.

What is the answer?
Well a simple one is to know the Scripture better than we do. When a so called spectacular leader shows up and does some weird things – says some weird things – we will ask questions whether these things line up and makes sense in light of Scripture – the Bible experience.

Come on… an Angel by the name of Emma – telling you what to say and do… Come on…..!
Quote from Wikipedia…
“Another doctrinal dispute surrounds his(Bentley) alleged encounter with an angel he called 'Emma' at an Assemblies of God church in 2001. Bentley stated that the female angel gave him a vision of gold coins and that afterwards he received a breakthrough in terms of financial stability”

“Emma… Emma where are you Emma… I need a little coin today… Oh Emma!” (Murray speaking out here…)

These are the “Last Days” according to what the Bible says… and all that I have been taught. And one of the Christian’s Last Day teaching is about the Return of Jesus Christ as Savior. Also we note that there will be an ANTI CHRIST. This Anti Christ will have an amazing ability to connect to every person in the world – everyone will believe him and follow him.

I once wondered how one man could ever gain that kind of power. Not any more – when I watch people follow people the way that they do.

Now take a close look at American Politics and the way that each convention is displaying their “product”. Have you noticed how everyone is “in love with Mrs. Sara Palin”? Before last week the world had little idea of who she was. Today I know so much I am astounded… she is only the VP Candidate… not the Presidential Candidate….. and I am not even American nor will I vote for her… BUT FEEL THE HYPE – WOW!

Put that same feeling into the church and the churchy people. Then tell them there is a revival some where in Podunk Village… and they will clamber to get a seat to listen to anyone say anything.

Oh boy!

~ Murray Lincoln ~

Resorces
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Bentley
http://www.baspub.com/connected/report.asp?id=2326

http://www.baspub.com/connected/listing.asp?id=2

Spiritual Tsunami

The following text is taken from a Blog done by a Pastor in Canada – a friend of mine…. and now serving as a District Superintendent in Manitoba – Rev Jim Poirier. With recent radical changes that have taken place in the “Revival World” – affecting a number of my friends I felt that I should republish Jim’s words.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

Spiritual Tsunami
The big news this past month has been about the ending of the Lakeland Revival, the marriage breakdown of one of its leaders, and as time goes on, other not so good revelations. Sad.

I have followed these events with a bit of a detached interest. The interest has been in what has been happening and what is being said. There has also been the unique challenge that as a D.S. there is a need to pastor all of our pastors regardless of their opinion, viewpoint or stance on the revival and those involved.

Can we take a few moments and reflect on what has happened over the past few months and perhaps make a few observations?

There are some concerns that I would like to register:

1. The churches willingness to overlook strange teaching or new doctrines.
We have been introduced to teachings of Healing Angels, Debt-Reduction Angels, the propogation of new mysticysm (Trances etc.) and teachings which are far from the teaching of Jesus Christ and the Gospel we have believed and preached for many years. Some have even gone so far as to say these new teachings are "Anti-Biblical". Shouldn't this alarm us? When strange new teachings that cannot be verified scripturally begin to be propogated shouldn't we sound the alarm? Shouldn't it concern us when individuals take it upon themselves to appoint apostles and thus create their own hierarchies in the church? Shouldn't it concern us when we see these hierarchies crumble and the appointed apostles be seen for what they really are?

2. Overlooking poor doctrine and questionable tactics because there are miracles.
Take a look at Matthew 24. There is explicit teaching there about deception and the uprising of False Prophets who will perform great signs and miracles. Here is the thing...it is our duty and responsibility to judge the works, the teaching, the claims, the lives, the tactics and the doctrine of those who make claims or are performing miracles. Why? Because of the risk of deception.No where in Matthew 24:24-25 are we exhorted to overlook these things...but the concern is that even the elect could be deceived if that were possible.

Unless we are well prepared doctrinally and as Pastors and Teachers we prepare the body of Christ many will be lead astray in the days to come. The Bible is very clear and explicit about this. Jesus had great concern about people being deceived. He understood the intoxicating influence deceivers can have on sincere people who know and love God.

3. Experience Trumps TruthIn some circles experience definitely trumps truth.
The reasoning goes something like this, "Experience should not be questioned. Those who question, discern otherwise or doubt are ungodly, unspiritual or not enlightened." Inner voices, the promptings of the Spirit and the direction of anointed leaders should not take precedence over the word of God--ever.

4. The risk of Spiritual PrideIf there is any particular issue that God will take us to the mat on it is the issue of pride.
Spiritual pride is something that all of us need to be really careful to not allow in our lives. It is so incredibly subtle and covert in how it makes its way into our spirit. If you detect pride in your own life--deal with it. If you recognize it in others, even if they have great followings stand back.

Why am I writing all of this? It certainly is not because I have an axe to grind, nor am I trying to blog for the sake of blogging. It is simply this, as I travel and see the much bigger picture of the church there is something that concerns me. The church can easily be taken captive by a massive deception. The Bible is clear and explicit in its warning to the church of the coming of false prophets who perform signs, wonders and miracles. With the instant connection we have with happenings around the world deception can sweep into the church overnight. Are we guarding ourselves and the church from being overwhelmed from the next big wave? I sense that in the days to come we will see a spiritual tsunami like deception which will catch many off guard and sweep many away (I hope I am wrong). We need real, true men and women of God who can operate in the area of signs, wonders and miracles and at the same time remain committed to the truth and correct doctrine. The two are not mutually exclusive but should go hand in hand. We cannot afford to wink at little mis-truths because the minute we make allowance for them we open the door to much greater error.

The stage is set--the question is are we ready?

Your thoughts?

Goodbye to a Very Dear Friend

The news was hard to take. The thought of what just happened is almost incomprehensible. It can’t be – it just can’t be!

Dot Bell is gone. Dot is in the photo above - on the right - beside my mom.

After a very short struggle with her health she was admitted to the hospital and while there she had a massive heart attack. From the reports that we were given, she held on until her son Greig arrived from Watson Lake, Yukon. Her Grandson, Zach and Granddaughter Jessie also made it to her bed side before she passed.

Why would this matter to anyone reading this Blog today? It probably won’t for most. But Dot Bell did matter. Her life was one that has powerfully touched many over and over again.

She was our dear friend. For my mom – she was maybe her closest friend. When Dot’s husband Gord died, mom was there with Dot. When my Dad died, Dot was there with my Mom after all of us had left the area.

About 30 years ago Dot’s son married my sister. It was my very first wedding to perform as a Pastor. My little sister got married that day – the day that Dot Bell became my friend as well.

When the Saskatchewan Rough Riders played Football, there was no greater fan than Dot. The day before she passed away she called to tell us that the Riders had beaten the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Labour Day Classic Football game. Dot was excited but at the same time told me how ill she felt. Something was wrong.

From that marriage of my sister and her son came two amazing kids, Zach and Jessie. Both are stars in their own worlds.

Jessie Bell is a beautiful young mom with the most gorgeous and fun filled daughter named Christina. Christina of course was Dot’s first great grandchild. There was no kid that could impress anyone as much as this one did Dot Bell.
Zach Bell, is our family’s star – having just completed his amazing performance in Beijing’s Olympics. Dot Bell was never more proud of her grandson as he represented Canada, the Yukon, and Dot Bell of Regina, Saskatchewan! All of our family was excited when he competed – but no one was more elated than Dot.

Today 1600 miles from the home of Dot Bell, my mom grieves deeply for her friend. It is the hardest part about leaving your home and friends over a year ago with her move to Peterborough, Ontario. The telephone is great – but it is not like being there with your friend… and for your friend. Saskatchewan is a long ways away from here.

There is a heavy weight in our home today…but we will get past it. Today we say goodbye to a very dear friend. But soon we will all see her again – you know it is that Christian thing that keeps us alive when someone dies so far away.

If you have some time over these next few days, please pray for Marion Nell Lincoln, Dot Bell’s close friend. She needs your help and love now.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

2008 – 2009 School Year Heroes

Today is the beginning of another School Year where we live. My grandkids are off and running again. Back to school… oh the excitement that is there…every one is ready to go.

For about two months now Dads and Moms have been sharing life experiences with their kids. It seems like it is almost like filling in time as they wait for school to open again. But that is not true… they have had their kids again for an up close encounter – interacting with each one a little more than the school year provides time for.

These past two months may have been the most important ones of the year… where parents are with kids more than the norm. Holiday trips together and times spent doing stuff together has been invaluable. But do we see it that way.

There is something wrong with the picture if we think that the school teacher will teach them more than we do as parents. I am not saying that the teacher isn’t good at what he or she does… but I am saying that they should be second place in who teaches our kids stuff.

Moms and Dads are number one – not just for the two months of the summer when school is out. They should be there all year long.

This past weekend Emma our granddaughter was with us for the whole weekend. Her dad had to work and her mom was a “Baseball Mom” in Windsor, Ontario with Clifford, Emma’s brother. (Emma gets bored watching a long baseball game… so she stayed with us)

Over and over again she told me stories about her dad and her mom. She would say about anyone topic… “Dad says…” or “Mom says…”. Then again as we drove along – “Dad told me a story about….” After one short weekend I saw the powerful affect of two parents on one kid.

There is no other teacher as important to a kid than their parent.

There was a big flap in TV News yesterday. The recently announced running mate for Presidential Candidate John McCain, Sara Palin, Alaska’s Governor, was in the news again. Her 17 year old daughter Bristol is pregnant. What a thing to hit the news media frenzy.
A family facing this new bit of shocking news is one thing but to be placed on the World Stage one day with the news media vultures after every possible detail.

Sara Palin’s reaction was great… solid and standing with her daughter and family.

Her main opposition, Presidential Candidate Barach Obama –of the opposing party, stated that his own mother had him when she was 18 years old and he would not condemn anyone for what has happened.

The News Media Vultures were silenced by good parenting and wise leadership. These are family people that believe in family.

Compare this stir to the days of President George Bush’s twin daughters, Jenna and Barbara, and any thing that they might do to mess up their dad’s election or re-election.
Family is important – and parents are the MOST Important key to that mixture. What school they finally attend is not near as important as the quality home they came from.

My hat is off to my TWO GREAT SON-IN-LAWS today… and my TWO GREAT DAUGHTERS. You four are doing an amazing job with the greatest grandkids in the world – MINE! I like what you are doing and want to say that you are doing it well. You are Heroes!

Thank you from a very grateful dad…. And grandpa!...

~ Murray Lincoln ~

Sports and Church and Old Radio Evangelists

Two grandson’s played their final baseball tournaments this weekend. Kind of a Labor Day Classic of sorts. Both of their teams were in the final games – one won and the other placed second. Both worked hard at what they did. And Grandpa is super happy with what them. What an effort!

One grandson was in Windsor and the other was in Kitchener, Ontario. Dedication on behalf a whole flock of parents that are dragged along to wherever it might be…along with the whole family.

As I have come to know some of these parents and grandparents that tag a long it has been an interesting community adventure. Now after a couple of years I have come to know each one a little better. They are an amazing group to say the least.

I love the community connection.

Yesterday as we prepared to travel to the church in the morning we left early to get there on time. Early in our area means “radio evangelists” expounding on their programs to a waiting audience. It is early so I doubt that many are really listening… but in a way it is like Blogging – you never know who is reading – or listening.

On the radio was an old man. Yes he was old – you could hear his bad denture fit and the rusty old voice that has been on for years. He was going down the line letting everything and everyone have it. There was nothing good about anything. The good old days were all gone and the whole world and the present church in particular were going straight to HELL – in his mind anyway.

Quote…
“Dear friends…I can remember when the prayer room was full. I can remember when the Sunday night service was the largest meeting in church. Now people want the service to start earlier so that they can get home to their favorite TV programs. In some cases they don’t have a Sunday Night meeting at all – maybe not even have a prayer meeting! Friends out there – the church is in trouble. Oh how we need to pray.”

Then he went on to blast the organized sports and the way that families spend so much time doing things out side the church building and in the community. Oh how we needed to get back to the old ways. Oh how we needed to stop being modern and start becoming old again.

As much as this old preacher elaborated the perils of the community that we all live in – the more I wanted to shout at him – GET A LIFE… WHERE WOULD JESUS BE TODAY IF HE WALKED AMONG US – PROBABLY IN THE BLEACHERS WITH NON CHUCRH PEOPLE – DUH!!!?

If any one thing could set off a person in the community to say – “I DON’T WANT THAT KIND OF CHRISTIANITY!” – it is this kind of preaching that borders on the edge of hatred for everything. If it is fun he is “agin it!” (that is against it…)

Yesterday morning in the vehicle as we drove along the road I was having flash backs. Sunday was a day of running crazy to church and being sure that you were there – ALL THE TIME.

I have a certificate that shows for about 5 years in a row we were in church (in Sunday School) 52 Sundays a Year! No kidding. The date was such that I knew that Dad and Mom didn’t have a car all of the time… we went by city bus – even through snow storms! That’s right we walked 6 blocks to the nearest bus stop.

We were a dedicated family. Dad worked 6 days a week and the 7th was God’s day… and a day of rest… and run to church so you could rest… ?

And during that period of time in life the Old Radio Evangelist was waxing eloquent… about all that you should not do… and how Church was changing and we don’t want thehurch to change – OR BE NEAR THAT TERRIBLE WORLD OUT THERE!

As I tuned out the Old Radio Evangelist I heard my wife telling me that our daughters had called – one in Windsor and the other in Kitchener – to tell us the up to date results. Both boy’s teams had won everything up to that point.

Dear Old Radio Evangelist… were you there for your kids when they wanted to play Baseball? Did you attend your grandson’s games or granddaughter’s games – or you just too busy being a Christian? – and laying guilt trips on the rest of the great old people that were sitting there each week? Oh – and may I ask – are any of your kids in church today…?

Yes church attendance is down. But it is the young couples that are coming to church more and more… not the old people. Many old ones are not that capable to get out anymore. They are slowing and not going.

In the last few years as we held some of the last typical “Sunday Night Services” – old folks just didn’t come. It was too much for them. The young folks that came wanted something more – where they could discuss what was talked about in church Sunday AM – or discuss and ask questions about what they were reading in the Bible. It was really different.

At the present time Northview Church doesn’t have a Sunday night meeting or get together at all – at least over the summer time. I was told that people need a break – and they will begin in the fall again – with a new kind of program or service. With an Interim Pastoral role it is wise to regroup.

But what is the Old Radio Evangelist going to say about our church? Yikes.

I am going through some waves of emotions at this point. For a Pastor - the summer is always a time when you are moving full time into the fall season getting programs in place and preparing your preaching for the next three months. I am not doing that now – as retirement from that kind of Full Steam Ahead Program for Northview… it is no longer mine – or no longer needed. Now I enjoy Grandkids a lot more and want to say that it is okay…

The present Interim Pastor at Northview is my friend Herb Shoemaker… an “early retired” minister. One time when we were sharing a moment he told me how he had made his decision to retire. He said it was during one of those times when pressure was on him and the staff for further programming and preparation – and he realized that it was time to pull from it all. Oddly enough now he is doing what I was doing in our church… and I am shifting away… but the feeling is still there…

I want to shout today… Sports are okay. Church is Okay. And the Old Radio Evangelist – he is okay too… but maybe he will get a new attitude some day and the church that is coming alive now will lead many to a new understanding of love and concern… and people will meet Jesus...

~ Murray Lincoln ~