Helping the Undeserving

I have a confession to make. At times I get weary of helping people in need. All this week people have been coming to the Service Center for help with utility bills. A foundation in Abilene released some money to agencies such as ours, knowing how people are struggling so much in paying their bills after a long, hot summer. We were given $2,500 – within about 10 days it was gone.

One person after another came to our window, holding a copy of their bill for electricity or water. Many people brought cancellation notices. One woman called me to say that her bill was over $500 – and since she’s disabled there is no way she could pay it. By the time it was her turn for us to help, our money ran out.

The phone rang and rang all week since those who called 211 were referred to us. It was a bit tiresome having so many people come for assistance. And at times I didn’t have the best attitude – wondering why these folks couldn’t make enough money to pay for their basic needs. I get weary at times in helping the poor. It’s an endless job.

Then I read from verses in Isaiah like I did this morning. And the Lord wakes me up by showing me His deep compassion for the poor. He calls His people, which includes us today who belong to Christ, to be champions for the poor and oppressed:

Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day. ¹¹The Lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring (58:10-11)

Note the promise! The Lord commands us to take care of the needy – and then promises that He will take care of us! He'll give us the strength to continually help others.

In the next chapter, there is the most interesting verse about how the Lord took up for the oppressed:

The Lord looked and was displeased to find that there was no justice. He was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed. So he himself stepped in to save them with his mighty power and justice. (59:15b-16)

I believe that the Lord still does this for the poor, the hungry and the helpless. And He uses His people who want Him to work through them.

I get tired of helping those in need. And yet I know that my Lord never wearies in taking care of their needs – and taking care of mine. It’s so important to remind myself that I am needy. He takes care of my family and me every day. This job is a gift. My family is a gift. Every bite of food I eat and breath I take is because of God’s provision. And my salvation is totally dependent on God’s grace and what Christ did for me on the cross. I don’t deserve a thing – and yet I am so grateful to the Lord for all that He does for me.

A few years ago after Landon Saunders delivered a message at a church, a person walked up to him and asked about how to help the poor. This person said, “Landon, should we feed people if they’re not deserving of it?” Landon’s response was so insightful. He told the man, “God feeds 5 billion undeserving people every day. I’m sure that it's not going to hurt things if we feed one more.”

And so each day when the phone rings, another person comes in for food or additional family asks for clothing for their children, I want to treat them like Jesus would. He loves the poor and cares deeply for them. And I strongly believe that He is calling His church to allow Him to love the poor, the brokenhearted and helpless through us.

Lord, please keep reminding me that I am completely dependent upon you for everything. And please keep reminding me of Your deep compassion for the hurting, the broken and the lost. Would You please keep loving them through me. That Your Name be honored. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Jim

A Life Well Lived

Yesterday afternoon I took a quick break from work and scanned the internet. Maybe because I was thinking about Byron Nelson's passing, I felt drawn to the obituary pages of my home town out in California. Didn't recognize any of the names, but one story I read there really stuck with me.

It was an obituary of a guy who spent most of his adult life traveling around the world. One of his hobbies was watching his favorite game show and he often knew the answers posed to the contestants. His memorial service is to be held at a person's house with some secular activities. Nothing was said about the Lord.

I never knew this man and certainly don’t want to judge him. But it made me so sad when I read his obituary in contrast to a tribute to Byron Nelson that I read today. One of his hobbies was woodworking. And Byron often shared his gift with others. His last project was when he made 12slivers of foowd, smooth and stained, which he gave to each of the American golfers on the Ryder Cup team. On one side it said, “Made by Byron Nelson.” On the other side was inscribed the first name of the player and the words of Psalm 18:29: “With your help, I can advance against a troop. With my God I can scale a wall.”

Many of the best golfers in the world are in England, preparing for another major tournament. A journalist asked several of them about their memory of Byron. Each one interviewed commented on this man’s kindness.

As I reflected on the contrasts of these two men's lives, it made me want to live my life with more intentionality. To let the Holy Spirit breathe His grace and love more through me. Like Byron did. And like every other follower of Jesus Christ does each day.

Lord Jesus, please help me leave a legacy of "a life well lived." That the world may know of the difference you make in a person's life -- on this earth, and for eternity.

Jim

Goodbye to a Champion

Last night I was walking with my son on the 18th green of a golf course. It was nearly dark. Before hitting my approach shot to the green, I glanced back to where the sun had set and caught a beautiful site -- an orange sky punctured by large oak trees in the foreground. The air was still. The weather was ideal. Aaron and I had a wonderful time on the course. What a treasured moment this was. And then I thought once more of Byron Nelson, who went home to the Lord a few hours earlier that day.

Aaron had sent me a text mail yesterday afternoon, telling me to look at espn.com. And there were the headlines -- something like "Golf Legend Byron Nelson Dies at age 94. " He was probably most famous for his 11 straight wins in professional golf during the 40's. Later he became a successful golf commentator on television. However, as fellow golf pro Ken Venturi said, Byron just might be best remembered for his reputation as "the finest gentleman this game has ever known."

Right after reading the news I called his sister-in-law, Betty, who is a regular volunteer at the Service Center. Betty told me that she and her husband, Charles (Byron's younger brother) were sad and yet very thankful for the kind of life he lived. She said, "Byron said that he wanted to be known mroe as a Christian gentleman than a great golfer." That you were, Byron, that you were.

I started to tear up as I told Betty to please pass on my condolences to Charles. Because I was so touched by the life of this man. He could have had a big ego. Kept his distance from from his fans. And yet the Spirit of Christ was obviously at work in this gentleman of golf -- and so many people recognized how different he was, many of whom didn't realize Who it was they were actually encountering.

I remember the last time I saw him interviewed -- it was at his final appearance at the tournament named after him in Dallas. Jim Nantz of CBS sat by him at the 18th hole Sunday afternoon, asking Byron what he thought of the tournament. Byron said, "It's been a great day. I went to church and Bible class this morning. The good Lord gave us a beautiful day."

The words of a true champion -- a champion of the faith.

O Father, thank You, for giving us this wonderful ,man -- a man whom You made great. He taught so many people how to play this tremendous game of golf...but most importantly he taught us how to live a life that honors You.

Jim

The Sovereign Lord...He's on Your Side!

This past weekend I joined about 150 others in a great workshop entitled, "What Every Church Member Should Know About Poverty." One of the stories the leader told us was about a 18 year old young man who was raised in poverty and yet had a chance to break from his past. On the last day before his graduation from high school, he decided to play a prank. He and a friend filled a large plastic Coke bottle with dry ice, filled it with some liquid, sealed it and shook it up, put it in the bathroom and ran. Within a few moments everyone heard a loud explosion in the men's room. They thought it was a bomb. When this boy was caught for playing this prank, he was punished by being put in a detention center for 120 days!

Our leader then said that if his son got in trouble like this, he could likely talk to the judge whom he knew. And his son would probably escape from doing any time in a detention center. His point was that the wealthy know people in positions of power, which is one more advantage they have over the poor.

This story came to me early this morning while I was reading Isaiah 49 - 50. The prophet talked a lot about his identity in the Lord and how powerful he felt because the Sovereign Lord was his strength. Wow! This is great stuff.

He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver.(49:2)

The LORD has honored me, and my God has given me strength (49:5)

Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on my hand. (49:15-16)

Susan told me of a big challenge she's facing this week where she needs to speak in front of some powerful people. And so right before getting in the shower I plopped down my Bible on the bathroom counter for her to read those passages. I underlined the verse for her to claim about the Sovereign Lord being her strength

Just think of this great promise to us who are in Christ: "if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." -- Rom. 8:11

So, whatever challenge you're facing this week, this month or this year -- remember who you are in Christ. Try memorizing some of those verses in Isa. 49 and 50:

The Sovereign LORD has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know what to say to all these weary ones. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will (50:4)

Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph. (50:7)

It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who is he that will condemn me? (50:9)

You might type some of these verses on an index card. Tape it to your bathroom mirror. Put it in your purse or wallet. Post it on the corner of your computer monitor. And speak these promises out loud. Claim your identity in Christ. The Sovereign Lord is behind you, He is in you, He is for you.

Whatever battle or challenge you're facing this week or in this season of your life, remember this: you don't just have people in high places watching over you. Through Jesus Christ, you have the greatest power in the universe on your side. And He loves you and is ready to fight your battles. So that His Name will be praised.

In the shadow of His hand,

Jim

No Fear!

In the midst of a very busy weekend, I found the time to read most of the new Time Magazine. Sitting out on our porch yesterday afternoon on an absolutely gorgeous day, I read the story about the new Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He's the one that said that the U.S. and Israel should be wiped off the face of the earth. The article gave a very chilling description of why Iran is such a threat to us and the nation of Israel. And how our president, military leaders and diplomats are in such a quandary as to what to do with Iran. The writer projected a scenario of what it would be like if our country went to war against Iran and all the likely fallout of such a war -- including having our oil prices skyrocketing and all sorts of retaliation by this regime. It really was a frightening article to read.

It's so interesting to see the parallel between these threats from Iran and what I've been reading lately in my quiet times. My One Year Bible schedule has me in the book of Isaiah. In chapters 42, 43, etc. I read of Israel back in the 500 B.C. era being threatened by the bullies of the world at that time -- Assyria and Babylon. Through his prophet Isaiah, the Lord tells His covenant people over and over that He is in charge, He is sovereign and that if His people would turn to Him and trust Him they have nothing to fear from these international thugs. I love these words from the Lord, declaring His sovereignty:

But now, O Israel, the LORD who created you says: “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. -- Isa 43: 1-3, 4b (emphasis mine)

It really can be frightening if I think too much about Iran's leadership and hate for our country and Israel, their apparent plans to develop nuclear weapons and all the oil they have. And yet when I read in Isaiah these proclamations from our Sovereign God I'm reminded that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad does not have ultimate power. He will not have the final say -- Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, has the final say!

And I need to hear those words of comfort from the Lord when I face my daily fears and worries. He tells all of us who are His New Israel in Christ:

Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. - Isa 45:22

Yes, Father, I look to you. I believe that through Jesus there is no threat that can take away my relationship with You. Not Iran. Not a terrorist. Not death itself. For You have conquered death through the cross and resurrection. And You are sovereign and are coming back one day to establish that new heaven and new earth. Come Lord Jesus!

In the meantime, please help us to keep trusting You, magnifying You through the way we live and proclaiming every day that You are God and there is no other. We believe that through You we need not fear man -- even this new tyrant in Iran who will one day be gone. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.

Jim

Songs of joy and praise

Last night Susan took me to an Audio Adrenaline/Mercy Me Concert. She won the tickets and so how could I resist? I feel a bit old going to these concerts -- the median age last night at the Exposition Center seemed to be about 16. Some may have wondered what "Granpa" was doing in the stands occasionally standing up and clapping. But even though it was very loud, it really was fun. And when Mercy Me had us sing with them and led us in some praise songs, to me the concert turned into more of a worship service.

Near the end of the concert, while they were leading us in "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," many people were standing, holding up their cell phones and swaying with the music. Looking up at the stands across from me, watching hundreds of small lights moving back and forth, while hearing this gorgeous "rock hymn" praising God, a memory flash backed to me.

It was 1972. Long Beach, California. My friend Larry went with me to a "Who" concert. The place was packed. Roger Daltrey, Peter Townsend and the rest of the band were really rocking. And the indoor stadium was filled with smoke. Not a fog blasted from the stage but smoke from hundreds of marijuana joints being lit up. Yes, I was definitely in a different world back then. blinded by sin and living for pleasure. It would be a few years later before Jesus came into my life -- when I finally let Him in.

Colossians 1 comes to mind: "he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves." Thank you, Lord, for how You brought me into Your light.

What a joy to see this contrast last night. Watching young people jumping up and down, dancing before the Lord, singing of their redeemer. There was such joy, such peace, such jubilation!

The final encore song of Mercy Me seemed to sum up well what I was experiencing. It was a rousing edition of "Goodbye Self." What we experienced last night through the music, the videos, singing during the worship songs, dancing -- it was because we've been changed by Jesus. And when He comes in we say "goodbye self" .. and what a difference He makes in our lives.

It makes this "old" guy want to sing, and raise my hands...and maybe even dance.

Jim

It's All About the Heart

As I pray and begin preparing in my mind a class for Sunday, "heart matters" keep surfacing. It's not surprising. Our men's class at Highland is working through the wonderful John Eldredge book, Waking the Dead. One of my all time favorite books. Late yesterday afternoon, while working out on the treadmill, I re-read the chapter, "The Heart of All Things." Here are a few quotes that really gripped...my heart:

"The subject of the heart is addressed in the Bible more than any other topic -- more than works or service, more than believe or obedience, more than money, and even more than worship."

"Christians have spent their whole lives mastering all sorts of principles, done their duty, carried on the programs of their church...and never known God intimately, heart to heart."

Now I believe that last statement is a bit overgeneralization. Not all Christians have been just duty bound. However, I understand Eldredge's point -- that too often we believers get so involved in religious activity, and at times miss the matter of the heart. Again, quoting Eldredge, "The point is not the activity-- the point is intimacy with God. "

I love this promise from Jer. 29:23 in the New Living Translation:

"'If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you',” says the LORD."

I've been wondering what it is that prompts believers in Christ to really seek Him, to look for Him in earnest, to long for that intimacy. How are we motivated to not settle for just being saved and waiting around to go to heaven?

My experience and observing the experience of others is being broken by the Lord. Ouch! I don't like being broken. I want life to be easy. And yet I know that if the Lord doesn't take us through some valley from time to time we'll have a tendency to feel self-sufficient and cling to our idols -- even if those idols are things like family, our job and financial stability.

Last night at Lectureship Ken Greene delivered a stunning message on John 20, admitting his times of being broken where he went through a time of emotional doubting. Though Ken has been preaching for years, following a definite call on his life from the Lord, he admitted that he is too often like Thomas -- wanting to see in order to believe. After crying out to God for quite a while, he finally sensed that peace of being held in the arms of Jesus, our crucified and risen Savior. And the Lord used a phone call as part of this answer to tell Ken that He was there and had not forsaken him. His mother called from North Carolina to say that he had been on her mind and that she loved him.

To be honest with you, my heart was relieved to hear Ken confess doubt. Because I, too, have been an "emotional doubter" on and off for many years. Though I've believed in Jesus for years, have placed my faith in His finished work on the cross and regularly call upon Him as Lord -- at times I just don't feel Him. And I too often compare myself to other believers who seem to have such a rock-solid, passionate relationship with Him that I wish I had.

This brokenness keeps driving me back to Jesus. It's not a head thing, but a heart matter. I so much want to know Jesus deep, deep in my heart. To have that intimacy. And I realize that experiencing this closeness with Jesus will likely involve more valleys as well as mountains -- until I see Him face to face.

And so I pray for all of us -- that we will not lose heart. And to quote from the Guidebook to Waking the Dead:

Jesus, I ask you now for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. By your Spirit, guide me through my work here, so that I may know you, really know you, and find the life you offer me. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. I want all that you have for me here. I want, and ask for, my whole heart back.

Amen.

Jim

Waiting on the Lord...Persevering in Prayer

Thank you so much, friends, for praying for the classroom. I really felt the peace and power of Jesus as I taught the class and told all these stories.

Had a pretty good turnout -- about 25, including my wife, our son and two precious friends -- Lou Seckler and Carolyn Dycus - who have an enormous impact on my life in the area of intercessory prayer.

One of the most encouraging stories from the class was when Duane Jenkins, a minister at the Richland Hills church in Ft. Worth. He told of a woman who had come to Christ at their church who had previously lived in Abilene. She used to live in the Colonial Apartments, where Highland had a ministry. And some of the neighborhood walkers, ACU students who would walk around the area surrounding Highland and pray for folks. They had prayed with this woman, who later moved to the Metroplex and then eventually gave her life to Jesus. You never know what will happen when you plant seeds in the hearts of folks and pray for them. The Lord of the harvest is at work, even though we may not see much change -- or may have to wait for years.

And so to you who have been praying for a long time for a brother or sister who is far away from God, a friend who has not yet named the name of Jesus, or a child who is out in the wilderness of sin -- don't give up! Persevere in prayer! Keep asking the Hound of Heaven to work on their hearts. It may be some other believer besides you and me that will be used by God to bring them to the Lord, and welcome them back into the fold.

So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. -- Gal. 6:6, NLT

Jim

Looking Back

Last night Susan and I attended Continent of Great Cities' fund-raising dinner at the beautiful new Ministry Activities Center of the University Church. Continent was celebrating its 30th year of training teams to plant churches in Central and South America.

The highlight of the dinner for me was when a young woman named Allesandra from Buenos Aires spoke. She told her story of when she was growing up in Fortaleza, Brazil and how her parents fought a lot and there was little peace in her family. Then one day they encountered some missionaries who told them about Jesus. As her parents studied the gospels and learned of the free gift of Jesus Christ them became believers and were both baptized. Over time her Dad moved her family to different cities in Brazil, preaching and starting churches. Allesandra and her siblings became Christ-followers, too. Today her brother and his wife are working in ministry. Allessandra married a man who was on a church-planting team headed to Buenos Aires, Argentina. They now have two small children and are sharing Christ in that huge city.

Near the end of her message, Allesandra began to cry as she was so moved by how the Lord had touched her family with the gospel so many years ago. And as she looked back, she could see the far-reaching impact in the spread of the gospel that those two missionaries in Fortaleza had. God used them above and beyond what they could ask or imagine, to paraphrase the words of Paul in Eph. 3.

Her story reminded me of how powerful it is to look back and reflect on how the Lord works in our lives as believers. At times I find it difficult to see how the Lord is working in the present and sometimes wonder how big a difference I'm making in other people's lives. But when I look back and think about the faithfulness of the Lord (and of course, we can't see it all -- only He knows), my faith in Him is bolstered.

This afternoon at Lectureship I'm going to teach a class on corporate prayer titled, "Not By Our Might...But By His Power." I'm planning on telling many Highland stories of group prayer -- prayer walks, prayer vigils, prayers for funding mission trips, etc. The other day when I was going over these notes, I started to get emotional, as Allesandra did last night. It blew me away how I could see the Lord at work in answering our prayers.

This is one reason why I like Thanksgiving dinners so much. Because during the meal with Susan's extended family we always have a time where we go around the table and share how we thank the Lord for His faithfulness to us in the past year.

Looking back, with eyes of faith, truly does help us as followers of Christ to witness His great and mighty deeds. That's why it's so vital that we continue telling our story to each other.

I'd appreciate your prayers for me today as I speak at 2 P.M. As I look back and tell my and Highland's story, I pray that the listeners will feel called to more fervent prayer -- especially corporate prayer -- so that they, too, can one day look back and say, "Great is Thy Faithfulness!

Jim

What Would I Do With a Windfall?

I always have a hard time picking out a DVD at the rental store. So many choices, and of course you have to sort through all the trashy films. Susan and I were at Box Office Video late Saturday afternoon. We each had one we wanted to watch. Susan picked "Millions," because she had read on Christianity Today's website that it was one of the top films of 2005 that has a theme of redemption. As I looked at the cover and read the credits and the synopsis about it, I was a bit reluctant. But I finally gave into her judgment and went with her choice. I'm so glad I did.

It's a British film, somewhat quirky, about a boy who comes upon a huge pile of money near his playhouse. His brother starts picking out all sorts of things he could buy. And yet the hero of the storywanted to look for poor people and give the money away. Although there are a few odd moments, including appearances of saints that only this boy sees, it really carries a tremendous message about greed, compassion and going against the grain.

The ending blew us away. I couldn't help crying.

As I was thinking about this film this morning, two other things came to mind. I thought of John Grisham's The Testament, another wonderful story about the contrast of those who are clinging to the world's goods and a missionary in Brazil who loved Jesus and the lost more than earthly comforts.

And I recalled an interview I read a few months ago of Rick Warren. He who wrote the multi-million bestseller, The Purpose Driven Life. Rick has made a ton of money off that book, but he and his wife have not changed their lifestyle. Haven't made any major purposes. He decided to pay his church back all the salary they had paid him in the 26 years he's led that church. And now he and his wife do a "reverse tithe" -- they give away 90% of their income.

As I think about this film, the missionary in The Testament and the Warrens, I must ask myself, "What would I do with a windfall?" My first impulse would probably to pay off the house, buy Susan a new car and some bedroom furniture, purchase some digital photography equipment that I've had my eye on the past year, and then invest the rest. I'm wondering, though, if I went against the grain of my fleshly impulses and instead gave most (or all of it) away to the poor. That would please the Lord and bless so many people in need. And I might feel even more free.

At the wonderful Michael Card concert at ACU yesterday afternoon, one song that particularly gripped me was about what happens when we let go of the world's goods and let Jesus be our greatest treasure. In the chorus, Michael sang about how FREE we would be ifwe opened up our hands and hearts to the Jesus...and stopped clinging to stuff. Stuff that Jesus tells us will rust or be stolen by robbers.

Even if I never received a windfall, how do I manage "my" money today? Do I really need more things? Must I put more money away in retirement? And will I trust God enough to provide that I'd be willing to become an extravagant giver?

The look on the face of the young boy in the film "Millions," when he gave his money to the poor, said it all. It was an expression of joy, of freedom.

And isn't that what Jesus will give us when we want Him more than anything else that this fallen world has to offer? And thus become "hilarious givers" for His glory?

The words of 1 John 2 from The Message comes to mind:

Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world, -- wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important -- has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from hmj. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out -- but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.

Jim

Choose Joy

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long.

Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. -- Ps. 86:3-4

Susan and I have a routine each weekday morning. Up around 6 -ish. One of us makes the coffee. We each have our individual quiet times. Then as she's finishing getting dressed, I try to leave the house about 7:35. Before we part, however, we always pray together. Unfortunately, I'm nearly out of time so our prayer isn't as long as I'd like it to be. And yet I still love this tradition.

Before our prayer today I was in somewhat of a melancholy mood. As I was waking up, the memory of 1992 flashed back in my mind-- I was forty years old, finishing up a Master's Degree at ACU, and working two part-time jobs. I was a frustrated man, longing so much to have full-time work in a local church. That never happened and yet the Lord eventually led me to other ministries that fit my gifts much more. And I pray that He has used me in great ways in His kingdom, for His glory. He taught me a lot during those days of being humbled and confused as to the direction my life was taking.

As I mused over this memory early today, I thought of our children and how I long for them to discover their talents and gifts early in life and to find a career that will fit their passion and strengths. I want them to find this niche a lot earlier than I did.

When it was time for our prayer, I walked over to the shower, leaned my hand over the door, grasped Susan's wet hand and asked her to pray with me. She knew I was a bit moody this morning. Susan knows me so well -- and loves me anyway! In my prayer, I tried to focus on the goodness of God and His blessings in our lives.

After I let go of Susan's hand, gave her a kiss and headed out of the bathroom, I heard her words, "Chooose joy, Jimminy."

"Choose joy." Those words kept ringing in my ears as I drove to work. "Choose joy."

Susan’s words made me think of a message I heard 25 years ago when a preacher very passionately spoke on a passage from 1 Thessalonians: “In everything give thanks to the Lord.”

I love how The Message puts it:

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

How can I not choose joy when I focus upon the goodness of God in my life in contrast to my petty little problems?

Choose joy.

This phrase makes me think of my dear friend, Alyene Treas, who just moved from Abilene. She is in her 80’s and radiates the love of Christ. If you knew her story, you might wonder why she has so much joy. Alyene has lost two children and two husbands to death. Life has definitely not been easy. However, she kept trusting in the Lord, raised two girls on her own for many years, taught piano lessons in her home, went back to college, and became a school teacher. She refused to be a victim. Alyene chose joy.

And that’s what I plan to do today, by the power of the Spirit. Besides, who wants to be around a grumpy guy who dwells on a few regrets and focuses on the negative? I certainly don’t want to be around this guy!

“Jimminy, choose joy.” I will, Susie. I will. And how can I not be joyful when I lift my eyes up to Jesus, the One who gives me true joy…over and over and over again.

Praying God's Word

Two days ago a woman I'll call "Ann" came into my office for an interview. She wanted clothing and a few household items. Before taking her through our intake routine, I felt led to talk about what was on her heart. She seemed so beaten down by life. Her head was hanging down and her droopy eyes seemed to tell a story of heartache and pain. Since I noticed on one of our forms that she requested a Bible and prayer, I saw that as an open door. After throwing out a question or two about how she's doing, I sat back and let her tell some of her story. She was living in a two-bedroom house with ten people. She suffered from some nervous disorder. Ann was basically living a life of unending stress.

As I heard her story, I felt a leading to hand her the Bible she requested and open it up to Matthew 11:28-30. "Ann," I said, "I want you to consider turning your weary life over to Jesus. Listen to what He says about taking our burdens to Him." Then as I began reading this word from the Lord, she began to also read His words out loud. After we ended this chapter, Ann kept staring at this verse, apparently touched by the Spirit of God by Jesus' promise that if we come to Him He truly will give us rest for our souls.

Then I did something that I haven't done too often with our neighbors that come for help. I brieflly taught her how to pray - praying God's word. We prayed together portions of Ps. 86. What had prompted me to do this was an excellent chapter that I've been reading lately in Eugene Peterson's excellent book, Subversive Spirituality. The chapter is titled, "Teach Us to Care...Teach Us Not to Care. Peterson's basic point is that if we Christians help others and minister to them but never recognize the basic problem of mankind is sin and self-centeredness then we're really not caring for them in a deep, Christ-centered way. That's why it's vital that we help teach people how to pray.

Two writers have helped me tremendously in how to pray -- one is Peterson and the other is Beth Moore. They describe how to use God's word to pray. Peterson makes the point that the psalms give us words to pray. I tried this earlier this week -- starting my morning by praying Ps. 86. Then I prayed this prayer at our staff/volunteer devotional. It's so powerful to let God give us His words to pray back to Him. One thing it does is to draw the attention away from our problems and tendency to be self-focused and leads us toward God and His majesty, power and love. And seeking Him and His presence more than just asking Him to fix our problems.

You might check out Beth Moore's book, Praying God's Word -- one of my favorites. Each chapter focuses on a particular problem that you and I would struggle with -- unforgiveness, depression, guilt, feeling unlove, etc.

As I did with Ann, I've found that when I pray over people -- whether it's one on one, in an elders' meeting or in front of a large congregation of saints -- the Holy Spirit seems to move so powerfully when I use His word as a guide for prayer.

This morning I read this verse from Galatians. For the first time I recognized it as a prayer. For today, I'm going to pray it over you:

May grace and peace be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. He died for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. That is why all glory belongs to God through all the ages of eternity. Amen. -- Gal. 1:3-5

And amen.

I'd love to hear your experiences of praying the word of God!

Jim

A Relationship That Money Cannot Buy

Thinking back to yesterday's post about creativity, I think you'd be blessed to check out Mike Cope's blog (Sept. 12) where he quotes Darrell Tippens on the arts and how it connects us with our relationship with God.

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I read this sad story on Foxnews.com Monday :

"The 20-year-old son of Anna Nicole Smith has been found dead in the Bahamas, where the former reality TV star and Playboy playmate gave birth to a baby girl days earlier."

Apparently her son, Daniel, had flown to the Bahamas to meet his new baby sister. While sitting in the hospital room he just died and they're not sure why. I couldn't imagine the emotional turmoil this woman is going through, caught in the see-saw of rejoicing in the birth a a baby girl and grieving the sudden loss of her son.

Of course, what Anna Nicole is most famous for is her brief marriage to Texas oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II in 1994. She 26 and he was 89. He died the next year. After her husband's death, Anna fought with one of his sons, Pierce Marshall, over her entitlement to the Marshall's s estate.

The article said, "In the long-running dispute, Smith had won a $474 million judgment, which was later cut to about $89 million and eventually reduced to zero. Pierce Marshall died in June at age 67 from an undisclosed infection."

What really jumped out at me about this story was how both Anna and Pierce fought so hard and long to get their hands on J. Howard's millions. Eventually she gets none of it, Pierce dies and now Anna loses her only son. And who got all of Marshall's money? I'm not sure. But I would guess that the attorneys got a bunch of it.

It's awful what greed can do to a human soul. None of us are exempt from its pull. When I sense the tenacles of coveting and greed wrapping around my heart, the words of Jesus often come to mind: "Be on guard against all types of greed." I need that wake-up call from the Lord to deliver me from this sinful tendency of craving money or things.

And I also need the reminder that money can be so fleeting and cannot compare at all to the two main things Jesus calls us to: to love God with all our heart, mind and strength...and to love our neighbor as ourself.

I pray for Anna Nicole, that this tragedy will cause her to turn to the One who can truly fill her grief-stricken soul. And find a relationship that money cannot buy... and that will last forever.

Jim

Pursuring Your Dreams...to the Glory of God

I suggest that you read the comment by Kathy in yesterday's post. Great stuff by Oswald Chambers.

This past Sunday afternoon I attended a delightful musical recital by our dear sister from the Highland Church, Sarah Stone. Accompanied by the outstanding pianist, Cheryl Lemmons, Sarah belted out several songs -- sacred and selected with her beautiful Mezzo-Soprano voice (Don't ask me what "Mezzo" is -- I still don't know what soprano is, but I sure loved hearing it from Sarah).

So many Highland folk were there to hear Sarah in her public debut. I don't know all of her story, but what I do know really inspired me. She and I have worked on a Walk to Emmaus -- and during that Walk she told her story. While I won't give all the details, I will say that she has grown tremendously in the Lord these past few years -- and He gave her this passion to share her musical talent. He led her to sing in the choir of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. They graciously welcomed her, even though she wasn't a member.

After the recital Sunday, we were standing around at the reception hugging and congratulating her. After I gave Sarah a hug and told her that this could just be the beginning, I stepped back and stood next to her husband, Gary. He was beaming with pride as he took picture after picture of Sarah with her friends. Then he turned to me and said, "You know, she's only been singing publicly about four years. When she was in 7th grade, her choir teacher told Sarah that she had a gift of singing. But her family didn't encourage her to pursue this talent. When she started taking voice lessons a few years ago, Sam Cook (a music prof at ACU) told her that if he had gotten to her earlier she could have been a professional."

As I headed out of the music building to my car, I pondered what Gary told me and kept thinking of Sarah's latent musical gifts that were buried for years -- until now. And I thought of all those people who know they have a gift but for some reason do not cultivate it and pursue exercising it -- maybe because of fear, perhaps because no one every encouraged them to "go for it." Or maybe because they thought they'd be selfish or egotistical to develop their talent(s).

I would say to that person who knows they have a gift from God but never nurtured it, which could be you, "It's Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams!!" Sarah didn't think it was too late, and she had been a nurse for many years and had already raised and launched into the world her two sons. And she certainly isn't doing this out of ego. During a break in the recital she told the audience that all of her singing is for the glory of God.

Do you want me to tell you a secret? Of course you do. There's a dream in my heart that I have strongly felt lately but have been reluctant to pursue. No, I don't plan to quit my day job to follow this dream. I love my work. But there is a creative talent that I believe the Lord has given me that I have never felt permission to pursue for years. As a hobby, I want to develop more as a photographer and filmmaker. I did this during and after college -- even made a couple films. I loved taking pictures and having a movie camera in my hands. And yet I never felt the confidence to try pursuing this as a career. And then when I sensed the Lord giving me a passion for ministry I followed that leading. And I still feel that passion. However, I want to develop these photography and film gifts -- even if it's on the side. And to do so for the glory of my King.

How about you? What are you passionate about? What gift do you know God has given you that you may have not developed much? -- Writing? Decorating? Counseling others? Starting a business? Painting? Gardening?

And if you know you have a gift and are not pursuing it, what's holding you back? And are you willing to lay this on the altar and ask the Lord to help you explore the full potential of this talent/gift -- for His glory and honor?

Our God is a creative God! Just look at a sunrise and sunset. Let's explore our creative side and enjoy that creativity He gives us -- even if our only audience is God Himself.

Jim

Relationships and 9-11

I think all of us will pause and reflect for a moment when for the first time today we notice the date on the calendar or write a check. I certainly did when I wrote "9-11-06" on my things to do list this morning. If we were at least five years old on that morning, it will be a day we'll never forget.

Last night Susan and I saw a very stirring documentary simply titled, "9-11." Ironically, on that dreaded day two French filmmakers, who were brothers, were at Ladder 1 firestation in downtown Manhattan. They had been with this crew for several weeks filming a documentary. When the towers were struck by the two airplanes and then eventually collapsed, those brothers were there with their video cameras, giving an upclose and personal look at this national tragedy.

What was particularly haunting footage was of the firefighters stationed in the lobby of Tower 1 when the other tower collapsed. It became nearly dark in that building. The chief called all his men to come back down the stairs and evacuate the building. After they had escaped (not one man was lost from the Ladder 1 crew!), several of them stood outside the North tower. And then it started to collapse. Again, one of the Frenchmen documented that event as he ran with others away from the tower.

Of all the images and stories I saw last night, one in particular stands out to me. It was the scene of the firemen returning to the station, hugging and crying each other. One by one they all returned safely. All but the rookie fireman, who was the centerpiece of the documentary. He had stayed behind at the station until a retired chief came and talked him into walking down to Ground Zero. But finally, the rookie returned back to the station. And all the men were amazed and deeply grateful they all survived.

I loved the scene where one of the filmmakers had come back to the station but couldn't find his brother, Jules. He asked each of the firemen as they dragged themselves back if they had seen his brother. None of them had. Until finally one of the firefighters said, "Look behind you." And there was Jules, safely returning from the rubble of the Twin Towers. Another cameraman caught the brothers hugging and crying for a long time. In a later interview, Jules' brother said, "After seeing my brother back at the station, I decided that from then on I wanted to be the best brother I could be." This tragedy and brush with death had a "values clarifying" impact on this man. Much more important to him than making an award-winning film was the relationship he had with his brother.

This particular story made me think of my own relationships. I often get so busy with my job, my ministry as an elder, painting the house, mowing the lawn, and all the other tasks that consume my day. And yet if I knew I were going to die in a few weeks or months, what where would I spend most of my time? With those I love – my family and close friends.

I think of the story of the late, great T.V. newscaster, Peter Jennings. In the early part of anchoring ABC’s coverage of 9-11, he called his children and wanted to make sure they were okay. When Jennings was in the midst of covering this unprecedented tragedy in our country, his close relationships leaped to the forefront of his mind and heart. He wanted to be with them or at least talk with them on the phone.

I have a friend who is a fireman in New York and a dear brother in Christ. He was off duty on 9-11 but was quickly called to Ground Zero to help with the rescue mission. It was a gruesome experience that has haunted him for these past five years. I want to call him some time today to tell him how much I love him and that I'm praying for him.

I guess what I'm feeling is that I want to every day have a deep sense of how important my family and close friends are to me. I want to treasure these relationships and nurture them. To call my wife in the middle of the day and just tell her I love her. To e-mail or text message my kids to let them know I'm praying for them. To send my 84 year old mother a letter, hopefully to enliven her lonely days in an assisted living place in California. And to treat my co-workers and volunteers with love, as Jesus would do so.

My favorite professor in Bible school and graduate school was a man named Will Ed Warren. He had 20 years of experience in local church ministry. This man was in love with Jesus and knew so much about what was at the heart of Christian ministry. I'll always remember what he said as he finished out one of our classes near the end of the semester: "Fellas, remember this when you're ministering and preaching in churches: RELATIONSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS."

Not bad advice as we go through this day. I hope that some time today you and I will call or write or e-mail a spouse, child, grandchild or friend. And just tell them how much we love them. Like that French filmmaker, I want to be the best brother I can be. And the best husband. And father. And son. And friend. To invest in those treasured relationships, empowered by the love of Jesus...who through His marvelous grace calls me His friend.

Jim

Escaping the Wrath...Experiencing the Peace

When I was in the 6th grade at St. Catherine's parochial school, I would at times get in some "mischief" with my buddies. We rode our bikes together to school each day. On our way home from school, occasionally we would do some squirrely things (okay, maybe it was often) . No major violations of the law, but enough to make some folks pretty mad. One afternoon in particular stands out.

We stopped off at Ted Mayr's funeral home, rode our bikes down this hill and run into this tall wall of ivy hanging over an covered drive-through attached to the funeral home. It was so much fun that we decided to do it over and over. Finally, an employee came out the door and chastised us for what he saw was damaging their property. He asked us to give him all our names. We did -- but we lied. After he let us go, we hopped on our bikes and thought we were free. Then one of my friends turned around and yelled, "They're fake names!" Immediately, this man jumped in his car and started to chase us. We took off down the street -- scared but a bit excited about this "adventure." We ended up at the Catholic Church where some of us were altar boys. After jumping off our bikes we ran into the sanctuary (we didn't realize it but maybe we thought this building was like a city of refuge in the Old Testament).

After hiding out for awhile, we peeked out the door, saw no one around, jumped back on our bikes and headed to our homes. I thought we had escaped getting in trouble. Then came the phone call late that afternoon. It was Sister Rita Jane, my sixth grade teacher. She told me that this man from the funeral home came to see her and mentioned our names. It turned out that he read our names on the books on the racks of our bikes. We were busted! Guilty! Now it was payback time. My teacher told me how serious this was and that there will be some consequences.

When I got off the phone, I felt so scared. "What's going to happen to me? Will I go to Juvenile Hall? (the jail for youth in our city)?" That thought especially frightened me because a neighorhood kid told me that if you go there, the guards will stick you in a room and turn a fire hose on you. I had believed him. I feared the wrath of the nuns, my parents, the police, everybody!

When my Dad got home he could tell something was wrong with me since I was moping around the house with a furred brow. "What's wrong, Jimbo?" I burst into tears and yelled, "I got in trouble at Ted Mayr's funeral home and I'll probably go to Juvenile Hall."

My Dad just laughed. He knew Mr. Mayr and probably realized that if we just went and apologized to the man everything would be all right. It turned out to not be such a big deal. I can't recall the details, but I think we all told him we were sorry and everything went back to normal quickly.

As I read Isaiah 1 this morning, I thought of that forty-year old memory. Whenever I got in trouble, I knew that some sort of punishment would be coming. Although I tried covering up my sins and violations of the law, if I got caught all I could do was admit I was wrong, take the consequences of what I did and plead for mercy.

Even after having all God's love and care lavished upon them, because of the sinful bent of mankind, Judah and Israel continued turning away from the Lord. And out of His deep love for His people, He sends prophets like Isaiah with a strong word from the Lord, such as:

Come now, let us argue this out,” says the LORD. “No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool. If you will only obey me and let me help you, then you will have plenty to eat. But if you keep turning away and refusing to listen, you will be destroyed by your enemies. I, the LORD, have spoken!” -- Isa. 1:18-20

Although we don't like thinking about it or talking about it, if we've read much of the Bible we know that God's wrath is upon those who refuse to come to Him in repentance and faith. There is a judgment, there is a hell. There will be severe consequences for those who stubbornly refuse to accept the gift of His Son. You read about God's anger and wrath all through the book of Isaiah. And yet you also read the pleas of a God who longs for His people to return to Him. As Philip Yancey says, so much of the Bible is the story of a God who is like a jilted lover. He is wooing us. He wants to forgive us, cleanse us, bring us into His arms of love.

There's nothing like being forgiven. I knew that I was guilty for running into Ted Mayr's ivy and for lying to that man about our names. All I could plead for was mercy. And I got it.

And I'm just wondering if we would appreciate so much more what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross and the Father's amazing love and mercy if we were more aware of God's wrath. If we got ahold more of how holy God is and how unholy we are without Christ. And that He must punish sin. And that we don't deserve a thing but damnation because of our sin. But praise His blessed name that through faith in Jesus we are pardoned, forgiven and welcomed into God's arms of love. He makes us holy. And now we don't need to run from Him, be scared of Him, nor dread judgment day. By dwelling in the city of refuge of the cross of Christ, we are protected from God's wrath and secure with Him forever.

I think I got a glimpse of this feeling of being pardoned that evening when my Dad said he'd talk to Mr. Mayr and work this out. Dad was like my advocate. What an even greater feeling to have an advocate like Jesus who, through the cross, has dealt with our guilt and shame and now is our advocate before the Father.

By the way, I highly recommed you read Mike Cope's blog today -- preachermike.com It's titled "Putt-Putt Christians." Great quotes from Dallas Willard

Are You Listening?

I am so dependent on technology! The last couple days the internet server in our office went down. So no e-mail and no internet! I'm going through withdrawals (and had to go off site today to write this blog entry).

Something happened yesterday that made me think of how vital LISTENING is to the nurturing of relationships. And how uncommmon and difficult it can be.

I took Susan to lunch yesterday (Happy Birthday, Susie!). While we were enjoying our chicken salad sandwiches, an old co-worker came up to her to say hello. Quite frankly, when I saw her coming I didn't look forward to this encounter. Sad to say, we've always seen her as a compulsive talker. She briefly asked how Susan was doing and then immediately launched into a five minute monologue about all her travels to see her variuos grandchildren. When she finally stopped, this woman began to leave and then said, "Oh, happy birthday." And off she went.

As she headed to the door, I said to Susan somewhat sarcastically, "So, how are you today? Tell me about yourself."

Why is it that we naturally talk about ourselves and don't listen? When people corner me and go on and on about something, too often I find myself thinking of what I want to say back to them when they take a breath -- rather than deeply listening to them. Isn't listening to a person and truly letting them know that you are hearing what they're saying a way to show that we truly care about them? That we love them? But don't you find yourself getting a bit annoyed with those who babble on and on about themselves but rarely ask how you're doing?

I had one friend who, when I would start telling him about a certain struggle, would cut me off and begin telling me, "I think you need to do such and such." This person meant well and was probably not aware of what he was doing. However, what I needed from him was not immmediate advice but empathy and deep concern.

From my limited training and reading in counseling, I've learned that one of the best things you can say to sommeone who pours out their heart to you is,, "So what I'm hearing you say is...." One of my counseling professors in grad school told us some advice I'll never forget: until a person feels deeply heard and understood by the one they're talking to, their emotion and pain will continue to rise. However, once they're listened to and feel they're understood, then it's as if they've reached a peak of a mountain and begin descending down to a valley of calmness and a feeling of really being helped.

We don't need to solve everyone's problem. Yet when we really let them know we understand what they're saying, I think we've gone a long way in helping that person. Then perhaps you can start exploring with them some options and ways to deal with this problem. And of course, if they're a believer, you can join them in taking their concern to the Lord in prayer.

There is a great book on listening that I couldn't find in my office today. I may go buy another copy. It's called Listening to Others by Joyce Huggett. Great resource. Tremendous stories. She shows the reader how as Christians we can develop a listening heart and minister to hurting folks in significant ways.

The old wise admonition of James comes to mind: "Be quick to listen and slow to speak..."

What helps you listen to others? And how do you get others to listen to you?

Jim

Head vs. Heart

This morning I just finished Ecclesiastes in my daily Bible reading. There is lots of wisdom in it (makes sense -- since this book is part of a section of the Bible named "Wisdom Literature"). And yet to be honest with you it left me a bit cold. Here is this great king upon whom the Lord God bestowed an amazing amount of wisdom. And then He gave Solomon a pile of riches. And peace during his reign. King Solomon seemed to have it all. But from his reflections in Ecclesiastes, he tells us that "all" isn't enough.

What hit me as I read through this book is how the tone of it was so different from the psalms of David. The father of Solomon was a man after God's own heart, as Scripture says. And his heart for the Lord oozes out of the psalms. At times he was mad at God, other times he was overjoyed in Him. He cried out to the Lord when in danger or in grief. At many other times the king burst with praises to his God.

I may sound kooky, but when I compare the psalms with Ecclesiastes it seems to me that David had a deep heart relationship with the Lord that perhaps his son didn't have. I don't want to judge the man. I'm just making this observation.

This makes me think of various Christians that I've met over the years in different churches. I recall so well being in a Bible class where the parents of one of our class members was visiting. During discussion time, the father made a very articulate statement about the trinity. He seemed to know the Bible very well and could explain it clearly in Sunday school. As I ran into this man over the years,however, I never felt much warmth from him. He didn't seem to have much joy in his life. Is this because he has a head of knowledge and yet not a heart for Jesus? Again, I can't judge the man. I'm just wondering.

Our men's Bible class has just started a new series based on the excellent book by John Eldridge, Waking the Dead. It definitely deals with matters of the heart. Next week we'll look at a chapter titled, "Eyes of the Heart." It's based on that great prayer of Paul's in Ephesians where he asks God to open the eyes of the believers' hearts to the riches that are in Christ Jesus.

I pray that same prayer for you and me. Because I don't want us to be intellectually convinced of God and be satisfied with head knowledge alone. I want us to experience all that Jesus has to offer us -- and experience Him deeply in my heart.

How have you experienced Christ in your heart?

Jim

Teach Me When to Help...and When Not To Help

One of the most difficult challenges as a follower of Christ when helping those in need is how to help people, how much to help them and when to NOT help them. That challenge presented itself yesterday at the end of the day.

Everyone had gone home. I was wrapping up my work and planning to make a run to the bank and a printer before going to the gym to work out. After locking the front door, I began my walk to the car when I heard the words, "Do you know where Jim is? O, Jim, there you are!" As I saw who it was, I made a big sigh and dropped my shoulders as I stopped in the middle of the street. It was probably visible to this person that I was very frustrated. Because I was!

"Weldon" has come by here so many times for help. Before hours, after hours, and occasionally when we're open. About two weeks ago he caught me about 7:45 in the morning as I came to work. He wanted me to take him to a burrito place to get him and his wife breakfast. After our morning devotional, I took Weldon to La Popular and bought him breakfast burritos and a couple lemonades.

Since then he's come to our place looking for more help. One evening about 9:30 when our janitor was here working, Weldon knocked on the door and asked, "Where's Jim? I need his help. Can I have his home phone?" I'm thankful that our janitor didn't give him the number. I need some boundaries.

Then last Sunday when I came over in the afternoon to help a volunteer bring a large mattress into our furniture storage area, I saw Weldon coming up the street. "Here we go again," I thought. This time Weldon insisted that I give him $5. He promised to pay me back. I repeatedly told him that I don't give out money nor loan money. But if he needed food, I'd go get him a couple hamburgers. Weldon wanted the money. And I said "No" and finally drove off.

Then came yesterday's incident. Weldon wanted me to drive him to Church's Chicken to buy 10 pieces of chicken for him and his wife. In my weak and codependent moment I told him that I'd come right back after going to the bank. While at the bank this thought hit me, maybe from the Lord: "Why should I treat him with special favor and take him to get some chicken while everyone else who comes to the Service Center gets food from our pantry, and receives it during the hours we're open?" I decided right then that I'd go by the Service Center and tell Weldon that I'd gladly give him some food from the pantry. Nothing else.

That night I processed with Susan my interaction with Weldon. Susan feels I'm far too easy on people, need to draw more boundaries and did the right thing by not being Weldon's chauffeur and giving him special treatment.

This whole process made me think of a great chapter in Eugene Peterson's book, Subversive Spirituality. It's titled, "Teach Us to Care, and Not to Care." He writes:

If unwary, the person providing care is co-opted into feeding selfishness, which is to say, sin. There is a great irony here -- that so much of our caring nurtures sin.

Peterson then provides two simple prayers to balance out our Christian compassion and Christian witness:

Teach us to care by teaching us to pray, to pray so that human need becomes the occasion for entering into and embracing the presence and action of God in this life.

Teach us the humility of not caring, so that we do not use anyone's need as a workshop to cobble together makeshift, messianic work that inflates our importance and indispensability.

What this experience with Weldon and these wise words of Peterson seem to tell me is that while I need to care for others as a representative of Christ in this world, I also need to not get in the way of God. To urge this person to depend on God, to seek Christ as the bread that feeds the soul and lasts forever. To draw boundaries and limits with this person so they will hopefully depend upon and be transformed by Jesus Christ.

The next time I see Weldon, I'll probably help him in some way. And yet I pray that the Lord prompts me through His Spirit to help or not help Weldon in a manner that truly helps him...and honors Christ. My greatest concern for Weldon is that he would fall into the arms of the One who will give him what he needs more than anything -- far much greater than a burrito or fried chicken.

Jim