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 picked them, then your Fantasy Football Team will destroy the competition (like those who picked Patrick Mahomes 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 remind us of high expectations come with high disappointments. 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 view 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 of character and integrity living our lives in the fullness of God’s love in all our roles as spouse, friend, parent, co-worker, business owner, 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.

so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹ being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; ¹² giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. ^ – Colossians 1:10-12

   

Freedom!

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. – Declaration of Independence, July 4^th, 1776 – Thomas Jefferson

Tomorrow, July 4^th, 2019 we celebrate our American Independence Day with parades, picnics, BBQ’s and get-togethers with family and friends. We are all blessed to be citizens of a country that was founded on the freedom and rights of the individual. Later, our U.S. Constitution limited the powers of the government with a representative democracy and detailed the checks and balances of the three branches of the Federal Government to protect our individual freedoms and rights. Of the many freedoms we treasure, but most of us take for granted, is the freedom of religion. The very first clause of the First Amendment states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof… I believe that the reason why the religious freedom clause is first is very significant to the historical founding of our nation, their current church/state culture, and in protecting the religious freedom for future generations was their number one concern. We are blessed today because of it.

In many, if not most, of the other countries around this world there is government infringement, control, restrictions, or outright persecution of the individual Christian and the Christian church. Most of the Islamic governed nations have either national or regional laws prohibiting Christians from proselytizing (sharing their faith) or having home/community worship services and turn a blind eye when mobs violently attack Christians. Outright violence against Christians is at historical levels in SE Europe, Middle East, North Africa and SE Asia. Communist countries, past and present, have tried to eliminate Christianity and the Christian Church, but today the church thrives in Russia and China although various levels of persecution still exist.

Today, I am reminded of how blessed I am to openly live my faith, share my faith, and have the freedom to worship with my Christian brothers and sisters whenever and wherever we choose. What a truly great treasure we have with this unalienable right to pursue life and liberty in Christ. Yet, like the vast majority of American Christians, we take this right for granted. As for our church attendance, participation, and support we often dismiss it, take a self-focused what’s-in-it-for-me attitude, or as casual spiritual entertainment. It’s easy to make excuses of why not to go to church. It’s easy to church hop seeking the most entertaining preacher or worship experience. It’s easier to sleep-in, go fishing, watch football, whatever and even work than be dedicated to your church.

I don’t want to miss out on the love, truth and freedom we have in Christ and the fellowship of one another by taking my individual right for granted. For true freedom doesn’t come from Thomas Jefferson or our U.S. Constitution, but from our Creator and His Son, Jesus Christ.

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 ESV

Check out current news of the worldwide persecuted church at: opendoorsusa.org and vom.com.au

A Big Scare!

I had a bit of a scare last week with an acute heart attack. PTL, I am home feeling great, recovering well and working toward the 2nd life I've been given. I am grateful for everyone's thoughts and prayers over the past 5 days that knew. (We were pretty quiet about it while it all unfolded).

I suffered through a 7 day acute heart attack, before I called, drove myself down, and went in. When the Dr. examined my EKG and consulted with a Cardiologist, he came back into the patient room and said "You are having a heart attack. We have called an ambulance and you will have surgery immediately". I was in shock.

Seven days earlier, I had been suffering temporary waves of pressure on my chest, fluttering heartbeats, indigestion, nausea, fatigue, etc. Sometimes they were mild and short, other times more sustained and severe, but I never thought it was a heart attack because I wasn’t experiencing any arm pain, or chest pain. Advil, Pepto-Bismol, antacids were all helping relieve symptoms, and I thought whatever it was would pass through my system. Day 7, Friday, May 24th I had a terrible night sleeping that include some sharper pain in my chest and nausea, so I finally called for an appointment. Finally.

I was loaded up on the Ambulance drove to the other side of the hospital (I am still upset that they didn’t get to speed through lights with their lights and sirens going, seriously, my first chance in ambulance and I only get to go 5 MPH through a parking lot, bummer), and they delivered me to Emergency Department. The medical staff went to work like a NASCAR team. With a whirlwind of questions, sticky pads, IV’s, and information about exploring my arteries, going up through my groin, ballooning out the affected artery and putting in a stent, I was ready for surgery.

During surgery they found blockage in my right coronary artery. All went well, no complications and they fixed everything. But my heart had suffered some damage while it was being starved it’s nutrition. Everyday I waited to go to the Doctor I was losing muscle tissue in my heart. Good news, my heart is operating at normal functioning, and I should fully resume all physical activities of hiking, riding my motorcycle, playing disc golf and working out at the gym.

While I was in the Doctor’s office being given my initial news of having a heart attack, Charlene was in Spokane for a surprise Birthday Party for her sister. I only had a minute to call her, while I was being loaded into the ambulance. She was six hours away. I am so grateful for her love, care and support each step of this recovery, and I know she is just as exhausted as I am.

I am grateful to all of you my family and friends and your warm thoughts, love and prayers.

I am comforted by Psalms 121:5-8 (NLT)

⁵ The Lord himself watches over you!
    The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
⁶ The sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon at night.

⁷ The Lord keeps you from all harm
    and watches over your life.
⁸ The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
    both now and forever.

The Dentist, Dorf & Barnacle Boy

Yesterday (May 14^th), we were saddened by the news that a beloved actor and comedian, Tim Conway, had passed away at the age of 85 in Los Angeles. He truly gave us a gift of comedy and acting that demonstrated wholesome, side-splitting, pant-wetting entertainment for all ages. In direct contrast to today’s foul and obscene comedians and sit-com actors, Tim Conway pursued true laughter without the shock of filthy language and sex/drugs/violence themes. In his interview with Bob Fishbach World-Herald’s GO in 2010, he shared why he doesn’t use profanity 

“I came from a small town where you didn’t do that. I was a big fan of Don Knotts and Steve Allen. And I became good friends with Don. We used to discuss a lot what you owe an audience when they come see you. I’d never do anything to offend an audience. They come to see what they saw on TV. If I lay language on them, they’ll be disappointed. It’s so much more gratifying when people come up after a show with their kids, and everybody loved it. But even the movies now are so gross. I sound like an old prude, which I’m not. But everybody goes for the joke that ends with profanity. We didn’t do that. We tried to get people to laugh rather than just be in shock.”

I remember, sitting cross-legged on my living room floor with our black and white tv watching the Apple Dumpling Gang with Amos (Tim) and Theodore (Don Knotts) trying to strike it rich in their bumbling adventure. Our whole family would anticipate and gather around my grandparents tv after dinner and laugh all throughout the Carol Burnett Show as Tim’s characters as Mr. Tubball, a Dentist, Fireman and oldest man would be the highlight sketch of the show. Fellow actors Harvey Korman and Carol Burnett would often struggle to stay in character as Tim’s improvised antics would crack them up. One of my favorite characters was Derk Dorf as the short-legged athlete with a Scandinavian accent, and few know he was also the voice of Barnacle Boy on SpongeBob SquarePants. He is an Emmy Award winning actor and was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame and his life and work is being honored this week as a comedic genius with a high moral standard.

Tim’s life and work makes me think about the challenges we face as men living in a profane and obscene culture where a man’s “manliness” is often defined by that same culture. Young men (12-18) casually use the F-Bomb and other cuss words as masculine speech. They listen to music full of obscene, violent and sexualized lyrics and their masculine screen heroes treat women as objects to be lusted after, kill & brutalize all, and live an immoral life to the fullest. No wonder we men have an identity crisis, because masculinity is defined by an immoral culture and our young men are being entrapped and bound by pornography, violence, profanity and obscenity.

Men of God are called to have a much higher moral standard in their words and actions. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to be imitators of God and walk in love.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. ² And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
³ But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. ⁴ Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” – Ephesians 5:1-4 ESV

The timeless wisdom of Proverbs states:

A fool's mouth is his ruin,
    and his lips are a snare to his soul. – Proverbs 18:7
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;
    he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. – Proverbs 13:3

James Chapter 3 gives instruction on the power of the tongue:

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life,^[a] and set on fire by hell. – James 3:5-6

My Brother, Tim Conway is more than a slapstick sketch comedian, he demonstrated that you could be a highly successful man in a profane and obscene vocation and maintain a high moral professional standard. He did it to respect his fans of all ages and to honor his comedy profession. We can demonstrate a high moral standard in our language and speech at home, at work, in the community and with friends as worship honoring our Lord and Savior. We can be a living masculine role model for our boys and young men in our speech and conduct. We are men of the Spirit full of love, wisdom and self-control and our world needs us now more than ever. 

The Tireless Service of Mothers

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, Sunday, May 12^th. Mother’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate, or fondly remember, our mothers and their sacrificial service and love offered freely to us. We may have special memories of our mother’s care and attention when we were sick or injured or in special birthdays and holidays, but there are countless more acts of service that have gone unnoticed that have faded in our memories over time: the hundreds of changed diapers, washed bottles, sleepless nights, washed clothes, prepared meals, worked hours, chauffeured miles, prayers, read stories and numerous words of correction, encouragement, comfort and wisdom. 

Many mother’s worry they were not the ideal or perfect mother presently or while raising their children. One mother aptly said it this way, "I'd like to be the ideal mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids."- Unknown  Mother’s Day is not about perfection, never making a mistake, or being “Mrs. Cleaver” (a very old TV reference). Mothers make a difference by their unselfishness, fight to the death commitment and protection over their children, their unwavering love and support, and their tireless service.

If we have found wisdom, success, and blessings in life we owe in large part to our mother’s influence upon us as the following individuals have stated.

“I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."- Abraham Lincoln

"My mother never gave up on me. I messed up in school so much they were sending me home, but my mother sent me right back."- Denzel Washington

"My mother said to me, "If you become a soldier you'll be a general; if you become a monk you'll end up as the pope." Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."- Pablo Picasso

“Men are what their mothers made them.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

You may not be President of the United States, a famous actor or artist, but your character, health, education, and spiritual maturity is due to how much you listened to the wisdom of your mother. Proverbs 1:8-9 sums it up well “…and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” We can all say “Thanks Mom!”

So, for this Mother’s Day make sure to let her know how much you appreciate the forgotten service she lovingly gave to you from your very first breath to the present. Father’s lead your children of all ages in showing love and appreciation to their mother, your wife, for as she has served and continues to serve your children, she serves you as well.

Deeply Rooted Treasures

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV

I thoroughly enjoyed our Hillside Men’s Retreat and the set aside time we had for fellowship, encouragement and instruction at the beautiful Camp Magruder in Rockaway Beach this past weekend. I was able to discover and take away a few beach treasures from our retreat. Not necessarily agates, although I did find a few, shells, or drift wood that looked like Gandalf, but treasures from trusting in the Lord and in getting to know you better.

It is at these set aside times where I hope to find a treasure of rest and rejuvenation. Sometimes just getting away from my daily and weekly routine of work, chores, responsibilities, cares and anxieties and resting in the Lord is vital. I found rest at taking a long walk on the beach with the warm sunshine, gentle ocean breeze and healing waves. It was as if with each step in the sand the layers of stress and anxiety fell off my shoulders. I felt light-hearted and at ease playing Uno with various guys and in learning a new card-matching game with Adam and Gary. By Sunday, I felt tired and needing to sleep in my own comfortable bed without all of you snoring around me, but I still felt completely rested.

In our times of devotions, services and small groups I found treasures of God’s Truth and worship with brothers. I am encouraged when men sing and worship together and I was blessed by Pastor Dennis and Ruben leading us in praise and adoration to our Savior. I felt encouraged and challenged by our Deeply Rooted theme and messages. Pastor Dave challenged us to be deeply rooted Godly men, submitting to God’s governance, impacting our roles as a husband, father and friend. Pastor Matt shared how we can be deeply rooted in our spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible study with the morning sun shimmering across the lake behind him. I hope my messages of being deeply rooted in love in working with difficult people and in your leadership role in the church and the mission of God encouraged you as well.

My favorite treasure from our men’s retreat over the weekend, however, was the opportunity to get to know you. You, your story, your friendship, your laughter, your care, your service, your time is what I treasure the most. From playing card games, trying to throw discs against wind and make it into a chain basket, sitting in the awesome beach fire-pit-fort sharing stories, having coffee around the fireplace, grilling dogs & sausages, eating lasagna and steak together, and through small group or one-on-one heartfelt conversations. Those are the moments I treasure. Thank you, my Brothers, for making this retreat one to remember, and I hope you feel refreshed in being deeply rooted in the Lord and with one another.

Forsaken?

My God, my God why have you forsaken me?  -David (Psalm 22:1) ESV

Have you ever felt complete abandonment, vulnerability, betrayal, anguish, excruciating pain, or hopelessness? If you have gone through one of those times you may understand David’s desperate plea. Where is my God? Why is He not paying attention to my needs?  Why does He not help me?

I can’t say I have ever had to walk through a valley of despair where I felt the void of the absence of God and His rejection. I can recall the accounts of US P.O.W. soldiers in Vietnam who were held by the Viet Cong for years, some imprisoned in bamboo cages 6 ft. long, by 3 ft. wide, and 2 ft. high, placed on a starvation diet of rice and salt, and shackled in irons, often beaten, neglected and many executed. I think of the descriptions of those who suffered the inhumane treatment in the German Concentration Camps of WWII. Alexander Werth, a British correspondent records what he saw at Maidenek, near the Polish border where over 1.5 million people were executed.

Anyway, after the washing was over, they were asked to go into the next room; at this point even the most unsuspecting must have begun to wonder. For the "next room" was a series of large square concrete structures, each about one-quarter of the size the bath-house, and, unlike it, had no windows. The naked people (men one time, women another time, children the next) were driven or forced from the bath-house into these dark concrete boxes - about five yards square - and then, with 200 or 250 people packed into each box - and it was completely dark there, except for a small light in the ceiling and the spyhole in the door - the process of gassing began. First some hot air was pumped in from the ceiling and then the pretty pale-blue crystals of Cyclon were showered down on the people, and in the hot wet air they rapidly evaporated. In anything from two to ten minutes everybody was dead. . .

Throughout history we have a long list of human atrocities of torture, genocide, neglect, war, slavery, and those who suffered must have cried out “My God, my God why have you forsaken us?” Has God abandoned us?

One poignant moment in history, one man is tried and sentenced to death by crucifixion at the hands of the Romans, 2000 years ago. Roman crucifixion was a visceral statement of power over their subjects. On the cross the man gasps for each breath in excruciating pain as a sign saying “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” hangs above his head. Flogged, hands and feet nailed to the wooden beams, mocked, rejected, convicted as a criminal, and taking on the sins of humanity…even all of humanities atrocities. Jesus cries out “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?”. Has God abandoned his own Son?

David answers: 

²³    You who fear the Lord, praise him!
All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,
and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
²⁴    For he has not despised or abhorred
the affliction of the afflicted,
and he has not hidden his face from him,
but has heard, when he cried to him.                                         (Psalm 22:23-24) ESV

Human suffering tests our faith like no other. To hold onto the belief that God is present, compassionate, and empathetic to our suffering is our present and future hope. Jesus, the Son of God, is the first fruit of our future hope. It was fulfilled in his victory over sin and death on Resurrection Day. When Jesus walked out of the dark, lifeless tomb…he emphatically answers: Yes, God is… God is present, God listens, God is active, God is powerful, God cares

and YOU are not forsaken. Jesus IS the answer.

Cannon Ball!

“Cannon Ball!!!”, I yelled in mid-air hugging my knees with eyes fixed on the bobbing heads beneath me. Splash!

“Good one Tim!”, said one of the boys treading water as I came up to the surface. Six scrawny boys gleefully swam to the side of the pool to re-take our positions in line at the diving board.

Going back a few years to 1978 in Ellendale, ND, I was 11 years-old, with a summer pass to our small local outdoor public pool.  With 6-8 friends we spent nearly everyday in the pool except for days with thunderstorms and passing tornados. I was so tan that when I changed it looked like I had spray-on “Fruit of the Looms”. At a hulking 83lbs, I was a lean, mean, belly-flopping machine. One of our favorite games in the pool was “Bomber”. We would take turns off the diving board and tread water as our friends would try to splash us with water explosive dives like the Cannon Ball, Can Opener, Watermelon, Twister, Dead Man, and Torpedo. Surprisingly when I tried to play this game with my kids, Lifeguards would blow their whistle from the top of their guard tower, give me a disapproving look and point to get out of the pool. As I swm to the ladder, I would dejectedly mumble something under the water like “splll…teenage…bllerpp… whistle blowing...ggrlggle…Nazi.”

This past week I drove by an outdoor pool (closed for the winter and longing for hot sunny days) that reminded me of that awesome summer of 1978. What made that carefree summer so special was the friendships we developed as we morphed into prunes bobbing in the water. I think of the special memories and friendships I’ve treasured over the years: Sitting next to a fellow trumpeter snickering at the squeaking clarinet in H.S. band, getting grass stains and shin burns with my softball teammates, sharing a cup of coffee or Buffalo Hot Wings with friends, hiking, horseshoes, playing disc golf or going on a motorcycle ride. The Apostle Paul affirms the joy and thankfulness of brothers in Christ as he witnesses their spiritual maturity and friendships grow.

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. – 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (ESV) 

As wonderful as my treasured memories are, I am looking forward to discovering more with you…bring it on and give it your best Cannon Ball.           

Victory is Sweet!

One of my favorite NFL moments was in SuperBowl XXIII in 1989, between the San Francisco 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals.  It was a tight, and even played game with the Bengals up by 3 points with only a couple of minutes left on the clock.  Joe Montana, "Joe Cool", led the Niners with a historic last-minute drive to steal a victory away from the Bengals with a touch down pass to John Taylor with only 34 seconds to go.  As an avid 49er fan in the 80’s living in the Bay area, I distinctly remember that last drive, the hits, the catches, the anxiousness I felt as time was slipping away, and the elation with the final TD catch.  What a great victory!

But that’s just a game.  In life we face many challenges, obstacles, and opposition that threaten our security, relationships, and work.  We desire success, we hope for victory, but often we feel that the odds are against us and the circumstances are mounting up with a sense of hopelessness.  In our series on faithfulness, we have taken a journey that has led us to a deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness offered to us, ingrained in his character, as well as, our steps of obedience, trust and worship through each day.  The final principle in our journey of faithfulness, is the destination has been secured, and the destination is Victory! 

God, in his faithfulness, has secured our victory in the past (through Christ victory over sin and death on the Cross and in his resurrection), in the future (with Christ’s imminent return and our eternal life in God’s Kingdom), and in our present (with the daily challenges of life).  Victory is sweet, but while you are in the game and there is time on the clock, the game is full of hits, disappointments, TDs, missed opportunities, yards gained, yards lost, and at times the outcome feels uncertain.  One thing is certain, as long as we are faithful, we will have victory.  It may not come as we expect, it may not be easy, and it may even be a last second score, but the outcome has been determined by the Creator of time, our world, the vast expanse of space and humanity out of his love and faithfulness to us.

Listen to our Heavenly Coach:

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:9) ESV

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  (1 Corinthians 10:13) ESV

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3) ESV

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 8:37-39) ESV

A Grandmother's Sincere Faith

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (2 Timothy 1:5) ESV

This one simple sentence states one of the most influential aspects in a young man’s life, Godly women. Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice raised him, likely without a father, in a home with a sincere faith. These two Godly women provided instruction in Jewish scriptures and religious practices, prayed over him, and trained him with good moral character (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Timothy was blessed to have a strong foundation of faith that was built by a Godly mother and grandmother. When Timothy meets Paul, he is ready to be trained and nurtured to be one the most influential pastors in the Early Church.

How many of us today have a sincere faith because our mothers or grandmothers took us to Sunday School, read the Bible to us, prayed for us, encouraged us in our faith and disciplined us in moral behavior? As we look at the past 100 years of the American church, we can easily see that mothers and grandmothers have been instrumental in bringing their children to church and establishing a foundation of faith at home. If you have been privileged to have such a mother or grandmother, you are a blessed man. I am so blessed.

My Mother is one such Godly woman and I appreciate her prayers and encouragement to this day. My Grandmother, Florence, who we affectionately call Grammy, has greatly influenced my sincere faith from childhood to presently as an adult minister. Grammy passed away peacefully this last Saturday at the age of ninety-four. She lived a fully devoted life of worship and love to her savior, Jesus, and she lived out her faith in her roles at home and at church. As I reflect upon her influence on my life, I treasure the earliest childhood memories I have with her sitting at her dinning room table and in the pews.

Grammy was kind, gentle and caring all wonderful attributes that made her presence comforting. I don’t ever remember a harsh word from her, even though I know I was a tornado in her house, and at times a sassy, defiant little squirt. She was always concerned about my nutrition and made sure I had my vitamins and orange juice at her breakfast table, and if I needed a snack, she would pull out the Fig Newtons. She tried her best to coerce me into drinking a small cup of prune juice with her, but that was asking a lot for a picky five-year-old. I remember Grammy quietly and faithfully serving her family in the kitchen and reading her Bible at the table. I doubt there are too many people who have ever lived who read the Bible more than her. She has 80+ years of daily Bible reading. Years ago, she shared she’s read through the Bible in a year more times than she can remember.  She was a praying grandmother and she earnestly prayed for me throughout each stage of my life.

Grammy was the pianist in my childhood home church. I was so excited to see her up on stage every Sunday morning and evening playing the piano with her light and joyful style. I remember holding the hymnal, before I could read, and would snap to attention when one of my favorite hymns (the fun ones) would start. “Sunlight, Sunlight, in my soul today, Sunlight, Sunlight along the way, since the savior found me and took away my sin, I have had the sunlight of his love within” and “It is joy unspeakable and full of glory, full of glory, full of glory, It is joy unspeakable and full of glory oh the half has never yet been told”. She loved worship and served her church as a pianist for 50+ years. When she sat next to me during the pastor’s sermon, she would open her Bible and underline the key verses and write notes on the side margins. Like her, I would open my little Bible to a random page and start making lines with a red crayon.

As I write this, I can’t help but feel emotional and feel so blessed to be gifted with such a wonderful Godly Grandmother, whose full influence in my life is simply unknowable, but with certainty transforming. I am indebted to her gift of faith, and the best I hope to give in return is that others may say “the same sincere faith that dwelt in your grandmother, Florence, dwells in you as well”.

In remembrance of my beloved Grammy,

Her #1 Grandson

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!

 

Count the Cost

This week I talked with my younger brother, who is leaving for his 6^th deployment to the Middle East. He will be gone for about four months and is leaving behind his precious 5-year-old son and lovely wife. I am so proud of my little brother, Jon-Mark, as he serves in the Air National Guard as a C-130 Pilot. He has flown military personnel and equipment in hostile territory, brought home the precious bodies of American servicemen and women who gave their lives oversees, delivered desperately needed American Aid to tsunami and earthquake disaster zones around this world, and has flown through the flames and billowing smoke of the CA forest fires. He follows in the footsteps of my late grandfather, Lt. Col. Fred Koetitz who was an Airforce pilot during the Korean & Vietnam wars. I am grateful for their service and can appreciate the sacrifices they have made.

My brother, like so many other active duty military personnel, sacrifice many of the things we all take for granted. His time away from those he loves and comforts of home. For months at a time, he serves 24-7 at any place in this world. He goes to bed at night, or day, without the comfort of his wife. He misses out for months at a time to see his son grow and play. He serves in areas where there is nothing familiar about the people, food, culture and climate. He eats in a mess hall. He often serves in hostile countries or territories with an aggressive enemy. His daily job often puts his life at risk. The long months of separation, the stress of military service, the added burden of spouses (acting as single-parents) and children (missing their parent) at home is a great sacrifice for the whole military family.

As Christian men we are called into service for Christ. I wonder if we fully appreciate the sacrifices that may follow in pursuing to be a disciple of Christ. We correctly honor missionaries and their sacrifices of the comforts of home. We may honor pastors and Christian non-profit leaders who dedicate their lives to the service of others, but what about the average Joe Christian? Do we even anticipate that sacrifice might be a part of being a disciple of Christ. Jesus addressed this issue in Luke 14:25-34 to the crowds who followed Him and detailed the costs of discipleship. Jesus made statements of: If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple (26), Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple (27) and So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple (33). Wow! A thorough breakdown of this passage and its application could be a full sermon, but essentially Jesus is laying down the high cost of discipleship that He should be the first and foremost priority in our lives. The cost of discipleship is our full devotion, worship and service to Him as our Lord and Savior even if that may require some sacrifices of our time, comforts, possessions and will.

A challenging question for each of us: What sacrifices are we willing to go through in our pursuit of being a fully devoted follower of Christ?

Love, prayers of protection and gratitude to my Little Brother in his devotion and service to our Nation. Love you JM!

Funyuns and the Gym

Last week I had my annual physical exam. Good news, no colonoscopy scheduled – bad news, my Doctor gave me her lecture that I was borderline on a number of key issues, and that if I didn’t make some lifestyle changes, I would put myself at risk for serious consequences. At 50+ I feel like I can relate to the Apostle Paul when he says For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. (Rom. 7:15 ESV) I know very well what lifestyle choices my doctor instructs me to take: eat more vegetables, less sodium, less saturated fats, less carbs., less overall calorie intake, less sitting on my rear and to exercise more. I want to be healthy so why is that so hard to do? The short answer stings with two Biblical words: gluttony and slothfulness.

I really, really like eating good, tasty food with sodium, saturated fats chuck full of carbs like Buffalo Wings, fried chicken & gravy, salty chips, buttered popcorn, Funyuns and any fatty pork or beef. I confess, I show little restraint in what and how much I eat, which to me, fits within the definition of gluttony. Ouch!

The second sting of Truth is my lack of physical exercise. I sit at work, I sit in the car, I sit at home. My natural default to physical exercise is to avoid it. Exercise takes planning, time, effort and work. Over the years I have allowed A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, (Prov. 6:10 ESV) to lull me into slothfulness. Double Ouch!  

Writing this confession to you helps me to clarify what is at the heart of my resistance to healthy lifestyle choices, and that it may be more of a spiritual battle within me than at first glance. I repent. This last year I have taken some steps to be more active. I joined a gym and I try to work out 3-5 times a week and it’s been beneficial to me not only in my weight level and pant size, but in how I feel, how I sleep, and how much energy I have. But I still have a long way to go to be as active as I need to be. My eating habits and food choices are a much more difficult struggle. I am striving for self-discipline and moderation.

For you my Brother, I encourage you to pursue good health. You can best fulfill your God given roles with strength and vitality through a purposeful healthy lifestyle. You will be a better husband, more engaged father, more active grandfather, with more energy to be fully engaged in work, business and ministry. You will discover that your physical health affects your mental health, your emotional health and yes, even your spiritual health.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. (3 John 1:2 ESV)

The Look

The look. Yes, my brothers you know the “look” from your wife when you foolishly do or say something that leaves her feeling “really, this is who I married?” Like responding to any of the entrapping “fat” questions with “yes, you do look fat…kinda like the Pillsbury Dough Boy” as you poke her in the belly, or using your delicate precious newborn wrapped in a Winnie the Pooh blanket as the football prop while you do the Heisman pose for your buddies, or lighting a campfire for the kids soaked with a gallon of gasoline. As your wife stands stunned in disbelief at your incredible talent, wit or skill she can’t say anything that would be used against her in a court of law so she instinctively gives you the “look”.

WARNING! Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, be ready, be prepared, for you don’t want to be one of those guys that gets the “look” on the evening of romance and love. After 28 Valentine’s Days with my special Valentine most have been successful, but there have been some epic fails where the “look” was a bucket of cold water on the hoped for blazing fire of romance. Lessons learned on Valentine’s Day: don’t wait till 5:30 PM to make a dinner reservation, don’t purchase $3.00 flowers at a gas station, don’t watch “Cops”, “Star Trek” or ESPN all evening, don’t bring home TV Dinners and fruit drinks (“Babe, you can choose between Salisbury Steak or Meatloaf”), don’t do nothing (no card, no gift), and don’t celebrate a romantic night in a hotel with three little kids. Trust me, learn from my mistakes for I want you to avoid the “look”. Young man, I know you enter Valentine’s Day with fear and trembling (as you should) and the pressure is on, but I’ve got your back and here are a few suggestions to help you on this big day.

Cherish Her– Look at your wife with eyes that say “I love you”, hold her with tenderness, and gently care for her needs.

Honor Her– Hold her in high esteem, compliment her, thank her, respect her unique talents, gifts and service.

Treasure Her- Show her how valuable she is to you, treat her as the most beautiful jewel ever discovered.

Serve Her – courtesy, generosity, thoughtfulness in an act of service, eg. “Opening a door for her might be old fashioned, but it will win you her heart and a smile”.

Surprise Her – It takes creativity, timing, secrecy and planning to pull off an unexpected Valentine’s Day, but when accomplished correctly it will be the cherished event she will tell her friends about for years.

Men you can be the knight in shining armor this Valentine’s Day to your wife. You can avoid the icy chill of the “look” by being prepared, thoughtful, and sincere. If you follow a few of my suggestions above, your beloved will feel cherished, honored and treasured, and maybe, just maybe she will respond warmly with the other “look”.

“The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22 (NLT)