More on ministering to the poor...and involving them

The first thing I read on the internet was this comment to my blog yesterday by G-ampa C. Please read his wise words:

Jim-Stick to your convictions about how you are led to bring the neighbors into service. When Jesus talked about "your neighbor", look at the example he gave:A man was attacked in one of the most dangerous areas in the country. The terrain allows easy concealment, and the place is known for thieves and ruffians. The religious "right" and the religious "elite" knew how dangerous it was, and how important their trips were, and passed by on the other side. (Besides, it could be a trap to lure me over there.) The Samaritan, socially outcast by the religious guys and unclean because of mixed bloodlines, etc., helps because it's the right thing to do. I bet there were Samaritans in the crowd that day, and Jesus offered them a hand up. Allowing someone to serve out of gratitude gives them a hand up, too. Self esteem is a very, very important commodity, especially when they must ask for food to feed themselves or their families. Nothing makes a ministry more dear to us than rolling up our sleeves and devoting our energy to it. Could involvement be the first step in love?? Hmmmm.

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I think you're right, G-ampa C. It is the loving thing to do to ask our neighbors to join us in this work. It's their city and their neighborhood, too. Why shouldn't they join our efforts to help each other? Your comment reminded me of another story that Larry James told us Wednesday. In his early months of leading the ministry, where he worked a lot in the food pantry, one time he chased a guy for several blocks. This man had stolen a bunch of corn from the pantry. After Larry caught the man and made him bring back the corn, he thought later about that incident. And how he had been stealing the "clients" dignity by just giving them a handout. Larry then said, "Which do you choose -- letting them steal corn or letting us steal their dignity?" The neighbors dignity is much more important than a can of corn.

It takes humility to ask for help. But when you ask for help from others, you bless them with the opportunity of giving. As our Lord said, "It is more blessed to give than receive."

Please pray for me today as I seek the wisdom of the Lord in how to apply what we learned in Dallas to the context of the Christian Service Center in Abilene. I know that I want this to be a Christ-centered, Christ-exalting, Spirit-led ministry. Not an agency. I want us to be a lighthouse for Jesus, a place where people can see the gospel in action -- and where our neighbors will be drawn into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

To the praise of His glory,

Jim

Musings on our trip to Dallas

Thanks, dear bloggers, for your prayers and encouragement about yesterday's visit with Central Dallas Ministries. It is an amazing place. Larry James, the CEO and Gerald Britt, the Executive Director, graciously gave us more an hour of their time in Larry's office -- sharing the history of the ministry, their philosophy and all the different ministries to the poor in Dallas. Then Gerald took us around to various sites to show us their expansive ministries. Very impressive!

One of the coolest stories Larry told was about Josephina. When Larry first started running that ministry, he spent five days a week interviewing folks coming to their food pantry. The place was staffed mainly by volunteers from large, suburban churches. The day he met Josephina changed his focus radically.

While interviewing a woman whom he quickly found out spoke only Spanish, he asked one of the others there for food if she would translate for him. Her name was Josephina. She did a great job and proved to be invaluable to Larry in that particular interview. After getting her food, Josephina asked if she could come back and help that next day. Larry said, "Sure!"

Late in the afternoon, when Larry retreated to his office, he sensed God clearly speaking to him, saying basically, "You dummy, you see these poor people as folks just having needs. Look at them as ASSETS!" That was a huge turning point for Larry's ministry. And so he began involving in the ministry the neighbors who came for food, etc. (He calls them neighbors, not clients. I like that...and we've adopted the same term here at the Service Center). After they come for food the second time, they're invited to come back and work in the food pantry.

This story made me think of the different folks in our community who come here to volunteer -- to do community service hours, to do service work for classes, etc. If we felt this was OUR ministry and that THEY would disrupt our work, then we'd likely keep "these people" from working side by side with us. However, if we're going to be incarnational -- get along side the "sinners and publicans," as our Lord Jesus did, then we must let them come work with us. After all, we can learn from them as much as they can learn from us.

When I first started working here, Albert Acosta, who has been an outreach minister for the University Church for years, taught me this principle of incarnational ministry. It's messy. We don't feel in control. I may get criticized by those who don't like changes here in this ministry. But I believe this is the way to go, if we're going to be like Jesus.

God bless our long-term volunteers! When I've tried to do some of this inclusion of our neighbors by inviting them to work with us as a volunteer, most of our regular volunteers welcome them. They are being Jesus to them, and I praise God for their Christ-honoring spirit.

Please keep praying for me and this ministry. I'm not quite sure what to do with the things I learned yesterday at Central Dallas Ministries. I can't see me leading a huge ministry where we get houses built for low-income housing, or start new medical clinics or build community centers. However, I do see how the Lord can use me and the Christian Service Center to partner with other ministries here in town to more effectively serve the poor in Jesus' name. To give them a "hand up and not just a hand out," as Joe Almanza says.

One exciting development since I came back is what Randy Perkins is doing. He's the minister of missions at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. He e-mailed me this morning, in response to my e-mail to him yesterday whereI asked him for prayers regarding my visit to Central Dallas Ministries. He has visited that ministry himself and is in the process of establishing a new 501 (c) (3) -- the Christian Community Development Corporation. And he wants me to help partner with him in making this happen. Amazing how the Lord works, even when I don't even know what I'm doing!

God is great. God is good. God is love. Praise the Name of Jesus.

Jim

A Learner to the End

Bill Hybels, the pastor of the largest church in America, is a visionary big time. His church has spun off and inspired church plantings all over this nation and most of the world. Thousands of church leaders have flocked to South Barrington, Chicago for many years, seeking a fresh vision for their church -- or to start another one - from the Willow Creek church that Hybels founded.

I love reading his books and often recall certain quotes. One I'm thinking about tonight is this: "If you want a fresh vision from God for your ministry, go see where He is working somewhere else." That is, visit other ministries. That's what I'm doing tomorrow.

Steve Holt, our intern this semester at the Christian Service Center, has been telling me about Central Dallas Ministries, with Larry James at the helm. He set up a visit there in Dallas tomorrow. I've been reading archives of his blog on and off all day, preparing for our meeting tomorrow. (see www.larryjamesurbandaily.blogspot.com).

Talk about a visionary in reaching out to the poor. His ministry has exploded in growth in the 10 years Larry has been leading this work. Reading in his blog about all the different ministries to the poor that were started by Central Dallas Ministries (CDM) made my head spin. I'm not sure how I'll apply what I learn there to what we do here in Abilene. However, as Steve and I prayed today about this, I'm asking the Lord to give me a fresh vision for ministering to the poor in Jesus' Name within my sphere of influence in this small West Texas city. I want to see where God is working in other places...and then seek His vision for my work here.

I don't want to become stale. To carry out business as usual. Although it's comfortable and easier to just keep the Service Center running along the way it is, if I'm going to follow the living Christ, I must be open to His leadership as I lead our staff and volunteers in preaching the gospel to the poor...in word and deed.

Please pray for us as we travel to Dallas and back tomorrow. I want that vision from God. And then the courage and trust in Him to carry it out. For you see, as a disciple of Jesus, I think it's imperative (and a great privilege) to be a learner to the end.

Jim

Wanting, wanting, wanting

My wife thinks I talk about and think about personal finances too often. She may be right. Especially if I worry too much about these things. The Lord made it clear to us as His followers that we're to not worry about money but to instead seek Him and His righteousness first, and He promises to take care of our basic needs (Matt. 6).

There are a few reasons why I continually work on this matter of finances. First, I've seen how people's lives are so messed up when they don't manage their money well -- I see it every day among many (not all) of those who come to the Christian Service Center for help. Sometimes "life just happens" to these neighbors -- a husband abandons a wife, a person becomes disabled, someone is hit with a huge medical expense. However, many times the ones who come to us for help have brought the problems on themselves -- through alcohol abuse, bad choices in marriage, or sexual promiscuity. Sinful choices, where we're living independently of God, result in all sorts of disasters. Including money troubles.

As I think about the class at church we're attending, "Financial Peace University," and hear Dave Ramsey rant and rave (in a loving way) about how our culture is so warped in our misuse of credit and overspending, I asked myself, "Who is the culprit?"

Is it our materialistic culture?

Credit card companies?

All the advertisement on T.V. and in our newspapers, urging us to buy more clothes, a new car, more appliances and gadgets that we really don't need?

I think all of the above contributes to our money woes. But as I look deeper, as I look inside of me, I find that the culprit is the flesh. I want more. I want what others have. I desire something new (our '97 Dodge Grand Caravan is running fine and could last for many more years. But those new Toyota Highlander SUV's sure look appealing).

In our small group discussion during the Sunday class on finances, our leader asked us what gets us into financial trouble. After awhile I spoke up, "One of my problems is car lust. After my car gets a few years old, I crave a new car."

About 1o years ago I was in the throes of car lust. After about three or four years of what I call "underemployment," I finally had a full-time job that paid well. Susan and I were starting to have a little more money to spend each month. And gradually my 1980 Toyota Corolla seemed so old and inadequate for my needs (or was it my wants?). So I went on a car hunt. I bought a copy of the Consumer Reports annual Auto edition. And I studied carefully the reviews of the foreign cars. Finally, I narrowed down my search to a Honda Accord. That was the car for me, I thought. I began noticing them on the highway and imagined myself in one. I attended a car show in Abilene and got to sit in a new Accord. It felt so good... smelled so good -- that new car smell!

One Saturday afternoon, while looking through the want ads for the umpteenth time, I found what I thought would be my car -- a slightly used 1995 Honda Accord. When I arrived at the dealer and walked with the salesman to the car, I immediately "fell in love." I gazed longingly at a beautiful red Honda Accord with only 15,000 miles on it. After a quick test drive, I sat down with the salesman and started to negotiate. He "graciously" let me keep it for the weekend (a clever sales ploy). Within a couple days, I "owned" a Honda Accord -- at the tune of about a $400 a month car payment.

The irony of this purchase is that not only did the excitement of this "new" car soon wear off, but the seat hurt my back. No matter what I did to adjust the seat or insert a cushion, I could not get comfortable in that car. And after several months of that burdensome monthly payment, I couldn't adjust to the price I paid. In a year I sold the Honda and bought one three years older - and much cheaper.

As I look back on that financial failure, I learned what trouble I get myself into when I let the flesh take over -- and not let the Spirit take charge. And not be content.

I love this paraphrase of 1 John 2 in The Message:

Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the worlds' goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everyhthing that goes on in the world -- wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important -- has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out -- but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity."

Father, please help me daily put to death whatever belongs to my earthly nature (Col. 3:5) and keep my focus upon You. To want You more than anything. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Jim

Baby Steps

Yesterday Susan and I went to the "Financial Peace University" class at Highland, led by debt-busting conoisseurs, Paul and Lenda Jensen (who are totally out of debt!). Dave Ramsey is our teacher on the DVD, the workbook and book he wrote, Financial Peace. He has so much wisdom about retiring debt, avoiding debt, building up savings, etc. Yesterday he talked about baby steps we can take to get on the road of financial peace. I liked how he likened this change to being in a crockpot, not a microwave. He spoke to my impatient nature. I want to get out of debt yesterday! But I know it will take a daily discipline. Baby steps.

Baby step # 1 (after you commit to giving the Lord your tithe) is to build up an emergency account. A minimum of $1,000 (for those whose income is below $20,000, it's good to aim for a $500 emergency account). While talking about this baby step, Dave pulled out of his wallet a credit card. He said, "We keep these only for emergencies, right?" We all could hear our own words echoing what he said. Yet if we have an emergency fund built up, he said, we won't need the credit card.

After the video ended and while we had a break prior to going into our small groups, Susan and I got in a lively discussion with a couple across from us. We both were convicted by this dependence on credit cards. And we all decided to pull out our credit cards and, while the rest of the class watched, we sliced up those dreaded cards with scissors and threw them away. What a great relief! We're going to trust God to provide, work on building up that emergency fund ASAP, and quit depending on VISA or Master Card.

I'm excited about what the Lord is going to do among all of us in that class for the next 13 weeks. Wer'e expecting victories, though we realize that it will take much discipline, prayer, honesty with one another and patience! And what is comforting to me in this battle over finances is that through Christ we are not alone in this fight. He will be with us in fighting this battle as we surrender it (and ourselves) over to Him daily.

This morning as I read Deut. 7, it seemed the Lord spoke to me about this issue of patience. Moses was reminded the Lords' people of His command to to wipe out the people in the land of Canaan. He told God's covenant people that that the Lord is among them and how He is a great and awesome God, and that "The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little." (Deut. 7:22a). I need to hear this message when I think of wiping out debt and building up savings and becoming financially free. It will take time. And yet the Lord will bless us as we commit to Him our finances each day.

Let's pray for each other in this issue of finding financial peace. What nugget of wisdom do you have to share with us about resisting our debt-addicted culture and managing money God's way?

Slowly gaining a victory in this area,

Jim

Reach Out and Ask Someone

I stole the title of this post from John Maxwell. It was in a speech he gave where he talked about the value of asking questions of wise people. John is always taking people to lunch and picking their brain. Keep asking questions, he says, especially of those who are older and wiser.

Yesterday the Lord blessed me with such a wise friend. My dear brother in Christ, Randy Becton, took me to lunch. He was one of those wise counselors that helped me tremendously in processing the injustice issue that I wrote about yesterday. Randy is now semi-retired, having gone through a life of almost dying of cancer twice, working in a media ministry for 30 plus years, and serving as an elder for 18 years. He has suffered so much, and yet the Lord has refined him and made him into such a Jesus-loving, wisdom-filled man.

Even before we got to the restaurant, he helped me see clearly how I should best deal with this confrontation matter. Then as we ate, he asked me some deep questions, such as "Jim, what kind of legacy do you want to leave?" Lunches with Randy make me want to live more intentionally, to pour my time and energy into what really counts in the kingdom of God. I guess that when you've been on the precipice of near death two times in your life, as Randy has, you tend to not dwell on the trivial but instead want to focus on what truly matters. I thank the Lord for mentors like Randy whose wisdom and love have been such a guiding force in my life.

As I think back on my life, I realize how the Lord has blessed me whenever I've "reached out and asked someone."

Clois Fowler, another Highland elder, with whom I worked at Herald of Truth for years. He helped me develop a long-term plan for retirement and investing.

Homer Hillis, a very creative and successful businessman in Abilene. Whenever I get with Homer, he always provides "out of the box" visions and solutions for my life and ministry that get me out of the rut of my routines. Homer is one of the most inspiring dreamers and visionaries I've ever met.

David Wray, a spiritual advisor par excellence. Lunches and prayer time with David have always resulted in a deeper hunger to walk closer to the Lord.

Carolyn Dycus, the head of Highland's prayer ministry. Through her direct influence and how she models prayer, she has been a very significant influence in calling me to be an intercessor for the Lord.

My dear wife, Susan. No one has been better to me in helping me deal with the joys and challenges of following Christ. Susan has been in the word and in prayer for so many years that she has become a wealth of spiritual guidance for me... and so many others.

What wise counselor has blessed you as you've reached out and asked someone?

Jim

Conflicts and Confrontations

The last couple weeks I've been bothered by what I've seen are some inequities. Some injustices. This morning I couldn't sleep past 5:15 because I was wrestling with what I think may be a great injustice. It seems it's time I deal with this.

But before I do, it would be wise to hold off and do a few other things first. Whenever I've been upset with someone in the past and jumped in and confronted them about it without first thinking or praying, it usually has backfired. I remember a time years ago in another state where some people told me I needed to confront a person in our church. I did... and it resulted in a very painful rift between me and that person -- that really wasn't resolved until years afterward.

So before I confront a brother or sister in Christ about something they did or are doing that I think is wrong, I believe the Lord wants me to do these things first:

1. Pray (the obvious, of course). Pray over my motives. Ask God to give me a spirit of love and to deliver me from a judgmental, angry spirit. Seek discernment over whether I need to let this go and or go forward and deal with it. "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." -- Prov. 19:11

This morning I read a passage in Deuteronomy 1 that really spoke to me about this area of confrontation.

After the spies went into the land and came back with a bad report, the Israelites complained to the Lord about bringing them out of Egypt. Then Moses tells them:

"Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes..." -- Deut. 1:29b-30

The other sad part of this story is when they decided to go up and fight the giants in the land -- by their own power, by their own initiative!:

"We have sinned against the LORD. We will go up and fight, as the LORD our God commanded us." So every one of you put on his weapons, thinking it easy to go up into the hill country. But the LORD said to me, "Tell them, 'Do not go up and fight, because I will not be with you. You will be defeated by your enemies.'" -- Deut. 1:41-42

Before I go talk to someone about a concern I have about them or our relationship, I need to first spend some time in prayer and ask God to fight my battle. Otherwise, I'm on my own -- relying on the flesh (which always gets me in trouble) rather than relying on the Holy Spirit to fight this battle.

2. Examine myself. Jesus says, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?...first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." -- Matt. 7:3 and 5

It's so easy to see someone else's blind spots, but not my own. Early this morning when I was thinking of what I felt was an inconsistencies in the lives of others, it seemed that the Lord convicted me that I am guilty at times of the same thing. So, before I get so "holier than thou," I need to humble myself before the Lord and examine my own flaws -- and realize that if I go talk to someone about what I see is the error of their ways, I go as a man who has his own errors, flaws and sins. "The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways..." -- Prov. 14:8

3. Talk to a trusted friend. It's so helpful to process with a wise person whom you can trust to keep a confidence and let you talk through your frustration and anger. He or she may know more of the facts about the situation than I do. They may help me see the issue more clearly, which may be clouded in my mind because of my anger or self-centeredness. There's a a passage in Proverbs that says that in many counselors there is wisdom. (I can't find the verse).

And this morning the story of David, Abigail and Nabal came to mind. David was about to exact revenge on Nabal. But Abigail intervened and stopped him from doing this rash act. Eventually, the Lord fought David's battle and took care of Nabal. "Vengeance is mine, says the Lord." (Rom. 12).

I'm going to try practicing these three things before I go talk to those with whom I have problems and differences. Though my flesh wants me to take control and get it done, I know from experience and God's word that it's always best to be led by the Spirit. And to let the Lord fight my battles...and not me.

Still learning,

Jim

Pause for Praise

I want to focus this morning on worshipping our King Jesus. Using the psalms are such a great guide for praise and prayer. Eugene Peterson wrote a book, Answering God, where he describes how to pray using the psalms. He talked about how the psalms give us language for prayer. When we don't know how to pray or what to pray, we can turn to one of the psalms and express our praise/thanksgiving/worries/lament to the Lord using His word. Pretty powerful.

Psalm 65 was the psalm of the day in my One Year Bible that I read this morning. Felt like I had never seen it before. Beautiful psalm. And I love it in the New Living Translation:

"What mighty praise, O God,
belongs to you in Zion.
We will fulfill our vows to you,
for you answer our prayers,
and to you all people will come.

Though our hearts are filled with sins,
you forgive them all.

What joy for those you choose to bring near,
those who live in your holy courts.
What joys await us
inside your holy Temple.

You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,
O God our savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth,
even those who sail on distant seas...

Those who live at the ends of the earth
stand in awe of your wonders.
From where the sun rises to where it sets,
you inspire shouts of joy." -- Ps. 65:1-5, 8

The character of God leaps from these words of praise:

He is mighty

Praise belongs to God

He answers prayers

He forgives

He gives us joy in His presence

He is faithful

He is our hope

He is awesome.

At night before going to bed I've been reading an old book titled Something More by one of my favorite authors, Catherine Marshall. I love how she shares her experiences with the Lord so candidly and gives me a hunger to know God more. In one chapter she describes the agony she went through after losing two grandchildren who died in their infancy. She wrestled with God over why this happened (who wouldn't?). In the midst of that dark valley, Catherine eventually heard the Lord tell her to surrender to Him (especially surrendering her desire to try to understand how God is working) and to praise Him. Which she did.

I've been thinking of that story for the past few days. Too often over the years I've tried to figure out God -- such as "how does the Holy Spirit work?", "what is the purpose of baptism?," or the question, "Why does He allow such jerks to do so well in this life and yet allow sweet young Christian women like Kerri Lane die?"

A counselor once told me, "Jim, you are so analytical." He was right. And I found that I never seem to get peace trying to understand God with my mind. This brings me back to the very first Scripture I memorized after becoming a believer some 28 years ago: "lean not on your own understanding" (Prov. 3:5)

What if you and I continued to surrender ourselves and our purposes to the Lord? And worshipped Him while "leaning not on our own understanding." I confess that I'm still a novice in this area. For too long I've been analyzing God and His word rather than praising Him.

I think that for today I'll live in Psalm 65:1-8 and enjoy His sweet presence and love. And let God be God.

How has the Lord used the psalms to draw you more into His awesome presence?

To the praise of His glory,

Jim

Battling with Perfectionism

I question my purchasing decisions far too much. Last night after watching my favorite (and actually only) T.V. show, "24," I griped to Susan about our new couch not being as comfortable as I hoped it would be. Susan mildly rebuked me and said I probably needed to go to bed. "Jim, you question so many of your decisions. I'm glad you didn't regret marrying me and want to go out and get a new wife." Of course, I'd never regret marrying this precious woman.

This morning in the shower I thought about last night's griping session. Perfectionism has haunted me for so many years. I remember a morning about 12 years ago when I barked at the kids while driving them to school, angry at them about something very trivial. That morning at work I felt so bad about how I lost my temper with Aaron and Shannon. And so I called my new friend, Bill Nash, and confessed to him what I did that morning. I recall so well saying, "Bill, I'm such a perfectionist." And I knew that I needed help because it was causing me to be so hard on my own family.

What is it about us that we want things to go right? We hate the imperfection of this world -- in things, other people, in ourselves. And have you noticed that when you go through those times when everything seems to be going quite well, you still aren't quite satisfied? You can always find something that is not quite right in this world.

One day I picked up the book, When God Whispers Your Name, and read one of the most inspiring chapters I've ever read of Max Lucado. The chapter is titled, "The Gift of Unhappiness." I've read this chapter out loud to several people because it ministered so much to me -- and my battle with perfectionism. Max writes:

"We are not happy here because we are not at home here. We are not happy here becasue we are not supposed to be happy here. We are like `foreigners and strangers in this world.' (1 Pet. 2:11) You will never be completely happy on earth simply because you were not made for earth. Oh, you will have your moments of joy. You will catch glimpses of light..but they simply do not compare with the happiness that lies ahead...

Until then, be realistic. Lower your expectations of earth. This is not heaven, so don't expect it to be. There will never be a new car, new wife, or new baby who can give you the joy your heart craves. Only God can. And God will."

I just love that chapter. I make the mistake too often of trying to make heaven out of this fallen world. But I need to realize that perfectionism cannot and will not be found here in this existence, no matter how good life can be. And that as difficult and painful as life may be, as one who is united with Jesus Christ, I have this wonderful hope that one day I'll live in that new heaven and new earth -- a perfect world filled with the very presence of the living God and all His people.

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." -- Rev. 21:1-4

Wow! This place sounds...perfect!

On the way home,

Jim

Taking off the mask

I read Candy Gilbert's excellent response to my post about avoiding the middleman -- that is, not allowing anything or anyone get between us and Christ. Here's what she wrote:

"The truth will set you free too! My "middleman" was the mask i was prone to wearing. In an effort to not let anyone know who I really was I had to wear a mask of, well, religion. When I say "anyone" I mean God too. I thought if I acted like I was okay, like I "got it", I could fool him too. Boy was I wrong. That mask did nothing but put a barrier between myself and God and myself and everyone I met and knew and loved. Relationships were not nearly as strong and meaningful as they are now that the mask is coming off in big chunks. And God did all this. He loved me so much He wouldn't leave me there. Thank God. -- Candy"

Her response reminded me of what Clint Logue said last night at our small group. He toyed with the idea of asking all of us to come to his house for small group wearing a mask. And then would ask us to take them off as symbolic of how we're starting to be more real with each other. I love that imagery! By God's grace, we' are getting more real with one another in our Sunday night community. And what a thrill it is to see what the Lord is doing amongst us as we take off our masks.

I saw this mask removal process happening in other parts of the gathering of the saints at Highland yesterday. Paul and Lenda Jensen launched a new class based on Dave Ramsey's excellent DVD series on Financial Freedom. The room was packed. Through our presence we were admitting we all needed help in debt reduction and managing God's money. One man stood up and gave a very honest testimony about how and he his wife fought over money for years. (I was relieved to hear that Susan and I aren't the only ones who have fought over money). Then they finally let the Lord step in and take over. They had a four hour meeting with their teenage girls about the financial changes they were going to make. They started giving back to God what was His. Got rid of stuff they didn't need. Paid off credit card bills. And now all they have to pay off is their mortgage. His gut level honest story brought glory to God and encouraged us all to do the same. I went home and told Susan that I think we need to pre-pay more on our mortgage and get out of debt sooner.

Another touching moment of honesty was after Jerry Taylor's riveting sermon based on Jesus' words about not worrying. Val Durrington, our worship leader, stood up and confessed his sin of worry. And he took his time letting us know how huge of a battle this was in his life. Then he invited us to come forward to the tables up front, stacked with index cards and pens -- awaiting us to write down our worries and give them to God. It was so encouraging to see all the people, in essence, take off their masks and go forward to admit their struggle with worry.

Have you found that honesty begets honesty? So have I. And the more open we are with one another in Christian community, especially in a safe place like a healthy small group, the more the Holy Spirit seems to be released to do His work in our lives.

As much as I want to look strong to others and be liked and admired by others, I know that I must resist that sinful tendency. Following Jesus means taking off the mask. Being real. And experiencing deep community with other Christ-followers. I pray that the Lord will make me more transparent with others -- so that we can both see that we're not alone in our struggles. And that our ultimate strength is not in each other, but in Jesus.

Still trying to take off the mask,

Jim

Avoiding the middle man

We've all heard this counsel about making purchases -- try to avoid the middle man! Do what you can to purchase something directly from the seller. You'll likely get a much better price.

Well, in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep, I received from God a new perspective on the middle man. It came from re-reading the book of Galatians in The Message. I've read this book a few times over the years, usually during sleepless nights. It continues to pack such a powerful punch.

Paul repeatedly sets forth the truth that believers in Christ are to avoid letting anything get between them and Jesus. Not the law. Not good works. Not living by a system. Not pleasing men. So many verses jumped out at me at 3 this morning, including:

"Convinced that no human being can please God by self-improvement, we believed in Jesus as the Messiah so that we might be set right before God by trusting in the Messiah, not trying to be good." (bold letters mine)

"If a living relationship with God could come by rule keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily."

"if there was a middleman as there was at Sinai, then the people are not dealing directly with God, are they? But the original promise is the direct blessing of God, received by faith."

After I read this part about the middleman, it became so clear --no wonder we need to depend on nothing but faith in Christ! Looking back in my life, I've let the "middleman" keep me from Christ. I can't blame the middleman -- it was my sin and blindness. The church I grew up in was like a middleman -- lots of religion and rules and rituals, but I didn't hear the gospel. I didn't know Christ. Again, I was to blame.

Then when I finally (after too many years of resisting God's grace) accepted Jesus and began following Him right after graduating from college, I eventually fell into letting the middleman get in the way. I bought into the legalism of my new church tradition and tried so hard in being "right." I became very loyal to the church and its basic teachings, but gradually felt so spiritually lonely and "un-alive."

I ended up at Harding University, studying for the ministry. And that's when the foundation of my theological opinions began to crumble. Especially when I began to read in the school library some articles about the gospel and how sectarian thinking keeps us from experiencing the joy of Christ. The Holy Spirit convicted me how I needed to let Christ set me free.

Reading Romans and Galatians were tremendous eye openers, as they have been for millions of other believers over the centuries. Years later God used Promise Keepers, Walk to Emmaus, Max Lucado books, the preaching of Lynn Anderson, Landon Saunders, Mike Cope and Chuck Swindoll to help me see the glory of the gospel. And friends/mentors like Randy Becton, Lou Seckler, Bill Nash, James Hallmark and my precious wife taught me so much about living in grace and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill me daily. Then there were the life-transforming books and sermons on tape by the Welsh preacher, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, who helped me see so clearly man's depravity and that we're saved totally by grace through faith in Christ.

I could go on and on about the gospel. And how I so adamantly oppose any religious system or denomination or church structure that tries to corral me into legalism. Like Paul, I want to live boldly by these words: "Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you." (Gal. 5:1)

My brothers and sisters, let's strongly resist and reject any middle man theology. Let's glory in the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. And let everyone know the sweet promise of our Savior: "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)

What's your story of how Christ set you free ? Anyone else out there who has let the middle man get between you and Jesus?

Walking in freedom, by His grace,

Jim

Pleading the blood of Jesus

Last night Susan and I attended Freedom Fellowship, the church Highland planted in Abilene. One of the lay leaders, Gary Tucker, led us in an excellent study on Matthew 4 -- the temptations of Jesus.

One of the main verses we focused upon was verse 4:

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Gary repeatedly reminded us of two biblical truths: we are in a spiritual battle and the Lord loves us with an everlasting love. The more we studied how Jesus was relently bombarded by the devil's temptations, the more we could see how much we need to be on guard against the enemy.

Then Joe Almanza, Highland's community minister and the main leader at Freedom Fellowship, launched into a powerful mini-sermon on claiming the blood of Jesus over our families and other loved ones. He kept reminding us that as children of God, saved by the blood of Christ, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. And how we need to claim the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and resist the enemy and come against the devil in the mighty name of Jesus. The more he preached, the more excited we got about the victory we have in Jesus Christ. Joe began to describe how effective prayer and fasting can be in drawing closer to the Lord and interceding for those who especially need our prayers. And he told stories of how God worked in amazing ways in response to times when he fasted and prayed for those being hammered by the devil.

Joe then asked if any of us would join him in fasting and praying for the next two days on behalf of a loved one we knew that has been straying away from Christ. Hands went up all around the table. We concluded our time together by gathering around each other and pleading the blood of Jesus over all those we knew who were being attacked by the enemy -- marriages, children, friends.

Several of us will be fasting and praying today and Friday. You might want to join us in some fasting and praying as you intercede for someone or in your life who especially needs deliverance/salvation/healing.Jesus gives us the power to overcome. He won the victory on the cross and was raised from the dead to confirm that power. Our God reigns! Today let's boldly claim the blood of Jesus!

To the praise of His glory.

Jim

More thoughts on music

Wow! I love to hear of your reflections and memories about hymns. Isn't it interesting how music and favorite hymns are often associated with funerals of loved ones?

Isn't the Lord sweet how He gives us music to praise Him and to enjoy? Right now as I write this post I'm hearing a favorite instrumental CD of John Michael Talbot. Whenever I need to read, write or work on some project alone in my office, I love hearing quiet instrumental CD's in the background. Sometimes John Michael. Other times John Elliott. And often I play classical music CD's that I borrow from the library.

What is it about music that touches us so deeply? Other memories of how music in general has gripped my soul:

1. Several years ago Charles Siburt sang a solo of "Just As I Am" while we were taking communion. An invitation song to come to the table.

2. Hearing Rod Pringle play "It's Not About Me" as we sat at DFW airport with a bunch of Highland families and loved ones seeing us off, as we prepared to fly to Brazil for our first Highland mission trip there

3. Hearing Brandon Thomas sing on a CD Dennis Jernigan's song, "I Don't Want to Move From this Holy Place," as another mission team, this time heading to Mexico, took communion together.

4. Attending a DC Talk concert (and in some ways praise service) at Reunion Arena with our son, Aaron, Matt Maxwell and Rob Watkins. The place was filled with awesome music glorifying Jesus.

5. Singing "All Praises Be to the King of King" with a group in a hotel lobby in Itu, Brazil with the staff standing there with tears in their eyes (what is it about music and mission trips?)

6. Hearing for the first time Sara Lynn Grubb, one of Highland's most powerful troubadours for the Lord. She sang and played on the piano another Dennis Jernigan favorite of mine, "With Wings Like at Eagle," at a Good Friday service at Latimer Bowen's ranch.

Wow! I could go on and on about how the Lord uses music to stir up our faith in Him and love for Him and awe for Him.

I know you have some stories to share where music touched your soul... Let's hear some more.

Jim

The Power of old hymns

What is it about older Christian hymns that are so powerful? My sister-in-law from Keller, TX, Tami Weaver, says that one reason they're so effective is because of the great theology in them. I love "Rock of Ages," especially the new updated version by Wes King. Many times God has used this song to bring me to the foot of the cross, reminding me that my salvation totally depends on what Jesus did for me. "Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling."

Yesterday a few of us witnessed once more the power of one of these hymns. A good of friend of Susan and me, Carol Riordan, suffered the loss of her brother, who lived in Abilene. Willard Tate and I conducted the funeral. And God blessed the whole service.

What was especially touching to so many of us, based on the comments of many people there after the service, was the song, "I Will Sing of My Redeemer." We played the version done by Fernando Ortega, from his CD, Hymns of Worship. Wow! What a incredible voice he has. The chapel was filled with the beauty of his voice, the guitar and orchestration. And what great lyrics! -- (you might sing these words rather than just read them):

"I will tell the wondrous story, how my lost estate to save,
In His boundles love and mercy, He the ransom freely gave.
Sing, O Sing of my Redeemer! With His blood He purchased me.
On the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free."

Our friend, Carol, went to a Christian bookstore with my wife yesterday afternoon and bought two copies of this Fernando Ortega CD (the rest of the songs are excellent, including the very moving last song, "Just Give Me Jesus," which, by the way, we played at the end of yesterday's funeral).

I'd love to know what older hymns especially speak to your soul. Perhaps you have a story to tell of when the Lord used that hymn to minister His loving grace to you.

And I'd also like to hear of some other CD's you know of that are great contemporary updates of older hymns.

Singing of my Redeemer,

Jim

Disengaging

About every few months, Susan and I like to get away. Usually it's for one night and a day. But this past weekend, she insisted that we spend an entire weekend away as a couple. She planned the trip, and did a great job. It was one of our best getaways ever.

Susan wanted to spend some time in Llano, Texas -- in the hill country. We'd never been there. She found a Bed and Breakfast nestled in a large ranch just outside of town. The Pecan Creek Lodge. Bill and Gene Miller are the owners. Very nice folks. Although the cottage was tiny, it was beautifully furnished and cozy (This is sounding like a travellogue -- "This is Jim Clark, for Texas Country Reporter.")

We got there at dark and so when we woke the next day we found ourselves on this large ranch with no one around except our hosts down the road. While I was sitting out on the porch reading the word and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, Bill drove up in his ranch vehicle (kind of like a little pick up), introduced me and asked if I wanted to go with him to check on the cows and hogs. "Why not,?" I thought. So I hopped in and let him take me to see the place. We passed groves (covies, packs?) of cattle, ponds which he said were full of catfish and bass, and wild hogs that he had trapped. Such a different world from my city life in Abilene, Texas! But so refreshing.

We spent the rest of the weekend hanging out at the cottage, walking around Llano (what a neat town), and shopping. Sunday morning we were going to drive about 70 miles to a church in Austin, but decided we didn't want to spend more time in the car. So we each had long quiet times and went on a walk to the pond while Susan read to me a new book on Sabbath that I bought for her at the conference in San Diego. We had such a rich conversation and prayer time concerning Sabbath, and how we need to regularly disengage from our normal activities and just "be" (rather than "do").

After breakfast we sat at the table and had a marvelous worship time -- using the ACTS acrostic as a guide -- Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication. We sensed the presence of Jesus in a powerful way as we praised Him, confessed our sins, had communion, thanked Him for how good He has been to us lately and interceded a long time for family and friends.

That afternoon we headed to Marble Falls, hoping to eat at the popular Blue Bonnet Cafe. Unfortunately, it closed 15 minutes before we got there. So we headed down the street to the River City Cafe, which turned out to be a great blessing. They seated us outside, where we had a beautiful view of the river and bridge below us. And we ate some of the best fried catfish we'd ever had.

At one point on our Sunday drive, we saw several people stopped by the side of the road, holding cameras or binoculars pointed towards a huge nest in a tree across the valley. It was the home to a bald eagle and her eaglets. I had no idea that our national bird lived in Texas!

As we drove from Llano through Kingsland, we stopped at a scenic point which was perched high above LBJ lake. What an incredible view! As we looked down on this lake with houses along the banks and boats gliding through the glassy water, Susan remarked, "People who aren't from this state could never imagine that Texas can be this beautiful."

I love getaways like this one we just experienced. Not just because of the new places we see. Or tasting the different food. And definitely not the shopping (don't tell Susan!). It's just that when I disengage from my normal routine I see things differently. Solutions to problems at work come to mind. New ideas for the ministry I lead emerge. Adjustments needed to be made to our lifestyle are surfaced.

I don't normally get these new ideas and perspectives when I'm at work or doing tasks at home. Most often they come about when I disengage from my routine and surroundings.

Let me urge you to periodically "get away from it all." It's always a tremendous boost to our marriage. Whenever I ask couples (especially those in the throes of child-raising) when the last time was they got away, too many of them tell me, "We rarely do." I want to say, "You guys need to get away soon." I've known of too many couples that have become so child-centered and caught up in the busyness of raising children and work that when the kids are gone they have no solid relationship with their spouse. This trend concerns me.

You may be thinking, "We can't afford a long weekend away." I'd say that you could save up the money for months and then take off for a weekend. Or just go to a park, the library or Starbucks for a Saturday afternoon. Susan and I sometimes go to Books a Million for an evening to drink coffee and look at new books. New ideas and perspectives on our lives often pop up when we spend a few hours in a bookstore. And to those who love to read, like us, it's so rejuvenating.

If you're not married, you'd still benefit by heading to a friend's house in another city for a weekend. We're just two and a half hours from Ft. Worth and have found that a long day there (going to museums, a new restaurant, the Omni Theater) has been very invigorating.

I hope you get to disengage soon. My experience has been that these times are so good for body, mind and soul.

Jim

Soaking in God's word

I wrote a post early this morning about contemplative prayer. But alas...as I checked it at the end of my work day, I couldn't find it. Guess I didn't hit the right button.

Anyway, here's a short version of what I can recall from my earlier, "lost letter."

Last night when I woke up at 4 A.M. and couldn't sleep, I decided to curl up in my favorite chair and read the last few pages of the section on meditating on Scripture in Ruth Barton's book, Sacred Rhythms. I love this book the more I read it. She describes how to practice Lectio Divina, a fancy Latin term for what others call contemplative prayer. I like to think of it as soaking in God's word. It's so different from studying the Bible with your mind. It's letting Christ speak to you through His word into your heart!

I felt led to read over and over Phil. 4: 13-19. And as I asked God to lead me to a particular verse, this one seemed to be highlighted yellow. Describing the generous support of the Philippian church, Paul says, " I amply supplied." Whenever I start worrying about money I need to raise for the ministry I lead, I need to go back to that verse. Thinking of God's faithfulness over the past 27 years as a Christ-follower, I realize how He repeatedly supplied all my needs amply! Whether it was as an individual, for my family or for the various churches or ministries where I worked. God has truly supplied all my needs in Christ Jesus! (Phil. 4:19)

The more I pondered the word of God and let the Holy Spirit speak into my heart, the more peaceful I felt. And I gradually fell asleep while soaking and basking in God's promises.

May you soak all weekend...and each day...in the wonderful promises of God.

Drenched in His love,

Jim

What is holiness to us as Christ followers?

As I read ths morning from another passage from the Old Testament, I was struck once more with the holiness of God. He struck Miriam with leprosy and told Moses to banish his sister outside the camp for seven days. Miriam and Aaron had questioned Moses' leadership. And the Lord was not pleased. In fact, in the New Living Translation, it says, "The Lord was furious with them, and he departed."

Wow! What would it be like to be in the presence of God and have Him be furious with you? The closest imagery I can relate this incident to is when I was in second grade and one of the nuns in my Catholic school pulled me out of the classroom. She beat her finger on my chest and scolded me (for some behavior that I probably deserved, being the knucklehead that I was). I remember so well looking up at her, terrified by the harsh look on her face as she towered over me in her black and white habit. I think the fear of this teacher motivated me to toe the line from then on....at least for awhile.

As we think of the holiness of God as believers of Jesus, now that we know that He has taken out His wrath on His Son on the cross and we are forgiven by Him, what does it mean to be holy as He is holy?

Twenty-six years I bought a powerful little book while I was in seminary that had a profound influence in my thinking about holiness and obedience to Christ. It's called The Liberty of Obedience by Elisabeth Elliot. Her name is quite relevant to a recent film you may have seen. Her husband, Jim, was one of the five men speared to death by Auca indians in Ecuador in the 1950's. Their story was featured in the great film, End of the Spear.

As you may know, Elisabeth returned to Ecuador and worked among these indians, the very ones who left her and four other women widows. She served these people and shared the gospel with them. Many of them came to Christ.

During her stay in South America and after her return to the U.S., Elisabeth went on to be a popular writer and speaker. Of course, her story of her husband, based on his journals (The Shadow of the Almighty) had a profound impact on many, many people -- including me when I read it in the mid-1980's.

However, this other book of hers, The Liberty of Obedience, is not that well known. Yet it is so insightful -- and shakes up your theology. Living with the Aucas for all those years caused her to re-think what holiness is. From her experiences there, and from re-reading the Bible (especially Paul's letters), she came to believe that holiness may not be so cut and dry for every believer. Here are few quotes that I especially liked:

":We must admit that we do not know all the answers about good and evil. We cannot always tell what is sin. But if we love God, we have begun to learn. We are on the way to maturity. Who are the mature? Hebrews 5:14 says they are `those who by reason of use (practice) have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.' It does not take practice to read a rule book.,,It does not call for discernment. "

"In the early church there were arguments about morality. Paul pointed out in one instance that a man might eat a plate of food for the glory of God, and another man mighty glorify God by abstaining from the same food. "

Now here is the quote from Elliot that has especially impacted me:

"It apears that God has deliberately left us in a quandary about many things. Why did He not summarize all the rules in one book, and all the basic doctrines in another? He could have eliminated the loopholes, prevented all the schisms over morality and false teaching that have plagued His Church for two thousand years. Think of the squabbling and perpexity we could have been spared. And think of the crop of dwarfs He would have reared!

"He did not spare us. He wants us to reach maturity. (From Rom. 8:28) note that He is not interested in conformity to a static code but to a person, the likeness of His Son,' the living expression of Himself, the very Life of all the ages." (bold letters my emphasis).

I remember when I was a new Christian and worked as a waiter at a restaurant. A group of men came in whom I knew were believers in Jesus. And I was so shocked when they ordered wine! When I brought the wine to them (it's funny how I made a living serving wine but at the time didn't think it was right for a Christian to drink wine), I found them holding hands and asking the Lord to bless the meal. Sadly, in my heart I thought,"What hypocrites."

O, Father, please deliver me from "static codes of conformity" and from spiritual pride thinking that I understand all of what holiness is about. Keep me most of all focused on You and Your Son, Jesus, allowing Your Holy Spirit to conform me more into Christ's image. And I know that as I do so You will show me what it means to be holy, within my culture. And please give me the humility to realize that holiness to another believer may not look quite like my interpretation of it. In the Name of Jesus, the Holy One, Who alone makes us holy. Amen.

What do you think, bloggers, about this notion of what it means to be holy? How should we deal with our differences over what we think holiness is all about?

Do you have any stories of your own about holiness?

Jim

Trusting God...in the Wilderness

During my quiet time this morning, a story in the book of Numbers triggered a 40 year old memory. Back in the 60's a few of my junior high buddies and I went to Oregon for a two-week camp. The highlight of that camp was a 6 day hike on the Skyline Trail, where we trekked up a beautiful mountain range, at times seeing snow in the middle of summer. We had two pack horses and two counselors who (most of the time) served as valuable guides. There was one day, however, when we weren't so sure if we were being led the right way. As we hiked along one steep trail flanked by a treacherous 45 degree drop, one of the pack horses slipped off the trail and tumbled down to the bottom of a ravine. At first we thought that was the end of the horse...and we all probably wondered who would carry the hundreds of pounds of equipment that the horse would carry.

The horse survived. Our counselors managed to pull him back on the trail and off we went. The rest of the day seemed endless. We hiked and we hiked and couldn't find a place to break camp. And we were all so hungry. Then came the grumbling. And the longing for food. A few of us daydreamed about food: "What if there was a hamburger place around the corner?" "I'd love to have a pizza right now."

The story in Numbers tells of God's people facing a much bigger challenge than what we young teenagers encountered in the mountains of Oregon. And their leader, Moses, had a lot more to handle than 20 boys and an injured horse. God's covenant people became tired of the manna and began lusting for the food back in Egypt. They longed for the proverbial "good old days." The days, of course, when they were in bondage and daily beaten by the Egyptians.

Before I become too critical of the Israelites and feel "holier than them," the Lord reminds me of how easily I slip into grumbling, self-pity and not trusting God when I go through my own wilderness. In the early 90's when I struggled with "underemployment" and an identity crisis when I couldn't find the work that I felt fit my gifts, I spent far too much time focusing on my problems and asking God to bail me out rather than letting Him change me and praising Him in the midst of the wilderness wandering.

I'm sure that many of you reading this post today are now in or have recently been in some sort of wilderness -- a parenting wilderness, or a marriage wilderness, or a financial wilderness or some other emotionally painful time in your life. It's so hard to keep trusting God and to resist a grumbling spirit when we're wandering around in our own desert, wondering why the Lord is allowing this to happen to us.

A few years ago when I worked at another job, I would get so discouraged and depressed at times -- whether it was frustration with my work, being challenged with raising teenagers, orfeeling distant from God. And I would share some of these battles with a couple co-workers and asked them to pray for me. I'll never forget the wise words of one co-worker: "Jim, stand on God's word. Cling to His promises." She knew deep in her heart how vital it was to keep taking God at His word, having gone through some wildernesses of her own.She raised four children by herself.

Whatever wilderness you and I have been facing, are presently facing or will be facing, I think that these words from the Lord to Moses will be a lamp to guide our way. After Moses questioned God in how He would provide meat that He promised to the million plus Israelites, the Lord tells him:

"Is there any limit to my power? Now you will see whether or not my word comes true!"

I'm wondering how Christ would change us in the midst of our own desert wanderings if we acknowledged each day how powerful He is, how much He loves us and that His promises really are true.

Whatever your wilderness you may be in today, I ask the Father to give you a fresh vision of His awesome power and that His daily manna of strength will fortify you and fill you with a deep sense of His loving presence.

Let's keep on walking....and trusting...and praising Him along the journey. The Promised Land is waiting us. And the One Whose promises are absolutely certain is ready to greet us and welcome His tired pilgrims home.

Jim

What do I say to William?

People who come to our ministry for assistance are required to give us some information about themselves -- address, social security number and so on. Every once in a while there is a discrepancy with the information they give to us and to another ministry in town. It happened again yesterday.

Cheryl, our office manager, came into my office and showed me the records of William. He said that he was living with a woman with two of his children and that she was pregnant again. However, a volunteer at another ministry had said that this woman came to them for food four days ago and told her that William did not live with her and she was not pregnant.

William was out in our lobbby, waiting to be interviewed for his request for food -- for him, his girlfriend and the children. It was time for some confrontation.

As I opened the door to our waiting room, I saw William seated there. Immediately I sensed that his life was a mess. And it grieved my heart. We sat down in my office and I showed him all the records to try to get the truth out of him. He asked me to call his live-in girlfriend, which I did. She let me know that he had just moved back in the house.

I then told William that we wouldn't help him and his household that day since a few days ago they had received food from a pantry just down the street. I did, however, promise him that if he and his girlfriend came back together in a week or so with a need for food we'd gladly help them.

Before I let William go, I felt the need to speak into his heart. I was so burdened by his out-of-control lifestyle. I said, "William, I want you to have a vision for your life that is in harmony with God. I'm not preaching at you, but I want you to know that there is a much better way for you to live. My wife and I have been married for 24 plus years. And we have problems. We're not perfect. And yet we have such a great relationship and the reason is because of what Jesus is doing in our lives. When you live His way, He blesses you so much. I want you and your girlfriend to experience this relationship. Do you know about God's way for your life?"

William leaned back in his chair, threw his head back, adjusted his hat and said, "I know what you're saying. I was raised in a preacher's home"

At that point, I especially wanted him to know that I wasn't preaching to him. I didn't want to hammer him with "the law," which would have driven him away. Instead, I wanted to appeal to him with God's love. To help him see that when you live for Jesus Christ He gives you a quality of life that is so rich -- even though we're still going to have problems, conflicts and worries.

This conversation reminded me of what my 12 steps sponsor used to tell me when he was helping me work the steps. He'd counsel me with these wise words: "I share with people my hope, strength and experience." I've been trying to do the same with others, especially our neighbors that come here to the Service Center.

I want to bear witness to them of what Christ has done in my life and what He could do in their lives, if they would let Him make a home in their hearts. Do you see how this approach of bearing witness to others is so much more powerful than telling them, "You need to go to church" or "You shouldn't be living together" or "You need to get married. " If we tell them what they need to do without telling them about the hope and forgiveness they can have in Christ, then we're just preaching moralism.

Please pray for William, that he will come to his senses and see his deep need for Jesus Christ and turn to Him. And let's pray for each other, that we would:

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.(Col. 4:5)

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15)

Jim

Step Into the Circle

Last night was a big night! It was exciting, wasn't it! The type of thing we'd like to experience over and over. No, I'm not talking about the Academy Awards and how "Crash" upset the evening by going away with the Oscar for Best Picture. I'm referring to our small group. It was one of the best ever. The Spirit of the living God visited us in a wonderful way.

After a long meal time we adjourned to the living room. Rod Pringle, our resident worship leader and song writer, led us in praise and worship. He then played a song that he had written shortly after the death of our beloved friend, Kerri Lane, the young woman from Highland who succumbed so quickly to cancer. It was a holy moment as Rod played on his guitar and sang this moving song about Kerri's love for Jesus and how she "danced" with Him in this sweet relationship. That dance must be so sweet now as Kerri is in the very presence of her Savior. Some day all of us who claim Him as Savior and King will join her in this dance with the Lord.

After the praise time, Lynette Bridges led us in the most creative and free-flowing prayer time I've ever witnessed. She asked us to stand up, get in a big circle as we stood shoulder to shoulder. Then she invited us to take turns in stepping into the circle and telling the group how we needed God to work in our lives -- or in the lives of loved ones. One by one different ones of us stepped in the circle and allowed our small group family to lay hands on us and bring our name and needs before the Father.

Sometimes we prayed simultaneously. At one point Lynette asked a pregnant mom to let us surround her as all the women touched her expanding tummy and prayed over this precious boy whom the Lord was forming in her womb.

Other times we laughed out loud as someone said something humorous about the one in the circle. It was a sanctified laughter, as we all enjoyed the presence of the Lord in the circle.

Two or three times Lynette asked if anyone would like to step into the circle on behalf of a family member or friend who was not there that night but who needed our prayers. One father stepped in the circle on behalf of his child. I got in the middle on behalf of a dear friend who is in deep crisis.

We ended our time by thanking and praising God. It was an evening of holy joy. As Susan and I went home and prepared for the next day while watching the final hour of the Academy Awards (which was quite an anti-climax), we realized how blessed we were to be a part of this group. It's not that we're better than others or are part of an ideal small group. It's just that God gave all of us once more a taste of His goodness and love as He visited us that evening in that circle of love.

As we were going to sleep, Susan said, "We had 'church' tonight, didn't we Jim." Yes, we did.

It reminded me of the recent Time Magazine article I read -- about the growth of house churches. Apparently many evangelical Christians are leaving megachurches and returning to a simple church format. They're meeting in homes for praise, studying God's word, sharing in a meal coupled with taking communion and praying for each other. Hmmm. Sounds like Acts 4 to me. And it certainly mirrored our circle of prayer last night.

Isn't that what so many believers long for? Experiencing God's love and grace and at times discipline within a community of other believers? As much as I love the corporate worship on Sunday morning, I also desperately long for a smaller gathering of fellow Christ-followers where we can be real with each other, confess sin and be the body of Christ to one another.

Have you "stepped into the circle" lately? If not, how could we pray for you to find such a group? If so, tell us about your experience. May we all sense more of the touch of Jesus in our lives as we're literally touched and prayed for by those who are filled with the very presence of Christ. And then may we step out of that circle and love those that God puts in our path all this week.

Jim

Immersed in the goodness of God

More reflections on last week's retreat....

As you can see in the photo, the Pastors Retreat was held in a beautiful location -- at an old Mission in Oceanside, California. Needless to say, the flowers were gorgeous and the site was so peaceful.

Ruth Haley Barton was the main speaker. She wrote the book, Sacred Rhythms, which I bought and am thoroughly enjoying. Each chapter is on a different spiritual discipline (solitude, community, meditation on Scripture, etc). She weaves her journey throughout the book. I'm loving her book and highly recommend it!

On the second day, after lunch, Ruth sent us out on a four hour time of silence and solitude, where we each sought the face of God. At first I was a bit restless and didn't hear anything from Him. Took a nap briefly in my sparsely decorated bedroom. Walked around the grounds a bit, basking in the sun and fantastic weather. I was convicted that since I'm such an activist (translation: a bit addicted to busyness) I have a very hard time slowing down and doing nothing. Was reminded of the wise words of my friend, Albert Acosta: "Jim, it takes a lot of faith to take a day off. We have to surrender to God and give up trying to be in control."

About an hour and a half into this time of silence and solitude, I finally settled down in the conference room where no one else was there. I picked up Ruth's book and read a moving story where she described being overwhelmed with the goodness of God. She was on a flight from Chicago heading to Kansas City to speak at a retreat. Rather than reading and preparing for her classes, she instead began reflecting on how thankful to God she was. And for nearly all of the flight she basked in the goodness of God.

Wow! That was it! That was the moment where it seemed the Spirit of Christ woke me up from my slumber of not realizing how good He has been to me lately. Then I began journaling, listing all the things for which I thanked the Lord. I filled up seven pages and wrote down 28 different things! I felt immersed in the goodness of God, overwhelmed with what He has done in my life. And convicted in how I've griped about the few things that arent's so well in my life and overlooking all the blessings. I closed out this time (which lasted an hour or so) with these words (slightly edited):

Father, I have grieved You through my complaining spirit. Forgive me, dear Lord. Cleanse me of this sin and deliver me from this sinful attitude. I want to be a happy, grateful and contented follower of Chist! There's that word again - contentment! The world I believe You gave me for this entire year. How could I not be content with all the ways You have blessed me? Like the song says, "You have been good to me.!"

This morning I shared this story at our staff/volunteers devotional. And then I read these psalms which God gave me that day at the retreat:

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." (Ps. 105:1)

"he saved them for his name's sake, to make his mighty power known." -- Ps. 106:8

Being blessed isn't all about me and my happiness. It's all about declaring the goodness of God and making Jesus famous!

You might try this practice some time. Get alone before the Lord for a long period of time and meditate on how good He has been to you and your family. Then go out and tell someone today!

May you be totally immersed in the goodness of the Lord this day...and forever!

A grateful man,

Jim

Grace and truth...we need both

This morning I woke up thinking about how in my pastoral role over the years the times when I needed to give people the truth. As Mike Cope quoted Will Willimon's prayer, "Father, please deliver me from the temptation of protecting people from the truth of Jesus." Too often I've given into that temptation.

The truth hurts at times, doesn't it. When I was in my early 20's and living out the "good life" in Southern California, some people in the Jesus movement began to tell me the truth of Jesus Christ. At first I didn't like it. Jesus threatened me. When I began reading the New Testament, it took only the first few chapters of Matthew to convict me of how real Christ was. His words really were a two-edged sword. The truth hurt, but at the time it didn't heal me because I wasn't open to Jesus. He was so patient with me, however, and gave me the time to accept His grace and know the truth -- which is a Person.

These musings made me think of one of the messages I heard at the conference last week. It was by one of my favorite authors and speakers, John Ortberg -- a former Willow Creek teaching pastor. The main point of John's message was that people desperately need God's grace....but they also need truth. "Some of us in the church suffer with terminal kindness," he said. "It's conflict avoidance disguised as grace. "

He reminded us of the well known passage in John 1 -- "Grace and truth came in Jesus Christ." "Jesus continually gave to people both grace and truth"

The truth hurts, but it can also heal. I recall so well when I went through a 12 step program at our church. God blessed me with a wonderful sponsor and a great support group. And also an excellent book that God used to open my eyes to His truth, a book that Keith Miller wrote (The Healing Journey). Working the steps helped me experience God's grace in marvelous ways...but also the truth. The truth of the sin in my life that was still controlling me and hurting my relationships, especially with my wife and kids. I needed to see that I was a perfectionist, self-centered and demanding. The truth set me free...and He still does, if I allow Him to.

I thought of how we can give grace and truth to each other in community. Specifically, I thought of our small group, which I love dearly. We're meeting again this Sunday night. I may share with them some of this "grace and truth " concept. And I'm just wondering how we would be changed by God if we allowed the community, our brothers and sisters in Christ, to not only extend grace to us, but also speak the truth of God's word into our lives. Even if it offended us. Even if we get mad.

Grace and truth. We need both. Letting Jesus transform our lives is a package deal. But I wouldn't want it any other way.

How has the Truth set you free lately? And what do you think about the power of Christian community in giving and receiving both grace and truth?

Jim

Grieving with hope

In the last four days I attended two different memorial services, in two different states. They couldn't have been more of a contrast.

While I was in California, my mother told me of the passing of a long-time friend of her and Dad's. His memorial service was the next day so we attended it on Sunday morning. I was thankful to have been there the weekend of this service, mainly so Mom and I could see some old friends, including the four step-children of this man. I had grown up with them in the first neighborhood that I could remember. It was a great time of reminiscing.

The heart-breaking part of this event was the service itself. There were no prayers, no songs, and just a passing mention of God. All we did was take turns standing up and telling what this man meant to us. Then we were dismissed and went to a luncheon at a local hotel.

What a stark contrast to what I witnessed yesterday! Kerri Lane, a precious woman of God, left this earth last week to be welcomed into the arms of her Savior. She was only 44, succumbing to a brief battle with cancer. Leaving behind two young girls...and an amazing legacy.

Two women who worked with her in Bible Study Fellowship sang songs of praise. One of our shepherds, Bob Gomez, led us in a very moving and tearful prayer. A group from our church sang. Kerri was a part of this group whose ministry was to go each Thursday night to the Hospice wing of a local hospital and sing hymns to dying people.

Then our preacher, Mike Cope, got up and told stories of Kerri's Christ- centered life. This woman was in love with Jesus, and told every one she could about what Christ was doing in her life. She even told a telemarketer, who called her back later and eventually was led to a Bible study. I love this line from her obituary:

"The legacy of her life and the heritage she leaves her children is the aroma of the grace, generosity, kindness, humility, forgiveness, trust, love and joy that she gave to all who were blessed to know and love her. A gift of the Lord, it was never about Kerri, always about Him."

In his message, as he especially spoke to Kerri's two young daughters, Mike asked the question, "Why did she die at such a young age?" His answer was, "I don't know." Yet we can still trust in the Lord and believe that He does love us, even though we cannot understand His ways.

Last Sunday I left in a sad mood from the memorial service for my mother's friend. There was no celebration of hope beyond the grave, no praise of Jesus. And yet leaving Kerri's memorial service yesterday, I was filled with praise of how awesome our God is and what He does in a life abandoned to Jesus. We grieved with hope.

Lord Jesus, make me like Kerri Lane...as she was like You. In my funeral, above all, I pray that it will be a celebration of a life lived for You and an event where people will go away in awe of the beauty and majesty of Jesus.

On the journey home,

Jim