Patience

Lately Hudson has been needing his Mom. It's possible that he's cutting a molar in the back of his mouth, or maybe its just a new cycle that at this stage in his life he really wants her. At times its been tough because he has wanted his Mom to do everything, and really doesn't want me. He doesn't want me to hold him, play with him, or even read to him before bed (our nightly routine is that I put him to bed). This rejection has not been absolute, I can wear him down to finding me fun or entertaining (I've developed different voices when we read certain books that he finds humorous).

I've wanted to throw my hands up and say forget it from time to time, and patience is not always the easiest thing for me to practice. It's hard to be patient when he doesn't want you, when he cries when you pick him up or begin to read to him.

This situation has made me pause and think of God's patience with us. Certainly there are differences, but I think some similarities as well. God's love was displayed not for children crying out to Him, longing for Him, but to rebels running from Him. Sinners who wanted nothing to do with Him. Despite their rejection God loved them, and is patient with them desiring a relationship forever with them.

Fatherhood, and parenting as a whole should be a challenge in view of the New Testament. When we see God the Father's devotion to rebels and sinners, do we not have the same responsibility to imitate His love, patience, and faithfulness to our children?

Certainly my love for Hudson is rubbish in comparison with the love of our Heavenly Father. Yet it still remains the standard that I should always strive to achieve. In imitating it I pray I am guiding my son Hudson to a recognition of his own fallenness, and point him to the person of Christ, the provision given by our patient Heavenly Father...

2 Peter 3:9

J

My Top 10 of 2009

It may have been last year or the year before, but I began making a top 10 list of things I am thankful for over the past year around Thanksgiving. Last year I encouraged our students to do the same thing at our Sunday night Bible study with the High Schoolers. I think its absolutely essential for us if we'd like to truly celebrate Thanksgiving properly to not only think about what we're thankful for, but also to write it down to look over for years to come. From year to year some will stay the same, but others will be unique to that specific year.

Here is my list for 2009;

Honorable mentions- The Office (I'll admit its my favorite show and I love watching re-runs of the show from previous seasons); Sunday night Bible Studies (We have a terrific group of high school students and love this time with them on Sunday nights); a new car (thanks to Cash for Clunkers!); and OU's football schedule (talking trash to Sooner in-law's:).

#10-Good Books & a blanket. Most nights Hudson goes down about 8:30, from then until 10:30 Jen and I are able to talk, watch television or what not. About 10:30 Jen goes to bed and I have from then until about midnight to get out a book and curl up in a blanket and read. This past year I've read the Works of the Early Church Fathers, portions of Calvin's Institutes, Luther's Bondage of the Will and currently I am reading a biography of D.L. Moody. I love this time to read!

#9-Niece and Nephews. Hudson has four cousins, all on Jen's side. There's Ally (4), Spencer(2), Jackson(nearly 1), and Zachary (newborn). Our get togethers with the cousins are always exciting and fun not only for Hudson, but also for the grown ups as well. The highlighted get together's for me were the Easter Egg hunt at Countryside and the fall carnival held at Pa & Gigi's.

#8-Preaching Opportunities. My primary responsibilities at Countryside are to minister and disciple our students and support the parents of our students as they raise their kids. At the same time I also am responsible to fill the pulpit for JB when he is out of town. I love the opportunity to preach and fill the Lord is leading me into this type of ministry in the future. I've filled in for JB in 2009 five times already and will do so again in December.

#7-Mission Trip to Galveston. 2009 was supposed to be the summer I took our students to Mexico. The trip was planned, with a few months to go for support raising and preparation. Then the Secretary of State urged Americans to stay clear of the border, then swine flue, and we had to cancel our trip. The rest was a God thing where the details all came together so that we were able to take our students to Galveston to rebuild homes destroyed from Hurricane Ike. Our students did such a great job of working hard, having a great attitude, and adapting to the changing plans. It was a great trip that brought unity to our high school group.

#6-Church Family. I have been at Countryside for eight years, I'm very grateful for the time I've been there and the relationships I have built in that time. I think specifically this year I'm so grateful for all those who minister to Jen, Hudson, and I. For the nursery workers, Wednesday night meal team workers, for those families who volunteer to watch Hudson so Jen and I can have a date night. We love our church, the part we play in it, and those who minister for us week in and week out.

#5-Ordination. I was ordained in February and my favorite part of the whole experience had to be the council. It was made up of the staff and elders of Countryside along with a former pastor now retired. It was so much fun sitting around with these men whom I admire and respect and talking about theology, but also about the practical implications of our theology. At the beginning of our morning I remember thinking to myself, "Enjoy this time," and I certainly did.

#4-Vacation in Florida. The last week of June we went to Destin for a week on the beach with my parents, brothers, and grandmother. It was a terrific vacation and a relaxing time for Jen and I to get away with family. We enjoyed the visit with my family and the beach of course. Hudson wasn't sure what to think about it at first, but after a few days we found the perfect spot that he loved.

#3- Grace in Silence. Earlier this year Jen and I found out that we had miscarried. She was 20 weeks and we had to go through labor. The experience was heart-breaking. I'll never understand God's purpose behind us losing Eliot but am thankful that in the midst of it His grace was sufficient. In our weakness, He provided strength. 

#2-Hudson. Watching him grow to become a little boy has been a treat.  He's intelligent, funny, handsome, and growing all too quickly.  He is a blessing that I daily thank God for.

#1- Jen. We celebrated our sixth anniversary this year.  We certainly crossed the newly wed threshold a few years ago.  My love and admiration for Jen has grown as I see her poise and patience with Hudson.  She is such a wonderful mother to him.  She also faithfully serves alongside me, she's my biggest asset and always provides me with feedback when I teach or preach.  The provision and care that she uses with our home and our finances is a blessing to me 

Well that's the list for 2009.  I have so much to be thankful for.  

Happy Thanksgiving,

J 

Knowing God

Life has been too busy! I got into a nice little streak of blogging once a week or so and I am going to try and get back there over the next few months. I wanted to share a passage that I have been chewing on a bit from my own devotional time. Its a passage from Jeremiah 22:15-16 and Jeremiah is pronouncing judgment upon Shallum the king of Judah and in v.16 it says in reference to his father Josiah, "He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy. Then it was well. Is not that what it means to know Me?" Declares the LORD.

The OT often emphasizes the LORD's love and provision for the poor, the alien, widow or orphan (e.g. Deut. 10, book of Ruth). Often those passages implore God's people to imitate His love for the downtrodden. This passage in Jeremiah was particularly convicting to me because of the part that I bolded. Knowing the LORD in my mind is often about knowing His Word, about fleeing from sin, about being in fellowship with Him as I worship or pray. I'm ashamed to say that to me, knowing God doesn't often mean actively reaching out to the homeless, to those who are downtrodden, or poor.

That's just it, if I truly know the LORD's character, knowing He loves the unloveable, that He is a refuge for the poor (Is. 25:4), won't I do the same? Won't I go out of my way to show compassion to those that nobody else will love? Knowing God means following His example, and His example was of a Holy God leaving heaven's glories to come to earth, and die on the cross for a bunch of helpless rebels. His love was active, and was felt, and mine should be the same. Just something to think about...

To live is Christ,

J

P.S.-Check back next week for my Top 10 reasons to give thanks in 2009!

Christianity and Life

So you probably saw I'm in the middle of reading the Early Christian Fathers right now and recently while reading a document called the Didache, an early Christian document dating till possibly the late 1st Century, I came across an interesting statement. Here it is; "And this is the second commandment of the teaching: you shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not corrupt children, nor practice sexual deviation; you shall not steal; nor practice calling on spiritual guides; nor use sorcery; you shall not procure an abortion, nor practice infanticide; you shall not covet your neighbor's goods."

In this list are heinous crimes that Christians are not to take part in, and the author included in this list the act of abortion. I found it enlightening that the stance of Christians' on the issue of abortion has not been something that popped up in the 20th Century, it is something they have stood against throughout the church's inception. We as children of God must promote life, whether that be through supporting organizations that help mothers make a difficult decision, whether that be through adopting children yourself, or encouraging family and friends to adopt.

Our Heavenly Father is described as a "father to the fatherless," perhaps we can promote life by imitating His example...

Fatherhood

I don't spend enough time on here sharing on family experiences and thoughts. Recently, I've had a number of conversations where people ask me about Hudson. He is growing and learning at such an incredible rate, for example things he couldn't say last week he now says with clarity this week. He says stuff like "exhaust pipe," and "back hoe loader." We have a tee that he will hit a baseball off of, and he has started telling me to "watch," before he'll swing the bat because he wants Dad to see him hit the ball. Hudson is becoming a little boy. Part of me is sad, I miss holding him early in the morning as he was an infant, I miss holding his hands as he learned to walk, or feeding him cereal. On the other hand, each stage has been thoroughly enjoyable. Sure I had my frustrations, but overall he was wonderful and that's why the other part of me is excited to see him grow up and enter the "next stage".

I would encourage any dad, or future father to take time with your kids no matter the age, change the diapers, do the grocery runs, relationships take time to build and we have the chance to begin the relationship with our children at the beginning of their life. As Hudson has gotten older I've tried to think of ways he and I can spend time together and give mom a break. For example, either Monday or Saturday morning we make a donut run. Its usually just the men, Mom is encouraged to stay in bed and sleep while we go get donuts (or nonuts as he calls them) and eat breakfast together. Its always exciting for him to see us pull into the donut store, and I love getting to spend the time with him. He is a treasure and joy to be with and I look forward to the years ahead...

Ancient v. Modern

As a result of taking another Historical Theology class I came up with the goal to read The Early Church Father's, Calvin's Institutes, and Luther's Bondage of the Will this fall. Often times in our culture, and even in the church we want the newest, the hot off the press book on the Knowing God's Will. We look at what is the bestseller at the christian bookstore and think we just have to have that book.

The funny thing is, that particular book may be out of print in a couple of years and who will remember but used book store owners? We all as believers in Christ are formed into one body by the work of the Spirit (I Corinthians 12:12-13) that unites us with every other believer in this world now, but also unites us with believers who have gone before. I might share a lot in common with Chuck Swindoll, we are American Evangelicals, who are children of the 20th-21st Century, and educated at Dallas Theological Seminary. The problem with only reading people you agree with or have things in common with is that your both susceptible to the same blind spots. Reading Ignatius' seven letters to the churches as he went to martyrdom is unlike anything Rick Warren could write and causes me to reflect upon my own devotion to our common faith. Consider also that the church fathers were discipled by the apostles. Isn't it possible that there teachings are more reflective of Christlikeness than someone of our era?These fathers of our faith can give us insights from a completely different time period, and different part of the world. The amazing thing is that the same Spirit that indwelt them, indwells you and me and the same battle we fight against a fallen culture, they fought against a fallen culture. I wouldn't suggest that everything I read in Calvin's Institutes is to be accepted as truth, but we as Evangelicals likely find our Protestant heritage in him and have much in common with his teachings, so why not read him to see if there is some truth he can teach us that others from our era and tradition overlook?

So I encourage anyone reading this post(mom) not to run out and get the latest book by your favorite author, without stopping to read something that has stood and weathered the test of time. And if you need a list of the Church Fathers that's understandable...

J

Older Brother

As the oldest brother in my family I can remember countless times where Mom & Dad would sit me down and talk to me about the importance of setting a good example for my younger brothers. These little "chats" would take place sometimes after I had messed up and set a poor example for my two younger brothers, or sometimes they would take place at relative highs, where my parents were proud of the example I was setting for David and Stephen. Its sometimes interesting to think what Jesus' childhood would have been like. If Joseph and Mary would have had these talks with Him as He set a perfect example, or sat down His siblings and said "Why couldn't you be more like Jesus."! Similarly we are all a part of one family in Christ. God the Father is over this household, with Jesus as the firstborn and we as adopted sons and daughters in Christ are called to follow His example as members of the household and family of God.

What an incredible thing to consider that for all who have come to faith in Christ, God has adopted them into His family, as children and heirs. Romans 8:16, 17 says, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him." The Sonship of Jesus has nothing to do with His origin, for Christ has always been God, from all time He, the Father, and the Spirit have been One. Instead, Christ's sonship refers to the relationship that He and the Father share. As children and fellow-heirs with Christ, to a certain extent we thus look to Him as the eldest son in the family. As the firstborn (as Paul calls Him in Colossians 1), He has set the example that all those in the family are to follow.

A good example of this and one I have been considering recently is found in Philippians 2 where Paul exhorts his readers to "regard one another as more important than yourself," and then illustrates this point by turning to the example of Christ who regarded us and our interests as more important than His own. Christ has provided the example for us to follow, His humility in leaving heaven, becoming a man, and dying a death He didn't deserve is one that we are called to imitate with one another. But Christ has not only provided the example, He also provides the ability to be humble, be gracious, to love our neighbor as He sent the Spirit to indwell and empower us (see John 16).

I am undeserving of such grace and I prove it each day as I consistently fall short of His example. That's what makes adoption so special, that God has grafted me into His family not because He liked my sense of humor, or because I could catch a football, but simply because of His grace in Christ. Such grace motivates me to follow the example of our Lord Jesus, and hopefully motivates you to do the same...

the Rodeo

Earlier today I closed another chapter in my life by trading in my 1997 Isuzu Rodeo for a new Chevy Cobalt. I loved that Rodeo and had owned it for nearly ten years. It was a wonderful car that I've shared many memories in and with. I learned to drive a standard in it soon after I graduated high school (thanks Mom), took it on my first youth ski trip to Durango (it hardly made it up the mountain!) and took it to Shawnee to spend time with Jen while we were in college. It was my car when I got married, graduated college, and had Hudson. I've taken it to Dallas for seminary classes and on youth events.

The car wasn't anything special, it was a 4 cylinder 5-speed with no power locks, no power windows. It had 151,000 miles on it and had been in the shop over the last few years numerous times. I was genuinely thankful for it. God had graciously provided it as my parents bought it for me when I graduated high school and I really didn't want anything else. For me it serves as a wonderful reminder not to focus on what I don't have, but to be content with what God has blessed me with. The government may call it a clunker, but to me that Rodeo was a companion!

Happy Father's Day

This post is a bit different from my previous writings as I want to talk about my dad in lieu of the Father's Day weekend.  My dad, Rockey Felker is and always has been my hero.  I don't think that will ever change.  As a young boy, Dad was the guy I idolized, he was a star football player at Mississippi State where he won the SEC player of the year in 1975.  The funny thing is, his humility was such that the trophy meant nothing to him, my brother David and I used to color all over it with crayons!  Dad became a football coach after college and by his early thirties received his dream job as the head coach at Mississippi State University.  At the age of 32 he was on top of the world.  5 years later he was let go, it was a devastating time for him and our family.  Since that time he has coached twice at the University of Tulsa and once at the University of Arkansas, and over the past six years has been back at Mississippi State as both the Director of Football Operations and the Running backs coach.  Through it all he has remained grounded, actively speaking at FCA groups and teaching Sunday School with my mom, being faithful to his wife, and the biggest supporter of his sons.  

As a boy I think I idolized my dad for what he had accomplished, for his success and fame.  No doubt his wikipedia bio is more full than mine will ever be.  But now as a young man the thing I idolize so much about him is not his success but his character.  He has remained humble in a professional field that molds a persons ego.  He has been faithful and trustworthy not only in his work, but more importantly with his family.  His humility and love for his wife and boys is a challenge for me daily.  His trust in the Lord and desire to be in His Word is something I still remember, as he would stay up late, sitting in "his chair" and reading his Bible while the rest of us slept.  Its fun now watching him as a grandpa and the care and compassion he displays to Hudson brings back memories of my own grandfather with us.  Dad has also experienced disappointment in life and continued to trust the Lord and His sovereign plan through it all.  

Perhaps the greatest compliment I can give my father is that his life, his activities, his character were not perfect, but serve as a wonderful picture of the Heavenly Father's love, affection, and care for me as His child.  Thanks Dad! 

Much of the man I am today is because of the years I have spent imitating my dad.  He was the man I sought to emulate and still is...

Happy Father's Day,

J

Leaving a lasting impression...

Okay, I confess I have sinned.  I fell victim to the blogging craze and  then let it die.  My last post was in November!  That was before we knew Jen was pregnant again (yes you heard it here first)!  Well I'm back and plan on writing more often, not because anyone actually reads these musings, but because its good medicine for me.  

Recently, I have been reading in the Kings during my personal devotional time and I began to notice a pattern with the kings of Israel.  In I Kings 11, the LORD sends  Ahijah a prophet to Jeroboam.  Ahijah told Jeroboam that the LORD would give control over 10 of the tribes of Israel to Jeroboam because of Solomon's disobedience.  In v.38 the LORD makes a promise to Jeroboam that if he obeys the LORD's commands and statutes that Jeroboam will receive an enduring house like David's.  After Solomon's death the kingdom is split with Solomon's son Rehoboam ruling over Judah (and Benjamin) and Jeroboam ruling over the northern ten tribes.  

In chapter 12, Jeroboam fears that the people will return to Jerusalem to worship the LORD and will also choose to serve the house of David instead of him, so he builds two gold calves and places them within his territory, declaring that these gold calves are the gods who brought their ancestors out of Egypt (v.28).  Thus Jeroboam led the people of Israel into idolatry and away from worshipping the LORD their God.  In chapter 14, the LORD sends Ahijah to pronounce judgment upon Jeroboam and his household because Jeroboam practiced more evil than any before him and he actually led the people of Israel into the sin of idolatry.  Its amazing to  think that Jeroboam would have a prophet give him the message that he would be king, then it happens, and he goes off and worships other gods?  

Throughout the rest of the book Jeroboam continues to be brought up after every king of Israel until their captivity.  He's mentioned because every single king Israel follows in his ways.  They did evil in the sight of the LORD as Jeroboam had sinned, and made Israel sin.  Jeroboam's example was not just bad  for his sons, it wasn't just bad for his grandsons, it wasn't just bad for his friends, Jeroboam's bad example influenced the nation for hundreds of years.  Regardless of the dynasty of the monarch, the king of Israel continued to follow Jeroboam's example and lead the people further and further away from the LORD. In each of these cases the king follows Jeroboam's example; I Kings 15:30, 16:3, 16:13, 16:19, 16:26, 16:31, 22:52, 2 Kings 3:3, 10:29, 13:2, 14:24, 15:9, 15:18, 15:24, 15:28. 

Now I realize that none of us will serve as monarchs in the near future, but I think there is a principle to be learned from Jeroboam.  He serves as a great example for us as we consider  that the more responsibility or authority we have, the more influence or impact we can have in a person's life.  Whether it be our children, students in our youth groups, sunday school attendees or the kids we serve in the nursery, we need to be so  very cautious that our actions, our words, and our behavior is pointing them to engage in a closer relationship with the LORD.  We also need to keep in mind we are not just ministering to the kids who show up, we are impacting their friends, their siblings, their children and grandchildren for generations to come.  What a grave responsibility, any volunteers???