“On the Sidelines”

On the sidelines is where we “think” we can see all of the right things.  With NCAA Basketball is well under-way and for some watching many of the games, we become “professionals” at it.  However, the people who are calling “the game” see things differently.  The two teams I am watching are the Kansas University Jayhawks and the Kansas State Wildcats.  In my watching, not only the game being played but the coaches on the sidelines, I wish there was some way their movements and actions could be put to music!  And…it has been said that taking ballet dancing lessons would help players in their ability to compete. 

Please allow me the opportunity of taking this idea of being on the sidelines into the church setting.  When we are sitting the pews it is easy to do some “Monday morning” quarterbacking.  Then in reverse, the same may be said from the platform to the people in the pew. 

For several weeks now, neither my wife nor I have been physically able to attend services in our home church and need I say we miss being in service with our friends and to be able to touch those around us, to be part of what is taking place.  I might say, there are some television ministries that will build up a “viewer” but there is no personalization in these services.  Much like sitting on the sidelines, we are not called upon to become involved, just watch!  And…this can be a problem IF we do not reach out to “touch” someone near by. 

The sideline people may be many or few.  In the churches we worked in, in Western Alaska and then 5 years in SE Alaska, the churches were small.  But people are the same: we tend to feel “alone or lost” in a mega-church, such as Lakewood Church in Houston, or a small congregation in western Kansas where just a few makes a big difference.

Recently our local church, Northland Cathedral, has begun sending us a DVD and bulletin from the Sunday morning worship service.  We hear and see the choir and orchestra, and people we know, which helps us feel a part of it.  (Note: Pastor Harrup’s sermons can be heard on the Internet at www.northlandcathedral.org/resources/sermons/)

I guess what I am saying is … get involved and don’t be just a “sideliner.”  Jesus called us to follow Him and He will make us fishers of men.  “…And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."  And they immediately left the nets, and followed Him.  And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them.  And they immediately left the boat and their father, and followed Him (Matthew 4:19-22 NASB).

When most of us think about “Thanksgiving Day” it is the usual… turkey and fixings.  For the Marshalls it was never usual, because I was pastor in the Kansas District when our kids were young.  For many years the C.A. (Christ’s Ambassadors) Convention began Wednesday evening, and concluded on Thanksgiving Day.  The annual Speed the Light offerings were received and there was competition between the churches (large and small).  Then to “top off” the day, most places to eat were closed and we had to hunt for a place to have our Thanksgiving dinner (at least once it was “round” steak = hotdogs).  Oh, those are some fond memories… maybe?  November weather in Kansas is very unpredictable.  Sometimes rain, which might turn to snow and/or ice for difficulty in traveling home.

Now let me rewind the memory tape to the year 1951.  In San Diego, one of the places a serviceman could go to was the USO, or the YMCA, or maybe a church-related outreach for these young people with no place to call home or to go to for turkey dinner.  Possibly you have heard me or my wife talk about the Mother Layne’s Hospitality Home for Servicemen and IF you have you will recall it was a place where we could be “at home.”  In southern California the beach was always a welcome place to go.  Rev. and Mrs. Rattan (Mom and Dad Rattan to all of us who did find it a “home away from home”), along with adult folks from neighboring churches brought food and games to play on the beach. 

What has this have to do with Thanksgiving Day?  Well, for some reason I decided I didn’t want to go with the “gang” and stayed at “home.”  In the Rumpus Room there was a phonograph and many records to listen to.  Dinner?  I made my way to the kitchen to make myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Thus my Thanksgiving Dinner!

There were two other sailors who didn’t go to the beach but decided to spend time in prayer in the prayer room in the basement, Donald Baker and Delbert Hall.  One of them came up and invited me to join them in prayer.  I didn’t think it would hurt me to pray a little. To make a long story short, my Pentecostal experience happened that afternoon!  (See Act 2:38,39.)

So in remembering to give thanks, this came to my mind.  My prayer is that all of us will possess “…an attitude of thanksgiving!” Amen? Amen!  Folks, that was a long time ago… 60 years!  The old hymn comes to my mind… “The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago.”

 You don’t have to wait until the 4^th Thursday in November to give thanks.  Just think “What would we do without our church family, our immediate family, and friends?”

               23-Nov-11

(Note from the editor, the preacher's wife: I think the above might also apply to Sunday School teachers.)

26-Oct-11

Why do you suppose Winston Churchill gave the command “never give up, never give up, never give up”?

We tell children to repeat after us “Pete and Repeat sat on a fence, Pete fell off, who is left? Pete and Repeat sat on a fence, Repeat fell off, who is left? And…about this time kids begin to catch on.  Here is another one.  “Railroad crossing look out for the cars, can you spell that without any R’s?”

My dad worked for the Frisco Railroad, as a section hand.  As a kid, I remember seeing Dad, along with 5 or 6 other men, riding on what was called a “motor car,” pulling an equipment car.  Among their tools was a bar called a “spacing bar." Purpose? They used it to keep the rails evenly spaced as they worked, and then another section gang would take up the job where the crew my dad worked on had ended.  Today, this is all done by computerized machinery.  Dumping the “chat” (gravel rock); installing the “ties”; putting down the rail system; driving the rail spikes.  The thousands of miles of railroad system that crisscrosses our country is accomplished by never giving up, repeating the procedures over and over to complete the job!

            Equate this with what is found in Isaiah 28:9-13 – fascinating!  Sorta lays out the plan for memorizing scripture!

 "To whom would He teach knowledge?

And to whom would He interpret the message?

Those just weaned from milk?

Those just taken from the breast?  "For He says,

`Order on order, order on order,

Line on line, line on line,

A little here, a little there.'"  Indeed, He will speak to this people

Through stammering lips and a foreign tongue,   He who said to them, "Here is rest, give rest to the weary,"

And, "Here is repose," but they would not listen.  So the word of the LORD to them will be,

"Order on order, order on order,

Line on line, line on line,

A little here, a little there," (Isaiah 28:9-13 NASB)

            Ok, I am not Winston Churchill but I can still say... NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP FOLLOWING JESUS!

8Sep11 

 “Think on these Things”

I have been reading some of the old comments I’ve written over the past 10 years or so and found it quite interesting to reflect on my life after retirement the first time and then the second time as well.  Little did I know that God would lead us into working with the Indian natives in SE Alaska and the Eskimos living in Western Alaska.   No one would have any trouble getting me to go back IF the circumstances would allow it.

There NO WAY any one of us would want to go back to the “olden” days with what we have for us today.  I know so many of us complain about  the smallest things at times, and then there are real matters that should concern us.  As believers we keep our focus on things that God has in His plans and then be submissive to them.  There are days when I think “Wow I am not doing anything for the Lord” and then someone will come along and remind me (namely my daughter,  Janet) that over 55 years have elapsed and only what I have done for Christ will last.  I know this is true and is confirmed many times when some of “my kids” from children’s church, or the churches we have pastured continue in their walk with the Lord…so it is OK for me to sit on our front porch with a cup of coffee, feet up and recalling the good things God has done through my efforts in serving Him.

            It is true we do have our times of aches and pains and the ills that befall us, but we remember the Lord does deliver us from many afflictions.

            “Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the LORD delivers him out of them all.  Psalm. 34:19

            Years ago we sang a little chorus that simply said “…My Lord knows the way through the wilderness ,all I have do is follow.  My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have do is follow.  Strength for today, mine always, all I need for tomorrow; My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow!"

            Reminiscing about Alaska and reading about life in the village of Barrow and our pastor friends in Emmonak and what is happening in SE Alaska is doing me as good as much medicine!  The Bible says I can think about these good things in the past and what shall be in the future.  PTL!

            “ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.  Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV)

THOUGHT PROCESSING IS GOOD, AS LONG AS IT IS ON THE LORD! 
[See Psalm 19:14]

7.JUL.11

IS THERE PEANUT BUTTER IN HEAVEN?

By Carl Seaton, Guest Blogger

May 9, 2011

I attended Howard's 80th birthday party yesterday.  I found myself wishing that I had planned a little differently for this time in my life.  Howard, my close friend since we were class mates in the third grade, and myself, to a large degree a spectator in the grandstand of Howard's life.   Let me share!

It has been great!

There Howard sat with more than half of the crowd made up of kids, I mean young kids who were completely authentic in their genuine love of Howard and Marge as witnessed by the last group photo of the day   And then there was the adults completely relaxed and cordial as they shared in the fun while encouraging the little ones to be themselves, to use up all of their pent up energy while positively interacting with everyone in the room.

It was my pleasure to witness the Marshall community in action as I reflected back on some of our childhood experiences like the water tower climb, Pat's meeting with a skunk, walking down the railroad track after dark so I could get my merit badge for hiking, and the time we raced out the north door of the high school building and, as we hit the bar to open the door, Howard's hand slipped off the bar and went through the glass opening a large cut in his arm, the bicycle ride to Dr. Hill's office to get the arm sewed up, Howard's passing out in the doctor's office and knocking everyone else in the room to the floor, crazy bicycle rides, my answering the telephone in Sendai, Japan and finding Howard on the phone from his ship in the bay down in southern Japan.   I missed the melting and bent candles at Howard and Marge's wedding but I enjoyed the chance to be the "best man" at their 50th wedding anniversary at Northland Cathedral.

Is there more?   Of course there is.  Isn't there always more when two friends go through life working, playing and having fun together?  Howard, you've been there.   It's time for you to "write your book" as Roberta is always suggesting we do. 

Well, to all, have fun and encourage your friends to find a friend like Howard.   I got lucky!   

Thanks, Howard.    Happy birthday.    Carl

B the Best U Can B!

 We have heard the saying “the best of the best” which could be applied to almost any area of our lives. Such as:  how we dress; how we keep our hair cut (or not cut or combed); the kind of car we drive; the branch of service we served in -- and we all KNOW the U.S. NAVY is the best of the best!  There is perhaps one other area of sports that is just finishing off another successful year, more successful for the final two as most teams in the March Madness fell by the wayside.  We thought the best of the best would be Kansas University Jayhawks.  They were going strong until a smaller college, the underdog, made it to the final four instead.  Oh well, there’s always next year….

 The Apostle Paul wrote about this issue of making an effort to stay fit, keep on trying and never giving up.

 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.  And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;  but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified” (I Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB).

Well, it has been about 10 days since I started this thought about winning and being the best we can be. The Final Four now has been played and a team surfaced as the “best” in the NCAA. If you followed “your” team and if it wasn’t the University of Connecticut, then your team went home, including KU!   Just think of all the coaches, schools, and teams who thought they would be in that team to win it all but they didn’t.  One more thing, these teams did not go home to quit, but to start to work on next year to be the best they can be.

 “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;  however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained”  Philippians 3:13-16 NASB.

Folks, we are in this race for keeps, not for quitting, or slacking off  but to keep our focus of the prize, which is the “upward call of God in Christ Jesus”!  Sprinters in track are told to never look back as it will impede their finish time.  In basketball, follow through on your shot.  In football keep your eye on the ball, the same in golf!

            Jesus IS coming back and let there be, as the old hymn says, “…nothing between my soul and my Savior!”

MAKE YOUR GOAL… BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE

7-APR-11

  
Most believers, Christians, the un-churched believers, the carnal Christians and/or the "post believers"… wow the list of names of what people call themselves… let me sum it up by simply saying “born-again” people do have the ability to pray.

 It is interesting to hear people say “…I’ll pray for you…”; “..I’ll pray…” for many situations we may face.  Over the years when I have faced surgery, I have told the surgeon, "When you cut on my body I want to pray for you" and I have.  Such as: before cataract surgeries on my eyes when we lived in Alaska; before knee replacement in 2006; before basal skin surgery and most recently when my doctor implanted a pacemaker.  Almost everytime I had a group around me to pray.  It startles the doctors to have someone pray for them and the assistants.  And…I believe “IT” (prayer) works.  The next morning after my pacemaker was installed, the Doc seemed to stand at the end of the bed, not sure he wanted to get any closer (probably not the case but that was what I perceived).

 When Jesus instructed us to pray it was “When” not “if.”   The instructions are simple in this verse in Matthew.   "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive." (Matthew 21:22)  NASB

This has been true in my experience for many years.  When I was 15 years old at an “ole” fashioned Camp Meeting in Hutchinson, Kansas was one of the first times that I knew prayer worked.  Yep, there was a saw dust trail under a tent, just like the “olden days” (smile)

Thank you to all who prayed  for me a few weeks ago when the new pacemaker was installed.  It is working at the rate of  60 beats a minute, and I no longer have the constant fatigue, shortness of breath.  Now I'm anxious to “get to mow” grass this summer!

So, just KNOW that all things that you ask in PRAYER work, when asked in the wonderful name of Jesus!

YA BELIEVE IT? YOU HAD BETTER…’CAUSE PRAYER WORKS!

7-Mar-11

Growing as a Believer

            Recently in our Education class (Sunday School) we were discussing “growing as Christians” during our studies in the Book of Job.  Passing on a thought about the idea of the growing process, I likened our growing process like taking a flower or a tree and keep changing its locations and wonder why it is not growing.  We have heard the phrase for a long time “if you want to grow, stay planted.”  I flipped to the book of Ist John  and read to myself the verses related to being “in Christ” and “to know” Him. 

            And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.  If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him. (1 John 2:27-29 NASB)

                In my mind I pictured images of two trees.  One is a Bonsai Tree and the other a Mustard Tree.  The Bonsai is alive but is designed not to grow, whereas the Mustard Tree is from a very small seed yet grows into a large tree.  These are two very different trees.  I believe there are many Believers who are much like the very small decorative tree, alive but not growing!  Some call them stunted in their Christian experience.     

            During our time in Southeast Alaska we lived in the Tongass  Forest.  These are very evergreen tall straight trees.   In 1999 when we moved up there, I visited one of our local Kansas City hardware stores and they were closing out on potted trees.  I bargained with the sales person and bought 6 maple trees for the price of 4.  On the property where we built the new parsonage I planted 4 of them and one of my deacons bought two.  Hopefully they are still growing, though not typically grown there.  Again as long as these trees stay planted they should grow.  

              The scripture I refer to simply tells us to avoid the things of the world and I will not go into what is considered “worldly” -- the Holy Spirit is capable of letting you know. And this idea of staying planted is suggested by “abiding in HIM.”  You and I will never be successful in our walk “with Him” without “abiding” in Him. 

            In St. John 15, we are taught about the vine and the branches.  Just stay connected with Jesus and you will be successful in your life as a Believer! 

A BONASI OR A MUSTARD TREE, WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

10.Feb.11

Little Ones

One of the greatest joys I have is watching my grand-children and now great-grand-children grow.  I’ve said I want to live long enough to see my great-grand-children get married and have their children.  I don’t think that’s too “far-out” is it? Remember Abraham and Sarah? I guess you might say things are somewhat different and the purpose much different.  However, it is something that is one of my desires.

Jesus is the One who has told us how children should be treated; however, in our society the tendency is to put the children where they will not bother “us.”   Perhaps in a quiet place, or a place just for them.  Like so many have “children’s church.”  A number of years ago, I pastored in a community of about 450 people.  There were very few children in the church - two of them were the pastor’s  children.  A church void of children worshipping in it limits the learning opportunities for  how to worship with Mom and Dad, to see them sing, to give their offerings, to see people kneeling at the altar.

            Another thought about children and in relationship with mommy and daddy: our churches are able to keep us so busy doing “things,” that will involve being at the church almost every night, which many have been guilty of doing in past years.  I know we are told as parents we must spend quality time with our children and with our spouse.  It’s not the church’s problem… it’s up to the parents to manage the scheduling. Recently I was reflecting on my 3 children and do you know the memories of them during the infant years, toddler, elementary, junior and high school years are almost blanked out.  “Why?” you may ask.  I am glad you did.  In the beginning of my ministry years ago, and being pastor of extremely small congregations in small communities, I worked to support my family.  There were no weekend activities, except church.  There were very limited workers in the church so my wife along with me did multiple jobs.  Complaining? Not on your life, I praise the Lord for His continued faithfulness and He is graciously ministering to our three children and their families.  

            What I am suggesting to you who read this is be sure you spend quality time with your family. Just don’t let spending church time or your job “rob” you of the memories of your children, because they do grow up so fast.  Keep vivid pictures in your minds of each of them, be involved in their activities, and be available for them and your husband/wife.

            Now back to what Jesus did.  Read it with me “…Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." And after laying His hands on them, He departed from there. (Matthew 19:13-15 NASB.

            Children are like “puppies, kittens, and baby chickens” - all need to be CARED for and must be LOVED!

            I took the liberty of updating the words to an old chorus:

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world -

from the east unto the west, to the north and to the south -

Jesus loves the little children of the world.

01-11-11