Brazil - this country, this people I love

NOTE: I MAY BE POSTING PERIODICALLY ON THIS BLOG FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS SINCE WE'LL BE IN BRAZIL UNTIL JULY 10.

It's hard to believe that this evening we'll be flying to Brazil with a group from Highland for the fourth time! If you asked me what one of my greatest experiences in life has been -- near the top of the list would undoubtedly be these mission trips to Brazil. I love this country, the people, the food and the church we work with in Itu on these summer campaigns. And I love the openness of its people to Christ.

Every time we've gone, the Lord has been so faithful in providing all we needed -- and more! -- to go on these campaigns. Funding. Gifted servants. Just when we think not enough money will come through, it all comes a few weeks before we head there. And there's always money left over for the next campaign. God is awesome. God is faithful.

What is amazing is how the Lord not only changes the lives of those we meet and teach and love on. He changes us that go there! Several of us that went the first time (in 2000) have returned. God has especially lit a fire for missions in the young people who have gone. Some of them want to do mission work long-term.

We'll be conducting an evangelistic and discipleship camp. About 100 young people from Itu, Brazil will be there. As always, we would deeply appreciate your prayers. So please do lift us up before the Lord. Susan, Shannon and I will be joining 43 others from Abilene (Aaron has been twice but opted not to go these past two times). Most of all, may our Lord be praised as He does His work through us in bringing many souls to Him.

Yours in Jesus,

Jim

What can I, and only I, do to make a difference?

Earlier this year I read a helpful book on time management titled Time Power by Brian Tracy. Although his approach was a secular one, Tracy did offer some tremendous suggestions about how to make the best use of our time. Of course, as followers of Christ we realize that it really isn't "our"time. Rather, we are stewards of the time that our Lord has entrusted to us. Just like "our" money isn't really our money -- it's on loan for us to manage in a way that will honor our King.

I copied one page of this book and put it in my calendar so that I can refer to it periodically. It's titled, "Five Key Questions for Setting Priorities."

One of the questions is, "What are my highest value activities?" That is, which of my activities can contribute the greatest value to my company or to my family? If we're not sure, then ask those around us.

Another question he asks, which I come back to often is, "What can I, and only I, do that if done well will make a really difference?

You may struggle like I do to prioritize. When the activities at our ministry get going early in the morning, it's so easy to get caught up in the swirl and let what is most important fade in the background. So quickly I can get swept away with trivial, non-important tasks -- and let the high priority tasks slip away from me. Often this happens when I allow everyone to interrupt me. I let their agenda become mine.

I love the story of Jesus in Mark 1:35 –

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

Jesus spent this time alone with the Father, getting His marching orders. And He stuck with them – all the way to the cross. To me, this has been vital to putting first things first -- having that quiet time with the Lord before I take a shower and get dressed.

Then at the start of my day, as I list all my things to do (I'm a compulsive list maker) I often will write in the bottom right corner of my "To Do" list page that question: "What can I, and only I, do that if done well will make a really difference?"

This morning I put under that question what I really need to get done before our group from Highland flies to Brazil tomorrow. Number !? Pray -- for my family, this ministry and the Brazil campaign.

I find it so helpful to keep coming back to that question about what I need to do that no one else can do -- as I submit to Christ in all my plans.

Hope this helps you. You might try it some time and tell us how it works.

Jim

The Fruit of Losing One's Life

As I've probably written before, one of my greatest joys in directing the Christian Service Center is to work with such a wonderful team of volunteers. Yesterday on my trip to the Food Bank to get our weekly supply of food, I sensed the Lord putting on my heart a great conviction and inspiration about two of these volunteers -- -- Jim and Vera Dukes.

Jim and Vera have worked at the Christian Service Center for nearly 14 years. They’re both in their 80’s, having gotten married after each of their spouses died. Jim runs our food pantry and is there nearly every day. He keeps track of our inventory, makes weekly trips with Vera to the Food Bank and insures that every client that comes in with a legitimate need receives a generous amount of food.

In his evenings at home, Jim works on the computer, updating the inventory of food. And then in the mornings he brings a new list of the food that we have in the pantry. Jim also serves as our song leader at our morning devotional. He loves to sing because he loves the Lord.

One of my favorite stories about Jim happened a couple years ago. He was in the hospital one weekend. Monday evening I visited him in the hospital, watching him being rolled into his room on a gurney after undergoing another test. The next morning, at about 8 o’ clock, as I looked out on the parking lot of the Center, I saw something that totally surprised me. Here were Jim and Vera, walking towards our building. Jim had been released from the hospital early that morning and came straight to the Service Center. And he worked a full day in our food pantry.

Vera is also a tireless worker for our ministry. She served for a long time in our receiving room, and then later oversaw our linens department. A unique part of her ministry here is that she did a lot of her volunteer work for the Center at home. She is a gifted seamstress, making fitted sheets and then donates them back to us for our clients. Vera also made pillows for our clients - to this date over 1,000 of them!

Yesterday morning Jim needed me to pick up Vera at their house and help her get the food at our local Food Bank. As I pulled up in front of their humble house, it hit me. Here is a couple in their '80's who live very simple lives and are actively involved in helping the poor. They don't care much for new cars or a bigger house. Jim was sitting in their one car garage, where their washer and dryer was - waiting for a man to show up and install a portable car port. I took Vera to the Food Bank and helped her as she patiently went through the surplus items, picking out items that she knew our clients would eat. As I helped her load these boxes, I thought, "I worry about my simple little 'problems' such as not having a swimming pool like my neighbors. And here is Vera, living her simple life and caring for the poor week in and week out. God, forgive me."

O, Father, help us learn from Jim and Vera Dukes what it means to live for Jesus, to be unattached to this world and to love the poor. Thank You for showing me through this couple the truth of the words of Jesus: "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." -- Matt. 10:39

Jim

Writing Our Hurts in the Sand

This past weekend I worked on a talk that I'll be giving at the camp in Brazil next week. The theme of the camp is God's mercy. The passage assigned to me is Matthew 6 -- the Lord's prayer. And the part I'm going to focus upon is the relationship between prayer and forgiveness.

In preparing this talk, I came across this story:

There once were two friends were walking through the desert. During their journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, he wrote in the sand: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE." They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mud and started drowning, but his friend saved him. After he recovered from almost drowning, he wrote on a stone: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE." The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?" The other friend replied: "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

As I've examined and prayed over and researched these words of Scripture, the Lord has made me realize how continually forgiving others is vital to maintaining an open communication with Him.

Last night I read some of what I had written to Susan, and it just seemed to be a jumbled mess. Then as Susan prayed about it, she gave me this great advice: "Jim, just tell your story of your own family." And so I began writing some of my story, and the words flowed out so quickly. It was painful to face, but something that I needed to write: the breakup of my parents' marriage.

My parents divorced when I was just entering my teen years. My Dad remarried and had another child from that marriage. Then his second wife died of cancer. My mother had never remarried, raising her four children on her own for about 7 years.

Then the strangest thing happened. My parents started dating again. And in 1971 they surprised all of us kids with announcement that they were getting married…again. And they stayed married for 30 more years.

About five years ago my family and I were out in California seeing my folks one summer. One day I drove my mother to Los Angeles to see a doctor. During our drive I said to her, “Mom, I’ve never told you how thankful I am that you and Dad got back together. I really appreciate this.” She immediately responded, “Well, Jimbo, it all comes down to forgiveness.”

There were faults on both sides in my parents’ divorce. But my mother has taught me a lot about forgiveness.

Two years later my family was out in California again. My Dad had Alzheimers. We put him in a care center while my mother lived at home. And every day she faithfully visited my father. Susan and I went with her to see Dad our first day there. He didn’t make much sense. And was like a child. But when he recognized Mom he reached out and hugged her for a long time. Later, as we slowly walked around the facility, I followed behind and was so moved seeing them walk arm in arm. My parents taught me a lot about the power of forgiveness. They wrote their hurts in the sand. And loved each other until the day my father died three years ago.

There's something about the power of forgiveness that keeps our hearts open to God's love, grace and power -- and serves as an ointment to help us continue loving each other. Jesus calls us to be a people that rises above the wounds of others and forgive, forgive and forgive. And He gives His disciples the power to do this great work of forgiveness. And when we think of what Jesus did for us on the cross, to forgive us of all our sins -- all the ways we have hurt Him -- how can we not but extend the olive branch of forgiveness to others.

I'd love to hear your story -- of how you (or others close to you) have written your hurts in the sand.

Jim

Your Hand of Blessing on My Head

Last night at a small group meeting, I read some of Ps. 139 as we went into a time of prayerful discernment, seeking the Lord's will for our discussion last night. I love these words of David that describe such an intimate relationship he had with the Lord.

I read this passage again this morning. You might try reading these verses and meditating on them for a few minutes:

O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
3 You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
5 You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.

The imagery in this passage that especially grabbed my heart this morning was in the last part of verse 5:

You place your hand of blessing on my head.

This imagery reminds me of Jacob blessing Joseph's two sons, placing his hand on their heads and then granting them the blessing. And I think of the painting hanging over our fireplace, portraying the prodigal son kneeling before his father, receiving forgiveness and grace and a welcome home.

What does it mean for God to place His hand upon our heads? How do we let Him do this?

A friend of Susan and me just recommended a book on the Father's love which we bought. Susan is reading it right now and has already read some excerpts to me. I want to start reading it soon, because I long for that embrace from the Father. Doesn't He honor those who reach out for more of His love? Hebrews 11:6 promises us believers in Jesus "that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."

I'm wondering that we'll also experience the embrace of the Father, His hand on our heads, as we make ourselves vulnerable and confessional among the body of Christ. Especially in some sort of small group. At each of our elders meetings we have individuals, couples and families come in for prayer. We let them share their story and prayer requests and then we elders surround them, lay hands on them and pray over them.

I'm thinking that receiving the literal touch of other Christians -- hugs, words of blessing -- can be one way we feel God's hand upon us.

How do you experience Abba Father's hand upon your head? I'd love to hear your insights and stories.

Jim

A New Approach to Quiet Times

I love the times when a new Discipleship Journal arrives in my mailbox. Along with Leadership Journal, it has been the best magazine I've read over the years. Each issue contains such rich, life-relevant articles about how to keep following and trusting in Christ in the details of life.

There are usually one or two gems of articles that I read in every issue that I end up copying and passing out to others (the editors grant you permission to make copies if you write on the first page the source of the article, etc.). The short but power-packed article that Susan and I read last night was another such gem. Sarah Wetzel, a seasoned missionary wrote "The Advice That Changed My Quiet Times." She tells of a daylong prayer meeting, which brought about a major shift in her times alone with God. The leader of the retreat instructed the group in three different sessions to go off by themselves, choose one story or quote from Jesus and meditate on it for an hour.

These were the instructions from the leader that God used to dramatically change Sarah's life:

"Focus on the qualities you see in Jesus rather than dwell on the deficiencies you see in yourself."

As she did this during her three different meditative periods, Sarah found herself falling in love with Jesus. When she came off that retreat she wrote:

"Now when I meet with God, full of myself, my problems and my sins, I remember, Focus on the qualities you see in Jesus rather than dwell on the deficiencies you see in yourself. Then I take my Bible and look for something about Jesus that makes me want to love Him more."

For nearly 25 years I hardly miss a morning where I didn't start the day reading something in God's word, meditating on it, and then interceding for my family, some friends and those who especially need intervention from God that week. When we were first married, I noticed Susan making a habit of a morning quiet time. It was her example that prompted me to do the same. However, I know that too often my experience has been much like Sarah's was -- after reading a passage I'd be aware of how far short I fall of God's standard. And like Sarah, even after spending time in the word and in prayer, I would go away from that experience not really feeling full and satisfied. Something was missing.

This morning at our daily staff/volunteer devotional, I read to them excerpts from this article and then led us through a brief meditation exercise, as we read these words of Jesus from Matt. 11:28 -30 (one of my all time favorite verses):

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

We then spent a few minutes dwelling on the loveliness of Jesus. How He is an inviting God. A God Who alone offers us rest for our souls.

As we closed in prayer, we all sat there for a while, sensing the peace of the living Christ. And then our receptionist led us in a spontaneous verse of the song, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus."

Whatever you're facing today, my friend, may your day be filled with joy and peace and love...as you fix your eyes on Jesus.

Jim

The Truth...and Nothing But the Truth

"As surely as the LORD lives, I can tell him only what the LORD tells me."

-- 1 Kings 22:14

I can recall those times in my hometown of Ventura, Calif. in the early 70's. Some "Jesus people," as we called them, walked along the beach where I surfed and told us about Jesus. I was intrigued with their passion and courage to talk about this One who seemed so real to them.

Touched by their testimony, I decided to buy a Good News New Testament so I could read for myself about Jesus. It only took reading the first eleven chapters of Matthew for the Holy Spirit to pierce my heart and make me realize that Jesus Christ truly was Who He said He was -- and what the "Jesus freaks" believe in so strongly. These words I was reading in my bedroom those evenings in Southern California were unlike any words I had read before. They were alive. And yet I was not ready to hear the truth, to obey the truth, to give my life to Jesus. I wanted to live my own life. And so for the next five years or so I lived how I wanted to live. The Lord graciously spared my life all that time and gave me time to repent and turn to Him in early 1976.

Now I know deep in my soul that Jesus truly is the Son of God and that His word is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And He has commissioned me as His disciple to go into all the world proclaiming this gospel. Some people I've talked to over the years about Jesus were open to His truth. But some were not. They chose not to believe. No matter how people might react, I know that my Lord has called me to speak for Him -- even if people get mad at me for telling them the truth.

This morning I read a story in 1 Kings 22, where Ahab called his "prophets" in to tell him whether to go into a certain battle. Then King Jehoshaphat told Ahab to call in Micaiah, a true prophet of God. Ahab hated Micaiah because of what he always told him. But he called in Micaiah anyway, who said, among other things, "As surely as the LORD lives, I can tell him only what the LORD tells me."

King Ahab, mired in long-term rebellion to the living God, chose to surround himself with "prophets" who would tell him what he wanted to hear. And that's why Micaiah was so despised by the king, because this true prophet of God told the king the truth.

I ask the Lord to give me the boldness of a Micaiah – to tell the truth to others, and to myself, even when it hurts. For above all, I must take a stand for Jesus. Because He is the only Truth that can set us free.

Jim

All We Need is Love

I probably haven't thought of that old Beatles' song for many years. But it popped up in my mind this morning -- "All We Need Is Love." After this past weekend, I once more realized this truth.

In the last week or so, when Susan and the kids asked me what I wanted for Father's Day, I kept saying, "Love." Their common refrain was, "I know. That's what you always say. But don't you want a new shirt or something else?"

My family has a great way of honoring one another on birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc. Susan takes the lead in this -- usually knocking herself out with making a really tasty meal. She did it again yesterday. I like staying home and grilling out for Father's Day. After our meal (including a scrumptious strawberry pie), they presented me with about six gift bags with little gifts in each of them. Gum, chocolate, gift cards from the local golf equipment store. And even a tripod for my camera. It felt like Christmas. I felt overwhelmed with their love. I really didn't need all those things, but they all represented love from my family.

It made me think, "What could be more important than good relationships with family and friends?" And of course healthy relationships flow from the goodness of the Lord and the relationship He gives us.

Friday night Susan and I went to see the delightful movie, "Cars." Without giving away too much of the plot, I will say that it left the viewer with this profound message: love and friendship supersedes any lofty goal we may have -- even the goal of winning a big race. Lightning McQueen basically learned this lesson, "All We Need is Love."

Yet above all this human love is a love that we need most of all. A friendship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Just think -- when we accept Jesus, we are now God's friend. And then He provides for us so many friends in Christ to help us along on this journey of life. The abundant love. All we need is love... the love of God, and the love of others.

Today may you be filled to overflowing with the love of God poured into your hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5). And then may you spread this love to others.

Jim

A Volunteer Director's Dream

Early Monday morning this week I received a call at work. It was Dan Blanks from Dallas, one of the sons of Dorothy Blanks. He sadly informed me that his mother had passed away the night before. She was 85.

Dorothy worked here at the Service Center for 23 years. I had only been working at this ministry a few months before she had a stroke and was no longer able to come here. But what a legacy she left at this ministry! I heard so many stories about her. She was an organizer's organizer. Working tirelessly to put our linen closets in order. Supervising the redecorating of a large multi-purpose room. Dorothy made a profound difference in making this ministry an efficiently run operation in serving the poor of Abilene. We are so thankful to Dorothy for all the sheets she rolled up…and closets she organized…and boxes she made…and rooms she decorated… and financial donations that she and her husband, Lyston, made.

Last year we hosted a luncheon in her honor. One of the things I said in my speech that day was:

"Dorothy, through the power of Christ living in you, you have been a faithful servant of Jesus and so by God’s grace, some day you will hear those wonderful words -- 'Well done, good and faithful servant!…Come and share your master's happiness!' What a tremendous hope you have. And all of us have who put our trust in Christ."

Today she is now experiencing that heavenly reward. That Monday morning I sent an e-mail to Paul Garrett, the former director of this Center who had Dorothy work for him all those years. He wrote:

"Dorothy Blanks was a volunteer director's dream. The memory of her ministries at the Christian Service Center will last for years to come and will shine continually in her eternal crown above. I am grateful to know that Dorothy died peacefully surrounded by family. What a wonderful awakening she must have had to her heavenly family, which must have been a great host of loving family and friends. What a glorious graduation day she must be experiencing right now with all of the overcomers of eternity past."

Thank you, Dorothy, for showing us what it means to serve the Lord by serving the least of these. God will not forget your work done in Jesus’ Name. His word promises us.

To God be all the glory for the legacy of service to the poor that Dorothy Blanks left behind.

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” – Jesus, John 13:14-15


Jim

This Longing in Our Hearts

The last few years I've sensed this stirring in my soul. This lack of satisfaction in the things of this world. Oh, I feel very blessed. Married to a terrific Christian woman for nearly 25 years. Two great kids with whom we have a great relationship. Health. A very rewarding job/ministry. Part of a grace-filled church. The privilege of being an elder. God has blessed us with a house, transportation, plenty of food, the joy of mission trips to Brazil.

And yet...when we have a lot of those things that we long for as a younger person -- some financial stability, family, a steady job, even a great church...have you noticed that those things don't quite satisfy? There is this longing for more.

Too often I've allowed this longing, this restlessness, to prompt me to move -- to another city, another ministry, another house. I moved far too much in my younger years. For now, I believe the Lord wants us to stay put here in Abilene and to work our jobs, carry out our responsibilities, get our kids through college, etc. But in the routine of life -- getting up early, reading some of the paper, having a quiet time, going to work, being involved at church, taking an occasional vacation, I still feel this quiet dissatisfaction.

I think that I already shared with you that great chapter from Max's book, When God Whispers Your Name -- "The Gift of Unhappiness." It's something I probably need to read once a year. Max's main point is that this is not our permanent home -- and we never will feel quite at home here. Heaven is where we ultimately belong as children of the living God. The sad thing is, too often we try to make earth into heaven. Even believers in Christ do this. I have.

So how do we keep focused on that heavenly home while still carrying out our purpose that the Lord has for us on this earth?

A few things come to mind through some of my experiences:

1. Enjoy all the blessings the Lord gives us. 1 Timothy 4:4 comes to mind -- “everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”

2. Maintain a perspective on all these blessings -- realizing that they are but a foretaste of the ultimate joy we’ll experience in heaven.

3. Lower your expectations on what relationships and things offer.

4. In our prayers, do more than ask God to answer all our requests –above all, ask Him to give us more of a sense of His presence. To let His love and grace fill us. We are made for a relationship with Jesus!

What is it that John Piper says? "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."


Bloggers, I’d love to hear your response to this question:

How do we keep focused on that heavenly home while still carrying out our purpose that the Lord has for us on this earth?

Jim

The Search for All Things New

Early Saturday morning I was thinking about"newness." How we love to get something new. To build a new house. To buy a new car...and smell that "new car" odor.

I think this is why we like shopping at a mall (okay, women like shopping...at least a lot more than we men). This summer we're going to provide new school clothes for low-income kids in Abilene. We know how they'll feel wearing new clothing to school this fall.

It's exciting to see a new movie. Read a new book. Visit a new city. Susan and I plan to go to Chicago this August for our 25th anniversary. We've been researching this city on the internet and in a Chicago for Dummies book. We're excited about going there. Never been. It will all be new to us.

What is this longing inside us that continually craves for something new? Isn't it a longing, even if it is an unconscious longing, for that new heaven and new earth that the Lord promises those of us who believe in Christ?

And while we await that new heaven and new earth, how can we be content when we have to live with the fact that newness wears off so quickly and everything moves in the direction of decay? Maybe a realization that no matter how many new things we own or experience, they won't in themselves satisfy. And that this newness hunger that we all have is a signpost pointing us to heaven, where all things will be made new...forever.

Jim

Never Quitting

I love stories of people who keep trying and finally reach their goal. I read another one in this morning's paper. Two Massachusets women tried to pass their high school exams...10 times! Finally on the 11th time they passed and are now high school graduates! Way to go, girls!

I may have given up after the third or seventh or ninth time. But they kept going. What a great story of perseverance.

Reminds me of a rather challenging time when our family lived in St. Louis. We had two young children. Were going through an internship program to train for a church plant in the Northeast. And I was trying to finish a Master's Degree. For the first time I was learning to use a computer, using the one at the church office.

One night when I was sitting in front of the computer monitor at church, drinking coffee and trying to write my guided research paper. It was the last rung of the ladder to complete a Master's of Arts in ministry at Harding Graduate School. Ben Williams, the preaching minister at that church, caem by the office that night. Knowing that I was struggling to complete this project, he came by my desk and handed me a Scripture. It was from James 1 in the J.B. Phillips translation. This word from the Lord meant so much to me that I typed a copy, taped it to an index card and put it next to the computer screen every time I worked on this paper.

As I look at my monitor right now, I notice that same passage, taped to an index card, with the words of that Scripture that Ben gave me that evening 17 years ago:

When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realise that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character with the right sort of independence. And if, in the process, any of you does not know how to meet any particular problem he has only to ask God - who gives generously to all men without making them feel foolish or guilty - and he may be quite sure that the necessary wisdom will be given him. But he must ask in sincere faith without secret doubts.

So, whatever you're facing right now, my friend, would you consider this promise and exhortation from the living God. He is for you. He is shaping you and me in this time of perseverance and endurance.

And remember those women in Massachusets, who are now high school graduates. They're enjoying the sweet fruit of perseverance. And they now have a story to tell. So will you. To God's glory.

Jim

Give me an understanding mind

These past few weeks Susan and I have been attending a wonderful class at our church each Sunday. It's called "Financial Peace," a DVD/study guide/discussion series by the popular money manager guru, Dave Ramsey. He is so hilarious, entertaining and wise when it comes to managing money, saving money, purchases and investments. Over and over he urges us to beware of how our culture tries to lure us into debt, overspending, not saving and dumb purchases. I love the wisdom of this guy.

As I look back on a few dumb things I've done with money, I realize how much wisdom that I need to handle the money that the Lord has entrusted to Susan and me. I need wisdom in all areas of my life - God's wisdom.

This morning I read of how the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and told him: "What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!"

Of course, Solomon's well-known response was: "Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong." - 1 King 3:6, 9

As I sat on our porch on this peaceful, quiet and relatively cool morning, I pondered Solomon's request. And I, too, told the Lord, "Please give me an understanding mind." I need the constant wisdom of the Lord as I lead my family , direct the Christian Service Center, and serve as a shepherd at Highland.

I thought about how I could have the sort of wisdom that Solomon had. Then came the obvious answer: Read the Proverbs on a regular basis. Billy Graham once wrote: "The psalms help us know how to relate to God. The proverbs teach us how to relate to man."

Someone else I read told of a daily practice in their Bible study: they read one Proverb a day. 31 per month. For most months, that means one could read through the entire book of proverbs every month.

I really think we need to immerse ourselves in the wisdom of proverbs, which is wisdom that the Lord gave Solomon -- and still gives us! Since it's June 8, I'm going to read Proverbs 8...and listen to what the Lord wants to speak into my heart. And then follow His will and ways.

I'd love you to do the same today. Read Prov. 8 and then tell us how God spoke His wisdom into your life in specific ways.

Lord, please give us an understanding mind. Every hour. Every day. Jesus, You are our wisdom. We bow down to You as Lord. Please continue to renew our minds. For Your praise and glory. Amen.

Jim

The Problem of Self

Have you ever wondered how many of our problems are brought on by our selfishness? I found it so enlightening when going through the 12 step program that the root cause of my problems and others in the support group was self-centeredness. And isn't that really the essence of sin -- wanting to live independently of God, wanting to do what I want to do, living for my needs and not for God's glory?

This problem of self theme oozed from the pages of Scripture these last two mornings as I read the story of King David's final days. Men like Adonijah maneuvered for power, seeking to be the new leader of Israel. His quest was squashed. Then after David died, Adonijah brashly asked for David's servant, Abishag, to be his wife. This request cost him his life.

The problem of self. We all struggle with it, don't we? And haven't you noticed how miserable we make our lives or those around us when we want life to be all about me?

On the way to work, I was thinking of three different areas of our life where this issue of self emerges.

1. Our conversations. When we talk to others, do we mainly say what's on our minds? Or do we ask about the other person and then listen...I mean, really listen.

2. Our use of money. Ouch. This is a big one for me because I can be such a tightwad (just ask my family). Do we freely give money away? Are we willing to pick up the tab when having lunch with a friend? One man I know will never let me pay for a meal -- even though he doesn't have all that much money. I want to be more like him -- being others-centered.

3. Our prayers. When we place our requests before the Lord, do we ask Him mainly about our issues? Or do we pray for the concerns of others.

So what do I do with this problem of self ? How about a burial? As the new Mercy Me song says, "Goodbye Self." More importantly, God's word says:

"Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn't pleased at being ignored. But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. ..if the alive-and-presnt God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he'll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus......So don't you see that we don't owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent... The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God's Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!" -- Rom. 8:11-14, The Message

Lord, please help me today once more die to self and live for you. To take up that cross and follow You, Jesus. And then live in a way that it's not all about me, but all about You. To the praise of Your glory.

Jim

A friend who left the flock

I think one of the saddest things to happen to a Christian is when a fellow believer announces to you that they no longer believe in Christ. That happened to me yesterday. A man who was a deeply spiritual man and a friend of mine, a man who cried whenever he talked about the cross, sent me an e-mail yesterday that shocked me. He told me he was no longer a Christian. After reading hundreds of pages on philosophy he has now decided that he does not have an eternal soul and that there is no God.

My dear friend, with whom I used to pray together and go to prayer conferences together, announced that he "reprogrammed himself" and re-framed his life using schools of thought from Philosophy and Psychology.

What do you to someone who hits you with news like that? I'm still so blown away that I'm not sure what to say to my friend when I write him back.

One thing I do know (and Philip Yancey states this so well in his excellent book, Disappointment with God) is that when someone is deeply wounded in life and perhaps feels let down by God, they sometimes turn away from Him. But they attribute their new found "freedom" to intellectual pursuits and discoveries. I'm afraid this is what happened to my friend.

Please pray for this dear brother who doesn't realize how desperately he needs prayers -- intercession from a God he at the present does not believe in. I ask the Father that He will make my friend so miserable in his new beliefs that he will once more come to the Savior's feet in humility and repentance, joining the disciples who said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." -- John 6:68

Jim

Resting in the Love of God

This weekend my wife urged me to rest in the love of God and believe He really is for me. I don't know why I have such a hard time really believing His love. And yet I do know that I need to keep focusing on the cross and how Jesus, my Savior, took my sins to that cross. And I believe Romans 5 that promises "God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Yesterday at Highland it was such a powerful moment when Foy Jackson started off his communion meditation by asking us to stand. He then read Romans 8:32-39, which concludes with the rock solid promise that nothing can "separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I love this section of Conquering Depression that I read last night right before drifting off to sleep:

"Today, we invite you to relax. Relax in the reality of God's love for you. The cross is God's way of saying, 'I love you!' How great is this love? When Jesus learned that the price of loving you was to be death on the cross, he said, 'I choose the cross." Such is the power of love...

Jesus Christ ...went to the cross and died -- all alone. Why did he do all this? Because he loves you! Yes, God loves you, even with your faults and weaknesses!

Have you thanked God recently for loving you? Have you ever simply trusted and relaxed in his love? ...Take a moment to put aside the distractions of life... Concentrate on his wondrous love for you. Marvel on the fact that God sees every one of your faults and weaknesses and yet loves you infinitely more than you will ever understand this side of heaven.

Now take a deep breath, let it out, and sink down into the marvelous pool of divine love. It is deep enough to hold you, wide enough to encompass you, and pure enough to give you strength, hope and forgiveness. Such is the power of love -- God's love-- for you! (pp. 31-32)

Yes, Jesus, I receive this love. Thank you, Jesus, for your finished work on the cross. By faith, I do once more receive Your awesome love. Please fill me and everyone reading this blog with Your Spirit, so that we can know that love even more -- and then be a conduit of Your agape love to everyone You put in our paths today. In Your Mighty Name, dear Jesus, Amen.

Jim

Knock on the window

Nearly every morning lately I hear a familiar knock on my office window - about 8:05 a.m. It's Imogene Mickey -- age 91. She sends me the signal to let her in our front door.

Imogene is one of our many star volunteers at the Christian Service Cente. She has worked here for more than 20 years. I'd consider her a superstar. Imogene comes here almost every weekday morning and works until noon.

She still drives herself to church, to run errands, and to the Service Center. I love seeing her come in the door and walk over to our volunteer sign-up list. Beautiful white hair. A bright smile on her face. Usually there are a couple plastic bags hanging from her walker, filled with socks that she had sorted at home the night before. Imogene always reaches out to get a big hug from me or one of the regular volunteers.

Imogene absolutely loves coming to the Service Center and is probably one of the hardest workers here. Whether she is washing clothing donated by the local prison, tidying up our kitchen, helping people get clothing or working in her regular area of young boys’ clothes, she is always active.

She moved to Abilene after her husband died. Imogene started right to work at a church she had joined, teaching Bible classes for the three and four year olds. Once a week she worked on quilts with other women from the church. Every time they completed a quilt they gave it away to someone in need.

Then one day a friend from church who had worked at the Service Center for years invited Imogene to join her down there. She immediately fell in love with the work and the other volunteers there. And now she’s been here for more than two decades. Even as I write this sentence, I can hear Imogene heading down the hall to get some work done before our morning devotional meeting.

Witnessing this amazing woman’s example, I ask myself this question: What is my purpose in life? If it’s all about me, then I won’t be happy whether I’m in my twenties or my nineties. Imogene’s life clearly reveals how God can use someone and give them so much joy when they continue serving Him and others in His name. She teaches me so much about being a contented, others-centered follower of Christ.

That familiar knock on my office window reminds me each day of what it means to live out these words from God’s word:

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. – 1 Cor. 15:58

What aged saint do you know that inspires you to be steadfast for the Lord to the end?

Jim

Happiness vs. Joy

I have a confession to make. I'm guilty at times of church envy. Occasionally I visit churches outside my fellowship -- especially when I'm out of town. Two weeks ago our family was with Susan's sister and brother-in-law in Keller and we visited Irving Bible Church. It's a very creative, vibrant fellowship with an amazing prayer room in the basement.

I also read about other churches, like the story that came to me by e-mail yesterday. The e-mail was an interview of the leader of Granite Bay church, located in the Sacramento, CA area. The church is only 10 years old and yet is already up to 10,000 members with plans to plant several other churches. In the interview with their pastor, he said that each Sunday for the church's 10 year history at least one person has come to faith in Christ. In my very honest moments, when I read of churches like this one, I ask myself, "Why couldn't I have been part of such a vibrant church?" I struggle with church envy.

Later yesterday afternoon I came across a book that someone donated -- Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. So many people have told me that I need to read this book, which I probably will. Being curious about the author, I glanced through Francine's afterword, where she told her testimony and about the writing of the book. These words really spoke to me as I realized my "grass is always greener" syndrome when it comes to envying other churches:

"I used to believe the purpose in life is to find happiness. I don't believe that anymore. I believe we are all given gifts from our Father, and that our purpose is to offer them to Him. He knows how He wants us to use them. I used to struggle to find happiness. I used to work hard to attain it. By the world's standards, I was successful. But it was all meaningless vanity. Now, I have joy. I have everything I ever wanted or dreamed of having: a love that is so precious I can find no words to describe it. I haven't received it through my own eforts. .. I have received it as a free gift from the Lord, the everlasting God. It is the same gift He offers you, every minute, every hour, every day of your life. I hope this story will help you see who Jesus is and how much He loves you. And may the Lord draw you to Him."

After reading Francine's words, I was convicted and reminded that as a follower of Jesus it is not happiness that I'm to pursue, but joy -- joy in knowing that I'm loved by Jesus, forgiven by Jesus and being used for His purposes. I want to and need to believe that Jesus put me in this city...in this ministry...at this time to fulfill His purpose. For His glory. And what could bring more joy than that? Nothing -- not even if I were in the "ideal" church.

Jim