On "Going Lean in '13"

"Go Lean in '13" Life Model

During my daily prayer-walks during the last month I asked the Lord to help me frame a theme for the coming year of grace 2013. In my reflections I asked Him for grace to "work out my salvation with fear and trembling in three aspects: Intentionality, Essentials and Integrity.

In the area of Intentionality I find myself in the last trimester of life and desire to finish strong. For me that means to be finished with "casual" or "passivity" in following Jesus. One of my mentors, Ray Ortlund, Jr. warns of idols that show up during the phases of life. In mid-life and twilight seasons the idols are "coasting" and "self-pity" respectively. I am trusting that the Lord will give me the energy and gifting to finish strong. This will work itself out in my involvement with the next generation of my family and the people of God with whom I'm called to serve.

In essentials I want to do the best things to a high degree of excellence. I'm done with the mass-production approach desiring to engage the various tasks and projects of life and ministry as a craftsman. No more mediocrity because of the tyranny of the urgent. Essentials relate directly with significance. This speaks to a desire for a Coram Deo (befoe God's face) framework for life.

With respect to Integrity the matter is straightforward - a desire that the public and private Gary are the same person in terms of my congruently living as a student and follower of the Lord Jesus. I am convinced that this aspect of life must be negotiated within the context of a faith community which has its own sense of misson and vision. I am looking forward to seeing how the Lord will fulfill His purposes for me and my family as I lean into 2013 under the rubric "Go Lean in '13." (BTW, there are some physical fitness and health goals that go along with it.)

See you at the Potter's Wheel,

G.K. Sexton

On Remembering and Days of Infamy

Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941

President Franklin D. Roosevelt stamped it into history as "A Day that shall live in infamy." The images are very real in the minds of a generation that actually experienced the naked aggression of Imperialist Japan in an attack on American territorial soil. The effrontery of that surprise attack is being lost with the passing of those men and women who wakened that Sunday morning to the onslaught of dive bombers strafing the American fleet at anchor. Many of them lived with the smell of burning diesel, the the images of human carnage, the whines of overhead aircraft buzzing in their nightmares. That Day would set the course for The Greatest Generation's resolve to vanquish fascist tyranny in its threats to our allies around the world. Visitors to the USS Battleship Arizona Memorial may go this day to be reminded of the events and historical antecedents leading to the tragedy.

NYC, September 11, 2001

The present generations have seared in their conscious memory our Day of Infamy. The late summer brightness of Tuesday, September 11, 2001 was shattered mid morning when Islamo-fascist terrorists flew hijacked airliners into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and Pentagon on their suicide mission to strike fear into the American people and to effect a grand protest against the West. We shall never forget the brutality of the events, etched in our memories of desperate people leaping to a better death than burning alive; the suffocating tsunamis of dust and debris raking through the canyons of the city, a charred gaping hole in the southwest side of Fortress Pentagon, smoking vapors emanating from a hole in the rural countryside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Pain and emotion sculptor's tools which chisel into our memories events that we would just as soon forget; if it were not for the requirement to distill from these events the reaffirmation of our core values and commitments. It is these aspects of our humanity that make the difference whether we come through the fire refined or destroyed. Our resilience as a people, as a nation of families, communities and constituent groups is bolstered in part by the way we hold on to our beliefs and convictions with courage, humility and faithful resolve. Certainly these earthquaking events will demand of us a reexamination of our identity as a nation. They will also expose our idols.

As a Christian I enjoy the blessing of a pastor who provides Biblical Christo-centric perspective on events like these as well as the slower boiling aggravations of the so-called fiscal cliff, the growing hostility toward cultural Christianity (what to do about all the Nativity scene protests), the disintegration of Judeo-Christian consensus in social and moral issues such as abortion and homosexual "marriage." He has helped us see that God is excising the Mushy Middle and preparing a leaner, more Biblically faithful Remnant Church (cf. Micah 5.7) Our journey through the Book of Acts  is reminding us that through great testing and tribulation, God's Word spread, moving from a Jewish ethno-centrism to a greater Gentile universalism in the offer of the Gospel.

Calvary, Good Friday, 33 A.D.

On a personal level I am painfully aware of my proneness to using "busyness" as a justification for not stopping and reflecting on the significance of key days of infamy. ("Afterall I have a regular life to live.") Thankfully within the rhythm of my covenant community we have regular and appropriately frequent remembrances of the Great Day of Infamy - Day of Glory. In the Lord's Supper, our pastor brings Word and Sign together as Sacrament, not so that we may wallow in the gory of the Cross. But that the Glory of the Cross will inflame in our remembrance, burn in our hearts, activate in our wills the  reality of a Saviour who spared no expense in ransoming a people for the Triune God. In those sacramental observances, not only is the history of Calvary depicted afresh, but the living reality of the Saviour who keeps his promises and never fails his people, is experienced.


See you at The Potter's Wheel
G.K. Sexton

The Cross

On "October Baby" and Attachments

"Thank you for wanting me, Daddy." This dialogue between Hannah (Rachel Hendrix) and her father, Dr. Jacob Lawson (John Schnieider) is when the tears began to form in my eyes. I had just witnessed a beautifully nuanced film in the emerging genre of Christian creative contributions to mainstream culture,"Jon and Andrew Irwin are a directing team that focus on developing and producing unique stories of redemption, faith and triumph of the human spirit. (iMDb)" 

In this sensitive treatment of the issues of post-abortion healing, adoption and forgiveness, I became enthralled in the rich depiction of life as a matrix of powerful emotional, spiritual and value-laden attachments. Hannah is a young co-ed who struggles with many medical conditions and emotional scarring as a consequence of a "botched abortion." She has deep seated questions about her purpose and worth, initially unaccounted for as she struggles with epilepsy, asthma, multiple-orthopedic surgeries.

When these problems force her parents to reveal that she is adopted, her struggles intensify as she bears down on the question of identity and origin. Her mother and father experience a parallel quandary within their marriage as they sort out the tough decisions of  whether/how to tell Hannah about her birth mother. Hannah's angst is shared with her life-long best friend, Jason.

The narrative took me on her odyssey in a blue& white VW microbus (just like one I owned) to Mobile, Alabama (which I've visited) to find and confront her birth mother. Enroute she sits with the agonizing nurse (Mary)who attended the failed procedure, rescuing Hannah and revealing to her other surprises about her birth. She gives Hannah her mother's hospital bracelet as a physical connection to her birth mother.

I found myself hoping for immediate reconciliation with her now "successful" mother, who has born the secret of her pregancy (even from her husband). What grace and tenderness, as the story refused to sugar-coat the complexities thrust upon the attachments that follow such tragic decisions.

Many of the significant scenes take place in or near water. (Suggestive of life, forgiveness, quenched soul-thirst?) I followed Hannah as she passed the baptismal font as she visits a cathedral to sit in God's presence seeking solace and focus in her confusion and anger. She sits with a wise, caring and LISTENING clergy men who provides space, time, and compassion as Hannah seeks to figure out how her faith and ultimate attachment with God can free her to forgive and move forward with hope and confidence in God;s mysterious,  intimate and loving presence and empowerment.

Being blessed with a daughter was a necessary pre-condition for me to understand the redemptive message of this story. Having family members who have lived through the aftermath of abortion and sitting with women struggling with isolation and shame as a consequence of their decision, I still must disqualify myself from saying that I understand what they have experienced. However, through the network of attachments affected by these life and death issues, I have found an entry point to stand alongside, respectfully and hopefully should I'm called upon to offer Christ's response of love and compassion

I pray that "October Baby" will garner a hearing and the support of many who want to do something meaningful in response to women (and men) who have survived the scary, scarring and painful experience of abortion. As Jesus followers "offer a cup of water in my name...to the least of these",I am confident that many will come to know and experience the greater reconciling attachment with the living and loving Lord of Life.

See you at the Potter's wheel!
.G.K. Sexton

More on "October Baby"

On Vocation (Labor Day 2012)

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned him, and to which God has called him.  1 Corinthians 7:17

"Man Hoeing"
George Pierre Seurat
1882

A funny thing happened on the way to the graduation of the Covenant Theological Seminary  Class of 1981. Two contemporary giants of the faith (and mentors of mine) found themselves in a contrasted situation given their remarks at the baccalaureate and  graduation ceremonies. Dr. R.C. Sproul with characteristic enthusiasm leaned outward to the graduates and families and laid it on thick: (paraphrase) "Brothers, yours is a HIGH and HOLY calling as you have prepared to enter the ministry." The next day Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer in his signature high-pitched voice reminded the graduates: (paraphrase):"As you enter your vocation, remember that it is no more sacred than the one who washes dishes in the local hotel kitchen, when done unto the Lord." Timely consideration for me in view of my own graduation a year later. And even more timely now that I have 'retired" from 27 years and 2 days of service as an active duty U.S. Army Chaplain. And most significant as I look forward to new ministry as an assistant pastor with our present home church.

The  American Labor Day holiday has its roots in an 1882 gathering in New York City's Union Square to celebrate "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations."  As a socio-economic-political phenomenon, I find the emphasis to be somewhat trite and wearisome. The emphasis is so pedestrian. It doesn't soar or inspire. In fact it suffocates as it pushes me down into the atmosphere of organized toil and drudgery. For me the eternal significance of my work is the difference between "rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them" (Psalm 126.6) and   "blood, toil, tears and sweat" ( first uttered on 2 July 1849 by "Red Shirt" Giuseppe Garibaldi when rallying his forces in the Italian nationalist revolution.) The current labor emphasis may arguably be about a collective prudence, whereby workers seek their own interests and advantages, on the way to building a healthier economy for my neighbors. In the immediate pre-election "conversation", there is a rightful concern for more JOBS. However, in my view neither side has truly given adequate expression to the meaning of vocation (calling) - that is, the higher meaning of our work.

In my view, vocation is simply a facet of Providence. Through our callings we participate in God's decree of providence. ( cf. Westminster Shorter Catechism. Q. 11. What are God’s works of providence?  A. God’s works of providence are, his most holy,wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.) Vocation/calling is a creational ordinance. ^"The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." (Genesis 2:15) We find our significance, security, identity and inspiration in the knowledge that we live out our covenantal relationship with God, in part through our vocations. Vocation is the framework for how we understand the family, the Church, social obligations, art, music, literature, science and technology.

I believe there is a direct correlation between one's sense of vocation and one's holistic health. Even though the consequences of the Fall will play themselves out resulting in our physical death (release), we need not succumb to spiritual, emotional, psychological death by detaching our work from the greater purpose of "glorifying God and enjoying Him forever. (WSC. #1) Bouncing out of bed to get to work each day is not so much about screwing up one's resolve, or beating ourselves over the head with the Puritan work ethic (behaviorally expressed), as it is "presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Roman 12.1)

Dr. Joan Vernikos (Ph.D)
Director, NASA Life Science Center
1993-2000

I made of new friend at a recent meet-the-author book fair at the Porter Memorial Library, Stafford, Virginia. Dr. Joan Vernikos (Ph.D, Pharmacology, University of London) has done extensive research into the dangers of the sedentary lifestyle. Her work is premised on understanding the benefits of using gravity to forestall the effects of aging. As a past Director of the NASA Life Science Division, she was integral to the process of returning Senator John Glenn to space at age 77. Her talks and workshops are helpful in understanding the necessity of gravity for our overall health and the practical activities that can capitalize on this creational design. The effects of a zero-gravity environment are enormous. Like gravity, I am persuaded that vocation (or a lack of vocational identity) will have a deleterious effect on our overall quality of life. One of the blessings of meeting Dr. Vernikos, was the joy of witnessing someone who's life work has brought such good to her neighbors, has dealt so well with the mandate in the Garden and has contributed so much to mitigating the effects of The Fall. Her's is a labor of love as she brings "good news" to people in all walks of life. Coupled with the"Good News" of Christ crucified, buried and resurrected for our salvation, these two GOOD NEWS emphases we gain a fuller understanding of vocation and a greater experience of this injunction:  “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

See you at The Potter's Wheel!

G.K.Sexton

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15: 58

More on Dr.Joan Vernikos

Welcome Dr. Douglas Groothuis

Dr. Douglas Groothuis

The Biblical Basis for Apologetics by Douglas Groothuis, taken from Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith (InterVarsity Press, 2011)


Is the Christian worldview true and rational? Is it worth believing and living out? Within these questions resides the discipline of Christian apologetics. It offers answers based on rational arguments, yet these arguments can never be divorced from the apologist’s personal character. Therefore, apologetics is necessarily both theoretical and personal, both intellectual and relational. Along with the method of the apologetic argument comes the manner of the apologist himself. Both are equally vital, as we will see.
The word “apologetics” is often used today in a derogatory way to mean a biased and belligerent advocacy of an indefensible position. Yet the idea of presenting a credible “apology” for a legitimate position or viewpoint has a long and rich history. For example, the American founders presented an apology (or apologetic) for what would become the American form of government in The Federalist Papers. These learned and eloquent apologists explained and rationally defended a political perspective in the face of objections. An apologist, then, is a defender and an advocate for a particular position. There are apologists aplenty for all manner of religion and irreligion.
Christian apologetics is the rational defense of the Christian worldview as objectively true, rationally compelling, and existentially or subjectively engaging. The word apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, which can be translated as “defense” or “vindication.” In the days of the New Testament “an apologia was a formal courtroom defense of something (2 Timothy 4:16).” The word, in either the noun form apologia or the verb form apologeoma, appears eight times in the New Testament (Acts 22:1; 25:16; 1 Corinthians 9:3; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Philippians 1:7, 16; 2 Timothy 4:16; 1 Peter 3:15). The term is used specifically for a rational defense of the gospel in three texts: Philippians 1:7, 16 and most famously in 1 Peter 3:15-16. "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer [apologia] to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Because Jesus, echoing the Hebrew Scriptures, affirmed that we should love God with all of our being, including our minds (Matthew 22:37-39), believers should defend God’s truth when it is assailed. Jesus himself did just this throughout his ministry. He was an apologist and a philosopher, although these categories are rarely applied to him today.

Dr. Douglas Groothuis 

On Number 58

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

The family is keeping it simple this coming Friday as we dine at my favorite local chili restaurant for my 58th birthday. Not a bad choice for an O-- F---. Bring on the mix of  2/3 Texas Dry,1/3 Teralingua, with jalapenos and  onions, and a dash of Dave's Insanity BBQ sauce (heavy on the habeneros). I know that it will be emotional as I scan the faces of Fran of Forty Years, the available kiddos and a few special chingos (friends). I've noticed in my life that approaching those decade years (30, 40,50,60) invites reflection on the journey and more importantly the destination.

Yesterday, while lunching with my fellow pastors and our incredible intern, the table-talk drifted toward Fatherhood, following the lead of our senior pastor. In the mystery of spiritual fraternity I soon discovered that his thoughts about his children and grandchildren, irrigated by heart-felt tears had primed my pump and soon I found myself melting,;especially as I rehearsed a recent major conversation with one of my adult children. This was no soggy sentimentality. It was a well-spring of thanksgiving tapped by the active remembrance of God's faithfulness over the course of my almost six decades.

The cork had been squeedged loose by a sermon delivered by our Associate Pastor setting forth the Biblical teaching on forgiveness from the Gospel of Matthew. What a takeaway line (paraphrase): "Unforgiveness is the poison we drink in the hopes that the other guy will die.": Aware that I may have only 15-25 years this side of heaven, barring any sudden demise, my desire is to keep accounts short. Especially within relationships of my immediate family, extended family and brethren of our covenant community.

This coming Lord's Day I will spend time with the senior saints in a local residential retirement complex. It will be an enjoyable challenge. Enjoyable, inasmuch as we will be sharing Christian fellowship. I'm  sure I will blessed with well seasoned stories covering the full genre of life experiences. Challenging, because I know that many of them are veterans of life's struggles, knowing the power of Providence, fending off bitterness and cynicism, surviving the crucible of aging bodies, failing memories, the passing away of family and friends.

Standing at the window looking upon the future I sense that God's gift to me is a growing heart of wisdom. My simple definition of wisdom is: Seeing Life from God's point of view. Progress here entails an occasional return to basic life questions and convictions. One of these is the priority of "Whose am I?" over "Who am I?"  Another is "Where have I invested my talents, time, treasure?" (cf. Matthew 6:33) A third "How do I balance the '-ed' (past) with the '-ing' (present --> future) in the syntax of life. Clear syntax is essential to clarity on the critical issues of living well and wisely.

I liken reflective living to viewing a mosaic, rich in the diverse
colors, images, shapes and sizes. It's important to stand close for an examination of the details; but one must step back to gain a sense of the whole and to experience its unity of composition and meaning. My mosaic is an ongoing co-artistry. The Lord provides the various piece, handing them to me in times of tragedy, tedium and triumph. I take them with trembling hands, quivering lips and teary eyes and lay them together. Sorting, shifting, setting them into the frame until the meaning emerges. One Day, the finished work will enjoy its place in the palace of my King.

On Sara's & Nick's Engagement

As I heard it,  a street drunk downtown actually witnessed the moment Nick proposed to our Sara. After a day planned at Virginia Beach where Nick had spent some of his boyhood, and being crowded out of simple privacy, the youngsters made their way back home. At about 11:30 P.M. the ring was free from its vault in Nick's pocket and lovingly placed on her hand. Apparently they were somewhere between two parking lots under a street light. The drunk was in the bushes.

Kelli and Brad (Nick's parents), Frances Jo and I kinda' knew that something special was in the making. The third anniversary of their friendship was approaching and we had all been appropriately involved in their courtship. Mom's and Dad's can figure it out when their daughter begins to ask questions such as " We were thinking about getting married after Nick graduates. Whatya' think?"

Sissy Mae

As Dad of just one daughter who happens to also be the baby of four kids, I proved my credentials by going through a whole host of emotions as I reflected on "giving her away" to the protection, care, leadership and intimacy of another young man. My greatest comfort came from something Sara had shared with me during her teen years:"Daddy, I want the Lord to bring to me a man whose love for Jesus will make me want to love Him more."

Nick

Nick had called me earlier in the week to request whether we could talk. We coordinated a breakfast at IHOP for the next morning. Again, the internal dialogue about how to approach our pending tete-a-tete. I thought about Tommy Lee Jones as Loretta Lynn's future husband meeting her father in Coal Miner's Daughter. Somehow the only line in the encounter between Melvin "Ted" Webb (Butcher Hollow, Kentucky) and Oliver Vanetta Lynn ("Doo") which stuck in my memory was "Whatever you do, don't hurt my daughter." But Nick didn't need me reprising a hillbilly dad talking about his 15 year old daughter. I elected to sit with him, listening to his heart and assuring him of the multi-generational support he and Sara would receive from his parents and us.

I did challenge him with two exhortations: 1) Make it your life-long commitment before the Lord to study Sara. Ask the Lord to help you discern her hopes and dreams, her fears and doubts, her sense of God’s call upon her life with you. 2) Be prepared to lay down your life for Sara…she’s worth it. Many other mano y mano topics were discussed (which will remain mano y mano). Fran's and mine delight in this young man have been confirmed consistently in his quiet strength, gentle manner, witty humor and spiritually teachable spirit. Nick and Sara have grounded their relationship in a godly Christ-honoring friendship.

The Dollar Dowry is exchanged at IHOP

The next day I had the honor of announcing to our congregation on behalf of Frances Jo and myself their betrothal with a pending wedding time frame of June 2013. I publicly marvelled that a new adventure was well underway for an Army Brat in love with a Navy Brat. We rejoice in the wonderful friendship we share with Brad and Kelli; and we look forward to backstopping the rearing of our grandchildren (D.V.) (Am I getting ahead of myself?)

See you at the Potter's wheel!
G.K. Sexton

" Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready." Revelation 19:7