Pastor Pusch

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
Chapter 4: Profiles of the Lukewarm

Have you ever tasted something so bad that your only option was to immediately spit it back out?  I know I’ve done it. I shared with the class last night that I’m a “drink milk from the carton” kind of guy. I told them a story about a time when I took a drink when the milk came out lumpy. After washing my mouth out, I went back and saw that the milk was one week past the expiration date. From that day forward, I always check the date and refuse to drink even at one day past. Utterly disgusting (no pun intended)! How about a rotten cherry tomato? They don’t look so bad on the outside. Have you ever bit through one in your mouth only to have the taste of trash take over. Ok… how about this?  Have you ever had that sensation that you needed to belch, only when you did, you got way more than what you bargained for? You know what I mean? It’s that acidic taste that no amount of toothpaste can ever take away. What you got was a small taste of vomit. Yeah… that’s it.

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, “These things say the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:14-16

As a part of His rebuke to the church of Laodicea, the Lord uses the word ‘lukewarm’ to describe their spiritual condition. The people of Laodicea knew all too well about the state of lukewarm. Although the city was known for its banking industry, wool manufacturing, and their “eye” medical center, they were also know to have had a terrible waterway system. In fact Laodicea was most dependent upon surrounding cities for its water supply (mainly Hierapolis for hot water and Colossae for cold). The problem with Laodicea was that when the waters finally reached the city, it was neither hot nor cold. It was a bad-tasting lukewarm.

It is interesting that the Lord would rather you be hot or cold. If ‘hot’ means that you are pursuing God wholeheartedly or “on fire for God”, it would make complete sense that God would want you to be hot. What about cold? If ‘cold’ means you are far from being where you need to be, why would God rather you be cold rather than lukewarm? At least at lukewarm you have some sort of inkling toward God. Interesting. Right? Lukewarm is a dangerous position. When you’re hot, you’re hot. God is working through you and in you. When you you’re cold, God can break through and begin to melt away the ice of your heart. When your lukewarm, you don’t really have a burning desire for God because you believe that you are good enough already. Good enough tells you that you’re not really that cold, but you’re not really that hot either. Good enough is dangerous. At least when you’re cold, you’re still moldable. When you’re lukewarm, you simply think you’re ok, but the truth is that the real relationship isn’t there.

“We are all messed up human beings, and no one in totally immune  to the behaviors [of the lukewarm]. However, there is difference between a life that is characterized by those mentalities and habits and a life that is in the process of being radically transformed.”

Well, did it work? The Man in the Mirror. If you thought I was going to blog on Michael Jackson, I am so sorry to disappoint. It’s Tuesday a.k.a. “Weigh-in Day”! What have I been writing about every Tuesday for the last 7 weeks? That’s right kids, WEIGHT LOSS! The title to this blog does play a role in weight loss. Here’s how…

This past Sunday night my wife and I attended The Donelson Fellowship (TDF) church to see the 2009 National Youth Evangelistic Team (NYET) do their thing. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for these guys as I too was a apart of that team my junior and senior years of High School. Those were some great times. Anyway… My doctor, Dr. Paul Gentuso, attends TDF so it’s always interesting when I go as to whether or not I may see him. Last night was one of those times that I ran into him. Many times when I do run into him outside of his practice, it can be an extremely odd feeling, like conviction sets in or something. Why? It’s simple. Dr. Paul, the Lord, and I all know that I haven’t been to see him in a long while (for reasons described in other weight loss blogs). This time was different. As we approached each other, he looked at me and said, “I hear you have been losing some weight.” My first thought was wondering how in the world he found out. Then I realized that he’s friends with most that I work with at Randall House. So, I immediately smiled and proclaimed, “YES SIR!” Naturally, he was excited for me and I think he noticed that my approach to the subject was completely different. We talked for maybe another 5 minutes or so (I wonder if he will bill for that?), and I briefly walked him through what I was doing. I think he was proud.

It was a funny interaction. I often thought about how I would approach my doctor about this weight loss bit. I had it played up in my mind that I would just schedule an appointment for the fall and then when I got there, step on the scale and watch the nurse or Dr. Paul look puzzled. Needless to say, it didn’t work out that way, but I am really glad I got to see him and talk with him for a few.

The Man in the Mirror – All my life I have heard the same 5 words during the course of any doctor’s appointments. “You need to lose weight” has been the theme of my life. As has been explained in my other weight loss articles, I have battled this beast for YEARS! I tried weight watchers, medical weight loss program, “weight loss” vitamin supplements, crash diets, not eating, and all sorts of other things. I can’t tell you the number of times that I’ve talk to my doctors about this problem, thinking after I left that I was going to change, just to fail in a matter of days. I’ve BEEN THERE – BOUGHT THE T-SHIRT!

Today is Tuesday! It’s weigh-in day… time to step up to the scale! I can’t believe that I’m already 7 weeks into the journey and have seen some incredible results. So, what makes this time so different. I have never lasted this long. It’s been 7 weeks and the thought of quitting now is absurd.

I’ve learned that weight loss is more than weight-watchers, more than slim fast, more than medical weight loss, more than any pill, more than any pep talk with the doctor. While those items may help along the journey, it can never start there. It starts with God’s help. It starts with “the Man in the Mirror.”
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Week 7: -4lbs
Total: -34.5lbs

“Some things are too sacred to joke about.” – Dr. Robert E. Woodard

“You can tell a lot about a man’s character by what makes them laugh and what makes them cry” – Dr. Robert E. Woodard

The first time I heard the above quotations was about 10 years ago when I began my college experience. While I’m sure I haven’t always lived up to the principles found in those two statements, I haven’t forgotten his impression. I do think there is a lot to be said as they are great words to live by. Dr. Woodard, though a tough professor, was a great encourager and had a heart of gold. I am thankful for the relationship I have with him.

Death would be one of those issues Dr. Woodard would have placed into the sacred category. Death is not just the termination of life here on earth, but it is a beginning of eternity in one of two destinations. Anytime we attend a funeral or learn of somebody dying (celebrity or not), it ought to be a sobering thought.

Surely if you have any sense of awareness of what’s happening in the world around you, you are then well aware of the iconic deaths that have taken place in recent days. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, and Billy Mays all have stepped out into eternity over the last 3-4 days. Where they are, I do not know, however, I do know that Christ was the only avenue into the Father’s paradise for them; I hope they made that discovery.

Making Fun of Death – It took only a few minutes after the pronouncement of death for the jokes to begin circulating concerning the deaths of Billy Mays, Ed McMahon, and especially Michael Jackson (mostly coming from friends who heard them first). In my humble opinion, I think it’s absurd. ”Some things are too sacred to joke about.”

Side Thought 1: While there is great rejoicing that takes place after the deaths of the most notorious evildoers a.k.a. Saddam Hussein or Adolf Hitler, it is still a sobering thought to know that these stood before their creator and all was revealed.

Side Thought 2: Thousands of people step out into eternity every day, notorious or not. That’s sobering or at least it should be.

Michael Jackson
“King of Pop”

August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

No words.

Crazy Love: Overwhelemed by a Relentless God
Chapter 3: Crazy Love

The whole chapter comes down to this one question. The answer to this question will really help us determine what kind of a relationship we have with God.

Do we love/serve God because we feel that we should or because we really want to?

That’s it. Do you see the difference between someone who loves/serves God because they should (it’s the right thing to do)  and someone who loves/serves God because they want to? There is definitely a big difference between the two. One is a act surrounded by legalistic ritual and the other is a relationship driven by personal desire.

When we read our Bible, do we read because we feel that should or because we want to? When we pray, do we pray because we want to talk with God or because we feel that should because we’re supposed to? What about acts of service? Do we serve God because we love Him or do we serve in order to not annoy Him? One could say, “Well, I serve God out of obedience.” My question in response to that would be, why do you obey? Do we obey because we want to or because we should?

If we’re not careful, we will begin to treat our relationship with God as a set ritual and not as a personal relationship with the Savior. When that happens, we become more concerned with the “dos” and “don’ts” and the “thou shalts” and “thou shalt nots.” It becomes more about rules and regulations than it does about the relationship. What good is ritual without the relationship?
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Obviously we struggle. Sometimes it seems that our relationship with God is not what it should be and that’s ok… to an extent. It’s ok because we are mere humans, but it’s only ok when we have the determination and discipline to get back up and pursue after God. Humanity ought never be an excuse to intentionally slip up or to stay in some kind of  fallen position. The Apostle Paul is a prime example of a human failing successfully. In Romans 7, Paul writes about his own struggle with sin and how it keeps him from doing the things he should do. However, in Romans 8, he writes about the inseparable love of God that keeps us. Further yet, in Philippians 3, Paul writes to us about the importance to pursue God; to “press toward the goal.” He admits his own imperfection and that he’s missed the mark, yet he continues to strive; to pursue.

We are human; we will fall, but let’s not allow that to keep us from striving after God. We will never be perfect this side of heaven, yet we must keep going in this pursuit of holiness.

I don’t think they have a particular problem with the day itself. They just hate working on Sundays. The “after-church” crowds are rude and don’t tip well at all. You would think they would at least be nice and courteous to the wait staff being they just came out of church, but that’s simply not the case. Sure, they have a good time around the table with their own people, or as they pass by another crew of their liking, they’re just rude to those trying to serve them.

Next time you go out to a restaurant, ask your server which day he or she hates working the most. I would almost guarantee that Sunday would be the response you get 100% of the time. I ask all the time and that’s pretty much the feedback I recieve.

I totally get it. I’ve been to restaurants with pastors, leaders, and regular church folk (my own people included) and there are times I wish that I could just crawl under the table. They’re mad (and sometimes cause a scene) because we waited too long to be seated and visibly they saw 4 or 5 empty tables, the salad or refill didn’t come out within 2 minutes of taking the order (it probably came 3 minutes), or their order wasn’t exactly right. Look, I am all about proper hiring and training of a great wait staff, but let’s face it; it’s not a priority for most restaurants. However, with that being said, it doesn’t give us a license to be rude. Yes, there are times when you need to point out that something is wrong, but your approach to the matter makes big difference in how you represent yourself and God.

Just a thought!

Last week was rough. I am thankful that all went extremely well at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Jovie came through strong and continues to do well in her recovery. She doesn’t care so much for her meds, although Daddy got them flavored for her, but I figure, who likes taking medications anyway. Speaking of meds, I was shocked to find out how much her 3 scripts cost. The ear drops killed us! Her pain script was about $4, antibiotic about $7, but her ear drops were a whopping $38. Later I was told that most sprays and drops are like that. Anyway, Jovie is progressing well (still trying to get used to her arm braces).

Gotta Get Back On! Although things went well for Jovie last week, I took a bump off the wagon. In other words, I fell off into the land of ”Not-So-Good” choices. I started the week doing well. I was eating light, doing the Subway thing (only real good thing to eat in the cafe), and even our wonderful Connection Group from church brought me healthy snacks as a ”go to” at the hospital.  It was going well; much better than I thought it would be in those circumstances. Then we got home… and somewhere along the way, I took a dive. I didn’t turn into some mad eating machine or some kind of out of control animal. Instead, I gave into some of the temptations that surrounded me. Temptations names pizza, chocolate, and other not so great choices. My portions grew a bit and guilt set in. Looking back, I hated that I allowed myself to succumb to those temptations. I felt bad… still do.

Weigh-in Day: Today I am approaching the scale with the attitude that everything is going to be ok! I caught up with the wagon, and took a leap back on! My stay in the land of “Not-So-Good” was short lived and I am ready and more excited about the journey ahead. I learned a lot in “Not-So-Good” land and I learned that I really didn’t care for the me that was there. “Not-So-Good” is extremely overrated, especially when you worked to hard to avoid that place.

A Personal Note: Thank you so much for all of your encouraging emails, calls, and chats. Not only concerning my journey through weight loss, but for all that my family has been through in the last week. I/We could not do it without your love and support for us. We love you!

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Weight Loss Update:
Week 6: -5

I realize those results go against what I mentioned prior to this update. Obviously I wrote this blog before we weighed in. My thoughts have not changes in light of the results. All this means is that it’s time to buckle down and ger serious again! It’s time to work hard! The future looks bright and I am excited about the days to come.