Champion!

2010 Journey Church Fantasy Football Champion – The Destruct-inators (John Krauser)! Two-time, back-to-back Champion, the Destruct-inators have shown great flexibility, insight and skill in this year’s fantasy league. Dolfan13 (Joe Rivera) battled in the championship game to place 2nd, with Mexcellence (Andy Matus) taking 3rd, and Packer4ever (Jason Rivera) 4th. We will throw confetti and cheer the 2010 Champions at the fantasy parade.

Fantasy football has become the side-kick in watching the NFL for many of us guys. Just to let you non-fantasy football folks into our world, here is what one may typically do during any given week during the football season. On Tuesday you fret, get upset, or celebrate your players accomplishments the days before in either a win or a devastating loss. After you have recovered from your emotional flare-up, you begin to assess your players and those who are free-agents. During the week you will spend countless hours watching ESPN, surfing valuable internet fantasy sports sites, and occasionally read an article out of a newspaper to get the latest news to give you an advantage. By Saturday, with your players active and ready on your team, you cross your arms with a sense of smug accomplishment and pitty the poor guy you’re up against this week. On Sunday, after sending a few smack-talk messages to your opponent you watch a game on your HDTV, LCD 50” TV (my fantasy), and keeping close watch to the stats on your computer. The highs and lows of every touchdown, 100 yards gained or underperformance leaves one drained by the 4th Quarter of Monday Night Football.

As we wrap up the 2010 Fantasy Football season, we also say goodbye to all of the events that have unfolded for us in 2010. Today at this writing, Dec. 31st, it seems natural for us to reflect back upon the past twelve months and make our assessment. Was it a good year, or bad one? Did we accomplish what we had hoped for? Did the victories outscore the defeats? In many ways our evaluation process is similar to our weekly fantasy football routine. We have victories and defeats. We have plans, hopes and dreams, through our hard work and intuition. We go through the times when events unfold that leave us drained and emotionally, physically and spiritually spent.

The apostle Paul shares with the Corinthians another sports metaphor to encourage us in our assessment process.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

He encourages us to run to win! To live each day like the Champion God has designed us to be. He reminds us that we will get a crown (trophy) that is not a fantasy, but an eternal reality that will last forever. So, in your evaluation of 2010 did you run in such a way as to get the prize, or to be called 2010 Champion?

Candy Canes or Curdled Eggnog?

“To whistle a Christmas carol is like a candy cane to the tongue, to mutter “Bah! Humbug!” is like drinking curdled eggnog.” – Life Proverbs by Tim

One of our classic Christmas stories is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens of Ebenezer Scrooge, the sour, stingy, cold-hearted man. His retort to the merriness around him at Christmas was “Bah! Humbug!” A statement that Christmas was a fraud and full of nonsense. As the classic tale unfolds through the visitations of Marley his deceased business partner, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future he sees the futility and emptiness of his own life and has a “conversion” to the merriness of Christmas. The final scene is his emphatic embrace of “Merry Christmas!” I think of the wisdom of Solomon when he states:

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart a spirit is broken. – Proverbs 15:13 NKJV

Other versions state a happy or glad heart makes a cheerful face. We can visibly see the deep emotions one is experiencing by their countenance. Even when we do our best to cover-up or mask what is tumbling inside of us, we still reveal our feelings to those who know us best.

For you this Christmas season, is it a time of “Merry Christmas”, or “Bah! Humbug!”? You may not look or act like Ebenezer Scrooge, but in your current circumstances the burdens, frustrations, anxiety, or disappointment of life may echo a lifeless “Bah! Humbug!” in your heart. If that is you, I would encourage you that Christmas is more than family get-togethers, gifts, shopping, eggnog, Santa, elves, etc., but true merriness comes from Christ alone. The miraculous gift of Christ the child, born unto a virgin, the son of God, called Immanuel – God with us. With Christ as our Savior we can whistle, hum or sing Christmas Carols year round, because it is His true joy in our lives that fills our hearts with merriness through all life’s journeys. Try singing Joy to The World with a sour, stingy, cold-heart – it doesn’t work.

As we offer a blessing of “Merry Christmas” to family, friends, co-workers, or the cashier at Target let them see it with a confidence in our eyes, an encouraging smile and Christ’s joy upon our face. Merry Christmas! (my eyes are twinkling and I am smiling right now)

Crunching On A Carp Head

“It is better to crunch on the rotten head of a carp, than to spend the day fishing on the lake with a puffed-up, know-it-all.” - Life Proverbs by Tim. What do we call those individuals who arrogantly know-it-all, are not teachable, and vehemently opinionated? Okay, stop it! I know I asked for it, but the Bible does have a name for such individuals – fools. The Bible describes such individuals as corrupt, self-deceived, blindly confident, boasters, slanders, liars, angry, contentious and shunning God’s wisdom. (Ps. 14:1, Pr. 12:15, 14:16, 14:8, 20:3, 10:18, 18:6, 28:26, Ec. 10:12, 7:9, 5:1, 10:14) One proverb states the distorted reality of fools.

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
But delights in airing his own opinions. – Proverbs 18:2

If you have ever found yourself talking to, working with, or spending any amount of time with a fool you know how distasteful it is, like chomping on the rotten head of a carp. It is the putrid taste of conceit, egotism and haughtiness that triggers your gag reflex. We find fools in all walks of life: from the illiterate to the Ivory Towers of academic elitism, from begging on the streets to those flying in private jets, from those sitting in bars to those sitting in pews, and from all ages 5 to 85.

If you add charisma and talent to a fool what do you get? This combination may produce a politician, an actor, a musician, a professor, a professional athlete, or a CEO. I could have added names to the above, but this week’s news does that for me. Obviously not all in those professions are fools, but fools often succeed, gain attention, notoriety, position, influence, and privilege. Maybe high-achieving success breeds foolishness.

What if you added one more dangerous ingredient to this volatile individual, self-righteousness? Jesus didn’t pull any punches when he described self-righteous fools as “blind guides, whitewashed tombstones, dirty cups, snakes, vipers, hypocrites”, Matt. 23. Unfortunately we still see charismatic, talented, self-righteous fools in the church, usually celebrated on TV, radio or mega-churches. But as we (or I) point fingers at the highly-visible, we can also see this same insidious disease within our local churches, families, friendships, and even within ourselves. OUCH! The reason is we all have this base ingredient to being a fool within us, pride. When pride begins to stir within us it spreads as a small amount of yeast throughout the batch. If left to sit in a favorable climate (self-centeredness) pride puffs-up with hot air, leaving us empty, void and on a path of self-destruction.

The remedy is to seek humility, dependency upon God, have a teachable spirit, exhibit mercy, grace and gratitude, and seek to have the Fruits of the Spirit evident in our lives. So, if you ever find yourself in a row boat, fishing with a buddy and his nose and face scrunches up and he begins to gag, maybe he is sending a message that he would rather be chewing on the rotten head of a carp.

Thanksgiving - A Survival Guide for Guys

Thanksgiving. A time to stuff oneself with pink marshmallow jello (you may insert your own specialty foods), olives, cranberry goop, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, rolls and turkey all smothered in gravy. I might eat a small bite of lettuce just to round out the meal and win an approving glance from my wife. I have learned from my vast years of experience that the proper dress code is a nice, clean dress shirt (wife nods in approval again) sweats and fake fur-lined slippers (note of caution – slip into your designated seat while she is mashing the potatoes, cover with napkin and she will never be the wiser). Sitting at the table you look like a model for Norman Rockwell (wife smiles at you) with the comfort of no belts, buttons or zippers to restrict your expanding mid-section while the slippers warm your feet since all your blood has rushed to your digestive system.

Thanksgiving. A time to sit around the big screen and watch Lions, Cowboys and sometimes Bears Oh, My, exercise for you, as you become one with your lazyboy recliner. Or if you are the adventurous family guy you might play a game with the kids in the house (wife gives approving smile). Take caution - this year you might find yourself engaged in a competitive battle with their latest video games. Now video games are not what we know them to be: low brain activity and near death vitals imitating a comatose state.

“Hey is Scotty dead on the couch?”
“No, he just past level 23 on the Castles of Morander on planet Vitriols…look he just found the Portals of Squidish”.
Stuffing Cheetos in his mouth, “Dude, that’s wicked”.

To be victorious over your nine-year-old, and show them who is the original video game master (Lord DumbleDork of Morander), you must thrash your arms wildly while holding the controllers (yes two controllers), dance in place like John Travolta, or engage in battle like you were swatting flies. Any of those three motions done with the concentration of Viswanathan Anand (you know, the reigning World Chess Champion) and intensity of Mike Singletary (another Bear, Oh My), and you will be victorious! Ok, snap out of your fantasy, the truth is even your 5-year-old will crush you at any of these games. Get used to it, your video gaming skills are hampered by 80’s technology, a single joystick with one red button.

“Look Daddy, my pink kitten just knocked you out of the ring again. giggle, giggle”
With sweat rings forming under your arms, “Stupid controller. Where’s the red button?”

Thanksgiving. Seriously guys…a time to give thanks for your family and God’s provision. How to survive Thanksgiving is to remember all that is good presently and in your past - to see God’s hand of blessing on your life. You work hard, you plan for the future, you worry about your kids, you try to have a good relationship with your wife and still it seems you can barely keep your head above the water. Life is a struggle and at times life pulls us under (loss of a job, bankruptcy, marriage strife, declining health). We can easily become discouraged, disheartened and lose our zeal and optimism of God’s plan for us. Thanksgiving is our opportunity to be encouraged. God is leading you as a Husband, Father and Man and He provides, protects and guides us through all life seasons. Look up and see God’s hands keeping your head above the water, His gifts of family and friends, grace, mercy, blessings and provision…and give thanks.

And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:20 NLT

Happiness is a Hug

I had just finished my Jr. High book club class for our homeschool co-op. As I was walking down the hall reflecting on our discussion and the great students I had this term, I followed a group of preschoolers headed to their bathroom break. I trailed behind. One little boy spotted me, turned and made a bee line straight toward me. I stopped in my tracks as he wrapped his arms around my leg and gave me a gentle hug. Immediately 5-6 other little preschoolers turned and did the same. I had leg warmers on both legs. Not one of them said a word, giggled or anything. After a few high fives and return hugs, they rejoined their class in line. As I left and drove home, I continued to think on their unexpected, undirected and simple loving act. A smile drifted across my face.

I felt happy as I was given a beautiful gift by half-a-dozen three to four-year-olds who I didn’t know. I wasn’t their teacher or parent, but am recognizable as leading the chapel devotions. I don’t know what compelled the first boy to give me an unexpected hug, but it certainly influenced the others around him…and it affected me. I thought of the power of a simple loving act like a hug, and the influence of the initiative of one. A few “hug” quotes I found illustrate the power of this simple gift:

A hug delights and warms and charms,
That must be why God gave us arms. – Author Unknown

You can't wrap love in a box,
but you can wrap a person in a hug. ~Author Unknown

A hug is a great gift - one size fits all, and it's easy to exchange. ~Author Unknown

The influence of one. One little boy made a decisive, deliberate act to hug and it was multiplied by six. I wonder if there are lessons for us in this story? As a busy adult with many things running through my mind, responsibilities, work, bills, etc., and with a number of time consuming distractions: reading, internet, TV, fantasy football, do I ever pause and spontaneously act to encourage another. Sometimes…but how many times have I missed such opportunities to give a gift of love to someone who needed it. Maybe a spouse who is having a difficult day, a child not feeling well, a lonely grandparent, or a friend carrying a heavy burden needs your hug today. As a bonus, your act of love may influence others and be multiplied. John reveals to us, the family of God, the foundational principle of this gift:

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. – 1 John 4:11

You may not have the answer to someone’s need or change circumstances, but an unexpected hug may be just the precious gift they need today...to feel loved.

Deep Rooted Infected and Decayed

Sitting in the dentist chair I felt the beads of sweat slide down past my ear onto my neck as I gripped the arm rest. My nostrils filled with the smell of burnt enamel and bone as the drill dug away at my decayed tooth. As the dentist pulled, twisted, and yanked on my broken tooth I heard tooth crunch, and roots break…inside my head. Fortunately I couldn’t taste anything because my tongue after multiple anesthesia injections was like a sea slug resting on the bottom of the ocean floor. My dentist, who earlier appeared to be a kind, gentle man, was now engaged in a full battle of strength and will against a dug-in, stubborn tooth. As I occasionally opened my eyes I saw the battle stare of my dentist engage with the enemy. If the Russians, Chinese, Moldavians, or any other country attack Oregon, I will bunker down with my dentist. I kept my eyes closed till the dentist said “Okay, let’s sit you up Mr. Kooeeti-wits…all done…tooth out.”, while he was gasping for breath.

After two hours in the dentist chair, I felt like I was a Bronco’s linebacker getting pummeled by the Raiders. As I stood at the counter paying for my facial reconstruction, the dentist looked at me and said, “Are you ok?” I replied in a post traumatic daze “yabba, id tink idam oday”. Translation: “I don’t know who you are, or where I am, but I want to get out of here.”

I had no idea what I was getting into that day when I willingly agreed to a tooth extraction. My dentist made it sound like it was no big deal, but to me, as I readily admit to being one of the biggest babies ever to sit in a dentist chair, it was a big deal. Why did a simple procedure turn into an epic battle of dentist vs. tooth? Two reasons, this tooth had long deep roots anchored in the bone and it was infected and decayed.

As I look at a parallel to our spiritual walk in Christ, I see that there are deep rooted issues that are infected and cause decay in our lives. We may have issues of: habitual sin, deep offenses that are hidden beneath the surface, character weaknesses, pride, unforgiveness and pain. Like a deep rooted, infected tooth me may ignore it for some time, but eventually it will cause such pain and discomfort it affects our whole body and could lead to a spread of infection. As I willingly submit myself to pain in the dentist chair, we submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit to reveal, remove and heal this infected issue in our lives. Often that is a difficult process for us for it involves facing the truth of the infection, humility, repentance and persistent obedience. The divine result is victory, health, freedom from pain, and wholeness in Christ.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. – I Peter 2:24

Today only a few days removed from the extraction, I can open my jaw normally and chew most foods without discomfort, and I have peace knowing this infection is removed. Thanks Mr. Dentist.

Should Christians Vote?

For some this may be a silly question, others, it may be a long journey to a decision. We have an election on November 2nd, only 5 days from this writing, and yet what is our responsibility in participation in our democratic community as Christians.

There is an argument that we do not have a direct statement, example or command to vote in either the Old or New Testament. In reference to Jesus responding to Pilate “My Kingdom does not belong to this world” (John 18:36) and Paul stating “our home” or ‘citizenship is not of this world.” (Philippians 3:20), is to separate ourselves from the secular world of government to either run for office, participate, or even vote.

While respecting my Christian brothers who hold onto their view, I believe we have an obligation to vote when we live within a society that invites and protects our participation in government. We have examples in the Old Testament where the Israelite Tribes would gather and voice support for a particular Judge to rule, or allegiance to a King, and the Apostle Paul used his Roman citizenship to the fullest extent (Acts 16:37, 21:39, 22:25-29, 25:11) to further his call and role to establish the early church. We are called to be set apart from and not conform to the world, but to live in love and Truth with influence in our world as Salt and Light.

Our nation’s forefathers understood this:

George Washington referred to the United States as “a great experiment.” And in his farewell address he said, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.”– Benjamin Franklin

“We have no government armed with powers capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice [greed], ambition, revenge or gallantry would break the strongest cords of our constitution as a whale goes through a net.”– John Adams

This Tuesday we have an invitation and opportunity to influence our cities, counties, state and nation by the men and women we vote for and the measures on our ballot. In Oregon we have individuals, at all levels, who have strong opinions on protecting life or protecting choice, gambling, marriage, drug use, education, etc. and measures that will affect all of us: some fiscal accountability, minimum sentencing for repeated sex offenders/DUI, legalizing selling Marijuana, and opening the door to Casinos. Check out http://www.oregonfamilycouncil.org/ for more detail info.

So should Christians vote? Obviously I think so. We should take every advantage to influence our world for Christ. We are blessed to live in a country that invites and protects our right to influence government by participation, run for office and be the Salt and Light in the political process.

I Thank Christ...

Little fingers instinctively grasp onto my finger as the 2.5 lb baby girl struggled for life. Eyes sparkled as a man in his 50’s gazed into the eyes of his long awaited bride. Joyful little faces filled a room with enraptured attention as the puppet came to life telling a Bible story. Snapshots in my life as a pastor.

It is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to step into the lives of others. To hold the hand of an elderly great-grandparent with concerned family all around and pray together as a family for God’s strength, peace and blessing, to make a toddler giggle while he's holding onto his father’s leg, to share the eternal Truth’s of God’s Word, to be invited into someone’s inner circle of tears, celebration, frustration, or victory. That is the privilege of being called pastor.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. – 1 Timothy 1:12

Thank you Jesus for giving me strength and considering me as faithful to appoint me to your service in WA, UT, CO and now presently in Damascus. This is my prayer today as I reflect upon your words of appreciation and thanks in my cards and gift given this past Sunday. Thank you for your thoughtfulness to me, the Pastoral Team and our wives. You are very special and your kind, generous words mean a lot to each one of us.

I also know that as a part of the family of God we can all share in being invited into someone’s inner circle of fears, frustrations, hopes and dreams. As we walk side-by-side in our Journey in Christ we can share one-another’s burdens, celebrate victories, encourage, strengthen and offer a cool, refreshing cup of companionship on a hot thirsty day. When you develop lifelong friendships with a brother or sister in the Lord, you open your life, become vulnerable, and allow a deeper relationship to take root. The roots of brotherhood in Christ grow deeper. When the drought comes or storms of life threaten, the intertwined roots of brotherhood hold secure in the firm, life-giving soil of Christ.

My hope for you is that you will open up your life to others, to allow your life roots to become intertwined with others in the family of Christ, and that as you reflect upon your snapshots of life with family and friends you will give thanks that Jesus gave you strength and considered you faithful to be appointed to serve.

Ambassador of Gentleness

I would like to share a story I read in Calvin Miller’s devotional on Gentleness:

   

     Dr. Phillips Brooks, all his life a bachelor, was a great pastor because he practiced childlike gentleness.
     On one occasion a young mother in his congregation had a baby -her first- but the baby was stillborn. The poor woman panicked and suffered a severe denial that would not let her face the facts. She clung to her dead baby and cowered in the corner of her room in a rocking chair. When anyone tired to take the baby away, she clung all the more fiercely. It finally became clear that the baby would have to be forcefully taken from her arms in a desperate and grasping scene. But then God intervened in the desperate situation.
     Enter the gentle servant Phillips Brooks.
     He walked to the woman’s rocking chair, smiled kindly at her, and said, “What a beautiful child. Would you mind if I rocked her a while?”
     He was so gentle and kind that the woman extended to him the child, and to the surprise of all, Dr. Brooks took her seat in the rocker and tenderly rocked her baby.
     An ugly crisis had been solved by a gentle spirit.

Gentleness is the key to unlock the conflicts and crisis’s we may find ourselves in. God’s gentleness displayed through us in compassion, tenderness and leniency. Can God’s gentleness calm the storm of angry bitter arguments? Can God’s gentleness heal the open wounds of offense? Can God’s gentleness mend what has been torn apart? Yes, and God chooses to use us as his ambassador of hope, healing, and peace – his ambassador of gentleness.

Gentleness is a mature expression of love, applied God’s truth, wisdom.

The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. – James 3:17

Silent but Deadly

Sitting in my hard wooden school desk, I nervously fidgeted with a building pressure deep inside my intestines. As sweat began to form on my forehead I pleaded with the clock to please move faster. Tick, tick, tick…the seconds seemed to plod along nearing the end of my 5th grade class day. Like a rock climber holding on for dear life, I held onto the expanding gas, but slowly my grip failed and the pungent odor filled the classroom. Although my nostrils cringed in toxic fumes, I was overjoyed for one, the release of pressure, and two, thank goodness it was silent. But one of the girls near me interrupted the teacher and said loudly “Pewwwww, who stinks” as she held her nose looking around for the culprit then fixing her eyes right at me. Trying not to give away my offense, I replied as a defensive cover up, “Whover smelt it, dealt it”. The class laughed, gagging as the bell sounded saving me from the embarrassment knockout. My classmates rushed out to the fresh air of the cramped school hallway. Silent but deadly.

I know I am not the only one with a silent but deadly experience…it’s a part of life. As I am continuing my study on Gentleness, there is a silent but deadly principle that unfolds each week. A hardened heart cannot bear the spiritual fruit of gentleness. Hard shells form around our hearts either through suffering, offense, pride, or immaturity. Often times they remain silent where we are unaware of our own hardened heart, yet we react in ways that may be unapproachable, harsh, critical, defensive or self-exalting. Negative experiences and immaturity is something we all face…it’s a part of life.

To grow in Christ’s love, to mature in character, to imitate Christ, and to bear spiritual fruit is our desire as an obedient follower of Christ. We first need to soften our heart. When we have a malleable spirit in the Master’s hand, He will create a beautiful, glorifying masterpiece. In our daily submission to the Holy Spirit we will bear good fruit. Gentleness is one of those fruits that reveal the maturing love of Christ at work within us.

“O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.” – Jeremiah 18:6 (NLT)

When we smell that pungent odor and it is emanating from a hardened heart, remember it may be silent but deadly.

Fire Breathing Dragons & Joy

Do you remember your first extreme rollercoaster ride? You know, not the standard stroll through the park coaster, but gut aching, fear drenching, adrenaline rushing ride of terror. I remember my first ride on an extreme coaster called the Colossus-The Fire Breathing Dragon at Lagoon Amusement Park in Utah. I was so excited to see this new coaster that towered above all the other rides and you could hear the roar of the train and the screams throughout the park. As I walked up to it for the first time, I hoped I would be tall enough to ride the awesome Colossus and conquer the Fire Breathing Dragon.

Getting through the first gate and while standing on my toes I passed the height requirement, but now waiting in line I watched the terror on adult faces zoom by me, and the deafening roar of the Colossus. Fear began to creep up and push out my initial excitement. The closer I got to the boarding platform the greater my fear, anxiety and hesitation grew. When it came time to board the Colossus, all I wanted to do was run, and I would have if the guy behind me didn’t push me into the seat. While sitting there immobilized by fear the safety harness came down locking me in and the pimple faced ride operator gave encouraging instructions to “keep your legs and arms inside the ride at all times or you will DIE…do not spit…or you will DIE…secure your sunglasses, toupees and keys or you will DIE”. Actually I didn’t even hear a word he said, I just remember thinking I am going to DIE. The Colossus is going to chew me up, spit me out, and then barbecue me with his fiery breath.

Swoosh the hydraulics shot us up the back of the mighty Colossus and the anticipation during the climb made my heart race. I felt Closter phobic, trapped, and I earnestly prayed “Dear Jesus…save me.” This was not fun anymore. The train seemed suspended for a moment at the top of the first drop then with lightning speed it sped straight down then up toward the double loops, spirals, and curves. My whole body became one muscle, tensed, rigid. I gripped my harness with all my strength and I let out a high pitched scream that would have made Pavarotti envious till all the air in my body had been expelled. As the train came to a swooshing stop, the harness released and I got out. My legs wobbled, dried tear streaks went back to my ears, my heart felt as if it would beat right out of my chest, and I looked at my friend and muttered breathlessly “Let’s do it AGAIN!”

It was an exhilarating joy that I experienced. In the face of terror with fear, anxiety and trepidation I conquered the Dragon. When I think of joy I think of that day. One phrase we have heard from Nehemiah 8:10 is “the joy of the Lord is my strength”. As I remember my Colossus experience I see Christ’s presence, strength, encouragement, and security as that safety harness that pinned me to my seat. Without that harness, the ride truly would have been a ride of terror and death. Like the ride the dangers of life, the breathless fear and anxiety we face in marriage, raising children, finances, finding work, running a business, health issues, addictions, etc. can be threatening, intimidating, and hopeless. With Christ as our safety harness that fear is replaced by joy. It is a joy of security and confidence in Christ.

When you have a dragon in your life that needs to be conquered remember the phrase “the joy of the Lord is my strength”.

"Gently"

What are some things that you would handle gently? Things like your Grandmother’s china, kittens, sleeping babies, your Broncos John Elway Super Bowl jersey, or maybe even your sleek 2010 Ford Mustang. Those things we tend to treat with gentle loving care are those of high value, are precious, fragile or even vulnerable. We will often meticulously care for, watch over, protect, and even fret about those things, people and pets that fall into our “gentle loving care” category. What or who do you treat gently?

One of our family ministry experiences was serving as the chapel speaker for a Special Touch Ministries Get Away, a five day Christian camp for people with mental and physical disabilities in the Rocky Mountains in Northern Colorado. The two years we were at this camp were some of those most precious moments in ministry our family has ever experienced. With very little previous experience working with adults with mental disabilities, I was a little hesitant in what to expect from the camp. After the first day, the love, joy, innocence, vulnerability, and the openness we saw and felt from the campers was like peering into the heart of a young child. As I write this the memories of my disabled friends some 60+ of age, who accepted and loved our family unconditionally without any barriers or walls from day one stir in my heart and move me as I remember their faces. The short time with my disabled friends heightened all of my feelings. I felt their joy as we played games, sang songs or laughed at corny jokes, and it was a healing joy in my soul. I felt their pain, as some came from homes or care places with little friendship, love or care given to them, and you could see their stories as you gazed deep into their eyes when they shared about life at home. I witnessed true friendship and love for a brief moment from those excluded from mainstream life. Even though they probably don’t remember me, I will always remember them. When I think of something that I want to handle gently…I think of my Special Touch friends.

What do we truly value, consider precious, and treat with gentle loving care? Most things can be replaced, but a life, created in the image of God, is what God holds dear to his heart. We handle our infants gently, we care for our elderly with gentleness, but do we express gentleness to our spouses during an argument, to our children when they are disobeying, to a brother or sister who has offended us, or even the stranger that has just ticked us off? The life lesson my Special Touch friends taught me, was how precious each of us are, even the outcast and neglected in society, and that the love of God is expressed in our gentleness to one another.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. – James 3:17 ( NLT)

A prayer of blessing upon my Special Touch friends and Special Touch Heroes (those who make the camps possible) lifted to Heaven’s Court today.

When it rains...

My head was resting on the cool pillow and my body began to relax in my sleeping bag with the lullaby of the river and the staccato drops of rain on the tent. I began to drift off to the wonderful world of dreamland when I was suddenly awakened by my fellow camper’s alarming news. “Hey, I think we have a leak in the tent.” With flashlights the four of us (Dad, Asher, Bryce and myself), pulled up sleeping bags and searched the tent of why we had puddles of water forming on the floor. As we pressed on the tent floor, I noticed it jiggled and bounced just like a water bed, and the reality hit, our tent was now pitched over a large puddle and we were beginning to sink. With a shovel and a couple of flashlights we tried to drain the small lake under our tent, but with little success, and as we shivered in the midnight rain, soaking wet, the choices were to either sleep in the car or go home. The boys and I chose to go home leaving my poor father to defend the camp through the downpour.


In our wet camping experience I learned a few things…sometimes when weathermen say it will rain in Oregon, it actually does, and I now have a literal experience to back up the idiom, “When it rains it pours”. This idiom means that after a long pause, or season with little or no rain (or whatever it may be), then it will happen in large amounts all at once. After a long stretch for us (60+ days with no rain), the heavens opened up and we were blessed with a record setting day of rain on Tues., Sept. 7th, our one full day of camping. We initially thought it was a miracle that we nearly had the entire campground to ourselves, but we soon realized, the others were simply smarter, wiser and certainly dryer.

Life lessons can help prepare us for our next adventure down the road, whether it may be camping, raising a family, running a business, paying bills, losing weight, etc., but we do have a weatherman who can give us vital information of what action we should take, or caution we should be aware of. We have a forecast of our present circumstance that will guide us to be better prepared, avoid unnecessary hardship and pain, and see what may lie ahead on our life journey. This life weatherman is the Holy Spirit who is our guide, our counselor, our teacher and who leads us to the Truth. He points us first of all to Jesus, our hope and the foundation of our faith, and also to the practical Biblical Truths of how we are to live, interact with others, and submit to becoming more Christlike in who we are.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” – Isaiah 30:21

As we experienced camping, ignoring the weatherman and deciding to go with the forecast of rain, lead to a soaked, near Noah experience as our canvas Ark began to float, then sink. “When it rains, it pours”, and unfortunately in life we find ourselves flooded with disappointment, hardship and pain by our decisions and actions, because we failed to either prepare for, or listen to the caution of what will come. Tune in to the one voice behind you, saying “This is the way; walk in it.”

High Expectations

I am pouring over the stat sheets, watching NFL updates on ESPN and creating my strategy cheat sheets for my upcoming Fantasy Football drafts. Yes, I am a Fantasy Football Junkie. One aspect of what makes it so intriguing is the high expectation factor of who will become an exceptional player this year and if you choose wisely, then your Fantasy Football Team will destroy the competition (like those who picked Chris Johnson last year). The problem is, you never really know how a player will do, and with higher expectations is the likely possibility of higher disappointments.

Two examples in the NFL and NBA of drafter players with high expectations.  Ryan Leaf, the QB drafted by the Chargers as a second pick behind Peyton Manning. Sports Illustrated asked “How good is he (Leaf)?” and answered, “Almost as good as he thinks he is, which is to say spectacular.” However, after a $31 million dollar contract and a disaster of a rookie season with more locker room fights and emotional breakdowns than touchdowns, he became one of the biggest busts in the NFL. In the NBA, does anyone remember the first three picks of the 1984 draft? Number 1: Houston selected Hakeem Olajuwon, Number 3: Chicago selected Michael Jordan and (yes you can groan), between the two, Portland selected at Number 2: Sam Bowie. Sports Illustrated, said that pick was the biggest draft bust in NBA history.

High expectations sometimes can lead to high disappointments. One of the most colorful Judges in Israel’s history was birthed with high expectations with great potential. He showed glimpses of power and might as the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and yet his role as a deliverer to the Israelites ends as a major disappointment. He is Samson. Samson was God’s number one pick to be the mighty warrior to defeat the Philistines and drive them out of Israel, establish peace and worship to God and re-establish Israel as a holy nation. Samson, however, allowed cultural distractions and personal weaknesses (primarily those that bat their eyes and twirl their hair) to diminish and eventually destroy the great potential he had as Judge and deliverer.

What about us? Do we even begin to think of ourselves as God’s #1 pick for his team? I believe, God has high expectations for us, and certainly much greater than we have of ourselves. He views us with great potential, and He is ready to equip us for whatever task or challenge may lie ahead. God sees us as men and women of character and integrity living our lives in the fullness of God’s love in all our roles as spouses, friends, parents, co-workers, business owners, etc. God sees how we could have a great influence on others, if we submit our lives to him and train with obedience and dedication. We could be His star player on His team. Wow! To think God chose us as His #1 pick, with high expectations and full of potential. I think all of us want to be an MVP on God’s Team, so let’s train and begin to live like one.

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. – Colossians 1:1-12

Rejected

Have you ever been in the awful position of feeling rejected? Being an outcast from a group or community can leave permanent scars. Many of us shudder when we think about our middle school and high school experiences. One of my scars from 7th grade came from three of my closest friends. The four of us first became friends in the 5th grade in the small town of Ellendale, ND. We were drawn together by our stature (we were the shortest ones in our class) and in our interests (wrestling, band, and drawing). We did most everything together: eat lunch together, shoot spit-wads at each other during class, and even during the summer we spent each day at the city pool. I have great memories of the four of us hanging out together, but during the fall of 7th grade something changed. It seemed like overnight they decided four was too many, and it would be just the three of them. They excluded me from any contact, didn’t talk to me even when I would talk directly too them, and purposefully avoided me in any activity. After a couple of weeks, I felt completely rejected…an outcast. 7th grade was a black hole of insecurity and loneliness.

Rejection by friends, or even worse family, may be at the top of life challenges. In my study of Judges, there was one man, who rejected by his family, was driven out of his family land and made an outcast, simply because he was a half-brother, the son of a prostitute. This man named, Jephthah, must have had many scars of anger, bitterness, loneliness, and isolation from his family clan. Yet, the irony to his story is that years later when his family community was under a serious threat, the elders came and pleaded with him to lead an army against their enemies, to be the savior of the very same people that rejected him and made him an outcast. God honored Jephthah’s return to lead his people and gave him victory and the title of Judge of Israel. Read the full story in Judges 11 & 12.

Jesus experienced rejection as well.

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him…”See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” – 1 Peter 2:4 & 6.

The rejection of Christ by the very same people he loved and wept over, those he healed of leprosy, blindness and disease, those he ate with in their homes, those he taught the way to the Kingdom of Heaven, those he called his family, and to all for whom he died for. Rejection of the Son of God, who bears the scars on his back from the Roman whip, the nail pierced wounds in his hands and feet, and the scars of rejection on his heart by those he suffered and died for…by those he loves.

Today in my prayers I ask for forgiveness in my neglect of time, love, appreciation and friendship to Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Today may each moment be filled with appreciation, acceptance and joy of having Christ present in my daily journey. As the scripture says, He is rejected by men, but chosen and precious by God, and if I put my trust in Him, He will never reject me.

Fuel of Ambition

Would you say ambition is a good attribute or a negative one to have? Encarta Dictionary simply states ambition as “a strong feeling of wanting to be successful in life and achieve great things”. Ambition is the fuel that keeps our engines running to strive for a goal, a dream, or accomplishment. All who have accomplished great things in sports, politics, business, etc. have had this fuel of ambition made up with varied additives of courage, perseverance, dedication and sacrifice. However, we have also seen unhealthy ambition become a dangerous, explosive high-octane fuel mixture that destroys. In Judges chapter 9, we see ambition in its dangerous, destructive form in the story of Abimelech.

After the death of Gideon and forty years of peace in Israel, there was a power struggle for who would lead the Tribes of Israel. One of Gideon’s seventy sons (yes that’s right seventy!), Abimelech had an unhealthy explosive fuel of ambition that left a city and a people devastated for his quest for power. Abimelech’s story was one of self-centered promotion, conspiracy, twisting morality, leading to mass murder and attacking his own people. Ambition became the fuel for evil.

Sadly, we have present examples of unhealthy, destructive ambition with politicians (Charles Rangel, NY and Maxine Waters, CA) of corruption and crossing ethical lines, sports (Lance Armstrong with mounting evidence of performance enhancing drugs), and business (all I have to say is British Petroleum). Although those cases receive national attention and we shake our heads and exclaim, “shame on you”, yet, we can also allow the same destructive ambition to fuel our lives as well. When we become highly critical, self-promoting, manipulating, undermining, conniving, overly sensitive to offenses and self-seeking, within our homes, friendships, workplace, business, schools, and sports then we have allowed unhealthy ambition to fuel our attitudes, thoughts, words and actions. Destruction is imminent.

Ambition, when in alignment with what God has for us, is a powerful, transforming attribute that is fueled by the Holy Spirit in love and truth for God’s glory (Rev. Billy Graham, Missionary to India Mark Buntane, Songwriter Michael W. Smith). The primary additives to contain this highly unstable fuel of human ambition, is humility and love in Christ.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

If you have some fuel of ambition running your engine toward God inspired goals, hopes, and dreams (and all us do), then keep your engine in tune with the Truth of God’s Word and in the hands of the master mechanic, the Holy Spirit, and run straight and strong.

Game On!

Have you ever felt unqualified to a task or role you were asked to fulfill? If you have you know the feeling of having knots in your stomach in the uncertainty of your abilities, the questions of inadequacy, and the feeling of impending failure. One of those moments for me was way back to my high school years in Rhame, ND during our regional basketball tournament.

As a Sophomore I played sporadically on the varsity team, but due to injuries I was called upon to start in the final tournament of the season. In our pre-game huddle our coach gave us our opening play for tip-off. I would be the one at center court to jump against their tallest player. We were undersized at each position, and they had the biggest most dominant center in our region. The full gymnasium rocked with anticipation of the game, the band amped up the energy level with, “We Will Rock You”, and “We Got the Beat”, the school teams and their fans sat displaying their school colors in various sections. The announcer introduced the teams, “The scrappy Rhame Pirates vs Yourrrrrrrrr Bowman Bulldogs!” The home-crowd Bulldogs erupted. As we came out onto center court jostling for position, I stepped into the center circle and faced my opponent for tip-off. He loomed above me like Goliath. I suddenly felt the feeling of dread and inadequacy as I stood there toe-to-toe with a big, 6ft-8in, teenager, especially when you are the shortest guy not only on the court but also in the stands. You could hear the snickers and laughter filter through the crowd.

In my study of the Judges of Israel there was on man called to save his fellow Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. As he is visited by the Angel of the Lord and given this task and role to lead, he replies,

“O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” – Judges 6:15

At the Angel of the Lord’s calling to lead, this farmer must have felt that feeling of dread from inadequacy and uncertainty. Yet, this unlikely farmer was the man to lead the Israelites into a great military victory against their oppressors and 40 years of peace while he lived. His name was Gideon.

When you are given a task or role and those thoughts and feelings of inadequacy rise within the pit of your stomach, remember if God has called you to it, He will sustain you in your weakness with a promise like the one given to Gideon.

“And the Lord said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man”… “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.” –Judges 6:15, 23.

As the whistle blew and the ref tossed the ball straight up into the air, my opponent with outstretch fingers tipped the ball at its apex well over 10ft. I did not even jump. Instead I watched where he was tipping the ball and I darted in that direction. As other players scrambled for it, I zipped between them (being smaller and quicker) and picked up the loose ball, passed it to my teammate streaking toward our basket, and he scored on a breakaway layup. Our bench and fans erupted in cheers as the home-crowd was stunned to silence in the first 5 seconds of the game. Suddenly my feeling of dread and inadequacy was replaced with exhilaration. Game on!

Pioneer Women of Promised Land

Imagine what life was like for women in the expansion of the American West. The role and vocation of women were primarily limited to being a pioneer woman, working in saloons or brothels, with a few who became outlaws and frontier women. Most pioneer women began their life with a journey to the unknown whether it was during the Great Plains land grab, The Oregon Trail, or later on the railroad. Life was very difficult, including hard labor, untimely death of husbands and children, and little reward of the comfort, culture and civilization found in the Eastern cities.

What would it be like to be the Great Plain settlers on dry, sweeping grassy landscapes living in one room sod houses? Can you imagine raising a family on the open plains exposed to the wind and bitter cold of the harsh winters and the draining heat and hard labor during the summer? Their sod houses made of mud, grass, and the wood from their wagon, no electricity, running water, privacy, cable TV, gas stoves, dishwashers, etc., and to cook your meals in a small pot bellied stove with dried buffalo, horse, or cow manure. “Hey Sweetheart, your tuna casserole has that wonderful grassy, buffalo manure aroma and delightful flavor…pass the salt please.” Now that should be featured in Chef Bobby Flay’s southwestern cuisine.

In my study in Judges, Chapters 4 and 5 share a glimpse into the lives of two women of the Wild West in the Promised Land, Deborah and Jael. One a prophetess, a Judge, a God appointed leader to the loosely held together nation of Israelite tribes. A lawless time filled with oppression by enemies, uncertainty of the future, fear, hard labor, and seeking to just survive. The other, Jael, a nomadic wife living on the wide expanse of the Middle East plains and wilderness, who acted with gruesome decisiveness. Both called to be pioneer women in their own way. One literally a pioneer in her tent-dwelling life, and the other a pioneer in her leadership and role as Judge to the Israelites. Both playing a critical role in God’s plan to establish the Twelve Tribes of Israel as His Holy Nation and to reveal Himself to humanity.

Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leadinga Israel at that time. 5 She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided. – Judges 4:4-5

“Most blessed of women be Jael,
the wife of Heber the Kenite,
most blessed of tent-dwelling women. – Judges 5:24

Pioneer women are some of the toughest, persistent survivors in our American story, and we discover other women with the same pioneer spirit in the Old Testament as well. Read the story of these two pioneer women of the Wild West in the Promised Land in Judges 4 & 5.

Tests - Failure and Faith

Beads of sweat formed on my forehead, clammy hands fiddled with my mechanical pencil, and my stomach churned with anxiety as I awaited my final exam in Calculus II at Cabrillo College. This was a big exam. It was my second attempt at the class, and this time around I was again on the bubble of failure. It was a required foundational course for a Computer Science degree. Not only that, but my scholarship was on the line, and if I failed this class I would lose thousands of dollars. Tests…Pressure…Failure. As soon as the professor called for all the exams I knew I failed the test and the class.

In my study in Judges, I find a description and commentary of the Israelites struggle with neighbor nations and invading armies…a “test”.

So the LORD burned with anger against Israel. He said, “Because these people have violated my covenant, which I made with their ancestors, and have ignored my commands, 21 I will no longer drive out the nations that Joshua left unconquered when he died. 22 I did this to test Israel—to see whether or not they would follow the ways of the LORD as their ancestors did.” – Judges 2:20-22 (NLT)

Tests are uncomfortable at any level: in the classroom, in friendships, in marriage, in the work place, and in life. One of the definitions of a test is “an often difficult situation or event that will provide information about somebody or something” – Encarta Dictionary. In any relationship there are those “test” moments that will reveal the level of commitment, faithfulness, and love. In life we walk through “test” thickets with thorns and briars, which will either strengthen our faith or leave us painfully discouraged. In God’s judgment upon the Israelites in their disobedience, he allowed the negative consequences, the “test”, of neighboring nations to reveal their faithfulness to the Lord.

Being full of faith means we can see beyond the “tests”, trials, obstacles, and difficult events, know that God is sovereign over all, and uses them to shape, strengthen, and train us for future battles. As we trust in God through “tests” we lean on Him more, experience His presence on a deeper level, and witness His loving hand provide, protect and lead us through difficult days.

As the story of the Judges unfold, God in his longsuffering and mercy raised up deliverers, Judges, to help them in their test. At times the Israelites passed with flying colors in faithfulness to the Lord, and at other times they failed miserably, but God was always faithful. After my semester failing Calculus II, I felt despondent. I was unsure of my ability to complete my degree, how I would continue to pay for college, and what new direction for a course of study I was to pursue. Even in my failure, after a long spring and summer, God gave me a new direction, a way to continue to pay for college, and the confidence to complete my degree and beyond. Without going through that “test”, and failing, I may have never pursued education and ministry and would not be where God has me today. That Calculus II final exam revealed something about me, a lack of Calculus skills, but also an ability to persevere. It also affirmed that God is always faithful and I have a greater faith today because of that Calculus II test 25 years ago.

The Wild West

What iconic images do you have of the Old American West? Do you picture John Wayne in his red plaid shirt atop his steed with the New Mexico landscape behind him, or Clint Eastwood chewing on his half eaten cigar ready to draw in the dusty streets of a western town? Maybe it is the image of the settlers traveling along the Oregon Trail, the building of the Transcontinental Railroad, miners in Colorado and California, cowboys on the open range, or skirmishes with Native Americans. This period of American history from 1820 – 1900, and westward expansion has been the American adventure glamorized in dime novels (Wild Bill Hickok), radio dramas (The Lone Ranger), TV series (The Wild Wild West, Little House on the Prairie), movies (insert your favorite), as well as art, history, musicals, theater, dance and of course the foundation for country music. However, as we know that underneath the romantic ideal of the Old American West, it was often a difficult, lawless, and unforgiving life.

As I study the book of Judges, I can’t help but draw comparisons of the Old American West to this period of Israelite expansion in the Promised Land. The Israelites had just won a mighty victory at Jericho and established a base camp in Canaan, and now it was time for the 12 Tribes to inhabit the land as God had commanded. However with the death of Joshua, it left the Israelites without a central, unifying leader and shortly thereafter they became a collection of weak tribes that did not fulfill the conquest of their specific areas. It was a period of vulnerability, lawlessness, war, disobedience to God and attacks by border nations. It was the Wild West of the Promised Land. The statement:

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” – Joshua 21:25

…summarizes the disorganization, turmoil, and lawlessness that took place in this time. God, however, in His provision called individuals who led the Israelites to military victory and renewal in worship as a people. They were called Judges, the lawmen (and lawwoman) of the Wild West in the Promised Land.

As I read through the events and colorful people found in Judges, I am mindful that this period of Israelite history has some important spiritual treasures for us to discover. A revelation of God’s character, plan and purpose, as well as, truths we can apply to our 21st Century lives. Read Judges…Saddle up and let’s head out west.

Free as the Breeze

Darkness, misery, stench, abandonment, pain…a few descriptive words that Peter must have felt as he awaited King Herod’s orders for execution. An ancient Roman prison cell may be one of the foulest places in history to await a tortuous death, and that is exactly where Peter, the leading voice of the budding Jerusalem church, finds himself. The story unfolds in Acts 12:

All the time that Peter was under heavy guard in the jailhouse, the church prayed for him most strenuously.
6 Then the time came for Herod to bring him out for the kill. That night, even though shackled to two soldiers, one on either side, Peter slept like a baby. And there were guards at the door keeping their eyes on the place. Herod was taking no chances!
7–9 Suddenly there was an angel at his side and light flooding the room. The angel shook Peter and got him up: “Hurry!” The handcuffs fell off his wrists. The angel said, “Get dressed. Put on your shoes.” Peter did it. Then, “Grab your coat and let’s get out of here.” Peter followed him, but didn’t believe it was really an angel—he thought he was dreaming.
10–11 Past the first guard and then the second, they came to the iron gate that led into the city. It swung open before them on its own, and they were out on the street, free as the breeze. – Acts 12:5-11 (Message)

“free as the breeze” - Peter was so perplexed by the miraculous events taking place that he thought he was dreaming, but as he breathed in the cool evening air, standing in the middle of the quiet street, his mind cleared in the realization of his freedom. He may have traveled speechless in awe and praise to God as he walked to Mary’s home where his church family was earnestly praying for him throughout the night.

Freedom! Peter was set free from the chains that bound him, the evil intent of King Herod and the Jerusalem mob, the dark prison, the guards set to stand watch over him, and the iron gates of the city. As we celebrate our Nation’s Independence Day, the day when those courageous colonist gathered and signed the Declaration of Independence from the most wealthy and powerful nation on earth in 1776, it is a day to celebrate freedom. From that declaration, followed an inevitable war with England, victory, the creation of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights with the enduring main theme of “freedom” weaved throughout.

As Christians I think we all have our Declaration of Independence Day – the day we said “yes” to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, declaring freedom from the bondage of sin, the darkness of the world’s lies and ignorance, and the inevitable condemnation by Satan. Jesus is the “light” that pierces through the darkness, He calls us, wakes us up to the truth, frees us from our shackles, commands us to obedience “get dressed, put on your shoes, grab your coat”, and leads us to open air freedom…free as the breeze.

This 4th of July, as the sun slips past the horizon and the fireworks light up the night sky, I will rejoice in our nation’s freedoms, but I will also give a prayer of praise and thanks to my Savior for rescuing me.

Well Done!

Today our family celebrated the gift of a rich heritage from a faithful woman of God. Grandma (and Great) Ruby Edmond graduated to Heaven’s Gates this week after 95 years of faithful service and love for God. As family and friends shared stories of Grandma Ruby one thing became crystal clear: Christ was central and ever present in everything she did in life.

Charlene shares this memory of her Grandma.

Once a year my parents would load all of us kids into our black 70’s station wagon with the classic wood paneling down the sides, complete with the Hi-Fi, 8-Track tape player with only one tape to play for the entire 2 day 18 hour trip. Once we finally arrived at Grandma’s house I remember spending the hot summer days enjoying the best of Oregon’s berries and vegetables. Grandma’s garden was beautiful and when we begged she gave us permission to gather a few of the ripe vegetables. We would also pick the juiciest raspberries and blackberries that were full of delightful flavor. That evening Grandma would make a cobbler complete with vanilla ice-cream, topped off with the same berries we just picked that day.

I also remember the daily family times gathered around Grandma and Grandpa as he opened up his well worn KJV Bible and read to us 3-4 chapters, maybe more, and as a child sometimes it seemed like they read the entire Old Testament. As they finished reading we would all kneel in the living room and pray. Grandma instilled the value and importance of God’s Word in her love and devotion to God, even in her last months listening to the Bible on CD.

Grandma Ruby and Grandpa pastored a number of Assembly of God churches in OR and WA. At their first church in Long Creek, OR., Grandma writes for a year they lived off of her meager SS unemployment and a $10/month gift from a retired Presbyterian minister. Through the next 75 years raising her family, she served the Lord leading worship with a guitar, accordion and piano, lead choirs, lead Missionettes (was the first Missionette Coordinator in the state of Oregon), and Women’s Ministry. Always faithful through each season of life in times of bounty and scarcity, through sickness and death, she lived each day fully devoted to her beloved Savior. Grandma Ruby’s family legacy includes children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that love Christ with the same devotion including two granddaughters who continue in pastoral ministry and share her title, “Pastor’s Wife”.

During the Memorial Service and after hearing more about Grandma Ruby’s life, ministry and her impact on family and her church, I felt the visual scene of Christ greeting Grandma Ruby at Heaven’s Gate: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful (for 95 years) with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” – Matt. 25:21

Giants & Weeds

As I look out across my lawn I am overwhelmed with the weeds of all varieties thriving as if I had thrown out seeds and Miracle Grow together. I am being invaded by an army of thistles, briars, dandelions and other barbarian plants. Some at over 3 feet tall stand mockingly over my roses, strawberries, and decorative bushes like Goliath in the Valley of Elah, taunting, challenging and intimidating. We have mowed-over, dug-out, pulled-up and sprayed but the invasion marches on. Our VERY wet and cool Spring has provided the ammunition for their accelerated growth and multiplication.

I can imagine the scene 3,000 years ago in the Valley of Elah, with the Israelites on one hillside and the Philistines on the other. The Israelites faced an invasion with evil intent to take-over the land they occupied and promised by God. The Philistine’s champion, Goliath, at over 9 feet tall, mocked and challenged his enemy, and behind him the army that had been advancing in overwhelming strength and numbers. King Saul’s troops camped on the hillside intimidated and immobilized in fear. For forty days Goliath called out to the Israelites and issued his challenge, and for forty days the Israelite’s backed down, withdrew in fear and hopelessness. Till a teenage boy came along with grain, bread and cheese for his brothers and the army, heard the challenge, responded to King Saul and said “your servant will go and fight”. With a confidence of God’s protective hand in past challenges of the lion and the bear, and with the assurance of victory in the name of the Lord God Almighty, the shepherd boy David took his courageous (and some seeing the odds may say foolish) stand.

“Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”
Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you.”
- 1 Samuel 17:36-37

As we know the events that follow, God delivered the most unlikely victory into David’s hand with a simple rock and sling. I can see the men of both camps jaws drop in disbelief and were awestruck as the giant fell in a cloud of dust and watch this shepherd boy draw Goliath’s own sword and cut off his head. Immediately the tide of confidence turned in the Israelites favor as the Philistine’s fled in fear and decisive defeat.

There are times in my life when I feel the challenge is overwhelming, negative circumstances encircle me, an invasion of chaos, disruption and fear seems imminent as the enemy issues a challenge to my life, my faith and my God. We all have those moments when marriages are strained to the breaking point, when life-threatening illness invade a loved one’s body, when our business fails, we lose our jobs, when tragedy strikes, and family relationships become cold and distant. Naturally we hide, withdraw to where we feel safe, defensive, hoping the threat will just give up and go away. But it remains, till we respond as the shepherd boy with confidence and trust in God, and courageously face the giant in the name of the Lord God Almighty.

So, with shovel, weed-trimmer, gloves, and gallons of Roundup, I am ready to take my stand.

Surprise!

As the garage door closed behind me, I climbed out of my car grabbed my computer, the mail and shut the door. Thoughts of unfinished business from the office lingered in my mind as I navigated through boxes, over tools and sports equipment in our dimly lit garage. With a sigh of relief to be home I walked past the front of our parked van. Suddenly a ferocious blur of hair, arms and legs leapt out from behind the van. Instant terror gripped my heart as I instinctually defended myself in my manly way. My body contracted with one leg lifted up, arms tensed and brought in to protect my side, and my defensive verbal outburst sounded like a four year old girl stepping on a snake. My heart rate jumped from 80 to well over 200bpm and adrenaline shot through my system as the ferocious blur came into focus as a blonde, pink and now hysterically laughing little girl. “I got you Dad”, Aliya says as she gleefully jumps up and down in her accomplishment of taking at least 3.7 years off my life.

Why is it my kids, and many others as well, like to surprise, startle and scare their parents? Bryce and Aliya seem to go to great lengths to hide, wait and startle me whenever this evil thought crosses their otherwise innocent minds. Of course as any good father I laugh with them, as I make my way to my bedroom to catch my breath, compose myself, and pick up the shattered remains of my dignity.

In my journey in Christ, I have experienced God’s unexpected surprises as well. Just when I think circumstances have hit rock bottom, God provides, encourages, and strengthens me at just the right time. When I am feeling anxious about our finances, God surprises me. When I become discouraged, down or defeated God lifts me up. When I feel uncertain and stuck God clearly shows the way. As I look back on my life I can give a testimony of God’s presence through numerous unexpected surprises of provision, protection, direction, assurance, encouragement and joy. I can rejoice with the psalmist in his exclamation of praise.

You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
- Psalm 16:11

I think God takes great pleasure in providing for his children. I think he savors the moments of surprise to encourage, strengthen and bless us. In his plan for us, God patiently waits for just the right moment to reveal his work and presence in our lives. Sometimes when God surprises me, I have to take a moment, catch my breath, compose myself and say “Good one…Thank you God”.

To my kids who might have future plans of hiding in the garage, behind closet doors, or under beds…go surprise your Mom. I can’t afford to lose anymore of my hair, heart beats or dignity.

Freedom Isn't Free

“Coward!”, “Chicken…bak, bak, bak”. Those are fighting words for any boy from the 3rd grade on up. As boys get older to be young men all it takes is a disrespectful word, glance or gesture that can send our blood pressure to the moon and we are ready to jump on the back of Goliath. There are times when this quick overreaction can get us into a lot of trouble (e.g. see the sports page for the latest brawl, fight, or altercation with our professional athletes). However, there are times when this tackle Goliath, “you talkin’ to me”, attitude rises up for a noble cause…the defense of liberty, democracy, family and our nation.

This is Memorial Day weekend that includes a time of reflection, respect and honor given to those courageous men and women who have given their lives for the freedom, the prosperity, the democracy we enjoy today. From the men who signed the Declaration of Independence, knowing full well that they might be signing their own death certificate, to the sacrifice of lives in WWW I and II, in Korea, Vietnam, and presently in Afghanistan and Iraq. Hundreds of thousands of men and women have risen to the call of our nation to “go”, “defend” and “fight” for us, and they paid the ultimate price with their lives. Thank you.

I treasure the religious freedom we have in our nation. To worship without government opposition, regulation, and persecution is a privilege that a great number of Christians world wide do not have. There are brothers and sisters in Christ who face persecution, beatings, imprisonment, and even death for gathering, teaching and living in Christ’s name. I am thankful for our nation’s forefathers to establish this right for me and my family.

As we have always known the freedoms, rights and prosperity within our nation, we can easily take for granted the life we enjoy. This Memorial Day let’s pause, reflect, and honor the men and women from all walks of life, of all faiths who fought in unity under the freedoms we cherish as the United States of America and remember that Freedom isn’t Free.

This Memorial Day I remember Lt. Col. Fred Koetitz, and his distinguished service as an Air Force pilot, and I am thankful for the past and current military service of Grandpap (Bob Lofstrom, Navy & Army Air Corp), Dad (Jerry Koetitz, Air Force), Clyde Fuller (Father-in-Law, Navy), Drew Foster (Brother-in-Law, Navy Submariner), and my little brother, 2nd Lt. Jon-Mark (C-130 Pilot, Air Force Natl. Guard). Thank you and no one can ever call you "Coward" or "Chicken" for you have shown your courage in action by your service.

My Friend Fonz

There are those individuals that God brings into our lives where we share a special connection. Our lives intersect by what seems at first to be circumstantial, but in hindsight God gifted us with someone we cherish and call a close and personal friend. Those handful of individuals outside of our family that we share life together in a natural, flowing way, with a connection that runs deeper than 99% of all other friendships. Along my life journey living in numerous states, I have had the privilege of calling a few men my closest of friends. I remember my High School best friend, where we awkwardly flirted with girls, played the trumpet and basketball side-by-side, my college roommate in Santa Cruz where we still awkwardly flirted with girls (somehow it worked with Charlene), my deep connection with my life-long Dazbog friend in Greeley, and with close friendships developing today in Damascus.

Today, however, I remember one special friend, Fonz Garza (1965-2010). On May 10th, as he was driving his UPS truck in San Antonio, Texas was hit head on by a semi-truck and died instantly leaving behind his precious family. In our seven years in Utah, as Charlene and I just married and starting our family, Fonz showed up one day in our church plant in Kaysville. Fonz stationed at Hill Air Force Base was one who shared his life in an easy going, affable, and joyful manner.

We primarily shared our life together through sports. On the basketball court, at Salt Lake Community College (where I worked) we would challenge younger, taller students to pick-up games and show them that a couple of “old” guys, 30ish, could still bring game. Our summers were spent on the Softball field in the church, co-ed league, with Fonz as the outfield captain and in some games when undermanned, he covered left and center field by himself. At the end of one such game, with his outstanding play, the opposing team congratulated him in his awesome fielding. He taught me the game of golf and gave me my first set of clubs, and in return I taught him how humorous it was to golf as he chuckled each time I swung. Whether it was on the court, on the field, or on the golf course, Fonz was an all-around athlete who embraced life with friends, family and God with the same enthusiasm and joy.

In our small church-plant in Kaysville, Fonz was dedicated and committed. He could laugh off the difficulty of meeting in a mortuary, and brought joy and enthusiasm into Celebration Chapel – kid’s ministry, with the young guys in sports and adults. His love for family was revealed in his deep pain expressed in the death of his 3 month-old daughter, Kaelyn, which I would suspect left an open emotional wound on his heart. With his friends, he was engaging, open and willing to do anything for a friend in need. I feel privileged that Fonz called me his friend.

Today, I am reminded to treasure those who allow me to be a close friend to them. Today, I am reminded to not take for granted those special friends, and to nurture new close friendships as well. Today, I am reminded that it is God who brings together potential life-long close friendships for joy, encouragement and strength along life’s journey.

Fonz thank you for your friendship and someday we will share the competitive joy on Heaven’s fields and courts together.

My heartfelt prayers to Deloris, Jordan, Marcos and Arianna – May God flood your heart and soul with His peace, comfort and counsel today and each tomorrow.

Devotion

The bow of the Portland Spirit cut through the glass surface of the Willamette River as the cool evening wind swept over the ship. In the fading light, the city buildings and bridges emerged further up the river as we wound our way past mansions, houseboats, country clubs, fern covered rock cliffs and even a small amusement park. I spotted the quaint, historic Pioneer Chapel where I had the privilege of bringing together two couples under God. The dinner cruise created an enchanting evening to celebrate the 20th Anniversary with my lovely bride.

As I reflect upon our life together and God’s special helpmate that he entrusted to me, I am simply grateful. When I solemnly repeated those two words, “I do”, the course of my life was forever altered like two mountain streams merging to create a bubbling brook meandering through the sunny valleys and dark forests. Looking back on our twenty years together I feel I have learned a few life lessons on marriage and relationships, with some (or maybe even a lot) learned the hard way. One key word to offer would be “devotion – the state of being ardently dedicated and loyal”, Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary.

Along our life journey things change, we change, our hopes and dreams have changed, I have changed and my bride has changed. When I look at my wife I see more than her lovely face and embracing cool blue eyes, I see devotion. A devotion to our family expressed from the moment she arises and cares for our family and me, till the sun fades and all are asleep. A devotion to fight for the unity, peace and love within our home. A devotion to the spiritual, emotional and physical intimacy between a husband and wife. A devotion to me.

Likewise Christ defined us (followers and believers) in his parables as his bride (John 3:29, Matt. 25:1-13). John’s revelation describes how the Bride has been prepared for the Bridegroom (Rev. 21:9, 22:17) and Isaiah gives this figurative expression of rejoicing and devotion in his prophetic blessing over Israel.

You will be called the People God Loves,
and your land will be called the Bride of God,
because the Lord loves you.
And your land will belong to him as a bride belongs to her husband.
As a young man marries a woman,
so your children will marry your land.
As a man rejoices over his new wife,
so your God will rejoice over you. – Isaiah 62:4b-5, NCV

As the Bride of Christ how is our daily devotion? Do you arise each morning ready to serve, love and live in ardent dedication? Are you loyal? Do you find the time each day to share life together or has the busyness of the day dissected the intimacy he craves with you? Have you allowed other things, people or activities to steal away your affections, desires, time and devotion? Tough questions…but as we celebrate our anniversary from the day we said “I do” to Jesus Christ as our Lord, Savior and Bridegroom, may we also be reminded of our merging of lives and allow Him to guide the new stream of our future and be fully-devoted to Him.

This Means War

Get on your knees and fight like a man, was the rallying cry to men in the 80’s Christian Rock song by Petra. Yes, I am showing my age and my musical tastes, but I have fond high school memories of slipping in my Petra cassette tapes in my boom-box and rockin’ with my air guitar and invisible drums all alone in my room. In the early age of Christian Contemporary music dominated by female vocalists like Evie, Amy Grant and Sandi Patty, it was awesome to have a little testosterone laden Christian music…and from my point of view, Petra rocked.

Today, May 6th, is our observed National Day of Prayer, and I think it would be fitting to pull out those old Petra cassettes and rally to the most effective tool we as Christians have…to engage the enemy in spiritual warfare through active, fervent, and effectual prayer.

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. – 2 Cor. 10:4 (NIV)

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. – James 5:16 (NLT)

On this day we are called to get on our knees and fight like a man. Fight for the defense of your heart and mind from self-centeredness and worldly wisdom, fight for the physical and spiritual protection of your family, fight for health and vitality of your church, fight against the strongholds of sin upon your family, friends and co-workers, and fight for God’s Spirit to lead and direct our state and national leaders…fight for your country.

Get on your knees and fight like a man
You'll pull down strongholds if
you just believe you can
Your enemy will tuck his tail and flee
Get on your knees and fight like a man
Under the gun you've got no place to hide out
Backed in the corner on your own
This is one storm you are destined to ride out
One way to leave the danger zone
You've got the backbone to fight this tide
You've got the will to survive
You've got the weapon, it's at your side
You've got to learn to confide - Bob Hartman, Petra

OORAH!

The United States Marines are the most formidable military branch in history. With a storied history dating to the revolutionary war, the Marines have fought bravely in all US wars and conflicts. The most enduring image from WWII was the raising of the American flag by the Marines overtaking Iwo Jima. The Marines, are ready to fight by land, air and sea and who pride themselves as America’s First Line of Defense, the first in to defend, help and fight. OORAH!

What is the “Oorah” anyway? Searching the internet I found a quick explanation at About.com:

No matter how one might spell the word -- with or without a hyphen, a U instead of two Os, and so on -- the word is still an expression of high morale, strength and confidence. And, when powered by an overwhelmingly proud, and usually loud, tone of voice, hooah seems to stomp out any possibility of being bound by the written word. "It's an affirmation that I fully agree with and support the idea or intent expressed by the person to whom I make that response," said Maj. Gen. F.A. Gorden, Military District of Washington commander. "It applies not only to the letter of what was said, but to the spirit of what was said."

Former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan has his interpretation. "I don't know how exactly to spell it, but I know what it means," Sullivan said. "It means we have broken the mold. We are battle focused. Hooah says ÔLook at me. I'm a warrior. I'm ready. Sergeants trained me to standard. I serve America every day, all the way.'"

No wonder you hear Marines, Rangers or Navy Seals yelling with confidence and courage, “OORAH!”, whenever they are motivated in training or engaged in battle. In the church our similar rallying cry would be a hearty “Amen”. The Hebrew word meaning certainty, truthfulness and faithfulness, and also used by Christ to preface his statements “Amen (verily, truthfully) I say to you…” A statement of “so be it” at the end of a prayer in the early church and obviously common today.

In today’s world and culture we are engaged in a spiritual battle, where the darkness of sin and worldliness encamp, attack and take ground in our schools, cities, entertainment, church and families. Do we engage in the spiritual battle at hand, or are we ignorant of the blatant attacks upon our community, churches, friends, co-workers, spouses, and children? Do we allow the enemy to lie, steal and destroy those we love right in front of our eyes? Would a loyal Marine stand idly by, watching a fellow soldier battle for his life? NO! He would courageously and sacrificially engage in battle alongside his brother.

We too need to stand firm in the Truth and to engage in battle, to protect, defend and attack the strongholds of sin, and false truths that wound, imprison and destroy our brothers and sisters. Engage in the battle today through the powerful armament of prayer, and the advancement of God’s Kingdom through Love in words and service. Protect your family, Defend the Truth and Advance the Kingdom. Oorah!