INTRO TO THE ROADS TO BETHLEHEM

Main Highway between Jerusalem and Bethlehem


Each year with the approach of the Christmas season, each of us takes a special journey back to the stable in an ancient town called Bethlehem. For most, it is not a trip called for by a star in the sky, nor an angel's visitation or announcement, nor even a census called-for by a Roman ruler named Caesar Augustus.

Sadly, it is a journey that is prompted by the commercial enterprises of our modern age, seeking to capitalize on the gift-giving spirit which inhabits this time of year. The road they take is lined with brightly-lit malls and stores, each full of the latest offerings to be purchased, packaged in bright paper and bows, and placed under a tree in someone's home, awaiting excited hands that will tear-off the wrapping and possess what's inside.

The closest that many will come to the stable will be a small replica of the cene depicted in the Gospel of Luke, a carved wood or plastic model that sits on a mantel or under the tree amid the presents. Many will not even hear the story of that first Christmas read, nor understand the true meaning of the season's celebration. For them, it is just another "road-side" attraction to break the monotony of a journey that has no particular destination.

Not so, the first Bethlehem journey and the roads that the individual participants took to get there. Their roads had a destination, and it was for them a life-changing one.

Your road to Bethlehem this year can be a life-changing one, as well. Follow my blogs in the next few days and examine the roads that the ORIGINAL PEOPLE followed as they made their way through that stable manger to their purposed destiny.

Be encouraged this Christmas, won't you?

AURA U SHINING?

AURA U SHINING?

Several years ago I walked into the shoe store owned by a good friend with whom I exchange a lot of good natured banter and the latest jokes. Out of the blue I announced to him that I noted he had no customers and that I could help him with the problem. He responded with a questioning nod and a smile, waiting on the punch-line, whereupon I told him it was no joke. I said matter-a-factually, “you take me back and sell me a pair of shoes, and I guarantee that when I come up to check-out, I will have to wait behind four other customers.”

He rolled his eyes as we started to the back of the store where the men’s shoes were located. After finding the shoes I wanted, we returned to the front and check-out. His eyes widened as I stepped into the line – FOUR PEOPLE DEEP! I turned to him and with an air of I-told-you-so and asked, “Now, do you want to put me on a percentage basis or straight salary?” I went on to explain. “You see, I have this special AURA that surrounds me everywhere I go. When I go to Walmart to purchase just a few items, I can go in and all of the check-out lines are empty of customers. I won’t be but just a very few moments, and when I return, every line is full. It happens every time.”

Needless to say, he continued to be skeptical and I left without a SALE on my AURA. It continues to be the base for good-natured ribbing each time I stop in and find no customers in the shop.

Later on, as I was standing in line at WM, I noted that the checker was having a particularly rough time with a customer about FOUR ahead of me, and began to weigh what she was feeling. As the line shortened toward me, her patience and demeanor became even more negatively pronounced. It seemed the other customers, rather than giving her encouragement, became impatient themselves, adding fuel to the already intolerable situation. Observing this, I determined to try to be a positive influence.

As my turn came, I simply stated, “I’m here to bless you today!”

She looked up from her task with a look that said, “Oh no. What now?”

Others were behind me in line, so I began quickly to explain to her about my AURA, which was already a source of blessing because it brought many customers into the store. Granted, some didn’t realize they were part of the blessing.

Heads behind me began to nod in agreement, their own rush forgotten for the moment. I went on to explain that as a Christian, I was to be a source of encouragement, so I thanked her for her task of helping me.

As I completed check-out, she smiled and expressed, “Thank you. You’ve made my day.”

“Of course,” I said, “that’s what my AURA is all about!”

Now, to explain, I’ve studied this AURA phenomenon extensively in other situations and it always works. Not just at WM or my friend’s shoe store. It happens when I am on the road, driving. I can bank on it. If I want to go somewhere, this AURA will be felt by many others who seem bent on going the same direction, many to the same location. Now, prior to my research into this AURA, invariably I would take the stance of many of those customers I mentioned, who became more of a problem than the blessing they should have been. I’m still not perfect and forget my AURA’s influence, and become impatient with the press of the folks I have “infected”. but coming to my senses, assume my responsibility and try to enjoy the trip, even uttering a prayer for those drawn along in my wake.

In my study, I have noted that the AURA responds to my emotions. When I am in a rush, pressed for time, or otherwise anxious to complete my trip or get through the check-out, my AURA seems amplified and draws a greater number of persons into my space. Often, I think, if I truly want to get somewhere quicker, I need to assume a deadpan look, chill my emotions and speak with a typical “Ben Stein” monotone. Yes, I think that would do it.

The only problem is, the AURA not only affects others, it also affects me and cannot be bottled up for long. And shouldn’t be!

Now, at this point, many of you are thinking that all that I’ve explained, YOU’VE BEEN THERE! DONE THAT! You just did not think of it as an AURA. You’ve perhaps thought of it in terms of the world in which you live. It’s just the way things are. We face the good and the bad with no control over situations. Just make the best of it. Correct?

WRONG! I started out thinking of it as a joke with my friend. Quite frankly, I was SURPRISED about those first FOUR myself. I was simply stating things I had observed that happen to people everyday – waiting in lines, etc. Then the more I thought of it, the more I reflected on just what kind of influence I have. And do you know what?

I DO HAVE AN AURA OF INFLUENCE! IT COMES FROM THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST WITHIN!

I realized also, that those who do not have His presence, do have their own “AURA” that they project, often not as attractive as the one HE GIVES!

As I thought on this, I realized another application of TRUTH that I believe about how God works to enhance the AURA of His Son.

First, I believe God is in providential control of every life's contacts. Second, I believe that God has given me His Son that I might be a bearer of His blessings through His Son. Third, I believe God puts people in “my way” to touch them with that PRESENCE. Hence, the AURA which is His, shines forth to touch all with whom I come into contact, whether in a check-out line at WM or on the highway, everywhere and in all situations. And He is in control of the movements of others, to bring them into that AURA of influence for His good purpose.

IF YOU KNOW HIM, YOU HAVE THAT AURA, TOO!

AURA U SHINING?

Consider these scriptures and be encouraged today:
Matthew 5:14 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
John 6:44 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

A Little Past the Top of the Hill

A little past the top of the hill
We're called to climb in the path of God's will,
The burdens of journey we carry them still
But He waits to refresh, just past the top of the hill.

The climb is a hard one this side of the hill
And success in the effort seems less than our skill,
But we're given command, and continue the drill
Until we are told we're past the top of the hill.

Sometimes in our climb past the top of the hill
We're set by some things that make us feel ill,
But if we would make it through this moment's chill
We'd find a blest healing past the top of the hill.

O climber, don't give up this side of the hill.
Keep climbing, though burdens seem ever to fill
Your mind, instead of God's passion to thrill,
When you reach just a little past the top of the hill

Now, not all we will face past that side of the hill
Will thrill us or skill us, for its intention's to kill,
But if we'd continue our Lord's will to fulfil
We'll find renewed vision past the top of the hill.
5-13-2006

I was reading from II Samuel and came across this passage in chapters 15 and 16, where David was facing the threat against his throne by his son, Absalom, who was conspiring against him. In fleeing with his household, David seeks to avoid being captured by his son. As he comes to accend Mount Olivet, with head covered and feet bare, he does so with weeping. All the people following him also ascend in the same spirit, with weeping. When he came to the top of the mount, he worshipped God. After receiving word of the activity in Jerusalem, David is "a little past the top of the hill" (16:1), when he is met with donkey's laden with food for those with him. They were refreshed for the continued journey and ultimately, the defeat of the conspiracy.

The hill of progress that must be climbed is often hard and we wonder if it is worth the trouble. David's heart ws burdened with the rebellion of Absalom, but "a little past the top of the hill" he found refreshment, and though the problem still lay before him, he went forward. The struggle upward with burdens which seem too much, need the awareness that "just a little past the top of the hill" there is respite, a repast, a renewal of heart and strength to continue in the midst of even stones being thrown at us by those who do not follow the right path. (16:5-6)

Be encouraged today, dear friends, as you climb the hills in adversity's wake. God will be there to give you refreshment.

FEED ONE A FISH, OR TEACH HIM TO CATCH?

There have been times that I have, quite by accident, pulled from the depths of a creek’s meandering waters a sizable Small Mouth Bass or a slippery Catfish. And I have sometimes had a grandchild along to give some assist to in the catching, and my, oh my, the joy on his face when he reels one into the boat. Now, I confess I can cook one better than I can catch, though the latter I find intensely more enjoyable. That is, unless, after smelling the frying aromas, I am able to pull a chair up and savor the results of my expertise.

Fortunately, the original intent of the quote that inspired the title of my blog has a focus far more reaching than feeding someone a fish or teaching him to catch one. Its purpose is to help a true servant multiply his effectiveness by giving his destitute fellowman the tools to feed, cloth and shelter himself for life, as opposed to giving him only one meal or its equivalent.

I am a teacher and have taught a number of courses on the college level. But who is really not a teacher? As parents, many who claim very little talent or skill in the teaching profession, have an automatic class and student body over which they have professorship in the best sense of the word. Their subjects are not limited to one course in which they excel. Rather, they are called on to give exercises in all disciplines, whether or not they themselves are proficient. In the same way, by degrees, dependent on age, training or purely character traits, every person young or old is a teacher.

Having said this, I return to some personal reflections on my own exercises in this most noble of professions. I have dabbled in a number of fields of interest, and have tried my hand, sometimes very adequately, if I do say so myself. I am certainly not in the same league with others who’s singular focus on one field of talent’s pursuit lands their product in a museum. I am, however, a “plodder” in a number of areas. In each I have at least tried my hand and gained personal affirmation and joy of a task attempted.

At times I am told that I am gifted in so many ways, but indeed I realize that some of my applications are less than “gifted” in their product. The fact is, I am addicted to trying my hand at a lot of things, many of which, with some effort, I am able to produce something that has value, if only my own affirmation of something attempted.

I enjoy the arts. I dabble at drawing and painting. I even came within three hours of an art minor in college. As a missionary in Asia, I used art to develop a “cottage industry” to help people earn a little extra income, while I taught them the Bible. I even tried my hand at stained glass, which still shines a message out to the lost that see it.

I love to write. I’ve been writing poetry and prose for more than forty years, and even have some that has been published. I’ve been writing on my autobiography for some time, of course it won’t be finished until I am, but it will be my gift, published or no, to my kids and their kids and etc. I’m working on a historical novel about my mother’s life. Her simple grace and compassion as the family’s “nanny”, grown out of an orphaned childhood of hardship deserves to be told, and the pen and the desire to write it was given me.

I like to sing, and do so periodically, and have even written some songs that have received some “kudos” of kind words from those who have heard. I tried my hand with the piano, for twelve weeks, at the end of which I rescued my teacher by quitting. I did, however, learn some basics, and though I have to stop and count the lines and spaces to come up with the name of the note, in singing I can watch “my note” and manage to travel up and down with it through the measures. And keeping my desire alive to make music somehow, I’ve taken up the mandolin and hope someday to make a recognizable noise with it. And hey, I’ve got someone who plays who is willing to suffer through my attempts.

With my wife, for thirteen years I’ve being stepping forth to do historical monologues and dramatic portrayals before schools, churches and numerous community events. Not, perhaps, of Broadway stage caliber, but believable and apparently of value to those who’ve continued to extend invitations for repeat performances. I’ve even tried my hand at “clowning” (as you may have noted in my bio information which adjoins this column) and find it a special release of some inner expressions I might find it hard to express were it not for the disguise of greasepaint.

I’m a fair to middlin’ carpenter and painter, crafts that I learned from my Dad, who built houses “from the ground up” and put his boys to work in the trade very early on. Out of this, I’ve tried my hand successfully on models of every kind. I suppose the kid in me who wants to put something together with his own hands is still alive. (Check out my blogs over the last six months and you’ll see some of my projects.)

As far as ministries go, I’ve worked at the normal tasks of preaching and teaching and counseling and pastoring for forty-five years, and still enjoy the preparation in scriptures, and the times of delivery of what I’ve studied. I received my share of the “back pats” and “good job” comments, most perhaps very sincere, others, it’s hard to tell. I’ve also led prison ministry on foreign soil, with some great success due to my team and their dedication. Nursing home ministry has been another area where I’ve worked, though tough because of my own sensitive nature as I confront those who’s conditions tear at my heart. I even did my doctoral work in the development of ministry in such facilities, and was offered a professional position as a result. I declined as I realized it was God’s way of broadening my vision of ministry.

Other areas of work in ministry have been offerings to which I did respond favorably. I was a state prayer director for seven years, during which time I was able to lead in helping focus the attention of churches on the great priority of prayer to enable the whole of ministry to which God has called. Out of my missionary calling and work overseas and at home in the U.S., I was able to serve as a missions director for men and boys work, and lead mission teams to do work in Canada and in the U.S. on an Indian reservation.

And now that I am retired from what is termed “full time” ministry, though I am still a pastor, and teach Bible at a local college, I still have the same inner call to explore some new ways of doing creative work. Be it with my mind, my voice, my hands, or with my whole body, which by the way, is slowing somewhat, I’m game to try!

“Now,” you may be asking, “what is your purpose in this running resume of activity?”

Well, I’ll tell you. The other night as I was teaching my course in Old Testament at the college, one young student approached me and began to share. It seems that the assignment I had given for a term paper had connected with him in a way that originally I had not considered. I had told them that I wanted them to write a paper on a subject that seemed to “leap out” at them from the course of study. I wanted it to be something that “grabbed” them to the point that they wanted to explore it further.

In preparation for my lecture, I had begun to think of some possible themes. I remembered this young man’s music interest and ability and had written down a possible direction for him to pursue. To my surprise and delight, my challenge and sharing from the class before had inspired him to consider the same direction. We had connected! Then, on reflection, I began to weigh what had occurred. I came to this very important conclusion. I am a teacher and I deal with a lot of facts that I desire the students to learn, but it’s more than mere facts, which could be learned from reading the book. I am a teacher with a responsibility to inspire the students to learn to apply the facts to meaningful expression and application. This is to be applied in the direction of those areas of giftedness, small or large, where they can find fulfillment and meaningful service to God and their fellowman. My own varied experience and drive to pursue new experience is a way to connect with my students in opening up their own interests and applications.

The real “kudo” of praise and honor for the work I may have done in any area of attempted excellence is not the kind words spoken in a moment’s encounter. It is through the lives that begin to have a creative vision for what can be attempted, and often, accomplished. I was inspired by numerous mentors and teachers that challenged my thoughts to go beyond what I perceived were my limited talents. They challenged me, not to just do that which was counted as a sure thing in the minds of some, but to open my vision to see and attempt every kind of creative activity, and as a result, find in it the joy of doing. I thank the Lord for such mentors as these.

I hear the plaintive excuses often. “I just don’t have a creative bone in my body.” “I’m not gifted at anything.” “I don’t have anything worth sharing.” Shall I say it? Hogwash! Don’t compare yourself with anyone else! The great creative Father and God of us all does not make JUNK! He makes things that work and have gifts to share.

And how do we find those gifts? We try them on for size. Sometimes they are too big, or maybe too small. Try another size in the same style. You do it at Walmart. It works in other places, too. And variety, well, they say, “it’s the spice of life!” Well, put some spice in your life and see how good it tastes to others, as well! My own experience has found that when I am exploring God’s will for the next project, I don’t have time to organize an inner “pity party” of excuse. Like a small child at play, everyday faces me with a new delight of some new toy of blessed activity.

And speaking of blessed activity, when you teach someone to “cast out” in exploration of their giftedness and interests, giving a few pointers from your own experiences, the joy on their faces as they “catch” the vision is a rich reward. Your attempts and joy in the doing is doubled in theirs. By all means, feed the hungry, but, by all means, be the teacher you are created to be, and help them "catch" their own meals!

How about you? Take a look at these scriptures which express the challenge I have tried to convey today, AND BE ENCOURAGED!

Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is not work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”

Matthew 25:15 “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.”

I Corinthians 4:7 “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”

HAVE YOU USED SON BLOCK TODAY?

Did you ever get a real sunburn on your face? People did not have to know where you had been, they knew you had been in the sun for too long a time.

Physically, I am very susceptible to the sun’s rays and blister very badly. As a youngster we did not know about sun blocks or what the sun might do to the skin in causing cancer, etc. Many of us are paying the price for that lack of knowledge and the sun block that was needed. I remember the time when, after a particularly good day in the sun, I came home suffering a sunburn that literally caused blisters an inch high to appear on my shoulders. With no air conditioning at that time, I took the relief of a pallet in front of the screen door where the night’s cooling breeze could ease my pain.

Physically, we’re told we need sun block to keep out the harmful rays of the sun, particularly if we have skin tones that are lighter and more susceptible. I heartily concur and recommend it.

As I weighed the effects of sun block to act as a defense against burns that can be quite serious, I began to think of another kind of blocking that commonly takes place against another kind of SON! The more I thought about the analogy, the more it seem to have some applications that would be worthwhile considering.

Stay with me on this. I want to make the transition from the “sun block” which is needed to keep us healthy in body, to the “Son block” which we need to avoid to assure our spiritual health.

How shall I describe the benefits of not using “Son block?” Consider first the “sun block.” In the case of the “sun’s” influence upon us physically, we want to keep those powerful rays from causing their deep burning of the skin. To avoid this, we put the sun block on all exposed areas and it forms a protective shield. The greater the SPF the less dangerous UVA rays will penetrate the barrier to damage the skin. We are told that even when the sun is somewhat hidden on a semi-cloudy day, such rays are still present, so some kind of “screen” is recommended.

Now, what about “Son block?” The affect of God’s Son shining on and into our lives might be said to have the same results, minus the damaging burn and other possible negative ramifications. When the Son of God is allowed to shine on and deeply in your life, there may be the heat of a passion for Him that grows in the relationship, but there will be no burning, ever. No damage, in fact, for His Rays make for permanent spiritual health.

Sun block products often have guarantees that they make. The guarantee for NOT USING SON block, and allowing the Son to shine His truth deep within is the promise of life everlasting.

Now follow a bit of analogy as I pursue the levels of sun block that I use:

SUN BLOCK 15 – I USE TO MOISTURIZE AND HAVE TAD OF PROTECTION –

Application: SOME USE A SPIRITUAL SON BLOCK 15 TO GET JUST ENOUGH OF A DOSE TO KEEP THEM RELATED BUT NOT TOO DEEP. You know, use a little of the church language but keep involvement at a long-arm’s length.

I MAY USE A STRONGER SUN BLOCK #50 TO COVER ON A MILDLY CLOUDY DAY. IT’S STILL SUN BLOCK BUT JUST ENOUGH TO STILL CATCH A FEW RAYS-

Application: THEY USE THE SON BLOCK 50 OF JUST GOING TO CHURCH OCCASIONLY. Attend just enough not to be considered a backslider.

USE THE SON BLOCK OF PRAYING JUST ENOUGH TO GET BY. After all, God understands I have a lot of other things to get done.

USE THE SON BLOCK OF READING AND STUDYING THE BIBLE JUST A LITTLE TO KEEP A LITTLE RELIGION BUT NOT GO OVERBOARD. There are too many fanatics that cause more problems than good.

USE THE SON BLOCK OF JUST ENOUGH GOOD WORKS TO BE CONSIDERED GOOD ENOUGH FOR GOD TO ACCEPT. Nobody’s perfect. It’s like using the “toning blocks” to make you look like you’ve had a complete “Son-job” but it’s only “skin” deep. Some use spiritual “tanning-beds,” but these, too, are not equipped to provide the real Son-shine.

USE THE SON BLOCK OF EXCUSES TO KEEP FROM TOO MUCH SPIRITUAL RESPONSIBILITY. I CAN’T TEACH, OR SING, OR PREACH. I’M NOT GOOD WITH PEOPLE. Well, I honestly can’t.

THE BIG SUNBLOCK FOR ME IS LIKE #70. THIS IS TO KEEP ANY RAYS FROM GETTING ON ME ANYWHERE.

USE THE SON BLOCK #70 THAT SAYS DON’T TALK TO ME ABOUT CHURCH – My religion is a private matter and I can worship anywhere.

ONE SON BLOCKER I HEARD SAID THAT HE DID NOT TAKE HIS CHILD TO CHURCH BECAUSE HE DID NOT WANT TO INFLUENCE THE CHILD’S FREEDOM TO CHOOSE GOD OR NOT. This is putting the Son block #55 on the child, but leaving the world’s influence “unblocked” and free to influence. The child’s freedom of choice will be seriously jeopardized.

USE THE HEAVY SON BLOCK OF UNBELIEF. This will insure that no divine rays will shine upon and bring life to the one who has blocked the Son of God.

AND OH, IT’S INTERESTING TO NOTE! WHEN I’VE USED THE SUN BLOCK I’VE NOTICED THAT I STILL FEEL THE DISCOMFORT – MY SUN BLOCK GETS IN MY EYES AND BURNS.

Application: FOR ALL THE BENEFITS OF SON BLOCK FOR THE ONE WHO DOESN’T WANT TO HAVE CHRIST VERY DEEPLY UNDER HIS SPIRITUAL SKIN, HE CAN STILL FEEL THE HEAT OF CONVICTION AND NO AMOUNT OF SON BLOCK CAN KEEP YOU FROM GETTING A REALLY BAD BURN AFTER IT’S ALL SAID AND DONE!

ON THE OTHER HAND, WHEN THE SON OF GOD IS ALLOWED TO SHINE DEEPLY IN YOUR LIFE, THERE MAY BE THE HEAT OF PASSION IN THE RELATIONSHIP, BUT THERE WILL BE NO FOREVER BURNING, EVER. THAT’S PART OF THE PRODUCT GUARANTEE.

IT’S IN THE PACKAGE INSTRUCTIONS. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Be encouraged today! Use the Sun Block but don’t block the SON!

HOW DOES ONE GET OFF A MERRY.GO.ROUND?

Recently, our family of eleven (6 adults and 5 children) went on a vacation together in eastern Tennessee. The first part of our trip was a three-day retreat in the mountains with other missionaries with whom we served in Bangladesh some 23 years ago. It was a time to catch up with each other’s lives, hear recent updates from the mission field and just enjoy a time of worship and fellowship with those we claim as family, as well. Additionally, it gave our grandchildren contact with folks that they hear about from time to time, to help them glean a little of their parents’ early experiences as Missionary Kids.

After the retreat, we drove a short distance to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where we planned to take in some of the local claims to fame. One such place we spotted seemed to invite the whole group’s interest, so we spent the better part of an afternoon being “chilled and thrilled” with the advertized 101 “mind boggling” mysteries of what was called WONDERWORKS.

As you can see, our minds were “hooked” already by the unique structure which housed the mysteries. It literally was an upside down experience for this family, especially me! There were every kind of mind confusing electronics you could imagine. For instance, the “tunnel” hallway to access the main displays was a simulated “bridge” through what appeared to be a seven foot pipe, completely darkened except for the constant spiraling ribbon of blue light. The affect on the eyes was so dramatic that though you knew the bridge was stationary, your mind told you that your whole body was revolving. I get a sensation of vertigo just recalling it. After this were encounters with every kind of mind teaser, including some very physical activities such as rock climbing,

lying on a bed of actual nails

and making enormous bubbles with 3 foot hoops dipped in vats of soapy water.

One mind messing “ride” I was challenged to take with son-in-law Kirk was a two-seater closed capsule in which we were completed strapped. In front of us was a screen on which a very psychedelic “roller coaster ride” was imaged while the capsule was put on “spin” to simulate the ride’s swerves and turns. I felt as though I’d been on the worst roller coaster I could ever image. When we climbed out of the capsule my legs, my body, everything, felt a wash of exhausted sensation that took 30 minutes to finally pass. I recognized with the immediate concern of my family, I should have left that experience unexperienced and vowed to do so in the future. I recognized the “going where no man has gone before” was not all that great. Fortunately, my taste has had no lasting affect on me. (By the way, if you are interested in checking out WONDERWORKS as a possible family activity, check their website and the UTubes available for viewing.)

The next day’s activity was a visit to the famed DOLLYWOOD, where the family was delighted to find a well-laid out theme park of rides, music shows and craft shops of every kind. Something for the whole family. If this sounds like a travel log, it kind of is, but I do have a point I will make before I close, so stay with me.

I enjoyed the time with family and watching the faces of my grands and their parents as they took in the variety of experiences. Having learned my lesson somewhat from the WONDER of the day before, I was less prone to push the proverbial envelope too far on rides, so I enjoyed watching those that did and getting a few pictures. I did take in what was advertized as their version of the “log chute” drench, and was properly soaked for the experience.

It was here at DOLLYWOOD that I began to think about the things that makeup the day- to-day passion of man generally. All about me I saw, and experienced to a degree, the seeking of things to “chill and thrill” the body and mind. My grands would go on a ride, scream through its particularly mind-blowing parts, emerge and plead to go stand in line for a repeated chill. That day we arrived to open the park, and they were still pleading for just one more thrill ride before the park closed, which it did as we left.

It caused me to think of man’s constant cycle of search for the meaning of life. Literally, a MERRY.GO.ROUND, ever seeking a new thrill, and he finds that each one is short-lived, and so like the rides of a theme park, come back to the place where it started with the result, a memory that will begin to fade as he steps out of the vehicle that took him through the experience, and a pocket with less than the price of admission to it. His cycle of life will have nought but that fading memory and sensation, and so, he will proverbially stand in line to repeat it again and again, or find a new thrill to replace it, resulting in the same scenario.

As I have said it before in describing my mental gymnastics of comparing such thrill seeking to life in general, I am not opposed to having the fun offered by such as is found in these mind bogglers, and I only cite the examples to bring our thoughts to an important truth about man’s real “thrill” possibilities. But before I do, let me take you one day further in our family’s vacation experience.

Before turning our sights toward home, we left Pigeon Forge and heading southwest toward Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our target for experience was Ruby Falls and Rock City. The first, a cave down into a mountain, where we would have seen a waterfall so named, and the latter, a natural formation of rocks said to be a great adventure of walking and climbing. The cave’s combination of descent and necessary ascent was ruled out for the already weary group, and the heavy downpour of rain that threatened to continue as we arrived in the city put a “damp-er” on the Rock. Needing to head east before too late, we discovered an in-door activity we’d not been aware of before arriving. The Tennessee Aquarium on the river, and downtown, was a likely experience all would enjoy. Well, we did not know the half of it.

The two huge modern buildings which housed both fresh water and salt water life were magnificent in their construction and display of the underwater life of our planet. As we “wandered” and “wondered” through the 3-story sloping halls filled with enormous tanks of water, fauna and fish, we were put in visual, and sometimes in touch, with creatures beyond our imagination.

Let me pause to plug this place of experience. If you ever are considering a trip through or near Chattanooga, don’t miss taking time to take the self-guided tour through this facility. Young and “older” will enjoy, as we can testify. Check out their website – you’ll catch a little glimpse of what I mean.

Now, back to our experience there. One of the things that immediately impressed me and began to set my mind in reflective motion once more, was the section of the aquarium labeled Seahorses. On walking into this area, I expected to see very small creatures with their typical “horsehead” structure which gives them their name. I was not prepared for the size nor the wide array of variety in this animal’s kingdom. One that caught my attention most was called the “Leafy Seadragon” which I picture below.

Leafy Seadragon Photo by Todd Stailey
At first, I thought it was merely some of the vegetation floating in the water. On closer look, I saw the head and body in the midst of its leafy camouflage. My immediate thought was that God had certainly provided for the protection and propagation of this species. It could hide in its environment and thus elude would be predators very well. After all, it had initially fooled me.
While “wandering and wondering” the halls with our family, I was made aware of the fact that one of our grands, Keaton, had his notebook out and was writing down a lot of information about what he saw. His mother then began taking pictures of many things to save him the time and effort, relating that he had a great passion for all that the aquarium was showing him, and he wanted to keep the experience in his mind as long as possible. Needless to say, I was duly impressed with his desire.

This experience brings me to the point of this family vacation blog.

I have related to you, the reader, what consumed my mind as I thought about the “chill and thrill” rides of both WONDERWORKS and DOLLYWOOD, and how they spoke to me about the cycle of man’s passionate search for meaning in life. Now I have related an experience found at TENNESSEE AQUARIUM, where my grandson discovered something that for him would have more lasting memory and value. This same boy that enjoyed the rides and with the others, wanted just ONE MORE RIDE BEFORE THE PARK CLOSED, now was expressing something of more lasting value than the chill of a moment. I don’t know what Keaton will do with his knowledge gained. He may someday be one who uses such to build his own unique work of lasting value to him and others.

My point is this. Man’s search for meaning often misses the mark because he seeks that of the world’s short-term thrills and chills of experience. On the darker side of experience, the drug and addiction culture that is so rampant today is a very obvious example of the short-term thrill to escape an otherwise hopeless and helpless existence. The cycle which takes man on a roller coaster ride of thrill will not ever progress past the point of its beginning fix, will always push for a little more chill the next time around, and with a drive and passion that JUST HAS TO HAVE ONE MORE RIDE BEFORE THE PARK CLOSES. And what is true in this particular culture is also true in those who seek the experience of gaining the world of riches, which ever tempts them to give up everything to possess its claim on lives. It, too, has a thrill which is short-lived. One who gains and million wants to gain two, and so on it goes.

The lesson that Keaton shows me in his seeking of knowledge about life under the sea, is how much more is to be gained by growing in knowledge, and knowledge to pursue, to gain, to grow in one’s understanding of his world. Spiritually, man’s seeking after God is the really true passion that has an experience that lasts, growing daily in understanding one’s understanding of his purpose in life. It is here that peace of mind, joy in the journey, hope for the future, and love for God and man’s neighbor can be the thrill that lasts beyond the PARK’S CLOSING HOUR. It doesn’t just bring you back where you started, but take you on to greater thrills of the heart and mind than can ever be won by a roller coaster to nowhere.

Consider these scriptures that take us on a journey of growth, and be encouraged!

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 15:4a, 7, 10a, 11 “Abide in me, and I in you…If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you…If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love…These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

REBUILDING OUR TABERNACLES

I love building with my hands. Making something COME ALIVE out of a few pieces of wood, some paint, glue and string, can keep me singularly occupied for hours on end. My only impatience is waiting on the glue to dry, but when I step back to view my progress periodically, there’s a delight that’s hard to express in words. Such is my latest project in constructing a model of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, where God came to dwell among His people Israel, after He had freed them from Egyptian bondage.

How did I settle on this particular project you may ask. Since retiring from my almost 30 years in missionary work, I have moved back to the area where I spent most of the first 18 years of my life. There, at the country church that birthed my Christian pilgrimage and mentored me later as my first pastorate some 45 years ago, I have returned to pastor again. In February of this year, I determined that a sermon series in the book of Exodus was the best direction to take in my preaching. This book has been the ideal renewal base for helping the church, and ME, rediscover what it means to be the people of God in a growing land of bondage that they have created.

Step by step, as I have preached through the experiences of Moses and the Hebrew nation as they followed God’s lead, the applications of scripture have beautifully been affirmed by my church’s pre-planned and sometimes unknown events from week to week. For ezample, the birth of a child to members of the congregation came the very week of sharing about Moses’ birth. And when the couple decided to dedicate the child after 40 days had passed, the message dealt with the dedication of the firstborn following the plagues. A pre-planned Lord’s Supper came the same week as the Passover passages. And so on it has gone.

As I began to project my sermons and study ahead to the next episodes in Israel’s pilgrimage, I realized that very soon I would be dealing with the building of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. It would come on the Sunday when I would be absent for a retreat reunion experience with my family and missionaries with whom we served in Asia. As I weighed the matter of one to supply for me in my absence, I thought of my cousin, Bro. Ray, and remembered his experiences of year’s past as a guide, in priestly costume, through the life size model of the Tabernacle at Eureka Springs, Arkansas’s famous Passion Play. Contacting him, we arranged for him to do so, and in costume to share the message with my people. The idea of a Tabernacle model surfaced as a way to aid in his presentation. And, in light of the fact that I would be teaching a course in the Old Testament at our local College in the fall, it would be an added teaching tool for me, and him, in other venues, as well.

There you have it and I cannot tell you how much very personal and practical help my “hands on” construction has been. I have not yet “plummed” the depths of spiritual meaning that occurs to me with every bit of wood and paint applied, and the attention to detail which surely must have been the first builders’ experience in touching the holy things they put in place according to God’s blueprint.

The pictures I’ve shown still do not have the final curtains and covering instructed by God for His original dwelling place among His people. I expect that in their preparation and installation this week, I will come to some added personal understanding, and I pray, more renewed awareness of my own “indwelling” of His Presence.

This brings me to some final words of encouragement for you, my readers, in this installment of Barnabas Brief.

As we weigh what God was doing with His people in that wilderness so long ago, I pray that we realize He was setting in motion the essence of what His relationship then, and later with the coming of His Son, was truly to be. The Tabernacle itself was a visible tool to bring them into a deeper spiritual awareness and relationship to the God Who was ever with them. All through those 40 years in the wilderness wanderings, He revealed His Presence, dwelling among them.

In a real “touch and feel” kind of experience, the Tabernacle was to be the “temple” of His indwelling in their lives, and every bit of furniture that was placed within it, and even the building itself, was to have special indwelling significance to them. And its proclaimed “holy” nature was not speaking of the materials from which it was constructed. It was little more than mineral and plant product of the earth. Its “holy” nature came from their contact with HOLY JEHOVAH.

Speaking of the construction of such holy contact with God, Peter wrote, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 2:5) Further, he wrote, “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (I Peter 2:9)

Question. You may not be constructing a model of the Tabernacle, but are you actively involved in a renewed construction with Christ, the temple, the spiritual house of His indwelling with you? If you are, then in truth, He is, IN HOLY PRESENCE, in the TABERNACLE which you are! Praise the Lord!

Why not look up EXODUS, chapters 25-28, and read for yourself.

Be encouraged, fellow TABERNACLE!