A song, warm memories and renewed assurance

Last night I paid attention to lyrics of a song to which I had never before listened. I was reared in an austere era of the church summarized in an old ditty, "We don’t dance, or smoke, or chew and never go with girls who do!" My brother says, "If something tasted good, or was fun to do, it was certainly sin!" Pastors railed on the evils of television broadcasting Elvis’ swiveling hips. The Beatles were condemned as blasphemous because they audaciously declared that they were more popular than Jesus.

The song reminded me of an experience crossing Detroit’s Gratiot Avenue, a heavily trafficked roadway. My father, brother and I were about to cross nine white striped lanes filled with whizzing cars. Dad said, "Let me hold your hand." I resisted, insisting on holding his. My father’s won the argument with, "I can hold you better than you can hold me."

The song that was new to me last night is John Lennon’s "Beautiful Boy." The lyrics also evoked the many evenings when I tucked Jonathan into bed. We talked about things important to him. Occasionally he asked questions, the answers to which I am still seeking. He, like Candace and Joanna and all other children experienced fears, wondered aloud about the imponderables of life, and were curious about things that really matter. My responses were, and are, too pointed, prosaic, and poetry starved. John Lennon addressed his young son’s fears with picturesque language, overflowing with poetic images.

Close your eyes
Have no fear
The monster's gone
He's on the run and your daddy's here

[Chorus:]
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy

Before you go to sleep
Say a little prayer
Every day in every way
It's getting better and better

[Chorus]

Out on the ocean sailing away
I can hardly wait
To see you come of age
But I guess we'll both just have to be patient
'Cause it's a long way to go
A hard row to hoeYes it's a long way to go
But in the meantime

Before you cross the street
Take my hand
Life is what happens to you
While you're busy making other plans

[Chorus]

Before you go to sleep
Say a little prayer
Every day in every way
It's getting better and better

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Darling, darling, darling
Darling Sean

An end-of-year greeting includes the assurances of the Holy Spirit flowing through the pen of Saint John, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:1-2) That assurance is like a warm security blanket wrapping us, protecting us from "the monsters that are gone."

Happy New Year!

Christmas Beauty on a Two Lane Road

When traveling Pat occasionally will ask, “Why are you going this way?” My answer is almost always the same, “I want to see something different!” I miss the simple Burma Shave signs and huge ads painted on barns along “U.S. Routes” long ago replaced with interstate highways and expensive turnpikes. Big box stores are either bland, cursed with the infection of sameness, or garish assaults on optic nerves.

We find the less traveled, quaint, routes lined with Mom and Pop emporia more appealing than the super highways. I love visiting a hardware store and being served by a knowledgeable human being, one who counts out the exact number of nuts and bolts that I need. (not wrapped in hard plastic which defies opening without injury). I really like it when the well-trained clerk since nuts and bolts purchases don’t require a “sales associate.” An experienced clerk can immediately point to one of dozens of metal bins and assure me with, “Here, this is what you need.” For me, the value of little metal objects increases as the clerk places the few items in a miniature paper bag (He sometimes even adds one for good measure!) and scribbles the handwritten price that cannot be scanned at the checkout counter.

 Ah, the simple satisfactions of life . . . they remind me of a seldom sung English Christmas carol written 150 years ago by Emily Elliott. The verses can be difficult to remember because they are heard infrequently, but the refrain moves the heart and is unforgettable. I will hum the tune and repeat the refrain’s lyric throughout the remaining days of Advent.   

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.

Refrain

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

Heaven’s arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.

The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest
In the shade of the forest tree;
But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God,
In the deserts of Galilee. 

Thou camest, O Lord, with the living Word,
That should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.

When the heav’ns shall ring, and her choirs shall sing,
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying “Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for thee.”

My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me.

Interstates and turnpikes dominate our travel which makes the old Burma Shave routes all the more colorful and attractive. Route 30 in Lancaster County divides quaint communities like Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse and Paradise. Some of the best homemade food is prepared by Mom and Pop restauranteurs doing business on Route 30. On the same old two-lane road, colorful hand-sewn quilts are displayed for those who have time to appreciate beauty. Emily Eliott’s lyrics are worthy of a deliberate detour from the multilane Christmas worship highways. We may be refreshed with a leisurely break on a spiritual county road, a quiet season of reflection and wonder, as we sing –

          O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

And then, as the human spirit connects with Holy Spirit, we will remember the promise of Jesus’ next appearance and sing with Ms. Eliott.

My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me.

No Issues, Connected Forever

Contemporary high-speed communication technologies develop "issues." For several days I was unable to forward written thoughts through the usual channels of e-mail and Internet because my combination of computer, modem and other components resisted being cooperative. The technicians I called each asked, "What issues are you experiencing?" I thought that my answer was straightforward enough, "My computer doesn’t work!" After a series of telephone conversations, most of which became a contest between two people racing toward a new high water mark of frustration, I am back in business.

In order to be understood, I had to repeat the last four digits of my "social," the numerical portion of our street address, various serial numbers, the make and model of a modem, a description of my "operating system" (which wasn’t operating), and a short list of things in which I have no interest. My estimate is that I spent at least five hours conversing with various technicians to get one computer to effectively and accurately communicate my message.

In contrast, I was reminded how the truth of the Gospel has been sustained and communicated for more than two millennia without one piece of electrically powered equipment! A few days ago I heard again the history-changing truth of the angelic hosts first delivered on the day of Jesus’ birth. The chorus performing "Messiah" sang with a great excitement and skill:
"Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to God in the highest!
And on earth peace, goodwill to all men."
Each voice vigorously added volume and vigor as the few words of Eternal truth were repeated again and again. Like rolls of echoing, rumbling thunder, the truth came closer and closer until the message gripped my swelling heart. Tears swelled in my eyes. My spirit connected with the spirit of shepherds I will not meet until we are gathered in holy assembly in heaven.

Common computers break down, messages get bottled up in some nether word of digits and devises I’ll never understand, but the Holy Spirit keeps the Message moving, active, alive, relevant, and applicable forever.
"Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to God in the highest!
And on earth peace, goodwill to all men."
The Message has been voiced, has vibrated in human hearts and maintains vigorous life-changing vitality for the ages. Hallelujah! God connects with human hearts!

Need or Luxury

The difference between a need and a luxury is an irregularly drawn, jagged line through a "no-man’s land" of Christian stewardship. For instance, Pat and I bought a second-hand car in 1969 in order to make a trip to our national church convention in Dallas Texas . . . in August. The car had no air conditioning! Air conditioning was a "luxury" in our 1969 definition of stewardship, but it is an absolute necessity today! The jagged line has moved far enough toward creature comforts to include several newly-defined necessities. In our automotive world power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, heated seats . . . all have been embraced under newly-written guidelines. However, we still struggle when beverage orders are taken before meals eaten in restaurants. (We can buy a twelve pack for the price of two drinks.)

As a pastor for more than 45 years I denied myself the luxury of fully enjoying today because I was responsible for planning tomorrow! In the middle of Advent I was planning a week of prayer at the beginning of the New Year. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Resurrection Day services all required our best effort but were less than 100 hours apart. After preaching twice, often three times, on Sunday, Monday demanded I get ready for Wednesday’s Bible study and next Sunday. Full rest and luxurious relaxation came during family vacations.

This Advent season seems luxurious! Advent devotionals on the incarnation are rich, supple, warm. Grace has more time to smoothly ooze into the cracks and crevices etched into the spirit by many years of rushing from one important event, person or thing to another. Good things like an effective ministry, successful parenting and peer approval can come at the cost of forfeiting necessities by renaming them luxuries. We must remember that growing in grace is not a luxury, but a necessity, a direct order, "Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes! (2 Peter 3:18, The Message)

As I write this morning, I am luxuriously listening to Handel’s Messiah and enjoying a cup of coffee without an early morning appointment, no big event to plan and no corporate budgets to balance. That is luxury! But just outside my window are people passing by on their way to eternity. My neighbors still do not know the truth of Charles Wesley’s hymn. If I fail to rouse myself from the posh comforts of self interest, the joyous truths will be wasted.

Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise;
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of the favored one.
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"

Hail! the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"
Necessity balances luxury! I must shake myself free of comforts of which I feel entitled. The truth of this morning’s meditations must be shared. In the background, "Unto us a Son is Given" is being sung by a great chorus. The One who sent His Son wants everyone to know the Truth.

A Day of infamy

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s speech on December 8, 71 years ago included the memorable line, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." The day before Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. An audio recording of Roosevelt’s speech can be heard by clicking on the following link, http://www.hark.com/clips/ctfymbtwxs-december-7-1941-a-date-which-will-live-in-infamy. The attack, preceded by months of negotiations and political maneuvering, was the trigger pulled propelling the United States into World War Two.

The rhythmic splash of ocean water against the hulls interrupted men sleeping or showering in preparation for church on that Sunday morning in 1941. Nearly twelve hundred sailors, soldiers and Marines were killed when Japanese pilots flew as low as 100' above the ground while dropping huge bombs on U. S. ships. One soldier relates how while showering he heard loud blasts and ran onto the deck wrapped in a towel and exchanged waves with a grinning Japanese pilot as he released his deadly payload.

Several years ago Pat and I visited Pearl Harbor Memorial while vacationing. The memorial straddles the USS Arizona, the burial site for most of those who were killed. While we had read about the Japanese attack in history textbooks and heard stories told by parents and friends who were alive that day, we were not prepared for the solemn experience the day of our visit. Visitors to the memorial stand immediately above the watery tombs of men who gave their lives in service to our nation. Minutes before we were conversing about the gorgeous scenery, the warm sun, the perfect sea breeze and where we would eat lunch. And then . . . well, we just weren’t prepared for the deeply moving moment.

Surviving eye witnesses to the attack are few. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported this morning’s edition, "Sailor Ralph Jeffers was eating eggs, bacon, and sausage in the mess hall on the Curtiss about 8:00 a.m. when he was startled by a loud explosion. He looked through a hatch, saw the battleship Utah listing, then ran topside to man a .50-caliber gun." Survivors went on to marry, rear families and work industriously, but "the day of infamy" remains the pivotal moment of their lives. Today’s Inquirer quotes the leader of a Pearly Harbor group, "If the United States is vigilant, ‘it won’t have to go through that again,’ said Large, of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. ‘If the government remembered the survivors’ motto, ‘Remember Pearl Harbor, Keep America Alert,’ I don’t think 9/11 would have happened."

The Apostle Paul’s Holy Spirit inspired words are appropriate on this Pearl Harbor Day. "Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

"But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self–controlled." – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Emanuel!

The late Catholic Archbishop Rev. Fulton J. Sheen, wrote, "Christ’s coming into the world was not like that of a sightseer to a strange city, but rather like that of an artist visiting his own studio, or an author paging the books he himself has written, for in becoming incarnate the Divine Word was tabernacling himself in his own creation. His human nature in no way limited his Divine Wisdom, but it did give him a new way of communicating it to humans, and one quite comfortable to their own nature. Through a human tongue like their own, speaking their own dialect, people heard him say, ‘I am the light of the world’; they saw his lips move, and for the first time in the history of the world they heard one equate himself with Truth, saying to Pilate, ‘I am come to give testimony to the truth.’

"Now it is quite unthinkable that all this Wisdom should be lost, for it is the Truth of God himself. It is even unthinkable that he who was so emphatic about every ‘iota’ of his Truth being accepted, and who condemned those who would not believe, and who remained three years on earth to teach its details to the tardy intellects of his time, and who died rather than surrender the Truth of what he taught, should allow this same Divine Truth to be forgotten, to be twisted, turned, misinterpreted, interpolated, and explained away as if it were worth no more than the babble of a child."

In every direction I’ve turned the last few days I have been reminded of Emanuel. A neighbor down the street from us has placed a simple one word sign, Emanuel, on his lawn. Other neighbors have installed elaborate light displays, beautiful but overwhelmed by the simplicity of the one four-syllable word in black and white.

Our children bought concert tickets for us. A gifted artist performed one of his original works. A small sample from Buddy Greene’s, "God is with us," says:

I've been washed in the blood and I'm fully forgiven
I have tasted the goodness of my Savior and Lord
He has brought me from darkness to live in His light
To love, serve and honor Him with all of my might
He's the way, truth and light - hope for you and me
He has broken every chain and led this captive free
He was born of a virgin like the scriptures said He would be
Unto those He had created, but who knew him not
For three years he was preachin', teachin', making enemies
Finding fellowship with prostitutes, murderers and thieves
He was nailed to a cross to pay for every sin
In three days He rose in glory, now He lives within
Chorus:
God is with us
Till the end of the age
He is with us
Even though the battles rage
Immanuel - oh how I live to tell everyoneThat God is with us
Our Immanuel
The lyrics and melody were new to me, but Emanuel truth has been setting me free for years, day by day, inch by inch, wonder by awesome wonder.

At the same concert a family group, two sisters and a brother, sang a capella, the old Christmas hymn originally written in Latin. The first two of seven verses whet ones appetite for the rich truth and pure longings of God’s people expressed through several centuries.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
When we worship on Christmas Eve the ancient hymn will almost certainly be sung.

Yesterday Emanuel truth was taken to another new level as we listened to excerpts of G. F. Handel’s Messiah sung by the Delaware State University Choirs. Most of the concert was performed in a traditional style and a few segments were described as "soulful." The Emanuel message was as refreshing as the cold Atlantic waters in the heat of mid summer as tradition and innovation reinforced truth that makes salvation real. Wondrous truth was poured out from heaven’s large reservoirs as the Holy Spirit announced to my spirit, "I am with you!" God’s mind and mine became one in agreement. My deepest desires completely satisfied in a single word, Emanuel!

Conscience that fits fashion

The 1950's was an era in which one of the most egregious errors in United States Government policy was spawned. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and later the United States Senate orchestrated an attempt to purge suspected Communists from society. The post World War Two "Cold War" was gathering momentum. One radio preacher to whom Pat and I listened well into the ‘60's was certain that a Communist was under every bed and lurking on the faculties of even evangelical seminaries. People were hailed before panels to defend their right to keep their government job when the FBI documented that their car was seen parked near the home of someone suspected of un-American activity. Innocent people’s lives were ruined on hearsay and were not allowed counsel at hearings that legitimately may be named witch hunts. President Harry Truman considered his executive order allowing the dark practices his greatest error in office.

One of the tragedies of the dark season in our history is that thousands of people lost their jobs and never recovered economically or emotionally. Many, possibly a majority, were Jewish immigrants who had fled Hitler’s purge of millions. Antisemitism ran rampant in the FBI and was part of the moral flaw that allowed much of the activity. Others were harassed because their efforts to break the stranglehold of Jim Crow racism.

Lillian Hellman testified before one of the tribunals May 19, 1952 and her response to her accusers was, "I cannot and will not cut my conscience to fit this year's fashions." I cannot be sure of Ms. Hellman’s guilt or innocense, nor am I certain of any other individual’s standing. But, I am certain the Lillian Hellman’s statement concerning conscience is an appropriate template for authentic disciples of Jesus. In an era of slippery moral convictions that have permeated our culture, evangelicals must be as committed to holy living. Those who confess Jesus as Savior must maintain sterling character. A descriptive line in Hebrews helps us understand, "The world was not worthy of them." (Hebrews 11:38) The context, the conditions under which the too-good-for-the-world people qualified for the divine compliment, brings the truth in 3-D and vibrant color.
Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— (11:35-37)
Many Americans were uneasy but remained silent, fearful and unwilling to risk their standing in the community. Justice was trampled underfoot. People’s reputations, ability to earn a living, and hope for the future were ruined before an end to the witch hunts was ordered.

In a men’s Sunday School class in the 1960's, the teacher pointed out, "When a culture is in trouble, political leaders make the church the scapegoat." Persecution of authentically spiritual people occurs because of political expediency, to maintain power. As world leaders wrestle today with economic issues so complex that what happens in Athens will have an impact on Wall Street tomorrow, evangelicals ought to pay close attention and decide now how they will answer before the tribunal of public opinion or the bar of political convenience. Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount are worthy of noting. "It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire." An adaptation of Ms. Hellman’s testimony before mere mortals will serve us well when we stand before the Eternal Judge, "I could not and would not cut my conscience to fit the world's fashions."

　

　

　

Spiritual Warfare

H. Norman Schwarzkopf’s memoir, It Doesn’t Take a Hero, is a fascinating account of a soldier’s life. The commander of coalition forces in Desert Storm, General Schwarzkopf was responsible for deploying more than 500,000 men and women to Kuwait and orchestrating a war that lasted a mere 100 hours. The inner workings of the military establishment are startling, especially when one’s personal safety is considered.

Schwarzkopf’‘s memoir shares insights into the future general’s challenges of growing up with the benefits of financial privilege, a private school education and extensive international travel. His story includes an explanation of unique issues common to military families, a penetrating view into a home led by an alcoholic mother whose dysfunction peaked while the father was deployed and an extended estrangement from a sister who protested the Viet Nam war while Schwarzkopf was deployed in the unpopular conflict.

A soldier’s life is foreign to me. The only uniform I have worn is one assigned when I played on a college intermural basketball team, "The Klunkers." (And, we lived up to our name!) My parents didn’t even allow us to own toy guns. "Guns kill!" they reminded me. My parents were passivists in temperament and that affected how I grew up. Kids in our neighborhood wore their father’s WWII uniforms and played war, but my father had been exempted from the military with a last minute announcement by President Roosevelt. I suppose I could have played the role of a German civilian prisoner of war, but . . .

During General Schwarzkopf’s eight month long stint in Desert Storm, he taped a quote by General William T. Sherman, "War is the remedy our enemies have chosen. And I say let us give them all they want." I have no quarrel with the military. It just isn’t part of my life experience. The One who enlists us has called for a different response to enemies. Consider His instructions."You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." – Matthew 5:38-45 (My friend, Bob Neuman’s experience is an endnote. It illustrates how literal translation and application can be messy!)

An emphasis on "Spiritual Warfare" may be enriched with less military language and more stress on the vocabulary of peace making. It may be worth exploring what would happen when the enemy is "me" and not those with whom I disagree or behave in ways I disapprove. Is victory as "surrender to the One who came to give life in abundance," worthy of discussion? On occasion we might ask, "Are the antagonistic and hostile ‘Left’ the real opposition, or is the true enemy of my soul my personal anger and need to be in charge, exerting power and imposing myself?"

The war metaphor can be confusing. While embracing passivist values, our family also sang –
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
There is room for explaining spiritual conflict, but I do not believe answering the abrasive behavior of the world with actions in kind is what Jesus intended. Should the spirit of "With the cross of Jesus," His bold surrender to His Father’s will, be our adopted banner of behavior? The Spirit of Jesus on the cross is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s suffering servant. (Isaiah 53) Are we missing something when we emphasize how to win battles when the loser is always someone else? I am thinking about the perplexity of the battle as one without a soldier’s experience.

Dividends are payments made by corporations to stockholders. The rate of return is connected to the level of risk the investor takes and how profitable the corporation proves to be. For instance, original investors in Ford Motor Company merely believed that Henry Ford’s assembly line concept had merit and risked their funds. Those who trusted Ford’s dream and invested, became wealthy.

Many people have heard our dream and trusted that what we described was worthy of risking their time, skills, and funds. Last week Pat and I attended the annual Spring Garden Academy Thanksgiving program and family dinner. More than 200 people attended, many from the Resurrection Life Church neighborhood. Pat and I collected a dividend!

One family with whom we had shared life and witness for more than ten years reported that they had recently become members of Resurrection Life. The mother said, "My whole life has been changed!" Her daughters and grandchildren also attend and one daughter is a member of the current "Next Generation" class. At least six of the youth who first entered the building to play basketball now attend "The Bridge" youth ministry and are attending Sunday worship.

But, the one bid line item in our dividend payment was the presentation of Spring Garden Academy children. We were thrilled! The elementary school children sang four verses of "Fairest Lord Jesus," all the verses of "Holy, Holy, Holy," and three verses of "Count Your Blessings." To their repertoire they added a quotation in unison of Psalm 115 and Psalm 101 followed by Philippians 4:4-7, all this without a cue card! Tears flowed as I learned that the lyrics of important hymns and lengthy passages of Scripture are imbedded in youthful hearts forever! There is no eraser for the brain!

If you have invested your time, funds or skills, the dividends are beginning to be paid. There is a payday coming, a "well-done good and faithful servant, enter . . ." Heaven will be richer and more boisterous as we share in triumphant adoration with those whose names are written there because of what risks we have taken here. I wish you could have sampled the future joy with us last week.

Endnote:

When I was a teenager and after I had become a Christian, some friends and I were cruising, looking for girls in Hammond. We spotted two of them walking down the street and interpreted either their smile or wave as a come on – like saying "sic ‘em" to a dog. So I raced around the block, and cut down an alley to catch up with them.

What I did not know was that as I sped down the alley I hit a puddle of water and splashed a man. He tracked us down, got me out of the car and hit me in the face. I told him, Sir, I am a Christian and Jesus said, ‘If a person strikes you on one cheek, turn the other to him also.’ BOTTOM LINE: I did . . . and HE DID! The take-away lesson from the experience is, "Be careful taking Jesus’ words literally!"

Dividends

Dividends are payments made by corporations to stockholders. The rate of return is connected to the level of risk the investor takes and how profitable the corporation proves to be. For instance, original investors in Ford Motor Company merely believed that Henry Ford’s assembly line concept had merit and risked their funds. Those who trusted Ford’s dream and invested, became wealthy.

Many people have heard our dream and trusted that what we described was worthy of risking their time, skills, and funds. Last week Pat and I attended the annual Spring Garden Academy Thanksgiving program and family dinner. More than 200 people attended, many from the Resurrection Life Church neighborhood. Pat and I collected a dividend!

One family with whom we had shared life and witness for more than ten years reported that they had recently become members of Resurrection Life. The mother said, "My whole life has been changed!" Her daughters and grandchildren also attend and one daughter is a member of the current "Next Generation" class. At least six of the youth who first entered the building to play basketball now attend "The Bridge" youth ministry and are attending Sunday worship.

But, the one bid line item in our dividend payment was the presentation of Spring Garden Academy children. We were thrilled! The elementary school children sang four verses of "Fairest Lord Jesus," all the verses of "Holy, Holy, Holy," and three verses of "Count Your Blessings." To their repertoire they added a quotation in unison of Psalm 115 and Psalm 101 followed by Philippians 4:4-7, all this without a cue card! Tears flowed as I learned that the lyrics of important hymns and lengthy passages of Scripture are imbedded in youthful hearts forever! There is no eraser for the brain!

If you have invested your time, funds or skills, the dividends are beginning to be paid. There is a payday coming, a "well-done good and faithful servant, enter . . ." Heaven will be richer and more boisterous as we share in triumphant adoration with those whose names are written there because of what risks we have taken here. I wish you could have sampled the future joy with us last week.

His eye is on the sparrow

Last evening I almost said to Pat, "Ssh! Listen! Can you hear the song? From deep within I could hear it!

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Chorus:
I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Chorus

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Chorus

The first time I remember hearing the song a distant relative from Northern Michigan sang it in church. If she had recorded an album they would have been sold at J. L. Hudson’s downtown on the "irregular" counter. I had a little trouble with the bird image, and the capacity for full-blown discouragement had not yet been developed as I was still in elementary school.

It was 1953, I looked it up, and Billy Graham came to Detroit for an extended crusade. My recollection is that Ethel Waters sang "His Eye is on the Sparrow." She really set the high water mark for that song in my opinion.

But, my favorite soloist’s rendition of "His Eye" occurred at Vailsburg Assembly of God. The new church was barely gaining traction. Our team was weary following months of building renovations and start-up efforts. Howard and Dorothy DeCosta, Jamaicans who had been saved in their homeland because of faithful missionary efforts, began attending. Dorothy could sing! Really sing! On a Sunday when Matthew 10 was my text, Dorothy sang like I’ve never heard the song sung before. Like warmed wax the lyrics melted into my soul. The words soothed surfaces of my spirit and penetrated into the cracks and crevices as healing balm.

Pat and I have had to confront a few uncertainties the last few days. We need to make a few decisions. Today is unlike any other day and we both were beginning to feel a bit anxious. You’ve probably had a few of those days yourself! After doing the really spiritual things like reading the Bible, praying and seeking counsel, my coping mechanism is to retreat. I filled the evening reading the memoire of a family that suffered at the hands government officials who tested their loyalty to the United States. The book is fascinating but does little to inform us about which path to take! My eyes grew tired, so I started toward the bedroom. And then the song started! The tune was being sung by all the voices I had heard before, the odd relative whose voice was not that good, Ethel Waters, smaller Pentecostal congregations, recorded artists and Dorothy!

Pat knows that when I die the song must be sung at my memorial service. I haven’t been told the date yet, but I believe it will be long enough into the future for you to learn the lyrics so you can sing along.

A King's Worthy Example

If one lives long enough he will admit, "I don’t know!" Only fools resist the obvious and slog forward in unconfessed ignorance. This week I was reminded of this truth while reading my friend and fellow US Missionary Rick Roberts’ novel Firing Squad.¹ The plot includes a tense moment when a judge sought the Lord’s guidance. In his preparations for sentencing a murderer a Christian judge prayed an excerpt from King Jehoshaphat’s prayer, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (2 Chronicles 20:12)

The setting for the prayer adds weight to the simplicity of the prayer.

• Jehoshaphat was an upright man and dedicated to national reforms. He had led Judah out of a spiritual and moral morass. His father Asa has been a loved and respected leader but had foolishly entered into political and military alliances that proved detrimental to Judah. Jehoshaphat spent no time blaming his father for his troubles, he simply called out to the Lord for help.
• Jehoshaphat was transparent. The problem King Jehoshaphat experienced would trouble any national leader. The armies of rival Moab and Ammon declared war and were encroaching at Judah’s board. Jehoshaphat’s response to their threat is a practical template for leaders. "Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him." (2 Chronicles 20:3-4) Notice, the king offered no "spin," and no cronies tried to sway public opinion.
• Jehoshaphat taught Judah’s citizens how to pray by publicly exposing his heart in intercession. Good leaders teach the importance and patterns of prayer to those who follow. Pastoral prayers are powerful because they are multiplied as congregants learn and emulate the one charged with their soul’s safety.
• Jehoshaphat life and leadership were validated by the Holy Spirit. Something always happens when people pray! "Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel . . . a Levite . . . as he stood in the assembly. He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’" (2 Chronicles 20:12-17)
• And then, after the mass prayer meeting, the prophetic word sent by the Spirit, the worship began. Jehoshaphat appointed worshipers to sing of the Lord’s splendor and holiness. (2 Chronicles 20:21) With the sounds of worship in the background, God sent an ambush!

Jehoshaphat and the Judeans spent their time plundering their dead enemies.

We all have had occasions when we didn’t know what to do. King Jehoshaphat has served us well in providing a pattern worthy of following.

Every Day Is Thanksgiving in Heaven

The Book of Revelation is one of my favorites. Some of the most powerful and life-changing moments have occurred as I read the book or listened to the lyrics as Handle’s "Messiah" was sung. While others have developed charts and written in intricate detail about the meanings of eyes, horns, oxen and eagles, I revel in the simple message that in heaven worship and praise ascends without interruption. In heaven every day is Thanksgiving.

Chapters two and three of the Revelation of Jesus applaud the faithfulness and good works of the church as she struggles against adversity. The church is affirmed for enduring hardship, addressing errors, suffering patiently and persevering when greatly outnumbered. The church is also warned about losing her first love, compromising in worship and growing lukewarm. I find the Revelation refreshing because the real struggles of real people are simply defined. Chapters two and three deal with church people as they are, not as I want them to be, and with me as I am, not as I often pretend to be!

Chapters four and five pull back the draperies of human shortsightedness and allow uncomplicated people like us to peer into what is happening in heaven while struggle with sin and self, sputter in worship and praise, and squirm uncomfortably with doubts in the arena of adversity. In chapter four and five readers of the Revelation begin to experience the promised blessing of chapter one, "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." (Verse 3) While good churchmen are struggling in difficult venues with demanding challenges, Thanksgiving is going on in heaven!

Pat and I will spend the next few days with our family. When we return home, I will insert my favorite CD into our sound system, turn up volume, and fill our home with the sounds of heaven, Handel’s Messiah! If we can find affordable tickets, we will attend a live performance. Something faith-building, spirit-lifting, hope-filling happens in my spirit when I hear the words of the Revelation sung by the chorus.
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (5:12) The orchestra, the chorus and my atonal voice agree with heaven where Thanksgivings never end! Another hymn of adoration and affirmation to the One surrounded by twenty-four elders, the One worthy to open the scroll, the Lamb that was killed but is still living is lifted by the chorus in heaven and echoed on earth, under the earth and in the sea ascends in mighty power.
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!" (5:13) Yes! It is happening right now and always in heaven! It is Thanksgiving every day in heaven!

And, finally, the agreement of 100 million voices are united forever in heaven and on earth by those who choose to follow heaven’s maestro. The roaring sound is like a mighty waterfall drowning the voice of every naysayer and merchant of doubt! "Amen!"

"Amen!" Forever, "Amen!" "Amen!" "Amen!"! It is Thanksgiving every day in heaven!

　

　

Grace and Peace at Thanksgiving

This past Sunday our pastor led a wonderful season of Thanksgiving in the worship service. Each worshiper found a note with instructions about how to best participate. The effects were positive, inspiring faith, sharing appropriate appreciation, and were appropriately centered on the One from whom all good and perfect gifts are received. The pastor’s message strongly reinforced what had preceded. Pat and I were glad we were able to attend.

One of the most powerful points of the pastor’s message was an observation that others notice and are affected by our spirit of appreciation. Our family shares experiences the pastor used as examples. Several times restaurant diners have briefly interrupted us as we ate, thanking us for bowing our heads and giving thanks before eating. It happened last Christmas at the　holiday season when all 16 members of our immediate family dominated a corner of a restaurant. The usual indecision of how we would be seated took an embarrassingly long time. The laughter was as playful as always. Smaller grandchildren grew restless and behaved their age. We were certain that other diners were getting annoyed. But, contrary to fears, people stopped to speak of how they wished they had a family they could enjoy like we enjoy ours, and specifically mentioned our prayer of thanks before eating the meal.

Thursday most of our immediate family will gather around a table to eat a very traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The memory of aromas from past holiday meals builds anticipation for the newest display of culinary art. Our mealtime custom includes each person at the table sharing thanks for God’s blessings. Given the range of ages and interests in our family, Thanksgiving is a broad, ever-expanding exercise. The grandchildren at this year’s meal will range in age from three to nine years-old. Their recitals of thanks keep maturing as their palate of experience expands.

This year I am prepared to point to Saint Paul’s letters to the churches. In each of at least ten letters Paul bestows a blessing of "grace and peace" to those who would receive them. In his letters to Timothy Paul expands his blessing to "grace, mercy and peace" bringing the total to twelve reinforcing mentions of an all-important truth. We　could never experience　the peace of God unless God had preceded that with His grace. After man sinned, it was God who came to look for man and not man for God. My friend, Bob Neuman suggested adding the following poem.

He did not wait 'til I needed Him;

He loved me at my worst.

He need never have died at all

If I could have loved Him first.

First, grace always precedes peace. By definition, grace is undeserved, given freely by Him who metes out unmerited blessing. Paul’s letters help us understand the power of grace. Consider –　
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8　
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
– Ephesians 2:8-19
Paul personalized grace in 1 Timothy.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (Verses 12-14)
James shares an additional dimension about where good begins and how utterly helpless mankind is without God’s grace.
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. - James 1:16-18We could paraphrase James by saying, "If it is good, it didn’t start with us!
As a high school senior I encountered the 15^th chapter of John in a powerful, life-changing manner. While reading the Gospel I was captivated with verses 15 and 16,
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
God aggressively seeks out those He desires to follow Him! Wonder! Awe! Startled surprise fills my spirit while I contemplate the grace of God.

Peace is the fruit of grace received. Shalom, well being, rest and serenity are experienced by those who revel in God’s grace. In last Sunday’s service an older member of the congregation exhorted us as she gave thanks, "People, God has everything under control! It’s going to be all right!" The dear saint was God’s mouthpiece, blessing the church with peace! The refrain of an old gospel song comes to mind. It says,
"There’s a deep settled peace in my soul.
There’s a deep settled peace in my soul.
Tho the billows of sin near me roll;
He abides.　Christ abides!"
The peace of God is more than the absence of conflict or unfavorable circumstances. Christ’s shalom is confident trust that He is fulfilling His plans.

On the surface some could conclude that our family could pose for Norman Rockwell. But our family is more complicated than "home on the range, where seldom is heard a discouraging word." Our lives are blessed because God grace and peace have been poured out on us! Some storms are passed. Others may be on the horizon. The peace of God follows His grace. We ought always to be giving thanks for both grace and peace.

The Word Accomplishes the Work

Radical Together is an argument for applying Biblical principles in the contemporary church. David Platt states, "The Word of God accomplishes the work of God." Evangelicals passionately affirm that truth. We believe the Bible is without error and write endless volumes about the Book.

Dr. Platt, the pastor of the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham Alabama, asks in Radical Together, if Jesus’ American disciples are prepared to hear God’s Word and allow the Word to strip away good human efforts and programs so that the Bible can transform individuals and congregations.

After being a pulpit guest in more than 300 churches of my denomination, I have made a few observations which indicate that the Word is God is slipping and sliding from the central place in classical Pentecostalism.
Congregations seldom open their Bible and follow their pastor as he reads an extended text. Recently my pastor led our congregation in reading Psalm 136. The rhythms of 36 statements affirming God’s goodness were reinforced with "His mercy endureth forever." The song of mercy echoed in my spirit the following week.
More time is spent worshiping than preaching and teaching. Do we modulate through key changes, polish transitions and create atmospheres of worship at great expense, the greatest being the displacement of strong, Biblical preaching? Great churches, transforming communities of faith, most often are fed rich food from God’s Word.
Much preaching is topical and thematic in an attempt to be culturally relevant. The agelessness of the Bible demands that it be allowed to speak for itself. The preacher-teacher, the Holy Spirit’s gift to the church (Ephesians 4:11-12) is ordained to "preach the Word." (2 Timothy 4:2) By application, if someone experiences an emergency in the darkness of night the first reasonable action is to turn on the light! Are we spending time groping in darkness, flailing away with useless tools when what we really need is light? The Psalm of the Word, 119, defines God’s Word as light.
Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple
(Verses 129, 130, KJV)
And, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
(Verse 105, KJV) Architecturally, evangelicals have placed their pulpits in the center of the church, usually elevated and prominent. Huge stages now are filled with instruments, speakers, screens and other equipment used to create a desired effect. If present at all, contemporary pulpits are spindly nearly invisible podiums. The phrase, "Hide me behind the sacred desk," so often heard a generation ago as pastors prayed before preaching is no longer appropriate. Billy Graham’s mantra, "The Bible says . . ." is a quaint item in video archives.
A new commitment to knowing the content of the Bible is in order. Knowing it is critical to life-sustaining faith.
The Word must be trusted as the material with which the Holy Spirit constructs the likeness of Jesus (the Word made flesh, John 1) in His disciples. A thorough review of Romans 10:17 ought to bring us to a thorough examination of our message.
Jesus’ prayer for the Twelve includes, Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. (John 17:17-19, NIV) And, I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.
All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. (John 16:12-14, NIV)
Those who know the stories of the Bible dare to pray more boldly, without hesitation. The spirit of man is energized with the accounts of Daniel in the lion’s den, Gideon’s battle, and Joshua at Jericho. Those who are sick approach God differently if they have committed James 5 to memory and believe the promise.
David Platt’s line is worthy of our musing, "The Word of God accomplishes the work of God." Our musing may result in daring decisions to pursue effectiveness in the pulpit.

A Lesson from Job

During my most recent reading of Job I was reminded that the icon for suffering and vindication was far richer and influential than I could ever dream of becoming. But, I have better friends! Reading Job is like watching a tennis match at center court. The wordy volley between Job and his three friends is a study of world class argument.

Job is able to say, "I’m innocent and will go into my grave without admitting that my present problems are a result of my sins." Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar are as adamant and consistent in their responses to Job with repeated appeals to, "Fess up! No one suffers like you if they are not guilty of some pretty bad stuff! Your sins brought this on!" The nettlesome trio plied their best cause and affect arguments to cause Job to acknowledge the errors of his ways.

In chapter nine of John’s Gospel Jesus addresses a similar simplistic response to an imponderable and troubling circumstance.
"As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’
"‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’"
"Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. ‘Go,’ he told him, ‘wash in the Pool of Siloam’ (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing."

In our limited capacity to see and understand mere humans see "two dimensionally" as either -or. But God sees mega-dimensionally! He sees everything at once. We see blindness and want to know why. Our Sovereign sees the end from the beginning and has never been taken by surprise.

Remember that Job is playing three-on-one! Job’s best shot, an "ace" served into the questionable Magi’s back court, is in chapter 28.
"People know where to mine silver and how to refine gold. They know where to dig iron from the earth and how to smelt copper from rock. They know how to shine light in the darkness and explore the farthest regions of the earth as they search in the dark for ore. They sink a mine shaft into the earth far from where anyone lives. They descend on ropes, swinging back and forth. (NLT, Verses 1-3)
Men can build incredibly complex machines, erect bridges spanning miles of water, and can lift precious metals from miles below the earth’s surface. In spite of this, Job adds,
"But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding?
No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living." (NLT, Verses 12-13)
Complicated actions are easy in comparison to understanding motives and reasons. In an environment where knowledge is multiplied at the speed of light we creep along in a moral morass unable to understand why men behave as they do. Why does a man of highest rank allow himself to be inanely entrapped in an extramarital affair? Why do the powerful find it so difficult to be candid and transparent? Am I the only one who wonders about the "double speak" of press conferences? Why has compromise for the common good become so hard to achieve? If we can fly unmanned planes with a mouse and keyboard from within the safety of an office, why can’t we discipline ourselves to listen to an opponent and reason with a person who sees the mountain from a different angle?
"And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’" (NLT, Verse 28)
It may be advisable to mute the media opinion mongers, analysts of the imponderable, and verbally slippery people of power and learn to listen to One who is Wisdom! It may be time to echo Job and say, "Sorry Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, you just aren’t getting it! Your opinions, your assessments and your counsel aren’t working."

My good friend Bob added, "God and Satan were having a battle. Job didn’t know that he was the battlefield!

One Day to Feed the World

Highway Tabernacle was in financial distress. Her members had courageously determined to undertake the needed renovations on an abandoned church building in North Philadelphia’s Nicetown neighborhood. Like many worthy endeavors, the project stalled for want of funds. Morale was low. Some of the things that happened during the summer and fall months are better forgotten. At several low points, I was questioning myself and the decision to encourage the congregation to get involved.

As usual, the autumn mail was filled with year-end requests for funding worthy missions. The local missions appealed for monies to provide homeless people with shelter and needy families Thanksgiving dinners. Friends asked for our help in providing study Bibles needed by church leaders in distant places. If water wells were dug, thousands in Africa would be spared from death by starvation. I was all too familiar with year-end efforts to finish the financial year in the black.

At one of our lowest points a written appeal came from a favorite mission, Convoy of Hope. Convoy delivers food, water and a variety of services in large community events. The key ingredient of each event is a n offer to pray with honored guests before they leave the event site with bags of groceries, offer recipients a haircut, family photo, help writing a resume, or share a variety of other gifts. The written request caught my eye because my brother-in-law, Hugh Duncan, trains workers to pray with guests at Convoy outreaches. A telephone call from a Convoy representative added urgency and explanation of "One Day to Feed the World." I promised the caller that I would present the need to the deacons but secretly believed that the church could do little to help.

The "One Day to Feed the World" opportunity was near the bottom of the agenda for the deacon meeting. I made a somewhat apologetic presentation pointing out the present financial challenges before the church. I may have even said, "How many times can we ask the people to give?" The turning point in the meeting, and in the life of the church came as a deacon, my son-in-law, said, "I think we ought to give the people an opportunity to give. If they are moved to give, they will and we will be blessed."　An explanation of "One Day to Feed the World" was shared in several services. The congregation was asked to give one day’s wages to Convoy so that the less fortunate would experience a taste of Jesus’ generosity. The offering was received and counted. I was shocked and pleased with the response.

Almost immediately the church’s financial distress was eased. Gifts flowed in for the renovation project. Unsolicited funds came from several sources. I had never witnessed anything like what happened after the special appeal and generous offering was received.

Highway Tabernacle is participating again this year. Resurrection Life Church, the congregation which is housed in the once abandoned building, will add its offerings. In retrospect, I ought to never have hesitated to present another need. God blesses generosity. Saint Paul wrote by the Spirit about the dynamic of Christian generosity.
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, yo u will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." – 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

And, I celebrate a word of wisdom delivered by the Spirit through my son-in-law! Otis courageously urged us to give people an opportunity to give. God met our need as we obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Pat and I will be sharing a "One Day to Feed the World" offering again this year and recommend the ministry of Convoy of Hope! Please join us!

God Knows Before We Ask!

While renovating the building which now houses Resurrection Life Church, my routines included regularly reading through the pages of Craig’s List, an online classified ad site. By daily searching for needed materials, tools and services, over the course of several months we reduced the cost of renovations by purchasing surplus materials from contractors, lightly used tools, and manufacturers’ overruns.

One of the best Craig’s List experiences was the day we discovered over half of the needed interior doors. Our needs were unique, which makes this story even more remarkable. Because we planned to use part of the building as school classrooms some doors had to have "lights" (contractor’s language for windows), commercial grade closers, and codes required that a few had to be fire rated.

The listing caught my eye. "Interior commercial doors with hardware. Best offer." I called the listed number, the home office of Cento Fine Foods in West Deptford, New Jersey. I quickly learned that the doors matched our need and dared to ask, "What is the ‘best offer you have received?’" The answer, "None, yet." Since we didn’t have any money to offer, I suggested that Cento Fine Foods might benefit more by donating the doors and hardware than by selling them. Within a few minutes one of the owner-managers of the family foods business said, "Come and get them!"

When our volunteers began sorting through the donation, we discovered that we had more than half of what we needed. The doors even swung in the right direction! Doors of equal quality retailed for more than $125, the hydraulic closers cost more than $100 and the metal jambs were equally expensive. The added cost of the "lights" was an additional $75 value. Each of the 20 openings that Cento Foods doors and hardware filled would have cost more than $400 each, or $8,000!

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he said, "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:5-8

Through the more than 45 years of our pastoral vocation, we have been formed by fervent, simple prayers offered by people who eagerly desired that the Name of our God be glorified. When Highway Tabernacle walked through the months of challenging renovations, multiple breaking and entering episodes, municipal red tape, and faith-testing uncertainty, the congregation’s prayers were heard all the way into heaven! And the God to whom we prayed answered as surely and as powerfully as He answered Elijah when he contested with the prophets of Baal.

Friday Night Missionary Services

In September 1962, I was a 18-year-old freshman at Central Bible College in Springfield, MO. The school had a tradition of lighting a bonfire on the ball field for an outdoor service the first Friday night students were on campus. I don’t remember too many details of the evening except that a missionary evangelist, Reverend Otis Keener, spoke and students were challenged to give their best effort during the academic year.

Reverend Keener issued a challenge which proved life-changing. He said, "You will attend chapel Monday through Friday because it is required and attendance will be taken. However, the Friday evening Campus Missionary Fellowship service is voluntary. If you attend the missionary services, your life will be changed." At the conclusion of Reverend Keener’s message students were asked to make commitments to the Lord concerning the school year. I determined to attend every Friday missionary service when I was on campus, and I kept the promise for four years.

Each Friday night I heard of human need. I learned about creative strategies employed by missionaries from many countries, all continents, and subcontinents. The appeal nearly always included a need for workers, I took the short walk from my seat to altar every Friday evening and told the Lord of Harvest I was available and would gladly go to Africa, Europe, South America and . . . no place was too distant or too demanding. My senior year Pat Kolas Wegner was my every Friday night date. Pat and I learned to say, "Yes!" rhythmically and happily. Friday nights were the occasions when Jesus used others to open my eyes to a world we didn’t know existed. He whetted our appetite for meaningful service to people who needed Him. The Holy Spirit formed our spirits and set the trajectory for our life and vocation during those hours when we learned from missionaries and lingered at the altar.

Otis Keener passed away several years ago without learning how God used him to change the course of my life. As a result of a short paragraph embedded in his message to a student body on a warm September evening, on a small college ball field, I and others were forever changed.

Last week, October 31, we marked the 25^th anniversary of receiving an invitation to plant churches in the large cities of Northeast. Our missionary experience overseas lasted only a few weeks in Africa and Europe, but learning to say "Yes!" prepared us for the most satisfying vocation. Pat and I had begun to learn how to say "Yes" 50 years ago. The years have flown by. Evenings with the Lord of Harvest and key spokesmen He assigned for the meetings are still lively memories.