Rabbi Ramblings

Standing Firm in One Accord

2010-09-23T08:22:00.002-04:00

October 10, 2010 marks a day where we at First Christian Church make a statement. That statement is to come together in "one accord" (see message on Aug 29 at www.firstchristian.info). There's power in a church like that. So much so that it's the kind of church Satan, the ruler of this world, is not happy to support. This means that push back and negativity will certainly come our way in forms we could not have imagined. We need to be reminded of what the Apostle Paul taught the Ephesian church...

Ephesians 6:10-18
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

I love that last line, "always keep on praying for all the saints." We are in a battle we cannot see and it affects those we do see. God knows that the enemy strikes from inside the church too. As God's people we take note, recognize the schemes, equip ourselves in the Spirit and stand our ground against dissent. As we take the next step God has directed in, let's be in one accord as a PRAYING church, strong in HIM and standing firm to what we know to be true.

From Asher McCune

2010-08-14T14:59:00.001-04:00

Written 8/10

While riding the bus to our job site one morning this week I overheard a pastor from Atlanta and a youth from Poland discussing their families.

Youth: So where is your mother?
Pastor: Well she’s not here she’s in heaven.
Youth: Where in America is that?
Pastor: (Gesturing Upward) Not here, higher, higher.
Youth: Oh, Ohio!

If only heaven were a place in America called Ohio we would all be much better off. Even Arizona could relax because everyone would just be passing through on their way northeast.

Reflecting on some of the differences between Ohio and Poland has lead me to compile the following list of five reasons why Poland is better than Ohio

1) In Poland sales tax is built into the prices which means you actually know how much cash to pull from your wallet before you get to the checkout.
2) Poland has castles. Big ones! Sorry Alliance.
3) In Poland the customary tip at restaurants is 10% rather than 15%
4) In Poland houses last longer than mortgages. Houses here appear to be built to last several hundred years rather than just 25 years like the ones back home.
5) In Poland you don’t have to mow your lawn because nobody else does.

All that being said Ohio is currently the closest thing to heaven that my mind can conceive of. So I have compiled a list of four reasons why Ohio is better than Poland.

1) Hilary (my wife)
2) Joy (my five year old daughter)
3) Ada (my four year old daughter)
4) Naomi (my two year old daughter)

I miss you ladies and can’t wait to see you again!

2010-08-08T17:17:00.001-04:00

The Sacredness of Toilet Paper (contributed by Kate Medina)

Back home, there are many daily used items that I give little or no thought to in terms of availability and convenience. Toilet paper being one of those items. When the need arises, I can be quite confident that upon entering a restroom (or water closet as they call it here in Poland), that a soft, 2-ply roll of the white stuff will be conveniently awaiting my use. So, you can imagine my confusion when upon entering my dormitory in Lodz, a roll of toilet paper, among a few other necessities was issued to me. I must admit, I gave it little thought until that evening when I crept out of my room to the restroom only to realize that I had forgotten my precious toilet paper behind. I will spare the details of how I managed that situation...suffice it to say that resourcefulness should be seriously considered among the fruits of the spirit! After that it was every woman for herself, and the toilet paper in the dorm soon became cotton gold!

Funny how that first evening I complained (within my inner dialogue of course) about the lack of such a “necessity”. I may have even verged on a small pity party. Until the next day.

We were divided up into teams and sent out to serve those in need. Upon meeting some of those people, hearing their stories and witnessing the extreme poverty in which they lived, I quickly reaccessed all that is truly sacred in life. These “people in need” included orphans, widows, alcoholics, the mentally challenged, the physically impaired, and various others that have experienced more unfortunate circumstances than one can comprehend. Their living situations were seemingly hopeless... and yet the scripture that my mind recalled over and over was “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” It was like walking inside a house on a bright sunny day...at first the darkness is overwhelming and you cannot see through it. But as your eyes adjust, you see things more clearly and can proceed forward. These people have been merely surviving in the darkness, and what I witnessed over the week the most penetrating light through acts of sincere love that I have ever had the privilege of seeing. Hope came in a tangible way to these precious people. Seeds have been planted, kindness was extended, and love in Jesus has been shown. My hope is that these people grasp onto the light and hope of Christ. Because I know with certainty that once they do, they too will shine in the darkest corners of the earth.

Back to my issue with the toilet paper (which I have since learned is NOT a necessity)...next time someone asks if I can “spare a square”... I will gladly do so , knowing that I MUST share all that is sacred within me.... my faith, God's love, and yes...sometimes a roll of the fluffy white stuff!

Kate Medina

The Shining Son

2010-08-07T17:17:00.000-04:00

Lodz, Poland is one of the most depressing places I have ever seen. There is a personality to it that is like no other. I know that it can't compare to places where earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes have hit and destroyed lives. But Lodz has as darkness. Perhaps it's from the loss of industry or from the unspeakable things that happened to the Jews by the Nazi's. Maybe it's because many here have been depressed so long they don't know it anymore. There is simply a need for the light and love of Jesus to penetrate this personality and transform it. That's why we came in Jesus' name.

Light and love often come at unexpected times through unexpected actions by unexpected people. All week I have been separated from working with my son, Max. Throughout the week I have had person after person come up and tell me what a great worker and person my son has been. He has been working with a team of 21 in a shelter for women wanting to leave domestic violence situations. I think every person on that team and about 50 others have told me about my amazing son. I guess I see his ways every day and he is just normal "Max" to me. God showed me tonight that he is anything but normal...Jesus shown especially bright through him tonight.

We were at the end of the week celebration. It was a concert held in the city that was put on by the organization with whom we partnered. There was a gospel choir singing (wait till you hear the story about this in my message on Aug 22). I went people watching for a few minutes and when I returned I witnessed my son doing something that impressed me so deeply that I could not control my tears. I'm still tearing up. I saw my son at the front of the crowd...in a line of people holding hands...swaying. But he wasn't holding the hand of a person from the group or from a person his age. In fact, nobody around him was from our group or was his age. He was holding the hand of a developmentally disabled person whom he had never met. She was in a happy place holding his hand and swaying to a song. He looked to me like an angel of the living God.

Needless to say that I am the proudest father that has ever existed...my son shone to the glory of his earthly and heavenly fathers. I love you Max! I want to grow up and be like you one day.

Wow!

2010-08-05T16:18:00.000-04:00

There are few moments in life when a "worship service" plays in both the personal and corporate level. Tonight I was a part of one of those times. The only thing missing was my wife and the kids back home. That would have been perfect. It wasn't so much the songs or the message, though both were compelling in their own right. We were compelled to cry out, to declare our allegiance, to serve...and even to shed a tear in gratitude. This was more about actual worship...giving God the credit He alone is due. My prayer tonight is that every person that reads this has an experience like this both personally and with the Body of Jesus on earth.

Staring in the Eyes of Jesus

2010-08-05T00:17:00.000-04:00

While we wake up for the day, many of have been or are just getting ready to go to sleep. It's 12:20 AM in the States and 6:20 AM in Poland. Today we get to go see Jesus...again.

For some he will be seen in the eyes of orphans whom eagerly await our return today. For some he will be seen in women being protected from domestic violence. I will see him today in a disabled man who has spend the good part of 20 years in bed and can't get into his wheelchair for the bedsores that cover his body are too numerous and painful. He spends his days eating, smoking, drinking various kinds of liquids (alcohol partly). But he always lights up when we have come into the room to work on his tiny flat.

The flat is drab and full of furniture. It's on the bottom floor of a 4 story building that is very much WWII era, full of graffiti as most building in Lodz. The living conditions are poor and dangerous but you never hear a complaint...only gratefulness for a few people in his life that check on him daily.

Yesterday I wanted to get to know him. I am the only English speaking person on the small team I am on and I let the interpreter know that I wanted to talk with him about his life and hopefully about God. Instead, the interpreter got sick and I was left to lead a team with hand gestures and smiles. Disappointed I went to work. While scrubbing a wall so filthy and smelly from all kinds of accidents and incidents, I was spoken to by God, "As you do to the least of these, you have done to me." This was Scripture that I have read before but never truly experienced. It was perhaps a few seconds after I heard the voice that I looked over at the man...and stared into the eyes of Jesus.

I'm not sure if I'll ever be the same. I hope not. I only know that I want to see Jesus more and I may have discovered one way to spend that time with Him. So, if you want the same thing as I do...being with Jesus...then find a nursing home, a child, a friend that cannot help themselves right now, or an organization that works with the "least of these" and serve them.

I don't know what today will hold at the tiny flat...but one thing is for sure, I will spend the day with some new friends from Poland...and of course, I'll be looking at Jesus.

When Toto Discovered He Wasn't in Kansas

2010-08-04T10:25:00.000-04:00

Hopefully by now you know that I am in Poland and not in Canton. I'm already missing home and it made me think of the Wizard of Oz. Don't ask me why but it did. And it got me thinking...You know everyone gives Dorothy credit for being gone from Kansas but we seem to forget about Toto. Toto was out of his element too. No home conveniences. And, as a dog, how did he really feel about the scarecrow? Poor Toto. I wonder what top few things got Toto's attention about Emerald City and the surrounding area...

Anyhow, here are a few things that got my attention this week and reminded me I am definitely NOT home...

1. When a local who speaks both Polish and English tells you that you can learn the language easily if you say things as they are spelled and it reads how it sounds...and when you try it you end up calling someone something, ummmm, embarrassing....Toto ain't home.

2. When you are working in an apartment with 4 other people (of which 3 are women) and one guy (not me) decides to change clothes down to his speedo skivvies...and no one says ANYTHING...Toto ain't home.

3. When you witness the Kingdom of God come to earth with compassion and power...and realize that what you see is just a glimmer of what is to come...Toto wants to experience home.

Poland Day 1

2010-08-03T18:22:00.000-04:00

We landed in Poland on Aug 1 at 1:30 in the afternoon Poland time. Of course the sun is just coming up in the States. I came along with 10 others from the church I serve, one of which is my son, Max. We are looking forward to working alongside internationals in a city called Lodz. More to come...gotta catch some sights of this country.

I'm Allergic to That

2010-07-19T05:51:00.000-04:00

We recently went to dinner at the home of some new friends at church. Watching kids play and interact is always one of my favorite things to do. I have special fun watching the 3-5 year old playtime. They have a unique way of communicating the things they don't yet understand. Kind of like that person who tries to sing along with just about any Led Zeppelin song without the album lyrics on hand. They just kind of make words up. That makes me laugh.

Anyhow, the kids are playing together nicely when all of a sudden our 4 year old daughter comes into the room. She sighs deeply, sheepishly looks at the assembled parental units and states, "(boy's name withheld) told me that he wants to marry me...and I'm allergic to that!" Then she prances away as we sat in half disbelief and half hysterics over what we just heard. We know the odds of that coming true are very slim (especially since there are 2 other girls for whom this youngling has affections). But it was just plain funny to hear. It's making me smile now.

I think maybe God has that same kind of fun listening to us as we try to articulate the things happening to us in life we don't understand in language we can best come up with. Sometimes we're talking to him about work or our marriage or our lack of marriage or our need for a new something or other...you get the picture. We are just talking and talking and talking trying to put words to our experiences and needs. "God, the boss just said I need to move to Nebraska...I'm allergic to that!" "God, my laundry needs done...I'm allergic to that!" (this would be my personal issue).

No wonder the Bible says that, "...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." God has this perfect way of knowing what we mean when we gibber jabber our way around life and the Spirit knows just how to take what we need and converse with the Father over what's best for the plans created for us. Maybe the "groans" are laughter pains. Who knows. It's simply good to know that God is concerned and conversing about the life of his children whom he loves and enjoys.

Freedom Prayer

2010-06-28T07:59:00.000-04:00

Our family was recently invited to a friend’s home for dinner. That doesn’t happen too much. Most people are very afraid of our numbers. When we are invited over, its fun to see the amount of food made in preparation for our arrival. However, this family had it down. Not too little, not too much.

While there visiting, I did what I normally do…I check out the photos on the walls. There were pictures of family from both sides of the family, kids, and animals. Then one picture caught my attention that was sobering. It was a picture of a tombstone of a young man who had died in 2005 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Behind the tombstone was a little boy whom I found out was the son of our friends. Interestingly enough, the boy was born slightly before the young soldier (his cousin) died in war. It was a moving memorial to me.

After a time of reflection, I found myself focused on what that picture represented. It represented to me a sacrifice…and a future. One who had all of life ahead of him giving up his life in thoughts of someone yet born. It makes me more grateful. It drives me to make decisions that help create a future for the generations behind us should Jesus tarry. It helps me remember our national family members who stand in my stead to protect what I often abuse…freedom.

Mostly, it makes me more driven to pray. To pray for those who are fighting for freedom. For their safety. To pray for our enemies that they might be ever changed by love. To pray for those who are caught between. To pray for freedom fighters in the Kingdom of God. For the ones who are in need of freedom from addiction, frustration, guilt, shame, sin, brokenness and loneliness. What a time to be called to prayer.

Father, I thank you for where you have placed me in the scheme of eternity to be a blessing to the world. In some places I just cannot physically go without your calling so I pray in your name to bless the world. Thank you for my freedom...for my responsibility to join you in fighting for all kinds of freedom. Show me my way that I may bring you glory on this earth and in your Kingdom. Amen!

New Office

2010-06-23T09:54:00.000-04:00

I have a problem. I know, I know...you already knew that fact. This problem has to do with my new office. It's not just that I have a new office, it's that this is my 4th office in 2 1/2 years on staff at First Christian Church. Sad part is that I have not fully unpacked in any office. I just don't know what to do with the stuff to make it look good. I'd just assume show up to Starbucks and let their decor become mine. I actually painted 1 of those offices 3 times because I didn't know how to choose the right colors to go together. Thankfully I had an assistant with some abilities (thank you Reena).

Well, here I am at my new office (for 2 months) and it still looks pathetic. Oh well...I'll look at it from the bright side...maybe I make this office look good. In my mind, problem solved.

If You've Got it All Figured Out

2010-03-21T21:01:00.000-04:00

An ode to the ones who have it all figured out...by Scott A. Rosen

Good luck with that.

The end.

Some Things You Just Can't Make Up

2009-09-15T21:55:00.001-04:00

There's a true story I just have to tell.

Last week my wife went on a 5 day trip to be refreshed before this next baby comes. I was so excited to give her time she needed. The first two days she was gone, I had to split my time with the kids at home and at the office in some meetings.

Here's where the story get's interesting. My meetings on day one took more time than I anticipated and my 5 year old was missing me :). He decided to get the phone and call my cell phone which he was sure would be the same number as our address. The first two numbers are 9-1. He dialed the 9 and the 1 and proceeded to hit the #1 again. When he did not get the response on the other side he anticipated he left the phone on and dropped it on the couch while he and the others kids played and screamed. You think you know where this is going don't you.

Shortly after, a knock came at the door. And, yes it was a man dressed in fine official gear asking if someone called 911. When my oldest found the phone and showed it to the officer he politely saw it was an innocent situation and asked a simple question. "Where are your parents?" Quick with her wits, she told him that "Mom is not here and my dad is on his way home from work." This reply satisfied the officer and he left. I quickly got a phone call and thankfully was on my way home.

I decided that this was a story that just had to be shared in my sermon on Sunday morning. I told the story and people just howled in laughter. If this was the end of the story it would have been great...but it's not! After the 3rd service ended and the kids were herded, we proceeded out to the parking lot with the other 3 families left in the building. The 5 year old decided to try and outdo himself and go #1 in an outside drain. I was able to stop him and take him inside to finish business while the others got settled in the van.

When I returned with the boy, I found my kids laughing with a family I did not know (always makes me suspicious) and since I wasn't in a hurry, I decided to be friendly and join the conversation. Once everyone got settled down from the laughing my oldest gave me a sheepish look with a smile and proclaimed, "Daddy, this is the officer that showed up at our door!"

Seriously, you cannot make this stuff up! The officer and his family only come to church as often as he does not work on Sundays and this was one of them. Funny thing is that he was taking a phone call in the lobby while I was telling the story and didn't know what had happened until his wife shared the story and he saw my oldest at the car. Amazing. Simply amazing!

Humilty Matters

2008-11-15T22:54:00.000-05:00

I spent time today (well spent time I might add) at a friend's house. The circumstances were a birthday party with 4 girls, the dad and myself. Dad and myself hung out in another room. We would have ruined the whole thing anyhow.

We talked about normal guy stuff until he mentioned his side business he does with stock trading. Now, you have to understand of whom I speak. He is a theology chair of a local university, a Princeton grad, Oxford graduate and doctorate acheiver, and has spent time all over the world. His dad was even led to Christ by Bill Bright of Campus Crusade. This guy has all kinds of credentials by this culture's standards. But you would never know it from spending time with him. He is a kind and quiet person that is genuinely interested in your life.

Anyhow, after digging a little bit about the side business he goes to his office and comes back with a book. A book written by him. A book written by him published by a not so obscure publisher. I was shocked. This guy never ceases to amaze me...mostly because he doesn't try.

It's made me think again about the role of humility in a follower of Jesus Christ. What way to live. No wonder Jesus was so liked. Humility shapes you to love others for their sake and not your own. I'd like a drink of that cup please. Right now, it really matters.

Together is Better

2008-09-10T07:58:00.000-04:00

At home, we have established a new method of getting things done...teamwork. I know the concept has been around for a long time...call us late bloomers.

We have begun doing what is called "The Walkthru" Basically we take two times a day (and as needed) to gather the troops to start in a corner of the main floor and like a locamotive, we get the cleaning job done fast and well. We have found it brings us closer together as a family. In the past we have done some chores individually but that has led to a lot of comparing of who does what and it takes longer. Not to mention the tons of management.

As I have reflected on this little change that has brought great harmony, I have wondered what else at home, in ministry, friendships, and life could we engage to bring teamwork and harmony.

Any ideas?

New Life Lessons

2008-08-20T22:08:00.000-04:00

I was on my way home tonight from work. The wifey was at a woman's gathering and the kids were building forts in the living room. Everyone was content...until kid #4 forgot to flush his #2 and kid #6 wandered away from #'s 1,2,3, and 5. What happened next is not unfamiliar to the most rugged of parents but it did teach us a few lessons. You know what happened don't you? No need to bring details. I'll just let your imagination finish the story.

What were the lessons?

Lesson #1 - Always flush.
Lesson #2 - Always know where #6 is at.
Lesson #3 - When lessons # 1 and 2 are not followed turn your head and laugh hysterically.
Lesson #4 - Love covers a multitude of...sin.

Good lessons...good family...good times.

Change is a Comin'

2008-08-01T08:16:00.000-04:00

Ch...ch...ch...ch...ch...changes. Change is a constant for most of us these days. I'd have to say that change is certainly constant in my family. This next month poses quite a few changes for the Rosen's.

#1 - We're starting new homeschool curriculum.
#2 - I'm changing my schedule at work so that I'm doing a better job of discipling my family and discipling people at the church...We hope.
#3 - We've restarted our whole food business called Juice Plus+.
#4 - We're looking for a new home.

All of this is a response to what we think is the next step of faith for our family. This has been an exciting time of change. I'm more stoked about life than ever.

Maybe we're out of our minds...maybe we are "filled" with faith. Regardless it's change.

I'll keep updated as time goes by which it is.

Lucky Fish

2008-07-14T22:58:00.000-04:00

I have no idea how it happened. Sincerely. I was playing golf today in a fund raising tournament with some friends from church. The skies today were clear and the temp was amazing for the middle of July. Low 80's.

So here's what happened. I get a text message about needing to take our 2 year old to the doctor for a thumb injury. No big deal. Then, a couple hours later...it came. The phone call, I mean. It seemed like such a harmless request. "Scott," my wife said, "can I get her a fish?" It didn't take long for me to answer, "Yes." What's the harm I thought. Get her a pink beta thing that lasts a couple months, it dies, they cry and then forget about it. 20 bucks tops.

When I show up at home, I could not believe my eyes. NO FISH. Instead what sat in my kitchen was the reason why the phrase "out of control" came about. There was no fish but there was equipment for about 20 fish. I was about to have an aneurysm.

Then she came in the room. Big brown eyes...full lips...giant smile. My baby girl melted me in seconds. She told me how excited she was to get a fish (and reminded me of the pink guitar I owe her) in that sweet 2 year old dialect. I was done for good. I went out and bought more stuff we needed.

The fish are few days away from being picked but their world is being prepared for now. Lucky fish. All because my child wants you...

If you're a follower of Jesus, this might start to sound familiar. Because of His son, we are wanted and paid for. The price was probably more than we're worth. And check this out...he is preparing a place for us to be with him. Lucky fish. Lucky fish.

Oh yea. In case you were wondering. Her little thumb is just bruised. Thank you, God.

Good Intentions Got Me Nowhere

2008-07-10T13:22:00.000-04:00

Ok...it's only been since...March since I've written anything. No rambling. Doesn't mean I'm not full of thoughts and experiences. I intended on launching a few days after the first post but then got sidetracked. I actually wasn't sure if I was going to tell anyone about this until a friend asked about the web address. So, I'm back with renewed good intentions. Maybe this time I'll get somewhere.

Rabbi?

2008-03-04T18:05:00.000-05:00

Ok...so, I'm not really a "rabbi". I'm nothing special...just a man with a Jewish background.I have simply been dubbed this name by friends over the years since I met Jesus and began to follow him. I enjoy the teachings of Jesus and sharing them with my family and friends.

My real name is Scott Rosen. I'm a professional Christian (pastor) in Canton, Ohio. I love following Jesus and serving my wife and children.

This is the beginning of my ramblings...so join the conversation and ramble on your own bad self.