All posts by Pastor Curry

Pastoral thoughts

Soar

Leave a comment
DECEPTIVE, BUT FRUITFUL
I chose to read and review Kenny Luck’s book because the title, “Soar,” intrigued me and the question on the cover grabbed me: “Are you ready to accept God’s power?” I want to soar and I want to be filled with God’s power – so reading this book made sense. 
Reading the book has been fruitful. Luck does an outstanding job of thoroughly dissecting and presenting the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit in fresh ways. I consider it a unique theological work and a solid Biblical study. What keeps it fresh and stimulating is his creative approach and contemporary illustrations. Each chapter begins with an image or story and that theme is always perfectly related to whatever aspect of the Holy Spirit he’s discussing. For example his stories of flying an airplane, receiving a special Christmas gift, and his son’s broken arm are all outstanding images for understanding certain aspects of the Holy Spirit. Some chapters clarified my understanding, in some I learned something new, and in some I discovered a new, refreshing way to present an old concept.
Luck divides the book into three sections, which I found helpful. Part 1, “Transitions” deals with changes in the way we normally think about the Holy Spirit. Part 2, “Transformations” discusses how the Holy Spirit impacts and changes us. Part 3, “Transactions” points to how the Spirit impacts others through us. This is a nice summary of the purpose and ministry of the Holy Spirit, but it also allows readers to focus on each aspect of the Holy Spirit’s ministry for an extended period of time.
And when I say an extended period, that’s what it really needs to be. “Soar” cannot be a quick read – nor is it intended to be. Since I was reading it with the intent of writing a review, I tried to read through it somewhat quickly. But I would have benefited even more if I had really taken the time to utilize the great study guide, either alone or in a group setting. A group setting would, I believe, bring about the most beneficial study. Luck has put great thought into how to apply what the reader learns along the way. While my reading was fruitful, it could have been abundantly fruitful if done within a group.
I do have two criticisms or concerns. One is Luck’s repeated references to his earlier books. I found his repeated parenthetical comments referring to something he covered in one of his previous books as intrusive to the flow. A comment in the Introduction or in a footnote along the way mentioning that reading his previous books would be helpful could suffice. By weaving the repeated references into the book itself I found myself asking “Should I stop and read that book before continuing? Is he trying to sell me his previous book? Is he saying I can’t understand this without reading his previous book?” I kept wondering what it would be like if, during my sermons, I repeatedly said “I covered this last week, last month, etc.)”
My second concern is that the book is billed as part of the “God’s Man Series,” which means it’s written for men. That’s where the deception comes in. While Luck does, at times, try to draw some application to men, I found those applications fitting for women as well. Nothing he said screamed at me “This is for men only.” Since it’s billed as for men, I wonder how many women will ignore it and thereby miss what could be a vital study and life-transforming experience.
Neither of these concerns keeps from recommending this outstanding book. God blessed me – or should I say the Spirit blessed me as I read, studied, and prayed. In fact, I was deeply moved be Luck’s repeated use of passages from John, Romans, and Acts. Perhaps our Lord knew I was planning on preaching from John during Lent, from Romans next summer, and Acts next fall! For me, it was God’s sign that the book was meant for me. Read “Soar” and you will find it meant for you as well.
(“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group fopr this review.”) 
Pastoral thoughts

When Anticipating a “No”

Leave a comment
PRINCIPLE: “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.”
One of my all-time favorite television ads featured a young teenage boy trying to call a girl for a date. He was nervous and hesitant, sure of a “No” answer. But he calls anyway – and when the girl answers “Yes” he’s so stunned all he can say is “Really?” Then he’s speechless. I confess that I loved this ad because it reminded me of me in my teen years. Yes – I know it may be hard to believe that I was shy and lacked confidence but believe me – I was shy and lacked confidence. Calling a girl to ask her out was a big deal for me. I spent an unbelievable amount of time rehearsing her possible responses and what I would say in response to her responses. Then I’d pick up the phone – hesitate – and put it back down again; I needed to go over it all one more time. . Then I’d pick up the phone – hesitate – and put it back down again; I needed to go over it all one more time. . Then I’d pick up the phone – hesitate – and put it back down again; I needed to go over it all one more time. You get the picture. And while I wasn’t always as fortunate as the boy in the ad, it usually turned out okay. But the funny thing is that when I did get a “No” it was usually with some response I hadn’t rehearsed!
I’m glad I don’t have to call for dates anymore! But through the years, as I’ve thought and chuckled about that teenage struggle, I’ve concluded that it’s better to try and get a “No” than to never try and never get a “Yes.” So “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.” I’ve also learned that this principle is especially true when it comes to calling God. First of all, if the answer really is “No,” God will confirm it and we’ll be within His will. But, second, God often surprises us. But if we don’t call, He won’t answer! The truth is. He’s waiting for us to call. “O people of Zion…you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help. As soon as He hears, he will answer you.” (Is. 30:19) “Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” (Is. 58:9) “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” (Is. 65:24) “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8-9). “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.”
What do we have to lose? If we get a “No” we are certain of our Father’s will. And if we get a “Yes” we are certain the Father’s will. So the only way we will not be certain of the Father’s will is to not call. “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.” God is waiting to share with us, to give to us, to free us, to empower us. We just need to make the call – even is we’re sure God will say “No.”
I have one final thought from my experiences of calling for dates. Sometimes I was just flat turned down – no reason given. But the tone and silence communicated the feelings. That hurt. I’ve discovered that while God sometimes says “No,” He never just flat turns me down. It may feel that way but sometime, somewhere along the way the reason will be clear. He cares too much to just leave me in the dark. He is, after all, the Light of the world. So the next time you’re uncertain, or want to get in touch with our Father, even “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.”
Pastoral thoughts

When You Wreck It

Leave a comment
PRINCIPLE: “When you wreck it, thank God.”
Barb & I were so excited! We were finally entering the process of getting a ‘new’ car. In those days they called it a ‘used’ car, but it would be new for us and better than what we had at the time. A wonderful man in our congregation, Ade, sold used cars and was happy to work with us. He showed us one we wanted to try so he told us that since he trusted us we could drive it around a while and check it out. So off we went. Eventually we ended up in downtown Holland and parked on the street while we did a couple of errands. A short time later we came back to the car – and it had a huge dent in the side! Someone had rammed it – and of course they left no information. We were sick – it wasn’t even ours and now we had to take a wrecked car back to this nice man, and tell him what had happened. Sure, it wasn’t our fault, but we were embarrassed, hurt, and sorry all at once. Ade had taken a risk with us and all he got in return was damaged goods.
When we told Ade what had happened he was, not surprisingly, very gracious. He basically said, “It happens.” In the years since then I’ve learned how right he was – it happens. God takes risk with us every day. Think of what he loans us – children, talents, gifts, and resources. Think of the responsibility He’s given to us – to share the Gospel and build His Church. Think of how often we return things back to him in a wrecked condition. We come up short; we fail to use what He’s given and entrusted to us and return to Him only damaged goods. It should make us feel sick, embarrassed, hurt, and sorry – especially since it is our fault.
Yet, what I have learned is “When you wreck it, thank God.” If God didn’t loan us all these things and entrust us with all these responsibilities we wouldn’t have anything to wreck! The fact that God trusts us enough to keep taking such risks with us is a sign of His grace – He keeps on trusting us.  So “When you wreck it, thank God.” Thank Him for loving you enough to give you second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth – indeed unlimited – chances. Imagine, if God expects us to forgive ‘seventy times seven’, how many more times will He forgive us? I’m not saying we should take it easy and not worry about all He gives us nor be irresponsible with it – far from it. But, “When you wreck it, thank God.” Thank Him that “…in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” He will even …increase your store of seed and enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. He promises You will be made rich n every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.” (2 Cor. 9) He’ll just keep taking the risk with you.
So do all you can the best you can. Yet, “When you wreck it, thank God.” Thank Him, as Paul wrote, for His indescribable gift!
Pastoral thoughts

Show Me, Lord

Leave a comment
“Show Me, Lord”
So many times I’ve bowed my head,
“Oh Lord, show me your will,” I said.
He answers back, “Go walk this mile;”
I break a frown and not a smile.
“Dear Lord, an inch or two I’ll go –
But a mile, I just don’t know!
Why the mile? Why there, not here?
My life right now is just so dear.”
“Your will I want to do, I do –
But I have my conditions, too.
Oh Lord, I’ve served you with my heart;
Now this one time, please do your part!”
“Hear my prayer, just ask an inch;
And I’ll obey without a flinch.
It’s my reward for all I’ve done,
By serving faithfully your Son.”
“My son,” He said, “There’s just one thing
That to you reward will bring.
Obedience is my chosen way
To send rich blessings down your way.”
“So lose your life in serving me,
And only then will you really see,
You’ve found your life and reward too
For I myself will honor you.”
Somehow the mile has gained appeal
In fact, I consider it a deal.
I’ll walk it now, and without complaint,
And with His Spirit, I’ll not faint.
For when I put my hope in Him,
My strength renewed will not grow dim.
On eagle’s wings I know I’ll soar,
And not grow weary evermore.
So now I bow my head and say,
“Oh Lord, show me your will and way.”
He answers back, “Go walk that mile.”
I walk, and praise Him all the while.
News Commentary

A Clear Example

2 Comments

I’ve been reading with great interest the account of a supporter of the University of Connecticut’s football program. It seems he has generously donated 8 million dollars for the improvement and building of athletic facilities – certainly a wonderful gesture. It’s nice to have someone like that love your institution, isn’t it? But he is now demanding that 3 million dollars be returned to him – because he does not feel he was consulted the way he felt he should have been when the university hired their new football coach. So he sent a harsh, demeaning letter to the Athletic Director attacking and condemning him and the university in a very personal way (Yes, I have read excerpts of the letter.) And he has asked for the 3 million back stating that he wants to give it to a school that will adhere to his philosophy. The University Administration, meanwhile, has made a public response in full support of their Athletic Director.
A lot of things went through my mind as I read this over the last couple of days. I raise just one here. it appears to me that this is a clear example of what true generosity is – and is not. The Bible consistently reminds us that gratefulness leads to generosity and gratefulness flows out of love. I cannot help but wonder why the donor gave? Was it out of love and gratitude for the University or out of a desire to be a major player – to be a BMOC (Big Man On Campus)? It’s not up to me to judge; but it has reminded me to check my motives for giving whatever I give – of my money, time, and talents. Is it for my selfish desires, or out of  gratitude and love? It’s worth pondering.

Pastoral thoughts

Remember the Touch

Leave a comment
“When the touch stings, remember the touch.”
It’s so great to begin the day with the very word we need to hear – it’s almost as if God knows what we need! (Come to think of it, He does!) Such was the case for me a few weeks ago. Here’s my journal entry for that day.
“From Zechariah 2:8 – “Whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye; I raise my hand against them…” Children always seem to know when they are ‘the apple’ of someone’s eye – they may not even understand the phrase but they know the feeling. They know they are treasured and loved unconditionally – no one and nothing can change that. They love being in the presence of the one who so treasures them. These words were affirmation for me this morning – words of assurance and comfort from the Lord. He will stand up for me again today. Nothing can separate me from His love. Thank you, Lord.”
“When the touch stings, remember the touch.” God never says that we will be free from getting slapped or hit – He just says He will take the hit with us – ultimately that’s what He did on the cross. No matter how tough a day or moment may be, no matter how strong the reaction or action against you, no matter how strong the opposition or sharp the criticism, the only raised hand that matters is that of God – “I raise my hand against them.” “When the touch stings, remember the touch.” You are in the presence of your loving Lord, the one who stood on the cross for you; you are the apple of His eye; He will stand up for you today – and always. So, “when the touch stings, remember the touch.”
Pastoral thoughts

Good Reading

Leave a comment
Around this time of the year I find myself looking backward and forward. It’s always exhilarating to see what the Lord has done in my life during the past year but also to envision some goals for the coming year. Part of my reflections of this past year is reviewing the books I read (above and beyond those I read for study purposes) and recalling how they impacted me. As I have been doing so recently I decided to share with you reflections on three of those books. Perhaps they will whet your thirst and lead you to read them – and have an impact upon you as well.
Up first is a book of fiction. I don’t read enough fiction but I ventured into one of Randy Alcorn’s novels. Randy is perhaps better known for his books on stewardship and heaven, but I discovered he is a talented author of exciting fiction. I read “Deadline.” I found the book extremely difficult to put down. Not only is the story line terrific and the plot exciting and full of suspenseful mystery, but there is a powerful underlying message about life and death that gripped my soul. And the bonus is that several chapters deal with life in heaven. Of course, we don’t know what heaven is like – and Randy hasn’t been there and come back! He’s had no near death experiences. But He has thoroughly researched the Biblical references to heaven and uses them to build some solid scenes of what it might be like. I found them riveting. One chapter, in fact, portrays a man – a traffic accident fatality – in his final moments between earth and heaven. It sent chills up and down my spine. On a scale of 1 to 10, this is a 12!
I also read an autobiography entitled “Beyond Belief (Finding the Strength to Come Back).” It’s a very detailed and graphic account of Josh Hamilton – who just this past year was the MVP of baseball’s American League. Great life, right? Perhaps – but for Josh not without a great price. Josh is a man with immense, almost super human talent – but talent did him absolutely no good when he got caught up in and eventually addicted to drugs and alcohol. The journey down into and up from despair, the ongoing damage to his body, and the story of a team – the Texas Rangers – who have gone the extra mile, and then some – makes for great reading and inspiration. The book deals forthrightly with his past struggle for faith, his current relationship with Christ, and the role his wife and family play in his new life. While the book ends with hope, it also balances that hope with the reality that life will never be easy for Josh because of where’s he’s been. And all this just makes the ongoing story of his life – such as this past season – a story of miracle and a testimony grace.
The third book I bring to our attention I will soon be re-reading – once barb finishes it! It’s titled “Sun Stand Still – What Happens When You Dare to Ask God for the Impossible.” Let’s just say it spawned my Epiphany (post-Christmas, pre-Lent) series “Extreme Faith.” Masterfully weaving together his life story, ministry experience, and Joshua’s bold prayer for God to make the sun stand still author Steven Furtick does a wonderful job of examining all the elements of what a bold faith means – and doesn’t mean. I was concerned when I ordered it that it might be another charismatic “Just believe and it will be’ recipe – but it is far from that. Furtick writes simply and clearly without a condescending attitude of “I know what it’s all about – what’s wrong with you.” It is an easy, enjoyable, challenging, inspiring read that may well make you want to read it again – when your spouse has finished it! In the meantime, you’ll hear some of Furtick’s themes and thoughts through our upcoming “Extreme Faith” series.
Enjoy your reading in 2011.
Pastoral thoughts

Staying in the Sunlight

Leave a comment

“The words of the Lord are the seed sown by
the sower. Into our hearts they must fall that they may grow.
Meditation and prayer water them, and obedience keep them in the
sunlight. Thus they will bear fruit for the Lord’s gathering.”
(from ‘Life Essential’ by George Mac Donald) Once again I am struck by
the need for obedience – without it the words planted become mere
memories. Lord, help me to follow through with obedience – not just
some of the time but all the time. Amen.

Pastoral thoughts

For All Seasons

Leave a comment

Here in Michigan the seasons change frequently – more than four times a year. Sometimes they change back and forth within the cycle of a season. Sometimes it’s sunny and then it’s cloudy; sometimes it’s warm and then it’s cold; sometimes it’s dry and then it’s wet. Sometimes it’s October and the forecast calls for snow. One thing I’ve learned while living most of my life in Michigan is that it does no good to complain. In fact, it’s best if I can learn to find enjoyment in each as it comes.

Similarly, the seasons of life change frequently as well. And there is no pattern or forecast to follow. The seasons come and go as they will. And as with Michigan weather, I’m learning that it does no good to complain. I cannot say that I need to find the joy in each season of life – sometimes there is little – but I am learning to reamin less affected by each. Someone wrote, “When you can reckon the sound of abundant rain and the hot blowing of a dry spell exactly the same, then you will be nearing the land of maturity.”

Lord, help me grow into a man for all seasons.

Pastoral thoughts

Overflow

Leave a comment

PRINCIPLE: “When you need paper towels, thank God for the overflow.”

It happened again a few weeks ago. I was pouring from a pitcher into my drinking glass and wasn’t paying attention – and before I knew it the overflow was on the countertop. So I grabbed a ‘quick picker upper’ and wiped it up. I then gave myself the usual brow beating for being so careless.

It’s amazing how God works. Since then I have been preparing messages on blessings and giving, and have been making the presentations for the campaign group meetings. My personal focus has been Malachi 3 and 2 Corinthians 8 & 9. The both deal with abundance and overflow of blessings. Today my mind returned to my recent brow beating exercise – and I realized that rather than berate myself I should have stopped and offered a prayer of thanksgiving. After all, I had enough supply of drink that I had more than enough, more than I needed; I had an excess. It should have reminded me of the many times God’s rich abundance has overflowed in my life. Thus the principle, “When you need paper towels, thank God for the overflow.”

As I ponder this I am taken back to my files to retrieve the following poem.

I’ve never made a fortune
And I’ll never make one now,
But it really doesn’t matter
Cause I’m happy anyhow.

As I go along my journey
I’m reaping better than I sow.
I’m drinking from the saucer
Cause my cup has overflowed.

I don’t have a lot of riches
And sometimes the going’s tough,
But when I’ve got my kids to love me
I think I’m rich enough.

I’ll just thank God for the blessings
That his mercy has bestowed,
I’m drinking from the saucer
Cause my cup has overflowed.

If you give me strength and courage
When the way grows steep and rough
I’ll not ask for other blessings,
I’m already blessed enough.

May I never be too busy
To help another with his load,
Then I’ll be drinking from the saucer
Cause my cup has overflowed.

“When you need paper towels, thank God for the overflow.”