Every year at this time I find myself quoting Clement Moore’s description of the “jolly old elf whose belly shook like jelly.” There is something wonderful about the thought of a benevolent grandfather figure who slips down chimneys and deposits gifts for “good little girls and boys.”
But, as I reflect on my childhood, I realize that I was duped by well-intentioned parents into thinking that this benevolent grandfather was watching me all the time to see if I was bad or good. So I tried to be “good for goodness sake.” I found myself performing for a treat, much like an animal conditioned to “beg” for a bone. And, if I hadn’t been all that good, I resigned myself to my fate, realizing that I could most likely expect a lump of coal or a bundle of switches, because that was what my misbehavior merited.
This kind of thinking spilled over into my life of faith as well. I fell prey to the unbiblical notion that I must be good for God’s sake. After all, God is more ubiquitous than Santa, and much more powerful. If Santa can see me when I’m sleeping and knows when I’m awake, how much more does God know about me? “You’d better watch out,” I thought to myself.
Then I learned about grace, and came to understand that God didn’t come to earth as a baby because I’d been a good little boy and deserved his love. He came into my world because he knew me in the ugliness of my sin, and loved me and accepted me in spite of all that.
Religious people have a hard time accepting this unconditional love that is totally undeserved. They want to do something to earn it. They pride themselves on how well they keep the rules of their faith, thinking that God is pleased with their efforts. Jesus said that they have their reward. Their reward is in being good, and in trying to “outgood” one another. They pride themselves on how much better able they are than others to please God with their religious behavior. This gives new meaning to the term “comparative religion.” We compare ourselves to each other instead of comparing ourselves to God’s perfect law, which declares that there is none righteous – not one. It must break God’s heart to see the ways we strive to please him and earn his favor, when what he wants is simply faith. He wants us to simply respond to his love through faith in Christ, his only Son.
Brennan Manning illustrates this love in a wonderful story.
In 1980, the day before Christmas, Richard Ballenger’s mother in Anderson, South Carolina, was busy wrapping packages and asked her young son to shine her shoes. Soon, with the proud smile that only a seven-year-old can muster, he presented the shoes for inspection. His mother was so pleased, she gave him a quarter.
On Christmas morning as she put on the shoes to go to church, she noticed a lump in one shoe. She took it off and found a quarter wrapped in paper. Written on the paper in a child’s scrawl were the words, “I done it for love.” (citation: Brennan Manning, Shipwrecked at the Stable, in Watch for the Light, Plough Publishing House, 2001)
The shepherds gathered around a feed trough in a smelly barn must have wondered why God would choose to take on flesh, especially in such lowly environs. What was the good news of great joy that was announced by the angels? Simply this: God sent his Son as a sacrifice for the sins of all mankind – and he “done it for love.”
Monday, December 19, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Abundant Joy
For the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
We Christians have much to be joyful about. Consider this: your sins are forgiven; you have a heavenly Father who loves you, who delights in you, and who gives you the strength and guidance of His Holy Spirit every moment of every day. Furthermore, you have a home in heaven where you will spend all eternity with Jesus and all of God’s family. The list of reasons for joy goes on and on. Paul reminds us that joy is at the heart of the Christian life.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17
Here is a story to illustrate one source of joy for me. A few years ago I took my two eldest grandchildren, Kathryn and Jakob, to pick up an orchid for their great-great-grandmother, Velma Russell, known to all as Mimi. During our shopping adventure we decided to visit WalMart. On the way in Jakob noticed the golden arches over the door. “Papa,” he said, “I see the Madonald’s sign. You know, I’m kinda thirthty.”
So the three of us sat down to enjoy a soft drink and to talk about serious life issues, such as why it’s important to put a lid on a cup and the things Papa used to do with the wrappers from the straws.
Then we made a swing through the toy department. We spent most of our time in the section which contains the books that make sounds. We tried each one of them. I especially liked the one that contained my favorite cartoon characters – Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Tweetie and Sylvester. Jake and I pushed every button in that book, and laughed at each sound. Whoever said that grandpas were just “old little boys” hit the nail on the head. Meanwhile, Kathryn was having her own little party looking at and listening to a book about Pocahontas.
It occurs to me that such merriment is part and parcel of the Christian life. We have been called to joy. We can rejoice even in the midst of struggle, because we know that our lives are in God’s hands and that our futures are secure. Let’s drink deeply from the fountain of God’s love and live every moment in the joy of the Lord.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
We Christians have much to be joyful about. Consider this: your sins are forgiven; you have a heavenly Father who loves you, who delights in you, and who gives you the strength and guidance of His Holy Spirit every moment of every day. Furthermore, you have a home in heaven where you will spend all eternity with Jesus and all of God’s family. The list of reasons for joy goes on and on. Paul reminds us that joy is at the heart of the Christian life.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17
Here is a story to illustrate one source of joy for me. A few years ago I took my two eldest grandchildren, Kathryn and Jakob, to pick up an orchid for their great-great-grandmother, Velma Russell, known to all as Mimi. During our shopping adventure we decided to visit WalMart. On the way in Jakob noticed the golden arches over the door. “Papa,” he said, “I see the Madonald’s sign. You know, I’m kinda thirthty.”
So the three of us sat down to enjoy a soft drink and to talk about serious life issues, such as why it’s important to put a lid on a cup and the things Papa used to do with the wrappers from the straws.
Then we made a swing through the toy department. We spent most of our time in the section which contains the books that make sounds. We tried each one of them. I especially liked the one that contained my favorite cartoon characters – Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Tweetie and Sylvester. Jake and I pushed every button in that book, and laughed at each sound. Whoever said that grandpas were just “old little boys” hit the nail on the head. Meanwhile, Kathryn was having her own little party looking at and listening to a book about Pocahontas.
It occurs to me that such merriment is part and parcel of the Christian life. We have been called to joy. We can rejoice even in the midst of struggle, because we know that our lives are in God’s hands and that our futures are secure. Let’s drink deeply from the fountain of God’s love and live every moment in the joy of the Lord.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Jake's First Start
This story is from the Harrisonburg VA Daily News Record. (www.dnronline.com)
BRIDGEWATER — Harrisonburg High School senior quarterback Jake Durden had a rough start to his varsity career, going 2-for-8 passing with a couple of fumbled snaps and two sacks in the first quarter.
But, boy, did he finish.
Trailing 14-0, the Blue Streaks rallied behind Durden’s four touchdowns — three through the air — while capitalizing on a go-ahead two-point conversion with 6:23 left and a late fumble recovery to defeat Turner Ashby 36-35 on Friday night in an instant classic to kick off the 2011 season.
“I can’t stand too many of these,” HHS first-year coach Chris Thurman said while catching his breath. “But I’ll take them any way I can get them.”
HHS and TA will meet again on Sept. 23 at Harrisonburg in the Valley District opener. Friday’s game did not count as a district game.
Down 35-28 with less than seven minutes to play, Durden calmly flipped a shovel pass to senior running back Corbin Whitelow for 26 yards to avoid the pass rush. The very next play, the 6-foot-3, 192-pound quarterback stood in and took a lick, but not before uncoiling a 37-yard strike to junior Issiah Smith, who regained his balance after making a spectacular stumbling catch.
“I was on the ground, but I saw him get in and take out the side judge, or whoever that was back there,” Durden said. “I saw the man coverage and tried to put it up there for him. He’s a great playmaker.”
Then, Thurman rolled the dice, opting for an option pitch play for two and the lead.
“We had been playing from behind the whole game, so I was hoping to get some momentum,” Thurman said. “You’ve got to take a risk down there.”
Junior Kasaan Fields took the snap and looked for the pitch. Pressured, the play broke down in a hurry, but the speedy Fields kept would-be tackles at arms’ length and somehow found the end zone around the left corner — precious points on what became the game-winning play.
“It was a called play, but it wasn’t that play,” Fields said. “… I was supposed to pitch it. I just used my speed. I just kept my feet moving.”
For three-plus quarters, the Knights were in control.
Running behind a beefy offensive line, junior running back Keenan Jordan steadily gashed the HHS defense. The two-way starter ran for 82 of his 114 yards in the second half, scoring three touchdowns in the game.
“Keenan was like an iron man,” TA coach Charlie Newman said. “… He becomes a different person with the ball in his hands. He was on the sidelines looking like he was about to die… but he really impressed me with a lot of guts there at the end.”
TA’s self-inflicted wounds in the form of 10 penalties and three turnovers helped gradually sway the momentum over to the Streaks, who took full advantage.
After managing to trim the deficit to 21-14 before halftime with a 1-yard Whitelow plunge and a two-point conversion run by Durden, HHS forced TA’s first punt of the night. Then, Durden —– who threw a picture perfect 20-yard TD to Corey Stader in the second quarter — began finding a veteran-like rhythm.
“He’s going to be –— before it’s all said and done — a spectacular quarterback,” Thurman said of Durden, who finished 13-for-27 for 264 yards with another 72 yards on 19 carries. “He’s a lot smarter than his coach. He’s going to be good.”
Durden tied the game twice on consecutive third-quarter drives. First, he fired a 35-yard strike to Weylin Holmes, who burned his only defender in a blown coverage. Then, he capped off a quick minute-and-a-half drive with a 1-yard keeper, making it 28-28.
“In high school football, the momentum thing is huge,” Newman said. “Once they got back into it and felt good about what they were doing, I knew we were going to have to battle. We had some breakdowns on some coverages… and [HHS] made plays when they had to make plays.”
Still, the Knights wouldn’t relent.
On the very next drive, which carried the game into the fourth quarter, quarterback Trent Hart marched TA down the field with four runs of his own for 23 yards. Jordan punctuated the 14-play drive with a 1-yard score.
But late heroics by Durden and Fields — and a fumble by Hart inside the HHS 35 with 3:15 left — sealed the comeback victory for Harrisonburg.
“What a great job up front there,” said Durden, who helped HHS run out the clock. “What a great job up front to move the chains in the fourth quarter.”
Harrisonburg 0 14 13 8 – 36
Turner Ashby 14 7 7 7 – 35
First Quarter
TA — Jordan 13 run (Martinez kick,) 8:55
TA — Shifflett 26 pass from Hart (Martinez kick), 1:47
Second Quarter
HHS — Stader 20 pass from Durden (kick blocked) 9:26
TA — Hanifee 21 run (Martinez kick), 3:30
HHS — Whitelow 2 run (Durden run), 0:59
Third Quarter
HHS— Holmes 35 pass from Durden (Floros kick), 8:32
TA — Jordan 4 run (Martinez kick), 2:59
HHS — Durden 1 run (Floros kick), 1:15
Fourth Quarter
TA — Jordan 1 run (Martinez kick) 6:57
HHS — Smith 37 pass from Durden (K. Fields run), 6:23
—-
HHS TA
First downs 17 22
Rushes-yards 30-86 44-284
Passing 295 155
Comp-Att-Int 17-34-0 12-26-2
Fumbles-Lost 1-1 1-1
Punts 1-30 2-29
Penalties-Yards 6-51 10-81
—-
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING-HHS: Durden 20-63, Whitelow 8-22, Floros 1-(minus 2), K. Fields 1-3; TA: Hart 15-104, Jordan 19-135, Brown 7-14, Collins 1-3, Hanifee 2-28.
PASSING- HHS: Durden 17-34-295; TA: Hart 12-26-155.
RECEIVING-HHS: Charles 5-65, Stader 2-42, Holmes 3-62, Burke 1-3, Smith 2-50, Whitelow 4-73. TA: Shumaker 6-71, Jordan 2-27, Knott 1-17, Allman 1-5, Shifflett 2-35.
BRIDGEWATER — Harrisonburg High School senior quarterback Jake Durden had a rough start to his varsity career, going 2-for-8 passing with a couple of fumbled snaps and two sacks in the first quarter.
But, boy, did he finish.
Trailing 14-0, the Blue Streaks rallied behind Durden’s four touchdowns — three through the air — while capitalizing on a go-ahead two-point conversion with 6:23 left and a late fumble recovery to defeat Turner Ashby 36-35 on Friday night in an instant classic to kick off the 2011 season.
“I can’t stand too many of these,” HHS first-year coach Chris Thurman said while catching his breath. “But I’ll take them any way I can get them.”
HHS and TA will meet again on Sept. 23 at Harrisonburg in the Valley District opener. Friday’s game did not count as a district game.
Down 35-28 with less than seven minutes to play, Durden calmly flipped a shovel pass to senior running back Corbin Whitelow for 26 yards to avoid the pass rush. The very next play, the 6-foot-3, 192-pound quarterback stood in and took a lick, but not before uncoiling a 37-yard strike to junior Issiah Smith, who regained his balance after making a spectacular stumbling catch.
“I was on the ground, but I saw him get in and take out the side judge, or whoever that was back there,” Durden said. “I saw the man coverage and tried to put it up there for him. He’s a great playmaker.”
Then, Thurman rolled the dice, opting for an option pitch play for two and the lead.
“We had been playing from behind the whole game, so I was hoping to get some momentum,” Thurman said. “You’ve got to take a risk down there.”
Junior Kasaan Fields took the snap and looked for the pitch. Pressured, the play broke down in a hurry, but the speedy Fields kept would-be tackles at arms’ length and somehow found the end zone around the left corner — precious points on what became the game-winning play.
“It was a called play, but it wasn’t that play,” Fields said. “… I was supposed to pitch it. I just used my speed. I just kept my feet moving.”
For three-plus quarters, the Knights were in control.
Running behind a beefy offensive line, junior running back Keenan Jordan steadily gashed the HHS defense. The two-way starter ran for 82 of his 114 yards in the second half, scoring three touchdowns in the game.
“Keenan was like an iron man,” TA coach Charlie Newman said. “… He becomes a different person with the ball in his hands. He was on the sidelines looking like he was about to die… but he really impressed me with a lot of guts there at the end.”
TA’s self-inflicted wounds in the form of 10 penalties and three turnovers helped gradually sway the momentum over to the Streaks, who took full advantage.
After managing to trim the deficit to 21-14 before halftime with a 1-yard Whitelow plunge and a two-point conversion run by Durden, HHS forced TA’s first punt of the night. Then, Durden —– who threw a picture perfect 20-yard TD to Corey Stader in the second quarter — began finding a veteran-like rhythm.
“He’s going to be –— before it’s all said and done — a spectacular quarterback,” Thurman said of Durden, who finished 13-for-27 for 264 yards with another 72 yards on 19 carries. “He’s a lot smarter than his coach. He’s going to be good.”
Durden tied the game twice on consecutive third-quarter drives. First, he fired a 35-yard strike to Weylin Holmes, who burned his only defender in a blown coverage. Then, he capped off a quick minute-and-a-half drive with a 1-yard keeper, making it 28-28.
“In high school football, the momentum thing is huge,” Newman said. “Once they got back into it and felt good about what they were doing, I knew we were going to have to battle. We had some breakdowns on some coverages… and [HHS] made plays when they had to make plays.”
Still, the Knights wouldn’t relent.
On the very next drive, which carried the game into the fourth quarter, quarterback Trent Hart marched TA down the field with four runs of his own for 23 yards. Jordan punctuated the 14-play drive with a 1-yard score.
But late heroics by Durden and Fields — and a fumble by Hart inside the HHS 35 with 3:15 left — sealed the comeback victory for Harrisonburg.
“What a great job up front there,” said Durden, who helped HHS run out the clock. “What a great job up front to move the chains in the fourth quarter.”
Harrisonburg 0 14 13 8 – 36
Turner Ashby 14 7 7 7 – 35
First Quarter
TA — Jordan 13 run (Martinez kick,) 8:55
TA — Shifflett 26 pass from Hart (Martinez kick), 1:47
Second Quarter
HHS — Stader 20 pass from Durden (kick blocked) 9:26
TA — Hanifee 21 run (Martinez kick), 3:30
HHS — Whitelow 2 run (Durden run), 0:59
Third Quarter
HHS— Holmes 35 pass from Durden (Floros kick), 8:32
TA — Jordan 4 run (Martinez kick), 2:59
HHS — Durden 1 run (Floros kick), 1:15
Fourth Quarter
TA — Jordan 1 run (Martinez kick) 6:57
HHS — Smith 37 pass from Durden (K. Fields run), 6:23
—-
HHS TA
First downs 17 22
Rushes-yards 30-86 44-284
Passing 295 155
Comp-Att-Int 17-34-0 12-26-2
Fumbles-Lost 1-1 1-1
Punts 1-30 2-29
Penalties-Yards 6-51 10-81
—-
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING-HHS: Durden 20-63, Whitelow 8-22, Floros 1-(minus 2), K. Fields 1-3; TA: Hart 15-104, Jordan 19-135, Brown 7-14, Collins 1-3, Hanifee 2-28.
PASSING- HHS: Durden 17-34-295; TA: Hart 12-26-155.
RECEIVING-HHS: Charles 5-65, Stader 2-42, Holmes 3-62, Burke 1-3, Smith 2-50, Whitelow 4-73. TA: Shumaker 6-71, Jordan 2-27, Knott 1-17, Allman 1-5, Shifflett 2-35.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Waiting on a hurricane
Living on the coast can often be an anxious waiting game during hurricane season. Looking at the current hurricane tracking map, it appears as though Hurricane Irene is headed for the Carolinas, reminiscent of Hurricane Hugo, which came ashore in 1989just north of Charleston, SC.
We were living on Hilton Head Island in 1989, so I remember well the anxiety of waiting for this massive storm as it bore down on the South Carolina coast.
During those days we were able to track the progress of hurricanes thanks to the maps on the side of the Winn Dixie grocery bags. (This was before the era of paper or plastic.)
I remember carefully plotting the coordinates of Hugo as it approached. With every update provided by weatherman Pat Prokop at WSAV TV in Savannah, we would put a dot on our map to chart the progress of the storm.
Hugo was forecast to make landfall on Thursday, and evacuation of Hilton Head began in earnest on the Wednesday before, because it was predicted to make landfall somewhere in the vicinity of Tybee Island GA or Hilton Head, or possibly enter at the mouth of the Savannah River and travel inland.
Living, as we did, in a ranch style house built on a concrete slab atop a berm of sand maybe two feet above sea level, we realized the damage that such a storm could do. It was clear that if Hugo struck just south of us that we would feel the full fury of the storm surge, which, if it had occurred at high tide, would likely have washed our house into the sound and all the way to Bluffton.
But we stayed all day Wednesday. In fact, First Baptist Church, where I served as associate pastor, and which is located almost on the beach on the south end of the island, conducted our mid-week prayer service per usual on that Wednesday evening. And, not only did we have a handful of hardy members in attendance, we also had a CBS 48 Hours film crew with us to document our service. As we stood in a circle and prayed for the Lord's protection and intervention, the cameras rolled.
Various persons prayed around our little circle. All at once, with eyes closed, I heard the unmistakable voice of my friend, Raymond "Catfish" Enslow, who prayed in his inimitable lowcountry baritone drawl; "Lord, you're the master of the winds and the waves, and we believe that you can redirect this storm if it's your will."
Now I'm a person of faith, and I believe, like Catfish, that God can and does intervene supernaturally, but I still went home and boarded up the house.
That next morning I loaded our family into our van and we joined the throng driving across the bridge to higher, or at least, more distant ground. We decided to go stay with our friends Gary and Wanda in Pritchardville, far enough inland and south to be safe, in our opinion.
As we settled in that evening, we decided we'd watch the CBS 48 Hours show to see how they had covered our prayer service. But, just before the program started, we lost power. Gary hurried out to their travel trailer parked out back, and came back in with a battery-powered portable television. We gathered around the tiny black and white tv like families used to gather around the radio to listen to Amos and Andy. Finally we saw the story of our prayer service, and there, for all America to hear, was Catfish praying that the would Lord redirect the storm.
A short time later the weatherman broke in to give an updated forecast. He reported that Hurricane Hugo had made a small shift in direction. As we plotted the coordinates, it was clear to us that Hugo had indeed turned north, and would quite possibly miss us but would likely hit in the Charleston area.
Indeed, late that night Hugo came ashore right in the Charleston area, with the "right hook" storm surge hitting the little fishing village of McCellanville with a force that tossed 60' fishing boats hundreds of feet up onto land and flooded the entire town.
Hugo then roared through the Francis Marion National Forest and all the way inland through Charlotte, where 90 mph winds blew out windows and toppled trees.
I've often wondered what might have happened but for the faithful prayer of my friend, Catfish.
We were living on Hilton Head Island in 1989, so I remember well the anxiety of waiting for this massive storm as it bore down on the South Carolina coast.
During those days we were able to track the progress of hurricanes thanks to the maps on the side of the Winn Dixie grocery bags. (This was before the era of paper or plastic.)
I remember carefully plotting the coordinates of Hugo as it approached. With every update provided by weatherman Pat Prokop at WSAV TV in Savannah, we would put a dot on our map to chart the progress of the storm.
Hugo was forecast to make landfall on Thursday, and evacuation of Hilton Head began in earnest on the Wednesday before, because it was predicted to make landfall somewhere in the vicinity of Tybee Island GA or Hilton Head, or possibly enter at the mouth of the Savannah River and travel inland.
Living, as we did, in a ranch style house built on a concrete slab atop a berm of sand maybe two feet above sea level, we realized the damage that such a storm could do. It was clear that if Hugo struck just south of us that we would feel the full fury of the storm surge, which, if it had occurred at high tide, would likely have washed our house into the sound and all the way to Bluffton.
But we stayed all day Wednesday. In fact, First Baptist Church, where I served as associate pastor, and which is located almost on the beach on the south end of the island, conducted our mid-week prayer service per usual on that Wednesday evening. And, not only did we have a handful of hardy members in attendance, we also had a CBS 48 Hours film crew with us to document our service. As we stood in a circle and prayed for the Lord's protection and intervention, the cameras rolled.
Various persons prayed around our little circle. All at once, with eyes closed, I heard the unmistakable voice of my friend, Raymond "Catfish" Enslow, who prayed in his inimitable lowcountry baritone drawl; "Lord, you're the master of the winds and the waves, and we believe that you can redirect this storm if it's your will."
Now I'm a person of faith, and I believe, like Catfish, that God can and does intervene supernaturally, but I still went home and boarded up the house.
That next morning I loaded our family into our van and we joined the throng driving across the bridge to higher, or at least, more distant ground. We decided to go stay with our friends Gary and Wanda in Pritchardville, far enough inland and south to be safe, in our opinion.
As we settled in that evening, we decided we'd watch the CBS 48 Hours show to see how they had covered our prayer service. But, just before the program started, we lost power. Gary hurried out to their travel trailer parked out back, and came back in with a battery-powered portable television. We gathered around the tiny black and white tv like families used to gather around the radio to listen to Amos and Andy. Finally we saw the story of our prayer service, and there, for all America to hear, was Catfish praying that the would Lord redirect the storm.
A short time later the weatherman broke in to give an updated forecast. He reported that Hurricane Hugo had made a small shift in direction. As we plotted the coordinates, it was clear to us that Hugo had indeed turned north, and would quite possibly miss us but would likely hit in the Charleston area.
Indeed, late that night Hugo came ashore right in the Charleston area, with the "right hook" storm surge hitting the little fishing village of McCellanville with a force that tossed 60' fishing boats hundreds of feet up onto land and flooded the entire town.
Hugo then roared through the Francis Marion National Forest and all the way inland through Charlotte, where 90 mph winds blew out windows and toppled trees.
I've often wondered what might have happened but for the faithful prayer of my friend, Catfish.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
A tribute to Army pilots
Recently our community mourned the loss of one of its heroes, a young Army pilot named Terry Varnadore, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan this past April. CW2 Varnadore is survived by an expectant wife and a child.
On the day his body was flown home the entire community turned out to line the route from the airport to the funeral home. It was a great outpouring of compassion and support.
His story brought to mind my own experiences with Army helicopters and the brave pilots and crew who flew them.
My first flight came during a wargame exercise in Germany dubbed "reforger." At the time I commanded the recon platoon of the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, the "Blue Spaders." As a part of this weeklong exercise, my platoon was chosen for a demonstration of air mobility. For this exercise we drove my command track under a Sikorsky "sky crane," the chopper that looks like a praying mantis. We secured it under the chopper by cables, climbed inside, and off we went. My favorite part of this whole deal was watching the notables in the bleachers when we landed. It was hilarious to see them grab their hats and toupees as the prop wash blasted over them.
A year later, when I arrived in Vietnam, I was assigned to command an airmobile infantry platoon. Our "ride" both into the jungle and back out again was the UH6, Huey. We would fly in lifts of six birds, enough to carry the 30-35 men of a rifle platoon. My platoon's assignment was to secure the landing zone, so I flew on the first bird, followed by the rest of my platoon in the other five Hueys. The first chopper carried me plus my radio operator, our platoon medic, a Vietnamese scout, and the "pig" (M60) team. We sat in the door with our feet dangling, flying along at 120 knots and 2000 feet. As we flew, we could see Cobra gunships at both flanks. They provided security for our lift and also "prepped" the lz with miniguns, rocket launchers and 40mm grenades before landed. Every airmobile insertion was another 4th of July.
As we touched down I slid out and directed my platoon into position in order to secure the landing zone. Once the entire company was on the ground in our new area of operations (AO) we moved out in various directions to sniff out any evidence of the movement of supplies along the Ho Chi Minh trail and to interdict any enemy troops.
Every third or fourth day a Huey would fly out to our position with resupplies. And occasionally we had to call on them for the evacuation of a wounded soldier.
We came to be able to distinguish each helicopter by its sound. We could tell a Huey from a Cobra, from a Chinook, from a "loach."
The best sound of chopper blades, though, was that fortnightly "whop-whop" sound of the Hueys that were on their way to extract us to carry us to the rear for a three day stand down.
I grew to greatly admire the brave young men who flew these great birds. They were some of the real heroes of Vietnam; daring, courageous, driven to do their job with the utmost of excellence under the most difficult of circumstances. And today's Army pilots are heroes in their own right. I salute them all.
On the day his body was flown home the entire community turned out to line the route from the airport to the funeral home. It was a great outpouring of compassion and support.
His story brought to mind my own experiences with Army helicopters and the brave pilots and crew who flew them.
My first flight came during a wargame exercise in Germany dubbed "reforger." At the time I commanded the recon platoon of the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, the "Blue Spaders." As a part of this weeklong exercise, my platoon was chosen for a demonstration of air mobility. For this exercise we drove my command track under a Sikorsky "sky crane," the chopper that looks like a praying mantis. We secured it under the chopper by cables, climbed inside, and off we went. My favorite part of this whole deal was watching the notables in the bleachers when we landed. It was hilarious to see them grab their hats and toupees as the prop wash blasted over them.
A year later, when I arrived in Vietnam, I was assigned to command an airmobile infantry platoon. Our "ride" both into the jungle and back out again was the UH6, Huey. We would fly in lifts of six birds, enough to carry the 30-35 men of a rifle platoon. My platoon's assignment was to secure the landing zone, so I flew on the first bird, followed by the rest of my platoon in the other five Hueys. The first chopper carried me plus my radio operator, our platoon medic, a Vietnamese scout, and the "pig" (M60) team. We sat in the door with our feet dangling, flying along at 120 knots and 2000 feet. As we flew, we could see Cobra gunships at both flanks. They provided security for our lift and also "prepped" the lz with miniguns, rocket launchers and 40mm grenades before landed. Every airmobile insertion was another 4th of July.
As we touched down I slid out and directed my platoon into position in order to secure the landing zone. Once the entire company was on the ground in our new area of operations (AO) we moved out in various directions to sniff out any evidence of the movement of supplies along the Ho Chi Minh trail and to interdict any enemy troops.
Every third or fourth day a Huey would fly out to our position with resupplies. And occasionally we had to call on them for the evacuation of a wounded soldier.
We came to be able to distinguish each helicopter by its sound. We could tell a Huey from a Cobra, from a Chinook, from a "loach."
The best sound of chopper blades, though, was that fortnightly "whop-whop" sound of the Hueys that were on their way to extract us to carry us to the rear for a three day stand down.
I grew to greatly admire the brave young men who flew these great birds. They were some of the real heroes of Vietnam; daring, courageous, driven to do their job with the utmost of excellence under the most difficult of circumstances. And today's Army pilots are heroes in their own right. I salute them all.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Even Christians struggle with stress.
A relationship with Jesus Christ does not entitle one to a "get out of stress free" card. In fact, when you follow Christ your life may become even more stressful, because you now have an enemy who will do everything within his power to make your life miserable. (Read "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis)
Which raises the question: How does/should a believer handle stress? Here are some thoughts.
1. Pray; earnestly, honestly, and sincerely. Prayer is how we give to God the things that are stressing us. There is a sense of release and relief by simply being honest to God. And rest assured he already knows your struggles. In fact, He has even allowed them to exist, for purposes you may never know. As we pray, however, we're given a glimpse of God's perspective on our troubles, and we're reminded that we're His precious child, for whom Christ died. Remember, too, that he promises to never leave us nor forsake us. I love the song "He Will Carry You," by Scott Wesley Brown. The chorus says, "If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders, I know, my brother, that He will carry you."
2. Share your burden w/a trusted believer, or a few of them, that you know will pray for you. Someone has said that a burden shared is a burden halved. God has created us as a family, and He wants us to support, encourage, and edify one another.
3. Remember that God will use your struggles for His purposes. He won't let any of your experience go to waste. He will help you through this time, then show you how you can bless, encourage and strengthen someone else who needs to hear your story of how He brought you through. (See 2Corinthians 1)
Which raises the question: How does/should a believer handle stress? Here are some thoughts.
1. Pray; earnestly, honestly, and sincerely. Prayer is how we give to God the things that are stressing us. There is a sense of release and relief by simply being honest to God. And rest assured he already knows your struggles. In fact, He has even allowed them to exist, for purposes you may never know. As we pray, however, we're given a glimpse of God's perspective on our troubles, and we're reminded that we're His precious child, for whom Christ died. Remember, too, that he promises to never leave us nor forsake us. I love the song "He Will Carry You," by Scott Wesley Brown. The chorus says, "If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders, I know, my brother, that He will carry you."
2. Share your burden w/a trusted believer, or a few of them, that you know will pray for you. Someone has said that a burden shared is a burden halved. God has created us as a family, and He wants us to support, encourage, and edify one another.
3. Remember that God will use your struggles for His purposes. He won't let any of your experience go to waste. He will help you through this time, then show you how you can bless, encourage and strengthen someone else who needs to hear your story of how He brought you through. (See 2Corinthians 1)
Friday, June 17, 2011
It Only Takes A Moment to Honor A Vet
As soon as I walked into the grocery store, I saw him at the checkout. Stooped, with two canes resting beside him, wearing a Korea veteran hat with pins indicating some of the campaigns he had fought in. I made a beeline for him, even though I was running late on my honey-do errand.
As I walked up to him, I extended my hand. “Thank you for you service, sir.” As simply as that.
With a solid grip he grasped my hand, looked me in the eye, and said, “I can’t tell you what that means to me.”
These grand old heroes are fast disappearing. Don’t pass up an opportunity to express your gratitude to one of them.
As I walked up to him, I extended my hand. “Thank you for you service, sir.” As simply as that.
With a solid grip he grasped my hand, looked me in the eye, and said, “I can’t tell you what that means to me.”
These grand old heroes are fast disappearing. Don’t pass up an opportunity to express your gratitude to one of them.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Traction in Trouble: Making Sense of Suffering
The headlines in our local paper were shocking. One of the brightest lights in our little town, a leader in so many ways, and a sterling Christian as well, was senselessly murdered, leaving two married daughters and two young grandsons.
All of us who knew this lady struggled for answers to questions that defy simple answers.
“Why do good people suffer?”
And, equally difficult to grasp, “Why do bad people so often seem to ‘get away with murder.’”
Since the beginning of time, mankind has experienced suffering. Some of it we bring on ourselves, and some we seem to inherit for no apparent reason. Here are some thoughts on human suffering I hope you’ll find helpful.
First, suffering is pervasive.
Everyone experiences suffering on some level; it’s a universal reality.
Oswald Chambers addresses the universality of suffering when he declares, “Suffering is the heritage of the bad, of the penitent, and of the Son of God. Each one ends in the cross. The bad thief is crucified, the penitent thief is crucified, and the Son of God is crucified. By these signs we know the widespread heritage of suffering.” (Christian Discipline)
Secondly, suffering is painful.
Just consider some of the synonyms for suffering: trials, tribulation, adversity, struggles, difficulties, trouble, pain, hardship, affliction, distress, and tests.
No one enjoys suffering, except perhaps someone who is emotionally off balance. Pain is never fun. Most of us flee situations that we think could be painful.
Paul relates how, when faced with a “thorn in the flesh” that caused him pain, he pleaded with God three times to remove it. (2 Corinthians 12)
Suffering is a product:
Suffering is a product of evil. We live in a fallen world. Sin is rampant. People, since the beginning of time, have gone their own way, oblivious to the God who made them and who loves them. (Isaiah 53:6) The fact that God allows evil to exist is evidence of his love and of his willingness to give mankind the freedom to love Him in return, or not to love Him if they so choose.
Suffering is a product of our own foolishness. People do stupid things and suffer the consequences.
Suffering is the product of persecution. Christians have always suffered for their faith. Believers have been persecuted, abused, and mistreated since the beginning. Jesus told us to expect persecution.
Some suffering is a product of God’s own doing. Again, Paul says that his thorn in the flesh was given to him and that God purposed it. Jesus’ suffering and death were purposed by God. And there are times when God either causes or allows His children to go through trials and suffering for reasons known only to Him.
Suffering can be purposeful.
First, suffering produces purity. It is like the crucible used to produce pure metal. It does not consume nor destroy, but it refines, removing all impurities.
Next, suffering produces endurance and strength. I visited a vineyard recently, and noticed how severely the branches had been pruned from the vine. The vintner explained that this process is necessary to produce the highest possible quality of grape. God prunes us to develop strength and endurance, cutting away anything that is not fruitful. (see John 15)
Finally, God uses suffering for the purpose of developing in us the character of Christ. In other words, as we suffer we grow to become more like Christ.
“Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my 75 years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my experience, has been through affliction and not through happiness.” Malcolm Muggeridge (Homemade, July, 1990)
God’s people are certainly not immune to suffering. Someone asked C.S. Lewis, "Why do the righteous suffer?" "Why not?" he replied. "They're the only ones who can take it."
Let me share some verses that speak of suffering along with a brief paraphrase.
1Peter 2:21 – we follow Christ in our suffering
1Peter 3:14 – if you suffer you will be blessed
1Peter 3:17 – better to suffer for good than for evil
1Peter 4:1 – because Christ suffered and is victorious
1Peter 4:13 – we share in Christ’s sufferings
1Peter 4:15 – Don’t suffer as a criminal
1Peter 4:16 – suffer to glorify God
1Peter 5:9 – all followers of Christ suffer
1Peter 5:10 – God will use our suffering to strengthen us
1Corinthians 12:26 – as a body, we suffer w/each member
Acts 9:16 – we suffer for Christ’s name
Romans 8:18 – sufferings are temporal and of the earth, not heaven
James 5:10 – we have many models in scripture of those who endured in suffering
2Corinthians 1:6 – God allows us to suffer so we might benefit others
Galatians 3:4 – don’t let suffering be for nothing
Philippians 3:10 – we participate in the fellowship of his suffering – identity w/Christ
2Thessalonians 1:5-8 – God will make things right at the judgment
Hebrews 2:18 – Christ helps us when we are tested because he suffered for us
Romans 5:3-5 – we can rejoice knowing that suffering produces endurance
2Timothy 1:8 – we share in suffering, identifying with one another
2Timothy 2:3 – suffering is like soldiering
2Timothy 2:8-9 – we suffer as we declare Christ and live in him
2Timothy 3:10-13 – if we follow Christ we will be persecuted
A famous evangelist told the following incident: “I have a friend who in a time of business recession lost his job, a sizable fortune, and his beautiful home. To add to his sorrow, his precious wife died; yet he tenaciously held to his faith -- the only thing he had left. One day when he was out walking in search of employment, he stopped to watch some men who were doing stonework on a large church. One of them was chiseling a triangular piece of rock. '’Where are you going to put that?' he asked. The workman said, 'Do you see that little opening up there near the spire? Well, I'm shaping this stone down here so that it will fit in up there.' Tears filled my friend's eyes as he walked away, for the Lord had spoken to him through that laborer whose words gave new meaning to his troubled situation. (Our Daily Bread)
So, as James admonishes, count it all joy when you suffer, knowing that God is at work, shaping you for His purposes. (see James 1)
All of us who knew this lady struggled for answers to questions that defy simple answers.
“Why do good people suffer?”
And, equally difficult to grasp, “Why do bad people so often seem to ‘get away with murder.’”
Since the beginning of time, mankind has experienced suffering. Some of it we bring on ourselves, and some we seem to inherit for no apparent reason. Here are some thoughts on human suffering I hope you’ll find helpful.
First, suffering is pervasive.
Everyone experiences suffering on some level; it’s a universal reality.
Oswald Chambers addresses the universality of suffering when he declares, “Suffering is the heritage of the bad, of the penitent, and of the Son of God. Each one ends in the cross. The bad thief is crucified, the penitent thief is crucified, and the Son of God is crucified. By these signs we know the widespread heritage of suffering.” (Christian Discipline)
Secondly, suffering is painful.
Just consider some of the synonyms for suffering: trials, tribulation, adversity, struggles, difficulties, trouble, pain, hardship, affliction, distress, and tests.
No one enjoys suffering, except perhaps someone who is emotionally off balance. Pain is never fun. Most of us flee situations that we think could be painful.
Paul relates how, when faced with a “thorn in the flesh” that caused him pain, he pleaded with God three times to remove it. (2 Corinthians 12)
Suffering is a product:
Suffering is a product of evil. We live in a fallen world. Sin is rampant. People, since the beginning of time, have gone their own way, oblivious to the God who made them and who loves them. (Isaiah 53:6) The fact that God allows evil to exist is evidence of his love and of his willingness to give mankind the freedom to love Him in return, or not to love Him if they so choose.
Suffering is a product of our own foolishness. People do stupid things and suffer the consequences.
Suffering is the product of persecution. Christians have always suffered for their faith. Believers have been persecuted, abused, and mistreated since the beginning. Jesus told us to expect persecution.
Some suffering is a product of God’s own doing. Again, Paul says that his thorn in the flesh was given to him and that God purposed it. Jesus’ suffering and death were purposed by God. And there are times when God either causes or allows His children to go through trials and suffering for reasons known only to Him.
Suffering can be purposeful.
First, suffering produces purity. It is like the crucible used to produce pure metal. It does not consume nor destroy, but it refines, removing all impurities.
Next, suffering produces endurance and strength. I visited a vineyard recently, and noticed how severely the branches had been pruned from the vine. The vintner explained that this process is necessary to produce the highest possible quality of grape. God prunes us to develop strength and endurance, cutting away anything that is not fruitful. (see John 15)
Finally, God uses suffering for the purpose of developing in us the character of Christ. In other words, as we suffer we grow to become more like Christ.
“Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my 75 years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my experience, has been through affliction and not through happiness.” Malcolm Muggeridge (Homemade, July, 1990)
God’s people are certainly not immune to suffering. Someone asked C.S. Lewis, "Why do the righteous suffer?" "Why not?" he replied. "They're the only ones who can take it."
Let me share some verses that speak of suffering along with a brief paraphrase.
1Peter 2:21 – we follow Christ in our suffering
1Peter 3:14 – if you suffer you will be blessed
1Peter 3:17 – better to suffer for good than for evil
1Peter 4:1 – because Christ suffered and is victorious
1Peter 4:13 – we share in Christ’s sufferings
1Peter 4:15 – Don’t suffer as a criminal
1Peter 4:16 – suffer to glorify God
1Peter 5:9 – all followers of Christ suffer
1Peter 5:10 – God will use our suffering to strengthen us
1Corinthians 12:26 – as a body, we suffer w/each member
Acts 9:16 – we suffer for Christ’s name
Romans 8:18 – sufferings are temporal and of the earth, not heaven
James 5:10 – we have many models in scripture of those who endured in suffering
2Corinthians 1:6 – God allows us to suffer so we might benefit others
Galatians 3:4 – don’t let suffering be for nothing
Philippians 3:10 – we participate in the fellowship of his suffering – identity w/Christ
2Thessalonians 1:5-8 – God will make things right at the judgment
Hebrews 2:18 – Christ helps us when we are tested because he suffered for us
Romans 5:3-5 – we can rejoice knowing that suffering produces endurance
2Timothy 1:8 – we share in suffering, identifying with one another
2Timothy 2:3 – suffering is like soldiering
2Timothy 2:8-9 – we suffer as we declare Christ and live in him
2Timothy 3:10-13 – if we follow Christ we will be persecuted
A famous evangelist told the following incident: “I have a friend who in a time of business recession lost his job, a sizable fortune, and his beautiful home. To add to his sorrow, his precious wife died; yet he tenaciously held to his faith -- the only thing he had left. One day when he was out walking in search of employment, he stopped to watch some men who were doing stonework on a large church. One of them was chiseling a triangular piece of rock. '’Where are you going to put that?' he asked. The workman said, 'Do you see that little opening up there near the spire? Well, I'm shaping this stone down here so that it will fit in up there.' Tears filled my friend's eyes as he walked away, for the Lord had spoken to him through that laborer whose words gave new meaning to his troubled situation. (Our Daily Bread)
So, as James admonishes, count it all joy when you suffer, knowing that God is at work, shaping you for His purposes. (see James 1)
Friday, April 22, 2011
The meaning of life.
“That’s life; that’s what all the people say. You’re riding high in April, shot down in May.”
So goes the song made popular by Frank Sinatra, an anthem of life’s meaningless.
It ends with this line: “And if nothing’s shaking come this here July, I’m gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die.”
And then there’s this hymn of hopelessness sung by Peggy Lee.
“And when I was 12 years old, my father took me to the circus,
the greatest show on earth.
There were clowns and elephants and dancing bears
And a beautiful lady in pink tights flew high above our heads.
And as I sat there watching the marvelous spectacle
I had the feeling that something was missing.
I don't know what, but when it was over,
I said to myself, ‘Is that all there is to a circus?’”
“Is that all there is, is that all there is?”
In today’s world, people are losing hope in life. We’ve been promised hope and change, but it seems many are losing their belief that things are going to change for the better. And, friends, don’t be surprised if, in this world, things get worse.
But, I have good news for you today. This world is not the final chapter. This is not all there is. There is a better world coming for all the saints of God of all the ages. It’s a world made possible by the resurrection of Christ, which is what we celebrate on this Easter Sunday.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10, ESV)
Jesus Christ promises that we can experience a new and abundant life that begins here on earth and continues for all eternity.
Steve McVey tells how his family recently viewed the movie The Passion, and were deeply moved by the graphic portrayal of the sacrifice made by Christ at the cross. The cross of Jesus Christ is the crux of time and eternity.
McVey continues, “While the whole movie was stirring, one line touched me deeply. The scene was where Jesus was carrying his cross down the Via Dolorosa while the taunting soldiers and jeering crowd surrounded Him. Mary, His mother, watched from a distance as Jesus fell under the heavy load of the cross.
As she watched Him fall, Mary’s thoughts returned to a time when Jesus was a little boy and had fallen, scraping His knee. She had run to Him, and picked Him up, saying, ‘I’m here.’ Now, as He fell on the way to the cross, her maternal love and instinct took over as she ran to his side. ‘I’m here,’ Mary said, with tears streaming down her cheeks. Jesus lifted His head, looked at His mother and said, ‘Mother, I make all things new.’” (Steve McVey, Grace Walk Ministries)
1. Jesus came to give new life.
This is the beginning point for everything. Scripture teaches that, apart from Christ, people are dead in sin; helpless and hopeless. (Matthew 9:36.)
In the hymn, Amazing Grace, John Newton describes his life without Christ as wretched, lost, and blind.
You see, our problem is not that we need to be rehabilitated or re-educated. No amount of rehab will solve our dilemma. We’re dead and we can do nothing about it on our own. The government can’t save us. Obamacare can’t help us. Wealth redistribution won’t do it. Only Christ can make us new.
2Corinthians 5:17 states, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
When you trust Christ for salvation you receive a totally new identity. Through faith in Christ you are set free from sin and given a new life. Your old life as a sinner is put to death. You are crucified with Christ, it states in Galatians 2:20.
Your new life, given by the Spirit, is that of a saint. You’re not a sinner saved by grace, you’re a saint, and this is your new identity for all eternity. At every moment of every day you are in good standing with God.
2. Jesus came to give abundant life.
The Greek word for life in this passage is zoe’. It’s not a quantity, but rather a quality of life.
The Greek meaning of zoe’ is: life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed.
Jesus himself said: “I am the life.” That is to say: “I am the sole source of real life — life that is independent of physical existence, life that is endless, life that is full of meaning, life that is totally satisfying — life with a capital ‘L.’” (Pass the Toast devotional)
The abundant life is characterized by love, joy, peace and all the other fruit of the Spirit. It has nothing to do with one’s worldly success or the measure of one’s possessions. In fact, the abundant life is not for sale. No amount of money could buy it.
Simon Bickersteth, an Anglican vicar in England, relates this account of Leo Tolstoy’s search for fulfillment.
“Leo Tolstoy, author of War and Peace, wrote a book called A Confession, in which he tells the story of his search for meaning and purpose in life. He describes how he rejected Christianity as a child. As he went through life he became very ambitious. First of all, he thought pleasure was the answer. Having a great time. He entered the social world of Moscow and Petersburg, drinking heavily, sleeping around, gambling and leading a wild life. But it did not satisfy him. He then thought maybe money was the answer. He had inherited an estate and made a large amount of money out of his books. Yet that did not satisfy him either. He then sought success, fame and importance. But still he said, it didn’t satisfy. Then he thought, maybe the answer is family life, to give his family the best possible life. He married in 1862 and had a kind, loving wife and thirteen children. He had achieved all his ambitions and was surrounded by what appeared to be complete happiness. And yet one question brought him to the verge of suicide: ‘What meaning has my life that the inevitability of death does not destroy?’ He searched for the answer in every field of science and philosophy, but without satisfaction. Eventually he found that the peasant people of Russia had the answer he had been looking for, in their faith in God through Jesus Christ.”
“The truth is that the (abundant) life is not found in pleasure, performance, possessions, position, or pursuits; it is found in the person of Jesus Christ.” (William Richard Ezell)
3. Jesus came to give eternal life.
In this same passage in John’s gospel, Jesus declares, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)
Through faith in Christ you are promised eternal life. When Jesus saves you he promises that you are his for all eternity. In his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus Christ has once and for all conquered death and the grave.
In the subsequent chapter of John, he states, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
Jesus made this declaration after calling forth Lazarus from the grave. He truly has conquered death, and he promises that we will dwell with him forever.
This is the message of Easter; The pre-existent Christ, God the Son, came to earth as Jesus of Nazareth. He lived a sinless life, then, in the fullness of time, he was executed on a cruel cross for the sins of the world. He was buried, and on the third day he arose from the grave. He is alive forevermore, and one day will return for all his followers. In the meantime, he promises to give us a life of abundance and meaning.
Let me repeat his question: Do you believe this?
So goes the song made popular by Frank Sinatra, an anthem of life’s meaningless.
It ends with this line: “And if nothing’s shaking come this here July, I’m gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die.”
And then there’s this hymn of hopelessness sung by Peggy Lee.
“And when I was 12 years old, my father took me to the circus,
the greatest show on earth.
There were clowns and elephants and dancing bears
And a beautiful lady in pink tights flew high above our heads.
And as I sat there watching the marvelous spectacle
I had the feeling that something was missing.
I don't know what, but when it was over,
I said to myself, ‘Is that all there is to a circus?’”
“Is that all there is, is that all there is?”
In today’s world, people are losing hope in life. We’ve been promised hope and change, but it seems many are losing their belief that things are going to change for the better. And, friends, don’t be surprised if, in this world, things get worse.
But, I have good news for you today. This world is not the final chapter. This is not all there is. There is a better world coming for all the saints of God of all the ages. It’s a world made possible by the resurrection of Christ, which is what we celebrate on this Easter Sunday.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10, ESV)
Jesus Christ promises that we can experience a new and abundant life that begins here on earth and continues for all eternity.
Steve McVey tells how his family recently viewed the movie The Passion, and were deeply moved by the graphic portrayal of the sacrifice made by Christ at the cross. The cross of Jesus Christ is the crux of time and eternity.
McVey continues, “While the whole movie was stirring, one line touched me deeply. The scene was where Jesus was carrying his cross down the Via Dolorosa while the taunting soldiers and jeering crowd surrounded Him. Mary, His mother, watched from a distance as Jesus fell under the heavy load of the cross.
As she watched Him fall, Mary’s thoughts returned to a time when Jesus was a little boy and had fallen, scraping His knee. She had run to Him, and picked Him up, saying, ‘I’m here.’ Now, as He fell on the way to the cross, her maternal love and instinct took over as she ran to his side. ‘I’m here,’ Mary said, with tears streaming down her cheeks. Jesus lifted His head, looked at His mother and said, ‘Mother, I make all things new.’” (Steve McVey, Grace Walk Ministries)
1. Jesus came to give new life.
This is the beginning point for everything. Scripture teaches that, apart from Christ, people are dead in sin; helpless and hopeless. (Matthew 9:36.)
In the hymn, Amazing Grace, John Newton describes his life without Christ as wretched, lost, and blind.
You see, our problem is not that we need to be rehabilitated or re-educated. No amount of rehab will solve our dilemma. We’re dead and we can do nothing about it on our own. The government can’t save us. Obamacare can’t help us. Wealth redistribution won’t do it. Only Christ can make us new.
2Corinthians 5:17 states, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
When you trust Christ for salvation you receive a totally new identity. Through faith in Christ you are set free from sin and given a new life. Your old life as a sinner is put to death. You are crucified with Christ, it states in Galatians 2:20.
Your new life, given by the Spirit, is that of a saint. You’re not a sinner saved by grace, you’re a saint, and this is your new identity for all eternity. At every moment of every day you are in good standing with God.
2. Jesus came to give abundant life.
The Greek word for life in this passage is zoe’. It’s not a quantity, but rather a quality of life.
The Greek meaning of zoe’ is: life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed.
Jesus himself said: “I am the life.” That is to say: “I am the sole source of real life — life that is independent of physical existence, life that is endless, life that is full of meaning, life that is totally satisfying — life with a capital ‘L.’” (Pass the Toast devotional)
The abundant life is characterized by love, joy, peace and all the other fruit of the Spirit. It has nothing to do with one’s worldly success or the measure of one’s possessions. In fact, the abundant life is not for sale. No amount of money could buy it.
Simon Bickersteth, an Anglican vicar in England, relates this account of Leo Tolstoy’s search for fulfillment.
“Leo Tolstoy, author of War and Peace, wrote a book called A Confession, in which he tells the story of his search for meaning and purpose in life. He describes how he rejected Christianity as a child. As he went through life he became very ambitious. First of all, he thought pleasure was the answer. Having a great time. He entered the social world of Moscow and Petersburg, drinking heavily, sleeping around, gambling and leading a wild life. But it did not satisfy him. He then thought maybe money was the answer. He had inherited an estate and made a large amount of money out of his books. Yet that did not satisfy him either. He then sought success, fame and importance. But still he said, it didn’t satisfy. Then he thought, maybe the answer is family life, to give his family the best possible life. He married in 1862 and had a kind, loving wife and thirteen children. He had achieved all his ambitions and was surrounded by what appeared to be complete happiness. And yet one question brought him to the verge of suicide: ‘What meaning has my life that the inevitability of death does not destroy?’ He searched for the answer in every field of science and philosophy, but without satisfaction. Eventually he found that the peasant people of Russia had the answer he had been looking for, in their faith in God through Jesus Christ.”
“The truth is that the (abundant) life is not found in pleasure, performance, possessions, position, or pursuits; it is found in the person of Jesus Christ.” (William Richard Ezell)
3. Jesus came to give eternal life.
In this same passage in John’s gospel, Jesus declares, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)
Through faith in Christ you are promised eternal life. When Jesus saves you he promises that you are his for all eternity. In his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus Christ has once and for all conquered death and the grave.
In the subsequent chapter of John, he states, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
Jesus made this declaration after calling forth Lazarus from the grave. He truly has conquered death, and he promises that we will dwell with him forever.
This is the message of Easter; The pre-existent Christ, God the Son, came to earth as Jesus of Nazareth. He lived a sinless life, then, in the fullness of time, he was executed on a cruel cross for the sins of the world. He was buried, and on the third day he arose from the grave. He is alive forevermore, and one day will return for all his followers. In the meantime, he promises to give us a life of abundance and meaning.
Let me repeat his question: Do you believe this?
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Tilt Me Toward the Buckeyes
All my family was dialed into the UK/Ohio State game last night. I only wish my deceased father-in-law could have seen this game. An Ohio native (Bellefontaine), and WWII combat engineer, he graduated from Georgetown College in 1956 and was a lifelong b'ball fan. He was the scorekeeper for the Scott Co Cardinal basketball team back in the day when Bobby Barlow was the coach. As I recall, Barlow also coached Goose Givens at Bryan Station. It was during this era that my father-in-law adopted the Wildcats as his second team, but he never gave up his love for his Buckeyes.
He went on to teach high school english at Fairview H.S. in Dayton for nearly 30 years. One of his students was Bob McCowan, a classmate of my wife's, who went on to play for Rupp. McCowan's big cross-town rival in h.s. was Mike Pratt, another Wildcat. Another classmate of my wife was Mike Schmidt, a decent athlete in his own right. (intentional understatement)
All that to say that, had he been able to catch the game last night, he would have understood some of the ambivalence that others have expressed. But as his wife of 57 years noted, he would have "tilted" toward his Buckeyes, as did she yesterday, the day we celebrated her 90th birthday.
He went on to teach high school english at Fairview H.S. in Dayton for nearly 30 years. One of his students was Bob McCowan, a classmate of my wife's, who went on to play for Rupp. McCowan's big cross-town rival in h.s. was Mike Pratt, another Wildcat. Another classmate of my wife was Mike Schmidt, a decent athlete in his own right. (intentional understatement)
All that to say that, had he been able to catch the game last night, he would have understood some of the ambivalence that others have expressed. But as his wife of 57 years noted, he would have "tilted" toward his Buckeyes, as did she yesterday, the day we celebrated her 90th birthday.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Chosen and commissioned
I had the delight of speaking to the Sunday School leaders of the North Point Baptist Church in Weaverville last night. This young church is excited about its fellowship Bible study ministry. Of the fifty or so individuals in attendance, there were leaders from every age group, preschool through adult.
Gray Little, the pastor, and I have been friends for a number of years, dating back to when he served the West Asheville Baptist Church as minister of education and I was associate pastor at First Baptist of Hendersonville. This is also the church where my friend Bryan Smith served as an associate before moving to east Tennessee. His successor, Brian Proctor, I have known for 15 years. He and his wife, Kathy, formerly served as IMB missionaries in Asia, and FBC of Hendersonville was their home church.
Gray had asked me to share an encouraging word for his leaders, which is not a difficult task. I love those who give of their time and effort every week to lead Bible study. Most are volunteers, so theirs is a labor of love.
I used John 15:6 as my text. In this passage Jesus tells his followers, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and commissioned you to bear fruit that will last." (slightly paraphrased) Here are the highlights.
1. You have been chosen: before the foundation of the world, by grace, and for all eternity.
2. You have been commissioned by Christ to bear fruit: the fruit of your lips, the fruit of your lives, and the fruit of your legacy.
I also shared this truth: When you teach God's Word, you make an eternal difference in the lives of your learners.
Gray Little, the pastor, and I have been friends for a number of years, dating back to when he served the West Asheville Baptist Church as minister of education and I was associate pastor at First Baptist of Hendersonville. This is also the church where my friend Bryan Smith served as an associate before moving to east Tennessee. His successor, Brian Proctor, I have known for 15 years. He and his wife, Kathy, formerly served as IMB missionaries in Asia, and FBC of Hendersonville was their home church.
Gray had asked me to share an encouraging word for his leaders, which is not a difficult task. I love those who give of their time and effort every week to lead Bible study. Most are volunteers, so theirs is a labor of love.
I used John 15:6 as my text. In this passage Jesus tells his followers, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and commissioned you to bear fruit that will last." (slightly paraphrased) Here are the highlights.
1. You have been chosen: before the foundation of the world, by grace, and for all eternity.
2. You have been commissioned by Christ to bear fruit: the fruit of your lips, the fruit of your lives, and the fruit of your legacy.
I also shared this truth: When you teach God's Word, you make an eternal difference in the lives of your learners.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Traction In Trouble - Making Sense of Suffering
Our community has been through a trauma these past several days. One of the brightest lights in our little town, a leader in so many ways, and a sterling Christian as well, was senselessly murdered, leaving two married daughters and two young grandsons.
Yesterday her pastor, and ours, shared an incredible message dealing with how God gives comfort in chaos. Using 2 Corinthians 1, Pastor Ryan helped us understand how God works to give us strength and grace in times of great difficulty. I borrowed some thoughts from his message, then researched other verses to put together something for the home Bible study I lead.
Since the beginning of time, mankind has experienced suffering. Some of it we bring on ourselves, and some we seem to inherit for no apparent reason. Here are some thoughts on human suffering that we discussed in our home Bible study. I hope you’ll find this helpful.
First, suffering is pervasive.
Everyone experiences suffering on some level; it’s a universal reality.
Oswald Chambers addresses the universality of suffering when he declares, “Suffering is the heritage of the bad, of the penitent, and of the Son of God. Each one ends in the cross. The bad thief is crucified, the penitent thief is crucified, and the Son of God is crucified. By these signs we know the widespread heritage of suffering.” (Christian Discipline)
Secondly, suffering is painful.
Just consider some of the synonyms for suffering: trials, tribulation, adversity, struggles, difficulties, trouble, pain, hardship, affliction, distress, and tests.
No one enjoys suffering, except perhaps someone who is emotionally off balance. Pain is never fun. Most of us flee situations that we think could be painful.
Paul relates how, when faced with a “thorn in the flesh” that caused him pain, he pleaded with God three times to remove it. (2 Corinthians 12)
Suffering is a product:
Suffering is a product of evil. We live in a fallen world. Sin is rampant. People, since the beginning of time, have gone their own way, oblivious to the God who made them and who loves them. (Isaiah 53:6) The fact that God allows evil to exist is evidence of his love and of his willingness to give mankind the freedom to love Him in return, or not to love Him if they so choose.
Suffering is a product of our own foolishness. People do stupid things and suffer the consequences.
Suffering is the product of persecution. Christians have always suffered for their faith. Believers have been persecuted, abused, and mistreated since the beginning. Jesus told us to expect persecution.
Some suffering is a product of God’s own doing. Again, Paul says that his thorn in the flesh was given to him and that God purposed it. Jesus’ suffering and death were purposed by God. And there are times when God either causes or allows His children to go through trials and suffering for reasons known only to Him.
Suffering can be purposeful.
First, suffering produces purity. It is like the crucible used to produce pure metal. It does not consume nor destroy, but it refines, removing all impurities.
Next, suffering produces endurance and strength. I visited a vineyard recently, and noticed how severely the branches had been pruned from the vine. The vintner explained that this process is necessary to produce the highest possible quality of grape. God prunes us to develop strength and endurance, cutting away anything that is not fruitful. (see John 15)
Finally, God uses suffering for the purpose of developing in us the character of Christ. In other words, as we suffer we grow to become more like Christ.
“Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my 75 years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my experience, has been through affliction and not through happiness.” Malcolm Muggeridge (Homemade, July, 1990)
God’s people are certainly not immune to suffering. Someone asked C.S. Lewis, "Why do the righteous suffer?" "Why not?" he replied. "They're the only ones who can take it."
Let me share some verses that speak of suffering along with a brief paraphrase.
1Peter 2:21 – we follow Christ in our suffering
1Peter 3:14 – if you suffer you will be blessed
1Peter 3:17 – better to suffer for good than for evil
1Peter 4:1 – because Christ suffered and is victorious
1Peter 4:13 – we share in Christ’s sufferings
1Peter 4:15 – Don’t suffer as a criminal
1Peter 4:16 – suffer to glorify God
1Peter 5:9 – all followers of Christ suffer
1Peter 5:10 – God will use our suffering to strengthen us
1Corinthians 12:26 – as a body, we suffer w/each member
Acts 9:16 – we suffer for Christ’s name
Romans 8:18 – sufferings are temporal and of the earth, not heaven
James 5:10 – we have many models in scripture of those who endured in suffering
2Corinthians 1:6 – God allows us to suffer so we might benefit others
Galatians 3:4 – don’t let suffering be for nothing
Philippians 3:10 – we participate in the fellowship of his suffering – identity with Christ
2Thessalonians 1:5-8 – God will make things right at the judgment
Hebrews 2:18 – Christ helps us when we are tested because he suffered for us
Romans 5:3-5 – we can rejoice knowing that suffering produces endurance
2Timothy 1:8 – we share in suffering, identifying with one another
2Timothy 2:3 – suffering is like soldiering
2Timothy 2:8-9 – we suffer as we declare Christ and live in him
2Timothy 3:10-13 – if we follow Christ we will be persecuted
A famous evangelist told the following incident: “I have a friend who in a time of business recession lost his job, a sizable fortune, and his beautiful home. To add to his sorrow, his precious wife died; yet he tenaciously held to his faith -- the only thing he had left. One day when he was out walking in search of employment, he stopped to watch some men who were doing stonework on a large church. One of them was chiseling a triangular piece of rock. '’Where are you going to put that?' he asked. The workman said, 'Do you see that little opening up there near the spire? Well, I'm shaping this stone down here so that it will fit in up there.' Tears filled my friend's eyes as he walked away, for the Lord had spoken to him through that laborer whose words gave new meaning to his troubled situation. (Our Daily Bread)
So, as James admonishes, count it all joy when you suffer, knowing that God is at work, shaping you for His purposes. (see James 1)
Yesterday her pastor, and ours, shared an incredible message dealing with how God gives comfort in chaos. Using 2 Corinthians 1, Pastor Ryan helped us understand how God works to give us strength and grace in times of great difficulty. I borrowed some thoughts from his message, then researched other verses to put together something for the home Bible study I lead.
Since the beginning of time, mankind has experienced suffering. Some of it we bring on ourselves, and some we seem to inherit for no apparent reason. Here are some thoughts on human suffering that we discussed in our home Bible study. I hope you’ll find this helpful.
First, suffering is pervasive.
Everyone experiences suffering on some level; it’s a universal reality.
Oswald Chambers addresses the universality of suffering when he declares, “Suffering is the heritage of the bad, of the penitent, and of the Son of God. Each one ends in the cross. The bad thief is crucified, the penitent thief is crucified, and the Son of God is crucified. By these signs we know the widespread heritage of suffering.” (Christian Discipline)
Secondly, suffering is painful.
Just consider some of the synonyms for suffering: trials, tribulation, adversity, struggles, difficulties, trouble, pain, hardship, affliction, distress, and tests.
No one enjoys suffering, except perhaps someone who is emotionally off balance. Pain is never fun. Most of us flee situations that we think could be painful.
Paul relates how, when faced with a “thorn in the flesh” that caused him pain, he pleaded with God three times to remove it. (2 Corinthians 12)
Suffering is a product:
Suffering is a product of evil. We live in a fallen world. Sin is rampant. People, since the beginning of time, have gone their own way, oblivious to the God who made them and who loves them. (Isaiah 53:6) The fact that God allows evil to exist is evidence of his love and of his willingness to give mankind the freedom to love Him in return, or not to love Him if they so choose.
Suffering is a product of our own foolishness. People do stupid things and suffer the consequences.
Suffering is the product of persecution. Christians have always suffered for their faith. Believers have been persecuted, abused, and mistreated since the beginning. Jesus told us to expect persecution.
Some suffering is a product of God’s own doing. Again, Paul says that his thorn in the flesh was given to him and that God purposed it. Jesus’ suffering and death were purposed by God. And there are times when God either causes or allows His children to go through trials and suffering for reasons known only to Him.
Suffering can be purposeful.
First, suffering produces purity. It is like the crucible used to produce pure metal. It does not consume nor destroy, but it refines, removing all impurities.
Next, suffering produces endurance and strength. I visited a vineyard recently, and noticed how severely the branches had been pruned from the vine. The vintner explained that this process is necessary to produce the highest possible quality of grape. God prunes us to develop strength and endurance, cutting away anything that is not fruitful. (see John 15)
Finally, God uses suffering for the purpose of developing in us the character of Christ. In other words, as we suffer we grow to become more like Christ.
“Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my 75 years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my experience, has been through affliction and not through happiness.” Malcolm Muggeridge (Homemade, July, 1990)
God’s people are certainly not immune to suffering. Someone asked C.S. Lewis, "Why do the righteous suffer?" "Why not?" he replied. "They're the only ones who can take it."
Let me share some verses that speak of suffering along with a brief paraphrase.
1Peter 2:21 – we follow Christ in our suffering
1Peter 3:14 – if you suffer you will be blessed
1Peter 3:17 – better to suffer for good than for evil
1Peter 4:1 – because Christ suffered and is victorious
1Peter 4:13 – we share in Christ’s sufferings
1Peter 4:15 – Don’t suffer as a criminal
1Peter 4:16 – suffer to glorify God
1Peter 5:9 – all followers of Christ suffer
1Peter 5:10 – God will use our suffering to strengthen us
1Corinthians 12:26 – as a body, we suffer w/each member
Acts 9:16 – we suffer for Christ’s name
Romans 8:18 – sufferings are temporal and of the earth, not heaven
James 5:10 – we have many models in scripture of those who endured in suffering
2Corinthians 1:6 – God allows us to suffer so we might benefit others
Galatians 3:4 – don’t let suffering be for nothing
Philippians 3:10 – we participate in the fellowship of his suffering – identity with Christ
2Thessalonians 1:5-8 – God will make things right at the judgment
Hebrews 2:18 – Christ helps us when we are tested because he suffered for us
Romans 5:3-5 – we can rejoice knowing that suffering produces endurance
2Timothy 1:8 – we share in suffering, identifying with one another
2Timothy 2:3 – suffering is like soldiering
2Timothy 2:8-9 – we suffer as we declare Christ and live in him
2Timothy 3:10-13 – if we follow Christ we will be persecuted
A famous evangelist told the following incident: “I have a friend who in a time of business recession lost his job, a sizable fortune, and his beautiful home. To add to his sorrow, his precious wife died; yet he tenaciously held to his faith -- the only thing he had left. One day when he was out walking in search of employment, he stopped to watch some men who were doing stonework on a large church. One of them was chiseling a triangular piece of rock. '’Where are you going to put that?' he asked. The workman said, 'Do you see that little opening up there near the spire? Well, I'm shaping this stone down here so that it will fit in up there.' Tears filled my friend's eyes as he walked away, for the Lord had spoken to him through that laborer whose words gave new meaning to his troubled situation. (Our Daily Bread)
So, as James admonishes, count it all joy when you suffer, knowing that God is at work, shaping you for His purposes. (see James 1)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
God provides
prov·i·dence prä-v&-d&n(t)s, -"den(t)s
Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin providentia, from provident-, providens (14th century)
1 divine guidance or care: God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny (WWWebster)
“Skip, this is the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hilton Head Island. Our church is seeking a minister of youth and education, and your name has been given to us. I’m going to be in Louisville next week and would like to talk to you.”
“Hilton Head? I’ve heard of it. Isn’t it a golf and tennis resort?” I replied.
“It is indeed. It’s a wonderful place,” he said.
“Well, with all due respect, I really love my work here and I’m not anxious to leave. You might be wasting your time with me.”
I meant what I said. I was in my last semester of seminary and serving as student pastor in one of the most wonderful churches in the city of Louisville. I was part of a tremendous staff. And, with a daughter approaching 9th grade, another in elementary school, plus a 3-year-old and a newborn, I wasn’t anxious to relocate to some remote island three states away.
At the time I was engrossed not only in finishing my final semester, I was also serving as interim minister of music in addition to my youth ministry. So, in the midst of preparing for our Easter drama, I put the phone conversation about Hilton Head on the back burner. That is, until I attended my next Christian education class with Dr. Findley Edge.
After class Dr. Edge asked me if I had heard from the Hilton Head church.
I nodded. I then proceeded to tell Dr. Edge that I had indicated to the pastor that I was not really interested.
Dr. Edge looked at me with his keen eyes and said, “Please do me the courtesy of at least talking to him. I’m the one who submitted your name.”
So it was that I showed up the next afternoon for my interview. I was on my way after class to work on a set for our Easter drama, so I was wearing holey jeans (appropriate for a seminary student, don’t you think?) and sporting a week-old stubble I was growing for my part in the production. Quite a contrast from the other interviewees in their Sunday best.
I didn’t expect much to come from the interview, but was I wrong! Let me just say that when I got home I said to Mary Beth, “Don’t be surprised if the Lord calls us to Hilton Head.” And, as I left the interview, the pastor turned the chairman of deacons, and said, “I think that’s our man.” The rest, as they say, is history. Four months later we became “islanders.”
Was it difficult leaving family, friends, and a wonderful ministry? You betcha! But God provided for us in every way. And let me stress this point also - he provided, in His time, for someone to fill the vacancy my departure created.
God always provides for His people. This is a truth that Abraham learned as he trusted God explicitly. When he obediently took Isaac up to the altar and raised the blade over his beloved son he was trusting God to provide. He believed that God knew best and that God would do what was best.
John Calvin, in his seminal work of theology stated, “When Abraham said to his son, God will provide, (Gen. 22: 8,) he meant not merely to assert that the future event was foreknown to God but to resign the management of an unknown business to the will of Him whose province it is to bring perplexed and dubious matters to a happy result.” (John Calvin, Institutes)
What I hear Calvin saying is this: When things look uncertain or difficult, understand that God is at work for our good in the midst of the circumstances. Our best course is to take hands off and let God work to provide for our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Will you trust Him to do that?
A tragedy in our community reminds us of our need to trust that God knows what He's doing. Even though God is in control, He doesn't always intervene in our lives in ways that we would expect. Hence, we struggle with questions such as "Why would such a lovely person as Vanessa Mintz be senselessly murdered?" As our pastor, Ryan, said this morning, we don't understand, but God does, and He can be trusted to work for good in the midst of tragic circumstances.
We must trust God all the more when we can't make sense of circumstances. He has always been, and will always be, faithful, loving, and true. And in His way, and in His time, He will provide for His children.
Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin providentia, from provident-, providens (14th century)
1 divine guidance or care: God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny (WWWebster)
“Skip, this is the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hilton Head Island. Our church is seeking a minister of youth and education, and your name has been given to us. I’m going to be in Louisville next week and would like to talk to you.”
“Hilton Head? I’ve heard of it. Isn’t it a golf and tennis resort?” I replied.
“It is indeed. It’s a wonderful place,” he said.
“Well, with all due respect, I really love my work here and I’m not anxious to leave. You might be wasting your time with me.”
I meant what I said. I was in my last semester of seminary and serving as student pastor in one of the most wonderful churches in the city of Louisville. I was part of a tremendous staff. And, with a daughter approaching 9th grade, another in elementary school, plus a 3-year-old and a newborn, I wasn’t anxious to relocate to some remote island three states away.
At the time I was engrossed not only in finishing my final semester, I was also serving as interim minister of music in addition to my youth ministry. So, in the midst of preparing for our Easter drama, I put the phone conversation about Hilton Head on the back burner. That is, until I attended my next Christian education class with Dr. Findley Edge.
After class Dr. Edge asked me if I had heard from the Hilton Head church.
I nodded. I then proceeded to tell Dr. Edge that I had indicated to the pastor that I was not really interested.
Dr. Edge looked at me with his keen eyes and said, “Please do me the courtesy of at least talking to him. I’m the one who submitted your name.”
So it was that I showed up the next afternoon for my interview. I was on my way after class to work on a set for our Easter drama, so I was wearing holey jeans (appropriate for a seminary student, don’t you think?) and sporting a week-old stubble I was growing for my part in the production. Quite a contrast from the other interviewees in their Sunday best.
I didn’t expect much to come from the interview, but was I wrong! Let me just say that when I got home I said to Mary Beth, “Don’t be surprised if the Lord calls us to Hilton Head.” And, as I left the interview, the pastor turned the chairman of deacons, and said, “I think that’s our man.” The rest, as they say, is history. Four months later we became “islanders.”
Was it difficult leaving family, friends, and a wonderful ministry? You betcha! But God provided for us in every way. And let me stress this point also - he provided, in His time, for someone to fill the vacancy my departure created.
God always provides for His people. This is a truth that Abraham learned as he trusted God explicitly. When he obediently took Isaac up to the altar and raised the blade over his beloved son he was trusting God to provide. He believed that God knew best and that God would do what was best.
John Calvin, in his seminal work of theology stated, “When Abraham said to his son, God will provide, (Gen. 22: 8,) he meant not merely to assert that the future event was foreknown to God but to resign the management of an unknown business to the will of Him whose province it is to bring perplexed and dubious matters to a happy result.” (John Calvin, Institutes)
What I hear Calvin saying is this: When things look uncertain or difficult, understand that God is at work for our good in the midst of the circumstances. Our best course is to take hands off and let God work to provide for our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Will you trust Him to do that?
A tragedy in our community reminds us of our need to trust that God knows what He's doing. Even though God is in control, He doesn't always intervene in our lives in ways that we would expect. Hence, we struggle with questions such as "Why would such a lovely person as Vanessa Mintz be senselessly murdered?" As our pastor, Ryan, said this morning, we don't understand, but God does, and He can be trusted to work for good in the midst of tragic circumstances.
We must trust God all the more when we can't make sense of circumstances. He has always been, and will always be, faithful, loving, and true. And in His way, and in His time, He will provide for His children.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
No more praying for snow
There are times when enough snow is enough. But, our younger children hardly saw, or at least remember, snow from their early years. Although Laura was born on the cusp of the worst snowfall Kentucky had experienced in years, the infamous "blizzard of 78," she didn't remember any of it.
In 1982 we moved our family to Hilton Head, and, needless to say, snowfall there is indeed scarce. So, in December of 1989, just before we loaded up our family to go to Kentucky for my brother's wedding, the weatherman in Savannah announced a forecast for snow in the mid-west. The night before we departed Tim, age nine, prayed that it would snow in Kentucky. We didn't think much more of it.
However, the next day, as we traveled, I noticed Tim peering out the window of our van, anxiously watching for any sign of snow. Near the end of our 10 hour trip, near Lexington, Tim gushed, "It's snowing!" By the time we arrived at my parents' house in Georgetown, the ground was covered. We awoke the next morning to 6" of fresh powder. Tim was in heaven, even though we had to scrounge around to dress him to go play in the white stuff.
But then it got ugly. Friday night the wind picked up, and the temperature plunged to minus 10. We bundled up as best we could for the wedding on Saturday afternoon, but, after 7 years in the coastal south, we didn't have near enough in the way of warm clothing. As we arrived at the church and walked tenuously across the church parking lot, the cold snow squeaked beneath our feet.
When Sunday arrived we loaded and headed back south, anxious to get home to the warmer climate of coastal Carolina.
But, on Saturday, December 22, the very next weekend, the snow began to fall on our little barrier island, and didn't stop until nearly 12" had fallen. I hurried to church that Sunday morning to assist in the effort to clear the sidewalks and parking lot, but we were woefully ill-equipped. We grabbed what we could - pushbrooms, garbage can lids, garden shovels - and did our best to prepare for the arrival of our members and guests.
Of course, in that temperate climate, the snow melted almost as fast as it fell, and by Monday it was all gone. However, Tim's mom had seen enough snow for one season. She, in her role as the queen of the household, issued an edict. "No more praying for snow, Timothy."
In 1982 we moved our family to Hilton Head, and, needless to say, snowfall there is indeed scarce. So, in December of 1989, just before we loaded up our family to go to Kentucky for my brother's wedding, the weatherman in Savannah announced a forecast for snow in the mid-west. The night before we departed Tim, age nine, prayed that it would snow in Kentucky. We didn't think much more of it.
However, the next day, as we traveled, I noticed Tim peering out the window of our van, anxiously watching for any sign of snow. Near the end of our 10 hour trip, near Lexington, Tim gushed, "It's snowing!" By the time we arrived at my parents' house in Georgetown, the ground was covered. We awoke the next morning to 6" of fresh powder. Tim was in heaven, even though we had to scrounge around to dress him to go play in the white stuff.
But then it got ugly. Friday night the wind picked up, and the temperature plunged to minus 10. We bundled up as best we could for the wedding on Saturday afternoon, but, after 7 years in the coastal south, we didn't have near enough in the way of warm clothing. As we arrived at the church and walked tenuously across the church parking lot, the cold snow squeaked beneath our feet.
When Sunday arrived we loaded and headed back south, anxious to get home to the warmer climate of coastal Carolina.
But, on Saturday, December 22, the very next weekend, the snow began to fall on our little barrier island, and didn't stop until nearly 12" had fallen. I hurried to church that Sunday morning to assist in the effort to clear the sidewalks and parking lot, but we were woefully ill-equipped. We grabbed what we could - pushbrooms, garbage can lids, garden shovels - and did our best to prepare for the arrival of our members and guests.
Of course, in that temperate climate, the snow melted almost as fast as it fell, and by Monday it was all gone. However, Tim's mom had seen enough snow for one season. She, in her role as the queen of the household, issued an edict. "No more praying for snow, Timothy."
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