Friday, April 28, 2006

Movie Night

I especially enjoy hearing 98.1 on Friday mornings while driving to work. Each Friday at about 7:42 A.M. Mike Parker gives his "family friendly" movie reviews. He reviewed three of them this morning -- and gave them all high ratings: "RV" stars zany Robin Williams as a family man taking a road trip across the country. When he isn't crude, Williams is one of the funnest and funniest actor to watch on the screen. My favorite role of his was the genie in "Aladdin."

The second film was of the young African girl in the spelling bee. Lawrence Fishburne is in it. Can't recall the name of the film. But he said it's very good and a family film.

Finally, he rated "United 93." An excellent movie, Parker said, but it really shook him up. I have ambivalent feelings about going to see it. Not sure if I want to have to watch all that violence (I admit it -- I'm squeamish about violent films). Parker felt he was watching the real thing, not just a dramatization.

Tonight Susan and I will probably opt for the early, cheap showing of "The Sentinel, " starring Keifer Sutherland. We love his acting. Yes, I must confess for the both of us that we're hooked on "24." We watch the re-runs on Sunday night. And the Monday night current shows of "24" are a never-miss experience. I don't think I've ever seen a better-written television show.

Isn't amazing how films, videos and DVD's have such an enormous impact on our lives? Along with music, it is probably the primary cultural influence on our teens. Rather than blast all the bad stuff on DVD's (and there is some horrendous junk out there), what if we could use films as a teaching tool for our kids? For our churches? I appreciate how our preacher, Mike Cope, has used film effectively to illustrate points in his sermon.

And what if we could use films as a talking point with those we know who aren't yet committed followers of Christ? Some Christian groups are planning to avoid boycotting "The Da Vinci Code" and instead use it as an opportunity to talk with their non-believing friends about the real Christ. (you might check out all the great materail about this upcoming blockbuster Christianity Today's website about "The Da Vinci Code."

For starters, see:

www.christianitytoday.com/movies/commentaries/gifttothechurch.html)

See you at the movies,

Jim

Thursday, April 27, 2006

I'm Desperate for You

One of my favorite worship CD's is Michael W. Smith's "Worship." Actually, he put out two CD's on worship, both recorded live. Each of them are excellent.

This morning on KGNZ they played from that CD the song, "Breathe." The chorus repeats a simple phrase: "I'm lost without you. I'm desperate for you." When I first heard Michale W. Smith sing this song I thought, "Why would he feel desperate? He seems to have everything in life -- and incredibly successful music career, a beautiful family, tons of money, the looks of a GQ model." And then I realize that no matter how well life may go for us on this earth, if we belong to Christ we'll always feel this yearning, this sense that what the world offers is not enough. And that we're all weak and needy and in desperate need of the presence of our Savior. We truly are lost without Him!

It's so interesting how that song paralleled what I read this morning. The Lord told Gideon to reduce his army down to 300 men. And then face a huge Midianite army of 135,000. That's a ratio of one man against 450! But of course we all know why the Lord ordered Gideon to scale down his team of fighting man to such a minute size: "in order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her." (Judges 7:2)

I have a confession to make: I don't want to feel weak. I hate being in the position of feeling desperate. My flesh keeps pulling me in the direction of self-sufficiency. And yet if I stayed in this position of believing I can handle life on my own, who gets the credit? And what then is the point of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives if we don't sense this strong need to rely on His strength?

All too often I do feel desperate. Sometimes it's a quiet desperation. But it's there nonetheless. I need the Lord. I really am lost without Jesus. I cannot handle life on my own. I need the presence of Jesus day by day. Hour by hour.

And what better companion could we have then the presence of the living Christ? As my friend Bill Nash used to say, paraphrasing the first three steps of the 12 steps: "I can't. He can. I think I'll let Him."

Jim

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Seeking more than Gideon faith

Another verse leaped out and grabbed me. It was in my reading in Judges 4 this morning. The Lord appears to Gideon during a time when the Midianites were crushing God's people as a result of Israel's sin.

God in His mercy responded to the cries of His fickle people and sent another judge to rescue him -- a man named Gideon who believed God's call on His life, and yet with some doubts and reservations.

When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." Those are His first words to Gideon: "I am with you!" (Reminds me of the song Rod Pringle wrote recently, which I listen to on CD in my truck over and over). And the Lord calls Gideon a mighty warrior. What an identity!!

And how does Gideon initially respond? With doubt: "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?"

You know the story. Gideon eventually did trust God and was used by Him to route the Midianites. Yet the latter part of Gideon's life was not a happy tale.

It's so easy for me to be hard on Gideon...until I face my own demons of doubt. Why is it that at times I have such a hard time in the fundamental step of simply trusting God and taking Him at His word?

Our family has gone with a group from Highland to Brazil three times. And every time the Lord has provided "above and beyond what we can ask or imagine" in funding, gifts, etc. And yet as we face another challenge of raising a lot of money for our trip to Brazil this summer, with 9 weeks left before we go, those nagging doubts are rising up again, gnawing away at my faith.

The other day I read a wonderful article in the new Discipleship Journal about having childlike faith. A faith that knows that their Daddy is going to take care of them. The author suggested one way to receive this type of faith is to merely ask the Father. And that's what I've been doing the last couple days. "Lord, please give me that childlike trust in You."

I don't want my circumstances to rule me. Nor my emotions. Nor my fears and doubts. I want the Spirit of Jesus Christ to take captive my thoughts and help my unbelief. And to honor Him by standing on His word, trusting His word, recalling His faithfulness to me in the past and once more stepping out in faith.

Lord Jesus, I do believe in You. Please cast away from my heart any hint of unbelief. In Your powerful Name I pray, Amen.

Still learning to believe,

Jim

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Heart Transplants

Last night Susan and were blessed to be part of an outstanding concert. Well, it was actually more like a praise service. ACU's Moody Coliseum was filled with hundreds of young people -- with a few "old folks" like us sprinkled throughout the crowd. We came to hear Christian musicians Josh Bates, Nicole Nordeman and Casting Crowns. The two opening acts were wonderful, but a bit shorter than we thought. I loved Nicole's honesty about the Christian life...and her words and music are always so touching.

Then the "big act" came on --Casting Crowns. I was so impressed how one of the guitarists led us in a prayer after their opening song, asking the Lord to bless the night and to be the One on center stage. And it truly was an evening of exalting Christ.

One of the most moving experiences was when their Tour Pastor, Tony Nolan, gave a very strong presentation of the gospel. Then he called us to say a prayer of confessing Christ and accepting the gift of His sacrifice on the cross. I heard quite a few people around me quietly repeating this prayer. And I said it in my heart, whispering it out loud at times. And yet it was a re-affirmation of a confession that I've made years ago.

I'm not always quite sure how to respond to these moments when I hear another altar call. I never want to pass an opportunity to take a stand for Jesus -- to proclaim my trust in Him as my Savior and King. I did that long ago. However, do we keep "re-accepting Christ" over and over when we hear these calls to commit our lives to Christ, or receive Him in our hearts or place our trust in Christ and Christ alone for our salvation? Or do we just quietly thank Jesus for how He has already given us "a heart of flesh," as Ezekiel calls it - this heart transplant?

Maybe I overanalyze things too much. Susan says I'm too much of a navel gazer. However, I don't want to just overlook these things.

But in the meantime, I do rejoice in all the young people who took a stand for Jesus last night, filled out a decision card and taking it to one of the aisle workers -- so they could receive some follow-up material via Tony Nolan's website.

What do you think, bloggers? Can any of you resonate with my feelings?

Jim

Monday, April 24, 2006

Listening to our Bodies

Okay. I admit it. I pushed it far too hard last week. Scheduled too many meetings. Tried to be involved in far too many activities. Day time. Night time. All Saturday morning.

Then when Susan and I got home about 2 P.M. Saturday from the elders' intreat, it hit me. My body was tired -- and getting sick. I think it was "sick and tired" of the relentless pace of last week. And so, I laid around much of the weekend -- fighting a flu bug. I even fainted in the middle of the night last night. Susan came and got me off the floor and filled me with ginger ale. Susan Nightingale was such a great help to me at 1:30 in the morning. I felt revived and slept well the rest of the night.

So, what do I need to learn from last week? Cut out hurriedness. Don't try to do it all. Say "No" more often. And face the truth that my co-dependent, rescuing self gets in the way of living a more sane lifestyle.

While plopped on the couch yesterday afteroon while watching some of the golf tournament, I also read another great chapter in Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton. Such an anointed and practical book. The chapter was titled, "Listening to Our Bodies." Ruth described a time where she burned the candle at both ends for many years and finally ended up in the counselor's office, depressed and out of steam. In this time of facing her driven lifestyle, she learned that she must listen to her body. And to recognize that for the believer in Christ, it's the temple of the Holy Spirit. We must treat it well. Which means taking periodic breaks for refreshment and rest.

Rather than swigging another Diet Coke when I feel tired, I think I'll just take a nap. Maybe go home one or two times during my work week to just lie down and "be." Bill Nash keeps reminding me that I'm a human being, not a human doing. And as our receptionist Roberta Brown told me this morning, "The Lord has other servants. We don't have to do it all."

All right. I'm ready to try a different pace this week. My wise bride models for me the importance of practicing Sabbath and taking more naps. She's right.

What helps you practice Sabbath rest and listen to your bodies when it's time to rest and refresh?

Jim

Friday, April 21, 2006

Happy Birthday, Shannon

How can I forget that early morning, magic moment 19 years ago today? Susan and I were at Jewish Hospital in St. Louis (we were in that city training with a team to go plant a church in the Northeast). Susan had been in labor all night. And then around 6:20 in the morning, the doctor announced, "It's a girl." Susan's first words were, "Oh, Jim, God gave us a little girl."

We named her Shannon. Last night she came by to see us and to eat a quick meal. She is a beautiful young lady, a freshman at ACU. With dreams of being a nurse. Full of life and energy and excitement about being a college student. She didn't stay long -- had to go to a skate party, which was a "Rush" for the Siggies Social Club (her Mom and her four aunts were all Siggies, so you can guess what club she wants to pledge).

Shannon loves the Lord. God has blessed her with some great friends. She and her brother, Aaron, get along great. We have a great relationship (she loves me and forgives me in spite of the mistakes I made in raising her).

Thank You, Lord, for giving us a little girl. And she is a special one, indeed! Please use her for Your purposes and Your glory. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHANNON. I LOVE YOU, DAD.

Jim

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Trusting in the promises of our Daddy

G-Ampa C's comment yesterday hit me -- "Abba" could be translated into our word "Daddy." Wow! That sounds so intimate. When I keep reading the Old Testament, as I have been each morning this year, I see God's holiness. His unapproachable-ness.

But then I think about what J.I. Packer wrote - everything changes after the cross and resurrection. Remember Jesus' words to Mary after He rose from the dead? "Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"

And I love the New Living Translation of Romans 8:15: "So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him "Father, dear Father."

"Father, dear Father." Okay, forget all the bad images about father -- whether it's from the failings of your own father or what you've seen in yourself as a Dad (when I think of the mistakes I made with my kids, well..."let me count the ways.") Let's think about a Father like Jesus. He welcomed children. He touched the "untouchable," lepers. He forgave penitent prostitutes. Those who humble themselves before Him receive grace and salvation and a deep measure of His love.

Makes me think of a Senior Blessing night a few years back, where a bunch of us parents and our kids were gathered at the home of a Highland member. All of the parents took turns reading a blessing to our child who was about to graduate from high school. And I recall so well when one father sat right in front of his son and read a very moving blessing to his son. Then he paused, looked the boy right in his eyes and said, "Son, I love you. I love you. I love you."

And just think -- when we belong to Jesus, the Father (Abba, Daddy) says the very same thing to you and me. I want to know more of that love!

So....when I start to worry about our Brazil trip -- whether we'll have enough funds, or a lunch meeting tomorrow where we'll be training and dialoguing with our volunteer interviewers, or who our kids will marry, or how long it will take to pay off our house... I need to hear the promises of my dear Father, such as:

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." -- Heb. 13:5

I believe that I'll dwell on that promise all day. A promise given by this Father who loves me. He loves us, He loves us, He loves us. Amen.

In His grip of love,

Jim



Wednesday, April 19, 2006

We call Him Father

Late yesterday afternoon, my dear friend Randy Becton and I were meeting with a friend who has been going through a major crisis in his life. Near the end of our hour and a half together, listening and talking and praying with this dear friend, Randy talked about experiencing intimacy with God. And he asked our friend how close to the Lord he felt in the midst of this crisis. Then Randy referred to one of his favorite books, a classic really, Knowing God by J.I. Packer.

As Randy referred to his favorite chapter in this book, about being sons of God and knowing God as our Father, I glanced up at my book shelf and there was the book. I felt this urge to take it off the shelf, turn to that chapter and read an excerpt. Which I did. But I read it to our friend almost as a prayer -- urging him to claim his sonship in Christ. Here's what I read:

"the aspect of His character on which God laid most stress in the Old Testament was His holiness. When God is declared to be 'holy,' the thought is of all that separates Him and sets Him apart and makes Him different from His creatures: His greatness, and His purity...Again and again it was stressed that man must keep his place, and his distance, in the presence of a holy God. This emphasis overshadowed everything else.

But in the new Testament we find that things have changed. God and religion are not less than they were; the Old Testament revelation of the holiness of God, and its demand for humility in man, is presupposed throughout. But something has been added. New Testament believer deal with God as their Father. 'Father' has now become His covenant name -- for the covenant which binds Him to His people now stands revealed as a family covenant. Christians are His children, His own sons and heirs. And the stress of the New Testament is not on the difficulty and danger of drawing near to the holy God, but on the boldness and confidence with which believers may approach Him: a boldness that springs directly from faith in Christ and from the knowledge of His saving work.

"In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." -- Eph. 3:12

"since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith..." -- Heb. 10:19-22

To those who are Christ's, the holy God is a loving Father; they belong to His family; they may approach Him without fear, and always be sure of His fatherly concern and care. This is the heart of the New Testament message. (pp. 183-184,emphasis mine)

Tell me now --when we think of God as our Father, secured for us through the sacrifice of His one and only Son, how does that change the way you and I can relate to Him?

Adopted as His son,

Jim

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Avoiding the squeeze of the world

Late last night I was surfing the internet, trying to find out more about Aaron Baddeley. He's a professional golfer from Australia who won his first PGA tournament last Sunday. What I loved about his win is that when he was interviewed by CBS, he talked about his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! On national television! It was great.

On his website I read his testimony -- how he came to Jesus Christ as a 12 year old, was later baptized in water and then later had an experience when he was baptized in the Spirit.

Besides his testimony, one of the other cool things about Aaron's website was a guide for reading Scripture in the morning (yes, it seemed odd -- this popular professional golfer showing fellow believers how to study God's word. I love it!)

He uses the acronym, S.O.A.P. Scripture. Observation. Application. Prayer.

First, you find a Scripture to meditate on. Then you observe it for a while. You then try to apply it to your situation, writing it in a journal. Finally, you pray -- asking the Lord to make this truth from His word real in your life and write this prayer in your journal.

I tried this S.O.A.P. guide this morning as I read Joshua 17. The verse that stuck out to me was vs. 13: "when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor but did not drive them out completely."

As I prayed over this passage, asking God to apply it to my life, this is what I wrote:

Leaving the Canaanites alive made the Israelites very vulnerable to being influenced by their practices. Of course, through hindsight, we know what happened to Israel -- the Canaanites became such a snare to Israel, which led to their downfall. It makes me realize how dangerous it is to tolerate sin. And I must ask myself: What or who are the “Canaanites” in my life? And how am I letting the world influence my thinking and my behavior?

Prayer: Father, please sanctify my mind through Your Holy Spirit. Help me to discern how I'm letting the world influence my thinking. Please grant me the power of discernment and the strength to reject worldly influences. I turn my life over to You once more. Please make me aware of the subtle ways in which Satan is working to pull me away from Your plan for my life and ministry. Help me to practice Romans 12:1-2, to not let the world squeeze me into its mold, as the J.B. Phillips translations says. Even if I become less popular or am criticized by others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

What if some of you tried this S.O.A.P. approach to starting your day?
I’d love to hear how God spoke to you as you allowed Christ to cleanse you and prepare you for the day, “by the washing with water through the word.” (Eph. 5:26)

Cleansed by the blood, all by His grace,

Jim

Monday, April 17, 2006

Saturday night at the movies

As a somewhat of a purist when it comes to watching films, I believe that you can not really experience to the fullest a well-made film unless you see it at a theater. Watching a movie on a square box in your den cannot compare to a full-screen in a "movie house" -- especially if it's the type of film Susan and I saw Saturday night.

We went to our beloved hometown restored Paramount Theater. The title of the film playing that night was emblazoned on the marque. The Paramount sign shined brighly, with lights running around its border. The lady in the cramped ticket booth sold us our tickets. Popcorn and drinks were sold downstairs -- for prices that go back to the 70's. It sounds cliche, but these moments bring me back to my childhood days when I spent so many Saturdays at the Mayfair or Ventura Theater in my home town of Ventura, Calif. -- paying a whopping 50 cents for admission, buying a Big Hunk candy bar for 25 more cents and then watching two movies.

At the Paramount last Saturday night they showed the classic mulit-Oscar winner, Ben Hur. Again, another memory moment. When it was released in 1959, my Dad took me to the Egyptian theater in Los Angeles to see this amazing spectacle. And I recall so well being moved by the scenes of Jesus -- his compassion towards Judah Ben Hur, literally giving him a cup of cold water. And the touching crucifixion scene. All that came back to me this weekend, as I realized that this film was not just about the character so well-played by Charlton Heston but it was about Jesus! What a great film to see on the eve of Easter.

I love the final scene (Spoiler warning: if you haven't ever seen BenHur, I urge you to rent the CD and see it -- and find the biggest screen you can). After Judah Ben Hur spent years of suffering at the hands of a friend who betrayed him, he was filled with anger. He wanted to get revenge. Then he met Jesus. He saw him crucified. And when he came back from the crucifixion scene to be reunited with his girlfriend, sister and mother (whom Jesus healed of leprosy), Ben Hur said, "I heard Him say, 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.' I heard His voice -- and he took the dagger out of my hand!"

I lost it as the final scene faded to black and the curtains literally closed on the screen. That line of Ben Hur gripped my soul, as I thought of the dagger that I at times carry around in my hand. I need to hear my Master's voice continually speak into my soul, "Father, forgive them.... " When I want to get back at someone, or get resentful, or obsess over someone else's sin and flaws, I need to have an ongoing spirit of forgiveness and acceptance -- because He first loved me.

Lord, would You once more empower us by Your Holy Spirit to forgive one another and accept one another because You have forgiven us. Thank You again for the cross and for that empty tomb! In the Name of Jesus, and Amen.

Jim

Friday, April 14, 2006

O That Wonderful Cross

On Good Friday, how can I not think about...well, Good Friday. A memory as a kid flashed back to me. I was supposed to go to Mass on Good Friday, held right at 3 P.M. One of the church rules I learned is that you're supposed to fast several hours before taking communion. But I forgot the rule that day!

I was at the swimming pool most of the morning and early afternoon. And around 1 P.M. I accidentally ate a potato chip. Then I suddenly remembered -- I broke "the rules." And I felt so guilty!

I don't want to act like I'm now part of the elite, enlightened ones, no longer bound by such church rules and regulations. However, I do want to declare how much I praise God that through knowledge of the blood of Jesus covering my sins, I now know that I live under grace, not law! (Have you noticed that this is a recurring theme in my blogs?) . The gospel frees me from the tyranny of my sin, my rule-keeping obsession, from spiritual death.

This morning I read some of the book of Romans and my heart leaped as I re-read this familiar passage:

"but now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight—not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago. We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. --Rom. 3:21-21, New Living Translation

I love that last verse especially. Because our trust is in Jesus Christ we can be saved, no matter who we are or what we have done! Even if we eat a potato chip before taking communion and break "the rules."

Today when three o' clock rolls around, let's meditate on that cross. Think about that shed blood. Realize that Jesus went to the cross for our sins -- dying a death that we deserved.
And cleansing us from a guilty conscience. (Heb. 10:22)

As the hymn says, "Hallelujah, what a Savior."

Rejoicing in the cross,

Jim

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Taking our messes to the Messiah

Last night Mike Cope showed a hilarious and yet very moving DVD of Jeff Walling portraying Matthew. Oy, what a great Jewish accent! His main point was that when we admit what a mess we are and come clean and surrender to our Messiah, Jesus, He takes our mess and gives us a message! It was a wonderful re-telling of what the power of the gospel can do in our lives.

As I heard Jeff speak, I thought of how at times I don't really see the messes in my life. Some times things are going so well in my life that I don't really feel very messy. And have you noticed how we can see the messes of other people's lives and quietly think, "I'm so glad I'm not like him." Or, "She sure has made such a mess of her life. " And then we don't see the beam in our own eye.

I need that daily reminder from the Holy Spirit that it is by grace that this messy man has been saved, not by works. It's all grace.

Earlier this year I heard Billy Graham's daughter, Anne Graham Lotz, deliver a very powerful message on Isaiah. She described so vividly the scene in Isaiah 6, where the prophet encountered the majesty and holiness of God -- and how this prophet felt undone, stripped of any sense of his own righteousness, feeling a desperation to be forgiven and atoned for his sin. You know the rest of the scene -- how the angel took the hot coal from the altar and put it on Isaiah's lips and declared, "your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

Then the Lord commissioned Isaiah to speak the truth of God to His people. Which Isaiah did with great power and boldness!


I have found in my life that I can so be hard on other people when they fail or disappoint me -- and it's often because I forget that I received mercy from the Lord for all my sins and blunders (and I keep receiving that mercy -- because I continue sinning and blundering!)

I'll never forget the story of a Christian leader I knew who had been secretly involved in a sinful practice for many years. He finally came clean -- and eventually left the church where he worked and sought refuge in another town, another church. And a long-term friend of his, who ministered at that church, helped him start his life over. This minister extended this fallen leader mercy and grace. And eventually this leader recovered and was able to begin a new ministry that came flowed deeply out of his brokenness and redemption. We all need those second chances and third chances, etc....don't we?

Here's my question: how can we continually keep before us as Christ-followers the truth that we are messes saved by the Messiah? In other words, how do we keep growing in our passion for Jesus Christ, to be so in love with Him because we know in the very depths of our souls that He has saved us and forgiven us? (and then be mercy givers to others)

As my friend Wes Netz often says as he signs off from his e-mails...

Bought by the same blood,

Jim

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

How different would things be if we let God lead us?

I want you to think for a moment about different leaders in the church you've known. It may be the man who preached in the church where you grew up, or where you went to college. It might be a woman who taught you in a early childhood Bible class. Perhaps you're recalling an elder or a group of elders. You've likely got some good stories about leaders, and sadly, some stories of bad leaders that come to mind. Recalling these stories might be painful for you because how deeply they hurt you. They may have disappointed you. Crushed your spirit. They led in a way that did not reflect the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

But I know that we can all recall leaders who had an enormously positive impact on our lives. You saw Jesus in them. Maybe they were the ones who led you to Christ, baptized you, helped you learn how to read God's word and modeled for you what it means to be a follower of our Lord Jesus.

It's been nearly three decades since I bent the knee to Jesus and professed my faith in Jesus and was baptized at a small church in Southern California. And that's where my journey began of being shaped by Christian leaders, disappointed by some and witnessing the Lord calling me into leadership in His kingdom.


I think of Larry Fuller, an elder at the Camarillo church. He patiently taught me the gospel and never pressured me to make the baptism commitment. But one Monday evening I knew it was time to surrender to Christ in a public way. A friend of mine and I went out to Larry's ranch, told him the news and later that evening a handful of believers witnessed Larry baptizing me. I always have been thankful to God for Larry's humble spirit and Christ-centered life.

A few months later, the Lord led me to Nick Nicholson. He was another elder at that church. He and his wife invited me and some friends to a Monday night Bible study. For many Monday nights we'd sit at their dining room table, drinking coffee and hear Nick impart his wisdom as he taught us the word of God. Nick didn't have a college education. No former theological training. And yet the Lord used him in helping me begin getting a grasp on the scope of God's story in saving us through Jesus Christ.

When I left California in 1979 and moved to Dallas, I came under the influence of some other great Christian leaders at a large church in Big D. Bill Buckley, an elder there, was a great teacher and servant of Christ. Don Crisp, a very successful businessman and wonderful family man, taught the singles class where I met my bride. He was (and still is) such a man of integrity and humility. Don impacted Susan and me so deeply that we asked him to perform our wedding ceremony -- which he did! The one and only wedding that Don has ever performed.

When I returned to school at Harding, to train for full-time ministry, God led me to some other significant leaders. Men like Will Ed Warren, my favorite professor, who was totally focused on Jesus. He was one of the first leaders I met who had such a passion for Jesus and a love for Him.

I'll never forget our days in Memphis, where Susan and I started our family. I was working on a Master's at Harding Graduate School and God blessed us by leading us to a great church where I became a staff member. Robert Qualls, the preaching minister, taught me so much about ministry and falling in love with Jesus. He modeled for me how to let allow the power of Jesus flow through our brokenness! There's probably no man who loved me more and impacted my life and ministry more than Robert. I'll never forget him.


Since being in Abilene for nearly 16 years, I cannot count the number of leaders that have shaped my life - so many of them who have been or still are elders at Highland: Randy Becton, David Wray, Clois Fowler, Bruce Evans, Roland Orr. They showed me through their teaching and life that the only way to lead (and live!) is through letting the Spirit of the living God lead us.

What triggered all this thought this morning was my reading in Joshua. After encountering acommander of the army of the LORD, and falling down and worshipping him (was it the pre-incarnate Christ?), Joshua followed his orders to let the LORD fight his battles:

"He ordered the people, "Advance! March around the city, with the armed guard going ahead of the ark of the LORD." When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the LORD went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the Lord's covenant followed them." -- Josh 6:7-8

The signficant part of Joshua's leadership, the key to his leadership, is that He allowed himself to be continually led by Almighty God! As I look back on all those significant spiritual mentors in my life, that is the pattern I see. They were led by the Spirit. And that's how I always want to be.

It's so easy to trust in our education, our intelligence, our knowledge and even our gifts. But isn't it vital to above all trust in the living God?

O, Father, as we lead others in Your kingdom, please keep us humble before You and allow You to continually lead us by Your Holy Spirit. To let You fight our battles. And for You to get all the glory. In Jesus' mighty and glorious Name I pray. And Amen.

Bloggers, I'd love to hear of some significant, Spirit-led leaders in your life.

Jim

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Being Strong and Courageous...standing on His word

Yesterday I faced one of those moments where I felt quite vulnerable. I was going to meet with a grants administrator at a foundation. I had only met this man once before and was a bit nervous about how our meeting would go. Our ministry had applied for a large grant from this organization, and at the prompting of one of our board members I decided to go visit with him one-on-one.

Do you remember the feeling of sitting out in a waiting room, having small talk with the receptionist, while anticipating going in to meet with a high level executive to interview for a job? That's a bit how I felt.

When the man came out to greet me, he ushered me into the foundation's board room, where he and I sat across the table. He looked over the letter that I had sent him nearly two months ago. And then he began asking me some questions -- a few that I couldn't answer.


Thank the Lord, the meeting went very well. This man was very congenial and he ended helping me come up with an idea that might be best for our ministry in seeking a grant from their organization. I strongly believe that the results of this early morning encounter were the answer to the prayers of many whom I had asked to pray.

Early this morning I thought about that meeting again, as I read from the book of Joshua. Yesterday morning before the meeting I had read these words from the Lord to Joshua, as he was about to venture out into a very faith-challenging experience -- driving out the people from the Promised Land. The Lord exhorts this neophyte leaders with these words:

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." -- Josh. 1:8

I love that promise from God to His covenant people: He will be WITH us. Reminds me of one of the names of Jesus -- Emmanuel, God with us.

I grabbed ahold of those words as I prayed before going into that meeting. Through Jesus Christ I have the wonderful promise that His Holy Spirit is with me where ever I go! And I've found that to sense this strength of His power I need to to stay in His word, meditate on His word, and claim His promises. That's why God's promise to Joshua meant so much to me yesterday as I prepared for that meeting.


This past weekend our spiritual formation minister at Highland, Mary Lee Mattis, gave all the teachers a wonderful gift -- The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible. This morning I read this commentary on Joshua:

"If any life in the Bible provides a clear recipe for sucess, it is Joshua's. He spent his time `with God,' and he spent it in obedience to God's word...He was to speak it, meditate on it, and act according to it. Then he would prosper, then he would find success. The story of Joshua displays a reality that lives on. God's Word show us the way to uninterrupted fellowship with God. Those who live this way will prosper, as God defines prosperity."

Just think of how different our lives would be each day if we came to our Savior each day and listened to His voice as we meditated on His word. And then claimed His promises. And then obeyed His voice out of love for Him.

We all know the "rest of the story" of Joshua's faith journey. Though his life certainly wasn't easy, as he faced many battles, Joshua did experience God's presence and success in powerful ways. The Lord blessed this man who trusted the Lord, meditated on His word and obeyed His Master.

What challenges are you facing today? I pray that we will all face our challenges and trials by living in the power of the Spirit, meditating on His word, believing that our Lord is with us and trusting that He will prosper us in whatever we do. Prospering us His way...and for His glory.

Jim

Monday, April 10, 2006

Knowing You're Wanted

Yesterday Sally Gary spoke at our communion service at Highland, telling a poignant story of her father. When he was a young man, he overheard a neighbor saying that his mother never really wanted him. How tragic! That must have been a wound that he carried the rest of her life.

Sally went on to tell of how much we all want to be wanted. To be welcomed. When she described the scene in the cafeteria where the little girl or boy is looking for someone to sit with for lunch, I thought how we all could relate to that vulnerable feeling we experienced in the often dreaded lunch room. We so much want to be wanted.

Of course, Sally eventually came around to the truth that because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, He now welcomes us sinners to His table of grace. He WANTS us. He LOVES us. He WELCOMES us. The blood of Jesus opens the door to the Father and lets us come to the Father by faith in Jesus Christ. We are privileged to sit at the table with the King of Kings!

Last night just before we had dinner, as she reflected on Sally's talk, Susan asked, "Do you feel welcomed by God?" I told her that I did because of the gospel, because of the cross. And yet we both admitted that we don't always feel deeply in our souls that welcome. So when we prayed a blessing over our food, we asked the Lord to give us a deeper sense of how He welcomes us into His presence. Right after the prayer I pulled off our bookcase The Message, and read Psalm 61. We were blown away as we heard these words:

"God, listen to my shout, bend an ear to my prayer.
When I'm far from anywhere, down to my last gasp,
I call out, `Guide me up High Rock Mountain!'
You're always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all,
A life time pass to your safe-house, an open invitation as your guest.
You've always take me seriously, God,
made me welcome among those who know and love you."

That word from the Lord seem to come at just the right time just for us.

Have you found that one of the major ways you've felt the welcome of God is through the body of Christ? One of my favorite "welcoming" stories happened about three years ago. I was let go from a job, and not only grieved not having income but had this heavy feeling of not feeling wanted. Then Dickie Porche came along. This dear shepherd and minister at the Highland Church gave me a temporary job -- as the church's maintenance man! The income was such a blessing as I continued looking for full time work. But even greater was that I felt wanted and needed again. The staff at Highland made me feel so at home. The icing on the cake (pun intended) was when they gave me a surprise birthday party one Friday afternoon in their conference room. I felt love, wanted and welcomed!

And just think of how much more the Father welcomes us when we come to Him through faith in Jesus! These words of Jesus come to mind: "there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10) He invites us to the party. He has a seat for us at His table.

He wants us. He loves us. Through Jesus, the welcome mat is at the door. How could we not want to come in and join with other sinner/saints in the celebration at our Father's house?

A guest in God's house, by His grace,

Jim

Knowing You're Wanted

Yesterday Sally Gary spoke at our communion service at Highland, telling a poignant story of her father. When he was a young man, he overheard a neighbor saying that his mother never really wanted him. How tragic! That must have been a wound that he carried the rest of her life.

Sally went on to tell of how much we all want to be wanted. To be welcomed. When she described the scene in the cafeteria where the little girl or boy is looking for someone to sit with for lunch, I thought how we all could relate to that vulnerable feeling we experienced in the often dreaded lunch room. We so much want to be wanted.

Of course, Sally eventually came around to the truth that because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, He now welcomes us sinners to His table of grace. He WANTS us. He LOVES us. He WELCOMES us. The blood of Jesus opens the door to the Father and lets us come to the Father by faith in Jesus Christ. We are privileged to sit at the table with the King of Kings!

Last night just before we had dinner, as she reflected on Sally's talk, Susan asked, "Do you feel welcomed by God?" I told her that I did because of the gospel, because of the cross. And yet we both admitted that we don't always feel deeply in our souls that welcome. So when we prayed a blessing over our food, we asked the Lord to give us a deeper sense of how He welcomes us into His presence. Right after the prayer I pulled off our bookcase The Message, and read Psalm 61. We were blown away as we heard these words:

"God, listen to my shout, bend an ear to my prayer.
When I'm far from anywhere, down to my last gasp,
I call out, `Guide me up High Rock Mountain!'
You're always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all,
A life time pass to your safe-house, an open invitation as your guest.
You've always take me seriously, God,
made me welcome among those who know and love you."

That word from the Lord seem to come at just the right time just for us.

Have you found that one of the major ways you've felt the welcome of God is through the body of Christ? One of my favorite "welcoming" stories happened about three years ago. I was let go from a job, and not only grieved not having income but had this heavy feeling of not feeling wanted. Then Dickie Porche came along. This dear shepherd and minister at the Highland Church gave me a temporary job -- as the church's maintenance man! The income was such a blessing as I continued looking for full time work. But even greater was that I felt wanted and needed again. The staff at Highland made me feel so at home. The icing on the cake (pun intended) was when they gave me a surprise birthday party one Friday afternoon in their conference room. I felt love, wanted and welcomed!

And just think of how much more the Father welcomes us when we come to Him through faith in Jesus! These words of Jesus come to mind: "there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10) He invites us to the party. He has a seat for us at His table.

He wants us. He loves us. Through Jesus, the welcome mat is at the door. How could we not want to come in and join with other sinner/saints in the celebration at our Father's house?

A guest in God's house, by His grace,

Jim

Thursday, April 06, 2006

And the envelope, please

I woke up this morning thinking about envelopes. What an exciting topic to start your morning!

Actually, this had to do with our "Financial Peace" class at church. What I've read and heard over and over by Larry Burkett, Howard Dayton, Dave Ramsey and some wise people in our class is that using the envelope system in managing your money really works! Why did I take so long to learn this?

Basically what you do is divide up your expenses in various categories and then put money in different envelopes and spend the money out of that envelope for only that category. One for food, one for eating out, another for miscellaneous, one for gas money, and so on.

Susan and I are finally starting to adopt this system. Well, sort of. At each pay period, when we deposit our checks, we'll take out a certain amount of cash and put it in marked envelopes for each of us. Right now the only envelope in my pocket is for Miscellaneous. I already blew the money in my Eating Out envelope -- and so no spending on that category until April 15, when I get paid again.

But we're still stumbling over one "minor" detail -- the checkbook. While we've cut up our credit cards, I realized this morning that a checkbook can almost be like a credit card. You don't see the cash leaving your hand. And it's a lot easier to let things get out of hand, and to overspend, when you use the checkbook excessively.

So, when Susan woke up I told her that I want to limit our spending with our checkbook to a minimum -- paying bills, our tithe checks-- and not much else. We each budgeted some money to buy clothes this month. It would be so easy to overspend on these items if we used the checkbook. And so, I'm proposing that we put the cash in envelopes and spend only that amount at Penney's, Dillards, or where ever. If we feel the urge to spend a little more on clothing this month, then I want us to take that extra amount out of another envelope (Ouch, you mean I'll then have less to spend in eating out? Yep. We'll need to stay home and eat bean soup).

I really think this system will help curb what Bruce Ammons calls the "Miscellaneous Monster." Susan and I are going to try this. And see what happens.

Anyone out there use the envelope system? Would love to hear how it works for you.

Jim

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Praying for our enemies

In his comment yesterday, G-ampa C. brought up Jesus' admonition to pray for our enemies, and he applied this to our war with Iraq and terrorists in general. He asked, "What would the Islam religion (as a whole) think if they found out we prayed for them every day in worship?? How might it change us? How might it change them??"

As I told him, I don't pray for these enemies. But I need to. And I want to.

Now let me bring this issue of praying for enemies closer to home. What about those close to us who have hurt us lately? A co-worker. A friend. Even our child or spouse. Last week a woman coming to us for help got mad at me and ended up going elsewhere for help. I was probably was partially at fault for our disagreement. She seemed rather demanding and so I spoke a bit strongly with her. Later I felt convicted for not being as sensitive as I should. Because I lost her phone number I asked a friend of hers to call me back so I could try to make up with her. But she had no interest in calling me back.

Now I found myself being mad at her and annoyed with her attitude. Yet I want to have compassion for her, to pray for her. I don't know all of her circumstances and so there may have been a legitimate reason for how she seemed to be a bit overly sensitive. As I went out to get the paper this morning, I thought about her again...and got annoyed with her once more. But instead, I want to pray for her.

Several months ago another woman called me at the office. She wanted to know if I told our clients about "the Lord's church." Basically, she was interested to know if I towed the "party line" in our fellowship. I tried to explain to her that we don't promote a particular denomination but rather tell people about Jesus. She then began to launch into this tirade about how liberal I was. It was amazing to hear how angry she was and how much venom came from her mouth. Again, I tried to reason with her, but she continued attacking me and our ministry some more and then hung up the phone.

I get so angry with legalists like this! I don't want to love them. But then I come back to Jesus. My Master tells me that I need to love those who persecute me, to bless them, to pray for them.

Don't you feel a bit of righteous indignation in holding a grudge towards those who have hurt you? So do I. It seems so unfair at times to forgive them. To let go of a hurt. But as G-Ampa C reminds us, as he calls us back to Jesus, we're commissioned to pray for those who hurt us -- so that they will change. But also so that we'll change, too!

I realize that when we're hurt or offended by someone, it's unrealistic (and emotionally unhealthy) to just brush it off and act like it didn't bother us. I think we need to process that anger, to work through it as we take it to the Lord and, when appropriate, talk it out with a close friend that we can trust with a confidence. I'm reminded of those I've known who were abused as a child or whose spouse left them. They were angry! And justifiably so! And it took time to work through this hurt and rejection and violation. And yet the ones I've known who ended up at peace with the Lord and could move on with their lives are those who forgave their enemies. And now pray for them.


This is tough stuff, isn't it? And yet when we do eventually forgive our enemies (or someone who isn't necessarily an enemy but who has let us down in some way), and begin praying for them, not only does God work on their hearts, but He works on us more -- so we can be more like Jesus.

Learning to pray and forgive, as I have been forgiven,

Jim

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

He Gave Himself for me

This past weekend at our garage sale I made two purchases -- used books. I rarely buy stuff at garage sales because I hate accumulating more stuff in my house. But good used books? How could I resist?

One of them was titled The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders. I immediately turned to a chapter that I've been meaning to read the past three days. I read it finally early this morning -- "The Atoning Work of Christ." Here are a few nuggets from that chapter:

"The death of our Lord was unlike every other death. It was not an incident in His life, but the very purpose of it. "

"At the cross, God took the initiative and so dealt with sin in His Son, that now He can justify the repenting sinner and and not compromise His holy character." (quoting James Denney)

"Some way must be found for mercy and justice to meet -- and this they did in the transaction of the cross."

"Is repentance in fact all that is necessary to forgiveness? Does it remove the consequences of sin?...Sin demands the punishment of the offender or the death of a substitute."

This last quote made me think of what I read in the paper this morning. A jury delivered a verdict that the Al Qaeda conspirator in the September 11 attacks, Zacarias Moussaoui, is eligible for the death penalty. What if Moussaoui said he was sorry for his involvement in the devastating loss of lives in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and the plane that went down in Pennsylvania? What if he said he would change and never do that again? Would a jury be satisfied? Would our country feel vindicated? Of course not. We want him to pay for his terrible crime!

I also thought of what I've been reading in Numbers and Deuteronomy in my daily morning Bible reading. I had never noticed before in reading the Old Testament how much emphasis there was on sacrifices! The Israelites were continually shedding the blood of animals and offering them on the altar before Almighty God. They knew they were guilty of sin and pleaded with God for forgiveness. The Lord ordered that a substitute die for their sins.

And yet Hebrews 10:3 says that "those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." We desperately need a substitute -- and His Name is Jesus!

"when I tried to keep the law, I realized I could never earn God’s approval. So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ. I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." -- Gal. 2:19-20

"He gave himself for me. He gave himself for me." That would be a good phrase to repeat over and over throughout the day.

I need a substitute. My repentance isn't enough to secure my salvation. My trying hard to do better won't cut it. All that I do for others won't atone for my sins. Only the sacrifice of Jesus can (and has!) taken away my sins.

When I think of how Christ died for me, I must tell others. I can't but help to tell others -- that mercy and grace and forgiveness and eternal life are found, and found only, at the foot of the cross. Hallelujah!

Captivated by the cross,

Jim

Monday, April 03, 2006

The Lord is good

I can still see the passionate look on her face. The intensity of her voice. As Karen told me of what God had done in her family's life, she said,"Jim, the Lord is SO good. He is SO good." Karen and her family had joined us for lunch at Rosa's Cafe yesterday. Her son knows my daughter at ACU and she was here in town with her family. Her other son, Caleb, a special needs teenager, was sitting between us as Karen went on and on about the goodness of God in her life. And right in front of Caleb she said, "I know the Lord has special plans for Caleb."

Early this morning I recalled that conversation. And then I began to recount the goodness of the Lord -- in just what I saw Him do this past weekend.

1. Susan had her "Christian girls" reunion at our house all weekend. Years ago they were in an afternoon class in Susan's home, taught by her mother. For the last three years they've hada reunion at different women's homes. This year it was Susan's turn to be the host. She worked so hard in preparing the house, the menus, and the activities. And God blessed the whole weekend. Some of them said they felt such peace in our house. I know it's because our housecleaner, Janie, prays over the house as she cleans. The Lord is so good.

2. Our Brazil 2006 team had a garage sale Friday afternoon and Saturday. God blessed us with so many items to sell - including a bunch of nice furniture. And though it was a lot of work, our team (adults and teenagers) had so much fun and joy working together. The Lord blessed us with $6,800! The Lord is so good.

3. Late Saturday morning, I felt the need to retreat for a few minutes and pray over the garage sale. I asked a couple volunteers to come with me to Highland's prayer room. Two of our Brazil team members came with me. I thought we were going to pray mainly that God would bless our garage sale financially. But God had another agenda. These women's prayers were focused primarily on our being witnesses for Jesus to all those coming to the sale to buy things. "Lord, let them see You in us as we treat our customers with love and grace."

After the prayer time, these grace-filled women both shared their testimonies of what God had done in their lives. What amazing stories they told about the healing and delivering power of Jesus Christ. The Lord is good.

4. Sunday morning at Highland was another joy-filled experience. Mike Cope preached on Matthew 7:7-13, pointing out the character of God -- how He loves us not because of our worth. And how He calls His disciples to love God and love others. Love is the marker of the Christian!

Then we had another great Financial Peace class -- hearing the testimony of one couple who told how the Lord really changed their financial situation in a positive direction when they realized that "their" money was actually God's money. We're merely stewards of the money entrusted to us by God. After the main session, we were dismissed to our small groups. This same couple led us in a very honest group discussion where we confessed some of our financial blunders and encouraged one another towards more responsible use of God's money. We're already seeing some victories in this area of finances. The Lord is good.

5. To top off the evening our daughter had about 15 college students (along with Karen and her family) over to our house for a birthday party for one of Shannon's buddies. What a joy it was to see all these college freshmen crammed into our kitchen and living room, playing with balloons, eating cake, laughing and taking what seemed like hundreds of digital photos of each other. Susan and I went to bed while they were still out in the living room, exhausted from the busy weekend but with such thankful hearts. The Lord is SO good.

This song ran through my mind this morning, "For You are good, for You are good, for You are good to me." Amen...and amen.

As you look back on this past weekend or past week, how have you seen the goodness of the Lord in your life?

With a thankful heart,

Jim