Barnabas Brief

ON THE ROAD WITH GEORGE AND LOTTIE

2011-08-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

We're leaving tomorrow for another "dramatic" weekend. This time our traveling companions are George Mueller and Lottie Moon. For those new to us I must explain. Virginia and I have, since 1996, been involved in a personal ministry called, "LIVING PORTRAITS". We portray different historical personalities in a variety of venues, every place from public schools, to community events, to church and Baptist convention events. Our repetoire includes George and Martha Washington, Mark and Olivia Twain, as well as, a group of missionaries and Christian leaders from the past, and have even put together special character presentations on request. William Carey, Luther Rice, Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong, Fanny Crosby, John Newton, Horatio Spafford and George Mueller are our most frequently used.

Lottie Moon was one of the first single missionaries appointed by our denomination to the country of China - 1873 to 1912.
She gave her life to that work until she became very ill from malnutrition (sharing her food with her Chinese friends) and started home, only to die aboard ship in Japan. A Christmas time offering for world-wide missions was given her name and so remains today. Virginia portrays this lady very effectively to promote those offerings and the missionary spirit that is needed in every Christian's life. We love traveling with "Lottie".

George Mueller is our other "traveler". George was a Prussian who, after his conversion, moved to England to ultimately follow a call to begin the first Christian orphanage in that country which was experiencing many deaths from plagues, with resulting orphans with no care. He began the first home in 1835 and was still involved in it when he died in 1898. His claim to fame came because of his intense passion for prayer and his unswerving faith in God to provide for his needs and those of the children in his care. His challenge was to pray based on the mind and will of God. Studying and meditating upon God's will, maintaining an upright heart and conscience, not shrinking from that which tried his faith, and letting God be the redeemer were his well-used tools to discover God's mind. Yes, George is also a good traveling companion! As I step into his character, it is always my prayer that such character will stay with me when I remove the costume and return to my own century.

Pray for us as we travel to spread faith, prayer and missions to others who need such a call.

Be encouraged, my friends, in your faith, in your prayers, as you, too, move into a spirit of missions!

SERMON IN CHALK

2011-05-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

"The New Jerusalem" in Pastel Chalk

Preaching through Revelation has been a great challenge, especially with the descriptions that John uses in sharing his vision of those things which earthly language cannot hope to adequately portray. When I reached Revelation 21's passage on the New Jerusalem coming down, I knew I'd met my challenge. There is nothing quite like the Scriptures alone for doing it justice, so I opted to build a sermon around the reading of the Word, music related to the theme, and art in the form of pastel chalk on textured mat board.

I "painted" my interpretation of the descriptions while the Scriptures were being read by selected members, and as....

...coordinated congregational hymns and special music were presented. In this way, the whole congregation was a part of the experience.

For music, the songs "The Holy City" - "Heaven Came Down" - "When We All Get to Heaven" - "Heavenly Sunlight" and "Jerusalem" were used to highlight the service.

It was my first attempt at a chalk drawing before a group in a confined time, but I found that the drawing I opted to use fit the normal time I usually plan for my sermon on Sunday mornings. The response of the congregation? Well, my planned-for experience was not disappointing - their comments indicated that the different approach and visualizing the Scriptures was a refreshing change of pace.

As I told the congregation in my introduction to the service, there was no way to fully describe the New Jerusalem on the small sheet, so I selected just a portion of the corner of the "city" wall. Imagine trying to paint the whole of John's description on one canvas! Revelation 21 describes this magnificient city of the redeemed of all the ages as being 1500 miles long, 1500 miles wide and 1500 miles high. (To get an idea of the size, imagine a city that stretches from Arizona eastward to almost the Alantic coast, and from the Canadian border to almost the southern tip of Texas!) And it's walls w 240 feet high, with 12 gates, 3 on a side, will each be attended by an angel. Now that's a city to look forward to!

One commentator's evaluation indicated that given the projection of the numbers of believers from all ages who will reside there, each might have the equivalent of 75 acres, "cubed", as their "room" in the forevers of eternity. Jesus did say that in His Father's house are many mansions or rooms and that He was going to prepare them for His disciples. (John 14:2)

In the words of the songwriter of "Jerusalem":

"Jerusalem, I want to walk your streets that are golden

And I want to run where the angels have trod

Jerusalem, I want to rest on the banks of your river

In that city, city of God!"

Consider this. This world with the calamities of nature's rebellion against the curse brought by man's sin gives many little hope of life without fear. Couple this with the outright damage man brings to man and the earth through his continued rebellion against the God Who gave him life and a pristine world to dominate (not destroy), and life becomes for many an impossible task. It is in this, however, that God's Word gives us a hope that can conquer every fear and be a source to overcome every task. Can we not take joy each day in the coming new creation God has promised to those who would trust Him and accept His grace-filled gift of eternity in His New Jerusalem?

It is my prayer that you will. Be encouraged, my friends, my brothers and sisters in Christ! I'll see you here, there, or in the air on the way! Praise the Lord Who promises!

MY ART GALLERY!

2011-05-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a youngster on the farm, and perhaps before, I can recall one pasttime that I truly enjoyed. It was drawing or painting things from my imagination or from what I saw around me in nature. As I grew older, this delight never left. I took painting in college and almost completed an Art Minor. Since then, I have tried to continue this passion, though for long periods of time I was so wrapped up in other tasks in my calling as minister and missionary, I've hardly done a brushstroke at all. With retirement, though tasks seem still a'plenty, last year I began picking up a brush and trying my somewhat older hand at putting color and shapes on canvas once again. My results, though perhaps not on a measure with many who've plied the trade for years, have given me a new sense of satisfaction in being able to create and in so doing, portray what our Creator and Master Artist has so beautifully painted in the world around us. I humbly put before you three pieces that I've put in a local Art show for the month of May. I trust they will be a blessing and share a message of encouragement with you.

BEEING YOUR BEST SELF
The title of this piece is somewhat obvious. I posted the photo I took of this a few posts back, and then decided to paint it. It's an Israeli Bee on a flower I saw while in Ceasarea, Israel a year ago. It spoke to me about the importance of BEING rather than DOING as representative of who I am and should be each day. The basics of who I am should not be governed by what I do as much as who "I Be" if you will pardon my grammar. What I do should be a reflection of who I am and not the other way around. Consider, if for some reason I cannot continue "doing" certain things for whatever reason, will I cease to be? Not logical. In the light of this, I have determined to BE what God has purposed for me to BE. The BEE of the painting is BEING itself, as it has been purposed by God. What it does comes from what and who it is, doing it with the very best of its ability. That's what I want to BEE, as well.

The next canvas was painted from a photo I took in our backyard during one of our heavy snows a couple of years ago, minus the "eight-pointer" I added for effect. I call it:

"THE SENTINEL"
As I considered the large knarled tree that stands so resolute amid its smaller fellows on the slope behind our house, I noted first that it certainly older than all others around. Secondly, its limbs and branches had evidence of withstanding the violence of many winds, at times breaking and losing a little of itself each time, however, still standing strong. As the snow fell and I was compelled to reach for my camera, I saw yet another scene come into play. It was as though the whiteness of heaven was given to it like a king's robe and crown. It's steadfastness of patient watchfulness had won for it that which would grace its massive and sometimes broken form. I added the "buck" with its antlers as an added symbol of the tree-like SENTINEL character of the tree. My own life has been planted in the soil that God has prepared for my task, too, for you see I am called to be a watchman, a sentinel to warn of the dangers which may be near. I am called to be patient, and regardless of my increasing age and lessening "limberness of limb", I am to be a steadfast and faithful SENTINEL of Jesus Christ, my Lord. I am told that one day that as a faithful servant, I too, will be given a white robe and crown!

The last painting I show you comes from a passage of scripture I have long remembered from a sermon I heard an evangelist preach many years ago. I call this painting:

"CONTENDING WITH JORDAN'S HORSES"
The passage of Scripture is Jeremiah 12:5, "If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?" I have found a rich resource in studying horses over the last few months and have painted two other pieces featuring them. There is something very majestic in what God has designed in these animals. I recall an illustration that uses the horse to describe the essence of submitted will. A horse that is tamed still has every bit of its power intact, however, it has chosen to yield to the master who holds the reins. Now the passage here reveals horses that are still yet untamed and therefore fully in charge of their power, which with a herd, is sizable indeed. Jeremiah's question rings out to those who are growing weary already in life's race, and as yet have only faced the challenge of other runners. I confess that I feel that way often myself, however, the race is not yet completed. And considering the last phrases of the passage, in comparison to what may lie beyond my sight, my life has been in relative peaceful conditions. Now the serious question is ask! When the race is levered up to the speed and power of horses, or when the waters of strife rise higher, how will I cope? With Paul I must confess, "I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)

Be encouraged, my brothers and sisters! We can run the race! And I have read the back of the Book and we WIN!

Living Lord's Supper

2011-04-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

A 2011 Portrayal of "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci

For the fifth time, three times in Bangkok and twice here in my church, we have coordinated the dramatic presentation of "The Last Supper" as painted by Leonardo da Vinci. Last evening's event was held in the midst of a stormy Ozark night. Despite the weather, one hundred persons attended, and all expressed how much the experience helped them to catch a vision of what happened almost 2000 years ago, as our Lord entered His last few hours prior to His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. Indeed, the drama portrayed is in reality a drama in which we still participate today.

Like these disciples who sat with Him and heard His strong and strange words, we, too, recognize that His life purpose goes beyond just having life in this world filled with good times. His was a objective motivated by love for man and the Father's will for man's redemption. It was toward this end that His focus was concentrated. Because of this, our acknowledgement of His Sonship, death, burial and resurrection, and our repentance and faith in Him enables that objective to be realized in us.

It is my prayer that this Easter's celebration of His resurrection will draw many into the life-drama that He lived, bringing about His life in many. Be encouraged, fellow believers, He Who was raised and ascended into Heaven, will truly come in like manner as He left. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

APRIL FOOL!

2011-04-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Ah, APRIL FOOLS' DAY! A day where lies and liars abound, where would-be "court jesters" let their proverbial "hair" down! A day of practical jokes and pranks that, hopefully, will be forgotten and forgiven when the 2nd of April makes its appearance!

                                                           In our front yard, no foolin'!

A few weeks ago, three of our grandsons were spending a week with us, a time we truly enjoy. These boys know that their grand "POOHPA" is prone to practical jokes, April 1st or no! I decided that since the boys would not be with us on this special day for such, I would do an advance.   Knowing their inbred proclivity to all things "deer hunting" and such, and because our yard is a favorite hangout for creatures of this nature, I went into the den, their hangout, which overlooks the backyard, and exclaimed excitedly, "boys, there's an 8-point buck behind the house!"

The scramble was on as they ran to the windows. "Where?" they exclaimed in unison.

"April Fool!" I cried.

"It's not even April!" they responded.

I told them, "I'm saving up for when you won't be here!"

What is the old adage? "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." Well, I decided to push the envelope, thinking surely they would not take the bait. I waited a while, then went back and repeated the same excited information. "Boys, there's an 8-point buck in the backyard!" I expected a typical reaction of disbelief - "Oh, Poohpa!"  But I didn't expect the repeat scramble to the windows again!

"Where?"  they repeated.

You see, I didn't do the "hunter's math" that says, "keep your eyes open and don't miss a shot!"

I just hope I haven't ruined my future prospects of getting them to believe me the next time I spot something that's really there! That's the chance one takes when you don't play by APRIL FOOLS' RULES. I think there's another old tale of the boy who cried "wolf!" once too often! Enough said?

Now, I've said all of this to get to my point, so here it is, and it's not an April Fool's joke.

Most folks try their best not to appear FOOLISH, me included. We try to wear what will not make us the subject of ridicule. Our communications are so guarded that we won't be caught saying something that will be dismissed as ignorant, uninformed, or worse, crude and rude. We behave in a way that will not draw attention to our imperfections. We are careful to only go where our presence will not be held in question by those seeking to cast a shadow of doubt upon our character. We abide by the law so that our lives won't gather the reputation of being without conscience. To this litany of lifestyle detours of safety, we could add multiple others, all whose purpose is to protect our lives.

The WE and ME FOLKS I refer to? Obviously not the whole population at large! APRIL FOOLS' DAY notwithstanding, a large part of citizenry would like to believe that they are pursuing a lifestyle that is perceived as worthy of respect. Commendable and a worthy goal! I would that more would find this path the best to trod upon. For one very good reason, it would provide a grand example for the new generation that follows, to follow!

There is a problem, however, that lies within everyone, good folks, good ole' boys, as well as, those not so good! It is the problem of sin, and a heart that is not so good, as the prophet Jeremiah points out in 17:9: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" We'd like to believe that we know our own heart, but I suspect we even fool ourselves at this point. In fact, I'm sure we do, or we would not believe ourselves to be so "holier" than the other person most of the time. No, there is One Who truly knows our heart, and He is the same one Who can fix it! No fooling!

David knew Him and wrote this Psalm of desire to have his own heart fixed: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts; And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)

So friends, when this day of light-hearted trickery has drawn its last breath, and the new day of heart pursuits faces the new dawn, take the Psalmist's lead and have He Whose heart never tricks nor fools, but guides you into all of His truth which will set you free, free indeed! (John 8:32; 36; 14:16-17)

Be encouraged!

THE WINNER'S CIRCLE!

2011-03-20T05:24:00.000-07:00

Friday and Saturday our town had a business expo that drew hundreds of interested of people to its lineup of local businesses, many of which gave away prizes and food, in addition to their own particular spiel about their service or products. Grand prizes were to be given to those who returned on Saturday for the drawing. Having invested some time to visit the booths on Friday, we decided to go all the way and be there for Saturday's finale. When we showed up we weren't surprised at the numbers who returned. There was a general air of expectancy, coupled with a good time connecting with friends also in attendance. When we arrived, we immediately encountered another fellow pastor and his wife and proceeded to just "hang out" and enjoy the crowd and each other. As the time for the drawing came near, we moved to a central location in front of the announcer who was at a mike on the balcony above the room. The press of the crowd left little walking room so we stood together, looking up to the action taking place above us. Following some preliminary announcements and gifts thrown out for people below to catch, they were ready to begin drawing the names. Before the first name was drawn and read, the announcer called out my wife's name and told her to go to a nearby booth where her name had been drawn for a prize. Surprised, she obeyed while we waited for her to return, which she did in moments, bearing her new blue digital camera.

Only moments earlier, as we spoke to our friends, they had mentioned the pastor's wife had won three prizes from individual booths the day before, and the pastor laughingly commented that they'd returned so she could be drawn for the new set of tires he wanted. Needless to say, when my wife's name was called, it renewed the amusement over the wives being the "lucky" ones. Within moments the announcer had the first name for a major prize. Imagine our added surprise when an elderly lady standing next to me raised her hand to claim it! This added to our amusement as we waited for the next name to be called. This time we were shocked to hear my pastor friend's name called, though not for the tires he wanted. The winner's circle around us was widening! Finally, the name for the tires was drawn. You'll not believe it! Another man standing within six foot of us raised his hand in response! Out of five names drawn, three were within touching distance! Truly mind blogging, er, bogging!

We laughed all the way home about the shock on our pastor's face! It was truly a photo moment, but the wife's new camera battery was not yet charged!

As I reflected on the day's amusing turn of events, I was struck by the spiritual applications. As God's children, indeed we are in THE WINNER'S CIRCLE! The Scriptures tell us that our names have been written down in the Lamb's Book of Life, if we have, by faith had our sin's forgiven, and have invited Jesus Christ into our heart and life. In effect, we've "signed-up" for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. And it is no "luck" of the draw when we "look-up" to hear our name called to come away with Him to claim the prize.

As we stood there in the crowd, two called pastors and their wives, so close to the hundreds that surrounded us, I was further struck by the "calling" of God that puts us "in touch" with a world who need to know the Lord as we do. As physically we stood, almost touching the other winners of grand prizes, our spiritual "winner's circle" of "gospel touching" influence came into clear perspective for me. All too often we do not realize the impact for the gospel that we may have upon the crowds where we walk and live each day. We truly have a "winner's circle" of influence to enlarge with every day's encounters. And oh, the blessed joy that results will cause all of the world's passing prizes to pale in comparison. Now that will be a true "photo moment" to capture! Just be sure that your spiritual batteries are fully charged!

Note this passage about the High Calling of God: "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14

Be encouraged toward such a prize, my friends!

OUR RENEGADE HEART!

2011-03-10T06:59:00.000-08:00

I read a friend’s facebook comment today. It stirred within me a latent thought, bringing me face to face with the very real struggle that daily wages its war in my goings and doings, and even my thinkings!

The sign says WET PAINT!
Why don’t I believe, and think I must TOUCH?
The fire is HOT! I’m told it will HURT!
Why must I reach for the PAIN in SUCH?
The place is too high, keep off of that LEDGE!
Why then must I test, to peer down from the EDGE?
The street’s not safe to walk in the NIGHT!
Why then do I think I can go without LIGHT?

Every day, in every way
I seem to push, and fail to stay
Where I am told I’ll be okay.

I’m told I must diet, my life to EXTEND.
Why then do I eat so, and my body OFFEND?
The doctor says walk, to care for my HEALTH.
Why then do I sit, with health on the SHELF?
I’m told that some movies I shouldn’t OBSERVE.
Why then do I watch, throwing my mind a CURVE?
And when I’m commanded to read my BIBLE and PRAY,
Why then do I put these in last place TODAY?

Every day, indeed, in every way
I seem to go, and do, and think, and fail to stay
Where, indeed, I know I’ll be OKAY!
~jb, 3-10-2011

I could go on, and perhaps you can add to the list of goings and doings and thinkings that take you astray from the path that is right. To quote my friend, we have a renegade heart! But we are not alone, for it is a condition that affects all in some way or other.

But, we’re in good company, so to speak! The Apostle Paul had his own list and summed it up in his writing to the Roman Christians. In what sounds on the surface like “double-talk”, Paul records his own struggles when He writes about the law and its revealing of the “sin which doth so easily beset us”. (Heb. 12:1) Romans 7:7-25 is his recounting of the Christian’s struggle with it.

His wrestling with our common malady is filled with the paradoxes of “woulds”, “shoulds” and their antitheses. Note these excerpts:

“For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.” (vs. 15)

“For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” (vs. 19)

Sound familiar? Well, read on - the frustrated plea from his self-inflicted misery. “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (vs. 24)

Paul knew very well the human condition, which was and is under the law of sin. He also knew that the law of God was given, not to be as much a standard of behavior, though it is that, but as the revealer of sin that is in our nature and practice. As he says in verse 7, “…I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.”

Paul also knew very well the account of the wilderness temptations of Jesus, and how the Devil had put the Lord to the test. In His forty days of fasting, He was tempted to use His power to change stones into bread to feed His hunger, to perform a miracle in leaping down from the top of the temple without hurt, and to bow to Satan to gain worldly rule. (Matthew 4:1-11) All of this Jesus did without sin, to become the perfect sacrifice for our sin plagued nature, that in spite of our bent to sin, and its sometimes victory in our lives, we might have the promised law of God inwardly that assures us of final victory.

So, how do I proceed in this quandary of struggle? First, I realize and admit the true nature of sin in me and the reality of God’s law in my mind, the inward man. The struggle is inevitable, however, the more often I acknowledge the greater victory over sinful thoughts and actions by the Indwelling Presence of God’s Spirit, the less frequently will Satan take the upper hand in the conflict. I will never, in this earthly life, be completely free of his attacks nor yieldedness in thought and action to his temptations, but the greater my time immersed in the word and walk of the Lord, the more completely will the Lord’s shield repel the tempting arrows of the enemy. As Paul says, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God” even though “with the flesh the law of sin.” (verse 25)

Be encouraged in Him, my brothers and sisters.

RE-CALCULATING, TURN RIGHT!

2011-02-09T22:17:00.000-08:00

I have two friends, Matt and Sarah, I call them. Having done a lot of traveling in my missionary work in the last few years, I met Matt on the internet. He was my early guide to discovering how to get to particular places I’d never been before, even gave me the miles and travel time to get there. I called him MATT QUEST. Get it! Anyway he was always up-to-date on the best way to get where I was going. He was connected!

My second friend was Sarah. I met her first at Walmart, in the electronics department. Actually, I never met her, just heard her voice. She also had connections, but once we “met” she operated solo based on her education to that point, and was exclusively my personal guide. I continued to seek counsel from Matt in my pre-journey planning, but enjoyed the connection with Sarah during the journey. Frankly, at times her voice kept my “road-hypnosis” at bay, thus keeping me alert.

One of the things I discovered after some time was the fact that Matt and Sarah sometimes did not agree. Having printed out a copy of Matt’s directions, then comparing them with the moment-by-moment vocals from Sarah, major discrepancies occurred. These times were signaled by a crisp and very deliberate tone from Sarah:

“RE-CALCULATING! MAKE A U-TURN!”

This would be accompanied by a visual map on Sarah’s visually projected screen which I had attached to the center of my windshield for easy viewing. She would display an arrow indicating I had missed a turn and must turn-around at the first opportunity. The longer I delayed in doing so, the more she would repeat the command, until at last she would relent and formulate a new route to my intended destination. I confess that sometimes I purposely would ignore her instructions out of my own desire to continue on the road we were using, either because I had some prior knowledge of what I wanted to do or was following Matt’s provided hard copy.

Having seen the maps Sarah would display, I noted that at times when a very new road had been opened since our guide/driver relationship began, she would have my vehicle imaged out in the middle of a field. I quickly realized that I needed to provide for her some updated training on current conditions. This, in fact, continues to bring Matt and Sarah back into close alignment as they guide me into the unfamiliar.

About the relationships I’ve described there are two things that continue to amaze me. Matt’s ability is becoming much more understandable with the computer age and its ability to chart and produce the stats that it does, so my amazement here has settled somewhat. Now Sarah’s has a degree of complexity that still is mind boggling. While driving, she knows exactly where I am at any one point, regardless of the presence of a road or not. I’m told that she is CONNECTED with a mechanical entity above called a satellite, and that this orbiting device and its “partners in space” send continuous signals to Sarah and her many “partners on earth” to keep each of their “charges” instantly aware of their placement and surroundings. That totally causes my head to swim.

MY CONCLUSIONS: First, Matt’s value is in the pre-planning and determining the where and when of my journey. For this I need to make focused and deliberate decisions. Everything from fuel to arrival requirements is involved, in addition to any stops or purposes along the way. Having made all of these decisions, I take Matt’s map in hand and begin.

Secondly, as I begin the journey, I give Sarah information regarding my destination and any of the stops along the way. I then give her the “GO” to connect with her sky partner. Of course, prior to the journey, I give her lead to update her knowledge of the current lay of the land. I then trust my guides to keep me on track.

Now, recently, I’ve been seeing some advertisements that, gratefully, don’t apply to my ability to trust Sarah or Matt. Have you seen the one an insurance company uses to describe one man’s “Sarah” named “Mayhem”? Unlike Sarah’s unswerving attention to correct instructions, this one takes delight in giving wrong directions and putting “his” charge in jeopardy. His RE-CALCULATING is totally a LEFT TURN!

NOW, THE PREACHER IN ME COMES TO MY FINAL CONCLUDING REMARKS AND THE POINT I’VE BEEN LEADING UP TO!

FIRST, you and I are engaged every day in a journey called life. This trip both requires movement toward a definite destination, as well as, moment by moment stops and routing to get us there. Decisions are needed that must be based upon TRUE information from a GUIDE that is completely trustworthy and will help us plan toward the goal, and do so with proper personal health to meet the requirements of the destination. HEAVEN and relationship with GOD is the goal, and life’s journey is to prepare and make the trip, using the RIGHT directions to keep us fit for the destination. Our “MATT” for our journey is GOD THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD, THE BIBLE! There is nothing more updated on all the routes and dangers that lie ahead, along with the resources needed to cope with the twists and turns we will encounter. We must TRUST it completely, however. Picking and choosing only those easier WORD directions, and going-off on our own whims and ignorance will only confuse our route and lead us to dead-ends and life “time” wasted side roads that will only weary and frustrate our journey.

SECONDLY, our journey’s moment-by-moment progress has not only the foundational map but a completely present “SARAH” to give us the necessary turns to keep us on track. This Sarah is GOD THROUGH HIS HOLY SPIRIT. This GUIDE, too, is CONNECTED to that which is ABOVE, higher and more perfect than even the best of satellite computers. By this connection, GOD, Who is constantly in touch with us and everything that is before us, is ever with us, giving instruction and directions. And never fear that GOD will use tactics of deceit like “MAYHEM” (i.e., the Devil), who is a constant threat to try to lead one’s journey into danger, and this is the reason one must keep to the leading voice of the HOLY SPIRIT Guide. Trust this HOLY GUIDE, for He will lead you into all truth. John 16:13f records Jesus’ words about the Holy Spirit, “…when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

One final thought. There are times when we do and will fail to follow our “SARAH’s” counsel, and even “MATT’s”, as well. When we do, and we are on a path that was not their counsel but our own decision to depart, we will not hear an audible “RE-CALCULATING! TURN AROUND!” For on the road of life there is no retracing or redoing a journey past. No turning back the hands of the clock. That path is now not open to us! Our need is to recognize we have sinned, have departed from the way that is true, and confess it to our GUIDE, Who in turn conveys it to Our Lord Jesus Who stands to intercede with GOD, THE FATHER in Heaven. Instantly, a “RE_CALCULATION” will have already been made, giving us the best new way available in our life journey. And note this, it will ALWAYS BE A RIGHT TURN!

Be encouraged, fellow travelers on THE WAY!

TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE

2011-02-06T23:21:00.000-08:00

This photo I took while on my trip to Israel last March. I was visiting the site of old Caesarea on the Mediterranean coastline. Amid the ancient structures of this city where Paul the Apostle was a prisoner, judged and then sent to Rome, I found several flower gardens. There I found what I was later informed was a Bergeranthus scapiger, one of the many kinds of stalkless mesembryanthemums, succulent flowering plants that do well in that climate. (I did think it interesting that my last name appeared in the middle of the latter term.) As I walked this particular bloom caught my eye, and I had a opportunity to capture this Israeli BEE at his appointed task.

Now, Shakespeare’s Hamlet soliloquy did not have the insect in mind when he penned those famous words “To be or not to be”, but perhaps the BE he referred to can be seen in the very existence of the tiny BEE itself. I confess that the picture I have used was taken, not to illustrate my thoughts in this blog per say, however, it serves to launch them, nevertheless.

Actually the BEE itself reminds me of the Bee Movie that I watched a while back. Let me give you a brief synopsis of the storyline. Barry, a young bee of the in-hive working class, having graduated from college, now considers his options. Against his traditional parents, his dream is bigger than even his physical attributes would allow, and he sets out to discover where he belongs and where he can make a difference. In short, he leaves the hive, encounters the taboo world of interacting with people, and discovers that humans have been stealing bee honey for ages without any payment considerations. Drawing upon his education, he sues humanity for damages and wins for the bees a monopoly on their product. The results: the stock of honey grows to the point that the bees retire. This creates a world that speedily loses its agricultural reproductive cycle and comes to the edge of ruin. Barry, who’s earlier victory for the bees precipitated the collapse, now turns his attention to reclaiming what he has learned is the truth about how the world must operate and his BEE-part within it. Together, a cooperative of human and bee “being” is re-established and the world is saved. Finally, Barry discovers his new role of being a part of the army of necture gatherers.

Now, the application from this “B-movie” and my “B-photo”: Shakespeare’s quote almost fits the typical teenage mindset today.

“To be, or not to be, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them…”

Like Barry the Bee, the matter of BEEING or BEING to not only the young but young at heart is a question that is troubling. Strong emotions push beyond patient waiting to consider one’s true identity and place of worth upon this complex factory called Earth. Considering why we were made falls in sad second place to the more exciting draw of myriads of DOING choices, and the even more tempting HAVING ever more of the tangible stuff that causes the eyes to sparkle with want.

Unsatisfied with BEING A BEE, Barry wanted the experiences of spreading his wings before he even realized why he had them. His journey led him to things he found pleasurable and through these he came to some wrong conclusions about what his life was all about. True enough, he thought there was injustice regarding the ownership of the honey and tried to brave the system to correct it, but in so doing almost destroyed the very thing that gave his fellow bees their purpose for BEING and ultimately, their DOING, as well.

In your hast to push the experience and possession envelope a little farther, have you sometimes failed to weigh the primary matter of who you are and how that impacts your world for good or bad? I call that “getting the cart before the horse”, to coin an oft’ quoted phrase. Take Barry, for instance. He is a BEE who’s BEING is BEEING. He is part of a cycle of life that produces honey in such abundance that it is more than the bees themselves could ever use. It becomes the delightful sweet of life – even a healthy one at that – that feeds man and beasts like the relatives of Yogi Bear. And in the process of performing that sacrificial act of service, the pollination of the world’s vegetation keeps the whole system in order. That’s BEING to be proud of with DOING that grows out of it, not the other way around.

Another thought surfaced for me from the “Bee Movie” before I sum up and close this blog. Barry’s search in the movie writer’s mind seems to have begun with a dream to do something different. Nothing wrong with dreaming. For many it is the impetus for pursuing excellence. Let me borrow another phrase from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, just a few lines down from the quote’s beginning.

“To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life…”

In Barry’s mind he saw an unfulfilled dream wasted on an “eight-to-five” factory job that he was “promised” that he would have for the rest of his life. That flies in the face of everyman’s dream. Stuck without a way to grow does not appeal to anyone I’ve met. I empathize with Barry, however, the difference in his dream’s perception is not understanding that even an “eight-to-five” BEE can find fulfillment DOING what his BEING says is right and makes a difference in the world.

On the matter of BEING, consider Shakespeare’s lines which refer to death as an end to the heartaches of searching for purposeful life. He refers to death as sleep, and in that sleep, “perchance to dream”, and dreams, the state of BEING in the afterlife. Indeed, it should make us “pause”. Truly for the Christian life is to BE first a matter of BEING, with DOING as a very real overflow of who we have discovered ourselves to BE. In this way, our future life with the One Who Created us in His image will reflect more of Who He IS than what we have DONE to make ourselves worthy.

Paul gives us a further word of BEING challenge in Philippians 2:5 when he wrote “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Oh, how much better our lives would be DOING if our minds would BE so indwelt!

BE encouraged, my friends. TO BE IS THE ANSWER!

2011: AN ODYSSEY IN THE REMAKING!

2011-01-11T06:22:00.000-08:00

"Out with the old, in with the new!"
We've done it so often, it's just something you do.
So each year we begin with a firm resolution,
With hope it will bring us some new restitution,
Some way to redeem what the old year has lost
Some way to find joy without a great cost. jb

43 years ago, 2001: A Space Odyssey showed us what happens when a computor, HAL by name, malfunctions and takes over a space exploration mission, resulting in the loss of life among the spaceship's crew. On a sequel 26 years ago, 2010: The Year We Make Contact, another expedition is launched to discover what had happened on the first one. HAL is reactivated, this time resulting again in loss of life, but with a revelation of great significance and HAL sacrificing itself for human life. It is a classic theme for the SciFi buff, the machine taking over and making man either slave or eliminated altogether. This time the writer's pen brings about man's redemption in the storyline.

Now, what about "2011: An Odyssey in the Remaking", you may ask. First, because I am a SciFi buff myself, I am constantly intrigued by the creative minds that put together such plots and storylines. Secondly, because I am a preacher in constant search for just the right illustration to use in portraying biblical truth to a modern world, I look for the meanings in what man tries to conjure, thereby finding evidence of his need for that beyond his conjuring abilities. Thirdly, because I am a man with a desire to find a measure of meaning and hope in the fast-leaking span of life I'm allowed, I reach with renewed hope with the coming of each new year's promise.

Case in point is the projected storylines of the two movies, one projecting 2001 as a reasonable time when man's capability would reach those depths of space and technology, and 2010 as the final coming of age and understanding, i.e., contact beyond. As I sit here on the beginning edge of 2011, a new year's position, my mind begins to search for evidence that such has even elevated man's mind to capture what the movie's writer attempted to say. The paradox of the two movies for me is that both "have now passed their projected years of prophetic scifi fruition without scifi becoming reality, though some might disagree." Sadly perhaps, you, my reader would agree that though technology certainly has gone far, man's real encounter with the truth beyond has taken more of a retreat than an advance, and "2010: The Year We Make Contact" has had no such contact in most of the minds which evaluate our age of supposed enlightenment. Rather than reaching to touch and contact He Who is beyond all, we've advanced but become slaves and possessed by what we've achieved.

Most recently the pictures of Christmas come to mind more clearly. One scene in particular comes to mind, and no, I did not take a photo, though I wish I had. While our family of 11 sat casually around the living room visiting and watching something on TV, 5 of the group, the grands, were clumped in the floor, all concentrating, but not on the television or the conversations surrounding them. Clutched in their hands, with coordinated rapid-moving fingers and coordinated head-bobs, were their ipods. Oblivious to everything around them, even the TV, it was as though they were "possessed" by the grip of some unknown puppet master. Calling to the youngest of them by name, I received no response. Three times and still no break in concentration. Possessed, indeed!

I was about to comment on the situation when a flashback of my early teen years came home to roost in my memory. In a day of no ipods, TV, or any such tech advance, I was so immersed in a Hardy Boy mystery book that I could not hear my mother's call to do my chores. I was not possessed by any modern day specter, but no less a possession that seemed bent on changing my perception of priorities at the moment.

As I dwelt on this revelation and its example from my past and my grands' present, I was reminded about the Lord's words recorded by Luke in chapter 12, verse 34, "...where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." This was spoken in the context of explanation regarding the parable He had just spoken about the rich fool who had so much he felt he needed a bigger barn in which to hoard his abundant crops. Indeed, rather than possessing "the things he owned", the things possessed him. The rich young ruler of Luke 18:18f, though realizing where his heart ought to be, was possessed by his wealth, as well.

Now perhaps you see why I used the two movies to introduce my own "odyssey". No, I'm not down on ipods or new advances that naturally come with the advancing eras anymore than I am down on Hardy Boy mysteries of my own youth. Given the speed of change today, tomorrow will bring even more things we will desire to possess. The question we must wrestle with today is, "would we be willing to put all of these in the right perspective and priorities in our heart, or continue to join the world in the clamour of possessing and being possessed?"

My "2011: An Odyssey in the Remaking" is for me a new commitment, not resolution, to follow the Lord's call to the rich young ruler to sell all and follow Him Who is to be the priority of heart, mind, soul, and strength. Contrary to the writers' idea that the HALs or ipods or possessions of any sort will bring us into contact with God, it is our will and choice to keep these in proper subjection, and our focus of attention upon the Lord which will make us truly rich where it counts for the long term - eternally.

My prayer is that you, my friends, might not be so possessed, but rather encouraged as you seek to follow the invitation of Christ to put Him first in your heart, mind, soul and strength. May such an odyssey be yours in the remaking during 2011!

AT 68, MY FIRST DEER HUNT

2010-12-11T07:19:00.000-08:00

There I sat, my back against a 10 inch-diameter tree, and the only thing between my bottom and the snow covered ground, a thin vinyl-covered cushion. The temp at a frosty-breath 22 degrees made me begin to wonder what possesses the male of my species to get up at 5:30 a.m., drive 30 minutes, walk another 30 minutes through the woods, in the dark, and then just sit on the ground in the cold. So far the week’s preparation and anticipated excitement had not been rewarded with any reasons for the sacrifice.

As I sat there in cold silence, my mind began to retrace my life experiences that were the prelude to this morning’s adventure. Growing up on a farm, hunting might have been a major activity with three growing boys full of imagination. But Dad, a busy carpenter, had not been bitten by the bug that infected a myriad of other folks. So, my brothers and I, except for the traditional “shoot your eye out” bb guns, or a squirrel hunt with a single shot 22 rifle, never graduated into the ranks of trophy hunting good ole’ boys.

After high school, I made a decision to join the U. S. Navy, and it was here in boot camp that I encountered my first education with a “piece”, the naval term for an M-1 Rifle. The one I carried “everywhere” was a “plugged” model that was intended for drills, parades and learning care and maintenance of any later issue we might be given. In boot camp I learned the basic operations of several weapons common in navy life, and scored the marksman level on the M-1 on the shooting range. Thus, on my discharge four years later in 1964, I returned home somewhat equipped and ready to make my mark on the land and its wild game.

That first year back home I bought my first deer hunting rifle, a lever-action Marlin 30-30. This was prompted by the fact that my new girl friend’s family were avid hunting enthusiasts. If there was a season on it, they tried to insure that the family was well-stocked with its meat for the table. Beginning with Virginia’s father, Silby, then her brother James, and finally his son Jimmy, all were regularly camo outfitted. The family had bird dogs, as well, so you can guess the drill. My appearance on the scene was met immediately by constant invitations to join the hunts, so the purchased rifle was duly “sighted-in” and ready for action.

Thinking back, however, though always a party to the glowing results of an expedition, I never ventured forth. Perhaps my need to work, and the fact that when I returned home from the navy, I had begun preaching and pasturing a local church, kept me from the timing needed to pick-up such a hobby with any degree of regularly. So, seasons passed and so did the 30-30, to my cousin, for a little less than the price I had in it.

Fast-forwarding about three years, I did take a college course in archery, and my better than average scores once again rekindled my imagination. This time it was to the growing popularity of bow hunting. I could just imagine myself as a modern-day Robin Hood, fulfilling the dreams of a youngster with a homemade cedar bow and hogweed arrows. This, too, however, joined the “gun-toting” idea and endangered no wildlife afield. Again, it was not for lack of opportunity, for my marriage to Virginia continued my “wealth” of stories that her family would bring constantly to the gatherings and visits.

One last bit of my “hunt-less” history I will share before I continue the story of my first real personal discovery of this most basic and early American pastime. My ministry of 46 years has put me into contact with hunters in every place I have served. It is this that has kept my interest, though lack of hands-on experience, alive. Equally so, our two daughters married men who were also entrenched in the hunting sport from their youths. Add four grandsons and one granddaughter to the mix, and my non-participation regimen was soon to be ended.

Fast forward to present. The date is November, 2010, and the plan was for the whole clan to come home for our traditional Thanksgiving. We first received a call from Kevin, our oldest daughter Michele’s husband. It was his desire to find a place locally where he might get a chance to deer hunt for a day. The second call was made to Kirk, our youngest daughter’s husband, to see if he concurred in preparing to equip for an anticipated hunt. Duh! A call was then made to Virginia’s brother to check on a possible location. Double Duh! It was a done deal before the phone lines were cold.

Then came the call and faithful invitation. Kirk had been hunting at his folks on their trip, and had two guns on board if I wanted to go with them. Add the encouragement of two daughters determined to see their Dad finally bitten by the hunt-bug, and joining the ranks of the “camo-ed” set, and I was “hooked…er, chambered, cocked and sighted-in” before I knew what had happened.

I have to admit, the “bug” bit good as Kirk arrived with his crew, and we struck out for Walmart’s display of all things camouflage. We found the necessities for a warm disguise against the elements and any would-be discerning game we might encounter. I bought overalls, a well-insulated hooded-coat and matching high-top canvas boots. He had already provided me with protective orange vest and hat he had. Additionally, he would provide me with the primary tool of all hunters – the rifle, a 30-06 semiautomatic. I was ready with the anticipation of a youngster with his first bb gun.

After partner Kevin arrived with the rest of our clan of eleven, we launched into the Thanksgiving festivities with gusto, then for dessert on Thursday afternoon, the hunting trio suited up and made our way to meet Virginia’s brother James, accompanied by his grandson Brad, an excited youngster with his own hunt-stories to share, which he did as we made our way to scout-out the best sites for the next morning’s hunt. In the group I felt younger than Brad, for I was still an untried novice in the game.

Weaving our way through the woods with trees naked of the greater part of their foliage, now a thick carpet of leaves crunching underfoot, I could imagine how difficult it would be to find our way before dawn, without making sounds that would alert the deer we hoped to claim the next day. Moving more slowly than the others, Kevin and I determined to let the others push farther to locate the best sites, which they did and then returned to us with a good idea of where to set up “shop” the next morning. My thoughts during this part of the hunt’s preparations were not nearly as dramatically vivid as the next morning’s would be, though my senses were beginning to “tune-up” to the sights and sounds of the place known as Stone Mountain.

That night, I restlessly slept, awaking almost hourly to check the clock, only to discover that the hands were moving ridiculously slow. The kid in me returned with a hyper-vengeance of anticipation as I neared what almost seemed a military operation’s zero-hour. When the alarm went off at 4:45 a.m., I reacted almost like a soldier in that intended mission. I commented to the guys as I donned my “camo” outfit, that that’s what I felt like, and the image was no less real when the rifles were loaded into the pickup’s covered bed for the 30 minute drive to our designated mountain ridge. On the way, I nervously queried my sons-in-law about what to expect that morning, trying to bolster my courage against what for me was an “unknown” enemy attempting to steal my desired thrll of accomplishment.

I questioned regarding the safety of having three persons in separate locations, perhaps in “line of fire” from the others. I was assured that the locations would be at safe distance and below line of sight. I pumped them about what to do when the game was hit but not immediately down, how long and when to track. Remembering stories of the unusual, I even covered such issues as what to do if a black bear shows up, or a angry deer charges you. I tried to be as calm sounding as I could, but my guess is that both were well aware of my tensions, though they graciously did not let on.

I suppose my real confrontation with a combination of “understanding” and “fear” came when we arrived at the place where we would begin our walk along and down the ridge. When Kirk took the 30-06 out of the case, showed me how to load the clip and slip the safety, handing me extra shells to pocket, then placing it into my hands, a whole new feeling overcame me. Trying to remember the hunter’s rules about carrying a rifle in a group, ever mindful of keeping the barrel pointed away from everyone, including myself, were constant nagging thoughts. Maintaining whispered tones and trying to walk quietly through the brush and leaves which were just bare shadows in the early pre-dawn hour also kept my mind-line on busy.

Fifteen minutes into the trek we dropped off Kevin at his selected sight, and fifty yards later we began to descend at the end of the ridge. In the pre-dawn dim, we picked our way around ledges and through a line of cedars which marked a definite change in the terrain of the slope, and after another two hundred yards or so, finally stopped to survey the field of sight. Ahead of us thirty yards lay a ridge and drop-off into the hollow below. Here Kirk pointed to a likely tree for my stand, indicated he was going to circle the ridge and find his own likely seat, and quietly faded into the underbrush.

My stand! A tree growing out of sloping hillside covered with a dusting of snow. A fallen branch lay diagonally in front of the tree. Pulling it out a foot or so, I tossed my vinyl cushion at the tree’s base and eased myself down upon it. I found that my left foot had an ideal prop against the branch, and with my right heel I dug into the earth to create another. Laying the rifle across my lap, I felt I was settling for a “long winter’s nap” or so to speak!

As I indicated it was cold that morning, but I was sufficiently layered from head to foot. A black ski-mask, topped by my borrowed orange kept my head, ears and face comfortably warm. Two long-sleeved t-shirts and a flannel one were hidden beneath my insulated “camo” jacket, with its required hunting decoration, the orange vest. Completing my ensemble were a pair of sweat pants, jeans, “camo” overalls and boots containing my two-sock-layered feet. I felt and just knew I looked somewhat like the little brother of The Christmas Story fame, who having fallen in his snowsuit, could not get up! When I needed to, his plight might be mine, as well!

Having thus wallowed and settled myself as comfortably as possible against the tree, I first checked the 30-06 safety and sighted through the scope as best I could in the early light. Satisfied I could perform the functions required, I then began to survey my new domain. Kirk had chosen well, for I had clear line of sight for at least 30 yards in front and on both sides. The air was still, and there was not a leaf stirring, nor any sounds I could detect. I was alone, on a strange hillside, about to do something I had no background of experience to draw from. It is amazing what the imagination can begin to create in such situations and mine was no slouch in the task.

My first thought was finding a tree I could climb in the event that an unexpected bear came upon my position. Oh, no! There was none that afforded access to my aging and somewhat “stout” frame. I’d just have to shoot him and hope I didn’t make him mad instead of dead. Either way, running would be my option. And my imagination did not seem helped by the assurance I’d been given that bears in this region were very unlikely. My thought was, “do the bears know that?”

As dawn began to break and lightened the sky, I noted that a breeze began its own trek into the woods, and with it, the rustlings of leaves, many of which finally gave up their hold and fell to join their comrades on the ground. Birds also began to lift their cries. My ears strained to decipher the sounds that might reflect something more than these, movement that might reveal four legs and a set of horns.

It was during this period of watchfulness that another, more serious contemplation began its battle for my mind and heart. As a pastor with soldiers in the congregation, in an era of heightened awareness of conflicts in the middle east and the accompanying stories of soldiers in harm’s way, I could almost identify with their mental gymnastics in the field. After all, I was in camouflage with a weapon in my hands, waiting for whatever would come into my line of vision, friend or foe. As I dwelt on the subject, I imagined their feelings and thoughts, perhaps facing a similar ridge, and not knowing what might come into sight that required a life or death decision.

That 30-06 became very heavy in my hands, and its power even heavier in my mind and heart. I literally possessed the power of life and death in those moments, and the accompanying fear was greater than any imaginary bear or other threat I could conjure-up. Indeed, I had no qualms about shooting a deer to harvest its meat, or a bear to protect myself, but the fact of a life in my hands I could not shake.

As I sat there, my preparations for Sunday’s sermon came to mind. A study from John’s Revelation of the little scroll he was given and told to eat, and warned it would be both sweet and bitter when he did. The sweet was the realization that it was indeed the Word of God, but the bitter was the fact that the message was one of judgment, literally a matter of life and death, both dependent on the decisions the recipients would make about the message they heard. My situation at that moment was the perfect picture illustration for Sunday’s sermon, and my present personal experience the passion to convey it.

Slowly time passed as I continued to weigh these and other thoughts. The sun’s rise beginning to turn the opposite hillside into a glowing array of browns and yellows caught my attention and I began to consider the God Who put all of it together. It was a time of worship as I saw an unfolding canvas of creation and the hand of God painting the ever changing scene. My fears and imaginary dangers dissolved as I allowed Him to take my mind where He would. Still strangely alert to the anticipated sounds of movement, I was at peace, comfortable in His presence.

Time moved forward. It had been an over two hour vigil. A glance at my watch revealed it was about 8:45. I decided to get up and stand for a time behind a nearby tree that was large enough to afford some protection from the cold breeze and detection by any deer that might finally come my way. Surprisingly, my padding did not prevent getting to my feet, which were only slightly chilled. I mentally thanked my partners for their clothing counsels.

After another fifteen minutes of “stand-standing” and the realization I had heard no rifle reports nearby, I determined to begin my climb up the ridge. It was a slow-go picking my way through the now lighted woods, but pacing myself I made the climb with no problem. I did not encounter either of my partners until I reached the pickup, where I found Kevin in the cab. He’d said that he’d seen Kirk a few minutes earlier, and was told he was going to check on my status. Neither had seen or detected any game during our hunt. After blowing the horn to signal Kirk of my return, I shared my morning’s experience and had some photos taken for proof of our hunt. With Kirk’s return, we made our way back to town, and there at Shoney’s ate a well-deserved brunch.

When asked if my hunt was successful, I’ve replied, “amazingly so, for though I saw and heard no game to bag, I felt I had a trophy that would long remain on the mantle of my mind and heart. And hopefully, my sharing of the experience with you, my readers, will challenge and encourage your own hunts, both physical and spiritual.

REVISITING MY BEGINNINGS!

2010-11-18T07:05:00.000-08:00

Brother Milburn Spence and Me!

Yesterday was a truly great day for me and Virginia. On the way home from visiting with our youngest daughter we stopped by to visit with a very special person to me. He was the first pastor who seemed to see in me some potential for a call to ministry, though he was honest in saying he just didn't know if that shy young man could ever "cut the mustard" in the pulpit!

Now 82, he admits to having some difficulty getting around, for he uses a wheelchair (owing to the lack of good control of his right leg). He has been in a care facility for some years, and admits to sleeping more now, but has not lost his humor and wit and long-term memory for the most part. The evidence of his recall was more evident the more we rehearsed together those early years of our acquaintance.

You see, when I was in high school in the late fifties, it was the Gaither Baptist Church that our family called our home church. And it was there, in the Community Building the church used for services in those years, that I surrendered my life to Jesus as my Saviour and Lord. I remember walking down the aisle that Sunday morning at the invitation, accompanied by my sister, Jo Ann, and taking Brother Milburn Spence by the hand. In those few moments at the altar, he led us in our confessing of sins and inviting of Jesus into our hearts. (You see, a week before that, I had stood in the sanctuary at the invitation time, holding a "death" grip on the pew in front of me, and knowing I needed to step forward, but didn't. Returning home, I shared with my mother about my delimma, whereupon she told me that at the very next meeting, I should go forward and talk with Bro. Spence. She added also that Jo Ann had expressed the same delimma that morning, and she had given her the same instructions.)

Needless to say, Bro. Milburn became a very important person of influence in my life. It was the summer before my senior year in high school. Following that day's significant step, we had a revival meeting scheduled at Gaither with an Indian Evangelist from Oklahoma named Eldon Dicus. It was under his preaching that my mother discovered that her childhood baptism had not been a true experience of heart, so she, too, came forward to be led by Brother Milburn to a personal experience of salvation. Following that revival and the conversion of another lady named Maxine Colston, a baptism was scheduled to take place at the customary Krooked Creek "swimming" hole. Again, Brother Milburn Spence was the officiator in our public profession by baptism.

(The pictures didn't scan the best, but it was time of Brownie box cameras. I'm just delighted to still have photo memories of the occasion.)

My baptism was not the last of my special contact with Bro. Milburn. Besides being my pastor, he took me on in a mentoring way before the term ever became an "in vogue" thing! You see, Bro. Milburn was a part-time preacher, what we now call Bivocational ministry. He drove a tanker "milk" truck for Campa - he would leave on Sunday nights after church and drive to Little Rock with a load and return the next day, and repeat that through the week. He would always be back on Wedneday nights for services and on weekends to take the young people out for an outing on Saturdays or Sunday afternoons, in addition to preaching in the am and pm services. On occasion he would ask me to ride with him in the truck to Little Rock on Sunday nights, to keep him awake! Actually, keeping him awake was "listening to him practice his sermons at the top of his lungs" - for this was also the day when the diesel rigs were not equipped with the "soundproofing" against motor and road noises! Needless to say, what he preached on Sundays I received as a double dose on those trips. Little did I realize, but I was gaining a lot of understanding about what ministry was and was not!

Needless to say, yesterday Brother Milburn and Virginia and I reveled in some of these and other memories for a while, laughing and sighing over the good times. You see, he had also been the pastor at one time of the Burlington church where Virginia and her folks had attended. So we had some memories of her folks to recall and enjoy.

My own experiences with Brother Spence were not concluded with my graduation and subsequent joining the Navy for four years, however, for upon my return home in 1964, I became pastor of the Gaither Baptist Church as my first ministry. (I had begun preaching and was licensed before leaving California on my discharge.) During a homecoming event at Gaither, Brother Spence returned to be with us. We recalled his comments when he heard me preach for the first time. Nervous at his presence, I continued to comment, "do you know what I mean?" throughout my sermon. Going to the fellowship meal afterward, he had placed his arm around my shoulders, and with a tinkle in his eyes, he quiered, "Jim, what did you mean?" I never forgot that! Some time later, I was asked to preach a revival in Ward, Arkansas, nearby where Milburn was then pastoring, and he attended the services. I again remembered his words. "Jim, there was a time when I wondered if you were going to make it! I now have no doubt that you have!" No one's words have meant more to me than those!

Of course, as many of you may know, now that I have retired, I am back at my old "stomping" grounds and, yes, pastoring that same Gaither Baptist Church. And now, I'm the Bivocational preacher! I'm wondering whose life I may be touching that I don't yet know about!

Well, all too soon our visit needed to end, and as we joined hands for a prayer together, I told him that anything I may have accomplished in my ministry was due to the good beginnings I had with him. Years before I had told him the same thing, but the tears beginning to well-up in his eyes and his words reflected that it had meant a good bit to him again. We promised to keep up and visit again, and made our way home. Indeed, a blessed visit!

On that note, by way of challenge and encouragement to you who may read this blog, I want you to think of those people who have been significant in your life. If they are still with us, they may need a word of encouragement, a word to let them know that their lives have made a difference. Think about it! But DO IT! BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO SOMEONE WHO HAS ENCOURAGED YOU!

MAKING MY DAY A WHORL!

2010-10-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

Everyday we have a fresh, blank page upon which we write another chapter of our life. As we proceed moment by moment, we can either scribble the nonsense of bouncing from one circumstance to another, laborously print our miseries like a schoolboy writing his life infractions on the blackboard, or set down in rhyme the purposed determination of a poet with a heart and drive to create something beautiful to grace the day. Though I have found myself at times engaged in the first two, the last one is where I like to remain. It alone encourages my hope that I will complete a life that leaves a good heritage.

I have a site that I check daily for inspirational thoughts and another that gives me a word for the day. Recently I read this quote from my source: "It's up to us to determine our happiness. No one else is in charge. No one else is to blame. No one else gets the credit. Our happiness is tied to our willingness to be responsible for our own moods. That's a certainty - one of few in this life."

As I dwelt on this counsel I also checked out my word for the day. The word was WHORL. At first glance I thought it was mispelled, however, upon reading its definiton and related word WHIRL, I saw that it was a term more frequently used by those known as botanists - their study, plant life. The term, I found, is applied to the circular arrangement of leaves, flowers or petals around a central point or axis. If you noticed the picture of the lotus blossom at the beginning of my blog, you can see this design clearly demonstrated. "Interesting," you say, "but what does it have to do with this chapter of your day?" I am glad you asked.

When I considered the design of a WHORL, I recalled something that I had learned in school years ago and have since observed. These marvels of nature respond to the light of the sun. Their beautiful "whorl" of petals open themselves like arms raised in praise to its warmth and growth enriching rays. I believe our Creator's handiwork in these most beautiful of His products show us a pattern of how our daily lives ought to be written.

First, we should realize that our lives have a purposed pattern which, if properly nourished, will WHORL like building blocks of beauty, to grace our minds, to temper our attitudes, and to lovingly touch other lives with a richness of godly purpose and order. Secondly, as we note that the WHORL is arranged around a central axis, it gives us an excellent picture of what heaven's throne with its encircled throng of worshippers must be like. Indeed, the central axis of our lives, our ENTHRONED SAVIOUR and LORD, is to be the focus of each chapter's writing.

Now, to take the inspirational counsel I previously noted, we must realize that in order to find ourselves following the example of the lotus we must recognize and accept the responsibility for our own actions to produce the fruit of happiness in everyday's pursuits. No one else can do this for us. We are in charge. No one else can be blamed if we fail. No one else gets the credit if we succeed. The real beauty of the plan is that when we decide to take responsibility and truly following the Creator's purpose and plan, we will be empowered to write a chapter, yea, a book that can be a source of continued blessing to us in days ahead, and to everyone around us.

I pray your day will be such a source of encouragement, too!

MY BUCKET LIST!

2010-09-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

You know the phrase, "Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today!" Well, like you, perhaps, I have been somewhat of a procrastinator. That's doing the opposite of the phrase's counsel. My excuse is also the typical one used by just about every one I encounter these days. "I would but I just don't have time!"

I heard this phrase and a reply that I thought appropriate in the situation. "I don't have enough hours in the day!" The response - "You've the same 24 hours everyone has." It wasn't meant to be cruel or mean, just reminding that all are in the same "boat, often going upstream, against a wind" - some are using a paddle, others struggling with their hands, etc.

Related to this interchange, I shared recently that I had been finally getting back to doing something I really enjoyed but had not done for some 20 years. I guess you might say, in the vernacular of the day, I've stopped putting off one thing on MY BUCKET LIST! Painting on canvas. When I shared this, some who know I do have a rather busy "retirement" schedule ask me how I had found the time to do such. My response was that I could not find the time, I had to make the time. And guess what, I have found that making time for something that is different activity from my other pursuits, really gives me a restful break that causes my other activities to not only have adequate time to pursue, but give me a feeling of accomplishment in tasks that I can complete with satisfaction.

In fact, here are three I've completed and prepared for a local Art competition next month. The first is a photograph that I took in 1983 in Bangladesh. It is the Pabna river (a branch of the Ganges). I was on a ferry crossing and captured this, which I have put on canvas and framed as one of my offerings. What do you think?

But the real BUCKET LIST products are in the genre group of acrylic painting, and I have chosen for my first productions a western and early American Christian centered theme. My first came from a photo I took in the early 1980s, of a friend of mine named Richard Hunt, who not only leads out in his church as a music leader, but is a true cowboy. He trains horses, makes saddles and other leather products, and when I can catch him, poses for pictures I'd like to paint. This one I called the Cowboy's Prayer.

The other painting I've just completed today portrays early pioneer missionary Luther Rice with his horse and buggy. Rice was appointed as a missionary in 1812 to the Far East, but due to his need to return to the states after only a year away, to secure support for his missionary partners, the Judsons in Burma, he became a "home" missionary to travel all over the early frontier for some 30 years. Needless to say, I had no snapshot to model, so I used other means to capture the idea that I wanted to show. (I might add that in my drama ministry, I portray Rice, so I do have somewhat of an acquaintance with him, in a way.) So, got any suggestions?

Well, I've shared a little of my BUCKET LIST and discovered that it's not just a BUCKET of last stuff, if you get my drift!

Ok, fess up! You've got something in a BUCKET you'd like to do, don't you? Take the advice of someone who feels that time is awastin' - Make time and do it! It's never too late!

Well, I need to break from this blog and do a little on this thing, so I'll be ready for my lesson next week.

You know what? We've just BUCKETS of TIME!

I like what the "preacher" wrote in ECCLESIASTES: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted...a time to weep, and a time to laugh: a time to mourn, and a time to dance;...a time to keep, and a time to cast away;...He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:...for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life." Just a few clips from chapter 3, verses 1, 2, 4, 6, 11 and 12.

Be encouraged my friends.

BE STILL AND KNOW!

2010-09-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

Why do think that by much worry and fret and scurrying here and there that we will find rest for our souls? Haven’t we learned that all that occurs with these dreaded activities is a weary body and tired mind? Easy for me to say, you say? If I am pointing my finger at you, I am directing the other three back at me!

Yesterday, in some devotional reading I was doing in “Springs in the Valley” I read this excerpt from Mrs. Cowman’s take on the matter. “In giving a lecture on flame a scientist once made a most interesting experiment. He wanted to show that in the center of each flame there is a hollow – a place of entire stillness – around which its fire is a mere wall. To prove this he introduced into the midst of the flame a minute and carefully shielded charge of explosive powder. The protection was then carefully removed and no explosion followed. A second time the experiment was tried, and by a slight agitation of the hand the central security was lost and an immediate explosion was the result.” Mrs. Cowman then observed, “Our safety, then, is only in stillness of soul. If we are affrighted and exchange the principle of faith for that of fear, or if we are rebellious and restless, we shall be hurt by the flames and anguish and disappointment will be the result.”

The passage she cited for the devotion was Isaiah 43:2, “When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned.”

This passage put me in mind of the three Hebrew children who were thrown into the firey furnace for their refusal to bow down to the king. When it was seen that they were unharmed by the fire, and in fact, the perceived Son of God was walking with them in the midst, they were brought out of the furnace unsinged and did not even smell of smoke! What a testimony to a WALK of STILLNESS.

Further, I was reminded of Jesus asleep in the boat (Mark 4:39) when the storm blew up and the disciples were afraid. They had to wake Him up – imagine, He was sleeping in the storm. And His words to still the storm I believe were meant for the disciples’ hearts, as well! “Peace, be still!"

I chose the title of this blog from yet another passage: Psalm 46:10 reads, “Be still and know that I am God.” Indeed, knowing Who God truly is by an intimate relationship with Him, and moment by moment recognition and acknowledgement of His presence and care is the place where the flames of worldly fires, and even God’s judgment upon man’s waywardness, cannot singe nor even leave a smell of smoke upon our lives. Our STILLNESS OF SOUL in the center of His presence will not be in danger of exploding the peace we are given. And if you need another challenge for this, consider the testimony the earth gives us according to the psalmist (Ps. 76:8). At the recognition of God’s judgment, “the earth feared, and was still.”

Are you facing a fire, a storm that seeks to leave you fearfully pacing and fretting about what might happen? BE ENCOURAGED, MY FRIEND, “BE STILL AND KNOW” HIM WHO HAS A WALL OF FIRE ABOUT YOU FOR PROTECTION, NOT DESTRUCTION.

PAINTING LIVE PORTRAITS

2010-07-26T05:10:00.000-07:00

Lottie Moon

Recently Virginia and I had the unique experience of spending a week with the organization known as Campers On Mission in their annual National Rally. The program title theme was LINCOLN UP WITH JESUS. In the "land of Lincoln" what a creative thrust! The setting was the State Fair Grounds in DuQuoin, Illinois, one the only places big enough to park enough RVs to house 300+ Campers, most of whom spend the greater part of the year traveling from one mission site to another to minister in a hundred different ways, while sharing the good news of the gospel.

George Mueller

They had originally slated us to stay in a rented RV, but determined that a motel next door would better meet our needs for space and convenience, particularly with the number of costumes and quick-changes required. You see, we were to be a part of the program each day, providing dramatic dialogue presentations and other leadership at each of the sessions throughout the week. It was the most challenging engagement of our Living Portraits Ministry to date and we thoroughly enjoyed the test of our creative "mettle".

Fanny Crosby

For those of you that have not heard of our ministry, let me share a brief explanation. Since 1996 Virginia and I have been building a repetoire of historical characters and their period dress for dramatic presentations in a variety of venues. We have "played" before many elementary schools in Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, and Arkansas, in the characters of George and Martha Washington and Mark Twain and his wife, Olivia. Conventions, conferences, churches, nursing homes and a variety of clubs, professional and civic organizations have had historical visitors from the past, as well. We've had them appear to groups in Massachusetts, Illinois, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, Missouri, and our home state of Arkansas. To name a few beside the Washingtons and Twains: Missionaries William Carey, Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong, and Luther Rice; Hymn writers like Fanny Crosby, John Newton and Horatio Spafford; and other greats like George Mueller often appear from the past. Many times we've been given assignment to develop a specific character of interest, and when sufficient time is given to prepare the script and costumes, these have been delightful visitors to portray. One such early missionary named Elder James Philip Edwards was a significance influence on the American scene in the early 1800s, as he started some 30+ churches and was instrumental in beginning 3 associations of churches in Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri. His work produced the first Baptist church in Arkansas. Needless to say, our preparations for these have given us a rich sense of our Christian heritage and we are blessed as much as we pray those have been who witness these "visits from the past".

Now, back to the COM Rally in Illinois in June. The characters chosen to appear during the week were arranged to lend themselves as program highlights amid the music, speakers and a variety of training conferences. Lottie Moon and Luther Rice appeared in a sawdust covered pavilion as a part of morning Bible studies based on the Acts 1:8 missions call of our Lord. I, as myself, had the privilege of delivering two of these Bible studies to lay a foundation of challenge to the campers.

Storytelling

Other programming included presentations from a Horse "Whispering" missionary and his steed, a singing cowboy and the sharing of a modern day motorcycle ministry. During sessions inside the exhibition hall during the days of meeting George Mueller, John Newton, Fanny Crosby and even Mark Twain and Olivia made visits. It was in the conference sessions here that I was asked to lead two workshops on Storytelling, which I found to be a rewarding addition to our drama ministry. Helping others to discover ways to share and convey the message of Christ through such was a rewarding challenge I look forward to repeating in the future as a part of our ministry.

Mark Twain

On Wednesday evening's session we met in the large arena and were blessed to see an equestrian group perform on horseback, bearing flags that represented the basic parts of the Christian plan of salvation. Sharing by others included a welcome by the local Mayor, awards to outstanding campers and a program of music by a family trio. At this, George and Martha Washington appeared and lent their recollections of their own Christian heritage to the gathering, with its added patriotic atmosphere, displayed beautifully by another equestrian group. A challenging and rewarding time was enjoyed by all.

John Newton

At week's end, as we packed our own "OUR V" Dodge Caravan (did you get it?) and headed north for St. Louis, then south to northwest Arkansas, we reflected on a week of busy ministry, but one we would never forget. These people serve, and most that are retired, and they are passionately carrying the gospel around our nation. We pray that what we did was entertaining, inspirational, and perhaps, gave them an ideal of how they, too, might share the gospel in a creative way. That certainly is one desire we have in doing it.

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO BE ON MISSION IN YOUR OWN WAY.

FROM AND INTO YOUR HANDS, FATHER!

2010-07-04T04:11:00.000-07:00

My country 'tis of THEE,

Sweet land of liberty,

Of THEE I sing:

Land where my fathers died,

Land of the pilgrim's pride,

From every mountain side

Let freedom ring!

My native country, THEE,

Land of the noble free,

THY name I love:

I love THY rocks and rills,

THY woods and templed hills;

My heart with rapture thrills

Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,

And ring from all the trees

Sweet freedom's song:

Let mortal tongues awake,

Let all that breathe partake;

Let rocks their silence break,

The sound prolong.

Our fathers' GOD, TO THEE,

AUTHOR of liberty,

To THEE we sing:

Long may our land be bright

With freedom's HOLY LIGHT;

Protect us by THY MIGHT,

GREAT GOD, our KING! AMEN.

Our land, indeed, is a gift of freedom from our great GOD and KING. Despite all that many do who attempt to discount the true AUTHOR of LIBERTY, our country "it is of THEE" and THEE ALONE! Everything for which our FATHERS died, this country where the PILGRIMS TOOK PRIDE in a place of religious freedom, it is all from THEE, oh GOD, and every ROCK and RILL, WOOD and TEMPLED HILL does THRILL my HEART - and send its yearning reflection on that which one day I will know in YOUR HEAVEN ABOVE!

But, Father, the land seems not SO BRIGHT at times, and freedom's HOLY origin of YOUR LIGHT has had a shade put upon it by those who would not recognize YOUR prior claim, or even the PROTECTION of YOUR MIGHT to preserve it. Oh, FATHER, on this day when our nation's fathers penned our declaration of independence from earthly king's rule, and truly our renewed DEPENDENCE on YOU, OUR GREAT GOD and KING, may we be reminded and rekindle our song of REPENTANCE and be RESTORED to YOUR REALM OF LIGHT AND LIBERTY!

For we know the counsel of YOUR WORD to be true, that "If YOUR people, which are called by YOUR name, shall humble ourselves, and pray, and seek YOUR face, and turn from our wicked ways; then will YOU hear from heaven, and will forgive our sin, and will HEAL OUR LAND." (Restated from II Chronicles 7:14)

Oh, FATHER, may it be so and begin WITH ME! This is my DEPENDENT prayer on this anniversary of our INDEPENDENCE!

Be encouraged, my fellow Americans, and I pray, UNDER GOD!

(An added P.S. - the Hymn MY COUNTRY, 'TIS OF THEE was written by Samuel Francis Smith, a native Bostonian and a ministerial student at Andover Seminary. He was 23 years of age and had been inspired by the missionary work of Adoniram Judson, America's first Baptist foreign missionary. He developed a passion for world evangelism that stayed with him through his own ministry as a Baptist preacher, pastor, college professor, hymnist, linguist, writer, and missionary advocate. His son became a missionary in Rangoon, Judson's field of work. He was active until his death in his late eighties. His legacy in this patriotic hymn is one that TRULY NEEDS TO BE REVISITED AGAIN AND AGAIN!)

A 45 YEAR JOURNEY

2010-06-26T04:49:00.000-07:00

Today, June 26, 2010, marks the 45th year that Virginia and I have been married. When I look back it is hard for me to imagine the journey we've been on together, the experiences we been able to share, the lives we've had the opportunity to touch in some way, the actual miles we've traveled which circle the globe, and the family we've been privileged to produce and continue to enjoy together. IT'S BEEN A TREMENDOUS TRIP!

LET ME COUNT THE WAYS!

1. We've lived together in Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, and for three months, in Georgia. For ten years we lived in Bangladesh and Thailand. We've visited all fifty states except Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and Alaska, but we're not done with that! We've been to Canada, England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy, France, Japan, Hong Kong, Macao (now East Timon), India, in addition to our years in Bangladesh and Thailand. (During that time I was able to visit Belarus, Russia and Israel as part of mission teams.)

2. We've moved and lived in 23 different houses or apartments, some briefly, some for as long as 9 years.

3. We attended Southwest Baptist College, Bolivar MO (Now University) together, earning our B.A. degrees. Then she worked to help me earn my Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, who awarded two Ph.T's (Put Hubby Through).

4. We've been teachers for 7 public schools, 5 colleges or universities, 2 seminaries, and two other teaching organizations of higher learning. We also worked as office staff for the railroad and another company, in a furniture factory, as a grounds keeper, college library worker, janitor, retail sales, interviewer for a state employment office, foreign missionaries, pastor, mission song director, pastor to pastors of and mission director to 100 different congregations, and a state director of prayer and men and boys work for 1500 other churches. And for fourteen years we've worked together in a drama ministry, portraying historical characters in schools, churches and other venues. We've pastored five churches, one of them twice, and been interim pastor of two more.

5. We had one son, Stuart, that we lost at one year of age. We've parented two beautiful daughters, Michele and Amber, who have married two great sons-in-law, Kevin and Kirk, and who have given us a granddaughter, Kayla, and 4 grandsons, Jordan, Keaton, Sawyer and Tate, that we love to spoil.

6. We've had great parents that now we look forward to seeing one day in heaven with our boy and others who've made that journey before us.

7. We've waded many a Ozark stream together, catching crawdads (her joy) and fishing, a sport we both love, and hope to do more.

That's seven, a complete number in biblical reckoning, so I leave the rest for another time, maybe the 50th, if I can remember to do it and "blogging" is still in vogue. Suffice it to say, it's been a grand journey and I could have chosen no better traveling companion to experience it with. I love you, Virginia!

Congrats to our oldest, Michele, and her husband, Kevin. Today is their anniversary, too!

BE ENCOURAGED, MY READERS!

TALKING WITH FATHER!

2010-06-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

Of all of the words that FATHERS love to hear from their children, these are supreme:

OUR FATHER, WHICH ART IN HEAVEN,

HALLOWED BE THY NAME.

THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH,

AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD.

AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS,

AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS.

AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION,

BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL:

FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM,

AND THE POWER,

AND THE GLORY,

FOREVER.

AMEN

(Matthew 6:9-13)

Dear Father in Heaven, may You be blessed above all on this Father's Day, and may every line of this prayer be fulfilled in my life and in the lives of all who know You as their Father, indeed!

"M" IS FOR...

2010-05-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

M.O.T.H.E.R.S that have blessed my life!

My MOM! She was the best!
She taught me wrong from right, and tucked me in at night.

She patched my bruises and taught me the bad habit loses.

She dreamed great things for me, and helped me be what I could be.

She sacrificed, worked hard without complaints, so all of us could have the best without restraints.

She was my MOTHER! And as such, like no other!

My MOM-IN-LAW!

She, too, was great, a second Mom, and not second rate!

She loved her kids and did her best, her mother tasks all passed the test.

Considering my gain, her daughter fine, I've had a claim on a momma gold mine!

My WIFE is MOM!

When our kids were born, MOM replaced HON, and though they are grown,(the name) MOM's still number ONE!

She patches my bruises and keeps me in line, and though telling me I'm leading, I follow just fine!

She's a partner in work and also in play, she's the treasure of happiness I find every day.

My DAUGHTERS are MOMS!

These girls, "AMB" and "MICH", after their MOM's guided care, are MOMs in their own right, and treasures quite rare!

They're MOMs to my grands, all five growing right, for their MOMs have made sure through their Lord's oversight!

There you have it, the MOMs that have "lightened" my door, have blessed my life plenty and I've plans for much more. To these I give honor and to my Lord praise, as we celebrate this weekend for all Mother's Days!

Be encouraged, Mothers, for your work is not in vain in the Lord!

THE ANCHOR STILL HOLDS!

2010-04-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

On March 9th, as I stood on the beach of Israel's ancient port city of Caesarea, I gazed out on the Mediterranean Sea and could almost imagine the ship coming in that would take the Apostle Paul to his judgment before Caesar in Rome. Knowing his life was ultimately in the hands of God, regardless of Caesar's judgment, he went with confidence and trust. His life was like that ship which came for him. It would face storms, but he would have an anchor that would hold him in spite of all.

A story that sailing traditions on the Mediterranean speak of, relates to the practice that ships used in securing themselves to the harbor when entering it is not possible. If a reef or breakwater prevented the ship from entering the harbor at low tide, a small craft would be launched with a "forerunner" sailor to carry the anchor and line within the harbor to secure the ship until high tide would allow it to be towed into the safety of the port. This illustration very well portrays the essence of the writer's intent in Hebrews 6:19-20: "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

Just as the sailor took the anchor and secured it within the safe harbor, Jesus is both the anchor and the forerunner Who bears it through the veil which separates us from the eternal safe harbor of heaven, and there on the right hand of God keeps our ship steady until God's high tide call pulls us home to Him. His sacrificial death on the cross for our sin, His victory over death through the resurrection, and His ascension into heaven as our High Priest assures us of our "anchored" connection.

While we may never face the kind of storm that Paul did for his faith and ministry, and who is to say but what may indeed be on the "horizon" for even us in this day, we do face storms in life that threaten to "sink" us in waves of despair and loss. It is here that we can take hope and faithfully trust in our "anchored" security.

You may ask, "How can I know that my anchor will hold out?" Consider what Hebrews 6:10 tells us. "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister."

One who has placed his faith in Christ has a secure "line and anchor" tied to heaven, with the absolute promise of a God Who cannot and does not lie nor forget. His very nature as God makes this a secure anchor of hope. But not only IS HE a secure hope, but God, Himself, takes an oath to seal the promise. "Because He could swear by no greater, He sware by Himself." (Verse 13). Thus, "by two immutable things in which it is impossible for God to lie." (Verse 18), His promise and His oath, our ship is secure and already safe, even though not within the veil of that heavenly harbor.

Oh, Christian brother and sister, be encouraged that God will not forget you through every storm you face. One day you will stand forever secure in His safe harbor.

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE THE INDESCRIBABLE?

2010-03-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Walls of Old Jerusalem as Night Falls

How do you paint a picture of feelings and impressions? The best I can offer is by way of a few clips about my recent journey to Israel. As part of a pastor team, we left on Feb. 28th, arriving in Tel Aviv on the 1st of March. For the first time in my life, though visiting many places around the globe, I set my feet on the soil of the land called "promise". Inside I'm singing, "I walked today where Jesus walked, and felt His presence there."

The Garden of Gethsemane with the Old City of Jerusalem in the Background

Given the responsibilty in our team to record a study on the Mount of Olives and in the Garden of Gethsemane, I did so with a large lump in my throat. Surrounded by age-old Olive trees, we knelt in a time of prayer and my heart sang, "I knelt today where Jesus knelt, and felt His presence there."

Inside the EMPTY Garden Tomb

Visiting the traditional sites of His crucifixion and burial, I was struck again by the reality of His saving sacrifice of love. My heart sang again, "Lo in the grave He lay" and "up from the grave He arose." I felt again His presence, affirming His death and resurrection in my own heart.

The Narrow Streets of the Old City of Jerusalem

As we walked and retraced the steps He took, bearing the cross to Calvary, I was struck by the narrowness of the route, realizing that at the time of His death, the streets would have been crowded with those who came to Passover. Again, my mind brought forth images that stirred my heart to sing, "Must Jesus bear the cross alone...there is a cross for me."

A Brief Ride on a Camel

Our travels throughout the land of Israel took us to the far points of the compass. We took a van but had some experiences that date back to the time of Jesus. My heart found a song that spoke of His birth and the visit of the wise men. "We three kings of orient are...bearing gifts we travel far." I felt again His presence, declared by God in the coming of a baby who would be my Saviour.

The Wailing Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem

As we stood overlooking the wall where so many spend days on end in prayer for their messiah, I was struck by the fact that the one they sought had already come. Yeshua...Jesus! My heart was sorrowed for their lack of knowing the truth that makes my heart sing again and again, "I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've delivered unto Him against that day." I know He's even there, longing to be recognized and accepted.

From Ancient Ceasarea, I Look Out on the Mediterranean

Having traveled from northern to southern tips of the land, and from the border at the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, I was both struck by the utter smallness of the nation's area and yet the utterly rich fullness of its heritage, its claim as the center of my faith's origin in Jesus. Paul was taken to Rome from Ceasarea's port. My heart was full and sang, "We've a story to tell to the nations." Once again I felt His presence clear and strong.

Sunrise Across the Sea of Galilee

Time and space does not allow me to publish the over 5000 photos our team took in those 12 short days of journey to and in Israel. As I woke up one morning on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, the sun had not yet risen in the eastern sky. I reflected on the many days of ministry that Jesus spent around and on Galilee. With the rising of the sun, I was struck by the fact that He, too, had seen that sun rise from very near my own place of morning's meditation. Perhaps He thought of the prophecies that would be fulfilled in His own coming out of the eastern sky, indeed, the true SON RISE! My heart sang, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." I felt His presence there.

Am I glad to be back home? Yes, I am, but part of my heart I believe I left in that land. I pray that until one day I am able to return and rekindle the feelings and experiences, I will maintain by memory and walk with Him, His intimate presence where I am from day to day.

A prayer request from those we encountered in that land. Pray for the PEACE OF JERUSALEM and pray for DIVINE ENCOUNTERS that will enable them to share the goods news that Yeshua - Jesus the Messiah - has come.

Be encouraged today, my friends.

THE WATER OF LIFE CYCLE: A PARABLE

2010-02-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

One of the basic lessons in grade school science that fascinated my young mind was the Water Cycle. An amazing process it is that brings rain out of an invisible vapor, and the rain then through another step is absorbed into the roots and stem of a plant and from the plant is released back into the air again as an invisible vapor that repeats the cycle. The statement I saw on one site I researched indicated that all the water that ever has been on earth moves through this cycle again and again, and what we are drinking today may have been in the glass of Alexander the Great. It’s been re-purified, of course!

As I pursued the subject, I encountered several terms that identify the different parts of the cycle. First, the SUN is an essential part of the cycle’s equation, for its energy of heat or lack thereof, causes both the change from water to vapor and the reverse. VAPOR, of course, is first, the invisible essence of the water, and when cooled in CONDENSATION forms rain clouds, then PRECIPITATION in the form of rain, snow, sleet or hail from the sky. Here, the invisible becomes very visible and it forms both SURFACE and SUBSURFACE RUNOFF that flows into streams, rivers, lakes and oceans. Some is absorbed by the ground whereby INFILTRATION draws it through the roots and stems of plant life. Here the energy of the SUN enables plant growth and TRANSPIRATION, the process of releasing the water through the leaves into the atmosphere as VAPOR. The water that finds its way by runoff into the ocean is then heated by the SUN causing EVAPORATION, also releasing water in the form of VAPOR. This water, having been carried through a variety of mineral deposits, on arrival at the ocean has resulting SALT content. EVAPORATION causes the remaining water to have increased SALT content levels. The water is also moved in its cycle by living organisms, human and animal. It may be consumed in its liquid form or be present in the food that is consumed. It then leaves as a gas during RESPIRATION, is excreted, or may EVAPORATE from the skin as PRESPIRATION.

Now that I have laid out a brief summary of The Water Cycle, allow me to set forth a spiritual parallel as it relates to the INCARNATION of Christ into human form. The great INVISIBLE God sent “His only begotten Son” to be born into VISIBLE human flesh by the power of His Spirit. This flesh-made image of God the Father then had both the divine spiritual nature and the earth-bound human nature. Out of God in the Spiritual heavenlies the Very WATER OF LIFE performed a holy CONDENSATION and RAINED Himself down upon the earth. That WATER was collected in a human vessel that was formed by the Master Potter Himself. Then, through the process of bonding vessel and WATER, overshadowed by the Potter’s Hand, His Holy Spirit, God’s Son came to the time of INAUGURATION of His primary work. Coming to the Jordan River, this Son, the WATER OF LIFE was IMMERSED, WATER into WATER’S burial of submission to His Father’s will. Rising from it in a prophetic RESURRECTION, He received the Father’s commendation, and left for the wilderness to have His vessel FIRED in the kiln of TEMPTATION. Once tested and His vessel affirmed in the Father’s will to bear the precious WATER OF LIFE, He proceeded to share His contents with many whose own vessels were dry and cracked, restoring and filling theirs from His own. After three years of pouring Himself into His chosen disciples, this WATER OF LIFE came to the close of His purpose as INCARNATE Son of God. He went up on a mountain where a TRANSFIGURATION of His true nature was revealed, both man and Divine, in a foretaste of the INVISIBLE and VISIBLE in ONE, conversing with Moses and Elijah. From this point, His WATER OF LIFE Cycle moved deliberately into a HEATING process that would bring about His CRUCIFIXION, DEATH of the visible WATER OF LIFE’s VISIBLE form, revealing further His cycle’s RESURRECTION movement through the final state of ASCENDANCY back to the INVISIBLE realm from which He came. In a way, a spiritual EVAPORATION which paralleled His INCARNATION’S PRECIPATATION to earth. (Let me give credit for inspiration of the cycle of terms I’ve illustrated in The Cycle of Jesus’s Life. It’s the brain child of my Broco, i.e., Bro/Cuz, Ray Edwards. I’ve simply expanded on it by adding analogy’s parable. Thanks, Ray!)

Permit me, if you will to make some further analogies on this theme as it relates to the work of Christ as the WATER OF LIFE that has come to us. My analogy in the preceding paragraph follows the WATER CYCLE’S process by EVAPORATION, however, spiritually it can be pointed out that the purpose of Christ’s coming was to also INFILTRATE the lives of men, thus giving an added result of His INCARNATION, not only into the physical life of the Son of man on earth, but into the lives of men who allow Him entrance by belief and confession’s invitation. Here, too, the INVISIBLE becomes VISIBLE through the active presence of the Holy Spirit in the display of His gifts. Here, also, DEATH brings the blessed release of spiritual TRANSPIRATION, again into the INVISIBLE realm of the departed in Christ.

Perhaps now you are saying, “Okay, I get the picture. Now, your point.”Simply this, first, that just as Jesus taught in parables to bring great truth to light, often the use of such can help us visualize the reality of God’s plan to send His only Begotten into visual human form, to enable us to experience what our senses often tell us cannot be real. The CYCLE OF WATER is an illustration of reality we can understand, that can reveal that deeper truth that can evade some minds. Secondly, for me it again affirms the creative purpose of God in orchestrating nature’s laws and CYCLES, for they are reflective mirrors of His own nature, purpose and glory. Paul writes in Romans 1:20, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”

Oh, yes! I mentioned the SALT left from the EVAPORATION of the ocean. It is true also that with the coming of Jesus into the Christian's life, that with the process of that INFILTRATION and TRANSPIRATION, we become more SALTY with His greater Presence in us.

My friends, be encouraged today as Christ Himself INFILTRATES and makes Himself VISIBLE through your lives.

THE SENTENCE, LIFE AND DEATH

2010-02-11T15:37:00.000-08:00

Nineteen plus years ago, while serving as a missionary overseas, I led our mission’s prison ministry. Our target was the prisoners of two prisons, one which was for “lighter” SENTENCES and the other considered maximum security with 8000 men serving twenty to LIFE, and DEATH SENTENCES. My team of eight men, each with different language ability, would enter the steel gates of this facility one Wednesday morning each month, go to its large meeting pavilion, and begin to work with the four to five hundred prisoners who chose to attend. After a combined time of singing and testimonies, the prisoners were divided into language groups to be led in Bible studies by team members. I elected to work with one group and used a prisoner with a good English skills as my translator, as none of the team members were proficient with that group’s language.

After a couple of years of work, and many denied requests to allow us to baptize prisoners in the water canal located inside the prison walls, we were finally granted permission by the warden because, as he said, our team had done much to make their task easier through the changed attitudes of prisoners. That year we baptized eighty-eight prisoners, and three years later, had a total of over four hundred, with a “church” group formed in each of the prison’s eight cells blocks.

As I think back to those experiences, and the feeling I had each time those steel doors slammed shut behind us when we entered, then again when we left, I recall a mixed feeling of despair and relief. One was from my temporary INCARCERATION and the other from my monthly PAROLE into the world outside.

As I think about those experiences I am reminded that I shared, in a spiritual way, in the SENTENCES of those men, all of whom had committed serious crimes. Some were thieves and murderers, many others were those who trafficked in drugs, a significant and serious crime in that part of Asia. Those awaiting DEATH SENTENCES in a worldly sense mirrored my own SENTENCE OF DEATH for my sin, to be carried out at God’s final judgment. Even as a child I had willfully chosen to disobey God’s law and go according to my own way. The SENTENCE OF DEATH was as a result of my sinful choice, as surely as the crimes committed by those prisoners resulted in their scheduled forfeiture of LIFE.

What a paradox! I chose DEATH instead of LIFE and received the just SENTENCE, but now because of Christ’s DEATH, I am PAROLED free of that arm of just retribution. I’ve been given a LIFE SENTENCE, but not one behind bars and high walls, for I am free indeed. It occurs to me that as I stand outside the spiritual prison of my making, that there are many who have that LIFE SENTENCE granted by trust in Christ’s DEATH, but they continue to live inside spiritual prison walls, when by their choice, they could daily accept the PARDON. For them the gates would swing open to freedom.

Stay with me through this analogy. I’m PARDONED free. Correct? Well, hang on, for now that I am free indeed. I’m not on PAROLE but I do need to check in with the One Who granted my PARDON, and it’s His purpose to see that I do not return to the lock-up ever again. So what do I do with this new found freedom? I choose with another former prisoner, Paul, by name, to lay claim to another DEATH SENTENCE. Not one for crimes or sin that I have done, but I choose to DIE to the flesh that attempts to imprison me. I choose to mortify, to put to DEATH this body of DEATH and its claim upon me for these few years of earth bound captivity, that I may spiritually LIVE unto Him Who has rescued me from eternal DEATH and given me eternal LIFE through the Spirit, and a promised new body that will never suffer DEATH. Oh, great Giver of LIFE Who is the Way, the Truth, and the LIFE, help me to daily choose to die to self that Your LIFE will be shown through me to all who are dying and as yet do not even know it.

Oh Father, now I do aspire
To walk with Thee in life up higher.
I now seek to be Your own,
And gladly bow before Your throne,
But help me know, if I would be,
A vessel fit to worship Thee,
That I must daily die to all
That pulls me from Your holy call.
Help me, dear Lord, through deeper trust,
To find life’s higher, heavenly thrust.
~jbryant, 2-6-2006

Postscript on the prison ministry: My last time into the prison, I was asked to meet with one of the church groups that were trying to practice being the church. They had elected deacons and gave me the privilege of performing the “Laying on of hands” of their ordination. What a scene. Prisoners, serving prison terms, finding LIFE and SERVICE while they SERVE their SENTENCES. Only in God’s Kingdom!

Check out these related passages of Scripture:
11 Corinthians 1:9 – “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.”
Matthew 10:39 - “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”
11 Corinthians 4:11 – “For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.”
11 Corinthians 12:10 – “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for which I am weak, then am I strong.”
Philippians 1:20-21 – “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

BE ENCOURAGED, MY FRIEND, FOR OUR LIFE SENTENCE WITH CHRIST WILL NOT BE SUFFERING ON THE ROCK (aka, Alcatraz Penitentiary), BUT WITH THE ROCK, JESUS!

THE LOGIC OF ILLOGICAL LOGIC

2010-02-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

Say what?

Have you ever felt that the TRUTH of God went against your normal perception of what is TRUTH? Have you ever considered that what He asks of You goes against everything you’ve learned was the correct way to proceed? Indeed, if we are honest in our response, all of us have and it is entirely natural to do so. The operative word is “natural” for the TRUTH we are debating with ourselves is SUPERNATURAL! No small wonder that in this realm of thought everything is upside down.

As I pondered this, I began to examine what we are often confronted with that fits our faith response to God’s upward call from earth-bound logic. Go with me as we consider a few applications of LOGIC that are ILLOGICAL.

The FIRST truly must be the beginning one to apply, for without it the others will not be understood in their TRUEST sense. Jesus says to us, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” (Matthew 8:35) LOSE TO GAIN?. Illogical! Yet the context makes perfect sense. Christ’s purpose is to bring us into another realm of life – His heavenly! Anyone can see that there is a vast difference between the earthly and that which is spoken of as heavenly. In a physical sense, we can see this truth applied in the recent space launch. The astronauts, in order to reach beyond the earth’s law of gravity into the freedom of space’s weightlessness, had to LOSE earth’s hold as they GAINED the new realm of space. You think they may have been disoriented the first time they space “walked”? Ask them. You’d be right. The point is if you desire to walk in another realm, be it space or the kingdom of Christ, you have to leave one to reach the other. Logical, pure and simple.

Now, consider another related passage. “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the gospel of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” (Philippians 3:8) LOSE TO WIN? Again with the LOSING! Paul’s not talking about a game. There perhaps is our hangup! Paul is merely applying the truth we’ve stated before. He’s our spiritual astronaut, who has “slipped the bonds of earthly” cares and consuming passion for things, stretched forward like a track star breaking the tape, and laid hold on the prize – WINNING an intimate knowledge of God in Christ. To WIN he had to put the LOSERS behind. Not people, but the things that attempt to keep pace with us, that they might win our focus from the prize that awaits. To push the astronaut analogy one “step” more, consider the natural attempts to keep one foot on earth and test the freedom of space with the other. Never happen! Now, that’s illogical in any realm.

Next, here’s one that many will know is true, particularly those with any background on the farm. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:24) A related verse declares, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth (prunes) it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:2) DIE AND YOU WILL LIVE or, at the most have YOUR LIFE TRIMMED TO PRODUCE is the thrust. Now, if you’ve ever planted a garden you know that a seed has to be planted in the ground, and begin to have its contents consumed by the tiny sprout it contains, until that sprout breaks free of the softened hull. This new plant lives because the seed died. The death of life produces life. In the other passage, the reference is to the necessity of having excess branches cut off, in order that the life force is not wasted on just limbs, but channeled into new growth producing fruit. The application of both gives the logic of DEATH TO LIFE issues. And the example of Christ, Himself, is supreme. Christ DIED, was CUT OFF, from the LIVING in order that those who are the ALIVE BUT DYING might TRULY LIVE and NEVER DIE. The lesson in LOGIC also is extended to those who, after His example, would SACRIFICE themselves that others might LIVE, as well. Illogically strange, for we call that logic “heroism” and applaud it vigorously.

Another that often takes a good bit of heart change is GIVE TO RECEIVE or GAIN. Now, I caution you at the outset. This is not to be applied as motive for giving, though some, out of avarice, apply it so. Nevertheless, it is a LOGIC that is ILLOGICAL. I mean how, if you GIVE something away, can you expect to have an INCREASE in your own pocket? Note this passage, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38) Now, actually this passage winds up a whole discourse of related ILLOGIC that Jesus shares regarding kingdom behavior. He spoke of HUNGERING TO BE FULL, WEEPING TO LAUGH, and of BEING HATED TO REJOICE and contrasted it to being FULL AND ENDING HUNGRY, of LAUGHING THAT ENDS IN TEARS, AND PRAISE OF MEN THAT’S FINISH IS DESPAIR. His counsel? Love those that hate you, bless those that curse you, offer the other cheek to be slapped, give another garment to the thief who takes one, and give and don’t expect return. Hard “pills” to swallow, are they not? Well, they can be for the one who has invested so much in REAPING, whether he has SOWN anything or not.

How do they work? Like the food you eat, it must be digested and absorbed into the blood stream, to carry its nutrients of growth to every part of the life. Practicing this LOGIC with an open and trusting heart will bring about an ILLOGICAL miracle. We will receive fullness, love, joy, and a basket of blessings that is packed solid! I like that kind of LOGIC, don’t you?

Well, I’m going to call a halt to this LOGIC’s launching for now. Maybe you’ve thought of some others that could be stated and debated. I invite you to share them in your comments. Now, for one last thought.

When I think of the attempts to hang on to the TANGIBLE and test the INTANGIBLE, I am reminded of the cartoon type, like Beetle Bailey’s Sergeant Snorkel. He has again fallen off his proverbial ledge and is hanging by one slender sapling growing perpendicular (now there’s logic) to the cliff. He cries for help and out of the blue, the Voice of God tells him to let go and He will catch him. (Unknown to Snorkel, who is afraid to look down, the ground is only about two feet below him.) Weighing this heavenly counsel, he finally cries out again, “Is there anyone else up there?”

FOR YOU “WOULD BE SNORKELS” OUT THERE, BE ENCOURAGED THAT IF YOU WILL TRUST THE COUNSEL OF GOD TO LET GO IN FAITH, HE WILL CATCH YOU, AND YOU WILL FIND MORE TRULY SOLID GROUND UNDERNEATH YOU THAN YOU EVER EXPECTED!

I CAN'T SEE THE TREES FOR THE WOODS!"

2010-02-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

Our perception at times is so oblivious to the obvious! Consider the one who is so overwhelmed by the whole “forest” of people and circumstances that surround him, that he cannot see just one individual “tree” that may have special unnoticed character or need.

In the year since we moved to our present home, surrounded by trees, I have been drawn to one particular one, season in and season out, and it striking at its composure amid all of the swirling world of leaves and conditions that surround its vigil on the edge of our property. Last year’s ice built up so on its branches, that one large one broke and was suspended, seemingly holding on for whatever life source could reach through the remaining wood fibers which held it. Not having the means or time to cut it loose, I let it alone. During one night’s wind a few months later, I looked and saw that it had finally let go and lay at the base, beginning the long process of decay. The tree lived on, continuing to stand strong, in spite of its loss.

Now, with another winter storm upon us, I continue to watch its silent vigil as the snow heavily builds upon its branches. It speaks a message to my heart out of its very stable character, now covered with what might be a “mantle from heaven” sent to acknowledge its faithful service through all the adversities that the world has thrown at it.

I recall reading from a devotion book by Mrs. Charles Cowman years ago, and found a kind of prayer liturgy I wrote as a result. Trees. Such a strong testament of creation’s strength and endurance, shelters for those seeking such a place of retreat from sun’s heat and the storm’s pelting rain. Strong and stable through years of silent growth, they stand against the strong winds which only serve to push them to the limits of their rooted footholds in the earth. Such winds do not destroy, but only serve to open cracks in the earth through which the water bearing nutrients may nourish the tree’s continuing life. So let me be like the tree, Father. Allow the winds of adversity to blow against me, for I do know Your sustaining hand of protection that keeps me from being uprooted and destroyed. You know how much I may endure without breaking. You alone know how much is needed to loosen my rooted faith to receive fresh new waters of truth, that bear the true food to make me strong in You. So, blow ye winds. God is in control, and allows such for my good. Oh Father, help me grow so today, and may my branches reach out and up in praise to You alone, and may they be filled with the kingdom fruit borne out of Your abiding presence, and my abiding response to and in You. Oh, Father, trees. Help me to see them and be reminded daily of Your great purpose and plan for me. Thank You, Lord, for the truth borne in the trees.

And today as I reflect on such imagines again, I am struck with the fact that God gives His blessed affirmation by His Holy Spirit that wraps us in heaven’s snow white mantle of peace. “Come to me and I will give you rest” indeed.

Two scriptures have some added thoughts to communicate about trees.
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heart cometh, but he leaf shall be green: and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 3:1-3

LOOK AT THE TREE AND BE ENCOURAGED!

OUR LIFE IN GOD'S MANUSCRIPT

2010-02-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

This morning I was reading from a journal I kept during 2006 and came across a poem I had written regarding that morning’s devotions. I have been thinking a great deal lately about my life’s daily progress, in other words, my pilgrimage as it relates to tasks and daily needs that I need to address. Retirement has provided some measures of time that I’ve not experienced to quite this degree previously. I did have a period of eight months when I was between positions, but much of that time was exploring where next I would discover employment, so the freedom of my mind’s pursuits was not quite the same as the present.

I’ve been doing a good deal of writing, both my own autobiography, as well as, a historical novel based on my mother’s life. As I mused about the process of writing these narratives and the pursuits of the daily tasks of a bivocational pastor and teacher, I began to examine my own life’s “pages” as a Christian. My conclusion? That our Sovereign God is the true Author of the Storyline of man’s existence. As Creative Author, God wrote the beginning chapters, and continues to write the scenes of each day’s progress. Interestingly enough, He has already written the last chapter of the book, and as I have often commented, “I’ve read the last chapter, and we win!” But, the middle pages of the story are still in process. Oh, they’re in His mind but He’s daily writing the manuscript that includes our life’s pages.

The Author penned sweet rapture’s theme,
Then poured Himself into its scene.
He, reaching into His storyline,
Felt with His characters, those, too, His design.
Oh, what utter condescensions
That Author’s pen so purely mentions,
As framed we are in time and space,
And yet perceive His timeless face.
He smiles and we are warmed by such,
His holy hands, His passioned touch.
Then capstone of such holy pleasure,
He gives out another treasure.
We’re made to know our Story’s written,
And for us Author’s heart is smitten,
Thus He says that all we ask
He’ll give, so in Him we can bask,
And freely live out His Story’s task.
~jb, 1-27-2006

II Corinthians 3:2-3 “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.”

WHAT A PURE DELIGHT TO REALIZE WHEN I HAVE “WRITER’S BLOCK” AND KNOW NOT WHAT TO DO, HIS MIND CONTINUES TO GIVE ME NEW LIGHT TO “WRITE!”
BE ENCOURAGED, MY FRIENDS, IN WRITING YOUR LIFE STORY.

GROUNDHOG DEJA VU!

2010-02-03T19:06:00.001-08:00

Yesterday the great weather prognosticator, Punxsutawney Phil, made his annual prediction about winter’s grip or release on our land. Emerging from his hole he saw his shadow, which of course, means six weeks more of winter. Interestingly enough, his human counterparts on local weather stations are forecasting more snow in the next few days.

Whenever February 2nd rolls around I am reminded of the movie with which this day shares its name - GROUNDHOG DAY! This film, starring Bill Murray as disgruntled and petulant television weatherman Phil Connors, is a true study in the process of re-tooling human behavior. Covering the special day’s event, Phil becomes hopelessly trapped in a time warp that causes him to have to repeat the day over and over, with everything and everyone in sight, except him, set on REPLAY. The only changes around him come as a result of his actions, literally re-writing history. He is the only one who retains an awareness of each and every “re-write” which takes place. Can you imagine the possibilities of such power?

His first impressions are understandably disturbed. Then resigning himself to his fated repetitions, he realizes that regardless of his actions, there are no consequences faced the next day. Feeling trapped he initiates a spiraling cycle of self destruction that involves bank robbery, drunk driving altercation with police and other immoral activities culminating with several suicides, all to no avail, for he still wakes up at 6:00 a.m. to a fresh, new February 2nd. Finally coming to the end of himself, and out of what has been a latent attraction for his pretty producer, he begins the process of daily learning about her likes and dislikes, each day gaining enough knowledge to change her initial loathing for him into an attraction herself. He, of course, has not changed, but uses his knowledge for his own conquest. When his true nature is revealed, she rejects him again and again. Now realizing his real problem, he sets about to re-create a true and new Phil Conners. He seeks to help a homeless man, changes tires for helpless ladies, rescues children and adults in dangerous circumstances which he alone can forecast and thus, lend aid. Coupled with these actions he learns through his repeated cycles, to play the piano, to do ice sculptures, and to embrace everyone with a spirit of joy and pleasure. This transformation from his pre-Feb. 2nd persona ultimately wins the heart of his producer, and just as suddenly as the cycle began, it ended happily for the two.

I’ve given this brief on the film to give you my “take” on how we can apply it to real life. We’ve all heard the typical remarks made by people who rue the mistakes they make from time to time. “If I only had it to do over, things would be different!”, “If I could only turn back the pages and re-write my past!”, or, “If I had only not said what I did!”, and the list of remorseful wishing goes on. Indeed, all of us would love to have Phil’s power if we could plan and control it. The only problem, it would be like his approach and we would come near to destroying ourselves and others through selfish applications. The truth emerges from its place just below the surface of the storyline, when Phil begins to redirect his life toward others, with his own self wants relegated to last place. There is the place of real power and the “where with all” to change things for the better in the lives of others, which has a reciprocal effect on his own future.

The question may be raised, “without the power to re-live lost days, how can we change the world and recreate our own future, as well?” The answer is not as far from our reach as we may think. Simply stated, its been said many times in our hearing. “Live one day at a time.” And we are given the promised ability, not to re-do the past, but to make the very best day we can, today. With the truth of God’s Word and the guiding Holy Spirit to prick our conscience, we have sufficient awareness of right and wrong to make the right choices and to act accordingly. We may not have the “time cycling” to learn to play the piano or ice-sculpt in “one day”, but with each day’s commitment and application, who knows what we might accomplish in several “one day’s” time.

The Scripture’s ARE RICH in showing us the way to change our lives and our world, too. Paul writes one of my favorite’s. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God…Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered….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.” (Romans 8:15-28)

Oh, yes! About Punxsutawney Phil’s prognostication of another six weeks of winter, I don’t really believe he can predict with certainty, any more than my local weather guys and gals. The writer’s of the script did a masterful job of putting two concepts together. The movie’s groundhog said there would be a long winter ahead and for Phil, his winter of discontent was certainly that. Our application might be that regardless the weather, we know Who is the real WEATHER FORECASTER, do we not? And if He is in control, we can live joyfully with hope, sunshine or snow!

BE ENCOURAGED, MY FRIENDS!

POSTSCRIPT: It's Feb. 4th and the ground is already covered in snow again and still coming down with more expected during the next few days. Thanks, Phil! Yeah, right!

SHADOWS OR REALITY?

2010-02-02T20:56:00.000-08:00

A Depiction of Plato's Cave Allegory from The Republic

Ever since I was introduced to Plato’s Cave Allegory by my college professor, it has held a particular fascination for me. As a missionary in Asia, I even developed a series of messages using it as a launching pad to reach young people with the unseen reality of God. Later, while teaching philosophy in a junior college, I was able to take Plato’s example and apply Christian truth. Now, many might say that using a 3rd Century B.C. philosopher to teach Christian truth is a stretch, particularly when the philosopher made no claim to relate his philosophy to belief in the God of Jewish thought.

What redeems the Cave Allegory and Plato’s Philosophy of Forms, I believe, is the extent of his discovery, beyond his contemporaries and earlier thought, to reach further toward the realization of something or someone higher than the earth-bound intellect of man. Well, allow me to capsule the essence of his Cave Allegory, then make some applications to our understanding of what is real.

Plato wrote the Allegory as a dialogue between his teacher, Socrates, and a student. He believed that the world revealed by our senses is not the real world but only a poor copy of it, and that the real world can only be known intellectually. Thus, the mind beginning to understand the “unseen” world can begin to impact the values of the “sensed” world.

As depicted in the drawing, Plato described a cave in which there were prisoners bound with chains. They were bound in such a way so that no movement to turn their heads to see anything but that directly in front of them was possible. And this was their state of life for all of their recollection. No memories of any other life existed. (Now, don’t begin to question the possibilities of such for that is not the point.) Behind them in a raised area is a fire which is constantly burning. A raised walkway is between the prisoners and the fire, and on it individuals walk and talk in daily interaction, some carrying objects and images of every sort. Get the picture?

Now, realize that what is seen by the prisoners is their reality, the only one they’ve ever known. And what is that reality? Combine the constant flickering of the fire with the reflected shadows of those walking, their burdens, and the shadows of the prisoners themselves, and add to it the conversations of those on the walkway. What “sensed” reality do the prisoners have? At best, images are varied and in a constant state of movement due to the flickering flames of light. Put yourself in their place and all you have ever known is that wall of wavering shadows created by the fire.

Now, let us imagine that one of the prisoners is released from his bonds. (Again, how is not important – just stay with me.) At first, he is resistant to change his stance and turn around. Why should he? After all, it goes against his trained life tradition, and to do so would be to deny the reality that had been his perception. His fellow prisoners might even call him a heretic to explore such an act. But he yields and immediately receives the pain which comes to the eyes when one turns from darkness to a brighter light. But as his eyes adjust and he begins to observe all that is around him, he comes to the realization that the wall of shadows is not real, for it in an only limited way reflects the reality which was behind him. He is finally led up an incline and out of the cave, where again he suffers pain from an even greater light. Adjusting to it, his awareness of reality is expanded to realize that the reality of the cave becomes less real than that which he senses now in the world and sun.

After a time of digesting this new perception of reality, he is struck by the plight of his friends still bound in the cave, staring at shadows. He returns to try and explain to them their error, but receives for his act of concern only rejection. We will leave him at this point, and the analogy’s possible continuance, and begin to interpret and apply the story to our perceptions of what is real today. I will begin by identifying the various persons and objects found in the cave.

The PRISONERS represent man as a sensing and perceiving creature with the ability to see and interpret what is seen in light of its basic inner logic. Putting two and two together, as it were, they deduce that the shadows are real, for they have no knowledge of fire, other objects or people as having separate existence. The voices and sounds are meshed into coordination with the shadows before them. The FIRE and the SUN are those which create of the real images that are outlined shadows. The other PEOPLE and IMAGES simply press the point and provide the fire with a variety of shapes and content to enlarge the shadows’ influence.

The FREED MAN is the one who begins to open his mind to another plane of reality. It brings him initial pain and, perhaps, the persecution of his fellows, but he preservers to discover higher planes of reality that exist. First the fire, then the sun, and his deductions about the place of shadows in relationship to them. He represents further the returning enlightened and caring freed prisoner, with the desire to help his fellows to their own discoveries. A commendable character he is.

Plato’s allegory illustrates his point that true reality is always above and beyond our sense capacity to perceive. It is a reflected image of what is real. He would slap his hand down on a table and say, “This is not real! It is a temporal manifestation of that which is the perfect FORM!” And by the word FORM he meant that which is the invisible and perfect pattern from which the table is imagined and built. He doesn’t call it God, but his logical approach of discovery would only require one more equation to do so, connecting the sun to that which is far beyond it and the True Light that shines everything into existence.

It was out of his philosophic thought that St. Augustine of Hippo, a great theologian of the 4th and 5th centuries A.D., began to set forth the great Christians doctrines of the Scriptures, and form a bridge between the Greek philosophy of Plato and that which would enable deeper Christian study and thought to advance God’s kingdom purpose.

Now, again, stay with me. I realize this is somewhat a heavier subject than usual, but I am drawing close to my conclusion and application.

As I weigh Plato’s allegory, I see first, the natural perception of those of a worldly mindset, that only that which is experienced through the five senses can be said to be real. If I can see, hear, smell, touch or taste it, it qualifies. If one cannot find God in any of these, He can’t be REAL. But all of these Plato would call experiencing SHADOWS. Augustine would say they are images reflecting God’s hand in all that is. The Psalmist wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handywork.” (19:1) John wrote, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (4:24) In the beginning, when God created man, He made him in His own likeness and image, made him to reflect the spiritual makeup of man. (Genesis 1:27; 2:7) His likeness, however, was not the fleshly form, but possessing the spiritual capacities of love and choice. “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” (John 1:18)

Plato’s philosophy might describe the FORMS as FOREVER, perfect and unchanging, whereas, the SHADOWS are constantly changing with the fire’s flicker and even the sun’s movement across the sky. Sometimes they are smaller, sometimes larger, often distorted. And they disappear with dying embers and the sun’s setting beyond the horizon. Man’s life is described like a shadow that’s fleeting, too. “Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.” (Psalm 144:4)

Paul describes a similar allegory which could have fit in Plato’s Cave. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (I Corinthians 13:12) And again in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not see: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (4:18)

Oh, yes! About the freed prisoner and his return to the cave to help his fellows to grasp their REAL REALITY, welcomed or no. The Scriptures are full of references to the call and care of those who have “seen the light” to share it with those who have not, the bound by, not physical chains, but those spiritually forged by earthly tradition and ego-flamed pride. The call to go armed with the light of truth is recorded specifically. Paul references this in the Colossian letter, chapter 2, verses 16-17. He calls for no man to judge in the tangible things, “which are a shadow of things to come.” Then John writes this word of promise. “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” (I John 1:3)

Now, let me leave you with this prayer of Paul to the Ephesians, as he said he would, “Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints…the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head overall things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.” (1:16-23)

BE ENCOURAGED!

SELF-RULE AND RELIANCE

2010-01-31T15:07:00.001-08:00

Recently in a Bible Study on the subject of sin that is described as SELF-RULE and RELIANCE, a British Christian commented on her perception of these traits as applied to Americans in general. She had observed that citizens of this country have a personal self-image of INDEPENDENCE and an almost inborn quality of SELF-DETERMINATION. This, she said, was coupled with ultimate recognition of a higher power. As I responded that she had truly captured the point being made, I went on to postulate that perhaps the very nature of this nation’s beginning struggle gave rise to such a trait down through the years. In further discussion, I recalled for the group the oft’ quoted line about successful men who had “lifted themselves up by their own boot straps” and the accompanying life lessons taught to children about becoming “more independent” as they grow, in order to “stand on their own two feet.”

Indeed, we have been correctly taught the biblical doctrine of freedom of will that God has built into our creative makeup. We are, in that sense, SELF-DETERMINING and free to choose, INDEPENDENT of any other individual’s will or purpose. Herein lies the tension. My British sister qualified her evaluation with the word about recognizing a higher power, and this is the matter which brings critical balance into the equation.

I often wonder when we teach our children such lessons about INDEPENDENCE and being able to stand on their own, if we fail to communicate properly for their real-life application that even such standing must BE DEPENDENT upon God as the true foundation upon which all must rest. Indeed, even lifting oneself “by his own boot straps” must be subject to the laws of the universe God has ordained. Gravity on this planet may allow for an instant’s “jump” while hanging on to the proverbial boots, but one will come down quickly. SELF-RELIANCE is only a “breath” long, and without a greater power in force, it does very little but exhaust the “jumper” in the process. When applied to life, it speaks of the one who’s life is in a constant state of grounded and weary depression spaced between momentary, and only empty “highs.”

Man as God’s fallen and sinful creation ever tries to reach the heights, usually attempting it without benefit or aid of the One Who made them. He is like a city-born individual who atrikes out through the jungle without a guide or the right provisions. Failure and disappointment is assured. The Book of Judges in the Old Testament is full of those of the nation of Israel who rejected the Lord’s reign over them. It is recorded, “the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord, that he did for Israel.” (2:7) But following the death of Joshua and that generation something else took over. “and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor ye the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord…and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods…and bowed themselves unto them.” (vss 10-12) Such is the kind of rule that every man is tempted to emulate individually.

The THRONE of a man’s life must be reserved for one Who can be consistently depended upon in every period and avenue of life. Man, by his very nature and imperfection, cannot be depended upon to RULE in the midst of forces that are constantly moving against his tiny kingdom. Though he can be INDEPENDENT to exercise personal SELF-CONTROL and choice, he is wise who takes the prayer of King Solomon to heart. “And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” (I Kings 3:7-9) The result, God gave him wisdom and a kingdom that has had no comparison before or since. Now, that’s a successful reign. And Who was on the throne? Not the child, but his God!

We have a twofold nature. That which is called “flesh” is that which denotes human actions and thoughts when we operate apart from the direct control of Christ. That which is the “spirit” refers to the inner man and has the direct line of command under the Holy Spirit of God. When we are made a part of God’s people through our repentance and confession of sin, and His forgiveness through the shed blood of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, on the cross, we gain access to the THRONE room of God and His direct control of our lives.

When we as His people “act out of our fleshy nature” and apart from His will, we reap the failure and consequences of sin. Paul says, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Gal. 5:16-17) Those who say they can work of the flesh in control and still serve God are only fooling themselves, for even Christ said one cannot serve God and the flesh, for one or the other must have the mastery. (Matt. 6:24) One will be loved and the other hated. Jesus’ words of invitation extend to those who would ENTHRONE Him in their hearts. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Matt. 16:24-25)

In the same way that we are to be ever DEPENDENT upon the rule our Lord and King, we must also realize that our RELIANCE cannot depend upon our weak resources to sustain us. Success in life is victory in the spiritual, and Paul’s insight in his letter to the Corinthians states his personal recipe for strength to live under the right RULE. “And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (12:9-10)

So, how are we to live? SELF-RULE and SELF-RELIANCE are not options that will bring us into joy-filled lives. Yet they are temptations that will face us each and every day. The flesh is a constant enemy that would have us yield ourselves to its control. Its appetites are ever a snare put us into captivity which only results in an unending misery. Like an addiction that drives one to consume to ease the driving appetite for that which one knows is destructive, we are engaged in an inner war that Paul also experienced and wrote about in Romans 7:22-24. “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Well, Paul found the deliverance and wrote about it in Galatians 2:20. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Our answer to RULE and RELIANCE then? Submission to the only true King who was both able to conquer the fleshly, without sin, and be worthy to sit upon the THONE of every man’s heart and life. His is the only total wisdom of RULE for my life, and as the Creator of all that is, the only One Whose provisions are completely sufficient for all my needs.

OH, FRIENDS, WON’T YOU TAKE THIS ENCOURAGEMENT AND SET HIM ON THE THRONE OF YOUR HEART.

M.I.A., P.O.W. or A.W.O.L.?

2010-01-30T07:33:00.000-08:00

During the wars that have taken the lives of so many of our brave men and women, their families dreaded that day when that feared telegram would arrive announcing that their loved one was M.I.A., Missing in Action!

Though it left a margin of hope that they might still be among the living, the anxious hearts and minds would not allow for any normalcy of life or closure until some more definite word was given. Long after those wars ended, many still had no confirmation of the life or death of their M.I.A.s. And history’s record of some who were considered dead but found to be P.O.W.s long after the fighting ceased simply added to the lack of closure and the continuing grief for their families. Such is one of the great horrors of war.

As I thought about the spiritual application of this example in the life of the church and its people, I was reminded of the many references to the Christian’s place and task. The Lord’s “army of believers” daily fight against the enemies of God, the devil and his band of destroyers of all that is good. It is an ongoing war that requires more and more “soldiers of the cross” in the midst of the action.

One of the blessings of spiritual warfare, however, is that when those who are fighting lose their lives in sacrifice, become M.I.A.s as it were, responding faithfully to the orders from their Heavenly Commander, their WHERE.ABOUTS is truly known. It is a matter for rejoicing, for their part of the battle is won and they have reaped the reward of heroes, a crown of victory. The testimony of their lives is an inspiration for those left “in the trenches” to press on in the fight against sin’s domination of their lives and others’, too!

James, the brother of Jesus, writes this about the man who is tried and truth through the battle against sin’s temptation. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (1:12) The Psalmist adds his word of hope. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (116:15) And Paul, too, gives his take on it personally. “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” (II Timothy 4:6-8)

The application of the term P.O.W. in the physical warfare of men is a symbol of those who have fought bravely, but been captured in battle. We honor their service and the sacrifice of freedom that their lives in such captivity’s cruel cells undergo. In the spiritual sense, the term P.O.W. has not the same connotation. It is not so honorable a position. In fact, it decries a willful, though sometimes deceived, submission to the enemy’s hold. They become PRISONERS OF WAR because they do not continue to WALK after the Spirit of Christ, taking their orders from His command. WALKING after the flesh, they commit such sins of OMISSION and failure to keep the faith as His good soldiers.

Paul’s words of positive challenge reveal the nature of their P.O.W. status. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2) And again, in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

The term A.W.O.L. does have the same connotation in both the physical and spiritual sense. ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE is the status of one who leaves his post, be it as a deserter from the battlefield, his assigned post as a guard or watchman with the duty to maintain the security of a camp or any other duty or place of assignment. And of equal import is the serious infraction of “sleeping on watch.” Being A.W.O.L. or S.O.W. brought with it stiff penalties for those who were discovered and/or apprehended.

In the war against spiritual darkness and the arch enemy that broods over it, the army of Christ called the church, I am ashamed to say, has many who are the ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE. The evidence is found on any given Sunday’s worship or Sunday School’s study of the Scriptures. When less than half of the church’s membership is ABSENT, and most without good cause, the battle goes not well overall. And though the remaining “troops” continue to faithfully carry-out their orders, the enemy’s forces wax stronger, and more of the souls of men are captured and doomed to an eternity of punishment in death. The evidence of a lack of “troop-strength” is found not only in those who are absent, but those who attend in a mock-loyalty, but in fact, do not listen nor apply the instructions given on how to better overcome the enemy and rescue his captives. They are like those who S.O.W. (i.e. SLEEP ON WATCH).

Paul addresses this circumstance with a call to don our armor and do our duty. “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Thessalonians 5:5-9)

A final word of counsel comes from Paul regarding our position. “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (II Timothy 2:1-4)

BE ENCOURAGED, MY FRIENDS, THE BATTLE VICTORY IS SURE!

CAUTION! STOP! WALK!

2010-01-29T05:58:00.000-08:00

One of the early lessons of living in a fast-paced society filled with people all trying to get someplace quickly is recognizing the SIGNALS that help coordinate the flow of traffic. This lesson is aided by the presence of numerous law enforcement officials who’s task it is to see that everyone obeys the rules of the road.

I’m reminded of one such very dedicated official that took his job very seriously. Barney Fife of “The Andy Griffith” sitcom, despite all of his misadventures in “fighting the crimes” of Mayberry, was a stickler for the laws. Most memorable in my mind was the oft’ repeated situation of him calling a Mayberry citizen to task for JAYWALKING, and promptly writing him a ticket for the misdemeanor. In Mayberry, such enforcement seems ludicrous. New York City, maybe, but Mayberry? Laugh though we do, we cannot fault his attention to duty and the rules he pledged to enforce. And who can say, but what some speeding pickup might round the corner of that small community and land that same JAYWALKER in the hospital or worse. My hat’s off to you, Barney!

Yes, we grow up learning the rules and the SIGNALS designed to keep us and others safe in the midst of our scurrying to and fro on the road of life. Three very important and common signals we find on almost every street corner, except perhaps Mayberry, are those that tell us CAUTION! STOP! or WALK!

These signals also give individuals a series of warnings and counsel on the way they are to move through their daily lives and do so with better opportunities to do so with safety and with joy. Failure to do so can lead to a person’s danger, heartache and wasted time and life, not to speak of the potential hurt to others who may be encountered.

The CAUTION LIGHT is a very critical signal for it warns of potential danger with forward movement. It is frequently seen controlling the movement of ongoing traffic, but it may tell of a crisis on the road ahead that could threaten. In life one who does not heed such a signal from God’s Holy Spirit or His Word, could be heading into a spiritual maze of Satan’s making. Peter gives counsel regarding being serious and watchful, “because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about. Seeking whom he may devour.” (I Peter 5:8)

When you come to those crossings in life’s road, where there are choices to be made regarding your direction, be CAUTIOUS and weigh carefully which road is God’s direction and which is a route desired by Satan, and meant to rob you of the joyous life God intends. God would have you no longer walk in the way of the ungodly or those who persist in a willful and sinful way, for these will not stand in the day of judgment. (Psalm 1:5) Consider your life today. Are you “throwing CAUTION to the wind” when temptation to sin comes your way, or are you calling upon the name of the Lord to help and guide you in the right path and proceeding therein!

The STOP LIGHT could be said to be a warning, as well, keeping one from stepping into the path of destruction. All too often in life, however, CAUTION “has been thrown to the wind” and sinful action taken. Far too many regret the day when such was a bad choice made and it landed them in a life of disabling spiritual defeat, suffering the consequences of foolish walking in the flesh. With Christ, however, even one who has stepped out onto sin’s road has the possibility of redemption. The STOP LIGHT gives warning but it also issues a command to STOP WALKING on sin’s pathway.

Paul’s counsel to the Ephesians in Chapter 4 challenges us to STOP, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” (vs 14) We’re told to STOP and put away lying, sinful anger, the giving of place to the devil, stealing, corrupt and evil speaking, bitterness, wrath, malice and the grieving of the Holy Spirit. (vss 25-31) And the apostle John then gives us this blessed promise, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9) With this and our Lord’s new path before us, we will find another SIGNAL given!

The GREEN LIGHT to WALK is a signal that shouts “all clear to proceed” to the one facing it’s light. Even though sometimes it seems the light will never change in our favor, and we are tempted to move against its directive, spiritual wisdom counsels that waiting on God’s SIGNAL is a far better choice.

Again, in the Ephesian letter of Paul, Chapter 4, he speaks of the GREEN LIGHT of the Christian’s WALK. “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind…put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness…speak every man truth with his neighbor…working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth…let communication proceed out of your mouth…which is good to the edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers, and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (vss 23-32) The apostle John also gives this word of challenge regarding the Christlikeness of one’s WALK, “He that saith he abideth in Him (Christ) ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” (I John 2:6)

DEAR FRIENDS, BE ENCOURAGED TODAY IN YOUR WALK! God’s truth applies everywhere, even in Mayberry!

SAILING REAL.LATION.SHIPS!

2010-01-26T07:36:00.000-08:00

Were you able to get your tongue around that title? I know, I know. I’m stretching the bounds of poetic license, but I’ve a reason for it. I’ve been blogging the last few days with regard to some personal soul searching. I started with THINKING, moved into my ATTITUDE and most recently, my TALKING. The next logical step is how these three begin to affect my RELATIONSHIPS. I’ve heard it said that the word FELLOWSHIP can be described as “Two fellows in a ship”, so I’m borrowing THEIR SHIP for a few minutes to LAUNCH my THOUGHTS. Sorry, I’m doing it again!

And speaking of SHIPS, I served on board a ship in the Navy back in the 60s. I was a clerk in the office of the Executive Officer in charge of what was called the SHIP’s COMPANY of men. It was a hospital ship so there was actually two separate “commands” or staffs, in landlubber terms. One was hospital and the other, ship’s company in charge of maintaining the ship itself. It was an unusual ship because, although it had seen ocean service, it was, for my time, a permanently docked base hospital. Its engine was even disconnected and it had to be “towed” to dry-dock to clean the hull. This was OK by me, for the one time I had gone on a brief one-day cruise on a friend’s ship, I was sea-sick the whole voyage. All this to lead-into my point for this blog.

I’m afraid that in the matter of RELATIONSHIPS many have the same reaction and exit the scene before the voyage ever gets started. As long as it is just maintenance work in keeping “the decks” relatively clean and the “crew” clothed and fed, leave the ups-and-downs of “sailing” to others, is often the response. It reminds me of the typical response of Raymond on “Everybody Loves Raymond” when his wife wants to talk about their relationship more deeply. He throws up his hands, cries “Oh, no!” and exits, stage left, and I mean left. That’s where the kitchen is, and the “frig”. Is there a play on words there? I mean, COOL and RELATIONSHIP? That aside, you get the point? Raymond has one train of THOUGHT and it has produced an ATTITUDE that results in TALK and WALK that keeps his SHIP of RELATIONS in dry-dock!

A ship is built to SAIL, not be tied to the dock! Yes, it performed a service of good deeds, but it was still a SHIP designed for SAILING!

As I have pondered this in relation to my own life, I realize that there are times that my own predisposition has been to avoid the ROUGH WATERS of life with the “crew” that God has seen fit to be with me in the boat from time to time. Sometimes our SHIP sails into pretty cold waters. There are difficulties that many have in forming new relationships, BREAKING the ICE, so to speak. There are others that SAIL into very heated relational climates that seem to have no refreshing winds to cool the tempers that flare up, and the voyage is stalled for lack of such winds, too. And to carry the analogy one compass point further, there are times that the crew responsible for sailing the ship in the right direction, for whatever reason, chooses a route that takes them dangerously close to SHIPWRECK on the rocks of wrong relations. The result I leave to your imagination.

Stepping aside from the analogy I’ve used, I’ve begun to examine my own life in connection to others. As I have done before, I refer to thoughts shared in Frizzell’s book, “Return to Holiness” that I’ve mentioned before in these blogs. When he refers to the category of relationships as a point where sin’s cleansing is needed, he cites problems such as hurts or offenses that may have been done to others. These, he says, can create rifts between Christians that result in quenching the Spirit for the whole church. The words of Jesus in Matthew 5:23-24 are good counsel, “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and then remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

Unforgiveness is also an area where needed cleansing exists. How many time have we heard even Christians say, ‘I just can’t forget so I can’t forgive.” Jesus’ words again challenge, from Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Makes you think, doesn’t it? And as to forgetting, our heavenly Father’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ puts the sin away from His mind as far as the east is from the west. Our act of will in forgetting is to follow His example and put it as far away from our THOUGHTS as we can, through putting our THOUGHTS consistently on His love for us and our love for others.

Improper relationships, too, warrant some attention here. If we allow our minds to become involved in THOUGHTS that are unhealthy or destructive to our relational commitments, be it our immediate family, or church family, it can alter our ATTITUDES and our TALK and WALK with those people, and ultimately with God, Himself! The scriptures teach us that relationships are to be worked at consistently. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it.” (Eph. 5:25) Wives and husbands both are to work daily on a love relationship that grows deeper with the passing days and years. Children, who are commanded to honor their parents, also need the stability of such good role models that are worthy of honor paid.

And, as to the church family, the same kind of counsel applies, and even more so, as we see time and the relationships of this world growing more difficult. Hebrews 10:25 gives good advice to those who’s relation to a local church is less than proper. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.” The relationship of believers to believers is truly a strengthening blessing to all, and keeps each one on the RIGHT COURSE AND HEADING in life.

And speaking of RIGHT COURSE AND HEADING, my own SHIP of RELATIONS is one that I am committed to STEER with God’s COMPASS, His Word, toward the HEADING He’s given us, and it’s His WIND of the Spirit that fills our SAILS. As SHIP’s COMPANY, we’re doing our best to keep the decks maintained and clean, the crew fed, and the LOOK – OUTS in the CROWS NEST – waiting and watching to lift their CRY – LAND HO!

BE ENCOURAGED IN YOUR OWN REAL.LATION.SHIPS, ME HEARTIES!

RIGHT WALK TALKIN'

2010-01-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

So, THOUGHTS and ATTITUDES! Now where? The next logical step in self-examination is my TALK. What I think and how I feel usually will find a way of getting their message out, regardless the wisdom of it, or its consequences.

I saw a quote by Plato the other day that grabbed my attention. “Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.” Now, that’s a mind jerker for one who’s calling involves TALKING. I had to stop and reflect on how much unnecessary YADA YADA I may have done in a day’s time, all because I thought I had to “have something to say” every time I found an opening in the conversation. I think whoever said “silence is golden” may have a lot of wisdom.

I have discovered in my years of ministry that the best thing I can do very often is use my ears more than my mouth, other than to eat that is, and it is probably wise that I take more rest in that area, as well, if you get my meaning. Well, I’m working on that issue, too, but that’s “fodder” for another blog. LISTENING while others TALK accomplishes several important tasks. First, it acknowledges the other person’s importance, as well as, what they have to say. It also gives the listener a base of information from which to act or respond. And, of equal value, it provides the listener with time to insure that what he does say is the very best.

What can I say? For those of you that know me, you know I like WORDS. I am fascinated by new words, by the words that I hear, and the way that they are used in conversation. You couple that with my drive to YADA YADA and you have a periodic attempt at humor launched mid-conversation. Example. Last night my wife and I returned home after church and she noticed she’d left a light ON, so made that fact known to me in a very simple statement. “I left a light on.” My “bent” kicked-in and I responded, “ON WHAT?” She, of course, being used to my verbal antics, plays the role of naivete and I am allowed to “carry-on” a bit longer, sometimes launching into a whole other word direction. It’s a game we play, though sometimes I realize that I’m being “humored” more than initiating a “game” that has an equal amount of joy experienced by the other person. Herein is my first point of discovery about the subject of RIGHT WALK TALKIN’.

“It’s just who I am!” comes to mind as my first excuse. But I know that deep down I sometimes, shall we say, “Go overboard!” Humor is certainly not wrong, nor is learning new words and their proper use. I write stories, poetry and songs and words are a necessity to communicate properly their meanings. And practicing words, even ‘mid humor injected in conversation has its benefits. It can be a release valve for tension that develops in a group or one on one. If two persons engage in a friendly exchange of banter built on words and their ‘oft humorous use, it even has a skill building benefit. Example: My Broco (aka, Brother-Cousin) Ray and I have an unwritten commitment to begin a light-hearted session with a fast-paced word exchange, one word building on another. Well, you’d have to be there! But you get the point! Now, back to “going overboard” – I am convicted that I must be careful to watch my TALK merely for TALK’S sake, lest I begin to destroy the witness of my true THOUGHT and ATTITUDE, and most of all my TRUE WALK with my Lord. I am counseled by Scripture to put away from my TALK, “…foolish talking…jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” (Eph. 5:4) There ARE times it is convenient, and there ARE times when it is not. Plato and Paul are in agreement on that point.

There are, of course, other concerns with regard to our RIGHT WALK TALKIN’. In the book RETURN TO HOLINESS that I have mentioned before in my blog, the author has drawn my attention to other types of TALK in his third category, namely, Sins of Speech. Paul’s letter to Ephesus is referenced related to “corrupt and filthy” words. (4:29; 5:4) “Lying” is yet another form of ill-used TALK that destroys one’s witness of the truth. (Col. 3:9) These show that our former WALK as unredeemed still spills over into our new life in Christ, and reflects negatively on Him. Oh, My, stop and consider the weight of that issue. Other WALK TALKS such as “gripe and complaint. bitterness, wrath, anger, evil speaking” and the contentious spirit that accompanies them, also warrant our watchfulness and guarding of TALK, lest we give the world more reason to reject the Saviour than they already possess. (I Cor. 10:10;I Thess 5:18; Eph. 4:31; I Cor. 1:10)

We are counseled by Paul in “speaking the truth in love” that we “may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” (Eph. 4:15) And again, “be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” (Eph. 4:26) There is righteous anger but our TALK is to be in truth and that which becomes Christ’s mind. A final word of challenge to my heart and yours from Paul, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearer.” (Eph. 4:29)

You know, as I reflect upon the TALK of our Lord, I believe He laughed and appreciated a good joke with the disciples with whom He WALKED. But He also knew the critical shortness of time that He had to be with them. His TALK mirrored a perfect WALK, and He never spoke just to be TALKIN’. Even His light moments had a depth of meaning. Oh, Lord, may mine be so, too!

BE ENCOURAGED IN YOUR RIGHT WALK TALKIN’ TODAY!

ATTITUDE DETERMINES ALTITUDE

2010-01-24T05:48:00.000-08:00

"Aircraft performance is accomplished by controlling the aircraft attitude and power output. Aircraft attitude is the relationship of its longitudinal and lateral axes to the Earth’s horizon."

This highly technical statement speaks of ATTITUDE or level of flight. It has a direct relatonship to the power output which controlls the plane's ALTITUDE. It occurs to me that my life needs to have the Lord's control to level and empower me if I am to increase my spiritual ALTITUDE!

Yesterday I was THINKING. Today I’m wrestling with my ATTITUDE. Have you ever heard someone remark, “Well, he/she sure has an ATTITUDE!”? The interesting thing about that statement is that it applies to everyone. The only difference is the tone in which the statement is made. Usually we hear it as it refers to one who is exhibiting a less than good one. Be it haughty or naughty, it’s never nice.

As I weigh my own ATTITUDE I recognize that the times when it fits the less than “nice” category are the periods when I allow the circumstances around me to take control of my mind. For instance, I have observed in comparing “happiness” to “joy” that “happiness is measured by surface happenings” while “true joy springs from deeper sources within” the life. The superficial happiness is a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs as the emotions are allowed to blow where they will with every wind of change.

It reminds me of the lyrics to a scene highlighted in the television comedy series, HEE HAW. Four overalled hayseeds singing “Gloom, despair and agony on me. Deep, dark depression, excessive misery. If it weren’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all. Gloom, despair and agony on me.” We laugh about it, but if the truth be known, we laugh because there may be more truth than comedy in its application to our lives. Misery loves company, and perhaps levity hides the fact that many often feel it’s the only luck they have.

I’m just glad that my life is not guided by luck or arranged by fate. If it was, perhaps I might see that song as viable. No, my destiny is guided, not by the throw of a pair of dice, but by the very same Hands that reached down to this created earth and shaped man from its clay, and by breathing into him life filled with His own likeness, set his feet on the path of intimacy with Himself. Why, that truth alone gives me a reason to rejoice! You see, that God Who took such pains with man’s creation knows and loves me, and works out my destiny always for His good pleasure and my good. I call that having an ATTITUDE and I want to keep it ever as the character my life portrays.

A problem exists, however, that challenges this ATTITUDE’s ongoing victory in my life. In my last blog I mentioned my friend’s “categories of sin”, the first of which was Sins of Thought. The second he mentions follows right on its heels, and in fact grows out of sinful thought. You guessed it, Sins of ATTITUDE!. I must maintain a prayerful watch on my THOUGHTS, even as I begin to deal with my ATTITUDE. They are linked as foundational building blocks of holy living. What THOUGHTS begin, ATTITUDES continue to build upon.

I’ve already mentioned the ATTITUDE of joy. Others which may be weighed are those which are revealed in one’s love and passion for God, and love and compassion for others. These primary ATTITUDES cover a multitude of applications and are the subject of God’s primary directive for us. Do you remember what Jesus said was the greatest commandment? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” And the second, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matt. 22:37/39)

These primary commandments, when followed consistently in truth, are the foundational THOUGHTS that result in Holy ATTITUDES. When I fail to keep my mind upon that which is Holy and full of joy, the result is ATTITUDES like pride, self-righteousness, spiritual complacency, self-centeredness, prejudice, unforgiveness, worldliness and even unbelief. It’s disturbing how the list goes on! Have you ever built your life with such ATTITUDES? I am ashamed to say, I have, and it’s no wonder why bouts of depression set in as a result. Been there? Done that?

So, today, I’m beginning anew to let the Lord search out my mind and heart, and cast out the ATTITUDES that rob me of the joy I find in Him. How about you? Why not let Him work His will in you today?

No, I did not forget my TITLE LINE. When I begin to THINK of my Lord and rejoice, my ATTITUDE takes wings and my ALTITUDE changes. Paul said it best. “But God, who is rich in mercy…when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ…and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:4-6) And that’s past tense with continued action. Now, that’s what I call ALTITUDE!

BE ENCOURAGED, MY FRIENDS!

I'VE BEEN THINKING!

2010-01-22T19:46:00.000-08:00

I know what you're THINKING! Uh Oh! What's he fixing to write about now? Well, I've been duly challenged by recent blogs by my daughters, and this coupled with my spiritual and physical preparations for my trip to Israel in March, has me doing some personal soul-searching to make sure my mental processes are where our Lord wants them to be. And taking a page from my fellow-blogger cousin's preps for the same trip, I'm going to try to include you in my pc pilgrimage.

This first day's attempt is focusing on my THINKING. Have you ever thought about what you THINK? I mean, the what, when, and why of what goes through your mind in the midst of every day's myriad of information, of happenings, of temptations, of cries for your attention and participation in an even more numerous array of needs outside your awareness? It's enough to make one's head spin. In fact, don't we usually become so overwhelmed by the barrage that we take the route of the proverbial monkeys who are shown covering their eyes, ears, and mouth in a display of willful ignorance? After all, if I close off all outside communications, I won't be overwhelmed and I can get some peace. Right? WRONG!

THINKING is the basis of knowledge. What I see and hear gives my mind the fodder for discovering what the mouth should say, where the feet should go, what the hands should apply themslves to do. The problem is that THINKING comes in two varieties. There is that which can be referred to as Holy or right THINKING, which leads to Holy and right actions. There is also that which some have poetically called "Stinkin' THINKIN'" that leads in quite the opposite direction. Frankly, despite my attempts to stay in the former channel, I am constantly pulled to take the latter route and when I yield to it, the result is missing the signposts of affirmation and blessing that line the Holy but narrow road.

The apostle Paul writes of his own battle with "Stinkin' THINKIN'" in his letter to the Romans. "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (7:22-24) If Paul found it a struggle to pursue Holy THINKING, we surely cannot expect it to be an easy fight for us. I certainly don't.

THINKING! A friend of mine named Greg Frizzell has written a book called RETURN TO HOLINESS, and in it he writes of 7 categories of cleansing one's life of daily sin. The first category is Sins of Thought. A logical beginning. Indeed, sin begins in our minds as we yield to the frequent temptations which Satan throws our way. If we "catch" and linger enough on those "stones" he throws, they will weight us so far down, reaching the heights of Holy thought will be more and more impossible to accomplish. Enough weight long enough will begin to set the tone of our character in the wrong direction.

My THINKING, Lord, of what nature and character does it speak? Greg has posed questions for one to ask about this category. Three stated are these: 1. Is your mind filled with thoughts of Christ or consumed with earthly issues? 2. Do you think far more about work or recreation than spiritual growth and serving Christ? 3. Are you plagued with fearful or angry thoughts? His counsel is to write down any sinful thought pattern God brings to your attention and then ask God for forgiveness for each one and trust Him to renew your mind. II Corinthians 10:5 is cited as a key verse for consideration and application. "Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

This day, Lord, and each day, I seek your searching Spirit to convict me of any THINKING that does not point to You and Your Holy THOUGHT and purpose for my knowledge, reflection and action. You lead me to THINK upon what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, of virtue, of praise. (Philippians 4:8)

Dear friends, BE ENCOURAGED TODAY and THINK ON THESE THINGS, AS WELL.

BEING A PART OF THE TEAM

2010-01-18T08:18:00.000-08:00

(In case you're wondering that's me - 2nd row, left - with my team mates

from both the 1958-59 and 1959-60 basketball seasons.)

Last Saturday I had a unique honor bestowed upon me. Along with the basketball team with whom I played in my Junior year in high school, I was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame as a part of the 1958-59 team of distinction. Needless to say, it was an honor I never thought that I would ever have in sports. You see, I only played on the team one year, and though I participated in that sport, as well as, in Track and Field, where I ran the mile, I was just average in ability and speed. There were many who were more aggressive and talented and excelled to win recognition.

(That's me THEN, old no. 21!

(And our 1958-59 team -front row - that's me 3rd from the right -

and my brother 3rd from the left.)

During my Senior year I did not play, but turned my talents from the court to the typewriter, where I wrote the play by plays as Sports Editor of my high school newspaper. However, I would not trade that year of work as a member of the team for anything. You see, I was on the “B” team, and did get to play in games scheduled for that group of players. But with the whole team, I participated in all of the practice sessions, running plays to develop skill and unity on the court, and even running “the bleachers” to develop endurance and stamina, as well as, to pay for missing any of the 50 “freethrows” required at each practice. The team was pushed hard to excel, and excel the team did! I actually became quite good at those “freethrows”, sinking one after another without missing too many. One lap on the bleachers for each one missed was a good motivator. On reflection, perhaps more laps plus excellence with the ball might have helped my performance during the games. As I look back, all in all, it was a significant time in my life and well worth the effort.

As I sat listening during the awards banquet, our former coach rehearsed our team’s success, and I recalled those days some 51 years past now. Many were named out of the school’s past for individual achievement, and with each one, I felt a mixture of humility at being counted among them, but pride because as a part of a team of excellence, perhaps in my small way, I helped in that process.

Weighing the lessons recalled and learned, one valuable truth stands out in my mind. In spite of the many whose names individually are lofted on the honor rolls of excellence, the key to their performance is their participation and unity that comes with being a part of the team. In fact, each of the individual honorees that spoke on receiving their recognition said that only as a part of the team could they have been so honored.

Today, as I reflect on the experience and my part in it, I am once again reminded of the truths that the Word of God giveS us. Paul was passionate about the importance of the TEAM called the Church! In I Corinthians, chapter 12, he writes these important words about the body, the Church. Note that for this point I have replaced the word BODY with TEAM to show the application of this truth.

“For as the TEAM is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one TEAM, being many, are one TEAM: so also is Christ.” (vs 12) “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the TEAM, as it hath pleased Him. And if they were all one member, where were the TEAM? But now are they many members, yet but one TEAM. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the TEAM, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the TEAM, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the TEAM together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the TEAM; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.” (vss 18-26)

I pray that today you who are members of His body may BE ENCOURAGED THAT AS MEMBERS OF HIS SPECIAL TEAM YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN INDUCTED INTO HIS HALL OF FAME, AND ONE DAY WILL BE SEATED AT THE HEAVENLY BANQUET TABLE OF THE LAMB, AND THERE TO BE HIS TROPHY OF HONOUR!

ROADS TO BETHLEHEM: A LIGHT, ITS LEADING, AND LIVES CHANGED

2010-01-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

Several years ago I saw a movie that was made in Africa - the name of it was THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY - It was the story of a Kalahari Bushman whose tribe was out of touch with the modern world, and as such, limited in understanding of it. Imagine trying to make sense of anything which does not fit into one's every day existence. In the story, a COKE bottle is thrown from a passing plane, found and thought to be a "gift" from the gods by the village. It proves to be more of a curse than a blessing as the tribesmen begin to fight over it and eventually use it as a weapon. To keep peace in the village, the wise bushman decides to take the bottle to "the end of the earth" and throw it back to the gods. The movie follows his almost comic adventures as he tries to find and make contact with the "gods" to return the object. Of course, all he encounters he interprets in light of his limited understanding.

Scriptures to Consider: Matthew 2:1-12

As I considered this last in the series of what I have termed the "Roads to Bethlehem", this movie's storyline struck me as somewhat similiar to the story of the "Three Wise Men" of the nativity story. Whether kings, magi, or wise sages, theirs was a journey of discovery which began with limited knowledge of the LIGHT which was given them. They were scholars who studied the heavens to learn and increase their understanding of their world. They were humble seekers of truth - unlike the masses who were content to remain in ignorance - and certainly unwilling to pursue anything that would require them to change their lives for something beyond the tangible present, as difficult as it might be at times.

As we follow these wise men, we must first consider that they were given a "gift" of LIGHT. Logic tells us that if we are in the dark and looking for something, we need something to assist us in our search. DUH! WE NEED A LIGHT!

Now, their LIGHT came in the form of something which was not entirely a mystery to them. They studied the stars and it was a star that gave the LIGHT they needed to begin their journey into more LIGHT. Paul tells us in Romans 1:17-20 that God is revealed by His creation to those who would know Him. These wise men took what they saw and searched for more knowledge by its LIGHT. Just as the Kalahari Bushman did with the Coke bottle, they went in search of "gift's" source.

Now, these wise men took what was for them a natural course. They understood the LIGHT to come from the highest of origins so they went to the highest authority to discover the truth of the star's LIGHT. Thus they came to Herod's court to find the truth they sought.

How often do we fail to see the truth of God revealed in His creation around us. How blind we often remain, and thus ignorant of truths that God would have us discover about Him and His plan for us.

Following the LIGHT they had been given, it LED them to Jerusalem and they were given more LIGHT from the prophecies that were told to them. Like a man who is searching for clues to a buried treasure, each clue gives another part of the of the map that shows where the treasure is buried.

Do you know that God is constantly revealing more and more truth to those who will take the first step of faith's discovery? The problem is that many will not take the first step of discovery - afraid - sometimes that it will require them to change their lives, their selfish understanding of God, their own selfish wills, etc.

Considering the example of the Kalahari Bushman, he left his comfort zone to honestly pursue what he thought was right for his village. He would put back into the hands of the gods that which he felt was their property. In a way, that is what God calls on every man to do. The call is to take the LIGHT we have and return to Him. We have a call to leave our comfort zones and pursue what He has for us.

Now, consider the CHANGE OF LIFE that comes when we pursue the LIGHT that LEADS us down the road to Bethlehem. The wise men, when they had found the Christ Child - they recognized Him as the true King and gave him gifts that acknowledged Him as King (the gold), as High Priest to offer the sacrifice (the frankincense), and the purposed sacrifice (the myrrh of tradition's burial rites). They bowed in worship, and warned of God about Herod's true intent to slay the young "pretender" to his throne, THEY CHANGED THEIR JOURNEY'S COURSE.

So it is when one takes the LIGHT that is given and follows it and the clues that bring more LIGHT to its purpose - one is CHANGED forever by the LIGHT that God gives. Consider that the way that the wise men came was in accord with their understanding of God - they came by way of the worldly, but even here God led them by His Word to come before the Messiah. And when they left - they did so, not by way of the world (in this case - Herod), but went home another way.

Now, you have been given LIGHT. Will you discover more by letting God LEAD you into more truth, even though it means CHANGING your LIFE and bringing you out of your comfort zone?

Be encouraged! You've been given the proverbial "Coke" bottle - what will you do with it?

THE ROADS TO BETHLEHEM: WATCHERS, WORSHIP & WITNESS

2009-12-26T09:04:00.000-08:00

Three questions:

1. Have you ever really been truly scared over something you saw or heard that caused you to literally "shake in your boots?"

2. What would it take to make you leave your job or other important task and go to a place to go where something extra ordinary had taken place?

3. What kind of "gossip" would it take to send you running to a neighbor or friend to tell it?

Scriptures to consider: Luke 2:8-20

CONSIDER THIS, that it was just these kinds of questions that were answered by a group of shepherds who were WATCHING over the sheep on a hillside outside of Bethlehem on a certain night over 2000 years ago. Their responsibility was the WATCHCARE of a flock that they owned or that someone had given into their care. They were to WATCH for anything that would endanger those sheep, to provide a WATCH for good pasture and water to meet the needs of the flock.

In the midst of this task perhaps they had the occasion at night to gaze into the heavens and wonder at the vastness of it all. Maybe as they looked, they even wondered about their purpose in the whole of creation's existence, or perhaps they just took life a day at a time, with no idea of their importance in creation's movement. Which ever, their WATCHING on that certain night took on a significance they could not have dreamed!

Angels appeared in the sky and caused them to quake in fear, falling to their faces. Then came the words, "Don't be afraid!" Can you imagine their reaction? Put yourself in their sandals. Maybe they were thinking what I thought when I read it. "Yeah, sure. That's easy for you to say!" Then the news that was shared about a king, born in a stable, laying in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. The information did not jive with their limited knowledge of kings and their births. They knew stables, and mangers, and swaddling clothes, and this information did not fit with kings and palaces, and such an announcement certainly not given to lowly shepherds!

Now, these shepherds did, in spite of their fear, respond to follow the directions given by the angels, to leave their flocks and seek the new born king, and having found Him, they WORSHIPPED! The results of their WATCHING was WORSHIP, and it was not confined to the stable. Their coming and sight of the Lord proclaimed by the angel led to worship before the Child and was continued as they returned to their flocks. They praised and glorified God for the things that were revealed and that they experienced.

True WORSHIP is not just done when one enters the church building, or stable, as the case may be, for service to others and God has WORSHIP as its base root meaning. Their actions challenge our times and places of humility before the Lord in WORSHIP. Their coming and sight of the Lord fueled their WORSHIP's continued activity as they went back to work with the flock. The question for us is, "when we have left our work to come to worship, do we return to work and continue to worship, or have we left it behind at the church's door?" The shepherds challenge us to come and WORSHIP and then, having done so, return to our tasks with new habits of praise that glorify God through what we do and say.

Now, the WATCHERS turned WORSHIPPERS are given a new task to perform within the context of their normal work as shepherds. They were to become WITNESSES of all they had seen as it had been revealed to them. They were to be spreaders of the good news they had WITNESSED. They were to "gossip" the "gospel" message. And they did so!

The question now is - Have we as WATCHERS seen God anew today? Have we truly WORSHIPPED Him Whose truth is revealed? Are we going to go in that spirit of WORSHIP and WITNESS what we have seen and heard, as it has been revealed to us?

It is OUR ROAD TO BETHLEHEM. May we travel it faithfully, just as the shepherds did!

Be encouraged today as you move on this road.

BETHLEHEM'S ROAD: SACRIFICE, SUBMISSION & SERVICE

2009-12-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

I don't know about your preparations for a trip, but I am the world's worse "over-packer" when I get ready to be on the road anywhere. Ask my family if we've had experience packing for a trip. Their first response will be, "Which trip? We've spent our lives on the road or in the air going somewhere!" And for everyone of those, we carried along everything but the proverbial kitchen sink, and I still wonder if the weight of one of those trunks did not betray that we had even put that in for good measure.

I am making preparations to go to Israel in the near future with a few of my pastor colleagues. We've been told that our trip will be a busy road tour with teaching points where each of us will be taking a turn. The instructions were to pack light, as we will be moving from place to place with our gear. My thoughts at this point are, "What will I give up that I would normally take?" and "What rules do I need in mind as we travel?" Having lived overseas has made me fully aware that there are many "things" I just won't need or use and that each place has its own set of culturally determined rules "of the road."

The two words that describe my need to trim-back what I carry of life's stuff or lifestyle are SACRIFICE and SUBMISSION. Unless I am willing to give up some of what I call my possessions or submit to the accepted rules where I go, I'll not be permitted to participate in the third word's priority - SERVICE!

This brings me to the first couple of travelers that we meet in connection with the ROADS TO BETHLEHEM. Beginning nine months prior to Bethlehem's nativity event, Mary and Joseph were called to walk down the road of SACRIFICE and SUBMISSION to be of SERVICE to the Christ of Bethlehem.

Mary was called upon to SACRIFICE all she had known as a simple maiden of Nazareth, and her future plans for a traditional life with Joseph in the village. Her encounter with the angel Gabriel brought first fear, then doubt and faith as she was given information that to her seemed impossible. SACRIFICE describes what knowledge she had to give up to believe in a conception by Holy Spirit overshadowing. SACRIFICE also describes the good name and reputation she would lose in the community when she was found to be pregnant before her wedding was consummated with Joseph. But all of this she to put behind her in SUBMISSION to her commission to be of SERVICE to God, as shown in her words, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38)

Joseph, too, faced his own need to SACRIFICE upon learning that Mary was expecting a child before their marriage was officially sealed. To keep her from perhaps facing the judgement of being stoned for her supposed immorality, he would privately put her away. His encounter with the angel who informed him of the truth of the situation brought both SACRIFICE and SUBMISSION to follow the same commission of SERVICE in becoming the earthly father of God's Son. Matthew 1:24 records, "Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife."

So, these two entered upon the road to Bethlehem and the birth of the Son of God that they would name Jesus.

As we consider their preparations and the applications to our own lives there are astounding parallels which should be weighed. Consider first the SERVICE Mary was commissioned to give in the Lord's incarnation into life. As she was to be the vehicle of Christ's birth, so is every one who is called upon to believe in the reality of Christ's coming, for each one is called to allow Christ to be born anew in them. It's the new birth of Christ in the heart of every one who is SUBMISSIVE to the call of faith in Christ. The world also calls this impossible, but this idea must be SACRIFICED even as Mary's was. And further SACRIFICE is called for, as in the case of Mary and Joseph, who faced community condemnation for broken traditions. One's standing in the world community will face persecution, as well, when the life commitment to Christ's new birth is made known. But this must be so, for it is the rules of the road to Bethlehem's good news to be given to the world.

The question remains for each of us today, "At what point on the road to Bethlehem do we find ourselves?" For you who has yet to enter the road, Christ is calling you to SACRIFICE all you have known, to be SUBMISSIVE to God's call to repentance and faith, and the new birth of Christ in your life, and inter into His SERVICE as a new child of God. If you already have begun the journey, perhaps it is to lighten your worldly load by SACRIFICE, and SUBMIT to His continued call to faithful SERVICE as a spreader of the "good tidings which shall be to all people." (Luke 2:10)

Be encouraged today and look for another group on the road to Bethlehem next week.

INTRO TO THE ROADS TO BETHLEHEM

2009-12-07T05:50:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-21T20:08:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T04:57:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-09-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-08-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-08-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

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!

MY COUNTRY 'TIS OF THEE, SWEET LAND!

2009-07-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

Oh, how we take for granted this sweet land of liberty!

Everyday we growl and complain and frown at our fellow citizens, as they, too, exercise their right to drive on its highways. We become lost in our own circle of life, and fail to see around us many of our "sisters and brothers" who's circle is smaller and filled with more pain and distress than we've ever faced! We do not even give thanks for the daily bread that is in abundance in our markets, when even in this land there are those whose children cry because there is not a crust to be found in their homes! We watch our televisions, and see with untouched hearts, the world around us whose hearts bleed daily in want and bondage! Oh, when will we awake to the true call to freedom's banner!

Today is our nation's birthday! As we look at the lighted "candles" that fill the sky today in celebration, may there be a new resolve to take our freedom seriously, to learn to care and give space to those who, too, own its liberty, to reach out to enlarge the circles that often bind and distress our sisters and brothers, to thank God for bread by sharing it with those who lack its abundance, to move forward to LET OUR FREEDOM RING for the hearts of those of our world who've never known what it sounds like.

Oh, today of all days, truly live like it is GOD'S COUNTRY AND A SWEET LAND - FOR ALL!

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE WORLD ON JUNE 26, 1965?

2009-06-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

I began to research the internet today for what happened 44 years ago on this day. I came up somewhat empty. I did discover that in Belgium a political party named Wallon was formed, and of course, we were already in the midst of the conflict in Vietnam, an ongoing news maker for some time to come. But on that day, it seemed the world found no other history of importance to record. It was almost as if there was a pause.

Now, I am not claiming that everything in the world was put on hold for me on that date, but there was a significant event that took place in the heartland of North America, in the Ozark hills of northern Arkansas, in a tiny little community known as Burlington. There, in a rural country church, surrounded by witnesses who would attest to what occurred, two lives were joined in what is known as Holy Matrimony. Yours truly became one with a very special lady, and thus began a journey that would indeed reach around the world during the next forty-four years. When you think about it, the empty space on the world scene on June 26, 1965 was not so empty after all.

HAPPY 44TH ANNIVERSARY, DEAR, AND THANKS
FOR BEING MY JOURNEY COMPANION!

I just had to include this one because it is "different" - She says "but we're not smiling"!

Personally, I was nervously glad we were finally "marching" out, and she, well, I leave it

to you. Who do you think she was winking at, and why? 44 years later and I still am

finding out she knows me "like a book" and I'm still finding "new pages" to read about her!

Been there, done that?

Dear friends, let me add that there is no better way to spend a life "in the Lord" than with someone who shares your faith, your call, and your walk. Be encouraged today.

YOU KNOW YOU’RE IN THE WILD WHEN…

2009-06-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

…The neighbor’s dogs tree a raccoon on your deck…
Or…

· When life just seems to go-around-in-circles.

· When your ship comes in and you’re not ready.

· When you seem to be in someone else’s tea party.

· When life’s ups and downs leave you dizzy.

· When you can’t seem to get off the ground.

· When life’s heading for a drenching and you can’t stop it.

· When it seems your lifeboat can’t even save you from a splashing…
Just remember…

· To LAUGH because you’re NOT ALONE in the boat.

Our recent trip to Silver Dollar City with three grandsons gave us some thrills and WET chills as we experienced the various rides designed to either DIZZY-FY, FLUSTER-FY, MYSTIFY or DRENCH-A-FY (Pardon my words, for sometimes there is just no words to describe it.) And regardless of the nature of the rides or what it did to one’s insides, we lined-up for a repeat dose. Now, there’s a paradox! Of course, we “chalked” it all up to fun, and made some great memories with the grandsons.

It did put me in mind, however, of our lives and their seeming constant confrontations with that which doesn’t result in fun. Just the opposite! We get frustrated, anxious, fearful, and even sick in the midst of life’s variety of unwanted RIDES. And there are times when you see it coming and realize that you are powerless to avoid being hopelessly DRENCHED by it.

One paradoxical TRUTH that surfaced in my musings on the experiences of the day, was that sometimes that which we dread for its past affects on us, we will, with eyes open, STAND IN LINE to cause it to be repeated. Why do we do that? Do we forget, or are we waiting on God to keep us from doing that which we should not? I am afraid it is the latter. We like the excitement, the challenge of temptation’s draw upon us, but don’t want to pay the price of our yielding to its call.

The last picture of the lifeboat gives us a picture of what God would have us know about the experiences of life with its NEVER CEASING RIDES that challenge us. First, realize that we are not alone in the lifeboat. There are others who share our experience, so it is not unique to just us. Often, we cry out of such a crisis “WHY ME?” Well, it is not JUST YOU! Secondly, realize that there is ANOTHER WHO IS IN THE LIFEBOAT!. IN FACT, HE IS THE LIFEBOAT! You may be drenched, but IN HIM you won’t DROWN! It was His death on the cross that enables you to float above that eternal threat upon you. Finally, LAUGH WITH HIM as evidence of your ASSURANCE that regardless how rough the seas of our rescue, we ARE AND WILL BE VICTORIOUS IN HIM!

Oh, yes. What does the raccoon have to do with story? Well, after coming home to our house in the wild woods, the boys were sound asleep in the room just off the back deck. I was still awake, when suddenly the neighbor’s dogs began some serious howling. Amid this commotion, there was a lot of scratching, like something climbing on the vinyl siding. When I went to investigate…well, you see what I found. It was the first such critter we’d seen, aside from deer, squirrels and birds. YEP, WE LIVE IN THE WILD! The boys never woke up! In life, the wild need never destroy our peace and joy!

I Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above hat ye are able to bear; but will wiith the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

John 14:16-17, 27 "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you...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."

BE ENCOURAGED, FELLOW TRAVELERS!

THE BRIDLE AND BIT OF LIFE

2009-06-01T06:55:00.001-07:00

A model of strength, of submitted control,

The horse to his rider commits to his role.

If given his head he might charge on alone,

But trained to the reins he refuses to roam.

He responds to the touch of his rider's command,

The tug on the bit from the reins in his hand.

We, too, have the power that's given to us,

By our Rider and Lord, in Whom we can trust,

And when we commit our tongue to His rule,

He'll guard and will keep us from sin's speaking cruel,

And as did our Saviour to God's will commit,

We'll yield to His tug on our bridle and bit.

~jdb, 1-20-2007

A couple of years ago, I had the awesome opportunity to see a "Horse Whisperer" at work, taming an "unbroken" two-year old horse who had had little handling, and no contact with the "Whisperer" at all. As I watched the man go through the paces in the arena with this, at first, nervous pony with a stranger and a crowd to boot, I saw him gradually gain the confidence of the animal, indicate by gentle pressure and basic signals what was expected of him. The horse responded, took the bridle and bit without hesitation, then the saddle, and ultimately the weight of the rider without the bucking normally seen on the rodeo circuit. This done, the rider then guided with the reins, his steed around the arena. All of this took a total of about an hour and a half. Amazing. And what was even more amazing was that the "Whisperer" talked more to the crowd than to the horse. He kept a running commentary of what he was doing, and laced the whole of his presentation with a witness of how it related to the life of one who was, at first, not a Christian, but who, coming under conviction, began his move toward Christ. Every step he made with the horse he related in steps he'd taken in coming under the control of Christ in his life.

As I reflected on this scene and began to make a connection between the bridle and bit of God's control, I thought of the place where the control begins. There is nothing that creates more mischief in life than a person's tongue "out of control". What he or she says is most often the measure of how much or how little control they have on their whole body's action, good or bad.

How much control one has over his body total can be seen in how much control is kept on the tongue. It is the steering mechanism that moves the body one way or the other. The tongue out of control can ruin the Christian's witness, and its unbridled use can run over in destructive power the very ones who are the objects of God's love and life.

The control of the tongue, or speech, is pictured like the bridle and bit put into the horse's mouth. With it this most powerful of tamed animals can be guided and led to do the most amazing tasks. When tamed, a horse still has all his strength to do as he will, but he has placed his will under the control of the master of the reins, and has submitted to the bridle and bit which guide him in the use of his power.

In the same way, when the child of God has committed and submitted to the indwelling master of his life, he has received the potential of God's "watch" upon his lips, the bridle and bit of God's guiding Holy Spirit. Our supreme example of a life under control, with His reins secure in the will and purpose of His Father's hands, is Jesus. He, the righteous power and might, when condemned and abused undeservedly, opened not His mouth in defense or condemnation. He, Who had the bidding of angels, kept Himself under the controlling reins of the Almighty's will, and died upon the cross. Ho, all the earth, keep silence before such a One, and submit to the bit and bridle of God!

Psalms 141:3 "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: keep the door of my lips."

Ecclesiastes 3:7 "A time to rend, and a time to sow: a time to keep silence, and a time to speak."

Isaiah 53:7 "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth."

Titus 2:8 "Sound speech, that cannot be condemned: that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, have no evil thing to say of you."

James 3:2 "For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."

James 1:26 "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."

Be encouraged today in all you say and do, that it is in responce to God's bridle and bit.

THE SAGA OF A-RESTED SWINGER!

2009-05-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

Today's BBB (Barnabas Brief Blog) is given with a little tongue in cheek related to the last two days of activity around our house. I do have a point, so wade through the rest with me and I will get to it as I close.

Yesterday and today were "honey do" list days at our house. One project was the securing and installation of a new porch swing. I had planned on building one because what I had seen was either too expensive or not quite the right color and design. Day before yesterday as I was traveling back from a trip to the Passion Play grounds at Eureka Springs, AR, with my Broco (Brother Cousin) I spotted a road side shop where a man was displaying several items made of cedar, including several swings. We stopped and found one exactly the right size, price, color and design, so we loaded it into the van and I brought it home. Immediately, the honey do list inceased by one project in the #1 position of priority.

After much very technical computation, and the application of hand saw, level, electric drill, tape measure, more leveling and a great deal of applied "sweat" to grease the swing, here is the result:

Today the list required another town visit to pick up potting soil, mulch and 440 pounds of decorative cement border blocks (40 of them). I picked up each one a total of probably 8 times from the stack at Home Depot to their final resting place around a new flower bed. (NOTE TO SELF: Muscles in arms need to be carefully watched for major expansion.) Arriving home, I took a quick nap and began the process of developing another piece of technical computation - how to build a flower bed border with rounded corners and use exactly the right number of bricks without piecing the last brick. My supervisor's keen eye (supervisor, i.e. the "honey" of the "do" list) gave several suggestions to which I was the willing "sweat-ee" in, again, lifting the blocks a few more times. Seriously, the suggestions were correct! Well, you can see the results in this picture of an 8 by 12 oblong flower bed.

Now, to quote from my vast french repertoire, I arrive at the "creme de la creme" or the "piece de resistance" of my day.

I don't know why the French say "piece de resistance" when I felt no RESISTANCE at all!

Yes, I take the WORD seriously when it says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Take a big HINT from this BLOG - regardless of what you do as far as physical, emotional or spiritual labor that wears you down, find a SWING if you can, but ALWAYS RESPOND TO HE WHO CAN TRULY GIVE YOU REST! Be encouraged!

GET YOUR OWN DIRT!

2009-05-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

Of all the things that man can do,
There’s really nothing that is new.
He copies all of what he sees
Of what’s been done that he perceives.
Invention, discov’ries, are not from “thin air”
For they come to past from what has been there.
There’s only been One Creator of new,
And He is the One Who made me and made you.
~jb, 5-25-2009

I like the joke I was told at church yesterday. I had been sharing a doctrinal message on the subject of man’s creation, making reference to him being God’s crowning creative work, and as such the goal of God’s creation of the world and all of its life. Obviously, this is not the same conclusion theorized by much of the scientific community, who see man as merely an evolutionary product of nature’s billion year developmental ooze. I question the age – Did they find a date written on something? – And the “ooze” – What nothingness did that come from anyway?

Ah, yes, the joke! Well, it seems that the scientists contacted preachers from all of the major denominations. They invited them to a special meeting and told them that they had discovered that God was no longer needed, that they had been able to create a man and would demonstrate their discovery for them. The preachers invited God to attend the meeting with them, and He and they were at the appointment. The scientists began to prepare their demonstration by filling a bucket with dirt, which they poured out on the floor of the lab. Then, before they could do anything else, God stepped forward and blew the dirt away. He then told them, “GET YOUR OWN DIRT!”

I am so amazed at the utter audacity of those who theorize (theory is not fact) that there is no God involved in the existence of the universe and all that is within it, and to arrive at their conclusions, they depend upon what God has provided as a resource of tools for their discoveries. They say all started with a big bang, but they never answer the question of what exploded in the first place. I wrote a little verse several years ago that illustrates this bit of theory.

If the universe expanded
From a small but weighty ball,
By whose pow’r was it compacted,
And whose hand was then retracted,
To fufil a goal protracted,
Giving reason for us all?
~jb, 3-2-1991

The standard come-back from those who deny the existence of God is that they believe only “what they can see” or perceive with their senses, or are able to understand. They never seem to take into account the very nature of what the term GOD implies. If He were able to be understood completely, He would not be GOD, who by definition is so superior to man’s highest thoughts that man cannot attain to Him, unless that door of access be opened by GOD Himself. And of course, that is exactly what He has done in giving the Bible as a revelation of Himself.

Another rational expressed by those who would deny a greater and more supreme intellect than their own is the similarity between the material makeup of man and his animal/organic environment. They propose that the shared micro and physiological structure of both indicates an evolutionary development of one into the other. Well, duht! It is a wise Creator, indeed, Who insures all of the resources of life in complimentary availability are in place before the man is “moved” into his new home. Because I can eat a carrot and glean nourishment from it does not mean I used to be a carrot!

And, as I have often said to those who pose why God didn’t create His crowning work, man, first; what would man breath, or eat, or where would he stand? God made him as His finished work, adaptable to and as caretaker of the rest of creation, along with personhood to receive and return God’s greatest gift and trait, His love.

Invariably, the question of sin then enters the mix. Why did God allow sin in such a perfect environment, if He truly purposed man to be the recipient of His love and care, and capable of returning it in kind? Evolution of a developmental “ooze” can never explain the presence of man’s complex self-awareness and conscious ability to love and live sacrificially by choice. Even the presence of instinctive sacrifice in the animal world cannot reach its measure. Man alone has the capacity to choose, to self determine his actions, good or bad. Such knowledge and choice is not within the animal’s prerogative.

Herein lies an answer to the question of sin’s entrance. Had God’s purpose been to merely create a garden with a perfect caretaker who could only act out a programmed set of “farming” instructions, sin would not even be discussed, and even this writing ever conceived. But because God’s purpose was to have a created object of His love nature, and one with whom He could intimately fellowship in “give and take” relations, He gave man a free will with capacity to choose to love or not to love, to obey or disobey, to do right or to sin.

Then knowing in His infinitely omniscient mind how that free will would exercise an imperfect choice and sin, He pre-arranged for man’s redemption before creation’s beginning. Then, in its beginning, He put His plan into action, a plan culminating in the birth and human life, then death and resurrection of His own Son, Jesus Christ, as payment for man’s sin and restoration to full fellowship with God for eternity.

So, worldly wise, here’s your paradoxical challenge. Try to prove my God doesn’t exist, but in doing so, be honest. “GET YOUR OWN DIRT!”

Genesis 1:27-28 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

Genesis 2:7 “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

Genesis 3:1-24 records the story of man’s choice and sin’s entrance.

John 3:16-18 “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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Dear friends and believers in Christ, be encouraged today. This is my prayer.

COME UP HERE...AND SEE!

2009-05-23T05:11:00.000-07:00

Our journey in life is a daily climb,

From earthly-bound realms to that called sublime.

So also in Christ, we live t'ward new heights,

With experiences rich in blessed delights.

But lest we should falter in our upward climb,

And lose depth of knowing this One who's Divine,

We'll respond to His call to "come up...and see"

And there find revealed all He wants us to be.

~jb, 3-17-07

During the time of our missionary service in Asia, we had the opportunity to spend some time in northern India, in the Himalayan foothills. On a clear day, at 7000 feet where we stayed, the scene was beautiful. We loved to hike the many trails that covered the ridge where we were lodging, and at times I would be in the lead, urging my wife and two daughters to keep up as we moved up to the crest of the ridge. As I arrived the first time I found myself uttering the words, "come up and see", for before us we were able to see the snow-capped range toward Mt. Everest, a sight that caused the lower scenes to pale in comparison. Since that time almost twenty-five years ago, my mind has often retraced that journey with a longing to somehow recapture the experience we had.

When John was given the Revelation he recorded, and that door in heaven was opened for his eyes to behold the throne and He who sat upon it in all His glory, how he must have recalled another high place and the vision of Christ transfigured before him. It was a foretaste of the glory to be revealed.

The Christian journey, too, has levels which we are called to "come up..." and see. As we live daily the very highest and best that we know, God will ever call us up higher, to experience the relationship with Him that is even more beautiful.

As He calls you to this, respond immediately and begin applying yourself to live in the new heights. If He has revealed it, it is within your ability to reach and you will not be disappointed in the new vision it gives.

As the vision of Christ transfigured gave the disciples new intimacy for living and ministry in the valley, so our climb and focus on Christ will strengthen us to be all that Christ wants us to be. But hesitation may bring a cloud that blocks the light that would have revealed it and granted you the vision and relationship He desired that you would share. So don't hesitate, but "come up...and see".

Revelation 4:1 "Come up here, and I will show you..."

Matthew 17:1-2, 8 "And after six days, Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them...and when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only."

Be encouraged in your journey climb today, and see only Jesus!

HE AIN'T HEAVY!

2009-05-21T05:25:00.000-07:00

Lord, I oft' cry, it's heavy, how can I go on?
With the weight of this burden my strength is all gone.

Lord, help me to shoulder this weight given me,

That my journey's high purpose would glorify Thee.

Lord, thank You for bearing my greatest life load,

As You did for my sin, freeing me on life's road.

And now, Lord, I'm ready to bear life with no other,

For I've found its weight easy with You, my Elder Brother.

~jb, 4-13-2005

I am reminded of the story of the motto for Boy's Town, an organization that traditionally cares for wayward youth. It grew out of a drawing of a young man walking down a road, carrying a younger boy on his back, because the child was obviously unable to do so on his own. A kind-hearted motorist pulled over to give them a ride to their destination, and as he stopped, he asked this question, "Isn't he a heavy load, son?" The reply was full of meaning but simply stated. "Sir, he ain't heavy, he's my brother."

We are often the weary "in well doing" because we have either incorrectly assumed a burden whose purpose only slows us down and wearies our journey, or we have failed to recognize our traveling Partner, Who would shoulder the greater part of the weight that bears down upon us. The young man's perspective made the difference between a wearying task and a weight measured and borne in love.

Christ is the Great Burden-Giver and Burden-Sharer, as well. On the cross where He bore all the weight of sin on Himself, Christ echoed the young man's sentiments, "Heavy? Yes, but they are My brothers!" Some burdens He'd not have us carry at all. Sin and doubt are such, already borne by Him to death, and no longer to be borne by His children at all. Still others are allowed, but with a significant difference. They come as the parcels of life itself, born out of purpose in a world where the road is not smooth nor down-hill. In these, the key is perspective and yoked-partnership with our strong-shouldered Saviour and Lord. An old chorus shares this sentiment, "rolled away, every burden of my heart rolled away."

Psalm 55:22 "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain thee."

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Perhaps added meaning may be applied to us as we reflect the "burden-bearing" of the Saviour for us. Are we not commissioned to, in like manner, "bear one another's burdens?" Imagine how it would change our perspective, and subsequently, our neighbors, both near and far.

Yes, imagine that and be encouraged today, my brothers and sisters!

WHINE OR WINE?

2009-05-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

I'm pressed with a burden, I often complain.

It's hard to live daily the strain of His name.

"Oh, God," I oft' pray. "Please take it away,

And give in its place an easier day."

But the answer He gives I cannot refute,

The burden is needed lest His strength I dilute.

The press that is given, it comes from His hand,

And its purpose is squeezing-forth wine that is grand.

And this wine is the fruit of my link to the Vine,

The joy of His strength with roots all Divine.

"So, Lord, give me burdens, Your strength to complete,

That the wine I produce will be heavenly sweet."

~jb, 4-14-2004

One of the pictures of harvesting the fruit of the land that conveys a difficult spiritual truth is that of the grape. Many, of course, find their way "whole" into the marketplace, but much of this fruit must be put through a lot of pressure to squeeze out its essence. If the grape were able to feel and express its pain during this process, it would be a story of great suffering.

The Christian life is bound for such a press! As Jesus was in His life on earth, so will we be as we identify with Him. We are to be harnessed with Him to produce that which is the best. In truth, the burden is the pressure He provides that presses the grapes of our life to produce the wine of joy. And those whose lives have this joy in evidence seem to have no burdens at all. Oswald Chambers says we must lift the veil from our eyes to the see the burden press that gives off peace, light, and the joy of God. If, however, we complain under the strain, we'll miss the pleasure of pressure and the wine of His strength will spoil on the vine.

Oh, child of God, be encouraged with the strength God gives within such burden born of His Spirit. Such power is invincible in this world. When you are pressed of Him, what shall be the produce, a whine or wine?

Matthew 11:29, "Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me..."

Isaiah 40:29, "...to those who have no might He increases strength."

Nehemiah 8:10, "...the joy of the Lord is your strength."

Be encouraged today, Christian friend, and be as Sweet as He!

IN THE CLOSET WITH GOD

2009-05-19T04:59:00.000-07:00

Did you rise, dear Brother and Sister today,
And go to the garden with Jesus to pray?
Amid preparations to face the Lord's task,

Did you walk with the Lord,

For His strength did you ask?

How easy to dress and groom ourselves so,

Then nourish our bodies with food on the go,

And then in the lateness of time to oft' say,

"It won't hurt this one time if I do not pray."

Oh, Brother and Sister, it does hurt indeed.

You've said, "Lord, today Your help I don't need."

You have gone out prepared in all but your heart,

And this is the place where your hurts will all start.

But if you rise daily, and with the Lord talk,

He'll prepare you for meeting the needs of your walk.

And you He will strengthen to show in His care

That this kind of living comes only by prayer.

~jb, 6-6-94

Have you ever faced a day that brought on unexpected experiences that tried you to the breaking point? You were faced with situations and people you were just not prepared to confront and you found yourself struggling to cope, to have the right answers, or strength to endure that and what you began to fear might be a continued struggle all day long. Been there, done that?

Well, I have, and on reflection I recognize that daily living becomes such a habitual activity that I find myself preparing for it quite unconsciously. There are certain ways that I have of moving through the necessities of that period before leaving for work, and they become second nature to me. There are times, I confess, that amid a busy schedule, I have found it too easy to arise late, rush through all of my preparations except the most important of all. I begin that day without conscious acknowledgement and submission to the Lord's will and strength to accomplish what may face me.

How much better to rise and immediately "enter my closet" with the Lord, allow Him to choose my spiritual "clothing" that is fit for the day He alone knows, and go out in the strength He alone can provide.

Jesus gave us the answer in Matthew 6:6 "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to the Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

Today, my Brothers and Sisters, be encouraged to start your day with that which is necessary to meet all of the unexpected experiences of life.

THINKIN'S NOT STINKIN'!

2009-05-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

Did you ever hear or said it so,
That you don’t think when you watch a show?
You want to just relax and “veg”
And not always “sit on the edge”?
I know that I’ve been told I get
So into what I’m viewing, and yet,
I’m looking for those plots behind
The action that so many don’t find.
Why do I like the shows like Monk?
The Mentalist and Sherlock Holmes ain’t junk!
Well, here’s the reason why it’s so,
That I like to think deep when I watch a show.
I seek for that which redeems the plot,
For today there’s many whose plot does not!
I pit my mind against the stars
Who have the script without the scars.
They don’t require the thought it took
To really apprehend the crook.
But they help me stretch my mind
To second guess and best their find.
But overall my drive for thought
I do believe has higher ought!
If I just veg and forget what’s shown
When I have finished that time is gone.
But if my mind’s had exercise
My mind’s turned on and grown in size.
When matching wits of daring do
My mind’s creative juices flew,
And when I’ve finished and solved the plot,
The time I’ve used is wasted, not!
So, next time try one that makes you think,
Perhaps, with these thoughts, it won’t stink!

Yesterday morning I woke from a very vivid dream sequence in which I was part of a group of television producers who were discussing how to improve the image of the latest “Sherlock Holmes” series. (To my knowledge, no such series is in process though a lot of old films are being remade so…who knows) In the group was the star of the show, whom I recognized as a very talented person in the role. As I recall from the discussion around the table, many were of the opinion that what was needed was some kind of toy that would be representative of the Holmes character. I countered with my argument that the popularity of the show was and is determined by its main character’s uncanny ability to see clues where others cannot. The sense of mystery that surrounds the plot excites the imagination and draws the viewers into the story in their attempts to figure out the climax before it actually is revealed at the end. My thought was that a toy would diminish the creative interaction of the viewers with the ongoing plot of the show. It would cheapen its value, which indeed does more in exercising the mind’s ability to think through complex problems.

Now before you ask the question, “where is this blog going?” Let me explain that the night before, my wife and I had had this discussion regarding how involved I become in the plot of “edge of the seat” shows, and I had attempted to explain my approach and how I am continually examining movies for their redeeming value, resulting in often becoming very involved in the ongoing plots. I suppose it is the way I am “wired” in looking at the stories being played out on TV or in movies, or even as I used to do as a youngster, in becoming absorbed in a story from a book. I know I would become so involved in the book I was reading that my mother’s call to do my chores went on deaf ears. As I have grown, though “selective hearing” seems onset, I have attempted to be responsive to “important calls” to other duties. I confess that I do so with some degrees of disappointment when the story’s climax is missed. If I know of other priorities in the making, I’d rather not even begin to watch an unfolding drama. I would imagine most feel the same way in this regard.

Have you been there? I am sure that many have the same kind of responses. There are others who have different approaches that do not become so intensely involved in the mental gymnastics. They prefer to watch a movie that allows them to be affirmed and feel good or inspired without the interaction with characters and plot. They are not wrong, they simple enter the area of this entertainment medium with a different purpose, and can, as a result, leave the action in process without as many hanging questions. Others require a kind of closure that comes from a clean conclusion with no unresolved mysteries.

Specifically, I enjoy series such as “Monk” and “The Mentalist” because they are written with a great deal of attention to the Holmes kind of investigation and pursuit. When the old Sherlock Holmes character said, “The game’s afoot” and began his pursuit of clues, I was always hot on his heels with his partner Dr. Watson coming in third.

If you’re still puzzling over my intent in this blog, perhaps a simple explanation is that it is some personal diary-like notes that may help someone else verbalize their own “wiring” or, perhaps just to help you understand a little more about mine. In any case, I do want to draw from this what I consider to be related spiritual truth.

On the subject of the mind and its ability to assimilate and process information, I am always struck by some writing by Paul to the Philippian Christians. He sets forth an important principle when he writes, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind…let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:2, 5) When I think of the mind of Christ, I can see intensity of focus on discovery of God’s will, and making it the primary watchword for daily processing and action. So it should be with all believers, determining the Father’s will and, given their own particular gifted purpose in it, respond to follow its leading. Paul also wrote to the Roman Christians some related principles about the mind’s processing. “…be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2) Herein is the bit of “detective” work of the believer defined. It is a continued search for God’s perfectly good will, and is a pursuit of an active mind.

On this note, I am reminded of those who profess a different philosophy of mental gymnastics in their attempts to unlock the mysteries of the spiritual realm. They are told they must clear their minds of thought, and thus let the mind rise to higher realms. The quote, “Idle mind is the devil’s workshop”, comes to mind. Like the natural force of gravity, the mind which is emptied of active discovery and pursuit of God’s mind, will “fall” down and not up!

So, my friend, take a page from my self-disclosure, and the whole Book from God’s, THINK AND BE ENCOURAGED TODAY!

2009-05-09T06:56:00.000-07:00

AH, MOTHER’S DAY!

The memories come flooding in as I recall what I can of the 65 years I had the privilege of knowing my mother. There were a lot of moves and changes in my early life, but the one unchanging and strong stay was mom. I learned not only a mother’s care and love, but lessons which would serve me well throughout my life with its own varied experiences.

· When her marriage failed, she did not, but worked hard to provide for my sister and me. She did not cast blame but taught us dad was still dad in spite of their failure. Her loss of two other daughters, one older and one younger than me, was hard but she persevered.

· When she married my stepdad, she became mother to two others, my new stepbrothers, and did not fail to provide equal love and care for us all.

· She taught me manners, good behavior, and clean speech through her own lifestyle, with a little help from an elm tree switch and the promised bar of Lava soap that fortunately I never had to experience first hand, er, mouth.

· She filled my life with stories of extended family that gave me a respect for my roots and a desire to be the best I can be for those who follow me.

· She was the “glue” that held all of the extended family together, both her siblings and all of their children. And even their children all knew and loved their “nanny” as she was known.

· She praised my early discoveries of skill and talent and thus encouraged me to pursue a lot of avenues of excellence in all my endeavors.

· When I came to discover that I was a sinner before God, then finally to respond to His love’s call, she was the one to whom I went for counsel, and limited though she was as one without Christ herself, she directed my path toward Him. Then realizing her own need, responded, and together with my sister and I, was baptized.

· When I joined the navy and was gone for four years from home, home and mom were kept close through her letters in beautiful penmanship. Did I tell you that my own she was careful to encourage early on?

· When I realized God’s call to ministry and began preaching, she would often go with me to my first appointments.

· When I married, she drew my wife into the family circle with equal love and care for her needs, and because she was a member of the same small congregation, reached out to my new in-laws with encompassing care.

· When my wife and I left our hometown to study and serve in other states, she was always on hand to drive, often along with with my mother-in-law, to wherever we were, be it one of our children’s birth, our son’s death, our graduations from college and seminary, or just simply to say, “I love you, you’re not alone.”

· When we went as missionaries on the other side of the world, she saved her money, and traveled to that land to visit us, discover for herself our work, and return home to be a special missionary, come home to tell others about the work in Asia.

· As we worked overseas, she took on the task of our “at home” business manager, paying our credit card bills and managing our bank account at home. A sharp mom, she kept us on the “black” side of the ledger.

· When our oldest daughter graduated from high school in Bangkok, Thailand, and came home for college, mom became her special “mom” while we were still overseas.

· When our work returned us stateside and only a few hours from her, again she traveled to be with us and the girls, whether just for a visit, to attend their weddings, or to be on hand to hold new great grands.

· She was on hand with compassion when my wife’s parents passed away, and stepped in to fill the role of surrogate.

· When her own failing health brought her to the close of her earthly task just two years ago last month, on my 65th birthday, not a week away from her final journey, she sang me a solo of “Happy Birthday” from the bed she would never leave in this life.

Before I leave this narrative of praise, let me include these “moms”, as well.

· My wife’s mother, too, was a gracious and caring mom to me and she is greatly missed by all who knew her.

· My children’s mother, too, is special in many of the ways my own was. And though she often questions why I call her “mom”, the name I picked up from our girls, I think its just comfortable, and perhaps I see the character of my own mom in her, too.

· My grandchildren’s moms, my two daughters. You know, my own mother’s compassionate care, love and wisdom I see more and more in them, too.

AH YES, MOTHER’S DAY!

And why not? The book of wisdom, Proverbs tells us why:
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies…She…worketh willingly with her hands…She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household…She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy…Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed.” (Verses 10, 13, 15, 20, 25-28)

Dear MOMs, wherever and whoever you are, be encouraged for your work is not in vain.

BEEN CRUSHED LATELY?

2009-05-06T15:27:00.000-07:00

Recently I came across a quote that was attributed to Mark Twain. Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.

Oh, the images that this conjured up in my mind. One came from a movie I remember from the late nineties entitled “What Dreams May Come” with actor Robin Williams playing the lead. While the theology of the plot is questionable, it did portray some real emotions which do impact people, and perhaps invade their dreams at times.

The plot is a story of a family’s loss of a child, which drives the mother to suicide, and the father into his own private depression. In a dream-like pursuit to rescue his wife from the grips of judgment, one believed to have been given her because she took her own life, he makes a guided descent into the very depths of hell.

The images that brought the movie to mind grew out of the wife’s impressionistic paintings, where she had captured their first meeting on a beautiful hillside of flowers growing above a lake. It had become their emotional retreat of peace, and was the ideal final rest he hoped she’d ultimately find. His entrance into the dream sequence was through her painting, with the result that he “walked” through fields of painted flowers. Hence, my use of the picture with paint covering his clothes, and the imagery that Mark Twain’s quote brought to mind.

Interestingly enough, the character’s ultimate confrontation with his wife dealt with issues of forgiveness, compassion, and even self-sacrifice for the love of another. These gave the movie redeeming value, even in the midst of its faltering theology.

So, what about this idea of forgiveness…the fragrance of the violet on the heel that has crushed it? Mark Twain’s quote denotes a very basic Christian virtue. The willingness to bless the very ones who bruise us is basic to the very nature of the Christian faith. Jesus, Himself, from the cross of Calvary, uttered the watchwords of this virtue when He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Yet, for all of this, forgiveness remains an unfilled character trait, even for those who claim Christ’s forgiveness for their own sins and even failure to forgive others. Quite a paradox is this and addressed by Christ this way following His Lord’s Prayer instruction: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

People who harbor unforgiveness make the usual excuses to justify their actions, but taking Christ’s words to heart, in addition to His example, their path seems a dangerous one to tread. On the other hand, if we would take the path of forgiveness we would find it not as difficult as it seems. The key is to send out love’s “violet fragrance” when we are ground under the heel of others. Unselfish sacrifice to love beyond another’s abusive behavior is to put on the garment Jesus wears. The result is a perfume of life that can bless us as well as the “heel” that crushes.

Toward his wife’s forgiveness, Williams’ character echoed Paul’s love and desire that his people Israel might come to the truth. In Romans 9:3 he writes, “For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren…” He would give up his own claim to eternity’s peace for them to gain it. What a fragrance that gives!

Do you realize that it is only when a flower is crushed that it releases an abundance of its essence into the air?

Dear friends, I pray that your perfume of crushing is of such compassionate sweetness, that you and others will be encouraged today.