Learning to Shift

I had the teenage boy’s first dream job: filling vending machines. I landed the job when I was 16. BUT! There was a catch. I had to be able to drive a “3 on a tree" panel van…in other words, a manual transmission with the shifter on the column.

Fortunately, my grandpa owned a pale green 1964 Chevy pick up with 3 on the tree. I got on my bike and rode to grandpa's. Before he'd let me take the truck on the road I had to prove myself in a field. He got the truck to the field, got out, and went in the house. With the determination of a boy wanting to prove his manhood, I slid onto the driver’s seat and proceeded to stall out time and time and time again.  Finally, I managed to move. The problem was as the truck gained speed, the reality was I needed to shift to second. So much coordination was needed… or soon I would be wearing a neck brace. Eventually I got the hang of things after grinding my share of gears. I landed the summer job and enjoyed being paid to eat candy bars, I mean to fill vending machines with candy bars.

We all have times when we need to shift...from being single to married, from one job to another, from the loss of a parent to a new reality, from no kids to kids, from kids living at home to an empty nest, and the reality of a shift from marriage to single hood (some by choice others by a complete inability to stop it). Learning to shift is a reality that at times I've handled well and others not so well.

Recently, I have had to learn another kind of shifting. It’s actually a whole string of shifts I’m  having to make. I’m shifting from full-time vocational ministry to ministry as a lifestyle.  While I do not miss the endless meetings, having to go into the office, or feeling the weight of responsibility, now I wonder who am I without this role? Emotions threaten… like insecurity, fear, and worthlessness. I wonder what do I do with my time? Will my gifts of communication or leadership ever be used anywhere again? Is there a place for me as just Marty? Am I done making an impact? Will I just fade into the sunset doing crossword puzzles, wearing slippers, eating dinner at 4:30, and becoming an opinionated, grumpy old man? 

There have been two passages of scripture that speak deeply into my feelings and questions:

1. Lamentations 3:22-23: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
2. John 5:17 ...Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”

As I shift, God has been faithful and His mercy right beside me. Every now and then I have opportunities to use my gifts and build His Kingdom. Knowing that God is always working in and through me is comforting. Though my shift took me out of a full-time role, He is not finished using me. The question becomes: am I aware of His working and join Him versus am I wondering what’s next? 

I don’t know what shifts you may be encountering but what I do know is God’s faithfulness and mercies are always at work. God is always working.  Are you looking for what he is doing? Some shifts, I’m learning, are smooth and fluid; while others are grinding with whiplash. The good news is: no matter how we shift, God’s faithfulness and mercy are constant passengers right beside us. Hopefully, as you approach your next shift, you will see God working and you know He will be faithful with his mercy for you as you "grind some gears.”

Happy Shifting,

Marty

 

Dancing with Covid

I didn’t grow up going to dances. In fact, I was afraid of them. It was on the list of things I was to avoid like the plague. But there was a dance recently that grabbed me by the hand and drug me to the dance floor.

I really didn’t think I would end up with this partner. It seemed like everyone else was out on the dance floor but just like my adolescence, I was content sitting this one out. What I soon discovered was this partner wasn’t picky. It would dance with anyone.

The results of this dance were life changing. It was a slow dance filled with an awkward awareness I wasn’t the one leading. The song was more of a dirge than a romantic sway. The longer it lasted the more my attention began to shift. Somewhere in the dance I changed partners. My new partner held me like I’d never been held before, led me to places I’d never been, and invited me to new places. The music had changed. Instead of the drone of minor chords there was a blend of instruments, a melody that engaged my mind and body. The harmonies blended with such perfection. I wanted to dance with this partner. I didn’t want the music to stop.

When this shift in partners happened I’m not so sure of. But what I do know is that my Covid partner set me up. It set me up to be reawakened to the presence of my Heavenly Father, a partner who danced with me before. But something or someone was different now, me. My awareness had changed. The rhythm of this music wasn’t hard to keep. I wanted to follow His lead instead of insisting He follow mine. 

This dance has continued even though my first partner moved on. I am not grateful for my dance with Covid. I am forever grateful someone cut in and has been leading me ever since and I want to keep on dancing.

1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith---of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire---may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Freedom isn’t...

The way this statement has been finished usually goes like this: Freedom isn’t free. It’s true, what maybe free to me or free to you, cost someone something. That free lunch came from somewhere. Someone paid the price for that lunch.

Yesterday, as Americans we celebrated the 243rd birthday of America and our freedom. Indeed, that freedom wasn’t free. Many men and women have given their lives, the ultimate price for what we call our freedoms today.

Another way to finish this statement might surprise you. Freedom isn’t without limitations. It sounds like a contradiction. Doesn’t freedom mean no limits, no restrictions? Not necessarily. What does that mean? Many misunderstand what freedom is. They think freedom is: I get to do whatever I want, whenever I want, with whomever I want. 

When America won their independence from England what did that freedom mean, free from what? We were free from taxation without representation. We were free to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  However, we are not free to pursue these things when what I am doing hinders someone else’s freedom to pursue. Real freedom has to involve limitations.

FREEDOM WITHOUT LIMITATIONS will result in confusion and will eventually lead to a lot of pain. When I turned 16, I couldn’t wait to have the freedom to drive. But with that freedom came restrictions. I was free to drive as long as I followed the limits. I was free to drive until I looked in my rear view mirror and saw flashing red lights. Once I realized the speed limit was not a suggestion and the pain of parting with $89, the whole idea of freedom having limits started to sink in.

As humans we crave freedom, but because we are human, we have limits. Natural limits. I may want to fly. I am free to fly but I can flap my arms and run fast, but my human limitations won’t allow me to fly. We are created to be free but with limitations. 

There is a freedom that is offered by Jesus. He said we can know the truth and it will set us free. Free from what: sin, despair, loneliness, anxiety, hopelessness, and aimless wondering about our purpose. This freedom isn’t free. It came with at a tremendous price: the death of Jesus. And this freedom, like any freedom comes with limits. The limits of understanding that the One who created me, knows how best for me to live. Some would say: that’s not freedom. But living within God’s limits of freedom is what brings meaning and purpose to life. It also allows you to experience life that way God intended. I don’t know about you, but I want to experience life fully the way God had in mind.

So, how would you finish this statement: freedom is....

Take Care,

 Marty

Yesterday

Yesterday I saw death. I saw a lifeless shell of a man lying still, ashen, and breathless. What lay in the bed was a reminder of what will eventually happen to all of us, to me. I will lay in a similar state.

The man who occupied the body in that bed is now enjoying life like never before. He had come to faith in Jesus late in life. I had the privilege of baptizing him and watching his love for

Jesus and His church grow like crazy. 

The summers after he retired wasn't spent traveling, sitting around, or playing golf. He loved to fish, but that paled in comparison to what occupied his time. He spent countless hours serving: at a local food bank and at church. First. as a setup coordinator, making sure tables and chairs were set up for groups, classes, meetings, and celebrations. Then, as the weather turned

warmer he moved outside to pick up trash and man the weed eater.

Why did a man who now had time to do whatever he wanted to do, chose to do such things? His new found faith gave him a new found purpose and resolve. He wanted to do whatever he

could so others could know Jesus like he did.

Yesterday I saw death, but what I saw was temporary, defeated! Now, the man who once occupied the lifeless body, is enjoying what we do not see...eternal life filled with incredible joy, purpose, and love.

Yesterday I saw death but I know that today Jack sees LIFE.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:18

Picking Sides

It starts early. Two square off and begin calling out names. In a matter of seconds the sides are chosen and the game begins. It continues on past school age. Two people want to be…on the board, a senator, or even President and lines are drawn and sides are chosen.

This practice has gone on for centuries. When civility, the good of all, and respect prevails, the process works. Today however, the picking of sides has gotten so intense there is a polarization occurring. “If I pick this side, then your side is wrong and we cannot get along.” This happens in elections, committees, homes, and even the church.

Currently, there is a movement exposing the exploitation of women by domineering men. Men who use their power to gain advantage, most of the time referring to unwanted sexual encounters. For the abused, the pain, fear, and anxiety consumes them. They don’t feel safe and always on alert to the pain and confusion. They also feel cast aside, shamed, and even made to feel as though they were the problem. Many remain silent living out the pain and confusion in isolation. As abusers are outed and exposed and we hear the stories of the victimized, we are reminded again that we live in a desperately broken world. 

The Church has not been immune from this brokenness. There are countless stories of women being victimized. There have been accusations leveled toward several pastors who’s names are recognizable and ministries have been significant. On a side note, it seems that accusations, no matter if they are true or not places the accused as guilty until proven innocent, bringing fruitful ministry to an end. But that’s another post.

A dynamic that is concerning about this whole issue is the choosing of sides that happens within the church. One has to declare their allegiance to either the victims or the accused. I believe Jesus is concerned about both the victims and the accused. His compassion, grace, and love is broad enough for both. I don’t understand it and it goes against all natural tendencies that vibrate through my bones. I want the guilty to pay dearly for what they have perpetuated. But, am I much different from those who are guilty? I have my own issues and sin. Do I really want to be isolated, condemned, and discarded? Or, would I hope there could be healing for me? Again, this is not to negate the story of the abused or give credence for abusers, but merely ask the question how does Jesus respond to brokenness?

Choosing of sides in the church and society causes a polarization. In the church the polarization occurs between brothers and sisters in Christ. It brings division, separation, and cripples the cause of Christ. Since when are we to choose who we love, support, and care for? Let me be clear; I am not saying that those who are guilty should not be brought to justice or experience the consequences of their sin. But, from my reading of Scripture we are all guilty and in need of forgiveness and grace. And, no one is too far gone in their brokenness that the redemption of Jesus cannot reach.

When it comes to the notable pastors and the accusations to date, why not let those involved in the issues: the leadership, the accused, and the victims be the ones to work through a process of resolution. I need to stand back and refuse the temptation to jump into the fray with limited information and pick a side!

What has been circulating in my mind regarding this issue is the role of the church in living out the unity, love, and compassion Jesus prayed for in the book of John. Can we stop choosing sides, dividing churches, ministries, and focus on building God’s kingdom? Could choosing sides be a diversion by the enemy to keep the church from her mission and cause us to be ineffective? 

The answer to this issue of abuse and how to respond is not easy, simple, or without mess. It's hard, but I believe doable, IF there is a commitment to come along side the victims, listen, care, and walk with them. AND, keep in mind the abuser is not the enemy. They are captives to an enemy and their sin, but in need of freedom from their bondage.

So, the next time you are tempted to choose sides, resist the urge unless you're playing kickball, choose to act in a way that will help people see the heart of Jesus!

Blessings,

Marty

Vacation...Staycation

10 days of vacation, what would you do? Here’s what I did: Time to see dear friends and family…5 days. Worked around the house…5 days. Spent time with Ruthann…the whole time. Did A LOT of Reading, Praying, and Listening to God. Value of the 10 days…PRICELESS!

Here is the skinny on what happened.  Initially, the plan was to take 2 weeks and get away.  However, after a recent wedding and a completion of a graduate degree, finances and a plan slipped through our fingers on this vacation. Our vacation quickly morphed into a staycation.  

At first, I was bummed, then grateful for some much needed time out of the office and time with Ruthann.

The refreshment came as we spent time with friends and family and got out of the routine of “ministry work” and was able to complete some much needed “housework.” Note: the housework was painting exterior trim, repairing a back door where dry rot had settled in, and replacing several deck boards.

For some, this doesn’t constitute a vacation.  But for me, at this time, it did.  I’ll explain.

For 36 plus years my work environment has been filled with ministry work weeks.  For those who maybe unfamiliar with what this entails here is a glimpse: each week is similar but very different because ministry is people. People who are both a joy to be around and then others who…I think you understand.  The demands of a pastor can vary week to week with some surprising shifts.  Shifts like, praying with someone who is discouraged, working on a message, to figuring out where the water is leaking from in a massive building during a torrential downpour. This actually happened the day before my time away began! There is also the little issue of keeping a church moving forward, following God’s mission,vision, and ministry all the while Sunday comes with amazing regularity and people expect certain things to be in place!  Much of ministry is very fluid and not very concrete. 

 Recently, I had a conversation with a few younger pastors and I said: “I bet I can tell you one thing you do that you enjoy while others may think you’re crazy.”  “What" they answered. “Mow the lawn” I said. Every person  said a resounding “yes."  

For some of you, you may think pastors who like to mow their lawns are crazy.  We are crazy, but not for that reason! I love to mow my lawn because it’s one thing that when I put the mower away I can look back and see what I did.  Ministry on the other hand can be so illusive on the “what did I accomplish” side of things, one begins to wonder if anything was accomplished. This staycation was one where some things got DONE!

But the main refreshment came in spending some much needed time with Ruthann and the reading, prayer, and listening to God. I have to admit, when my ministry life is a lot about reading, praying, and listening to God, I can become just a little cynical about that filling a vacation.  However, this was different. This was God breathing life into me at a very critical time that I needed the refreshment. I am so grateful for the time “away.” And, energized by what God did in me. For those of you who attend Grace Church, there will be more about the refreshment in future messages. For the rest of you…I’ll share in future blogs.

One last thing: NO I AM NOT AVAILABLE TO MOW YOUR LAWN!

Be Blessed,

Marty

Refugees, Aliens, and Foreigners...Oh My!

The following is an open letter sent to people at Grace Church Camby, IN.  Just trying to help in the chaos of this issue.  

Dear people of Grace,My heart has been distraught by the refugee and immigration conversations. What I am sharing comes from my heart and not from a political position. We as followers of Jesus must come together with the truth and grace of God’s Word. 

Recently, I saw a post on Facebook entitled: Three Things You Can Do Right Now to Show Your Support of Refugees.  I was intrigued.  What I found was the following: 1. Sign the Petition. 2. Contact your legislators. and 3. Share via social media.  As I read this I had a question: how does this help?  I understand the desire for unity and solidarity for those who are outcast. However, is that really going to show refugees I care? This issue has become political but at the heart of it is people not politics.

I’m concerned for people citing Scripture to prove a political position. It is as though If you do not agree with an open border approach or a temporary ban on entry to the United States, you are either not a follower of Jesus or very misguided in your understanding of Scripture. At Grace we have people on both sides of the political spectrum.  My prayer is we find common ground on these issues and be unified with the ‘end game’ of refugees and immigration. Both sides want peace. Both want people to be cared for. Both want justice to prevail and life to be lived to the fullest. The continuous and contentious, point, counter point, “I can manipulate Scripture to prove my point,” is not helpful. Here is a recent blog post from Pastor Gary about social media that maybe helpful: https://garysinclairconnect.wordpress.com/

With this in mind, here are some thoughts to guide our discussion and actions as followers of Jesus.

First, the issue at hand is extremely complex. If it were not so, the issues would have been solved years ago. What isn’t helpful is the misinformation, rumors, half-truths, and myths that perpetuates division. When the issue of caring and supporting refuges is on the table, I want to defer to those who have been intimately and effectively involved, listening to their perspective.

Last August, I was in a meeting with 40 other pastors and Richard Sterns, President of World Vision International. World Vision is one of few relief organizations who are in the Middle East working with refugees. He shared, first hand, the needs of the refugees.  He made a statement that brought clarity to the issue. He said: “Over 90% of refuges when asked, ‘where would you like to live,’ responded, ‘In my home country or as closely to it as possible.’” I had to ask, why then do we think bringing people here is a great idea, if they would rather remain in their region? I since learned of the added expense, time, and trauma that exists when refuges relocated to the U.S.A. Here is a startling statistic from the Center for Immigration Studies: ”each refugee from the Middle East costs…$64,370 to relocate and sustain them for 5 years in the U.S. — 12 times what the UN estimates it costs to care for one refugee in neighboring Middle Eastern countries.”  The resources it takes to resettle 1 refugee could go to help 12 refugees settle in their region. Richard then challenged us to make a difference by going to or sending resources to these areas!

Second, we need Scripture to guide us. It reminds us to seek God when we are at a loss for what to do. Are we praying about this? Before signing a petition, contacting anyone, or posting anything, first go before a Holy, Omnipotent, Gracious, Loving God.  The Bible talks about refugees, aliens, foreigners, and those in need. We are to be compassionate and ready to give a cup of cold water in Jesus name. Scripture talks about being light where we are. Last Sunday, a woman approached me after the service and said: “Can you help me, I’m living out of my car?” I don’t want to  minimize the refugee issue but there are people here who are living as refugees, aliens, and foreigners. Could it be God IS giving us opportunities to be his hands, feet, and heart here? This is not to say we shouldn’t be involved with those across the ocean but what does it say if our attention is ONLY on those in Syria, Somalia, or other war torn countries while we neglect people here? Maybe it’s a both/and proposition!

Here is my challenge. First Pray. Ask God what he wants you to do regarding this issue. 

Next, become informed about the ways you can make a difference. A way that gets you personally involved. I have included in this letter a few links to help. 

Then, do something! If God leads you to sign a petition, contact a legislator, and post on social media, then do that. If he says, share what you have with who are near you, then do that. Or if he directs you, get involved with those who are on the ground in these war torn countries. 

However God leads you, please know as your pastor I care about you and abouthow we engage this issue and other issues with one another. Please keep in mind: Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Each of us want to live out our faith in ways that make a difference and bring “up there down here.” We can do this in a way that brings people to Jesus and sees a church come together in love without having to agree politically.

To make a difference for those in our area living as refugees, foreigners, and aliens, DO NOT MISS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12. You will be given a very practical, tangible, and possibly life changing opportunity. Bring a blanket to give away and be ready to rave about God.

Grace and Peace to You all,

Marty Longcor,Pastor

http://www.preemptivelove.org http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2015/november/love-refugee-with-compassion-christ-has-shown-you.html