You smell like the sheep

Every 'sheep herder' or shepherd carries with him or her, the distinct smell of the sheep in which they care for. That's because they are intricately involved in their care and feeding. If a certain sheep was stuck or in danger, the shepherd would go put his arms around the frightened animal and rescue it. In Jesus' time, shepherds would bring their flocks together at night and build a pen around them for safety. There would be four or five different flocks inside of one pen. How did they sort them out? Easily. The next morning the shepherds would gather at the opening of the pen and as the sheep came out the shepherds would call to them. Every sheep recognized the voice of its shepherd and would automatically follow his voice. The sheep literally knew the voice of the one who took care of them.

We know that Jesus is the Great Shepherd. But we also use the term 'shepherd' for another person today: A pastor. I believe the greatest compliment that any pastor (shepherd) could ever receive is, "Pastor, you smell like the sheep." This has nothing to do with the olfactory sense mind you. But it's a statement that says, "Pastor thank you for being there for me - thank you for taking care of me - thank you for not be untouchable and unreachable - thank you for being a genuine friend." In the sports world have you ever heard of a "player's coach"? Well we need more "player's pastors", "sheep's shepherds" if you will.

What I would love to see today is the end of the professional minister. Those who care for a flock only because they love the pedestal of praise or who only care about the problems of the sheep when they're 'on the clock'. These are the ministers who insist that a pastor should never have close friends within his own congregation. How truly sad. Perhaps it's time that we stop giving credentials to those merely looking for recognition or a paycheck. Title and position seekers need not apply. To be an under shepherd for the Great Shepherd means that we have to smell like the sheep. Isn't that how Jesus smelled?

The Missing Books of The Bible

I've spent a little time recently reading the Gnostic Gospels, aka, the missing books of the Bible. After having read them, I now know why they were missing. They are the most non-sensical, moronic ramblings that make absolutely no sense that I've ever subjected my eyes to. Check out my "Duh-Vinci" blog below for some honest to goodness quotes from the Gnostics. I honestly believe that whoever wrote them (by the way, they are erroneously named after disciples and other real Bible characters who had nothing to do with writing them - mainly because they were long dead before these books were ever written) must have been snorting mushrooms and licking toads and then sat down to write on the 'deeper meanings of life'. If you ever hear from anyone that these writings reveal more about Jesus, or give us greater insight into Christianity, you may safely write them off. The Gnostic Gospels make Nostradamus look like William Shakespeare.
There is clearly a difference between Holy Spirit anointed revelation (The Bible) and incoherent babbling. The more we learn about the Bible and how we got it, the more obvious it becomes that God has truly preserved His Word through the course of history. That's not surprising because Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." Matthew 24:35.

Thanks, Mom

Mother's Day is a great time of year. A day we set aside to thank our mom's for all that they do and have done for us. As I ponder my mom's importance, I think back to a mom that was a praying mom. Her prayer life was very active, especially when my father was driving us anywhere. I remember when we'd get in a tight traffic close call, my mom would pray. She would usually call out to the Lord, and say my dad's name at the same time. It would usually come out something like, "Lord...Towner!" This caused me to grow up thinking my dad was somehow a part of the British Royal Family. Good thing God was able to discern my mother's intent when she prayed in those moments. It's funny the things that you tend to remember about your own personal "wonder years". Memories of seeing my mom on her knees by her bed crying out to God and my father with his Bible open on his lap sitting in his favorite chair. These images are emblazoned on my mind. Images that greatly impacted me and helped shape the man I am today. A Godly mother provides the critical moral compass to her children and her prayers are more valuable than we could know.

So mom, thanks. We appreciate all of your love and your prayers and we rise up today to call you blessed.