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.