CAN YOU RECOGNIZE THE SEASONS?

¹ For everything there is a season,
    a time for every activity under heaven.
⁵ A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
¹¹ Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes chapter 3, verses 1, 5, and 11; from the New Living Translation (NLT)

Can you recognize the seasons? Here in Alabama, the “Seasons” are just words printed on calendars, especially this time of year. In fact, our state motto is “If you don’t like the weather when you get here, stay around. It’s bound to change soon!” It’s really hard to know how to dress sometimes. We either dress in layers or keep a couple of changes of clothes in our cars. Winter for the morning. Fall for midday. Summer in the afternoon. And Spring in the evening. If you doubt me, then obviously you’ve never been in our wonderful state.

But this morning I’m not talking about “Seasons” on the calendar. I’m talking about the Seasons In Life. I absolutely love the Book of Ecclesiastes. I love it for it’s rawness; the blunt ways that Solomon describes that season in his life where he was living under the sun, or another way of saying it, under heaven. He’s been living without God at the helm of his heart, mind, and life. This man known for his wisdom, left wisdom at home and pursued a life that left him drained and empty. He called it chasing after the wind.

And it is part of his painful journey that spoke to me this morning, and I pray it speaks to you. Chapter 3 speaks about all the events that happen in life; and that’s a lot of different events–opposites, if you would. And this morning I was reflecting and meditating on the end of Verse 5: “A time to embrace and a time to turn away.“ Discerning when it’s time to embrace and when it’s time to turn away isn’t always easy, and sometimes even more difficult to know that it’s time to turn away.

Such is the saga happening right now in many lives. Do you try to stay and make your marriage what God designed it to be, or walk away? Do you change careers or stick with the one you have? Do you keep bailing out that prodigal child or let them face the consequences of their choices and actions? And if you are a United Methodist, do you hope that things will change. . .and soon? Or do you turn away? And how do we know the WHEN to turn away?

I truly wish I could give you a simple formula that works in every situation. But I can’t. It’s always a matter of personal choice. But to make the wise decision (unlike Solomon) we need counsel; more than good counsel, we need great counsel. And that comes only by looking about the sun, and to The Son. And I can tell you this–that when the pain creates more and more problems, then that is a sign something needs to change. And here in the United Methodist Institution, it’s the season to decide which side you are on. Remember Joshua’s challenge to the Hebrews? I fully recognize as a soon not-to-be United Methodist pastor, this is the season for me to turn away. It’s been a painful choice–but it’s also been the right choice for me. And I am now embracing Verse 11–“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.” I am entering a beautiful time; albeit a little bit, call it unnerving. But I know this is the Right Season for this move.

And as far as the United Methodist Institution goes, you can choose to live with leadership that is living under the sun. Or you can choose to live above the sun. The Season Of Separation or the Season To Stay is upon us. Our choices are very clear: to live under the sun (meaning with human understanding but without God’s Truth) or to live above the sun (meaning a life of faithfulness and holiness as revealed in the Holy Writ). That decision to refrain from that embrace and to turn away can, and often is painful. But it is the right choice. Using a Biblical Image, the handwriting is on the wall. For 48 years I’ve watched an organization trying to live under the sun. And it’s just not working. Can you recognize which season you are living in? Under the sun? Or Under The Son?

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THAT TRAMPLING BOOT!

^1-3 Thank God! He deserves your thanks.
    His love never quits.
Thank the God of all gods,
    His love never quits.
Thank the Lord of all lords.
    His love never quits.
^23-26 God remembered us when we were down,
    His love never quits.
Rescued us from the trampling boot,
    His love never quits.
Takes care of everyone in time of need.
    His love never quits.
Thank God, who did it all!
    His love never quits!

Psalm 136, verses 1 thru 3 and 23 thru 26; from The Message (MSG)

“You never know which way his mind is headed!” I suppose that’s what those who know me best would say about yours truly. And this morning would verify that declaration. In this morning’s discipline, I admit that I was a bit discombobulated. So, I took off my headphones and started talking with The Spirit. I’ve found that always helps–the talking with not just talking to. He told me to check out this morning’s Verse of the Day, compliments of Bible Gateway. I thought (there I go thinking again) that I had checked the New Living Translation as my chosen translation. But somehow (I wonder how? Wink, wink!) it came up in The Message.

I find looking at different translations helps me understand a passage better and gives me fresh insights. Now, if you are a one translation person, that’s OK. But just try it sometime when you are relaxed. Any who, I also love The Message and the ways that Eugene Peterson and his crew would turn a phrase that really shined some light in me. Though I love the richness of the King James Version when it comes to the Book of Psalms, occasionally The Message opens my eyes. This morning was one of those mornings.

There are actually 2 phrases from this Psalm that prompts these musings from me. The first one is in Verse 24: “Rescued us from the trampling boot“. Trampling boot! Now that’s exactly what Satan does! He wants to trample us down and squish the life out of us like we are nothing but a bug. Sin is The Trampling Boot! I know that lots of folks don’t like the idea of “sin”–but it’s real; very real. And though there are many definitions of sin out there, here’s mine: Sin is living outside of God’s design, purpose, and will for us. It’s being someone other than who we were designed to be by God.

And where do we find God’s design, purpose, and will? Simple–it’s in The Bible. It will never be found in socially acceptable norms. It’s not discovered in the latest cultural fads. It’s not found in the views and opinions of others. And it’s certainly not ever found in our feelings. It’s found in our relationship with Jesus and The Bible. Living outside The Book is where Satan wants us to be. It’s the only way his boot can trample us! Why is there so much anger in our culture today, especially when it comes to the traditional and orthodox faith? Because they are being trampled by Satan’s boot–and since they can’t stop Satan they turn against us who are doing exactly what Paul reminded the church at Corinth to do:

We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; He’s already a friend with you.

2 Corinthians chapter 5, verse 10; from MSG

Oh, that other phrase. Here it is: His love never quits! If you are feeling that trampling boot, remember His love never quits! His love isn’t a sign of approval on your lifestyle. His love is for you. His love is an active force working to get you out from under Satan’s trampling boot. His love is working to bring you back–back to your original design; back to your original purpose, back to where your will is to do HIS Will! And to those who vainly believe they will be happy if the church would just approve and bless their lifestyle, it won’t change a thing. Only by being transformed by God love and learning how to be who God made us to be, can we experience peace, joy, and hope. So, surrender to Jesus lock, stock, and barrel. And He will rescue you from that trampling boot!

WHILE I’M WAITING!

⁹ So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Galatians chapter 6, verses 9 and 10; from the New Living Translation (NLT)

How well do you handle “waiting”? Waiting is just another part of living on this third rock from the sun. It happens every day. We find ourselves waiting for someone or something. Me??? Well, it just depends on my mood at the time. That ought to tell us something about our feelings! Traffic lights, doctor’s offices, at the drive-thru lane, while seated at a restaurant, the cable repair technician–and the worst of all–waiting for the next available customer service representative. But that’s just trivial stuff–though it doesn’t feel like it at the time.

No, I speaking about the current quandary in the United Methodist Institution and that Paragraph 2553. For those not in our Tribe, it defines how to disaffiliate from what has become nefarious. Annual Conferences have defined a process in order to be set free from what can only be described by me as the twenty first century Titanic. Many of my Wesleyan-hearted sisters and brothers have finished the process and have been granted freedom. Well, except those 3 in the Arkansas Annual Conference. (Read my satirical take on that situation here) And there are still many others, like myself, waiting for the moment we can leave Egypt.

So, what do we do when we are waiting in this season of disaffiliation? Well, we can do what we do when waiting at a traffic light. We can fret and stew. Then stew and fret; as if that will make the light change quicker. Lord knows I’ve done a lot of that–not just at traffic lights but while I’m sitting in this quagmire. But I’ve noticed I’m not the only one fretting and stewing. Now, my fellow Wesleyan Hearted friends who are fretting and stewing, don’t be offended at what I am about to write. I’m directing it at me as much as I am you. What good has been accomplished by all our fretting and stewing–anger and frustrations?

It has achieved as much as fretting and stewing changes a traffic light, or for the nurse to call us back to the examining room. Absolutely nothing positive–but it has done a lot of harm to us and the people around us! But The Spirit has given me something else to do until December 10 when hopefully I will be set free. It happened Saturday morning as I was sitting on my front porch doing my usual morning worship time. I have my favorite playlists, but Saturday morning–for some reason unknown to me but known to The Holy Spirit–I allowed my app to select some music.

It sounded unfamiliar at the time to me–but it also sounded familiar at the time. Crazy, huh? Oh, you want to know the name of the song. It was While I’m Waiting written and sung by John Waller. I looked it up, and found out why it sounded familiar. It was in the soundtrack of the movie Fireproof. It was the chorus of this powerful song that reminded me that God wanted me to do something in the waiting other than fretting and stewing. And it’s what we all need to do. Here are the lyrics to the chorus:

While I’m waiting I will serve You
While I’m waiting I will worship
While I’m waiting I will not faint
I’ll be running the race even while I wait

by John Waller; © Capitol CMG Publishing, Songs Of Mojo, LLC

Wesleyan Hearted friends. These are the 4 things God wants of us in this season of waiting–and in EVERY season of life. Serve Him. Worship Him. Don’t faint! And keep on running the race, even while we wait. It will do a lot more for us than fretting and stewing. It has definitely helped my perspective. And who knows–maybe it will do something for another person who is waiting. And here’s the song:

CHURCH SIGNS 27 NOVEMBER 2022

YOU MEAN THAT I’VE GOT TO BE THANKFUL TODAY? FOR WHAT?

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verse 18; from the New Living Translation (NLT)

In the craziness of what’s happening around us, in the pain that is deep inside us–it’s hard to think about being Thankful!  And it’s even harder to BE Thankful!  This morning I was sitting on the front porch, listening to my Morning Worship playlist, and still–I was really struggling to BE Thankful.  Four years ago my Mother died and this year my Daddy died.  And for the first time in my 66 years, I won’t be spending Thanksgiving Day with him.  For the first time, I won’t be in his home with the rest of the family for Thanksgiving Day. 

Then the Tribe that I’ve belonged to for those same 66 years has left me behind–and I am leaving them.  One more thing, I have good friends who long to leave this diseased United Methodist Church–but their congregations failed to garner enough votes to leave, are satisfied with the status quo, or simply chose not to think about leaving. Such is Thanksgiving Day, the twenty-fourth day of November, 2022 for me. Can I be honest with you, the reader? It’s a struggle to be Thankful. Now don’t you go dare and tell me of all Jesus has done for me. I am aware of all He’s done for me. Still . . . I’m struggling right now.

Then good ol’ Paul tells me this morning these words: Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Come on, Paul! Cut me some slack here! If you only had known what this morning feels like to me–surely you would have written this. What were you thinking when you wrote these words? Just now, the Holy Spirit leaned in and whispered, “Randy, that’s a great question! It’s the perfect question! Now answer your own question. This should be an easy one for you, after all. What was Paul thinking?”

I can’t speak for you, but there are moments when I despise how the Holy Spirit speaks to me. Why? Because He brings back to me the right perspective on life–even when it’s crazy. And even when it hurts. Sometimes I just want to be angry and wallow around in my pain. Lord knows I have plenty of reasons to do so! Maybe I’m the only who in this whole wide world who has ever felt this way. Back to that probing question from the Holy Spirit. What was Paul thinking?

My ESPN isn’t working this morning; all I can go by is what Paul went through–and how he responded to those difficult times. In one particular situation, Paul was desperate to get rid of what he called “a thorn in the flesh”. (You can read the passage here) Not once, not twice, but three times Paul wanted to get rid of it. And each time he asked God to remove it–God had the same answer: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Amazing, isn’t it? How that God always has an answer? And that His answer NEVER changes?

So, I will once again change my perspective. Notice I wrote “once again“; it’s not the first time, and it won’t be the last time–well, here on earth. Though I am angered at the chaos filling my “soon-to-be-former Tribe”, and though I am so sad not to be at Daddy’s house today–I Choose To Be Thankful! Not for what’s happening all around me and the things I’m feeling inside me–but for WHO is living inside me. And right now I am experiencing His—His—trying to find another way to say it. But there’s really no other way to say it. I am experiencing His Amazing Grace! And my prayer for you is that today—-and every day, as far as that goes—-that you experience His Amazing Grace. It really is all I need. And it’s all you need.

HOSTAGE SITUATION: DAY 5

 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Matthew chapter 5, verse 37; from the New Living Translation (NLT)

(This article is satire. If you are easily offended, you should not read this. This is intended for spiritually mature readers only. Reader discretion is advised!)

(From the WHY News Network) Today is Day 5 of what can only be described as The Arkansas Hostage Situation. The Hostage Situation began this past Saturday, November 19 in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was designed to be a final check to be certain that all congregations seeking disaffiliation had properly followed the disaffiliation process. A group who self-identifies as The Arkansas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church took 3 congregations hostage. They released 32 other congregations but refused to release First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro, Searcy First United Methodist Church and Cabot United Methodist Church. And, for now at least, these 3 congregations are being held as Hostages by the Arkansas Annual Conference.

Little was known about this radical group before Saturday. An FBI agent who asked to remain anonymous stated: “We were unaware of this Radical Group, and quite frankly, we don’t know what to do.” Though unknown and unnoticed by many, there are those who were aware of this potential abuse happening. To this reporter it appears that their warnings went unheard. And now I am sure that First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro, Searcy First United Methodist Church and Cabot United Methodist Church wished those warnings had been heeded.

Those familiar with the situation said it all started in 2019. The United Methodist Church was embroiled over the issue of human sexuality. The 2019 General Conference was to be the one that was to give a final and definitive statement and position on human sexuality. Many plans had been proposed but the 2 front runners were a more liberal view and a more traditional view. After fractious debates the Traditional Plan passed. And though it was promised by the heads of the United Methodist Church, known as the Council of Bishops, that whichever plan passed would be the final word, that Conference failed to live up to the promise. Those who supported the Traditional Plan have called that Conference The Great Deception.

However, those who were against the approved plan were recalcitrant and intransigent with the outcome. With only limited time remaining for this Session, Rev. Beth Ann Cook proposed a new paragraph to the church’s Book of Discipline known as Paragraph 2553. This would allow congregations who disagreed with the decision a means to graciously exit the United Methodist Church. The caveat was that this provision would expire on 31 December 2023. However, the Rebellion by many leaders within the realm of the Council of Bishops carried out extreme acts in direct violation of what should have been the final word.

So, Paragraph 2553, that was designed and intended to help the more liberalized churches to leave with grace, has become the tool used by Traditional churches to hopefully have a gracious exit from the United Methodist Church. And it appeared that it would work. That is, until The Arkansas Annual Conference chose to hold these 3 congregations hostage. The reverberations of this act of terror has sent shockwaves across other Annual Conferences which will soon hold similar Special Sessions to deal with those churches seeking to disaffiliate. Many are wondering if their Annual Conference will make them hostages as well.

The 3 Hostage Churches had met all of the requirements of Paragraph 2553. Yet, in spite of this, they were taken and are being held as Hostages. The Rev. Beth Ann Cook, author and presenter of Paragraph 2553 recently posted her response to the Arkansas Hostage Situation. The Rev. Cook said this, and I quote: “I’m writing this mostly to process what I’m feeling: grief, disappointment, and frustration.” You can read her entire heart-felt response here.

Jorge Lockward and Beth Ann Cook who were on opposite sides share a holy embrace at the passing of 2553

Surprisingly, the hostages have made brief statements. There words were very carefully chosen as an apparent attempt not to exacerbate the current Hostage Situation. The Rev. John Miles of the Jonesboro First hostages told them: “That’s very discouraging, but y’all it’s not the end of the line,” he said. “There’s much more we can do. And we’ll regroup and we’ll think about it. … When we get back from Thanksgiving, we’ll get together with our administrative board, we’ll get your input and we’ll begin to look at our options for what’s next.”

When asked about the Hostage Situation, Bishop Gary Mueller, head of the Hostage Takers responded that he had complete confidence in the district superintendents and trustees as they worked with churches moving toward disaffiliation. But he also did not second guess the conference members’ decision not to approve the First Jonesboro, Searcy First and Cabot churches’ disaffiliations. Terrorist Leader Bishop Mueller also had this to say, and I quote: “This was United Methodists getting together for conferencing, and they made the decisions they wanted to make.” Searcy First United Methodist’s pastor, the Rev. Jeff Jackson, declined to comment on the special session decision, saying his church is focused on prayer and healing. Leaders of the Cabot United Methodist Church did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Unfortunately, what they wanted has resulted in The Arkansas Hostage Situation. And with no official word about releasing these 3 congregations, one is left to ponder how long this Hostage Situation will last. But for now, this is Day 5 of The Arkansas Hostage Situation and there are no indications how long this will last. All one can do is hope and pray that this horror will end soon and without more casualties and hostages elsewhere. Time will tell. With the deadline of December 31, 2023 looming closer, this reporter wonders how many more Hostages will be taken by the Rogue Organization. But for now, all we can do is wait and see how all this unfolds. This is Randy Burbank, reporting for the WHY Network News. Follow us for more breaking news and updates.

CHURCH SIGNS, 20 NOVEMBER 2022

CUPCAKES!

 “You have minds like a snake pit! How do you suppose what you say is worth anything when you are so foul-minded? It’s your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.”

Matthew chapter 12, verses 34 thru 37; from The Message (Msg)

Cupcakes! We are living in a world of cupcakes! No, not the kind one sees at parties! It’s people I’m talking about. When I was young, I often wondered why “old people” were always so. . .so blunt. They didn’t mince or sugar-coat their words. And now that I’m old, I understand. As I get older I know that my time here is getting shorter and shorter. Thus, my opportunities to speak the truth are becoming fewer and fewer. I realize that I just don’t have the time to draw pictures to explain the things that are really important. It seems my ability and talent to be snarky has come into full bloom. I define snarky as a mixture of satire with a heavy dose of sarcasm. But here’s the thing–I don’t use it very often. Some may say otherwise, but they’re wrong. I refrain from using my snarky more times than Carter has little pills. (You have to be from the south to know what that phrase means!)

My previous post brought out my snarkiness. And as snarky tends to do, I offended at least one person. (click here to see the post) Someone thought my insights worthy of passing along to several people via email. And I am humbled they thought so. Apparently one of the recipients did not like my blunt honesty. And had this to say about my post: “It’s insulting and immature to speak to grown people who can think and decide for them self. To point I think it’s low class to say suck it up buttercup.”

Allow me the kindness to pull out one part of that comment for further reflection: “It’s insulting and immature to speak to grown people who can think and decide for them self.” Yes, people can think and decide for themselves. Got no problem with that premise. Our problem as a church, culture, and society is HOW people think. I.E.–people are all to quick and easy to be offended–especially with The Truth. It goes beyond the insane concept of political correctness. It’s rooted in how people respond. And the United Methodist Institution is an excellent case study.

People are so afraid of hurting someone’s feelings that it has become more important to be nice than it is to be truthful. Somehow it has become mean and ugly and hateful to be truthful; that somehow if we disagree with someone that we can’t and don’t love them. Where did this idea come from? I KNOW! I KNOW! From the heart and mind of Satan! Yes, Virginia, there is a Satan even if you think there isn’t. Nowadays the only way you can love someone is to approve, bless, and sanctify how they think. And if you can’t–well you are just plain ol’ mean and insulting.

I sigh a deep sigh when I think that it’s more important to make people feel good than it is to be truthful. Did you notice how Jesus responded in the passage I opened with this morning? You have minds like a snake pit! Did I miss something here? If Jesus said that today, people would demand an apology from Jesus! And IF Jesus was present like He was then, then by their views, Jesus should have said afterwards: “Oh, I’m so very sorry I offended you. And so that you can feel better about yourself, I renounce those words and I agree with you. Feel better now? Good! Here’s you a cupcake.

THERE IS NO TENT LEFT!

“Don’t you understand yet?” Jesus asked. “Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.”

Matthew chapter 15, verses 16 thru 20; from the New Living Translation (NLT)

Do you still believe that the United Methodist Church is a “Big Tent” where various beliefs can can coexist together in harmony and in one place? If this cycle of improvisational Jurisdictional Conferences has proven anything, then here is the bottom line: THE TENT FOR EVERYONE IS GONE! And count on the Western Jurisdiction to drive the nail home. Any traditionalist Wesleyan-Hearted follower of Jesus who thinks they can remain within the UMC and still be true to Jesus, you really need to think again. Stop burying your head in the sand–even Ostriches don’t do that. It’s a myth. And here’s the story that verifies that The Tent has left the building: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/western-elects-cedrick-bridgeforth-as-bishop

This isn’t the first time for the Western Jurisdiction to elect an openly gay person as Bishop. If this was the first time, then one might could say, “Oh, this was just a hiccup, a bump in the road.” But it’s not the first time. They did it back in 2016 with the election of Karen Oliveto. To do something wrong one time might be (I said might be) an anomaly. But twice? This is what psychiatrists and prosecuting attorneys call a pattern of behavior! And I will be fair; it’s not just in the Western Jurisdiction. It’s happening in more and more places.

And this asininity of the antipodal idea that antithetical beliefs can coexist together is as harebrained as thinking that mixing poison with drinking water is safe and will not hurt you. Our current botheration is NOT a recent development. It’s been astir for decades. Granted, it’s erupted into a devastating lava flow since the Great Deception of 2019, but this has been going on for so long that the cataclysmic consequences has made the UMC irreparable, unless there is a true repentance of heart and surrender of will. To remain in the UMC is Accept The Great Deception That You Know More Than God. Offended by my statement? Here’s all I’ve got to say: The truth will stand even when the world’s on fire! Well, if you are offended, I have one more thing to say: Suck it up, buttercup!

AND THE TENT KEEPS GETTING SMALLER: MORE FROM THE SOUTHEASTERN JURISDICTION!

I haven’t written anything lately. Even though the Church Conferences for the congregations I serve is coming up November 20, Debbie and I needed a respite from all that’s happening. But this morning, I find myself prompted to write. Sometimes I just wish The Spirit wasn’t so pushy on me. Nonetheless, here I write. The recent Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, I should say “the results of that meeting”, reveals that there really is no room in the UMC for us traditionalists. My first “review” of this sad event can be found here.

At that event, 3 out of 3 newly elected Bishops are in favor of changing our Book of Discipline to redefine what is considered Christian Marriage. If that wasn’t enough proof for anyone that this alleged “big tent”, if it ever really existed, is getting smaller and smaller for Traditionalists, then you need to look at the 3 Resolutions that were passed. (Here’s an article about them) One was called “Leading With Integrity”. It calls for all persons who intend to leave the UMC to immediately remove themselves from any positions they hold within the UMC and refrain from any participation in our processes. I was taught, and always believed, that you are what you are until you ain’t! Centrists and Progressives want Traditionalists out even while they are still in in the UMC. And if these Centrists and Progressives want to talk about integrity, then why don’t they call out those who have no integrity–those who are in open violation of our Book of Discipline. AND The Bible! Seems they believe that my “sin” is not as bad as “your” sin. Thank you Ronnie Wicks for giving me this phrase! And the tent got smaller.

Then there’s that resolution by the “Queer Delegates” (don’t shame me–that’s how they identify themselves) called “Queer Delegates’ Call to Center Justice and Empowerment for LGBTQIA+ People in the UMC”. Amended from it’s original presentation, it calls for the UMC to remove the Biblical standard from our Discipline. In other words, they wanted the UMC to declare that homosexuality is no longer a sin, if it ever was a sin. Remember, it passed. And the tent keeps getting smaller.

And then the third resolution: “Resolution in Support of a U.S. Regional Conference”. This resolution wants to form a way for the U.S. to believe one thing, while the rest of the world is free to believe something different. It passed! Now tell me: How can one part of a church believe one thing and another part of the church believe the exact opposite be a “United” church? I think this alleged tent has collapsed!

I want to leave you with one other thought. According to Paragraph 2553, 33.1% of a local congregation can hold the 66.9% of the congregation captive to the UMC. Centrists and Progressives want us to remain UMC, by the illusion of The Big Tent. Come 2024, that Tent will vanish, like David Copperfield’s elephant. Think about that if you still believe there’s room for Traditionalists in the UMC. Did you hear that? My heart breaking for the church I’ve been in for 66 years.

(Writers editorial comment: I messed up my math. I was using Auburn math instead of Alabama math!)

HOW IT’S LOOKING FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN JURISDICTION OF THE UMC!

It’s been a wild and wacky season since 2019. If case you forgot, that was the year that our Council of Bishops called for a special session of General Conference to address the issue of human sexuality. They promised this would be the session that settled this issue once and for all. The Plan that would be approved would be The Plan that would determine the issue of human sexuality. And the Plan that passed was The Traditional Plan. Now, remember, the Plan that passed would be the Plan that would be the final and definitive word for United Methodists.

Guess what? They didn’t keep their word! All that session accomplished was to show how irreparable this thing called the UMC has become. Centrists talk a lot about this purported Big Tent where Traditionalists and Progressives can live together as United Methodists. But in this recent cycle of elections of new Bishops, it seems that Traditionalists are welcome in the UMC, just not in leadership.

In my home Jurisdiction, the Southeastern Jurisdiction has concluded it’s special session with the election of 3 new Bishops. In order of election they are: Rev. Tom Berlin, Rev. Connie Shelton, and Rev. Robin Dease. All three of these support changing our Book of Discipline to affirm that other expressions of human sexuality are given by God and should be allowed full access to ordination as clergy persons.

First, let’s look at Rev. Berlin. In his Q&A for becoming a Bishop, he states: “I affirm that the sexuality of gay and lesbian persons is an orientation that is an expression of the image of God in their lives. I have worked to change The Book of Discipline so that local churches and their pastors will be given the ability, but not the requirement, to offer Christian marriage to gay couples.” And his view of us Traditionalists? In 2019, this is what Rev. Berlin said about The Traditional Plan (which passed): The Traditional plan is akin to “Putting a virus into the American church that will make it very sick.”  Sounds to me like he doesn’t think much of Traditionalists. Still think there’s room for Traditionalists?

Then, there’s the Rev. Connie Shelton. In her Q&A for becoming a Bishop, here’s what she said: “Human sexuality is a gift from God. Covenant relationship grounds human sexuality and relationships. I am committed to uphold the discipline of the United Methodist Church, and I dream of a church embracing full inclusion of all people: conservatives, progressives, centrists, LGBTQ and heterosexual orientations, gender identities, celibacy in singleness, fidelity in covenant marriage.  With the removal of language in the Book of Discipline regarding homosexuality and same gender weddings and ordination, I believe we can live faithfully as clergy and laity allowing one another to live into our convictions without demonization or characterization.” Her words sounds like those of a politician, “I support…but…” Obviously she wants to change the definition of Christian marriage. And she wants people to be free to live out their convictions without interference. This can easily been seen as a peace offering to Traditionalists–that there is still room in the UMC for Traditionalists. But can there really be room for Traditionalists when the current language of our Discipline is removed?

And last, but by no means least, is Rev. Robin Dease. She wasn’t nominated by an annual conference, but became a write-in candidate. Here’s what one article had to say: She shared she wanted to be transparent and shared that she does not believe homosexuality is a sin and that LGBTQ individuals can be called by God, ordained and serve UMC churches well. And without an endorsement from any annual conference, she was elected.

So, 3 for 3 for the side of changing the Discipline, and thus changing the long standing teaching from The Bible. So, exactly where is there room for Traditionalists in the UMC? They are calling for another “Christmas Conference” so that they will be able to change The Standard for the U.S. only. It was that “Conference” which formed the Wesleyan Movement in America as a church. It seems farcical to use that term for their intentions. Indications are that the “Big Tent” is shrinking and shrinking fast. If you ask me–there’s no room left for Traditionalists in the UMC in the United States. Elsewhere, maybe. But here in the U.S.? Look at what’s happening–and you tell me what you see. I can’t see it. I just can’t see it. And that breaks my heart!

CHURCH SIGNS 6 NOVEMBER 2022

REV. COPELAND AND THE DISCIPLINE!

Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?

James chapter 3, verse 11; from the New Living Translation (NLT)

Isn’t it ironic that in this season of discernment, that our Jurisdictional Conferences have been busy electing new Bishops? Or is it just me? This function is akin to selecting a new Captain as the Titanic begins to slip into the ocean. Now, be it known unto all that I never give up hope until there isn’t a snowball’s chance in you know where. Though I am making my move, I am reserving the final decision until there is no hope for the United Methodist Church. I am holding on to my credentials at least until 31 December 2022, just in case. And though the event I am about to address is just one event–it points to the greater problem within the United Methodist Institution.

It is beyond me how some people think. Or what they use for thinking! Case in point: Hypocrisy To A New Level. In the South Central Jurisdiction of the UMC, Rev. Stan Copeland accused 3 Bishops of causing harm to the UMC because they were not making it difficult to impossible for churches in their Conferences to disaffiliate. Well, read it here: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/three-bishops-accused-of-aiding-disaffiliation

And I want to ask Bro. Stan: Why invoke our Discipline now? Bro. Stan, haven’t you been paying attention to the actions and words of other Bishops? You want to declare (not accuse) that 3 Bishops are harming the United Methodist Church by not publicly denouncing the Global Methodist Church. According to the United Methodist News Service you. . .well allow me to quote what was written: “Copeland said they have harmed The United Methodist Church by acting in support of churches disaffiliating and need to be held accountable.” Held accountable?

Bro. Stan, if you had called for Bishops to be held accountable 20 years ago–held accountable to our Book of Discipline, their ordination vows, and to the Bible, none of us would be here watching that snowball in you know where melting into oblivion. My Brother, remember those words of James. It would do you well if you followed that counsel. I haven’t given up all hope–but it’s melting away very fast.

WHAT HAVE YOU DISCERNED?

“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?“

1 Kings chapter 3, verse 9; from the New International Version (NIV)

Every day I am more astonished at what thoughts and passages The Holy Spirit prompts in this mind of mine. I never know where He is going to take me. Like this morning. It was when God told Solomon, “I’m not a genie that grants your wishes. But because of your heart, I will grant you one wish. Let me know in the morning what it is.” Who but God would take such a, call it risk? And if you could have just one thing, what would it be? I’m old enough to remember the Sears and Roebuck Christmas catalogue that would arrive every year. And for those unfortunate souls who have no clue about this, it was called The Wish Book! And oh, what I would wish for! And one thing I’m remembering about The Wish Book is that every year my wishes changed. I mean, after all, a 10 year old doesn’t want the same things as a 9 year old. I was growing up!

But just imagine with me this morning that God has given you a Wish Book full of all kinds of things–full of everything anyone could imagine. And God told you this same thing He told Solomon: “Pick anything out of here and I will give it to you! Anything!!!” What would you choose? Would you choose to be debt-free? Now that would be great! To have lots of money? A condo on the beach? A cabin in the mountains? The winning lottery numbers? A big house with lots of acres? To be liked by everyone? What would you say in the morning? “God, I want ___________________!

Now, allow me to speak to my “for now” fellow United Methodists! We are in this period called discernment. Some of you have finished it. Some of us are about to finish it. Some of you are just beginning. And those who are NOT in a period of discernment, you are missing a rare and golden opportunity. As I have tried to guide both Mt. Vernon and Oak Hill, I have kept on emphasizing that it’s not about discerning whether you stay or leave. It is about discerning what and where God wants you! It’s not about the new (but ancient) view on human sexuality. It’s not about disobedient leaders. And it’s DEFINITELY NOT about how do you keep your property or pay the amount your conference is asking of you.

Discernment IS all about following the lead of The Holy Spirit and accepting His leading in our life and in our local church. Friends, our task isn’t about denominational tribes or figuring out who’s to blame. And it certainly isn’t about church property. It’s about the Kingdom Of God, and nothing else! My prayer for each of you is that you will have Solomon’s heart: Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. Call me looney; you won’t be the first. But if we ask for that discerning heart, then God will take care of the rest.

WHAT’S YOUR HEART SAYING?

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.

Ephesians chapter 5, verses 18 and 19; from the New Living Translation (NLT)

Something happened to a good friend of mine the other day and I thought it was worth sharing. Rex is a serious follower of Jesus, and he also sells used cars. Now, some of you may think that a used car salesman and follower of Jesus is a contradiction in terms. It’s not, and Rex makes it work. Selling used cars for Rex is just a way of doing something, and hopefully making a little bit of money along the way.

Last week at an auction he bought a diesel pickup truck. Before he left the auction to bring it home, he added some fuel, thinking it would be enough. On the way home the truck quit and was putting out an error code. I asked him what it might be and Rex said it could be any of a number of things–ranging from expensive to very expensive. A couple of days later I inquired about if he had found out what was wrong. It turns out, all it needed was fuel. And for now at least, he’s driving and using that truck. It quit running for lack of fuel.

What does this story have to do with The Kingdom Life? Glad you asked. Every person is like a vehicle–we need a source of fuel. And it needs to be the right kind of fuel. You can’t fuel up a vehicle designed to run on gasoline with diesel fuel–and you can’t fuel up a vehicle designed to run on diesel fuel with gasoline. Well, you can–but the results are both disastrous and very expensive.

As human beings, created in God’s Image, there is only one source of fuel that will work in us. And that “fuel” is The Holy Spirit. Human logic or reasoning does not–will not–CANNOT–give us what we need to successfully navigate this life. Trying to live each day by the values and standards of this world is like putting gasoline in the fuel tank for a vehicle designed to run on diesel fuel.

Oh, just one more thing about The Holy Spirit. We don’t advise The Holy Spirit on what He needs to be doing. And we certainly can’t control Him. The church of 2022 has become more of an institution rather than a movement. And it’s all because people are not listening to the error code being sent out by their heart. Our work here is Spiritual Work–and for Spiritual Work we need Spiritual Fuel! And we need Spiritual Tools! There’s only one source for both of them! That’s why we need to live in The Spirit while living in the world.

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

2 Corinthians chapter 3, verse 17 and 18; (NLT)

WHAT DO YOU SEE NOW?

When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?” The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.” Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly.

Mark chapter 12, verses 22 thru 25; from the New Living Translation (NLT)

Yesterday I wrote about the need to be unloosed from our grave-clothes. And this morning, my good buddy The Spirit, had me thinking about that. Then He asked me a question that caught me off-guard. He asked, “What do you see now?” And in typical fashion I replied, “Huh???” I just love the patience of The Father! And The Spirit said, “You know. . .there was that facecloth on Lazarus!” Then the lightbulb turned on! We can’t see if that facecloth is still there! And immediately I remember today’s passage.

People were wanting to see Jesus do another miracle. Now mind you, they were not really interested in becoming a follower of Jesus. They just wanted to “see” another miracle. Rather than try to satisfy “their need”, Jesus took this man outside of the town, spit on his eyes and asked, “Can you see anything now?” He could, but not very clearly. He described people like they were “walking trees”. He had vision, but what this man needed was CLARITY! And boy, oh boy, does our culture need clarity!

But this morning I want to speak into my fellow Wesleyan-hearted sisters and brothers who are in the process of discernment or have finished it and are now ready to leave the United Methodist Church. And if you aren’t one of us, there’s a lesson here for you, too. In the last few years, decades of the recalcitrance of our leaders and teachers in many seminaries is now a boiling cauldron of sedition and anger. And like Elisha, we have reached that point of either being faithful to God or to just go back to plowing with that team of oxen. And if, like Elisha, you have decided to be faithful to God, then we need to have a change in focus.

We can continue to complain. But tell me truthfully, What does all this complaining accomplish? I mean, other than keeping us angry or filled with angst, what does this complaining really do to advance the Kingdom Of God? Complaining is just like what that blind man first saw, seeing trees walking around. I want to encourage and challenge my fellow Wesleyan-hearted sisters and brothers to stop complaining and to seek clarity. Clarity reveals that God is on the move redeeming and restoring broken folks!

We are serving the God who makes everything new! We can either talk about The Mess, or we can talk about The Message! Once you can see clearly where God is leading, then we don’t have to or need to talk about “walking trees”! Our Message is profoundly and powerfully simple:

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

2 Corinthians chapter 5, verses 19 and 20; from the NLT

So, just what do you see now? The Mess or The Message? Let’s keep all our talk about The Message! And oh, what a Message we have!!!