Richland Creek Welcome Ministry

In two of my recent blog posts, I mentioned my vacation to the mountains of Virginia with my wife Sandra and some of our children and grandchildren. We left on a Sunday morning and returned the following Saturday. Because of the timing of our vacation, we missed a whole week of church-related activities. We did, however, have a wonderful time doing some things we don’t usually get to do and we also had a great time just being together as a family.

Most of the activities we did were in the company of people we didn’t know. I spoke briefly with some of these people, but for the most part, everyone I encountered was pretty focused on their own time of relaxation with their friends and their families. Now don’t get me wrong; I’m not complaining. But I did find myself longing to be with my friends back home. I missed the camaraderie I feel when I’m with my church family.

So when we returned to our church the next Sunday morning I felt more complete than I had in a week. It was truly exhilarating to be around the people that really have become my family. I’ve mentioned before that Richland Creek is a fairly large church. But to me it’s not just a mass of people; it’s a lot of unique and very special individuals. I think I noticed it even more on that Sunday morning. I didn’t see the large numbers; I saw, instead, a collection of very special people: my brothers and sisters in Christ. I felt comfortable and once again at home. And I loved how so many people came up and shook my hand or hugged me and told me they had missed me. Because, I had missed them, too.

On the day of Pentecost it says that “all those who had believed were together and had all things in common.” (Acts 2:44) That’s the way it felt when I was back at home in my church, back at the Creek. The worship was great and the message was truly inspiring. All of that is an important part of every Sunday morning. But what was especially important to me that particular Sunday is that I was with the people I loved–the people with whom I “had all things in common.” You see, on some Sunday mornings, the most important thing is to be in a place where everybody knows your name. And, sometimes, I think that’s exactly what God had in mind for His body of believers.

Thom Fishow

December 5, 2010

I was listening to some of the discussions about the TSA and the body scans and pat downs at the airports this morning on my way into work. It seems there are a lot of people who are angry about this and probably with good reason. Some countries, such as Israel, use other, less invasive techniques and have achieved excellent results. But that’s not what interested me about these discussions. I was listening to the frustration that was directed at the TSA agents as if they were the enemy. They are not the enemy. While I admit they are doing a less-than-stellar job, what they are trying to do is to make things safe for air travelers. And certainly, there is nothing wrong with that.

You see, what has happened is that since we can’t see the real enemy (remember, al-Qaeda is the reason for increased airport security), we have chosen to direct our anger at the people we do see. We have made the TSA agents the enemy.

As we come into the Christmas season, I realize that I have done the same thing in the past.

I am oftentimes angry with people because they won’t allow companies to have a Christmas banquet but must instead settle for a holiday luncheon. It irritates me that when I go to see my grandchildren in what should be called a Christmas pagent at their school I end up at a winter concert. And I get especially upset with people who try to sell me a holiday tree when clearly I am trying to buy what I have always bought: a Christmas tree.

These people who I assume are not themselves believers, want to make sure that no one else experiences the joy available to all at this most holy time of the year. These and other self-serving actions during this season really raise my ire. But I have to ask myself: Am I doing the same thing as the people who have redirected their anger from the terrorists to the TSA agents? And the truth is, I am. You see, the people who try to steal my Christmas are not the enemy. Read 1 Peter 5:8. Satan is the enemy and he has tricked me into directing my anger toward the very people with whom Jesus wants me to share the Gospel. Satan is clever; because isn’t it less likely that I would make the effort to share the Gospel with someone who is “intentionally” trying to steal my joy?

If Satan can divide us like this he can prevent us from spreading the Good News. You see, the people who we think are the enemy are just us before we believed. The only difference is that someone shared the Gospel with us and lead us to Christ. And, I would bet some of us were pretty obnoxious to Christians before we were our new creation. Maybe, this is the year to realize that these “Christians in waiting” are not the enemy and we have an obligation to tell them what they’ve been missing. Who knows, if we can share the Gospel with enough people this Christmas season, maybe next year we can all buy Christmas trees again.

Thom Fishow

November 28, 2010

Last week I told you I’m a “Yes, but” person and I guess I left you hanging without telling you how things worked out with my effort to start making some changes in that area. Last week’s column was actually written five weeks ago, so here’s an update.

Since I wrote that column, two of the projects I talked about have been completed and I’ve been assigned to two new projects. One is a very intense quick hitter that’s supposed to be complete by March and the other could go on for three years or more. I did buy a “new” 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee and sold my “old” 1997 Dodge Dakota as a mechanic’s special. I even drove the Jeep to the mountains for our vacation. Buying a 13 year old car and immediately driving it to the mountains for the family vacation? Now, that’s faith.

I did read Psalm 118 every day like I said I would. It’s still hanging at my desk as I write this. In case you were wondering, the verse at the center of the Bible is Psalm 118:8 which reads, “It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man.” Definitely good advice.

Was I able to turn over some of my worries to the Lord during this time? Well, it’s hard to change a lifetime of stubborn independence in just a month, but I did spend a little more time with God asking Him to help me carry my load. Fact is, He was already there trying to help me, but I just wasn’t allowing Him. During this time I consciously tried to turn over to God some of the worries and challenges I was trying to handle myself. And maybe I did a little. Or maybe just being more aware that I could, helped. I do know that when I forced myself to slow down and take a deep breath, God’s presence did give me peace.

I think what helped me most was that every time I slowed down long enough to ask for His help, I realized that the challenges I was facing were all temporary. In the grand scheme of things I know that no matter what happens with projects or my truck or this column or whatever, one day I will be in heaven with Him. Things of this world won’t matter anymore.

I’m not saying the challenges of this world aren’t important. We are definitely supposed to live our lives and deal with challenges according to Christ’s example. And since people at work know I’m a Christian, it’s that much more important.

But I did come to realize that I can only do what I can do and with God by my side that’s good enough for me. And if it isn’t good enough for others? Well, either way, if everything works out okay or if everything comes crashing down on my head, I have His promise that I will spend eternity with Him. And sometimes that’s all any of us have. But for me, I’ve learned it’s all I really need to get me through the day.

Thom Fishow

November 21, 2010

I’m a “Yes but” person. Are you? I’ve been that way most of my life. When I was young and my mother would say, “Tommy, it’s time for bed,” I’d come back with, “Yes, Mom, but let me finish what I’m doing first.”

If my teacher said, “Thom, did you do your homework?” I’d say, “Yes, ma’am, but I left it on the bus.”

Over the past couple of weeks as I’m writing this, I’ve been dealing with some challenges that have really consumed me. At my job, I’m managing four projects, three of which are coming down to some hard deadlines, in other words, the dates are not flexible. My truck, after putting $7,000 into it in the past two months has broken down for the last time, so I’m without transportation and I have to try to find another vehicle. Unfortunately, I have to look quickly and I have virtually no spare time to do it. I’ve got deadlines for getting my columns written and I’ve got a ministry at church that requires my attention on an almost daily basis. On top of all that, in two weeks I’ve got vacation coming up with the whole family and the date cannot be changed. And while this should be a good thing, the timing just couldn’t be worse.

Deep breath. Here’s something you should know about me. I’m not good about asking others for help. I can do it myself. I’ve always been that way–I’ve always been stubbornly independent. I try to trust God like it says in Proverbs 3:5 (Trust in the LORD with all your heart), but sometimes it’s hard to turn loose of what I see as my responsibilities. Sometimes I really do believe I can do it better myself.

And I know that God is quietly standing by saying, “Trust Me.” But, as you might expect, my answer is, “Yes Lord, but you don’t understand.” And unless I slow down long enough to stick my busy nose in the Bible where it belongs, I really do think I can go it alone. I know God is sovereign. I also know He allows me to make my own mistakes.

I read Psalm 118 this morning and I know whoever wrote this Psalm was going through far worse trials than I’m experiencing. But he clearly had a peace that I don’t have when I’m trying to be in control.

I decided this morning that I’m going to read Psalm 118 every day for the next 30 days. It’s easy to find. As a matter of fact, verse 8 of this Psalm is literally the center of the Bible and believe me, that verse is good advice for everyone. I know by reading the Psalm my challenges won’t magically disappear. That’s not the way God works. But if Jesus could take my sins from me and carry them to the cross, taking also the punishment I deserve, He can certainly help me to carry my small load. One thing I know is this: He didn’t promise me perfect days when I decided to follow Him. He just said He would be with me (Matthew 28:20). And if I trust Him, that should be enough.

Thom Fishow

November 14, 2010

Last year my wife Sandra and I installed an invisible fence for our puppy Bo. We had our doubts about whether or not it would work. After all, Bo is a beagle and beagles are inclined to follow their noses even when it takes them to places they shouldn’t go.

When Bo was a puppy we used to take walks with him and he would stay by our side without a leash. Now if we take him anywhere, we need to have him on a leash and he pulls at the leash, wishing, I’m sure, he could get away and track the scent of the nearest animal. So when we installed the invisible fence, we wondered how successful this method of containment would be.

After the fence was installed, we put up flags as you’ve probably seen from time to time and began the training program that we were told would take about two weeks. To train Bo I put him on a leash and enticed him to go beyond the flags by throwing food outside the boundary of the fence. When he tried to get the food he would first get an audible warning from his special collar and, if he continued even further, he would get a mild shock. Then I would gently pull him back into the safe area. I repeated this procedure at several points around the yard. On the first day, we trained using this procedure in the morning and again at night. We did the same on the second day.

By the third day, Bo knew the routine and refused to go beyond the flags. So, on the fourth day, I let Bo run free in the yard. Within two weeks, I was able to remove the flags. And now, even if we forget to put his collar on, Bo stays in the yard.

Here’s why I think this works. Bo’s not afraid of the shock. The shock is only as “painful” as what you feel when you shuffle your feet on a carpet and then touch a door knob. The truth is, Bo rarely goes close enough to the perimeter to trigger the audible warning let alone the shock. No, it’s more about Bo’s relationship with me. Bo wants to please me. I showed him his limits and he trusted me enough to know that I had a reason to set those limits. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t know what the reason is, he just trusts me, and with rare exception, doesn’t push the limits. He knows being disobedient would displease me and because of our relationship, he doesn’t want to do that.

God works the same way with us. The Bible is our training. It’s the limits God places on us. But here’s what’s important: It’s not just knowing the limits that matters. It’s a desire to stay within those limits that results in obedience. And the desire comes from the relationship. Bo’s relationship with me came before his desire to obey. In the same way, our relationship with God creates the desire to be obedient. Without the relationship, Bo’s invisible fence would have been little more than an occasional annoyance. Funny how some see the Bible in the same way.

Thom Fishow

November 7, 2010

I finally found the perfect church. And instead of telling you where it is, I’m going to tell you what I like about it and I think you’ll agree it really is pretty great.

To start with, the church has the music I love–every single song–and none of the music is too loud or too slow. When I sing along, I actually sound good. And, to be honest, that’s not an easy thing to accomplish. The preaching is exactly what I like to hear. It’s not all that fire and brimstone but it’s not watered down, either. It’s the perfect balance. It convicts me just enough but doesn’t make me feel too uncomfortable, if you know what I mean. And, the pastor never allows the service to run over. We always get out right on time. The whole Sunday service is like a well oiled machine.

The Sunday school classes are great. The classrooms are just the right size and the teaching is excellent. There’s the perfect blend of discussion and lecture. The people who want to talk can talk and those who want to listen can listen.

And that’s another great thing–the people. There’s no backstabbing or gossip. Everyone is really sincere. And one of the things I like is that there are no “Sunday morning Christians.” Every one of these people live their faith. But they’re not like some people who are so gung-ho that they make me feel like I’m not doing enough. As a matter of fact, everyone seems to be on the same page when it comes to a balance between church and the real world.

And they have plenty of covered parking so it’s never a problem getting into the church if it’s raining. The covered deck also keeps the cars from getting too hot. I like that during the summer months.

Are you starting to wonder where this church is? Okay.  I wasn’t completly honest; it doesn’t really exist. The truth is, there is no perfect church. Churches are made up of people and people are imperfect. Read the New Testament. Most of the letters are written to address problems in the church.

I talked to someone today who I believe is a Christian. She told me she doesn’t go to church because of all the phony people. She told me about all the things she doesn’t like about the churches she’s tried and I don’t doubt anything she said.

But here’s what I find interesting. She and I work at the same place. Trust me, it’s not perfect. But she shows up every day. She sends her children to public schools. The schools aren’t perfect, but she makes sure her kids are in attendance Monday through Friday. She tells me her life’s not perfect. As a matter of fact, she tells me frequently that it’s anything but perfect.

But here’s what I know. She’s not alone. I talk to many people who don’t go to church and won’t come to visit mine because it’s not perfect. Maybe these people should all get together and start the perfect church. I’m sure there would be many who would like to attend. The only thing is, once they let people in, I don’t think it will be perfect anymore.

Thom Fishow

October 31, 2010

Several years ago I was running late on my way to an appointment. I was on a two-lane highway with a posted speed of 65 but was stuck behind a tow truck pulling a school bus which was followed by a dilapidated old pickup truck. I had only been going 40 MPH for over 10 minutes because every time the center line was not solid, there were cars coming the other way.

Finally, there was an opening allowing me to pass. It was only a short opportunity because there was a blind curve ahead, so I knew I would have to get my speed up in a hurry. I gunned the engine, shot into the left lane, and was quickly doing 90. In seconds, I was around the two vehicles and was pulling back into the right lane. But then I saw it. From around the curve, I saw a police car coming toward me. Instinctively I looked at the speedometer. It still showed 80.

Immediately my whole body became like Jell-O. I felt the panic of a moth in a web and sweat broke out on my forehead. I was caught. I felt a fear I hadn’t felt in years.

I’m a good driver and have had relatively few tickets. But this one time, and for what I thought was good reason, I broke the law. And I knew there would be consequences. I didn’t hurt anyone and I had been as patient as I could be for 10 minutes while I waited for the safest opportunity to pass. But even so, I did break the law.

I have great respect for the police, but this encounter resulted in fear. And the fear wasn’t the result of what the policeman did; it was the result of what I did.

The admonition to fear the Lord can be found in over 120 places in the Bible. In 1 Peter 1:17, we are told to “conduct {ourselves} in fear during the time of {our} stay on earth.” Why? Are we supposed to be afraid of God? What does it mean to fear God?

I think fearing God is a lot like the fear I experienced when I first saw that policeman. You see, it wasn’t the policeman I was afraid of. I was afraid of the consequences that would result from my actions.

I love God. I am not afraid of Him. I am afraid of the consequences of my disobedience just as David was afraid of the consequences Uzzah suffered when he disobeyed God (2 Samuel 6:6-9a). I know my relationship with God is secure. But because He is evenhanded in His correction when we need it, and “because the Lord disciplines those he loves” (Proverbs 3:12), I know without doubt that when I sin, God’s correction is sure to follow.

To be honest, I’m glad God doesn’t deal in gray areas and that He’s not inconsistent in his reproof. That would make me truly afraid. But God has told us through scripture exactly what He expects of us. It’s up to us to obey. And when we don’t? A little healthy fear can go a long way to putting us back on the path of obedience. I know it works for me.

Thom Fishow

October 24, 2010

Driving to work today, I was in a long line of traffic that was moving pretty well, when I saw a car coming from a side street stopped and waiting to get onto the main road. As I got closer to the car I noticed the driver had his head tilted to his left holding a cell phone on his shoulder, a cup of coffee in his left hand that was on the steering wheel (steering, I hoped), and a cigarette in his right hand that was at his mouth as he took a deep drag. It was an image that, had it been painted by Norman Rockwell, could have been called, “Distracted.”

It wasn’t possible for me to let him into the traffic, but even if it had been I probably wouldn’t have. I didn’t want someone with that many distractions anywhere near me as I drove to work. After all, I’m a fairly cautions driver and I’m usually pretty good about not getting distracted by things inside the car like the radio or my cell phone. (I said usually.) I don’t even drink my coffee on my drive in. Instead I carry it in a thermal cup and drink it at my desk. I don’t smoke; that’s a habit I gave up in my youth. And, I only change CDs when I’m stopped at a traffic light.

But now, later in the day, the image of that man has come back to convict me. Because, I realize that the man I saw this morning was me. Not me at some time in my past when I was less responsible, but me on this particular morning.

You see, when I woke up this morning, I got ready for work and went into my office at home as I usually do to read scripture and spend some quiet time with God. But my granddaughter stuck her head in the door to tell me good morning (she had spent the night with us) and I got distracted. I didn’t read any scripture and didn’t even take time to pray. Instead I followed her downstairs to visit and eat breakfast with her. I will give myself some credit, though. I did lead my wife and son and granddaughter in a quick devotion. But I should probably only get half credit because I rushed through it since I was running behind schedule.

On the way to work, I didn’t listen to the Bible on CD as I should have, but instead was planning an early morning meeting in my head. And, I didn’t take any time to talk to God–even to ask for safe passage on my trip to work.

This morning reminded me of what happened to Peter when he took his eyes off Jesus in Matthew 14:24-33. He was walking on the water with Jesus when he became distracted and began to sink and cried out in fear. That, too, was me as I started my day today. This morning made me realize how sad it is when I accomplish all of my little tasks, all the unimportant things of my day, but end up sinking like Peter because I take my eyes off of what matters most. Am I the only one who has days like that?

Thom Fishow

October 17, 2010

“Let’s start at the beginning. This is a football. These are the yard markers. I’m the coach. You are the players.”

These are the words of the late Vince Lombardi after ten losing seasons by the Green Bay Packers. Out of what must have been a sense of angst, he put fancy plays aside and took his new team back to the basics. Once the basics were ingrained in the whole team, only then would it be time to move on.

A recent survey by the Pew organization showed that Christians in America are uninformed about religion in general, knowing the answers to only about 50% of the questions asked. On questions about Christianity in particular, American Christians scored only 60%. By most standards, that’s a failing grade.

Coach Lombardi also said, “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined efforts of each individual.”

Listen, in Wake County we have a very good seminary. And with seminaries, come seminary students. They love to read and read they do. I’m not going to begin to list the books and authors they can tell you about. When I talk to a seminary student I feel woefully inadequate because I don’t know a fraction of the writers’ names they drop. I just nod and smile as they rattle off their favorites and what this one says about this and that one says about that.

At the other end of the spectrum there are people who never pick up a book. What they learn about Christianity is what they hear when they occasionally go to worship. Some never go to a Sunday school class. In their minds they know all they need to know. They go to church only because that’s what they were taught.

A football team is made up of many individuals. Yes, there are stars, but most of the players are not stars. If the players who are not stars don’t perform at some minimum acceptable level and aren’t encouraged and helped to achieve this level, the stars are rarely successful. For a team to have a winning season, all players must know at least the basics. Vince Lombardi knew this.

As Christians, we are individuals but we must function as a team. In his letters to Timothy and Titus, Paul talks about the different roles we all play to bring this team up to what we hope is more than some acceptable minimum level of performance or understanding of our faith. I’ve seen coaches hold up their playbooks and say, “This is your bible.” We have our Bible, too. If we don’t know our Bible inside and out, we, the body, can’t perform at an acceptable level.

But here’s the thing. If you are someone who faithfully studies the Bible and you can quote scripture by book, chapter, and verse, but you haven’t mentored someone else to do the same, how strong will our team be? The results of the Pew survey showed me that while we may have some “stars,” it’s time to make sure the whole team knows the basics. And to make sure we do, well, that’s everyone’s responsibility. So maybe it’s time to help someone else find their playbook, dust it off, and say to them, “This is a Bible.”

Thom Fishow

October 10, 2010

What is a Christian? I don’t mean, what does it take to receive salvation, because scripture is very clear on that (John 3:16; Romans 10:9). No, my question is one of perception. How should someone live his or her life to be seen as a Christian in a secular world?

What I’m going to say may step on some toes, but going to church on Sunday morning does not make a person a Christian anymore than going to the kitchen makes a person a chef. Being a Christian is not just a Sunday thing nor is it a passive thing and if the secular world understands anything about Christians, they understand this.

James 1:22 says Christians are to be “doers of the word, not merely hearers who delude themselves.” So it appears that being a Christian is more than something we are; it’s something we do. Then in 2:18, James challenges his reader when he says, “show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” And what he means by this is that while our faith may be strong, no one can “see” it if we don’t show it through our works. The works are the evidence of our faith. (And just so there’s no misunderstanding, works don’t earn salvation; they are simply an outpouring of gratitude for this undeserved gift from God.)

Okay, so what are these works? Well, James does a good job of explaining this in chapter 2 and, as I understand it, he’s saying in this chapter that everything we do in our daily life is works and these works are our testimony. You see, our testimony is not just words. It’s putting our words into action, which James calls works. In other words, our lives should be a living testimony.

But listen, and this is important: Many non-believers are watching and waiting for Christians to fail. (And by fail I mean to have any of our actions–our works–out of alignment with God’s Word.) Because when we fail we give non-believers an excuse to remain where they are in their lives so they won’t become “one of those hypocrites, those Sunday morning Christians.”

As believers, since everything we do is a testimony to our faith, we need to make sure that this testimony is what we want people to see. Now I think it’s pretty obvious we should be looking for ways to serve in the community, at our church, and around the world. That’s really a no-brainer. But, we don’t want to overlook the testimony we present in our day-to-day lives. Little things like laughing at off-color jokes at work or leaving a meager tip at the restaurant can destroy the testimony of someone who’s “supposed to be” a Christian.

In this technological age where everything is captured on someone’s cell phone, we are potentially under a microscope 24/7, so how we live our lives has a much greater impact than ever before. But even if we negatively affect just one person with our testimony, we could be creating a stumbling block that has eternal consequences for that one person. That’s why we need to live our faith “by the Book” every hour of every day.

Thom Fishow

October 3, 2010