I am not easily impressed. However, I have a deep admiration for people whose walk with God consists of action not just talk, and especially those people whose "doing" is not promoted for the world to see. I am impressed with people who quietly and without fanfare do the work of God in the messy gutter of life.
Conversely, I am not impressed by those who continually have to broadcast the news of their ministry. Jesus spoke about people whose actions were driven by a need to be noticed - they have their reward now. Recently, while on Interstate 81 I saw a large billboard proclaiming - Steamtown Church, a church in the city that loves the city. Now perhaps that billboard was placed there by the leading of the Holy Spirit. If so, then the church needed heed the Spirit's invitation.
However, I could not help but be a bit cynical when I saw it. I mean if we love the city, then we just love the city. There is no need to make any kind of proclamation about loving the city. If we love the city, we do not need to say so since the inhabitants of the city will know they are loved. So then what is the purpose of the proclamation? Or is the proclamation an attempt to convince ourselves that we love as we should?
Love requires us to engage with those being loved, not through a program or an event, but through inviting them into our very lives. I am impressed with the young single man who opens the doors of his home to other young men struggling to find their way. I am impressed with the truck driver who visits those in the nursing homes, bringing his infectious laughter into the grayness of their existence. I am impressed by the businessman who will loan money to employees in need, knowing full well that he probably will never see the money again. These are real people in real situations, people who will never be featured on the front page of the religious section of the newspaper. Furthermore, they have no desire to be noticed and applauded. They simply see "the least of these" with a need and meet the need. They are my heroes!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
north country
Bev and I spent the weekend at the Lodge. There is something intrinsically beautiful about the North Country in mid-winter. The snow, the deep blue sky, the snow dusted trees, and the abundance of wildlife all combine for a wonder-filled experience. The sub zero temperatures only serve to make the warm fire in the fireplace more inviting.
I used the snow blower to clean the lane. As I worked (well maybe it was playing) in the snow, my heart felt like it would burst with worship. The words of the hymn played in my mind and made their way past my lips – Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds thy hand have made…Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art… When no one is around to hear, one can sing loudly and without inhibition!
The air feels clearer when it is this cold. Somehow the mind seems clearer as well. My thought process is no longer clouded by the press of details that swirl around me at home. Dreams of the heart become more vivid. Strategy to fulfill the dreams emerges with clarity. Hope arises after being hidden underneath the pressing weight of the mundane.
Creation reveals God, stirring both praise and inspiration. Somehow this weekend, I have joined in more deeply, felt alive more fully! Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, How great Thou art!
I used the snow blower to clean the lane. As I worked (well maybe it was playing) in the snow, my heart felt like it would burst with worship. The words of the hymn played in my mind and made their way past my lips – Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds thy hand have made…Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art… When no one is around to hear, one can sing loudly and without inhibition!
The air feels clearer when it is this cold. Somehow the mind seems clearer as well. My thought process is no longer clouded by the press of details that swirl around me at home. Dreams of the heart become more vivid. Strategy to fulfill the dreams emerges with clarity. Hope arises after being hidden underneath the pressing weight of the mundane.
Creation reveals God, stirring both praise and inspiration. Somehow this weekend, I have joined in more deeply, felt alive more fully! Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, How great Thou art!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
crossroads
On of the great things about getting older is that you gain perspective. Life is meant to be lived. If we will allow it, it becomes a great teacher. In my own journey with God, there have been transitional times that deeply shaped the coming years. In the mid to late 80's I discovered God to be real, tangible beyond what I could have imagined. In the mid 90's Bev and I left our dreams to follow the invitation of the Holy Spirit. The next 17 years were deeply transformational for me.
Once again Bev and I find ourselves in transition time. This time is a bit different. 17 years ago we heard the voice of God inviting us to a specific path. In the season in which we find ourselves currently, the question we hear from God is, "what do you want to do in the coming years?" We are learning to walk in harmony with the way He created us, with the dreams He placed within us. I always assumed that the dreams we relinquished 17 years ago were discarded by God in some heavenly trashcan of selfish desires. Little did I know that when I relinquished them into His hands, instead of discarding them, He gently cared for them for me.
A bit over four years ago, I realized that I was deeply stirred by something that I thought was forever gone. I remember asking Bev if she thought that perhaps God was giving my dreams back to me. The past number of years the dreams and the strategies to fulfill them began to re-emerge.
In all my years in leadership in the institutional church, I never felt like I fit. Whenever a group of pastors gathered, it seemed to me that I was the only one who did not have a burning desire to be "in ministry". I never asked for ministry position and never felt the need to grasp for it. For 17 years, I have labored primarily in the institutional church, building structures and systems. Yet for the past five years I have become increasingly aware of the problems of "church".
Today, the rebirth of my God-given dreams leads me away from the institutional church to a place of more organic church. I want to be involved with the work of God, not just in the restoration work in the lives of individuals but in the more mundane work of producing food to feed people. I desire deep relationships that demand transformation but I have no desire to attend church functions unless they facilitate the formation of relationships. I have no stomach for the endless meetings needed to prop up the institutional church. I am tired of the religious control that masquerades as accountability. I can no longer tolerate systems and structures that hinder healing, restoration, and ultimately, the work of God.
And so after 17 years, it's over. I will still blog about my observations on my walk with Jesus. As the Holy Spirit leads, I will still teach and preach...I can't keep my mouth shut when a message burns in my heart. But I will no longer give my time and energy building something that does not harmonize with what God is doing in me.
Once again Bev and I find ourselves in transition time. This time is a bit different. 17 years ago we heard the voice of God inviting us to a specific path. In the season in which we find ourselves currently, the question we hear from God is, "what do you want to do in the coming years?" We are learning to walk in harmony with the way He created us, with the dreams He placed within us. I always assumed that the dreams we relinquished 17 years ago were discarded by God in some heavenly trashcan of selfish desires. Little did I know that when I relinquished them into His hands, instead of discarding them, He gently cared for them for me.
A bit over four years ago, I realized that I was deeply stirred by something that I thought was forever gone. I remember asking Bev if she thought that perhaps God was giving my dreams back to me. The past number of years the dreams and the strategies to fulfill them began to re-emerge.
In all my years in leadership in the institutional church, I never felt like I fit. Whenever a group of pastors gathered, it seemed to me that I was the only one who did not have a burning desire to be "in ministry". I never asked for ministry position and never felt the need to grasp for it. For 17 years, I have labored primarily in the institutional church, building structures and systems. Yet for the past five years I have become increasingly aware of the problems of "church".
Today, the rebirth of my God-given dreams leads me away from the institutional church to a place of more organic church. I want to be involved with the work of God, not just in the restoration work in the lives of individuals but in the more mundane work of producing food to feed people. I desire deep relationships that demand transformation but I have no desire to attend church functions unless they facilitate the formation of relationships. I have no stomach for the endless meetings needed to prop up the institutional church. I am tired of the religious control that masquerades as accountability. I can no longer tolerate systems and structures that hinder healing, restoration, and ultimately, the work of God.
And so after 17 years, it's over. I will still blog about my observations on my walk with Jesus. As the Holy Spirit leads, I will still teach and preach...I can't keep my mouth shut when a message burns in my heart. But I will no longer give my time and energy building something that does not harmonize with what God is doing in me.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Sweetheart Weekend
February 11-13, 2011
What is a Sweetheart Weekend?
Life has a way of interfering with the heart to heart relationship that makes a great marriage. From time to time it is advantageous to take some dedicated time away from the busyness of life to reconnect on deep heart to heart and romantic level with your spouse. The Sweetheart Weekend is a great way to spend uninterrupted time with your spouse.
Our goal is for good marriages to be strengthened over the weekend. This retreat is not designed for those whose marriages are troubled at this time.
Where and when is it held?
We (Beverly and I) will be hosting it at El-Quest Lodge in the 1000 Island Region of Upstate NY. El-Quest Lodge is a beautiful four bedroom, three bathroom, log home on the shores of Black Lake. The Sweetheart Weekend will begin with dinner on Friday evening and conclude with Sunday dinner at noon. The GPS location is 307 Black Lake Rd, Hammond, NY
How many couples can come?
We have room for only three couples at a time. Spots will be filled on a first come basis.
What will we do?
We will eat together as well as have some time for group interaction. However, the majority of the time will be reserved for you and your spouse alone. There are small quaint towns to explore. The snow covered landscape makes for beautiful long walks. There will be time for reading by the fireplace or for watching movies in the media room.
What is the cost?
The investment into your marriage is $150 per couple. That price includes all meals and bedding (with the exception of pillows). We do ask that you bring your own towels and washcloths. If funds are a problem, the generosity of some individuals has made some partial scholarships available. Additionally, if you would like to sponsor a couple, please contact us.
How do we reserve our spot?
Please contact Glen and Beverly Peachey either via phone or email.
717-436-2476 or glenpeachey@embarqmail.com
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
my wish
If I could wish for anything for you in the coming year, it would not be a wish of success, wealth, or prosperity. While I certainly hope those things will manifest in your life in 2011, my wish for you is more basic.
In many ways, our life can be likened to a large building – if the foundation is properly built, then the building should endure. On the other hand, a poorly built foundation dooms even the best of construction. Success, wealth, or prosperity can exist for a time if built on a deficient foundation. Eventually, however, the insufficient foundation will no longer support the weight of these things.
Perhaps the most basic of foundational building blocks is found in Paul’s words to the churches in Galatia. My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you… Christ formed in you – now that is my wish for you. Christ formed in you – that will fundamentally transform your life.
Christ formed in you – What can you and I expect as a result of His formation in us? If we read the Gospel accounts, we quickly discover the ramifications of Him in us. We will manifest His characteristics. We can expect the same reactions from the same types of people. As He becomes formed more fully in us, we no longer strive to be Christ-like. His formation in us transforms us from glory to glory.
As Christ is formed in us, the Word still becomes flesh. As Christ is formed in us, Emanuel, “God with us” becomes evident to the world. May Christ be more fully formed in you in the coming year!
In many ways, our life can be likened to a large building – if the foundation is properly built, then the building should endure. On the other hand, a poorly built foundation dooms even the best of construction. Success, wealth, or prosperity can exist for a time if built on a deficient foundation. Eventually, however, the insufficient foundation will no longer support the weight of these things.
Perhaps the most basic of foundational building blocks is found in Paul’s words to the churches in Galatia. My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you… Christ formed in you – now that is my wish for you. Christ formed in you – that will fundamentally transform your life.
Christ formed in you – What can you and I expect as a result of His formation in us? If we read the Gospel accounts, we quickly discover the ramifications of Him in us. We will manifest His characteristics. We can expect the same reactions from the same types of people. As He becomes formed more fully in us, we no longer strive to be Christ-like. His formation in us transforms us from glory to glory.
As Christ is formed in us, the Word still becomes flesh. As Christ is formed in us, Emanuel, “God with us” becomes evident to the world. May Christ be more fully formed in you in the coming year!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
joy to the world
Christmastime – the time when we celebrate the intervention of God into the affairs of humanity. What a concept – God with us! Peace on earth, good will to man!
Yet 2000 years ago, the coming of Jesus into the realm of man was not met with universal joy. The book of Revelation gives a glimpse into the chaos that surrounded the coming of Jesus. …and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. Someone wasn’t happy about the arrival of the Messiah!
As the adult life of Jesus unfolds, we find that the displeasure with the presence of the Messiah wasn’t limited to the time of His birth. His interaction with the religious leaders of Israel continually provoked them to the same destructive rage that is revealed in the book of Revelation.
Why did the presence of Jesus elicit such a reaction? Might it be that His entry into the course of humanity revealed the way humanity had departed from the ways of God? His life was a stark reminder that ways of God are far different than the ways of man. His presence in the midst of those who claimed to be “the chosen of God” revealed just how far they had departed from the One they claimed to represent.
Years ago, I was part of a new church. Within a short timeframe, several people in the church heard in their spirit that Jesus was going to come and walk among us. We excitedly awaited the fulfillment of the prophetic promptings. We expected some sort of manifestation that would draw people into our meetings; what a glorious time it would be! Unfortunately we were deeply misguided in our expectations. There were no great miracles and healings. However God gave some of the leaders a deep love for those in bondage, those “in the world”. That alignment with the heart of Jesus caused a great deal of painful conflict within the church.
Years later I realized that Jesus had indeed walked among us. His presence revealed the heart of those whose desires were self-centered instead of God-centered. At the point of that revelation, they began to attack the very things in which they professed to believe.
Experience has taught me that things today are really no different than 2000 years ago. When “God with Us” manifests, the dragon still stands ready to devour the Messiah at His entrance. And just like 2000 years ago, the dragon will ultimately fail. The Messiah will come within and through us. The words of Jesus, taken from the book of Isaiah, will still come to pass.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.
In the midst of the good news of “God with Us” this Christmas season, don’t be alarmed by conflict that erupts at the coming of the Messiah.
Yet 2000 years ago, the coming of Jesus into the realm of man was not met with universal joy. The book of Revelation gives a glimpse into the chaos that surrounded the coming of Jesus. …and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. Someone wasn’t happy about the arrival of the Messiah!
As the adult life of Jesus unfolds, we find that the displeasure with the presence of the Messiah wasn’t limited to the time of His birth. His interaction with the religious leaders of Israel continually provoked them to the same destructive rage that is revealed in the book of Revelation.
Why did the presence of Jesus elicit such a reaction? Might it be that His entry into the course of humanity revealed the way humanity had departed from the ways of God? His life was a stark reminder that ways of God are far different than the ways of man. His presence in the midst of those who claimed to be “the chosen of God” revealed just how far they had departed from the One they claimed to represent.
Years ago, I was part of a new church. Within a short timeframe, several people in the church heard in their spirit that Jesus was going to come and walk among us. We excitedly awaited the fulfillment of the prophetic promptings. We expected some sort of manifestation that would draw people into our meetings; what a glorious time it would be! Unfortunately we were deeply misguided in our expectations. There were no great miracles and healings. However God gave some of the leaders a deep love for those in bondage, those “in the world”. That alignment with the heart of Jesus caused a great deal of painful conflict within the church.
Years later I realized that Jesus had indeed walked among us. His presence revealed the heart of those whose desires were self-centered instead of God-centered. At the point of that revelation, they began to attack the very things in which they professed to believe.
Experience has taught me that things today are really no different than 2000 years ago. When “God with Us” manifests, the dragon still stands ready to devour the Messiah at His entrance. And just like 2000 years ago, the dragon will ultimately fail. The Messiah will come within and through us. The words of Jesus, taken from the book of Isaiah, will still come to pass.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.
In the midst of the good news of “God with Us” this Christmas season, don’t be alarmed by conflict that erupts at the coming of the Messiah.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
hypocrites
The other evening I heard the words of Jesus in my spirit - Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: "This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
I opened the scriptures to read and re-read the surrounding events that frame the account. When Jesus spoke these words, He was interacting with the Pharisees. He responded to their accusations, accusations that were spawned by their efforts to find fault with Him.
For the past several days, I have repeatedly returned to these words. This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me - what a sharp indictment! As I pondered the implication of these words, I asked the Holy Spirit how the Pharisees got to the point of honoring with their lips only. I am certain that they would have assumed that they were honoring God completely. In my own life; how do I know that I am not in the same place?
The answer came in the next phrase - And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. The connection was and is clear. When I put forth man-inspired teachings and present them as God's mandates, I become like the Pharisees, honoring God verbally only.
My mind travelled back through my personal journey with God. I realized how frequently I clung to paradigms that were contrary to scripture, especially as they had to do with God and the church. It feels like a dangerous proposition to honestly compare my own belief system with the truth of scripture. I have noticed that when we are confronted with a conflict between our own belief system and scripture, it is much easier to cling to our own paradigms and reject scripture. Now, we would never freely admit to our decision. Therefore we hold on to our belief systems all the while presenting them as truth from God. We even search the scriptures to discover a verse or two that will lend credence to our man made perceptions.
I have also discovered how dangerous it is to point out the difference between between our man-inspired teachings and the truth as revealed in scripture. If you dare to make mention of the differences, you will be viciously attacked by those who are most deeply invested in their own paradigms. The Pharisees resisted the exposure brought by the person of Jesus. As the exposure continued, they became increasingly vociferous in their attacks until eventually they betrayed Him to death.
Regardless of the cost, we must follow the example of Jesus. He did nothing of His own. His teaching was not His own. His words were not His own. His belief system was shaped, not in a self-centered intellectual manner, but in the place of submission to the will of the Father. If we freely allow our paradigms to be challenged by the Holy Spirit and scripture, we can expect that our worship will not be in vain.
I opened the scriptures to read and re-read the surrounding events that frame the account. When Jesus spoke these words, He was interacting with the Pharisees. He responded to their accusations, accusations that were spawned by their efforts to find fault with Him.
For the past several days, I have repeatedly returned to these words. This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me - what a sharp indictment! As I pondered the implication of these words, I asked the Holy Spirit how the Pharisees got to the point of honoring with their lips only. I am certain that they would have assumed that they were honoring God completely. In my own life; how do I know that I am not in the same place?
The answer came in the next phrase - And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. The connection was and is clear. When I put forth man-inspired teachings and present them as God's mandates, I become like the Pharisees, honoring God verbally only.
My mind travelled back through my personal journey with God. I realized how frequently I clung to paradigms that were contrary to scripture, especially as they had to do with God and the church. It feels like a dangerous proposition to honestly compare my own belief system with the truth of scripture. I have noticed that when we are confronted with a conflict between our own belief system and scripture, it is much easier to cling to our own paradigms and reject scripture. Now, we would never freely admit to our decision. Therefore we hold on to our belief systems all the while presenting them as truth from God. We even search the scriptures to discover a verse or two that will lend credence to our man made perceptions.
I have also discovered how dangerous it is to point out the difference between between our man-inspired teachings and the truth as revealed in scripture. If you dare to make mention of the differences, you will be viciously attacked by those who are most deeply invested in their own paradigms. The Pharisees resisted the exposure brought by the person of Jesus. As the exposure continued, they became increasingly vociferous in their attacks until eventually they betrayed Him to death.
Regardless of the cost, we must follow the example of Jesus. He did nothing of His own. His teaching was not His own. His words were not His own. His belief system was shaped, not in a self-centered intellectual manner, but in the place of submission to the will of the Father. If we freely allow our paradigms to be challenged by the Holy Spirit and scripture, we can expect that our worship will not be in vain.
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