Wichita State Basketball: Proof There Is A God!

My old alma mater, Wichita State University, (or is it my alma mater and I'm the one that's old) has defied all reasonable expectations and played its way into the Final Four of the NCAA Basketball tournament.  Of course, I've got to mention this in my blog, because this isn't a regular occurrence in my life.  The last time WSU made it to the Final Four, I was 12 years old, and it turned out to be a rather ugly affair as they played one of John Wooden's UCLA super teams in the semi-final, getting soundly trounced by a team that was just beginning the Kareem Abdul Jabbar (Lew Alcindor at the time) era.

The really cool thing about this present team is how they have faced so many obstacles that would have made it easy for them to go easier on themselves. First, last year's team was talent laden, but also filled with seniors. Of course, they all graduated and were gone this year. No one on this year's team was a regular player last year. Then a plethora of injuries hit this squad after about ten games. Three of their main players missed significant time this year, with one starter not able to return at all. And then, despite overcoming these  problems, the team suffered what many teams do in a long season, a late season slump where things just aren't clicking as they should. This is when they dropped some games to far lesser opponents, which of course, caused many people to say the season was pretty much over, and that, considering all things, they had handled things fairly respectably. They were runners-up in the Missouri Valley Conference to a stellar Creighton University team with their stand-out candidate for college player of the year, Doug McDermott. Everyone would have been very happy with what they had achieved, and no one would have thought less of them if they had lost to Pittsburgh in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. Just making the tournament this year was a great feat for this team.

But they did not see things this way! This group wanted to be more than just okay, more than just "pretty good considering the obstacles." They wanted to do great things, and still believed they could. They were not willing to settle for anything less than their very, very best. So they handled Pittsburgh, then upset mighty Gonzaga, stayed the course with beating Lasalle, and then shocked everyone by beating an Ohio State team that had been playing as well as anyone in college basketball over the last month.  Now, it's on to play the current juggernaut of college basketball, the University of Louisville Cardinals, in the semi-final of the Final Four in Atlanta!

Even now, that they could beat Louisville seems extremely unlikely, but the WSU Shockers are the epitome of "unlikely" right now. My reasonable adult mind wonders if this is really possible, whereas my 9 year old son is not surprised by any of what's happened. He is a big fan of Toure Murry from last year's team, and a big fan of Demetric Williams and Tekele Cotton on this year's team. In his mind, victories over Gonzaga and Ohio State were quite natural and expected. Now he thinks the same regarding Louisville, and is looking forward to Wichita State playing in the championship game. Apparently, he is thinking on the same wave length as all the players on the WSU team, which is of course they can beat anybody anywhere.

Thanks for a great season, Wichita State, but thank you even more for showing what can happen when we challenge ourselves to be as great as we believe we can be, and not to settle for everyone else's expectations to be just good enough.

I like the way Carl Hall, nicknamed the "Beast," who plays the inside game for WSU, summed up everything about this team.  In the West championship game, as Ohio State was making its furious comeback from 20 points down, with just a couple of minutes left on the clock, and the game's outcome no longer a sure thing for the Shockers, Carl Hall gathered his team mates together at the foul line and said, "No matter what happens, I want you to know that I love you all."  This is the mark of a team that is already a champion, a team that doesn't need a trophy to believe in itself and what can be accomplished!  So, to all the players and coaches on the 2012-2013 Wichita State University basketball team, as you face the mighty Louisville Cardinals this next Saturday, "No matter what happens, I want you to know that I love you all."

Staying Alive

Yes, my long absence from the blogging world is coming to an end.  I will be taking up the pen, or should I say, the keyboard again in order to express profound and pithy comments about a variety of subjects in the world.

In this entry, however, please note that I have added my one and only recorded sermon of the past two years to my sermon list.  I have been preaching almost every week, but the little church I do this with does not have recording equipment set up, and I am not quite vain enough to insist upon changing this situation.  Nevertheless, one of the worshipers brought his video recording equipment last Easter, and I'm just now getting around to posting it.  The recording is missing a beginning and an end (a description which could apply to many sermons), but contains about 95% of the sermon as delivered.  It is longer than my usual sermon, but, hey, it was Easter!  

For those of you who like my preaching, enjoy!  For those of you who are being forced to watch due to compulsions beyond your control (such as a pastor search committee), mercy upon you!

I'll be writing more soon.  After all, since I ceased making frequent comments in the blogosphere, my denomination, the Presbyterian Church USA, decided to relate more to today's "post modern" world by becoming clearly and officially "post Christian."  A rather daunting step of arrogance and rebellion, especially if one still believes God has anything to do with faith and life, but still a step that will provide much material for cause and comment.

In the meantime, Keep The Celebration Going!

An Appeal For Seth Jackson

An Appeal For Seth Jackson

July 12, 2012

Friends, we have found a very exciting exercise machine that is ideal for helping Seth to build and maintain muscle mass in his legs.  Besides this considerable benefit, this machine is excellent for building back strength, which is critical with Seth’s present battle with spinal curvature (a condition that has developed due to a wheelchair malfunction which has since been corrected).  It is called the Cardio Strider 2, and costs about $2000.00, and there is one available at a store here in Cedar Rapids.

That’s the good news.  Now for the bad news.

We don’t have enough money to purchase this unit.  The Seth Fund at River of Life Ministries had $1100, so we have withdrawn it with the hope of receiving at least $900 more dollars from friends such as yourself, thus enabling us to obtain this machine for Seth’s development toward walking again.

Some of you may remember how far we had come until we had to curtail Seth’s exercises due to a serious pressure sore in the waning months of 2011.   He was able to move both his legs in an outward motion, and he had just started moving his left foot.  Since the sore, though, we have lost a lot of ground.  We would love to be able to see Seth catch up faster and go even further through the use of the Cardio Strider 2.

Please take the time right now to give whatever you are able for helping Seth’s quest for recovery.  We need your generosity - especially now!  Any amount - from a few dollars to the full $900 - would be so incredibly appreciated by Seth and his family. 

The Cardio Strider 2 enables Seth to place his feet on the two platforms, set securely in an adjustable seat, and by moving the upright levers with his hands simulate the act of walking.  By using this machine, Seth would be able to do many more repetitions on a regular schedule than is presently done with human assistants, and would solve several major exercising issues.  See www.inspirefitness.net. 

For tax deductible giving, write a check or transfer funds to

2C Miracle Fund, River of Life Ministries, 3801 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA  52402.  (If you prefer, writing the check to The Seth Jackson Fund will work.)

If you want to give directly, but without tax deductibility, then write your check to

Seth Jackson, 4210 Morris Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.

To ask a question, call Will or Jacquelyn Jackson at their home phone, 319 654 0039.

As always, your prayers and generosity are greatly appreciated, and mean more to us than you can ever know.

Blessings To You All, and In Christ’s Peace,

Will and Jacquelyn Jackson

More Prayers To Fill Space

O Lord of the Resurrection, we have celebrated the wonder of Christ being raised from the dead.  Let us now become the evidence for this truth, that your Holy Spirit may live in us, and that we may continue to do Christ’s work in this world.  May our lives bring glory and honor to you, O God, because of the presence of the risen Christ in us. Amen. 
*
Lord of life, through your Son’s obedience in dying on the Cross, we have been lifted up to new and everlasting life.  God calls us to proclaim the Good News of the risen Christ, and to invite others to share in the eternal joy of walking and talking with Jesus.  May our lives glorify you forever, and may our hearts always be yours.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.
*
God of all, Christ is our Great Shepherd, for he laid down his life for us, and rescued us from death.  Indeed, he protects us even now as we follow him.  All honor and praise belong to you, our God and Savior, for we are the people you have called, we are the sheep of your pasture.  Feed us now with the knowledge of your Son, so that we may proclaim his name throughout the world, for it is in Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.
*
Everliving God of all, you reveal your glory in Jesus Christ, and in Him we discover all the wonderful things that are to come.  Your promises give us hope, for your Holy Spirit shows us that your Word is faithful.  Jesus your Son shows us that we can trust you.  As followers of Jesus, may we bring the hope we have been given to a dying and despairing world, for it is through Christ we pray.  Amen.
*

O wonderful Saviour, it is with the utmost joy that we come before you this day.  We give you all honor and praise, for you are not a God who demands of us great and magnificent deeds to win your approval and favor.  Rather, you are a God who accepts us as we are, is merciful beyond measure toward us, and who delights to give us the gifts of your grace.  You lift us into your presence, where life is new, is full, and is forever.  Amen.
*
Gracious and Everliving Lord, you have showered us with kindness upon kindness.  In Jesus the Anointed One, you have opened the way for us to live in your presence, not as mere servants but as the very friends of God. Indeed, you lift our hearts when you call us by name, you dispel our fears with your grace, and you stir our souls with your healing love.  We praise you, and with our voices we sing your praises this day forth and forevermore. Amen. 
*
Gracious Lord of all, we come before you this day in Spirit and in Truth.  You are a holy and awesome God, the very essence of all truth and love.  We are completely unworthy to stand in your presence.  Only through Jesus the Anointed One dare we approach your throne, for he offers us to you as the prize for his sacrifice, the reward for his obedience.  All praise and honor to you, ruler of the universe, for bringing truth and grace together in Christ, whose name we exalt this day.  Amen.
*
O God, Ruler of the Universe, we give you all praise this day for your Holy Spirit, your life in us, making us new, renewing the world.  You have called us forth from death to life by the power of your Word, and we call upon your name with the breath of your Spirit in us.  You are the Creator who delights in the art of your creation, sculpting us into your image, and you are the Gift-giver who comes into our hearts, making us into the very temple of the Living God.  In the name of the Holy One of Israel, the only true God who is revealed through Jesus Christ as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.  Amen. 

Still Alive

Yes, I'm still alive.  I just haven't had much to say lately.  However, I thought I would throw in a couple of the prayers I've written lately for the worship services at Calvin Sinclair Presbyterian Church.

PRAYER OF ADORATION

O Lord our Lord, we give you praise and honor, for you alone are holy.  We are not worthy to enter into your presence, yet you are most merciful, and overflowing with love for your people.  Weak and frail though we are, you come to us in your Son, Jesus, and you speak to us of your salvation and you embrace us as the children of your grace.  We give you thanks, dear Father, for your great and wonderful kindness toward us.  Amen.

prayer of confession

Most merciful and loving Lord, we confess to you that we have taken your grace for granted, and that we have counted a couple of hours in church as all you should receive from us.  We read the Bible, but do not hear your Word.  We sing the songs, but forget their meaning.  We claim the Name, but our hearts are far from you.  Forgive us, gracious God, and grant that we would be made alive through your Spirit.  Fill us with the joy of your grace, and give us the passion to serve and honor you in every moment of our lives.  In the name of Jesus, who died that we might live, we pray.  Amen.  

PRAYER OF ADORATION

Gracious Lord of all, we stand before you in the shining light of your love.  We celebrate your presence with us, for you do not hold us in contempt, nor do you condemn us.  You embrace us through Jesus Christ, and in him we discover that the Creator of the Universe is also our closest friend.  Glory to you, O God!  We praise you, our Lord forever more.  Amen.

prayer of confession

Great God and Creator, you have ripped apart the heavens so that you can walk with us in the world.  Yet, we fail to see you, for we are preoccupied with the shortcomings of those around us.  We complain that you are distant and uncaring, as we struggle with the daily limitations of being human.  Forgive us, gracious Lord, and grant us hearts to see that you are close to us, and give us faith that reveals your amazing glory in the midst of the ordinary.  We ask this in the name of the One who died that we may live, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.  

Staying Alive,

Will

A Word Of Thanks From St. Paul

Mark this, the one who plants sparingly will have a spare harvest, and the one who plants bountifully will have a bountiful harvest.  Each person should give as they purpose in their heart, not grudgingly or because of duty, for God takes special delight in a hilarious giver.  God has power to make all grace abound for you, so that in every way at all times God will give you all you need so that you may overflow in every good work. As it is written,
   In many places
   he gave to the poor,
   his righteousness endures forever.

Moreover, the one who supplies seed to the planter and bread for the eater will supply and multiply your seed so that he may increase the harvest of your righteousness, in every way being enriched for all liberality which produces through us thanksgiving to God.  For the service of this worship not only completely supplies the needs of God's people, but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God.  People will glorify God because of the proof of your service, which consists of your obedience to your confession of the Good News of Jesus Christ and the your generosity of fellowship toward them and everyone else.  This will result in great regard for you, and people will pray for you because of the overflowing grace of God through you.  Thanks be to God for his indescrible gift!

II Corinthians 9:6-15

Poor Fork-legged Animal

Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ is such a bizarre "twilight zone" endeavor.  Imagine how ludicrous it is for some mere human laden with cultural blind spots, physical frailties, and mental misperceptions --- all mixed together with a good dose of blinding arrogance --- to try to communicate the essential nature of the Creator of all to other similarly constituted humans.  Then, to top it all off, such a person dares to declare that we can know what this Creator desires for us and from us, that we can truly know the "mind" of God!  Absolutely preposterous!

Yet, this is exactly the claim of the Christian faith, that through preaching the Word of God is communicated, comprehended, apprehended, and inculcated by mere human beings.  Indeed, we are simply "poor fork-legged animals," as Frederick Buechner describes us (who, in good preacher fashion, is borrowing a phrase from someone else, in this case Shakespeare).  It is beyond incredible that the great Creator of all should condescend to such a faulty and fleshly means to be understood by such faulty and fleshly creatures such as ourselves.  No wonder the apostle Paul calls this medium "foolishness," for that is how it appears to anyone who gives it much thought.

Yet again, many of us preachers know that there is so much more than mere mental processes and chemical reactions happening when we preach.  This is on my mind right now because of my experience this last week preparing and delivering the sermon for September 25 at little Calvin Sinclair Church.  All week I wrestled with the text, Exodus 17:1-7.  I was intrigued with the "Is the Lord among us?" issue in the desert travails of the Israelites, but for some reason I wasn't coming up with anything very interesting (at least, not to me) for making a sermon out of this.  Though I squeezed out a passable few decent points, I went to sleep Saturday night feeling very dissatisfied.
  
In my dreams, I continued to work on this text and trying to come up with a better sermon. By the time I woke up, I had a whole new approach with much more relevant illustrations than when I went to sleep. Then, as I delivered the sermon Sunday morning, there were a number of people who seemed very intent as they listened.  Afterwards, many of these people commented on how my sermon sections derived from my "dream work" (which they did not know about) were particularly relevant to what is happening in their lives at this time.

So, how are we to understand all this?  It is apparent that there is so much more going on during a sermon than the cleverness of the preacher or the relevant use of word studies. Truly, the Holy Spirit is active, and no amount of work with the original languages, cultural and geographic settings, literary analysis, sitz im leben, or weltanschauung speculation can ever eliminate the need for God's direct intervention to make meaningful the words of one "poor fork-legged animal" trying to convey the eternal truths of the Divine to the mundane lives of other "poor fork-legged animals."

Quite literally, thank God!


Now, where is my Greek verb parsing guide?  (Sorry, Dr. Storey, my Greek isn't as good as it once was.)