Greed

This morning the ABC network reported on the excessive life-style of Marie Douglas-David, a Swedish countess currently appealing her divorce settlement from former husband, George David.  The report implicated her 'greed' by bearing critically on her request for more money than her alloted $53,000 per week.  Her reasoning?  This wasn't enough to cover her expenses. 

When we hear of things like this, especially in today's economic clime, we cringe.  While around us people are losing jobs, houses, and even their dignity - news of this stuns our sensibilities.  We cry... "What greed!"  "How dare she!"  And, "who does she think she is?" 

Wikipedia defines greed as, 'the desire or pursuit of money, wealth, power, food or possessions - especially when this denies the same goods to others' and based on this definition, a lot of us are in trouble.  In Catholicism, greed is one of the seven deadly sins - and in Colossians 3:5 we are told that greed is a form of idolatry - a direct breach against God's Command to have and hold  'other God's' before Him. 

But while pointing our finger at the person who wants more than $53,000 a week to live on is easy, it can also keep us from looking at our own selves in the mirror.  We, who so often pass by a brother or sister in need to offer them absolutely nothing - while we complain over living with our $1,000 (or whatever) per week.  

So what should we do?  Well Jesus gives sound advice.  

1. We are not to place the needy above Christ (Matthew 26:11) 

2. We are to give, when we give, as 'as unto' Him  - and are commended in so doing.  (Matthew 25:44-45)

Jesus said that 'we will always have the poor with us,' which is sobering - not in plight but opportunity.  An opportunity for us to say no to greed, yes to God, and yes to others - all in the name, and fame, of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Pastor Sam   

20 years - looking back and forward

On Sunday March 29 Parkwayhills will celebrate the 20th anniversary of her first Sunday, which occurred on March 26, 1989.  The day will be more than nostalgic as we take time to remember from where we've come, to celebrate where we are and be challenged concerning our next 20 years to come.  The theme of this day is 'Rediscovering Roots,' and one process in readying us has included 'video interviews' of members compositing, as best we can, a picture of the whole of these last 20 years.  As these have told their stories reflecting both on events and on how they felt about such, it has been nothing short of an encouraging reminder of the power of Christ through His church.  

Now many of you know I am a longtime 'journaler,' and, as such, have recorded many things about our church over the years.  However, in giving these volumes an overview of late, I am curious at how infrequent my chronicle includes anything statistical.  My interest?  The hand of God and His work in my heart, in my family and in the hearts and lives of the people I am called to serve.   

As I look back over these 20 years I am amazed, of course, at the physical changes in this area of the Tollway Corridor and West Plano. Doing this, I am even more thrilled at the providence of God in placing us here.  Confessedly, I now admit to supposing myself more of God's wielder of things yet to come -  but, as I take my 'View from the Tollway' today, I am grateful at seeing much more of Him and a whole lot less of me in the process.

Perhaps there will come a day when this parkway will include, not only a tollway south, but a train - one traversing all the way from the River Red to Downtown Dallas.  On that day, that someday, someone may look out the window of this train to see our dome, or perhaps a cross or bell atop a sanctuary yet to come.  Perhaps in that moment God will speak to that one and cause them to get off that train at a station called "Chapel Hill," and come in.  Inside the church, I pray, there will be people - people far from us in time, yet tied to us in ways more powerful than one can know - by the very Spirit and call of God.  On that day this one may hear the gospel and bow their knee to the Man who died on the cross forgiving them of their sin.  And, on that day, we, the saints who've gone before, will see more clearly and certainly the very will and purpose of God in building what we now call - His church on the Parkway!  

Twenty Six Years of Joy

Belinda and I entered the 'highest halls of human happiness' 26 years ago today. The time has proven a marvelous journey that still finds us as excited as ever.  What began with commitment at the altar of Park Cities Baptist Church, continues with the same.  Along the way we have known encouragement - from friends, family and church.  Today we enjoy contentment - a kind of comfort (not complacency) in our own skin and with each other.  

It is said that our faith in Christ has much in common with marriage. Like marriage, Christianity also begins with commitment then continues through the encouragement of spiritual growth to create a soul knowing the deep contentment of an all-satisfying relationship with Christ.  Perhaps that is why Paul and other biblical writers drew from the analogy.  (Ephesians 5)

When I asked for my wife's hand, I said, 'there will never be a day in our marriage that you doubt my love for you." A bold statement?  Not really.  For as I began to unpack the passage from Paul, "husbands, love your wives..."  it occurred to me that love, here, was not a noun but a verb - a command.   In other words, this was something requiring more than romance, more than feeling, it required my choice.  In short, on any day that I consciously decided to love Belinda, then followed through with words, attitude and actions, I could.  Likewise, on any day that I decided not to love her, I wouldn't.  Making this 'bold' statement not nearly so after all - only as 'bold' as my will.  My commitment to her was nothing short of a commitment to Christ - and, in that, also held the promise of aid by the Holy Spirit in me.    

Perhaps this dashes your idea of romance.  Or, if like me, this may encourage you in how the marriage covenant may be maintained - at least from a husbands perspective.  I do pray so!  For... on the day that you do so (commit) you will unlock the potential of LIFEchange forever. What was it that Jesus said?  "Take my yoke upon you, learn of me, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light, and there you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29 and 30)  In other words, what seems hard is really (In Christ)... the easiest and most sensible step of all.  

Yours 'for 26 years of joy, more!'

Pastor Sam 

Keep talking, it can get worse, or...

OK.  I rarely use this blog to vent but, this time, I must.  I listened last night (02.09.2009) to our President's press conference and came away with more bad news.  Before bedtime I told Belinda, "the Dow's dropping today" to which she asked me, 'how do you know that?' "Because it watches TV," I replied, then went on to bed with a sour stomach (by the way, the Dow, at 3:00 PM eastern time on 02.10.2009, is down 370 points).  

Then, today, in a phone call to one of our largest banks holding one of our Credit Cards, they tried hard to convince me I needed a new 'fee' attached to my card because, "Mr Dennis, don't you realize that this is one of the worst times in our history?"  To which I replied, "Now, that's enough!"  December 7, 1941?  "Yes."  September 11, 2001, "Yes!"  "But today?  No Ma'am!"   Then asked for the name of her CEO and his address, for, today, I am sending  him a personal check for $20, to invite him, when he gets off his jet, to have a hot dog on me.  But don't tell me, anymore, that this is the worst of times in our history.  I have had ENOUGH. 

So now you know how I feel.  Like you I care for people, and am more than willing to help those in need.  Like you I am feeling the pinch of volatile markets.  Like you I am concerned over dying industry, and whether or not we really need to shore them up once more or just let them go on and die.  Like you, I want the government to do what they can, and should, but... I do not want them telling me what's good for me.  Not now and not ever.    If you want to stimulate my economy, mail me a check, but, don't take it from Peter if he doesn't have it. I know his friend, Paul, and he surely does not need any more midnight robberies from his bank.  

Yes, scripture tells us a lot about the things we should do.  We are to honor our parents, do good to all, preach the gospel, help the poor, and... guard our tongue.  Yes, the tongue is a powerful thing.  It is like a rudder on a ship. (James 3:1-18)  For with one word a whole ship can be turned.  That's why we must aim to be careful with what we say, and to whom. 

If you are wondering about this economy, or, really, about anything in your life, don't look to what might be if things get worse.  Look to what is and could be as you take steps and speak words to make things better.  

In short, choose your words carefully.  After all, "a fools voice is known by much speaking." (Eccl. 5:3)  And, with that, I beg your leave.

Yours for better - 

Pastor Sam 

 

20 January 2009 - 'A Historic Day'

I remember the 50s and early 60s in Texas.  I remember public places with separate water fountains marked 'colored' and 'white.'  I remember the curiosity I would feel when 'Paw Paw' would drive me through the area called 'the quarters' in Mexia - as shy, black, children, sitting on porches and playing in yards would gawk at the shinny new car with Mr. Sellers and his little grandson, Sammy, driving by.  I didn't really know any black people then, except through the conversations of my parents or grandparents who at times would stop to talk with them.  But, I did know, at least, that I was in trouble if I were not kind to all.  We were Christians - and the practice of kindness and charity was taught and expected.  When Paw Paw did comment, which was seldom, there was a sadness and fatigue expressed at the way things were, so that I held a helpful understanding when change began. 

As I grew older I came to realize that what we were doing just wasn't enough. I felt shame for the racial division of my Texas roots and country.  Though I chose not to say so in front of my peers, I didn't enjoy the jokes that 'type cast' people, and would walk away when they came.  I got equally upset when African Americans, in my mind, would acquiesce in demeanor to stereotypes themselves - whether that be the passive subservience of my grandparents hometown and time,  the bitterness and pessimism of the radical political activism of my day, or, more recently, as kids who should act otherwise would 'perform' as nothing more than 'boys and girls from the hood.'  Likewise, when peers would diminish the work, leadership, and healthy recognition of men and women like Dr. Martin Luther King or Barbara Jordan, I would take exception - always - and still do.  

So that I concur with what our former President, George W. Bush, said regarding yesterday - "it was was a great day for America."  A win in every conceivable way.  For yesterday was a reminder that, for most Americans, we really do hold to the words that "all men are created equal."  Indeed, the whole world was watching yesterday - and what it saw was worthy of note.  As Christians we know not to worship men - but we are to love and treat them the same.  Barack Obama is not our Saviour, but he is a man - and now... he is our President.  The fact that this is so should give hope to every American, and stand as one reason more we say to our children and grandchildren, 'this is an America to be proud of.'   

So there was a time when what happened yesterday could not be.  I remember that time.  But, today it is... a "historic day" indeed!    

Pastor Sam 

January and change!

I can't believe it is January 14!  WOW!  Is it just me, or has your life, too, moved from passing to flying - and, at the speed of the Internet?  

Speaking of which, on the 4th of this month I and my family, along with 82 others, returned  from Israel where we were blessed to experience the 'trip of a lifetime.  Taking in this Holy lands' scenery, history, spiritual legacy and import was something I will never forget.  What I saw was incredible.  What I felt was life-changing.  And now... in a matter of days, I am back at my desk and computer, "changed" by this experience to realize things will never be the same

Now as we come to this new year and, particularly, this week's presidential inaugural, many are calling this time an unprecedented 'time of change'.   But being careful not to sound trite or dismissive, I would argue that every year is a year of change.  Or should be.  That which is gone is gone - and that which is yet to come is, well,  yet to come.  Both blessing and challenge track each of us every day, and how we respond is what determines, in very real ways, what our change will be. 

"But if God is Sovereign,' the fatalist might argue, 'does it really matter what I do?"  I think it does.  The Bible admonishes us to take an active part in our life on this earth - and to do so every day.  We are to trust in God and 'lean not on our own understanding.'  Here we will find that as we 'acknowledge Him' He will 'direct our path' (Prov. 3: 5-6).

Change is!  And... change is good!  Or it can be.   Why?  Because those 'in Christ' may face such with one Saviour and two distinct applications - Christ as Help and as Anchor.  He lives in us and is our anchor.  This is why we may also call Him our Hope.  Not the financial markets.  Not even the nation of Israel, nor (got to add this) the great state of Texas.  And the more things change around me, even here in January 2009, the more certain I am of this. 

Blessings - 

Pastor Sam 

  

The Day Before Christmas

At this preachers house the Day before Christmas is a good day.  It's like Sunday, but unfettered.  It's good in that I get to do three things I love - go to church, preach and worship.  But better in that I get to do so distinctively.   Yes...  in 19 years on the Parkway I cannot recall one person ever coming up to me on Christmas Eve to tell me what they think is wrong with the church.  Not that this happens often on other Sundays, but, it does on 'some,' and it is usually about things that are so important, too, (NOT) like music selection, air conditioning, heat, room set up, advertising, another staff member, etc.  So that, like I said, Christmas Eve for this preacher is Sunday unfettered, and... I love it.  

Now I was thinking today about why this is so.  I thought, 'maybe its because ownership and opinion is displaced by purpose.'  Now there's a thought.  Could it be that Christmas Eve Worship brings the purpose of our being at church to focus on Him so to the fore that nothing else matters?   Perhaps so.  Or, maybe it's just that we've got so much company (big crowds and lot's of guests), or that (Heaven forbid)  the 'meanies' are just simply out of town (oh, surely not!).  So that Christmas Eve ranks as one of the sweetest of worships I know.  

Yes, Mom's, Dad's, Kid's, friends, relatives, neighbors - all as one big, HAPPY, family set each to wonder at what God has done.  Which is... something!  God with us!  Come as a baby.  Born to die so that we might live.  So that as we sing together our Carol, Silent Night, we really are set to wonder at the grandeur and love of God, reminded of what church is, and understanding of why it is we've come.  

Yes!  The day before Christmas, Christmas Eve, is that Sunday unfettered.  A taste of Heaven.  A reminder of God.  Which always brings me to...  

A Merry Christmas, indeed!

Pastor Sam