Lois is dormant again after generating much attention this past week at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Lois is the nickname given to the Amorphophallus titanum by the staff at the Houston Museum. This unusual flower is commonly called the “corpse flower” for its rotting flesh-like smell when it blooms. “Lois the Corpse Flower” bloomed on Friday July 24th with several thousand people queuing up to experience her in person at the Cockerel Butterfly Exhibit at the Museum. Multiplied thousands of other interested observers have followed her saga in the media. The exhibit was open 24 hours a day and a webcam was also in place to capture the precise time for the blooming of the 5 foot tall bud. The corpse flower is a quirk of nature with a dramatically foul stench instead of the pleasant smells associated with other flora. Lois will soon no longer be on exhibit, but officials are hopeful that she will bloom again next spring.
Lois the Corpse Flower paints a graphic picture of the nature of the effect of sin in the life of every human. The stench of the Amorphophallus titanum comes when it is in full bloom. Likewise, spiritual death is the full bloom of sin. The stench of our sin separates all humanity from God. It is God’s Grace that overcomes the odor, transforming death into life.
Paul paints a word picture of the aroma of life in his comparison of spiritual life in Christ Jesus with the victory parades of the Roman legions. But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 Thus believers bring the perfume of life to our world as we share the love of Christ in a world that is decaying because of the rebellion of all humanity and the sinfulness of every individual .
Our purpose is not to merely observe all the corpse plants but proclaim the transforming power of Jesus to all the “Lois the Corpse Plant” people in our circle of influence. The bloom of sin is death, but the gift of God is life in its fullness!

Authentic Love

Cleveland Ohio gave great love to one of her favorite sons for a few short weeks this summer. Lebron James evolved from Ohio schoolboy phenom into NBA superstar in seven seasons as a Cleveland Cavalier. His place on the short list of “Greatest NBA players ever” is assured and veteran status at the conclusion of this 2010 season allowed him to be a free agent. He thus had the option of signing with any franchise in the League. Lebron quickly narrowed his list of suitors to 6 franchisees. All these teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers showed him the love in efforts to woo him to play ball with them. Management, fans and even the average citizen courted “King James” with very public and fervent appeals for him to stay in Cleveland to continue his career.
All this love was to no avail. On his 1 hour primetime ESPN special program, Lebron dramatically announced his decision to go to work in Miami. His reasoning was that Miami was the best fit for him to achieve his NBA Championship goals. The decision unites him on the Heat with two superstar friends, Dwayne Wade and Christ Bosch. Leaving the Cavaliers also unified virtually all the state of Ohio in anger directed against him. Lebron’s choice was seen as a rejection as harsh as a bride left standing at the altar. Love in Cleveland quickly turned to animosity. Instantly, the most loved man in Cleveland became the most despised person in professional sports.
The Lebron/Cleveland incident is an example of the contrast between true God-style love and the brand of love most prevalent. God-style love is concern for others even when wronged. Scripture describes this “agape” (Greek word) love as being received from God with the result of showing Christ’s love to others. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:7-11
The 17th century playwright, William Congreve, penned these famous lines of love rejected in play, The Mourning Bride. Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned / Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." This is certainly true regarding love as defined by human standards. This model is dependent on performance. A person who defines love by the actions of others is actually not expressing love at all. This “show me the love” mantra is the nature of the NBA contract negotiations, but is not the love that builds relationships. Authentic Biblical love enables you to love others even when rejected. The jilted woman or rejected man certainly will experience anger and emotional pain. Real love is however a prayer for God to bless even those who are enemies. It is God-style love that enables you to live at the championship level spiritually and personally. God has shown you the love- now show the love by unselfish actions, gentle words, and a forgiving spirit with others. Love is your sincere desire for the best interests of even those who reject or scorn you.
It’s still OK for Cleveland fans to cheer against the Heat and natural for the woman scorned to experience great pain. Yet, authentic love enables victory regardless of the actions of anyone else!

Everyone needs “R&R”… rest and relaxation. It is not however always feasible to “getaway” due to life circumstances. Crises make vacations an impossibility for those caught in situations such as the current efforts to cap the Gulf oil spill. BP personnel, governmental officials, and the news media are absolutely consumed with the dire nature of the oil spill. The public certainly expects all of these entities to give attention to the problem.
Residents of our area are well aware of how a natural disaster has the potential to change plans overnight. Ike, Rita, and Katrina are no longer just names in a list, but focus our minds immediately on past crises. Even now, hurricane season 2010 brings the potential to make any prior plans for recreation a moot point. It would be ludicrous for any “R&R” events to be planned if your house is under water or the wind has blown away the roof. You cannot take a vacation in the middle of a crisis---1st deal with the need. Although there is no imminent risk this weekend, there is always the dynamic tension of life situations. Whether it is just the daily grind or a full-blown catastrophe, everyone needs time for “R&R”. Individuals and organizations can re-create by taking even a brief moment to refresh and then gear up for the next challenge. The human body cannot run 24/7 as though it is a refinery or factory. Everyone needs to physically rest and also receive spiritual refreshment. You need re-creation when you are in a crisis mode or at the quiet seasons of life. That “R&R” is possible by your focus on the very Presence of God. The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever. May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! Psalm 29:10-11
These lyrics express this commitment to “R&R” eloquently…
Find rest, my soul, in Christ alone, know His pow'r in quietness & trust.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar,I will soar with You above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood,I will be still,know You are God.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar,I will soar with You above the storm,
Father, You are King over the flood,I will be still,know You are God.

Common usage of certain acronyms has created immediate recognition of these various letter combinations. For example, GCCISD, REL, RSS GCM, and TAKS are just a few of the familiar terms relative to public school education in our area. For multiplied generations, another acronym, VBS, has been in the USA vocabulary. VBS is “Vacation Bible School” and literally millions of children have participated in VBS since its beginning in the late 19th and early 20th century. Hopedale, Illinois is historically credited as the original VBS in 1894. An ongoing “everyday” summer Bible school started in New York City in 1898. In the early years of the 20th century, major denominations established well-organized programs. From those early years until this summer of 2010, VBS has numerous commonalities. Music, games, refreshments, pledges, crafts, etc. is the schedule with Bible study at the heart of all daily activities. VBS methodology has changed and will continue to evolve in the context of 21st century culture.

The purpose and importance of VBS is unchanging for kids and families in this culture as in past decades. Our church extends an open invitation to VBS this week. Register on the website or call the church office for information. There is a class for adults too. VBS is the “word” for fun and truth this summer for kids of all ages!