The One With Experience Is Never At The Mercy Of The One With Theory

This morning I awoke to an absolutely flawless midsummer day in Chicago. My family and I are enjoying a few days away together, and my day began with devotions on the balcony in the midst of a beautiful sunrise. As I pondered the promises of God I had just read in scripture, the strong sense to call a missionary friend that serves a half a world away gripped me. A quick calculation of time zones convinced me that it was not too late to call, so I searched for the number and rang his phone.

God's Word reminds us that "The righteous shall live by faith." If this biblical principle is true (which I am completely convinced it is) then our missionaries are profoundly righteous. The thought of leaving family and familiar for the sole purpose of sharing the reality of Christ to a foreign culture is amazing. When one adds to the equation that the missionary makes this journey based on the faith that friends will be led by God to financially partner with them makes this proposition all the more remarkable. The reality that so many of our missionaries are in politically volatile environments with our economy presently in a tumultuous state magnifies the faith journey.

I am convinced the perpetual position of faith that our missionaries place themselves in is the fuel for the miraculous, and is the major factor in why they see God "show up" on a much more regular basis than the typical Christ follower.

My morning phone call from Chicago found a missionary who was at that moment on another phone line talking with a mutual friend. He was soliciting prayer, asking the friend to pray for God to send someone his way to help with a crisis need. My friend has experienced this scenario countless times, yet was still amazed at the profound timeliness of God.... and God's people when we are obedient.

There are some that would discount scenarios such as this as mere coincidence, as would I if they were a rare occurrence. Yet, for those who place themselves squarely in the middle of a faith journey, dependent upon God's provision through "supernatural coincidence" the reality of God's response to faith is clear. The experience of God making the impossible possible and consistently meeting the need through truly remarkable means offers up a faith building reminder that God is in the midst of our situations and always has our answer if we simply look to Him.

The life that God has called each us to is one of wonderful adventure, divine opportunity, and miracle moments if we simply choose to respond to His leading and place ourselves in a position of faith. Far too often we are content living a life where we merely theorize about faith, debating the depths of God's involvement and privately wondering if the stories are true. Be encouraged today, God is still in the miracle working business. If you need further proof, pick up the phone or send an email to one of our missionaries.... just don't be surprised when God places you right in the middle of their miracle!

Are Your Dreams Bigger Than Your Memories?!?!?

Let me ask you a profoundly personal, yet absolutely pivotal question: Are your dreams bigger than your memories? Do you find greater joy in reflecting on where you have been or in pondering the path ahead? Is the focus of your conversations the experiences of yesterday or the opportunities of tomorrow?

Allow me to make an honest confession. I have reluctantly accepted the reality that I am no longer a young man: my life have has transitioned from dunking basketballs to dunking doughnuts, I no longer notice the amount of gray in my hair. At this point in life I am just happy that I have yet to reach the age where my waistband starts to creep ever higher!!

As I fully embrace the middle years of life, it seems only natural to look back on where I've been. When it comes to the reminiscent moments I am a softy. I will make time to visit old homesteads and can talk about the days gone by with the best of them. I am convinced there is tremendous value in recognizing the foundational moments of life and am confident that one is well served by honoring the defining moments in their journey. The list of characters who have played a role in the drama that is my life are long, and a debt of gratitude is due to each. I am truly thankful for the many milestones and countless memories in my life.

That being said, I am still convinced that my greatest days lie ahead. Equipped with the wealth of knowledge that life to this point has brought, and confident of God's promises, the dream I have for the days to come is significant. God's Word tells me that I am the salt of the earth... I want my seasoning to have an impact! The Apostle Paul challenges us in Philippians 3 to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. The true value of that which lies behind will only be realized as we remain faithful to the path that God has marked out for us. This truth motivates us to run with endurance the race that is set before us.

As the movie Shawshank Redemption draws to a close, Morgan Freeman's character, "Red" reminds us of the undeniable truth that "You've gotta get busy living, or get busy dying." Jesus declared the reason he came was to provide each of us with the opportunity to live life to it's full, and Ephesians encourages us to make the most of every opportunity.

So, join me as we together enjoy those moments that provide opportunity for reflection and celebrate the loves and laughs of yesterday. Let's enjoy the smiles our memories bring... and building on the strengths of our yesterdays let's confidently, expectantly look to tommorow, trusting God for greater victories and a greater story.

"When your memories exceed your dreams the end is near."
Andy Stanley

Tilting at Windmills

He was a man on honor, committed to defending his homeland and preserving his good name. He was quick to come to the aid of any in distress, offer assistance to all who were in need. Chivalry should have been his hallmark.... and would have been if not for those windmills!

A quick look at the current Dow Jones Index and even the most casual glance at today's headlines reveal a troublesome scenario. The greatest concern is not the global economic instability or a dwindling 401k, history is replete with seasons of financial downturns and market volatility. There may be some argument on the timeline for an economic turnaround, but the consensus is that the market will recover and the economy will once again expand. In fact, our greatest danger has very little to do with dollars and cents, but much to do with dollars and SENSE.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 reminds us that "Wisdom is a shelter" and Proverbs 24 declares that "by wisdom a house is built." Jesus challenged us with the truth that "whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him to the wise man who builds his house upon the rock: and the rains descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house but it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock." Our current season of uncertainty has many, unfortunately including many in leadership, searching for an easy answer to turn back the floods and calm the winds. The inevitable result is that in fear and/or confusion we begin to fight unnecessary battles and in the end are doing nothing more that "tilting at windmills." Their motivation is much like that of the beloved literary character Don Quixote, admirable yet horribly misguided. The solutions offered are little more than building a house on shifting sand.

So, what is the answer? A quick review of Cervantes' story of the man from LaMancha reminds us that perspective is a valuable tool. With our larger view we understand that Quixote's giants are mere windmills and the mythical mambrinos helmet is nothing more than a barber's washbowl. Moreover, a review of the promises of God reminds us that the way to weather a stormy season is to align ourselves with biblical truth.

Time will reveal that the answers for our current situation will have very little to with what is done in the White House and will fail to find the solution amidst all of talk radio. It will have everything to do with the level to which we commit ourselves to the principles of Scripture, understanding that God sees those "windmill giants" from his Heavenly perspective and He is not the slightest bit scared!

It Was A Dark & Foggy Night.....

“If I had known the fog was this bad I would have chosen not to make the trip.” I uttered those words in frustration as I drove through a blinding fog and gale force winds on the journey home from a family gathering. Our pathway was completely obscured at times during the trip because of the dense fog. The adverse conditions made the drive challenging for me, and at times frightening for my family. Fortunately I was able to keep our vehicle in the center of the roadway for the duration of our journey, yet the inability to see the path ahead created such stress that I could not wait for the torturous travel to end.

In the midst of the fog I found myself pondering, how often do we find ourselves travelling through life, frustrated and anxious because of a foggy path? We can easily position ourselves in the middle of God’s will, yet are unable to enjoy the blessings around us because we don’t have clarity regarding the next step. One of the greatest needs of an individual or an organization is clarity.

Clarity of vision and process is invaluable if we are to accomplish our goals, maintain a healthy direction, or keep a proper perspective. A foggy path on an individual level creates a growing sense of uncertainty, but a lack of clear direction on a corporate level will inevitably lead to growing dysfunction and destroy unity. The ability to see the path ahead has to be a priority.
I have discovered that the key factor in providing clarity on a corporate level for the church I am called to pastor or the family that I am responsible to lead is directly affected by the sense of direction I have personally. At the risk of over simplifying, I have to be comfortable in my direction before I can guide others. We live in an increasingly foggy world. Principles and values that were clear just a few years ago are now cluttered and cloudy. So, how do see past the fog?

There is truly no one right answer. However, God has given us several invaluable tools to help us navigate during the fog of life that we will at times encounter. At times the appropriate response is patience, giving time for the clutter to clear. Other situations will require us to step forward in faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide us through the murky moments. Invariably we will discover if we keep our focus on a very clear God, the gifts and fruit of the Spirit will enable us to move forward in the thickest fog.

As my family and I made our way through the mist on traverse through the fog, our challenging journey would have been much more difficult had it not been for clear road markers and strategically positioned reflectors along this otherwise desolate country road. The markings kept us centered and offered direction as made our way home.

We can be confident that God will, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit provide us the road markers and reflectors we need to stay in the center of the path and to make it safely home.

Lessons Learned In The History of Economic Crisis

There was a chill in the air on that dreary morning of March 4, 1933. The weather was, in so many ways, a reflection of the state of our nation at the time. A wave of economic difficulty that started with the 1929 stock market crash, known notoriously as “Black Tuesday,” provided a downward spiral that saw our proud nation leave the prosperity of the 1920’s far behind. As our country anticipated the inauguration of its 32nd president, we found ourselves at the lowest point of the Great Depression. Over 13,000,000 were unemployed, few banks remained, and little hope of economic revitalization could be seen.

It was this backdrop that inspired President Roosevelt to offer a depressed nation the following words:

“ I AM certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our Nation impels. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”

Roosevelt’s inaugural words have endured far beyond the economic challenges of the great depression. They echo the timeless truth from God’s Word written centuries prior by the prophet Isaiah, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

In the coming days our nation will witness the inauguration of our 44th president, and once again we find ourselves in a period of economic challenge and uncertainty. While it is certainly true that our current financial crisis is nowhere near the severity of that which our nation faced during the great depression, the pressures and anxiety are very real. A quick look at a dwindling 401K or the very real possibility of corporate “downsizing” bring a very natural response of fear. It is in this context that the words of FDR, and more important the truth of scripture ring true: do not be afraid, because there is nothing to fear.

Without proper context these can seem like mere words. And while the beginning of President Roosevelt’s inaugural address is that which is most quoted, it is the end of his speech that offers the lens through which a clear direction can be clearly seen:

In this dedication of a Nation we humbly ask the blessing of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come.

We can be confident that as we seek the wisdom and blessing of God that He will both guide us and provide for us. History is replete with evidences of God’s continual hand upon those who place their trust in Him. Embracing the very real truth that God both keeps His promises and has promised that, as we trust in Him, He will meet our needs is the perfect prescription for the stress our current economy brings.

For most of us the Great Depression is something we know of only through history books and stories shared by loved ones many years our senior. The truth remains that our nation has endured far greater pain before, and God’s people have walked through much larger difficulties in the past. Yet the words of Isaiah have always been true….. and continue to be true today!

Many economists now predict that our economy should begin to improve during the 2nd quarter of 2009. Some would offer that the journey back to financial strength will require much more time. A few would have us believe that we can never recover. For the child of God there is the confidence that, regardless of the economists prediction, we can stand firm in the timeless truth of God’s enduring promises. We truly have nothing to fear.

From the Inn Keepers Perspective

The story of Jesus' birth fascinates me. If you take the time to get beyond the familiar and truly consider the wonder of this significant moment in history there are so many truly remarkable aspects to God becoming man.

I'd love the opportunity to get beyond the typical church program images and see the Bethlehem miracle through the eyes of those who witnessed it first hand.  While we don't have an "official eyewitness report," a little investigation and a little imagination gives us a wonderful window into the eternity changing drama of the babe born in a manger.  Let's take a look at the story the inn keeper would share:

Bethlehem was in so many ways the typical small town.  We had our share of people born, but all too often they would move away from our small community in search of better jobs and a better life.  Those of us who remained in Bethlehem would occasionally comment that if everyone who was from here had stayed we could compete with some of the larger cities in Judea.  We honestly didn't realize how true that statement was until a decree was issued in Rome that all of Judea was to return to their city of origin for a "tax census."  Our little town was quickly overwhelmed with family, friends, and former neighbors arriving in anticipation of "counting day."

My family and I manage Bethlehem's one Inn.  I love working in hospitality and take great pride in our inn.  It might not be all that one would find in the larger inns in Jerusalem, but it has been a part of my family for several generations, and offers exceptional lodging for our small town.  I typically look forward to serving our guests.  This particular time was, unfortunately, not typical.  The Roman contingent arrived early in preparation of the census and overwhelmed our quaint little inn.  They were arrogant and demanding, constantly complaining about their assignment in Bethlehem, commenting that they wanted to finish quickly and return to the city.

Joseph & Mary arrived at the inn late in the day.  So many of the travelers were irritable from their journey and frustrated with the lack of accommodations in Bethlehem, but this young couple from Nazareth were gracious in their request for lodging, in spite of the fact that Mary was very much with child.  They had a grace about them that made it easy for me to make the extra effort to assure they had a place to rest.  The inn was filled beyond capacity with unruly Romans, but the stable was available and at least it would provide some shelter and a semisoft straw bed.

I helped the young Nazarenes get settled and returned to the inn to respond to any remaining requests, or demands from the  Romans before settling down for a much deserved rest.  It was not long before news came that the mother to be was about to become the mother and child.  I sent my wife to offer assistance in the stable while I finished up with our other guests.  By the time I arrived beside the manger the baby was already there, wrapped in swaddling clothes and sleeping peacefully in the feed trough.  

News of the birth spread quickly, even the shepherds of the temple flock came to see the baby!  The shepherds told of an angelic host who told them the good news of the child.  As the shepherds told the story, Joseph began to wipe away tears.  He then told us of his conversation with  a messenger from Heaven, confirming the Shepherd's story.

I must confess it was initially difficult to believe that the Son of God could be born in my stable.  Surely the coming of the messiah would be more dramatic, accompanied by a worldwide proclamation.  Why would God choose to have his Son born in a simple stable in a small town sharing the news with commoners?  The more I pondered the more I realized that God chose this time and place for the arrival of the Messiah to share the reality that His love includes all of us.  An uncommon birth in a common place to connect with even the most common of people.  The simplicity of it all spoke of the magnitude of God's wisdom, and filled me with a sense of value, knowing that God thought enough of me to include me in His plan.

Our little stable was transformed that night, through the birth of a baby, named Jesus.  The presence of God, the worship of the shepherds, and the hope that the Messiah brought offered common folks like us a moment with the King.

In fact, the Bethlehem miracle is evidence to us all of God's great love and the  lengths to which our Saviour will go to connect with us.  Jesus birth reminds us of the great privilege that is ours to each day have a moment with the King!

May the miracle of Christmas mark your days this Advent season!

Christmas Lights

I love Christmas lights~