My Friend Clay

My Friend Clay

I do not remember not knowing Clay Parkinson. My family had just moved from New York to Pampano Beach in Florida. The Quintero's had just moved from California too. We all met at the First Christian Church there in Florida. Our families and Clay, and his wife Kathy, would be intertwined for the rest of eternity. The proverb was never more true when it said there is a friend that is closer than a brother.

Clay always took a deep interest in my life, my family and my ministry. I borrowed Clay's car to drive to my first "interview" in Mississippi. I drove that same car to Belle Glade, Florida and New Orleans where I was hired by the Barton Avenue Church of Christ. He was a man who loved Jesus, loved the lost and didn't care what color you were.

Life is a gift of grace from our Abba in heaven and Clay had a lot of it. As all humans do, he had his quirks but he could laugh and have a good time simply enjoying that grace.

Last Sunday morning, the Sun hadn't even come up yet, I got a call on my cell phone from my dad in Alabama. The conversation was short. All he said was "Clay has gone home." Clay had suffered terribly with cancer in the last days of his life and our merciful Father said enough was enough. Through it all God was glorified though.

I was given the awesome privilege of helping to lead in the celebration of Clay's life. God's human family was seen in its beauty and diversity on that day mixed with sadness and joy. Melvin, a black man, gave a powerful sermon asking if our "epitaph" testified to a God filled life as Clay's does. Alvin, another black man, sang a soul stirring rendition of being home with God. And I, a white man, shared memories and was asked to read a poem written by Clay.

Clay was and is my friend. As a kid he was Clay a friend of my mom and dad. As I grew older he became my friend too. Father I thank you for bringing Clay into not only my life but the lives of all the Valentines and Quintero's. We love Clay. And on Sunday last I knew Clay was with us as we gathered around the table in the presence of God ... and I smiled.

You, Me and the Cross by Clay Parkinson

They nalied our Savior to a cross
Where He suffered, bled and died
There He paid an awful cost
While His mother watched ... and cried.

Jesus knew no sin ... he spoke no guile
He came to do the Father's will
So He drank the pungent bile
And His blood flowed down Calvary's hill.

They sealed Him in a silent tomb
While Roman soldiers stood nearby
Tho' a grave was not our Redeemer's doom
In three days He arose ... alive!

God rolled aside the granite stone
And Jesus walked past the guards who swooned
Thus ... for all our sins He did atone
Satan's plan was ruined.

He washed our scarlet sins away
And made them white as snow
Eternal life shall be ours one day
For He told us so.

Now as the Father views the cross
He sees not His Son on the tree
God looks at two that once were lost
He sees you ... and He sees me.

Thank you Clay for the laughs. Thank you for the prayers. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for being my friend.

See you soon,
Bobby Valentine

Read More

A Bold & Powerful Prayer

A Bold and Powerful Prayer

Today I am doing something radically different on my blog. I am sharing something written by a new friend ... a prayer that we can all pray and should pray.

Blogging allows me to meet many folks I never would have. One such person, though I have never met personally is Douglas A. Doser. Doug lives in Phoenix, Az and works for Arizona State University. He has been reading my blog and has even read Kingdom Come (yeah!!). Doug recently emailed me a prayer that prayed in his home congregation there in Az. This is a soul opening prayer. With his permission I am placing it on my blog for the sake of others to be challenged by this prayer. This, beloved, is a kingdom centered prayer.

"Lord we approach your throne this morning in the context of Jesus’ teaching and your word being real commandments in which we should live our lives – not simply nice sayings or things we only play lip service to.

We pray that we be shocked out of our naiveté and our complacency that is so easy to accept as Christians who happen to live in America. While 9/11 was a tragedy – and we continue to pray for those who lost loved ones and much more – we pray that event has led us to view the world in the way in which it really is – Fallen and in need of your word, presence, and love.

We pray that the wealth we enjoy in this nation and consider a blessing hasn’t become a stumbling block or given us a false sense of “special favor” in your sight.

We pray that we, as Christians not confuse worldly wars of physical death and destruction with the true day-by-day spiritual battle to glorify you and lead others to salvation in your heavenly Kingdom. We pray that we recognize and know the difference between worldly liberty and the spiritual freedom you offer in your Kingdom.

We pray that we do not compartmentalize our Christianity and our “worldliness” – having the ability to switch back and forth whenever it is the most convenient for either. We pray that we incorporate the values of a Christ-centered life – into our involuntary thoughts and actions. We pray that we truly live Christ’s teachings 24 hours a days, seven days a week until we breathe our last breath. Give us the strength, determination, and humbleness to make this so. Be with us as we strive to be above the world yet in the world at the same time. Keep us focused on, and always recognizing the narrow path. Help us not to fall in the ditch of unrighteousness on the one side or the ditch of self-righteousness on the other.

We pray that our commitment to Christ is not directly correlated with political freedom. We pray that we, as Christians would have the same commitment to your commands and desire to worship you – under the worst of political conditions. In other words, Lord we pray that each and every one of us would be here in your presence – even if there was a real threat of physical death. Instill in us the commitment of those early Christians who were willing to die in the Roman arena before they would deny you before men.

We pray for the nation we live in. We pray for all the worldly nations of this earth. We pray that we recognize events – whether positive or tragic – as spiritual opportunities to serve and glorify your name by helping and teaching those around us. Create in us a spiritual outlook toward this world instead of a worldly outlook toward your Kingdom.

We pray for all our political leaders and government officials – elected, appointed, hired, advisors, and consultants. We especially pray for those who have accepted Jesus. Let their Christianity reign over the temptations to act as the world acts. Let their “yes” mean yes and their “no” mean no. Let their actions and leadership reflect your Son’s teachings. Allow them to love their enemies and act like it – whether that enemy is simply on the other side of the political spectrum or a Terrorist. Allow them to be motivated by the Gospel in how they treat others vs. worldly fear. Allow their responsibility to govern effectively and competently overcome selfish desire for power. Allow them to focus on honesty; Let the results of effective government speak for their ability vs. harsh rhetoric and name calling - that divides.

We pray for political leaders who can effectively govern this nation and interact with the other governments of this world. Regardless of political affiliation, I know you don’t want us, as your body, divided over earthly politics. Help us as a nation and individual Christians realize this. Help us to strive to be above politics. Give us the wisdom to seek out and understand what the Christian’s true relationship to Civil Government should be. Give us spiritual perspective.

Allow us to be “blessed,” as peacekeepers in such a harsh, divided, name calling political climate. In the context of a nation at war in the worldly and spiritual sense – help us to remember that sin in sin. Help us to not justify sin because that sin somehow advances noble worldly or political goals. Let all of our actions, regardless of circumstances be in line with Jesus’ teachings and not justified through our earthly fears and weaknesses.

As Christians, we know that the only way to you is through Jesus. Open the hearts of our non-Christian, yet religious brothers and sisters in such a way that their spiritual writings may lead them to you. Lord, allow us, as Christians the world over to stand up and show others a better way of living vs. telling them how to live.

Help us to look at ourselves through the mirror of Jesus’ teachings. Help us to see ourselves as we really are – sinners. Help us to have the strength and honesty to make the changes we need to make in ourselves in order to live as you have commanded us to live. We understand your grace, but do not allow us to ever misuse or take advantage of it.

If we have any of the issues of the seven churches in John’s Revelation, we pray that we recognize those, repent and carry on, further reflecting your glory. Continue to open our eyes to the meaning of your word. Allow us to seek a deeper understanding as well as apply it to our lives.

Lord, you know my heart, help me to make the changes that I need to make to be the best use in your Kingdom.

We pray for each of us, as our bodies are temples. We pray that we take care of those temples in a physical and spiritual sense. We know that the Kingdom of God dwells in us. Help us to keep ourselves pure. Let us see ourselves for what we truly are – spiritual beings, belonging to you – yet occupying physical bodies in a physical world. Let us act in a way in which our neighbors see us as more than simply good, moral people. Help us to act and them to see, a people focused on your Kingdom; serving others; and unafraid of physical death or facing worldly concerns.

Lord, rightly or wrongly, we tend to think we are pretty good at the “thou shall not’s.” Help us to be better with your commandments of those things we need to take action on – going into the world, taking care of physical and spiritual needs of the least of our brothers. Let us never forget that anyone Christ died for is our brother, sister, neighbor. Help us to resist the temptation to be distracted into arguments over the best way to help the “least of our brothers.” Help us to act in this area as Jesus did time after time– moved with compassion. Allow compassion in us to overcome the methodology and rationalization of our actions or in-actions in this area. Allow us the time and clarity to truly see and understand needs, and then take care of those in need. Fill us with the compassion of Jesus and his ability to see our brother’s needs.


This is our prayer to you. Thank you for all the gifts you have given us – especially the ones we have yet to fully realize. Amen"

May this prayer bless you and me as we seek to do God's will on Earth as it is in heaven.

Shalom,
Bobby Valentine

Read More

Know Your Hymns

Know Your Hymns

Dentist's Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crown Him with Many Crowns

Weatherman's Hymn . . . . . . . . There Shall Be Showers of Blessings

Contractor's Hymn . . . . . . . . . . The Church's One Foundation

The Tailor's Hymn . . . . . . . . . . .Holy, Holy, Holy

The Golfer's Hymn . . . . . . . . . . There's a Green Hill Far Away

The Politician's Hymn . . . . . . . .Standing on the Promises

Optometrist's Hymn . . . . . . . . . Open My Eyes That I Might See

IRS Agent's Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . I Surrender All

The Gossip's Hymn . . . . . . . . . . Pass It On

Electrician's Hymn . . . . . . . . . . .Send the Light

Shopper's Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . Sweet Bye and Bye

Realtor's Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . I've Got a Mansion

Massage Therapist's Hymn . . . . . . He Touched Me

Doctor's Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Great Physician

For those who like to surpass the speed limit:

~ 45 mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . God Will Take Care of You

~ 65 mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Near My God to Thee

~ 85 mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This World is Not My Home

~ 95 mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lord, I'm Coming Home

~ 100 mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Precious Memories

Lord, give me a sense of humor,
Give me the grace to see a joke,
To get some humor out of life,
And pass it on to other folk.

Blessings,
Bobby Valentine

Read More

Update on Kingdom Come

Update on Kingdom Come

I have recently become aware of two more reactions to my book, coauthored with John Mark Hicks, that I would like to pass on to my blog readers. I call attention to these for two reasons. First, these brothers have a good blog and deserve to be read. Second, I have an interest in how folks are reacting to the material in this book.

I have decided that it does not matter if a person really agrees with what John Mark and I have written or with our intepretations (the footnotes are there for others to follow up on). We believe that the conversation about the nature of the church, discipleship and God's relationship to the world are matters of utmost importance ... more important than the book. Thus if the book stimulates deeper reflection then we feel we have accomplished our task.

Alan Rouse placed a review of Kingdom Come on his blog "Christian Unity" at the following address http://rouses.net/blog/2006/11/book-review-kingdom-come.html While there you may wish to read through some of Alan's previous blogs. I appreciate his perspective ...

Mike Exum place a reaction to the book on his blog called "Messianic Gentile" (you have to love that title). You can access this as well as Mike's other blogs at http://mikez-blog.blogspot.com/2006/11/sojourning-with-kingdom-come-quote.html

John Dobbs has been doing occasional reactions to the book on his blog "Out Here Hope Remains." John's address is http://johndobbs.wordpress.com/ John is the Barnabus of the internet and I appreciate his ministry more than he will ever know. I am humbled and grateful for these brothers for taking the time to share as they have shared.

And I want to call attention to an excellent ministry by a friend of mine Joel Solliday. "Campus CrossWalk" is a national web-magazine devoted to reaching college age people and those who work with them. Their mission motto: “Living for Christ on YOUR College Campus.” The current issue theme is: "Tackling Tough Addictions." Go to:
http://www.campuscrosswalk.org/

This site is an outreach resource for college age people and other young seekers. It serves campus ministries among churches of Christ nation-wide. It contains a national directory of campus ministries in state schools and universities. Also, the articles and items speak well to the practical "life-changing" power of faith in Christ.

Blessings,
Bobby Valentine

Read More

Unity & Mission

Unity and Mission

I remember having discussions back in my college days about the purpose of the church. Most agreed that near the very top of the list of purposes was the task of missions: spreading the good news of Jesus the Christ. And they are right. Did not Jesus tell his church "Go" ...

But do we realize that mission is dependent upon a prior commitment on the part of disciples? Do we know that world evangelism is simply impossible without something undergirding mission? As I read the New Testament there is.

What is this prior commitment that makes missions possible? It is unity! Unity of heart. Unity of mind. Unity of purpose. Unity in the cross of Christ. You see for some reason divided Christians; Christians that cannot get along, Christians who argue over trivia destroy the very essence of the message Jesus told us to proclaim.

The greatest threat to world mission is not a lack of money but a lack of unity among the disciples of Christ. The greatest hinderance to bringing non-believers to saving faith is not evolution but the division of the church. Without unity the message of the cross is seriously compromised - indeed Christians do the Evil One's work for him by remaining in a divided state.

You see the power of the message is seen in diverse people caring and loving for one another. When the world sees women and men; white folks and black folks, rich people and poor people all together ... caring for each other, sharing together, the world will take notice.

But division among Christians voids the message! Why? Because the message at its core is one of reconciliation. Those claiming to believe that message while remaining at cross purposes become exhibits of the percieved failure of the message of peace. It become a "reason" for disbelief.

The congregation in which I serve cannot fix other churches but we can make sure that the message is not subverted here. Unity provides the foundation to world mission. Unity is what makes the message believable.

"My prayer is ... that all of them may be one, Father ... so that the world may believe you have sent me" (Jesus in John 17. 20-21).

Shalom,
Bobby Valentine

Read More

Reading - Christmas Suggestions

Reading: Christmas Suggestions

Well its that time of year again. Where has 2006 gone?? The sages from Kansas and Steve Miller are surely on to something when they opine we are all just dust in the wind that keeps slippin' into the future! Christmas will be here in the blink of an eye and some out there are scratching their head as to what to buy their minister, elder or friend as a present. Books! That is if the minister or elder likes to read ... and if they do not perhaps they are in the wrong calling. Here are my recommendations.

1) Jack Reese, The Body Broken: Embracing the Peace of Christ in a Fragmented Church (Leafwood Press, 2006). Reese has gifted the church with this book. This year, 2006, has not flowered into a year of healing the shame of division or the removal of blight from the Bride. However this book can provide some necessary nutrition for the health of the Body. I believe every preacher and every elder should read this book. It is elegant. It is showered with grace and love for all. It is in fact spiritual reading. I urge you to read this book.

2) John Mark Hicks & Bobby Valentine, Kingdom Come: Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of David Lipscomb and James Harding (Leafwood, 2006). I am partial to this book. Far from perfect yet I believe this book can help Christians among the Stone-Campbell heritage move to a kingdom perspective. The book is not written for scholars but there are even surprises for them as well. In this book we learn that WE have a heritage with a robust theology of the Holy Spirit, a rejection of any deistic understanding of God, a passion for caring for the disinherited, relishing the presence of God in worship, prayer and Bible reading. We also learn that our heritage can rattle our cages in our easy accomodation to American nationalism and even demands for freedom of thought.

3) N. T. Wright, Simply Christian (HarperSanFrancisco, 2006). This is the book of the year and possibly the book of the century to date. Certainly the title should resonate with any in a restoration heritage. Yet Wright goes about making a refreshing statement of not only what Christianity is but what it means to live that faith in our contemporary world.

4) Terence Fretheim, God and the World in the Old Testament (Abingdon 2005). One of the consistent challenges of biblical Christianity in our American setting is the not so subtle forms of neo-Gnosticism that runs rampant in our "spiritualities" and other doctrine. This will probably be (sadly) one of the least read books on this list. Not because it is necessarily a difficult read (it is not!) but because it has a hundred pages of notes. But if I had the ability to make preachers read a book I would force them to read this one. What "good" is creation? Does God love creation? Not just humans but creation? How important is it in Scripture? Fretheim has shown that it is at the heart of biblical faith. I love this book. It is scholarly. It is rich. It is spiritually healthy.

5) William H. Willimon, Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry (Abingdon 2002). Willimon is a preacher's preacher. He has lived and breathed "pastoring" for longer than I have been alive. This book will speak to your heart and your mind.

6) James K. A. Smith, Whose Afraid of Postmodernism? Taking Derrida, Lyotard, and Foucault to Church (Baker Academic 2006). This could be the best book on "postmodernism" written ... it is without a doubt the best I have read. Smith asks serious questions of the church and how she (you and I) can function in the new emerging worldview. Great book.

7) N. T. Wright, Judas and the Gospel of Jesus (Baker, 2006). This is the latest from the pen of the Bishop of Durham. This is a Gnostic buster! About the same size and design as the National Geographic's publication edited by Meyer, Erhman and company. This is an easy to read work (assumes the reader knows nothing) and is a handy book to share with anyone intersted in the sensationalism around the Gospel of Judas.

To Consider:

8) Eugene Peterson, Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places (Eerdmans, 2005). I read this book as I was working on Kingdom Come and it richly blessed me. Peterson takes the reader through a spiritual reading of Deuteronomy, Luke/Acts, Exodus and has some marvelous reflections on Baptism and love.

9) Thomas Merton, Contemplative Prayer (Image, many editions). Let the Spirit wash over you through this work.

10) Jim Wallis, God's Politics (Harper 2005). This is certainly a book that you will have a conversation with. Wallis takes on both the Republicans and the Democrats in this book which may make him unpopular with both. But he takes his faith seriously and seeks to integrate it into a truly biblical public theology. You may not agree with some ... and some may not agree with a lot ... of this book but I do not think you can read a better book to hear a counter point of view that is God saturated. You will be blessed.

This is a short list I know. However these are some books that in my view are a cut above.

Merry Christmas,
Bobby Valentine

Read More