|
I Will Always Love You
It
is a sad day (February 18, 2012) for many across the nation and especially here in New
Jersey, as a shining star is laid to rest. Whitney Houston grew up in
New Hope Baptist Church in Newark. There she learned to sing a hymn many
of us know, "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah." Some of the words from
that chestnut of a hymn are "I am weak, but Thou art mighty. Hold me
with Thy powerful hand." Ms. Houston referred to the hymn several times
in interviews. We trust with her family and friends that those hands now
literally hold Whitney Houston. The last verse sings, "When I tread the
verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside. Bear me through the
swelling current. Land me safe on Canaan's side."
Many would be critical
of the superstar. My heart finds no place for that. She was groomed for
stardom from early childhood. The pressures of fame in this culture are
nearly unbearable. The money and bling does not take away the quiet
need for finding a home "whence the healing stream doth flow." It is a
sad day, because one who was bright among us, a Baptist child from New
Jersey, was overwhelmed by the current.
It is also a glad day. As we
finish the song, even "death of death and hell's destruction" is
stripped of power when God guides a child home. The hymn concludes,
"Songs of praises, I will ever give to Thee." On the glad side of this
day, we can only imagine we hear the angelic voice sing out a song more
crystal clear than any this fallen creation has heard. Imagine Whitney
Houston gazing into her Savior's eyes as she sings with a heavenly
chorus, "I will always love you." It is the hope of all who know and
trust the saving power of God in Christ.
Love,
Pastor Frank
A Blessing of Reckless Abandon
With the dawn of another celebration of the coming of the Prince of Peace, I find myself so richly blessed to be serving in this place and at this time. We are not a church that is large in numbers. We are, however, a church that is growing in relationship with God and each other. Our vision team has been at work and are about ready to present a new mission statement for consideration. The heart of that statement is the call to be a blessing to the world around us and to bless the world with reckless abandon. When God sent his Son into the world, that was exactly what was going on. To be sure, God was not being reckless. But that is how it might appear to other people. It was an extreme measure and very costly. And it was just the right place and right time. God knew exactly what to do. That is still the way God works. As we approach the mystery of God becoming one of us once again, we reaffirm that Jesus' coming was a bold move that continues to make a way into our lives. The only thing that keeps him away is our refusal to trust the Holy Spirit. Open your heart afresh and open it wide. And the King of glory will come in.
Merry Christmas in God's amazing love,
Pastor Frank
The Sacrament of Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is a bit of a curiosity for me. I am thoughtful about it's attractive power. It's not a Christian holiday, it's a national one. Yet it is filled with theological goodness as we reflect on the many instances of our blessedness. There are the common blessings of a sunny day, the crackle of a fire, a conversation with a friend, a warm casserole of mac and cheese, a game of dominoes after a sumptuous meal. Yet each of these blessings can easily become sacramental, a means by which God touches us with grace and we become more aware of our blessedness. It is transformed into a special blessing. Many people in the United States have a tradition of where they will share a meal on this day. Others will search someone out to share the blessing, a good friend or a stranger, a waitress at the counter of the local diner, with whom to partake in the grace of God's provision.
Church historian and liturgist Alexnder Schmemann writes in For the Life of the World (St Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1970), "A meal is still a rite--the last 'natural sacrament' of family and friendship, of life that is more than 'eating' and 'drinking.' To eat is still something more than to maintain bodily functions. People may not understand what that 'something more' is, but they nonetheless desire to celebrate it. They are still hungry and thirsty for sacramental life."
As we gather at tables today (or on another day if that is your experience) we revel in the grace of the blessings God bestows, not out of obligation, but rather because of God's aggressively active desire for his beloved creation. God simply wants to bless us and hopes we will take notice so we will complete the circle of blessing.
I have taken notice. My life abounds with the goodness of the Lord. As I sit here on this Thanksgiving morning and look into the treasure trove of my heart, I am thankful for each of you who have been the source of many blessings that the Lord has shared. I am deeply grateful that God led me to Seaview and to you. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Love,
Pastor Frank
|
