Heart Talk

Grace Bearers

2007-09-14T11:36:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered of what it would be like to have a video camera running during your worst moments? We can look so good at church, at work, and when friends come over for dinner. But what about those unguarded moments, when we let our sinful nature take over and we do things that we'd be appalled by if we heard others do?

My worst moments are usually at home. Late at night. When I'm tired and in a grumpy mood. And often when I have some pent up anger that is unleashed on someone (or something) that was not in the least responsible for the anger.

Okay, confession time. I don't have a video of the incident (thank You, Lord). But someone else witnessed it. A person full of the grace of God.

Right before going to bed we tried spraying our dog's tail with something that's supposed to stop her itching. I tried to distract Oreo (the name of our Jack Russell Terrier) while Susan attempted to apply the spray. But Oreo knew what she was doing and so she kept moving away from her "Vet." The bottom line was I lost my temper with the dog, Oreo won and I ended up with a couple small bites.

After she went outside for a few minutes (Oreo, not Susan), she came back in, was as friendly as ever and wanted to lick my hand. I felt like I was in the doghouse, but Susan extended me grace for my blow up. And we went to bed at peace. Well, kind of at peace. I was trying not to beat myself up for doing what I shouldn't have done.

I'll likely share this incident with my men's prayer group this Tuesday and with my buddy Randy at our weekly Wednesday lunch. Oh, how I need the grace of God each day! The Father who sees EVERYTHING in our lives keeps extending His mercy and grace because He's given us the merits of Jesus - even when we feel lower than the woman caught in adultery.

And I feel so blessed to be around "grace bearers" -- those who know me well, warts and all...and love me anyway. And I'm grateful they don't carry a video camera around with them!

Jim

Why Go to Church

2007-09-10T08:40:00.000-05:00

I seem to run into so many folks that come to the Service Center who say they believe in Jesus but are not currently active in a church. They may have either stopped going quite a while ago or just pop in and out of a Sunday service periodically.

Others I've known over the years have said they've accepted Jesus, that they believe in Him, but they never took the step of obedience in baptism and haven't yet experienced the richness of regularly connecting with other believers in Christ.

I've been an active part of a local group of believers ever since my conversion and baptism at a small church in Southern California 30 years ago. Having been a vagabond for many years, I ended up being active in churches in Dallas, Arkansas, Memphis, St. Louis and the Northeast. Some of the churches I've loved. One or two were too sectarian and I started going elsewhere. But in all of them God did His work of forming me in Christ and helping me to see Him work in the lives of other Jesus-followers. And I pray that He's used me to impact other Christians in those faith communities.

The Highland Church has been my family's spiritual home since 1990. I feel deeply rooted in this church and have experienced so many rich moments in this fellowship -- teaching and being taught, being shepherded by some wonderful elders and now privileged to shepherd others, going on mission trips to Mexico and Brazil, participating in small groups, working with the prayer ministry, baptizing both of our children and watching them learn the value of Christian community. On and on it goes.

I could not imagine being a lone ranger Christian whose main spiritual nurturing comes from watching Christian T.V. or dropping in and out of a church. I must admit that at times I find myself in a routine of going to church and not really thinking about why I keep going Sunday after Sunday, and usually Wednesday night after Wednesday night. Occasionally I'll skip a Wednesday night, wanting to stay home and chill. And yet invariably I regret doing so -- not out of guilt over missing church but rather over a missed opportunity to build up the body and be built up by them.

Why do we go to church? Why should we become deeply involved in a local band of believers?

Our minister of adult faith formation at Highland, Mary Lee Mattis, triggered this thought when I received from her this wonderful quote on the power of staying committed to Christian community:

"In answer to the question about why go to church, writer Nevada Barr answers, "...Why go inside with a bunch of hypocrites instead of staying outdoors in God's country? Because God made we hypocrites, too. Because Jesus said, 'Whenever two or more gather in my name, I am there.' The mountain is for finding and adoring God in the wilderness. Church is for finding and adoring God in community: with others, through others, because of others, in spite of others. Only by finding this place of human interaction focused around the need for the spiritual was I able to recognize God in other people and so, in myself.

Without community,

How would I learn to share?

Who would I help?

How would I learn to accept help?

Would I learn to serve others without others to serve?

And could I know how if I wasn't taught?"

Great thoughts. Jesus has promised us that He will be in the midst of a gathering of believers in His Name. And if He's going to be there, I certainly don't want to miss that opportunity to experience His presence again and again. At church. Week in and week out. Not out of duty but because it is such a privilege and necessity for my growth in Christ to be with others who are indwelt by the living God.

How has your involvement with a church -- imperfect as it is -- been instrumental in your formation in Christ? If you really thought about it for some time, I’m sure you’d be convinced that the living Christ has become more real to you and to those you encounter as you've stayed regularly connected with other followers of the Way.

Jim

Giving with Joy

2007-09-07T07:55:00.000-05:00

One of the most significant books I've read over the past few years has been Margin by Richard Swenson. He is a medical doctor who many years ago reached the burnout stage, which led to the birth of this very timely book. Dr. Swenson did an extensive look at busy, debt-ridden, overloaded lives that are so prevalent in our culture. And then he "writes out a prescription" for how to alleviate the pain we bring upon ourselves and our loved ones. He convincingly makes the case for how we need margin -- space, wiggle room -- in every area of our lives: financially, our time, physical energy and our emotions.

I especially like his chapter about providing margin in our money matters. He makes the case for how debt is such an emotional and relational virus that cripples our lives. And then he shows what we can do once we get out of debt and have extra money each month. The prescription for Christians? Give it away! Here are a few gems from this chapter:

Meeting the needs of others delivers us from the world of selfishness and into a world of grace and gratitude. In giving...you are choosing Heaven as the place you will put your treasure. You are doing what God asked you to do, and what He did Himself. In giving, you are pleasing Him. Money is powerful -- very powerful. It is so powerful, taught Jesus ,that it competes head-to-head with God. How is it possible to break the substantial power money holds over us? Very simple -- give it away...When we give money away, we not only neutralize its power over us, but we also bring it under the domain of the Kingdom of Light. God is honored, and His lordship is confirmed.

I haven't thought of Swenson's deeply challenging and freeing words for some time. However, as I read Paul's persuasive exhortation to the Corinthians to give generously, this book came to mind. He reminds his fellow believers that our Lord will always provide what we need when we give to others:

God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,“Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will never be forgotten. -- 2 Cor 9:7b-9

Isn't that one of the keys of being a generous person? We trust God to take care of us when we give some of our resources away. And isn't that the battle we struggle with? (I certainly do): we're fearful in giving away "our money" because we won't think there is enough for us.

I love the phrase that I read in one of Stephen Covey's book years ago: ABUNDANCE MENTALITY. If I really believe that our Lord owns a cattle on a thousand hills, that there is an abundance of resources in His storehouse, then I will more likely give away more money and more things to those in need. And it just seems that being a giving person in the name of Jesus is a powerful witness to the giving nature of our Father, who He gave us the ultimate gift.

Jim

Faith Heroes

2007-09-04T08:42:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday I began a three week series for Highland's "Early Birds" class -- those in their later years. What a sweet bunch of senior saints. The series is titled, "Heroes of the Faith," and it deals with biographies of three different Christ-followers who have had a profound impact on my life. The first lesson was on Martyn Lloyd-Jones, a man I've mentioned before. He preached for 30 years at the Westminster Chapel, just down the road from Buckingham Palace. We even heard an excerpt on tape of one of his sermons, where he preached passionately from Galatians on the power of the gospel.

This Sunday I'm going to tell the story of William Willberforce, whose story was portrayed so beautifully in the recent film, "Amazing Grace." I've probably mentioned this before, but I've been reading his biography, which was also released this year and has the same name as the movie. A man named Bruce Metaxas wrote it and did a tremendous job (although his British vocabulary is so beyond my knowledge -- where did he come up with all those words?)

Of course, Willberforce is most known for his courageous battle in the Parliament against slavery. It took 20 years from the time he first put forth a bill for abolition to the triumphant day in 1807 when the House of Lords overwhelmingly voted for the wicked slave trade to be abolished in the British Empire.

In reading this book, I came to realize that this deeply committed Christian man, whom God strategically placed in a position of power as a member of the Parliament, championed several other causes for the oppressed. He personally supported many efforts of the poor. And as I read last night, he fought against a horrendous law that kept missionaries out of India. The East Indian British Company had outlawed missionaries, saying that it would be cruel to force these people to give up their religious traditions. But Willberforce couldn't tolerate such a law, especially when he heard of the horror of one particular tradition in India.

In those days, when a woman in India was widowed, her husband's body was burned as part of his funeral ceremony. As hard as it is to imagine, the other part of this ritual was that the widow was thrown on the fire with him. Willberforce recognized how sin leads to such atrocities in people's lives and how their only hope was the gospel. Therefore, he strongly pushed for this law against missionaries in India to be repealed.

Late last night as I read an eye witness account of this practice of burning alive widows in India (which Willberforce read in a meeting of the British Parliament) I was deeply disturbed and once more convicted by the courage of this man. And it made me realize the urgency of evangelism and mission work. Because when an individual, family or entire culture have not been redeemed by the blood, the pain they experience from the oppression of the devil is at times unspeakable.

No wonder that God so loved the world that He sent Jesus to suffer on that cross in order to deliver us from the penalty of sin. More than any of us realizes, the Lord God knows how awful and destructive sin is to a human life and how desperately all of us need a Savior.

Reading about one of my heroes of the faith reminded me of this eternal truth.

Jim

Our Secret Doubts

2007-08-31T08:03:00.002-05:00

I'm sure that millions of people will find it fascinating to hear of the book being released that describes the doubts that plagued a spiritual hero to many -- Mother Teresa. This excerpt from the Christian Science Monitor expresses my reaction to this news:

The book, "Come Be My Light," puts together in one place her writings about her private, inner conflict which were penned in letters to her confessors and superiors.

The writings, edited by Rev. Brian Kolodiejchuk, a proponent for her sainthood, show not only a religious leader tormented by doubt, but pained by it for almost 50 years. The struggle lasted right up until her passing a decade ago.

"Where is my Faith – even deep down right in there is nothing but emptiness & darkness...," she wrote in an undated address to Jesus, at the suggestion of one of her confessors.

From all walks of life, and at all levels, people struggle with doubt – religious and otherwise – on a daily basis: youngsters facing their first day of kindergarten; alcoholics struggling to recover; presidents with world-shaping decisions to make.

Abraham Lincoln was filled with self-doubt, and yet overcame it to lead the country through the Civil War. Martin Luther King Jr. often talked about his doubts – about his ability or willingness to commit to and sustain the civil-rights movement, and his fear of assassination.

It's tempting to think of great moral leaders as unshakable warriors, but that is so rarely true. And it's tempting to think that their courage and good deeds are not possible for the general population to achieve.

But the case of Mother Teresa should make her works feel more accessible to people. If "the saint of the gutters" was tormented by personal failings, then those who feel less saintly can also commit to acts of charity. (From “The Doubting Mother Teresa,” Yahoo News, August 30. 2007)

Let's be honest here -- aren't we reluctant to let others know of our doubts? Especially if we are placed in a position of leadership. We want to appear strong, trusting God for every challenge that comes our way. Having an unwavering confidence in Jesus and our relationship with Him. I have a feeling, though, that many of us have our moments of doubt. I certainly have.

For many years as a Christian I viewed prayer and confession as a private matter. I wasted so many years hiding my struggles from other believer. Two things held me back from asking from admitting these battles with doubt:

1. My pride. I wanted to appear strong in the Lord in front of other believers, especially those who seemed to struggle a lot.

1. My ignorance of how other Christians were struggling with some of the same things as I was – but none of us were communicating and therefore we were all attempting to handle our problems on our own.

I recall a time many years ago when I was in a dorm room at Harding University, studying for the ministry. I had doubts about my faith and questions that I was afraid to ask my professors. And I was becoming increasingly frustrated with the legalism I witnessed in the church. But I didn’t know who to talk to.

When I shared some of these struggles with Susan, who was living in Dallas at the time, she began sending me some tapes by a preacher named Lynn Anderson. Of course, many of us who have any awareness of the Highland Church knew that he preached here for 19 years. And he was one of the few ministers of the gospel who expressed publicly his struggles. And people love him for it -- probably because he expressed some of the same things they battled, but were afraid to admit.

I decided to write Lynn a letter and open my heart to him. And he wrote back the most encouraging letter, empathizing with me. What a blessing he was to me.

Mother Teresa's confession don't shock me, though they do sadden me that she suffered so much. But her journals do remind me that all of us believers in Jesus have feet of clay -- which often may include periods of doubt.

How do you handle your times of doubt? Do you have a special friend with whom you can tell your secrets, including your doubts?

Jim

Claiming Our Freedom

2007-08-30T08:01:00.000-05:00

At lunch yesterday, just as we were about to leave from our meal at Los Arcos, my good friend asked me, "What word from the Lord do you have for me today, Jim?"

What immediately came to mind were the words from 2 Corinthians I had read that morning.

My words to him were something like this, "Randy, because you believe in Christ, you are free, my brother. Free from rules and regulations. Unbound from the interpretations of men. Don't let anyone put a yoke of legalism on you. You're a new creation. You're a living letter from Christ because the Holy Spirit lives in you. Because you're now living under the New Covenant you can be bold and confident in Jesus."

I felt myself getting very passionate as I preached the good news to my dear brother in Christ. His eyes lit up as he heard this word from the Lord. His spirit seemed lifted up.

I just love speaking the gospel to other believers, reminding them of the incredible freedom we have in Christ. Freedom to now serve the living God and not a law or a tradition or ourselves.

And there's something liberating that the Lord does in our own soul as we overhear ourselves telling this good news to others. We just might claim this freedom for our own soul once more.

By the way, I think you'd be blessed by checking out yesterday's blog post by Mike Cope -- www.preachermike.com. It's about the scandal of the gospel and has some great quotes from Galatians.

Jim

A Different Sort of Birthday Party

2007-08-29T08:40:00.000-05:00

Students from Abilene Christian Schools at Trevor's Birthday Party

A man called me recently to let me know of an unusual event that would impact our ministry. His thirteen-year-old son, Trevor, was having his birthday party in a few days at a gymnastic center. I've been to several of such parties for our kids and others. But this one was going to be much different.

Trevor decided that instead of asking his friends to bring him gifts, he wanted them to bring something that would bless some children in need. His Dad asked me how they could benefit the Christian Service Center and the first thing that came to mind was school supplies. His Dad said, "That's perfect. I'll call you next week from the party so you can come pick up the supplies."

A few days later I found myself at the gymnastics center surrounded by a bunch of giggling adolescents. I arrived just in time to see Trevor's Mom cut the cake. Then Trevor's father introduced me and let me speak to these kids. I was so moved by what they did. And after joining them for cake and ice cream and taking the above photo, I headed out the door with several bags of school supplies and $113 in cash that the kids had donated.

Through their generosity, we were able to bless even more low-income children in Abilene who were in need of school supplies. I just love this story of some young teenagers who could be the normally self-absorbed kids that I certainly was at that age. But through the influence of their buddy Trevor, they experienced the joy of giving to others which Jesus tells us far surpasses the experience of receiving.

Happy birthday, Trevor. And thanks for the tremendous lesson you taught us about being others-centered.

Jim

Smelly Christians

2007-08-28T08:07:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite moments lately is when I can grab a half an hour or so before going to bed and reading this fascinating biography called Amazing Grace -- the story of William Willbeforce. Many of you have probably seen the film by this title that tells his story. If not, when it comes out on DVD let me urge you to rent it.

Last night I read the part where he was into a 9 year battle against the slave trade in England. The guy just wouldn't give up. The slave trade was much more than a political issue for him -- it was a matter of moral conviction born from his deep faith in Jesus Christ. And ironically, this man who fought for the cessation of this brutal treatment of African slaves was severely criticized and mocked by some of his fellow Parlimentarians. Even the famous author James Boswell wrote a poem making fun of Willberforce.

In 2 Corinthians 2, Paul talks about "smelly Christians":

Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing. To those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved we are a life-giving perfume.

His fellow Christians in England, who also became outraged when hearing the truth about the brutality of the slave trade, loved Willberforce and were very supportive. But those who didn't belong to Christ couldn't stand the guy. An aging preacher named John Wesley, who was continually persecuted by many leaders in the Church of England as he preached the gospel, wrote a letter to Willberforce. He warned him that the "devils of hell" will oppose his cause of championing abolition. However, he reminded him that if God be for him, who could be against him?

Reading Willberforce's story, and reflecting on other stories of Christian reformers, remind me that the message of Christ will not be accepted by everyone. In fact many people won't like how we "smell." This is so hard for us because our flesh wants to be popular with others, to be liked.

I just think that let new converts know that not everyone is going to like them for their new relationship with Christ. And isn't this an especially difficult lesson to teach our children? Being a serious follower of Jesus will cause some of their peers to avoid them. To even make fun of them.

But it's worth it. After all, you just can't find many biographies of cynical people, naysayers and critics. It's those who take a bold stance for their convictions that inspires us to do the same. And especially those who courageously go against the grain of this world. They may smell terribly to non-believers, but to God and to us as fellow Christians, their life-giving perfume is so pleasing to our souls.

Jim

Never Alone

2007-08-27T08:05:00.000-05:00

Most Sunday afternoons is block of time where I give myself about three hours to disengage. That usually means flopping on the couch of our den to watch a golf tournament. Susan has already retreated to the bedroom for her long nap. I tend to dose off for a few minutes with the volume down low on the T.V. so I can watch the golfers in my semi-conscious state.

This time I took a brief diversion away to a story on the Discovery Channel about a daring photographer. This man liked to put himself in dangerous situations in order to capture shots in nature that few others have documented. There he was perched on a bluff, camera and long lens in hand, pointing toward some Alaska Brown bears trying to swoop fish out of a shallow river. As his camera's shutter fired away, he spoke about how the bears could run up the bluff in a few seconds and maul him. But he kept on shooting, and got some phenomenal photographs.

His next daring adventure was when he came upon a tall cliff next to an ocean bay with a large opening in the rock. He decided to climb up the steep cliff with a backpack filled with camera equipment, which the narrator said weighed as much as a golf bag full of clubs.

When he got to the top of the cliff, he then slowly eased his way over so that he was right over the opening of the cliff and then rappelled down until he got to the point where he could take some dramatic photos through the opening. Sadly, just as he got in the perfect position to take his pictures, his plan fell apart. His hands froze shut from fatigue and he became stuck on the rope, dangling a few feet from frigid water. That's when the lone ranger realized he needed some help.

He cried out, "Help me. I need some help. I need you to come quickly." In what seemed to be a painfully long time, his fiancee motored over to him in a little rubber boat. The photographer kept crying out for her to come quickly, fearing he would lose his grip and drop into the water. Finally she positioned the boat under him and gradually lowered him into the little boat. It was so obvious that this man was greatly relieved since he knew that he couldn't have rescued himself from his predicament.

I know that the lesson for us all is quite obvious -- we really get in trouble when we try to do things on our own. I guess it's that carnal nature we as Christ-followers continue battling. We want to still be somewhat independent, to not ask for help. But I know that my life gets awfully messy when I try to be a lone ranger. And every time I ask for others' help, when I admit my need and realize I cannot do this project by myself, God blesses me when I call on others.

What challenge have you faced lately where you recognized that if others hadn't intervened, you would have surely failed?

Jim

Pitfalls of pride

2007-08-24T08:11:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while an e-mail comes my way that I know I must read. It's a brief message from John Piper, who is a Christ-centered, Bible-honoring and God-exalting preacher at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minnesota.

His words on the danger of pride were sobering. Here's an excerpt from what he said to his staff at a recent retreat:

Beware of pride which brings destruction (2 Chronicles 26).

Uzziah became king of Judah when he was sixteen. He reigned 52 years. “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. . . . He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper” (2 Chronicles 26:4-5). He became very strong and everywhere he went God helped him. But then the constant and thudding theme of the Old Testament happened again. The best kings fail.

“His fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.” (vv. 15-16). His God-given success proved to be his ruin! He became proud. And his pride expressed itself in feeling himself to be above the law and above criticism. So he entered the temple to do what only the priests were allowed to do.

Azariah and eighty priests who were “men of valor” confronted the king in the name of the Lord. “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. . . . Go out of the sanctuary, for you have done wrong, and it will bring you no honor from the Lord God” (v. 18). When Uzziah became angry, God struck him with leprosy in his face, and he lived the rest of his life in a separate house as a leper (v. 21).

Bethlehem, God has strengthened us. We are at risk of this leprosy: “But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction.” What then shall we do? I said two things to the staff:

1) Never let me be above criticism and correction. I invite you to give me constructive criticism whenever you see some attitude or words or actions that dishonor the Lord.

2) Stay close to the cross and never cease to be amazed and thankful that you are saved. People who are perpetually and thankfully amazed that God has saved them are not likely to be destroyed by pride.

For more on Piper, go to www.DesiringGod.org

Jim

Me vs. Them

2007-08-21T08:07:00.001-05:00

Last Thursday Susan and I hosted a Brazil prayer session and planning session, as we prepare to go back there next summer. After listening for a minute or so to a wonderful praise CD on the goodness of the Lord to us, we entered into an extended time of prayer. One person confessed a sin to God that I have never heard prayed. He said, "Lord, I tend to think of myself too much. It seems that in every part of my life I'm always thinking of me. Please forgive me for my self-centeredness."

He confessed a sin that in our honest moments we could all admit to the truth that too often "it's all about me." I guess it's our human nature. This centrifugal force of the flesh is continually pulling us into this me-centered lifestyle. And of course the only solution to this problem is death -- death to self as we surrender to Jesus and let His Spirit rule in our hearts.

Paul made this point so well when chiding the Corinthians for their misuse of gifts:

Since you are so eager to have spiritual gifts, ask God for those that will be of real help to the whole church. -- 1 Cor. 14:12

My prayer after reading this passage early this morning was, "Lord, please use the spiritual gifts You have given me to bless others. And to not keep thinking of my needs, but of others."

One of the reasons I absolutely love going on these Brazil campaigns is to experience and witness the amazing unity of Christians who are focused on the common goal of sharing Jesus with others. As we gather items for garage sales, write fund-raising letters, meet for prayer sessions, load our luggage on a bus to DFW, get settled into our hotel in Brazil, sing in the mall, work diligently at the camp and so on -- there is so much JOY. It's the joy that the Lord gives when His people work together for His honor. It was all about others for the glory of God, and not all about us. And because of that focus we had, we received an amazing blessing from the Holy Spirit -- that unspeakable joy.

When we think and act in terms of them and not me, in the name of Jesus, I truly believe that the Lord gives us that experience from His promise that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

Jim

Spirit- tempered Relationships

2007-08-16T08:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday when I got some news from one of my brothers out in California, I got really mad. He told me that a person we've hired to take care of some property issues for my mother has been dragging his feet for a long time. These past several months I've called him over and over. He keeps telling me he'll take care of the matter and then we learn later that he still has not done the job. I've contacted the man who hired this property guy and urged him to put the pressure on him. He says that he tries to motivate the man, but nothing gets done.

In the heat of my frustration, I composed a rather strong e-mail to this person we hired. I could feel my blood boil as I hit each key. Man, I felt such righteous indignation! There's an adrenalin rush that flies through your body when you ventilate your feelings toward someone who has not done you right.

However, just before I hit the send key, Someone appeared to hit the pause button on my heart. It seemed wise to first send the e-mail to my siblings, to get their input and make sure I wasn't just reacting in anger.

One of my personal policies is to not use e-mail for confrontation. Therefore, I felt that if I were to sent this man an e-mail I should first call him to let him know of my deep frustration with his service and that I'll be sending him a message via e-mail to explain why I'm so disappointed in his work and what the consequences will be if he wouldn't act immediately (no, I wouldn't threaten him with a law suit but rather go hire someone else).

One of my brothers responded to my e-mail and shared my anger. In fact, he felt I was too nice. I'm still waiting to hear back from my other brother and my sister before I do anything.

Above all, I want to respond in a way that honors Jesus Christ. I realize that this still may involve tough love and not letting this man run over us. But yet as followers of the Lord Jesus we must deal with those with whom we have conflict in a Spirit-led way. God's honor is at stake...and so are eternal souls.

Reading 1 Corinthians 10 this morning gave me a lot to ponder as I considered this conflict with these two service providers. While the context of Paul's teaching was about eating food sacrificed to idols, what He says guides us in how to use our freedom in Christ for unselfish purposes.

Before rising from my chair this morning to shower and dress, I spent a long time reflecting on this verse:

I try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what I like or what is best for me, but what is best for them so they may be saved. -- 1 Cor. 10:33

How would my relationship with this service provider (and thus my e-mail to him) be shaped by the reality that he may not be saved? And what if I considered not what is best for me but what is best for him -- especially his eternal soul?

I realized that we don't need to be codependent with people and put up with shoddy work. If someone we hire is not getting the job done, we have every right to release him and find someone else. But mustn't we do so in a way that differs radically from the way the world would do this?

And so, I come back to my e-mail. I'm asking the Lord to above all temper my attitude through His Spirit's work in my heart. Again, His honor is at stake. And the way I handle this matter could make a profound difference in this person (who irritates me terribly) who was created by God and for whom Jesus died.

Jim

Psalm Therapy

2007-08-14T07:55:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite things to do when asked to pray for someone at an elders' meeting is to pray a psalm over someone. I did that again recently, using a recent favorite of mine -- Psalm 57:

I cry out to God Most High,
to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
He will send help from heaven to save me,

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens!
May your glory shine over all the earth. -- Ps. 57: 2-3a, 5, NLT

As we all heard God's word spoken over this person, it seemed so evident to all of us that we were visited by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

I just love how the Psalms speaks to our emotions. The Lord in His wisdom and grace gave us this wonderful book which helps us express our deep feelings to Him -- whether they be anger, sadness or exhilarating joy.

If you're like me, the psalms in my Bibles have notes next to them -- where I write down the date and how this psalm spoke to a particular challenge or turning point in my life:

Next to Psalm 116:7 "(Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.") is the note, "8-11-90 -- "Being led to Abilene."

At the heading of Psalm 130 (one of my all time favorites!) are my words, "St.Louis days" -- a time when Susan and I were training for a church planting...and really living on the edge of adventure and faith.

Right beside Psalm 96:4 ("For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.") is this notation: "6-11-00 -- Flying to Rio de Janeiro, after a fantastic campaign in Brazil" Little did I know that our family would return to Brazil three more times, and plan to go again next summer. God has been so faithful in all those campaigns.

I love to record my spiritual journey in my Bible. And so often those notations of God's work in my life are inscribed in the pages of the psalms.

How about you? What psalms have been some of your favorites? And how have they spoken to your heart lately?

Jim

Unreasonable Thinking

2007-08-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Scotty Smith, who is a long-term minister in Franklin, Tennessee (where a bunch of Christian musicians hang out) told a story of when he first got out of seminary. When he was interviewing for a youth minister job with a large church, one of the staff asked him, "What personal issues are you struggling with at this season in your life?"

With great confidence Scotty told this minister, "I don't have any questions left for which the Bible does not give me sufficient answers, and since I discovered the sovereignty of God, I don't struggle with anything."

Looking back on that pompous answer, Scotty realizes now what a Pharisee he was. He writes, "Pharisees have answers for everything. They confuse knowledge with spirituality. I had mastered the theology of grace without being mastered by the grace of that theology!" Over his two year period with that church, he was eventually broken of his pride. The Lord used a bold young woman to bring him to his knees, when she told him that he was a great teacher but didn't know how to love people.1

This story came to mind today as I reflected on a very interesting chapter I read last night in Joyce Meyer's popular book, Battlefield of the Mind. She told of how she became very confused when she tried to understand everything about God and the Christian life. Over time the Lord taught her that such reasoning can get in the way of knowing Him. Seeking full explanations from God can lead to idolatry and, as Scotty Smity illustrated so well from his early years in ministry, spiritual pride.

Joyce said that reasoning can become an addiction. Trying to figure everything out made her feel in control. And yet it wasn't until God revealed to her the foolishness of man's reason that she finally gave it up. And only then did she feel at peace with Him.2

I relate so well to these experiences of Joyce and Scotty. Years ago after spending a few sessions with a counselor, he told me, "Jim, you are such an analytical person." I thought that was a compliment. And while I don't want to downplay the value of good thinking, I see now that being over analytical can not bring the peace that Jesus offers. It certainly didn't for me. Rather than trying to figure out all the nuances of water baptism, or understand how the Holy Spirit works (which I tried to for many years), I needed to humble myself before the Lord and just surrender myself to His work in my life -- including my mind.

Having faith in Jesus, being in love with Jesus and loving others can lead you to do some rather "unreasonable" things. Like the preacher I heard once who said that the Lord told him to give his set of Ping golf clubs to his brother. This didn't sound reasonable to me -- especially since I love golf so much! But promptings from the Holy Spirit won't make sense to the worldly mind. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:14, the natural man does not understand the spiritual man.

However, when by faith we follow these promptings from Jesus in our heart, He certainly blesses our obedience. Even if it seems, well,unreasonable.

Jim

1. Scotty Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman, Speechless (Zondervan Publishing House, 1999), p. 64.

2. Joyce Meyer, Battlefield of the Mind (Warner Faith, 1995), pp. 99-102.

Leader Worship

2007-08-07T08:10:00.000-05:00

As a new believer in the mid-to late 70's, I began to look to men and women in my church and watch how they followed Jesus. They were kind of like my training wheels, teaching me God's word, discipling me and modeling for me how to be husbands and wives, parents and employees. I needed to eventually take off the training wheels and fix my attention mainly on Jesus. Unfortunately, I took too long doing this and thus became at times disappointed and even disillusioned as I began seeing the flaws in these leaders -- and even some major moral failures in them.

Haven't you found that our human nature causes us to so easily attach ourselves to leaders, often to the point of unconsciously putting our trust in them rather than in God? I think that's why Paul was so strong in talking to the Corinthian church, which was suffering from the cancer of divisiveness and taking sides with various leaders. He reminds them of Who is to be the center of our trust:

Who is Apollos, and who is Paul, that we should be the cause of such quarrels? Why, we’re only servants. Through us God caused you to believe. My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow.

God causes us to believe in Christ. And ultimately He is the one Who makes us grow in Christ.

I can see at least three problems with this tendency towards what I call "leader worship."

First, it sets up followers to eventually be disappointed. Sometimes in devastating ways. Several years ago I attended a weekend Christian writer's retreat. The conversation that stood out to me was with two women who had recently written a book about their pastor. And it was not a positive story. This dynamic preacher of a very large and growing congregation had a secret -- he was having multiple adulterous relationships with women in his church. When his sin was exposed, the congregation was deeply shaken. The book these women wrote described how this church slowly came back to life, which was a slow and painful process.

The second problem of putting leaders on a pedestal is that this places enormous pressure on the leader. I've heard far too many stories of pastors whom everyone looked up to and expected so much from them. Some churches with a heritage of a one pastor system have witnessed minister burnout or moral failures. They began to re-think leadership in light of the New Testament and discovered the wisdom of appointing elders so as to spread out the leadership of the congregation. I think this tendency towards leader worship makes it imperative for leaders to be vulnerable, confessional and to remind his or her followers to ultimately look to Jesus and not to them.

Third, and most importantly, our bent towards exalting human leaders takes our focus off of the living God. No matter how gifted our preacher or elder or women's leader may be, they all have feet of clay. Let's remind ourselves that any good thing coming out of a mutual follower of Christ is a result of the Holy Spirit at work in them. A good friend of mine is a tremendous teacher and leader. At times I've come up to him after he taught a class and thanked him for his great lesson. His response is always, "Well praise God." He never wants to take the credit but instead points me to the One who lives in him and enables him to teach so well.

We may be seed planters or water-ers, but there is only one Gardener. Oh, how I need this reminder so often. I want to be continually mindful of Jesus and worship Him for the good I see in others. And whenever I read a great Christian book, or hear a wonderful sermon or even witness the quiet work of one of His servants, I want my first response to not praise men. Rather, I want to give Jesus all the glory for how He works through frail, imperfect folks like you and me.

Jim

True Repentance

2007-08-06T07:59:00.000-05:00

On and off throughout the weekend I continued working my way through the 700 + page biography of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the dynamic Welsh preacher of the 20th Century. He preached for 30 years at Westminster Chapel in London. And his influence was pervasive throughout the evangelical world.

His preaching was very God-centered, where he emphasized the depravity of man, God's judgment on sinners and the marvelous and amazing grace that can be found through Christ alone and His death and resurrection. Here's one quote on true repentance that really gripped me:

Repentance means that you realize that you are a guilty, vile sinner in the presence of God, that you deserve the wrath and punishment of God, that you are hell-bound. It means that you begin to realize that this thing called sin is in you, that you long to get rid of it, and that you turn your back on it in every shape and form. You renounce the world whatever the cost...and take up the cross and go after Christ. Your nearest and dearest, and the whole world, may call you a fool, or say you have religious mania. You may have to suffer financially, but it makes no difference. That is repentance.

Our natural self doesn't want to admit our badness and our desperate need for a Savior. And yet I believe that in the preaching of the gospel the Holy Spirit will grip people with their utter sinfulness and realization that there is no where to turn but to Jesus.

I felt this trembling in my soul when I attended my first Promise Keepers and heard one of the first speakers preach on the power of the cross. I thought that I had come to that event to become a better husband and father. But what the Lord revealed to me first and foremost was a vision of His holiness and greatness and of my sinfulness and realization of how much I needed Him as my Savior. I needed to repent of my self-righteousness and self-sufficiency.

Facing the truth about ourselves and repenting of our sin is painful. And yet until we admit that in ourselves we have nothing to offer for our salvation and that it's all about God's grace, we're never going to experience true peace in our souls. At least that's been my experience. And that's what reading Dr. Lloyd-Jones biography has confirmed to me over and over.

Jim

Looking Back

2007-08-03T08:11:00.000-05:00

My dear friend, Bryan Gibbs, sent me a weekly prayer guide a couple years ago. He now does this each year. Bryan's example prompted me to do the same. Each weekday has a particular topic for which to pray. He and I have sent one of these prayer guides to many friends and family members, asking them to pray for us, our families and our ministry -- Monday through Friday.

On Fridays, Bryan's "request" is this: "Join me in giving thanks to the Lord for His many blessings." Then he quotes 1 Thess. 5:16-18:

Be joyful always;
pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

And so, I thanked God for the great work He does through Bryan -- as a husband, father of four boys and leader at Continent of Great Cities in their mission work.

Bryan's request made me think of my Saturday mornings. Since I'm not as rushed to get to work, I like to have an extended quiet time on those days. And sometimes I'll spend much of my prayer time looking back on the week and thanking the Lord for how faithful He once more proved Himself to be.

It always amazes me when I look back even on a week's time and realize how good the Lord has been to me. And I know it pleases Him when I dwell on His faithfulness and thank Him for His blessings.

Jim

Self-Awareness

2007-08-02T08:08:00.001-05:00

Our kids each told us a story recently that made me think of how important it is that we have a sense of self-awareness -- and how often we don't.

Shannon was traveling back from Iowa last Sunday after a visit to her boyfriend. She said that throughout the 2 hours flight from Des Moines to Dallas, a woman behind her talked non-stop to the passenger next to her. I would have gone crazy. A little chit chat on the plane is okay with me. But being stuck with a compulsive talker for two hours would drive me a bit nuts.

Then Aaron told us at dinner about how he was riding in the car with a friend for nearly three hours. His other friends were in the back so they could sleep. Aaron was exhausted after a very busy week. All he wanted to do was sleep. And yet the driver talked almost the entire trip. Aaron tried to give the guy a hint -- you know, eyes at half-mast, head nodding, maybe even pretending he was snoring. Apparently, his friend was oblivious to how sleepy Aaron was so he just went right on with his incessant monologue.

I'm curious how a lack of self-awareness impacts our relationship with others. I think that those who are married often have no idea how selfish they can be, or bossy, or controlling. Sometimes it takes a wakeup call from their spouse to realize their need to change. I've heard of wives telling their husbands how certain behavior of theirs really bothers them. As I recall, one of these wives names was Susan. Hmmm.

Isn't it interesting how we can see the flaws in others but we often can't see the defects/sins in ourselves? I'm wondering what you've found that makes you more self-aware...and realize that it's time for some changes.

As you get older, have you noticed your reaction when you see a picture of yourself? "Oh, I've got to lose some weight." Or "I didn't realize how gray my hair is." Or, "Am I really getting that bald?" A pause to take a look at ourselves can reveal the flaws that we normally don't see every day.

Maybe that's why Scripture describes God's word as a mirror:

For if you just listen and don’t obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law—the law that sets you free—and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

-- James 1:23

What does it take to become more self-aware -- to recognize our character defects which may be hurting our relationship with others, not to mention how we relate to God? I thought of a couple things:

1. Ask others who love you and know you well to speak the truth about you. If it's a close friend or a spouse, just say, "What are some things that I need to change in my life that would improve our relationship?" It takes a lot of humility and courage to ask such a question. But the answer, if this loved one is honest with you, could be a major turning point in your life. What is it that proverb says? "Better is open rebuke than hidden love." (Proverbs 27:5)

2. Ask the Lord to reveal ways you need to change. David's bold prayer comes to mind:

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

- Psalm 139:23-24

Taking this personal inventory regularly can be painful. We may want to run from such self-examination, because we don't want to admit when we're wrong. And yet if we believe that the Father LOVES us and has good in store for us as He changes us for His glory, we'll regularly sit quietly in front of the mirror and allow Him do His spiritual makeover in our souls.

For the past several years I've met nearly every Tuesday for a prayer lunch with my dear friend, Neil Tatom. He often closes his prayer with these words: "Lord, please make us more like Jesus." Don't you think that if we keep asking the Holy Spirit to transform us into more Christ-likeness, He'll make us more self-aware? Jesus will show us ways we need to change, including sin in our lives that not only bothers others but also offends His holiness. He will then make us much more pleasant to be around. And He'll enhance our witness for Him before others.

And one of those changes will likely be that we''ll listen to others more... and talk less. Which makes for a much more enjoyable companion at work, in our homes -- and even when we're on a plane or in a car.

Jim

Apostolic Prayers

2007-08-01T09:11:00.000-05:00

It was a few days before Thanksgiving -- 1983. I was sitting in a small chapel with my fellow seminary students at Harding Graduate School in Memphis. Doug Brown, one of our professors, prayed some of Paul's thanksgiving prayers. This was the first time that I could recall using Scripture as prayers. And I loved it.

Years later the Lord revealed to me these "apostolic prayers" of Paul. Eph. 1:14-19, Eph. 3:20; 1 Thess. 3:12-13; 2 Thess. 3:5. Prayers that we can pray over others. Whenever I am asked to pray for someone at an elders' meeting, I often choose one of these prayers and pray God's word and God's will over the brother or sister whom we're surrounding and laying hands on them. It always is a holy moment when we pray the word of the Lord over those asking for prayer. The Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts as we pray His will over others.

Susan and I were at a conference at a church this past weekend. It was called "Passion for Christ." One point that really stuck with me is when the speaker mentioned these 25 apostolic prayers in the New Testament. He said, "When you pray those prayers of the Bible you'll be praying God's will."

It made me think that since we believers still have our humanness, we're tempted to pray selfish prayers -- "Lord, do this. Father, please help me with that. Jesus, please change this person."

And yet when we're praying these apostolic prayers, our intercessions are GOD centered, rather than man centered. We exalt Jesus Christ in pleading for His will to be done in our lives and others when we're praying His word.

This makes me think of a book I absolutely love and recommend to you -- Praying God's Word by Beth Moore. Many of the chapters deal with the variety of issues we face as followers of Christ -- being under attack by the enemy, depression, struggling with forgiveness, etc. Every chapter has a section where Beth provides Scripture for us to pray over ourselves and others as they relate to the particular challenge we're facing.

I was struck with the power of these prayers as I read Romans 15 this morning and prayed this one over Susan before heading to work. It was Paul's prayer for the church. And I want to pray it for all of you fellow sons and daughters of God -- for you individually, your congregation and your family:

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other—each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen. And Amen.

Jim

Settling Into Your Niche

2007-07-30T07:59:00.000-05:00

I learned an amazing lesson yesterday afternoon while watching an ancient T.V. show. Susan and I borrowed from the library a DVD of the first season of the classic "Dick Van Dyke Show." The first episode was filmed in January of 1961.

After watching a couple hilarious shows, Susan and I then took a look at the pilot of the program. What a surprise. Carl Reiner, the creative genius who wrote many of the scripts, was the star and the rest of the cast was completely different from those we're used to. He played the part of Rob Petrie and was relatively funny. But the show didn't seem to click. As we watched the credits roll, we noticed the date of this pilot -- 1959. It apparently took about a year and a half for the producers to cast the right characters. And be early 1961, they knew they had a winner.

What hit me was how Carl Reiner undoubtedly realized that someone else needed to play Rob Petrie. And he needed to stick with what he did best -- writing comedy. Of course, when they found Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore and all the rest, they discovered a gold mine of talent. I would say that in looking back on this show, it was one of the most successful television comedies of its time -- perhaps ever.

There's something to learn for all of us from Reiner's experience. We may try to be something that doesn't fit us and perhaps get really frustrated. Maybe we get jealous of others who have a gift that we don't have. And may even stand in the way of letting the right person step into the right "role" -- in our families, at work and in our churches.

For three years during the mid-80's I was a young minister at a wonderful church in South Memphis -- still trying to find my niche in ministry. Robert Qualls, the preacher there who was enormously gifted and deeply loved by that church, insisted that I preach some on Sunday nights. I tried it several times, but it never seemed to fit me. And it bothered me since I felt that preaching was such a powerful role in the church.

It would take years for me to eventually find peace in carrying out the ministry that God had equipped me for -- pastoral work with people, writing, and exhortation. If I had settled into that role earlier in life I think I would have been more effective than trying to be something that just didn't fit my gifts and talents.

I've found through my experiences and in observing that of others that when we are content with the gifts God has given us, work with all our heart in that particular niche and appreciate how He uses others in roles that might be more visible, we have a lot more peace in our soul and with one another.

It's so interesting how this enormously successful television writer could teach us such lessons about life.

Jim

2007-07-26T07:57:00.000-05:00

Isn't it odd that when we first hear the good news, our flesh wants to resist the message. It doesn't seem fair. It goes against our natural feeling that we should at least do something for our salvation. Grace just seems to good to be true. We can't get our minds around it. Which is why faith is our only response to what Jesus did for us, not our trying to figure it out.

When I first heard someone explain the gospel to me back in the early 70's, it bugged me...and frightened me. I began to cling to my religious background and church teaching. I didn't want to let go of my heritage. My rational thinking, pride, and fear of letting go were standing in the way of accepting the gift of Jesus Christ.

These memories flowed back into my thoughts this morning as I read Romans 10. Over and over the message is so clear from holy writ -- coming into a saving relationship with God is all about having simple faith in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross.

For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Instead, they are clinging to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. They won’t go along with God’s way.

For Christ has accomplished the whole purpose of the law. All who believe in him are made right with God

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

Of course, Paul was making his argument to the Jewish believers why Gentile believers stand on the same ground -- at the foot of the cross. However, what Paul says applies to all of us. No matter how good we try to be or how religious we are, none of that can make us right with the Lord. Instead, as the reformers use to say, salvation is by grace alone...by faith alone...through Christ alone.

Hearing the gospel once more gives me so much comfort. Because I am so aware of how I keep falling short. Old sins keep cropping up. Thoughts come in my mind that I don't want to have. Worries and fears at times seem to overtake me and send me into a downward spiral. And yet when I hear the good news that my salvation does not depend on how good I am but instead on the perfection of Jesus Christ to fulfill the law, I am once more given hope. Because now, instead of running away from this good news, I keep running to Jesus when I see my imperfection. And He promises all of us who have faith in Him that "He generously gives his riches to all who ask for them. " (Rom. 10:12)

Jim

For Us

2007-07-24T08:06:00.000-05:00

Last night Susan and I were having a somewhat heated conversation about money. Maybe not heated, but it did get a little warm. Though our son is about to graduate from college, our daughter has two more years. And we were "discussing" ways to help her get through her nursing program with the minimum amount of debt. I hate borrowing money. It doesn't bother Susan as much.

After several minutes of going back and forth about our opinions, it suddenly hit me --we weren't alone in this battle. Finding a solution to this problem wasn't all up to us. God's word promises us in 1 Peter 5:7 that He cares for us, and so we can "cast all (our) anxiety on him." We ended up praying together before going to bed, entrusting this financial challenge to the Lord -- who LOVES us.

Reading Romans 8 in the New Living Translation this morning was especially comforting. These verses in particular really ministered to my soul:

the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress.

the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?

Who then will condemn us? Will Christ Jesus? No, for he is the one who died for us and was raised to life for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us.

I need this reminder every day...every hour...every moment. Because Christ died and rose for me and His Spirit lives in me by faith, He is FOR me. He is pleading on my behalf to the Father. Wow! And He cares for all the details of our lives.

No problem is too big for Him -- not even paying for a daughter's college education.

Jim

Dead Men's Tales

2007-07-20T08:11:00.001-05:00

I like reading about dead men. Biographies, that is. Specifically, Christian biographies. They give me a perspective about life and how to focus on what really counts, what really matters.

When I was in Graduate School in Memphis 25 years ago, a friend at church told me of a book that transformed his life -- Shadow of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliott. I was deeply moved by reading of the brief and yet highly influential life of Jim Elliott -- student at Wheaton College, wholly sold out to Jesus, and an eventual martyr while sharing the gospel with the Auca Indians in Ecuador.

Years later Randy Becton got me to read the story of J.B. Phillips, who did produced one of the first modern translations of the New Testament. He was somewhat like the Eugene Peterson of England. And yet the man suffered terribly with bouts of depression.

I was also fascinated by reading the book released in the mid-90's, Abandoned to God. It was the story of Oswald Chambers, who also died rather young (age 41). I was particularly captivated by the dark night of the soul that he went through. Out of his brokenness came an encounter with the Holy Spirit and thus a profound relationship with Jesus Christ. He never wrote a book, and yet in God's sweet providence was married to a woman who knew short hand. She took notes of the many devotional talks he gave. Many of these talks were given at a YMCA camp where he was stationed in Egypt. After losing her husband at age 41, Bitty Chambers decided to put his devotional talks in book form -- and his classic My Utmost for His Highest has been one of the most influential books in the last century.

Yesterday I picked up from ACU a book that I began to work through at lunch and later in the evening. It is an 800 + biography on a man who has had an enormous impact on my faith -- Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was a Welshman born in the early part of the 20^th Century. Raised in a church that had sprung from a major revival in Wales, Lloyd-Jones eventually trained for medicine. He graduated early from medical school and quickly ascended to a position of esteem as a clinician at a major teaching hospital in London. But as one of his biographers said, something happened:

Slowly, reading for himself, his mind was gripped by the Christian gospel, its compelling power and its balanced logic, like the majestic self-supporting arches of a great cathedral. He had no dramatic crisis of conversion, but there came a point when he had committed himself entirely to the Christian gospel. After that, as he sat in the consulting room, listening to the symptoms of those who came to see him, he realised that what so many of his patients needed was not ordinary medicine, but the gospel he had discovered for himself. He could deal with the symptoms, but the worry, the tension, the obsessions could only be dealt with by the power of Christian conversion. Increasingly he felt that the best way to use his life and talents was to preach that gospel.1

Dr. Jones gave up his medical practice and followed the call of God to preach the gospel. He preached for eleven years in Wales, where his powerful exposition of God’s word led many people to Christ. In 1938 Lloyd-Jones received a call to serve at the Westminster Chapel in London where he preached for 30 years. In 1968, he retired from the pulpit and spent the last thirteen years of his life transcribing his sermons into books and mentoring other ministers.

I recall the first time his ministry had a profound impact on me. A co-worker loaned me a copy of Lloyd-Jones’ little book on the Psalms called Enjoying the Presence of God. In the first few minutes of reading this book, my soul was deeply touched by his words. I remember well one evening that I read in this book his reflections on Psalm 81:10

I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.

The Doctor urged me to open my heart more to the presence of the living God. It must have looked odd, but as I lay there in my bed, falling to sleep, I stretched my hands out to God, opened my mouth and breathed this silent prayer: “Lord, fill me. Fill me, I pray.” I want more than to just read your words. I want to experience You.”

A few months later I was at a ministry conference and came across a $5.00 used copy of another book by Dr. Jones, Spiritual Depression. This title first struck me as, well, depressing. And yet as I read his messages I realized that God had given this man a gift of applying His word to the emotional battles that even Christ-followers face.

I have returned to this book many times whenever I feel myself slipping into spiritual valleys.

A few years ago I heard some audiotapes of his sermons. The messages are riveting, all focused upon the gospel and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I’ve once asked myself, “Why has this man’s lessons had such a great impact on me?” Here are the reasons I’ve come to:

· He keeps pointing me to Christ and to place my soul in the hands of my Savior.

· He calls me to recognize that my salvation comes through grace alone, by faith alone and through Christ alone. Any attempt at human effort to be saved or stay saved will fail.

· He’s helped me get a bigger picture of the majesty and holiness of God, and how desperately I need the blood of Christ and His empowerment in my life.

When I struggle with my failures, recognize how I fall short of God’s standards, and my assurance of salvation wavers, the messages of Lloyd-Jones call me back to the Lord. Once more I fix my eyes on Jesus. He helps me reject anything – any church, teaching, preacher or emotion – that will get between me and Christ and His sacrifice for me.

Like all of us, Lloyd-Jones was an imperfect person. And yet I thank God for “The Doctor,” as his friends called him. He helps me see Jesus, the Savior of my soul, the Great Shepherd of this sheep. And he reminds me of the One in whom I’m to glory every day. As he says:

I will glory only in that Blessed Person Himself by whom this great thing has been done, with whom I died, with whom I have been buried, with whom I am dead to sin and alive unto God, with whom I have risen, with whom I am seated in the heavenly places, by whom and by whom alone the world is crucified unto me and I am crucified unto the world. Anything that wants to come into the centre instead of Him, anything that wants to add itself on to Him, I shall reject….Let us rejoice in Him in all His fullness and in Him alone.2

WHAT CHRISTIAN BIOGRAPHIES HAVE IMPACTED YOUR FAITH?

Jim

1 Sir FredCatherwood, Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: His Life and Ministry

2 D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Spiritual Depression – Its Causes and Its Cure (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1965), p. 189.

Receiving

2007-07-19T08:06:00.000-05:00

When we were on vacation visiting my extended family, I spent one morning making breakfast for everyone. This has been my annual tradition, where I make "wacky pancakes" for all the cousins -- pancakes in various shapes and sizes. We had fun when I put them on their plate and asked them to guess what they were.

The cousins are a lot older now, but they still look forward to "Uncle Jimbo's" pancake breakfast.

It is such a joy to give to others. As Jesus promised us, it really is more blessed to give than receive. But why is it that so often we have a hard time receiving? And what do we miss when we don't ask for help from others and receive? And how do we deny others a blessing when we don't receive from them?

I may have already told this story, but a tradition that I have at the Service Center is "fruit time." Around 3 P.M., I like to go slice up an apple or peel an orange and then go around to all the volunteers and offer them a piece. It's a small way of showing them my appreciation. And yet there is one person who never receives a piece of fruit from me. They usually say, "No, give it to someone else." They may not realize it, but it hurts me when they turn down this gift.

I've been walking through the book of Romans each morning lately and today I pondered this gem of Scripture:

"all who receive God’s wonderful, gracious gift of righteousness will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ." -- Rom. 5:17

Salvation is all about receiving what Christ has done for us on the cross. The good news is that we cannot do enough, be good enough or obey God enough to win His favor. Instead, we cast our souls on the mercy of Jesus Christ and ask Him to save us. And when we come to Jesus with penitent hearts and receiving hands, He gives us His gift of salvation.

And isn't our ongoing relationship with Christ one of receiving and not just giving? We receive His love each day. We receive the continual power of the Holy Spirit when we ask for His help. We receive His wisdom and guidance as we meditate on His word and then obey His voice.

I have a friend who told me lately that when a recurring emotional battle surfaced in his life again, he decided to not hide his problem this time. Instead, he let others know that he needed help. And he got it. People called him and sent him cards. Several Christian friends came by to pray for him. He admitted a need and as a result he RECEIVED encouragement from the body of Christ.

It just seems that we let the Lord work in our lives more when we not only give to others but are willing to also receive from them. Whether it's prayer, wise counsel or even a plate of pancakes.

Jim

Secrecy

2007-07-17T08:03:00.000-05:00

My heart has been heavy the past 20 hours or so after reading of yet another minister accused of moral failure. Hearing this news triggered memories of other men I know, some of whom I worked closely with, that were discovered to have multiple sexual encounters with women over the years. I think of the heartache that ripples out from this secret sinful behavior - wives crushed in spirit and embarrassed, children confused and angry, congregations feeling betrayed. The devil really does a number on us when he gets ahold of a Christian leader and brings him down.

The word "secrecy" came to mind this morning as I thought about these moral failings. One preacher I admired told me that Satan does his best work in the dark. That's why it's so important that we bring everything about our lives into the light, he advised me (Ironically, this same man was later discovered to be living a secret life of sexual sin).

When I was in the 12 steps program, one of the mantras of our support group was "You're as sick as your secrets." What is it about our human nature that we tend to hide things about ourselves? I can think of a few things:

1. We don't want to let on to others when we're struggling.

2. We try to handle our problems on our own.

3. Perhaps we get some sort of high by thinking we can indulge in our secret sins and not get caught.

I'm wondering if our bent towards secrecy is rooted mainly in pride. We don't want to be dependent on others to help us face and overcome our sin. We want to save face and therefore are reluctant to tell others about our dark impulses and fleshly indulgences. As a Christian, I've been ashamed at some of the things I want to do or end up doing. And so at times I didn't tell a fellow believer -- and that always led to trouble.

On the flip side, however, whenever I've been a part of a small group or confided in a close frienship where we got honest with each other, inevitably we became relieved that we weren't the only ones struggling with this sin or problem. And we could sense a movement of the Spirit among us as we confessed our sins to one another. We brought things into the light, and Jesus always blesses such actions by giving us a deeper sense of His presence.

I'll always remember that morning about 16 years ago when I called my new friend Bill Nash, a recovering aloholic. I had yelled at the kids that morning as I took them to school. Then when I got to work I felt so bad about my behavior that I knew that I needed to call someone to get help. Bill's name came to mind. My first words to Bill were something like, "Bill, I'm a perfectionist. And I'm hurting my family because of this. I need help." That began a long-term friendship with a man with whom I could be gut level honest. And he accepted me and loved me, even when he knew of the junk in my life.

Yes, we are as sick as our secrets. Yet on the positive side, I think we're as healthy as our honesty. Like the 5th step says, "We admit our wrongs to God and to somebody else," and the secrets come out from the dark. And we step into the light of the living God where there is forgiveness, mercy, grace and freedom.

Jim

Homeleaving

2007-07-16T08:11:00.000-05:00

That word, "homecoming," stirs in us warm feelings of reunions, reflecting on "the good old days," and seeing old friends and family members.

But what about the word, "homeleaving?" That non-Dictionary word rolled around in my mind as I sleepily dragged myself to the shower this morning. Last night we got home about 2 A.M. from vacation and I had to be at work at 7:45 A.M.

Home leaving. My family and I went to California, my old home town of Ventura. One afternoon after having lunch with my mother at her assisted living center, my sister and I ran some errands for mom. Along the way my sister decided to take us on a quick drive through memory lane. We went by the hospital where all the kids were born. Drove up Dorothy Drive, where we lived about 5 years and then Rockford Court (my favorite house), where we lived for 11 years. Memories flooded my mind of summer evening softball games with the neighbors in that court. Those were magical days.

We drove by our Dad's old office, where we used to stop by on the way home from school and get a coke from his machine. I missed seeing Dad's sports car in his familiar parking spot.

Every time I return to Ventura, taking in the beauty of the ocean and feeling that cool weather, I get a brief pang of nostalgia. And I even wonder what it would be like to move back there. But then I'm reminded that it seems that door was closed long ago. In fact, though I do miss my extended family and that Riviera-like weather, I know that I needed to leave. It was time to move on. I needed to grow up.

Jesus' words came to mind this morning as I reflected on when I left home and moved to Texas 28 years ago next month:

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. -- Luke 14:26-27

Wow. Strong words from Jesus. What is He telling us? It seems to me that if we're serious about being a follower of the Lord, we need to renounce ultimate allegiance to any family tie and let Jesus be the one consuming passion of our lives. Have you noticed how family ties can be so strong that they can easily become an idol? Jesus knows that and so He is very clear that if we want to be one of His, there's nothing that can be more important to us than our relationship with Him -- not even a parent, a spouse or one of our precious children.

And for some of us it may mean literally moving away from our home town. I think it did for me. For other Christ followers, who end up staying in their home town and perhaps near their parents, it may mean drawing some strong boundaries. I know of some adult children who have left the denomination they grew up in and it really hurt their parents. It took courage to stand up to their parents in this decision. But again, if we're going to put Jesus first, it may mean making our parents mad. So be it, if it means that we're allowing Jesus to be the captain of our ship.

Home leaving for the Chirstian is much more than physically leaving our city of origin. It means not allowing our physical home or family of origin or any family member to be our ultimate source of comfort, identity and trust. And this can be gut-wrenching at times since family can be such an anchor for our lives.

And yet I firmly believe that if we make our ultimate home the very heart and will of Jesus, we'll be able to withstand any criticism, shunning or misunderstanding that may come our way. And Jesus promises us that if we belong to Him then some day, one day, we'll get to go to that perfect home...with Him...forever.

Principles vs. Promises

2007-07-07T11:36:00.000-05:00

I was deeply moved by two things I saw/read earlier this week:

1. A wonderful chapter on the gospel in Dudley Hall's Grace Works. He talks about how Christians can fall into Old Covenant thinking, where we try to live by principles (which we cannot do successfully). And then Hall describes the beauty and power of the gospel -- where we live by the promises of Jesus Christ, trusting in Him since He completed everything for our salvation on the cross. My soul was singing after I put that book down at Starbucks and praised God for the freedom He gives us in Christ.

2. The film, "Breach." It's a very well-made film of a true life story. A man named James Hansen worked for the FBI for 25 years and yet deceived our country by selling secrets to the Russians. The part that particulary troubled me was this man was such a religious person -- moral, church-going, and a family man. But he lived this double life.

The contrast of this book and movie made me think of how legalism and religion is so deadening, while living in the promises of God -- simple faith in Jesus -- brings us such freedom!

How many of you heard that Nashville Prayer and Fasting event today? Wow! What a moving of the Holy Spirit!

Jim

Watering Gardens

2007-07-03T08:41:00.000-05:00

Bev Mann responded to yesterday's post with a hearty "Amen" -- how we need to be about doing for others rather than sit around and talk about God or form committees.

I mentioned to her about watering gardens. That is, I told the story of when I was in Randy Becton's office at Herald of Truth one afternoon. He asked me, "Jim, whose garden do we knowthat needs watering?" That is, "Whom do we know that is struggling in some way and could really use a pastoral touch?"

Early this morning as I was starting to awaken from my slumber, I looked over at Susan and started praying for her. Then a few others came to mind and I prayed for them. Too often I pray for my problems and challenges at work. But it hit me today while in bed -- I think far too much about my need for the Lord's strength and not enough about the prayer needs of others.

And so, whose garden could you water today? Maybe you can start "turning on the hose" by asking the Holy Spirit to put on your heart people those who need your fervent prayers today. And they may even need from you a visit or phone call or to be taken out for breakfast.

And I guarantee you -- when you water someone else's garden in Jesus' Name, the Lord will bless you with a refreshment for your own heart. What does that proverb say? "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

Jim

Rabid Religion

2007-07-02T08:03:00.001-05:00

What is it about our allegiance to a religion that makes a person so angry and even rabid at times? And have you noticed how religion keeps us so off track and missing the point of being a follower of Jesus who is in love with Him and other people?

I heard some story about a few churches banding together and filing a public complaint against those in their denomination who are conducting worship services in ways they feel is wrong. Seems to me we need to spend time tending to our own flock in the church we're involved in and not get so worked up about what other Christian groups are doing. This reminds me of the story of a minister at a church whom God raised up to be a spiritual leader in the Emmaus community. One church in his city got very upset when they got word that he was a leader in this ecumenical movement. So they wrote a letter to this man's church, scolding them for their minister's involvement in this group. His elders wrote a letter back to this church saying basically, "Please mind your own business at your church. We'll handle ours."

C.S. Lewis once said: "Discussions divide us. Actions unite us."

On the way to work, as I was pondering this whole notion of how the devil gets us sidetracked and in a spiritual straight jacket with religion, a truck pulling a trailer passed me by. Emblazoned across the trailer were the words: "Broadview Baptist Church -- Disaster Relief Team." A few men wearing caps were in the truck. I knew immediately where they were going -- to help the flood victims in Eastland that have been hammered by all these rains.

I'm sure that these men weren't all worked up about how wrong other churches are in how they conduct their Sunday worship. They just knew that Jesus loves them so much and that He is calling them to go minister to these flood victims in the name of Christ. And I just can see the Lord smiling over this group of servants.

Such examples of humble service makes me want to be more passionate -- not about my opinions about how Sunday morning should be at our church or other churches, but instead passionate about Jesus and doing His will in small ways each day. Maybe that's why that aged apostle John told his flock in 1 John to major in love. Because that's how we please the Father and show the world that Christ is at work in this world to bring people to Him. And that's something that I can get very passionate about.

Loved by a Shepherd

2007-06-29T08:08:00.000-05:00

This Sunday I'll be preaching at a church in Stephenville. This church is in a rebuilding stage with their leadership and so they've asked four Highland elders to give messages on shepherds for the next four weeks. I'll be speaking on the heart of the shepherd. As I prepared my message after work yesterday, the Lord brought back this memory. I cried as I wrote it.

There have been many moments when I’ve been on the receiving end of pastoral moments. When my shepherds ministered to my family and me in our times of need. One such moment that stands out was when I was let go from a job in 2002 – two weeks before Christmas. It would end up being nearly 6 months before I got another job. And early on in that journey, my wife, Susan, told me one morning: “Jim, I’m praying that God will use this time to show you how much He loves you.” And oh, how that prayer was answered. Especially through one elder named Dickie Porche.

A few days after I lost my job, some of the elders invited me to a meeting they were having at church one afternoon. They wanted to pray for me. I walked into that room, sat down, and read to them my prayer request. They then gathered around me, laid hands on me and one of them led this beautiful prayer. Then as I stood up to leave, a bunch of them came over and gave me a hug. As I was walked out of the room, Dickie followed me out and said, “Jim, be sure to tell Susan and your kids how much we love you guys.” About three months later, while looking for full-time work, I really needed some income even from a part-time job. Dickie somehow found out and gave me a call. He invited me into his office and offered me a temporary job as the church maintenance guy. Which was rather ironic since I’m not the most likely guy to be the handyman for our large building. But Dickie knew I needed work…and also a place to belong. And I’ll always remember that moment in his office when he looked me in the eye and said, “Jim, do you realize how much this church loves you and your family?” During this time in my life when I felt really vulnerable, moments like these when one of my shepherds loved me with the love of Jesus, I experienced how much God loves me.

In mid-March one afternoon, right around my birthday, I was outside painting one side of the Highland building. Dickie buzzed me on my cell phone and said that the staff is having their break time. He wanted me to join him. And so I quickly cleaned up and headed to the conference room. As I walked in I saw the entire staff and Dickie, standing in front of a birthday cake. Dickie said, “Happy birthday, Jim.” Jesus showed up that day as that group of brothers and sisters, led by this one shepherd, loved a man who felt down and vulnerable. And I’ll never forget it.

When have you been shepherded by a shepherd in a way that reminded you of Jesus?

Jim

Father Approval

2007-06-27T09:50:00.001-05:00

Like most of us probably, I didn't really think much of how much my father's influence had on me until I became a Dad and entered into my 30's. And it really didn't hit me until I read the classic book by Smalley and Trent, The Blessing.

Even though my parents divorced when I was about 12 and my Dad remarried, I had a good relationship with my Dad. He stayed in touch with us children, having us over to his house on Wedneday nights and Sunday mornings. Dad took me deep sea fishing, to road races, Putt-Putt, car exhibits (he loved foreign cars and instilled in me that same passion), etc. Even though he never knew his own father, who died in surgery when my father was only one, my Dad did the best he could. Imperfect, like my parenting, but good.

I think most of our experience would be that as good as our father may have been, we may not have gotten the blessing and affirmation that perhaps we thought we should. And if we didn't get that blessing, as Smalley and Trent explained so well, there's an empty spot in our lives that can lead to lots of insecurity as an adult.

This struggle of searching for father approval is portrayed so well in the quiet little film of 1999 titled "October Sky." Susan and I rented it for 99 cents and watched it last night. The last few minutes left me in tears. It's a delightful movie, based on a true story (my favorite kind) of four boys growing up in a coal town in Virginia during the 50's. After these young high schoolers heard the news about Russia launching the first satellite, they became obsessed with building a rocket.

But the subplot, which in some ways is the main story, was about this one boy, Homer Hickham, who wanted his coal mining father to believe in his dream.

Our kids both have dreams -- Shannon wants to be a nurse and is entering her third year of nursing school this fall; Aaron wants to be a college basketball referree and he called us last night with excitement, telling us he's been invited to the tryouts for this job.

Susan and I want to be champions for our kids, letting them know that we are behind them in pursuing these dreams. I realize that we can only do so much in giving them the blessing. Human power has its limits -- only a blessing from our Father can give us the deep soul affirmation that we need. And yet I'm just wondering that as parents, if we try to give our kids the blessing, in the name of Jesus, we'll help our children recognize the Father's deep, deep love for them. And for them to know the approval of the Father, through faith in Jesus Christ, will be for them the greatest blessing of all.

I know this subject touches a deep nerve in many of us. But I believe that if we ignore this issue, we'll miss out on receiving the healing love that Abba Father wants to pour into us. And thus limp throughout our lives.

How did you get the blessing from your father? Or, if you didn't, how has the Lord blessed you with His Fatherly love -- perhaps through the love of father figures or mother figures in the body of Christ?

Jim

Mary

2007-06-26T08:04:00.000-05:00

Last night Susan and I hung around Freedom Fellowship, a satellite church that is located in a low-income neighborhood in Abilene. They were having a VBS for the neighborhood and we wanted to go help with the meal for the adults, while the kids were being ministered to outside and in the sanctuary.

There were quite a few volunteers there that night, and so Susan and I were wondering what our role would be that evening. It was after the event concluded when the most meaningful part of the night occured for us. Joe Almanza, Highland's community minister, asked us to follow a couple young girls who were taking containers of food to their grandmother, whom I'll call Mary. Joe said, "I want you to go pray for 'Mary'." We had no reason why he wanted us to do this, but off we went.

About a block away from Freedom's building is an old frame house with a dirt filled lawn and an old van parked on the lawn. A makeshift wooden sidewalk led up to the porch. Seated in a wheelchair, with a look of anticipation about our visit, was Mary. My eyes were immediately drawn to her feet -- her right one was but a stump, her left foot bandaged up. I could tell that it had been amputated, too.

As Susan and I walked up the stairs, following the grandchildren who went inside with the food, we greeted Mary. She immediately reached out her hands, grabbed onto mine and wouldn't let go for several minutes. We sat on the porch with Mary for about 30 minutes, letting her tell her story. "I'm suicidal and this scares me because I don't want to do this."

As we let Mary talk about her grief of losing another foot and feeling worthless, our hearts went out to her. All we wanted to do was love Mary and give her hope -- that she does have something to live for, in spite of these terrible losses. And so we listened and assured her that these feelings of despair and depression are normal reactions to loss. Mary said, "I thought I was the only one who felt this way."

We spent time doing what we thought was the best thing for someone who admits they're tempted to take their life: 1.)Find out if they have any weapons or pills nearby (she didn't); 2.) Ask about support resources (we gave her the name of one of Susan's former students who now works at a mental health clinic in Abilene); 3.) Encourage them with HOPE (as counselor and writer Norm Wright says -- "depressed people need to see that there is hope for their lives.")

After we prayed for Mary and gave her a hug, we walked back down the wooden sidewalk, got in our car and in 6 minutes drove into our garage -- in a world that seemed like a continent away. Our brief visit with Mary was like taking a trip to a third world country. And I wondered about all the lonely, suffering people in Abilene who just want someone to LISTEN to them and pray for them. Some of whom live just a few minutes from our home.

And I wonder how many more of such people I would encounter in this city if I would step out of my comfort zone more often. Think of the huge step that Jesus took in leaving the perfection of heaven and coming to live in this sin-tainted world. Talk about going out of one's comfort zone! And then He went to the struggling, the sick, the demon-possesed -- to heal them, proclaim the Good News and show them the Father.

If I'm going to follow Him each day, how can I not go to more of the "Marys" of this world. And let the Spirit of Christ continue His ministry of love, healing and grace in my little corner of the world. It is uncomfortable -- but I believe it's where Jesus would be. Because He loves the world that much.

Jim

Receiving

2007-06-22T08:12:00.000-05:00

We have a little tradition around here at the Service Center. Every afternoon around 3, I like to slice up an apple or orange, arrange the pieces on a small plate and walk around the building to give our volunteers a piece of fruit. One time I cut up a scrumptious pineapple. That was a big hit.

One thing I've noticed about this tradition is that one person to whom I offer some fruit invariably turns me down. "Oh know, I don't need it. Give it to someone else." I guess she means well and is trying to be polite. But I think it's sad when someone never wants to receive a gift from you. The receiver misses out on getting a blessing, and the giver is hurt by being spurned. That's why whenever I go to someone's home and they offer me something to drink I always tell them "Yes" -- even if it's just a glass of water. I know that the host will be blessed by this small offer of hospitality.

I was struck by this whole idea of receiving yesterday morning in my quiet time. So many Scriptures talk about receiving Christ and His rule in our lives:

"anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." -- Mark 10:15

Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. -- John 16:24

"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. -- Acts 2:38 (Emphasis mine)

What is it about our human nature that we're reluctant to receive things from God? Isn't it pride? And yet don't we get in situations that are so desperate that if we don't receive from the Lord what we need -- a sense of His presence, close friends who can minister to us, healing, a financial blessing -- we're sunk?

And just think of how we bless the Lord when we continually receive from Him all He has for us in Christ. We show Him our dependence upon Him.

And then as we receive, we then get to be a conduit of giving to others in need.

Jim

Eden Hunger

2007-06-19T17:21:00.000-05:00

All of us can likely recall some positive, transcendent moments in our past where we felt we touched a bit of heaven. One such memory for me was triggered by an article in the L.A. Times my brother e-mailed to me today. It was the story of a piece of land being sold, just north of my favorite surfing spot.

It was 1972. Ventura, California. I was experiencing the leisurely, somewhat irresponsible life of a part-time student, part-time worker and part-time surfer. My friend, Allen Main, was making surfboards for a living. He invited me to live with him in a rickety old efficient apartment in the back of his surf shop. The cost of our monthly rent? $65 -- between us.

I grew my hair out, surfed a lot, and eventually bought a movie camera and began working on surf films. There was that one day with Allen, his brother and a couple other surfer buddies that really stands out. We left Ventura very early in the morning, at dark, driving up to Gaviota -- which is just north of Santa Barbara. While the light of dawn was barely appearing, we began our mile or two long trek along the railroad trestles -- surfboard under one arm, a bag of food and water in the other. Our goal was to surf at this pristine private beach known affectionately to us surf bumbs as "The Ranch." We had read about it in Surfer Magazine and heard tales of brave souls who snuck in The Ranch by foot or motored up the coast in small boats.

Just as the sun was rising, we reached our destination. As we all hooted and howled, waxing our boards on the beach, I looked up and saw my friend Allen Main paddling out. A set of waves was forming in the horizon. He was all alone, ready to catch some of the best waves of his life. And we were all about to join him.

The article my brother sent me described how a portion of this beautiful piece of property was sold -- for $140 million. It's called the Bixby Ranch, which some people called, "the last perfect place in California." One nearby realtor said of this gorgeous chunk of land, "It's where you understand what California was all about before people ruined it."

Another quote: "There's no place like it on this earth," says Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joni Gray. "It's more beautiful than Yosemite or Yellowstone. It's the most beautiful place I've ever been."

Some folks who have had the privilege of seeing, walking along or surfing at this gorgeous spot are likely concerned about the future of this property. Will a developer ruin it?

"Surfing" down memory lane got me to thinking of what I call "Eden Hunger." We all have it, though we're probably not fully conscious of it. We have this longing for that paradise lost. Occasionally, we get a glimpse of it --

* On Christmas Eve when the family is all together

* Being part of a worship service where the singing is heavenly, the preaching is powerful and the fellowship sweet

* Enjoying a tasty meal at one of your favorite restaurants with a dear friend or loved one.

As Max Lucado said in one of his books, the Lord flirts with us a bit -- giving us a taste of paradise and a hunger for more. But we soon learn that those moments are fleeting and that life on earth is far too tainted by the fall to become heaven.

Maybe this is why I read one of my all time favorite books three times: A Severe Mercy by Sheldon VanAuken. He and his beloved wife, Davy, had the "ideal relationship." And yet in time they realized that marriage and human love have its limits. We long for something more. We long for God Himself.

Van Auken's description of this "eden hunger" is one of the best I've read. He tells how we have these transcendent moments, which are almost like wooings from heaven. The Lord is telling us that we get some of the meal here, but these are just just the appetizers. The main course awaits all who accept the great invitation from the King.

I loved "The Ranch" and will always treasure those carefree days as a surf bum. And I love those other treasured moments on earth that He has provided me on this earthly journey. But I'm fully aware that this ain't the Garden of Eden, no matter how life here can be. Not even an untouched shoreline in California.

And the less pressure I put on trying to make this earth my home and my source of joy, the more content and tolerant I tend to become of its imperfection. And the more I long for that perfect heavenly Eden where we'll worship and enjoy Jesus forever. And who knows -- He may even provide us a spot to surf. And it will be... perfect.

Jim

P.S.: What about your "Ranch?" And how have you been touched by heavenly longings?

Purposeful Lives

2007-06-19T07:55:00.000-05:00

Every time I go to a funeral I make sure there's a pen and index card in my pocket. Perhaps I'm the only one who ever takes notes at a funeral. It's just that whenever I hear words spoken about an aged saint, I feel compelled to write down these lessons about life -- and how to live in a way that really counts in God's eyes.

It happened again last Saturday. I had only lengthy conversation with Frances Cadenhead one time -- when I visited her in the hospital a few months ago as her body was gradually succumbing to cancer. She had such a sweet spirit about her, so at peace. The main way I knew her before hand was through these regular checks she sent to the Christian Service Center, specifying that her funds go towards buying food for those we feed here each week day.

On Friday night at the family visitation, Frances' daughter and son-in-law,
Darlene and John Ashby, told Susan and me a few stories about Frances as we stood before the casket. Frances suffered so much loss in her life. She was born into grief, as her mother gave birth to her two months after losing her son to spinal meningitis. A few years later she lost a step son to death. Then her husband was killed in a plane crash during the war.

Frances married again but her second husband died early in life. She then moved in with her mother and later cared for her for 15 years as her mom was hit with Alzheimer's disease. In spite of all this grief, Frances lived such a purposeful life in serving others. She started two different chapters of the Alzheimer's Association in cities where she lived and gave many speeches to families whose loved ones were suffering from what's been called "the long goodbye."

Bob Scott told a story at the funeral about how Frances was in a ladies Bible class in 1991. The teacher, Peggy Teague, asked the women to write their mission statement during the class. After Frances wrote hers, she later told her daughter that she wanted this read at her funeral. And that's exactly what Bob did. She basically summarized her life story, stating that her focus was on Jesus Christ -- "His relationship with me and my commitment to Him." Then she wrote:

"My mission is to:

1.) Be the best mother and grandmother I can be.

2.) Support the Christian Service Center by feeding the poor.

3.) Support the Christian prison ministry, especially by helping those who have been released from prison."

She titled this mission statement: "Not Lofty, but Necessary."

Necessary indeed, Frances. Thank you for motivating those you left behind with a passion for living not for yourself but for the Lord, and thus serving others. You remind me of the words of the Apostle Paul:

For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who die for them and was raised again. -- 2 Cor 5:14-15

Jim

Grandmother Books

2007-06-15T08:13:00.000-05:00

This morning I read a long obituary about a sweet woman of God named Frances Cadenhead. She went home to Jesus yesterday. I knew Frances mainly through the mail -- she was a regular donor to this ministry. Often Frances would send us a check to help purchase food for our ministry. As I do with every donor, I responded back with a thank you note.

In reading the obituary, I was amazed at how this Christian woman showed compassion for the poor in every city where she lived. She was a Dorcas, who deeply cared for those in need. I look forward to hearing more about her as I plan to attend her funeral tomorrow.

Her obit. made me think about Grandmother books. I never got to know my grandmothers very well. They both lived in Canada while I was growing up in California. And they died when I was pretty young. And yet years later God provided me another grandmother -- Susan's mother's mom. Grandmother Paul was the sweetest Christian woman, having grown up in Victoria, Texas.

When Susan's mother moved Grandmother Paul to Dallas, I used to go by to see her at her apartment. She'd always serve us coffee and ice cream. During those days I came across a book at a Hallmark store. It was called simply "The Grandmother Book." Susan and I bought the book and for two or three times we sat down Grandmother Paul and interviewed her, writing down what we heard in the Grandmother Book. We now have, sitting on our bookcase, some wonderful memories about her childhood, marriage, family life and spiritual journey. It is an absolute treasure.

A couple weeks ago Susan and I bought another one of these books and we plan to interview her mother. This will be a great heirloom for us to pass down to our kids.

My point is this: let's not wait until funerals and writing obituaries to learn about a loved one. Instead, let's have them tell their stories -- now! And write them down (or video tape their story).

It will be a treasure to us that would far outweigh a financial windfall or a piece of furniture.

Jim

Same-Sex Attraction

2007-06-14T09:00:00.001-05:00

These two conversations were in two different cities, at different times and from radically different perspectives. And yet they dealt with the same issue.

One morning in Memphis in the mid-80's, I took a friend of mine to breakfast. We had been in grad school together and he had just finished his M.Div. As we drank our coffee and waited for our breakfast, Jerry dropped the bombshell. "Jerry" said that he had been fighting same-sex attraction for years, and finally decided to give in to it. Recently he had gone to a park, smoked marijuana with another man and then had sex with him. Jerry told me that this is who he was and he wasn't going to fight against this attraction any more but instead embrace it. The last I heard of Jerry was that he had moved to San Francisco.

Two years later I was sitting in the car of another Christian friend. "Rick" and I had known each other for only about a year, being a part of the same church. He was obviously nervous as he tried to say what was on his heart. Finally out came his words: "Jim, I struggle with homosexuality." Etched on his face was a feeling of shame. Rick didn't want to give in to this struggle. He knew that giving into these impulses would not be part of God's plan. And yet he was dying to tell someone that he struggled with same sex attraction. I tried to mainly listen, tell him I loved him and prayed for him. The last I heard from Rick, he was doing okay and I think he eventually got married.

These 20 year old stories flooded my mind recently after attending two Wednesday night classes at Highland on same-sex attraction. Sally Gary had this battle for years and the Lord delivered her from it. Then He put on her heart a deep desire to begin a ministry to those who battled same-sex attractions. I salute what she's doing and pray a heap of the Lord's blesssings on her work, which is titled, "Centerpeace." As Sally told us last night, only Christ at the center of our hearts will give us peace. And He invites all of us to His table, with Him as the Center Piece/Peace" -- regardless of what we've done or where we've been.

Sally leads a group in Abilene of people wrestling with this pull. And she's doing seminars around the country, urging churches to begin similar support groups. Her big dream is to see one of these groups on every campus in America!

You may already know about her ministry. But if not, check it out on www.CenterPeace.us.

And when you get a chance, send up a prayer for Sally and this great work. Also, would you join me in asking the Lord to put on your heart men and women you know who have been impacted by same-sex attraction. I'm praying this morning for Jerry and Rick, along with some friends I know whose spouses, ex-spouses or children have embraced the homosexual lifestyle and are hurting deeply because of this choice.

May the compassion of Jesus flow through us in a mighty way, so that we will LOVE those who face this battle -- whether they're trying to resist it or have given into it.

Jim

The Name

2007-06-13T09:13:00.000-05:00

At our devotional this morning we read only one verse. That's it. And yet it had so much punch that we dwelled upon one word in that verse. The word? "Name." Here's the passage:

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. -- Luke 2:21

We then looked up and read several passages in the New Testament that mentioned the power of Jesus' Name, such as:

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God -- John 1:12

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." -- Acts 4:12

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -- Phil. 2:8-11 (Emphasis mine)

It's so interesting that right after reading those passages at our devotional, I checked out a couple blogs before diving into the rest of my work. Mike Cope referred us to an article on Larry James' blog. I read it and then scanned a few others. The post on June 1 especially grabbed me. And I didn't agree with Larry completely (he and I have had this time of discussion before -- face to face).

You might read it – the June 1 post on www.larryjamesurbandaily.blogspot.com It's titled “So, Do You Believe in Jesus?”

My response to what he said:

Larry:

In my limited experience in leading a ministry to the poor, I've wrestled with this whole issue of evangelism and meeting people's needs. Of course I want to help people who come to the Christian Service Center unconditionally. And yet I want them to most of all know Jesus, to be found in Him, to experience that eternal life that begins now for those how believe in Him.

I don't want to assume that just because they're poor that they must not know Christ. As you say, we have so much to learn about Jesus from those who come for help. I certainly have.

And yet, when I think about the cross -- the atoning death of my Lord on the cross -- and the power of His resurrection and how He has filled my with the Holy Spirit, I cannot not be passionate about sharing the gospel with our neighbors whom we assist with basic needs.

That's why I loved how my mother-in-law did ministry at CDM years ago. Every person she interviewed she shared her testimony and talked to them about Jesus as she gave them a Bible. Not in a pushy way, but in love.

I just think it's vital that if we're going to let Jesus Christ be Lord over our ministry to the poor, we must make it clear to everyone -- donors and the neighbors we assist and work along side of us -- that we're doing this in the Name of Jesus and for His glory.

Some organizations, foundations, the government and individuals may not support us if we're that adamant about putting the Name of Jesus Christ in the forefront in all we do. That's okay. God will provide in other ways.

---------------------
It is amazing all that Central Dallas Ministry is doing in Dallas under Larry's leadership. I don't want to be bashing what he's doing at all. He's creative, bold and passionate about being a champion for the poor. But I do want to provide another perspective.

What do you bloggers think about this matter?

Jim

Longing

2007-06-12T08:09:00.000-05:00

When the mornings are not too hot or not too cold, I love sitting out on our porch for quiet times. Seeing the clouds tinted by the rising sun. Hearing the birds chirp their morning songs. Feeling the breeze. There's something about being outdoors while meditating on God's word that draws me into His presence.

Psalm 130 was the psalm of the day in my One Year Bible. Reading and praying this psalm while outdoors was so refreshing to my soul. I didn't want to quit, but needed to jump in the shower and head to work. I pray that these words will linger in my soul throughout the day as the busyness of my workplace revs up:

From the depths of despair, O LORD,
I call for your help.
Hear my cry, O Lord.
Pay attention to my prayer.

LORD, if you kept a record of our sins,
who, O Lord, could ever survive?
But you offer forgiveness,
that we might learn to fear you

I am counting on the LORD;
yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word.

I long for the Lord
more than sentries long for the dawn,
yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.

O Israel, hope in the LORD;
for with the LORD there is unfailing love
and an overflowing supply of salvation.

He himself will free Israel
from every kind of sin. -- Ps. 130:1-8

The psalmist's deep longing for the presence of the Lord in his life oozes out of this prayer. It's a cry of absolute dependence on the living God for everything. A cry that surely pleases the Lord, and a cry that will surely be answered by our faithful Lord.

Jim

Listen to My Heart

2007-06-11T07:58:00.000-05:00

My professor in counseling at Harding Graduate School taught me so much through just one principle he gave us in a class one afternoon. It was 1983 and Joel Johnson mentioned how desperately people want to be HEARD. In fact, he said, until a person in pain is really listened to, their emotional level will continue to rise. And yet if we let them know we understand what they're feeling, it's then when they begin to calm down and are more prepared to solve their problem.

This principle was reinforced when I read Stephen Covey's classic book, 7 habits of Highly Effective People. One habit I especially liked was "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." Isn't it our natural bent to want to let our point of view be heard? We want people to hurry up and stop talking so we can get our two cents in, or quickly give them advice. But how different the communication is when we do our best to understand their point of view -- with no judgment nor a "quick fix" answer to their problem.

Saturday night Susan and I saw a good film that portrayed so well the value of listening to others' stories. "Freedom Writers" is based on a true story of a young idealistic school teacher (played so well by Hillary Swank) who takes on some inner city freshmen high school students. They had been bussed in to Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California. On the first day of school they were in no mood to learn anything. The classroom was filled with racial tension, defiance and turf warfare.

It wasn't until their teacher asked them to write their story in daily journal entries that these angry, hurt young teenagers began to open up. The key was that the teacher finally decided to listen to their stories, and she was not going to have any success in teaching them English and about life until these kids were heard.

The film really has a powerful message. The language is a bit rough at times and there are a few scenes of violence. But I recommend it. Especially if you want to see and hear a great story about what can happen to the life of young people whose lives are changed when someone takes the time to listen to their hearts.

Jim

Living with Unpopularity

2007-06-08T07:56:00.000-05:00

One thing's for sure -- when you become serious about following Jesus Christ and stand on His word each day, you'll find out soon that certain people will not like you.

I remember being a new believer back in the mid-70's while working at the Hungry Hunter, a steak restaurant in my hometown of Ventura, California. When I tried to speak about Christ, some of my fellow waiters scoffed at my beliefs. One challenged me about the creation story, trying to convince me of the "truth" of evolution. Feeling like an outsider because of my new birth in Christ bothered me somewhat. I liked being liked. And yet I was finding out pretty quickly that those who have not yet crossed over from spiritual death into life won't be so crazy about those who claim Jesus as Lord.

Reading Acts lately has confirmed to me that some people will hate you because of the Name of Jesus, as our Lord predicted. Some of the Jews who heard the gospel joyfully came to faith in Jesus. But many of the religious leaders were enraged at these followers of Christ and began persecuting them as they did so to the Lord.

Last night I was reading a book that my friend, Kathy, loaned to me. It's called The Marketing of Evil by David Kupelian. It is an alarming book, describing how evil forces in our society are swaying our country to believe lies. Kupelian quoted from an old book by Francis Schaeffer that especially grabbed me right before going to bed:

Most of the evangelical world has not been active in the battle or even been able to see that we are in a battle. And when it comes to the issues of the day the evangelical world most often has said nothing; or worse has said nothing different from what the world would say. Here is the great evangelical disaster -- the failure of the evangelical world to stand for truth as truth. There is only one word for this -- namely accomodation: the evangelical church has accommodated to the world spirit of the age. (The Great Evangelical Disaster, 1984)

That word -- "accomodation" -- jumped off the page and into my mind. That is such a huge temptation for us, especially if we want to be popular -- to be liked by everyone. And yet Scripture is so clear that as believers in Jesus we are not going to feel at home in this world. We'll be called intolerant and close-minded if believe in such "old fashion" things like marriage and is designed by God exclusively for a man and a woman, and that sex is a wonderful gift to be celebrated only within the bounds of marriage.

I think we need to just get used to it -- if we really take Jesus at His word and share our convictions with others, we'll be unpopular among some folks. Even among some people who claim to be followers of Christ.

I know how hard this is to not be accomodating to the world's point of views. People pleasing has been a snare that I've continually battled. But I want to be a God pleaser, not a man pleaser. And if others don't like me because of my Christian convictions, so be it. I can live with unpopularity -- especially when I realize in the depths of my soul that I'm deeply loved and pleasing to God, all because of what Christ has done for me on the cross.

Jim

Confession Time

2007-06-06T08:04:00.000-05:00

Okay, it's time for a confession. My wife and kids know this sin. And I just can't seem to lick it. I obsess over and worry about money too much. Shannon told Susan and me recently, "Al's family (Al is her boyfriend) never talk about low-fat food and money like you guys do."

Personal financial management is kind of a hobby of mine. This may seem weird, but I thoroughly enjoy those Saturday mornings at the first of the month when Susan and I sit down for an hour or two and have a finance meeting. We use the Larry Burkett sheet on calculating a monthly budget (this has been a tremendous guide for us for many years). We write out our tithe and offering checks for the first part of the month. And of course we have our occasional (not so occasional at times!) argument about how to spend money. Susan is more of a spender, I tend to be more thrifty (translation: "tightwad"). And these days the Lord has given us much more financial peace (a lot fewer fights) about our money (which of course is God's money --we're just stewards of these temporary funds).

Since going through classes at church -- studying Bruce Ammons' book, Conquering Debt and Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace -- we've really made some headway in this area, praise the Lord. Instead of borrowing money from the bank or charging something on our credit card, Susan and I are trying to avoid credit and ask God to provide. By His grace, we've managed to build up enough savings in our emergency account that we're be able to pay cash when our van's brakes go out or the washing machine breaks down.

And yet in the midst of these financial victories, I still struggle with worrying over money -- will we have enough for retirement? ; can we get our kids through college without borrowing? What about paying for weddings? Will I be able to work for many years after I turn 65 (which I'd prefer)? These kinds of questions especially roll around in my mind when I wake up at 3 in the morning and cannot sleep.

I know Jesus tells us to worship Him and not money. And I know He urges us to trust Him for our daily provision and seek Him first each day. And I'm fully aware that our Father truly does own the cattle on a thousand hills and loves us so much that He will always take care of His children.

And yet, my flesh still wrestles with these money matters. The other day when I was praying about this, asking the Lord to take away my obsession with money, He reminded me of what my sponsor told me when I was in the 12 step program. "Bob" had been an alcoholic for many years and finally began working the steps. When he came to step 3, that was the big turning point. Before that moment he had been asking God for many months to take away his desire to drink. God didn't answer that prayer. But when "Bob" began practicing step 3 (Make a decision to turn your life over to the care of God), that's when God took aware Bob's desire to drink.

What's the lesson? The Lord doesn't want us to fix things in our lives. He wants us!! He wants our hearts more than anything. Isn't that why Jesus talked so much about money because He knows how it can become such an idol in our lives?

And so I once more come to the Lord, confessing my sins and turning my life over to Him, dying to myself and living for Him. I admit that nothing can sustain or satisfy my life more than Him -- as I dwell on His word and let His Holy Spirit have His way in me. I pray that as I let the Holy Spirit fill me each day, when I have another conversation with our kids at the dinner table or wake up in the middle of the night, I won't mainly talk about or think about finances, but about Jesus.

Jim

Personal Help from Above

2007-06-05T07:57:00.000-05:00

Early this morning before our prayer time and me leaving for work, Susan and I had another one of those discussions about the big issue in marriage -- money! Ever since going through the Dave Ramsey class at our church last year, we're trying to avoid borrowing at all costs (pun intended). But it's getting pretty tight this summer with both of our kids taking classes and no scholarship money in between the regular semesters.

As I prayed in the shower about this, the word that came to mind was not money but "wisdom." I recalled the proverb I read last night, quoted in a really cool book called Courage and Calling by Gordon T. Smith:

For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. -- Proverbs 2:6-10, NLT

Smith writes: Wisdom enables us to live and work, to sustain our relationship and our work in our lives with integrity, focus and balance.

When I think of how we're asking for wisdom from a Father who LOVES us, I'm motivated to ask Him more often and with confidence that He will answer me. He is a Father who loves to guide and protect His children.

Seeking wisdom in the name of Jesus tells our Father that we need Him, it acknowledges our weakness and selfish tendency to try to go our own way or figure things out on our own. Asking for His divine intervention honors the Lord, demonstrating to Him that we trust in His rock-solid promises.

So today, as Susan and I meet later to take a hard look at our checkbook and budget for June, we'll expect an answer from the Lord Jesus. His wisdom never fails! And He guides us in such a personal way. For as 1 Corinthians 1:30 tells us, wisdom is a Person. His name is Jesus Christ -- "our righteousness, holiness and redemption."

Jim

Watching Films Through Discerning Eyes - Part 2

2007-06-04T10:53:00.000-05:00

How do you help your children use discernment in the type of movies they see, without preaching at them? We all know the human tendency to want to do something we're told not to do. Like when the sign on a door says, "Wet Paint" -- what do we want to do? Touch it.

Likewise with films. If we tell our kids we don't want them to see a certain movie, they'll become more curious about seeing it, wanting to know why it's a no-no. I recall so well when I was a young boy in the Catholic Church. I came across an article in our church's publication where the church officially condemned two movies -- "A Walk on the Wild Side" and "Never on a Sunday." I never did see those movies and don't plan to. However, hearing that my church said, "Stay away, verboten!" made me want to see them all the more. That's just our carnal nature.

So how do we encourage our children to let the Holy Spirit guide them as to what movies would be edifying to their soul and wholesome entertainment and what to avoid? When they're young, we're to be the gatekeepers -- being their guide while they're choosing a DVD at the video store or want to head to the theater. But when they become older teenagers, we can only control them so much.

Of course, the most important thing we could do for our older teens is to PRAY, asking the Lord to give them discernment and discretion as to what they see. And to have the strength to resist the peer pressure to see what "everyone else" gets to see.

Secondly, what if we discussed the messages of films at our dinner table? Not ranting and raving about how bad certain movies are. But instead, having a calm and rational talk about the messages we're hearing in films. And how we as followers of Jesus can filter through these messages through the eyes of Christ. I know from experience that if I got too preachy about media with our children , they'd get turned off. And yet I don't want to be silent about these issues -- even if I sound a bit prudish. As we all know, media has such a profound impact on our youth. We must not be passive and quiet about our Christian convictions.

What are your thoughts, fellow bloggers?

Jim

Watching Films Through Discerning Eyes - Part 1

2007-06-01T08:43:00.000-05:00

Last week I stumbled upon a fascinating book written by a Christian philosopher and screenwriter named Brian Godawa. It's called Hollywood Worldviews. Subtitle "Watching Films with Wisdom and Discernment." It's a very indepth exploration of how a variety of world views -- existentialism, postmodernism -- are portrayed in today's films, much to some (or many?) of the viewers awareness.

I like his words in the preface of Godawa's book:

From the funniest comedy to the saddest tragedy, movies capture the imagination, but they also convey the values and worldviews that we hold dear (as well as some we detest). My goal is to help the viewer discern those ideas that drive the story to its destination and how they influence us to live our lives -- to understand the story behind the story.

Why do I find this book to be so important to the follower of Christ? Because I fear that too many of us (especially our youth) are not all that conscious of how movies' messages impact us. While I love films and think they can be used as tremendous tools for giving us topics for conversations about the gospel with believers and non-believers, I am concerned about the insidious way they can shape our minds and hearts -- especially young people.

At the end of each chapter, Godawa suggests that the reader watch a certain genre of film with some friends and then discuss it afterwards. It made me think that I'd love to invite our small group over, watch a film that has substance and a powerful message, and then respond to certain questions, such as: "What is the writer's world view?" "What does the gospel say to the message of this film?" "How was my faith either strengthened or challenged by the movie?"

I guess what I'm saying is that there are ways we can engage the cultural worldview of films by saying more than "I liked it" or "I hated it." Instead, what if we brought our faith into the theater or our living room and allow these movie moments as tools to strengthen our discipleship in Christ.

Jim

Back to the Basics

2007-05-31T08:11:00.000-05:00

I love history. Which is one reason I love to travel and see museums and read historical plaques like the one above. Before leaving Salado Monday afternoon I took this picture outside the 1st Baptist Church which is right on the main drag. Susan and I had gone by there the evening before while on a walk. I was so fascinated by what I read on this plaque. (Please read it before you read my coments).

A few questions come to mind as I ponder this lesson from church history:

Can you imagine that revival down by the riverside mroe than 150 years ago? Must have been a scene like the baptism scene in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" The gospel was preached, people came to faith in Christ, and confessed Jesus at their baptisms.

What would it be like to have gone to Brazil for mission work back in the 1880's? No jets. No long furlough trips. No e-mail. What amazing sacrifices this couple made!

What if today churches shared one building even though we were part of other denominations?

Do you think the believers back then were bothered by the name "Salado Baptist Church of Christ?" Were they more unity minded back then, not having splintered yet into Baptist and Church of Christ camps? Why can't we have that same unity in diversity today?

Why is it that Christians so often are motivated to start colleges? (Note all the connections of this church with Mary Hardin-Baylor College.) Later that day Susan and I went on a walking tour of Baylor University, named after a judge/preacher who gave the first $100 to establish a college in Waco. Is there something about our redemption in Christ that causes us to want to learn and better ourselves and help young people get an education and be productive citizens?

I love history. And I think it's so interesting what lessons we can apply to today when we read a sign like this one outside 1st Baptist Church. And don't you hope that one day when someone reads a history of your life they'll be inspired to live a life of deep significance in Christ?

Jim

Disengaging

2007-05-30T08:02:00.000-05:00

A field near Jarrell, Texas, south of Salado

Since last Friday, our internet server has not worked our office. Finally yesterday afternoon our tech support figured out that our router was bad. I felt so cut off from the world in not having the means to send or receive e-mail, and not being able to send my blog post. In fact, yesterday I had to go to all the trouble of actually calling a board member on the phone, rather than sending her an e-mail. Could you imagine that! Such inconveniences! : ) There are some advantages, however, of being disengaged from technology. Every weekend I take a break from blogs and e-mail. This practice gives me more time to talk with Susan and to read more extensively.

Over Memorial Day weekend we were blessed to go to Salado, Texas for three days and a couple nights at a B & B. Saturday morning, even when we were just a few miles out of town, heading south on Highway 84, we felt such relief in disengaging from our work. Susan had a particularly tough semester, including the death of her colleague of 17 years. And I always could use a break from the people-intense work that I have. I love my work, but do need to get away from it periodically. I thought of how valuable it is to disengage from our routine. It's so refreshing for a marriage. And it has a way of clearing our minds and getting us to think through some issues of work and family. Spending time at a Starbucks Sunday afternoon in Georgetown was especially helpful. I spent a long time re-reading a chapter from Ruth Haley Barton's excellent Sacred Rhythms. Susan is reading it these days and told me that this particular chapter would speak to my soul. She was so right. I felt God speaking to me through her Barton's words as she guides the reader through a meditation on Psalm 139. You may think, "I can't afford to get away for a weekend. We don't have the money. Our kids are too young. My job needs me." But I would say that for your mental, spritual and relational health you cannot afford NOT getting away from your daily routine at times. Even if it's an afternoon at a park. Several hours at the library. Or an evening at Starbucks with a good friend. Jesus got away regularly to have times with His Father. He took His disciples away periodically from the crowds to spend time alone with them. I've found that if there is going to be any depth in my soul, any deep listening to the Father, I have to occasionally disengage from the crowds (and technology) in order to let Jesus speak into my life. To slow down and allow Him to remind me of His love, His will and that He is in control...and not me. Jim

Legacies

2007-05-23T07:59:00.000-05:00

Tuesday night I was blessed to attend the wake of Brenda Van Dunk, a long-time Social Work professor at ACU. She succumbed to cancer after a seven year battle. One person told me after it was over, "Now I know the difference between a wake and a visitation."

At a visitation there is mainly socializing, viewing the body and hugging on the family. At Tuesday night's wake, it was a combined praise service and testimonial time. The Highland singers sang some hymns and we read some Scriptures. One friend of Brenda's sang a solo. The bulk of our time, however, was taking turns standing up and telling the crowd of how Brenda had impacted our lives. Social workers, fellow professors, nieces, professional colleagues, her students -- a variety of folks who were deeply influenced by Brenda's life had something positive to say. And most of them mentioned her deep faith in the Lord. One of my favorite testimonials was from a woman who went on and on about how Christ lived in her friend and then she said, "Brenda taught us how to die."

The next day was the funeral, held at New Light Baptist Church -- Brenda's second church home. It lasted two and a half hours. I loved it. I had never been to an African American funeral before. The choir and preaching and piano and organ music while Scripture was being read -- it was all good.

The last preacher (there were four of them) delivered a riveting message from John 14 - where Jesus tells His disciples of the new commandment He is giving to them, to love one another as He loves them (and us!). This preacher said that Brenda told him, "Don't talk about me at the funeral. Talk about love."

This morning as I reflected on this funeral and all the testimonies about how Brenda's faith in Jesus impacted so many people -- students, colleagues, young black girls she mentored, the community -- I realized that when someone dies we tend to realize what really matters in life.

What if at our own funeral they showed a Powerpoint presentation displaying the front of your house, the car we drove, our closet full of clothing and a balance sheet displaying our retirement and savings account? In contrast, what if the Powerpoint consisted entirely of photographs -- photos of people impacted by Jesus through us?

Children who grew up in Christian orphanages homes that we supported

People's faces of different color from various nations who heard the gospel and were saved because we supported missionaries that shared Christ with them.

Men and women who were once trapped in the grind of poverty but were able to escape because we gave to ministries to the poor.

Isn't that the kind of legacy that you want to leave behind? Makes me want to live in a way where I'm consumed with doing the Father's will -- every day.

I heard a song on my CD player on the way to work this morning that put a capstone on what I experienced these past two days at Brenda's wake and funeral:

"This is what I'm glad to do
It's time to live a life of love that pleases You
And I will give my all to You
Surrender everything I have and follow You.
I'll follow You."

Amen. Thank You, Father, for showing us the way of love in the Name of Jesus through the life of Brenda Van Dunk.

Jim

Overcoming Discouragement

2007-05-22T08:10:00.001-05:00

At the end of an especially busy and stressful week at work, a friend of mine handed me a one page article titled, "12 Ways to Overcome Discouragement."

Saturday morning during a long quiet time I spent several minutes pondering this counsel in how to combat discouragement. Here are a few that I especially liked:

1. Know yourself.

What is it that replenishes you? To be with people? To go into solitude? Whatever it is that nourishes and replenishes your soul, take time to do so regularly. (For me, it's long periods of time alone -- reading and praying. This is one reason why I like to camp out at Starbucks periodically -- no e-mail, no phones, no interruptions!)

2. Reach Out for the Help of Others

My ego-drivennness keeps me from asking for help often enough. I must practice healthy delegation. And I need a spiritual guide with whom I can be gut level honest. This proverb really grabbed me the other day:

Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success."
-- Prov. 15:22.

As I heard John Maxwell once said, "Reach out and ASK someone."

3. Write Down Your Expectations

What do you expect for yourself, your children, your spouse, your church, etc. Then consider: Are these expectations realistic? Which are under my control? What are the highest in priority?

As someone once said, "For peace of mind, please resign as master of the universe."*

* Adapted from Renee S. Sanford, Tough Times

I think it's also important to recognized the source of discouragement. One of my favorite professors in a Bible school I attended 25 years ago once said, "The devil has all sorts of tools in his tool box. But his favorite one is discouragement."

I pray that if you are presently experiencing any sort of discouragement, you'll take the time to be replenished by the Lord, let your cup be refilled, and get realistic about your expectations.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -- Romans 15:13

Jim

Staying Together

2007-05-21T09:05:00.000-05:00

After attending two weddings on Saturday and then driving 7 hours back and forth to Dallas on Sunday for our niece's graduation, I've been reflecting on the power of long-term relationships. It was so cool to see the many Highland people attending both weddings -- for Adam Lott and Cami Porche, who grew up at Highland. We were then blessed to attend the graduation at Dallas Christian for Stepani Hutcheson, the youngest daughter of Susan's sister, Vanette. Afterwards we gathered at Vanette's house with lots of family members and a scrumptious meal from Pappasito's.

When you stay together in a nuclear family, extended family or local church, you reap so many benefits. You learn from the Lord how to forgive one another and receive forgiveness for how you hurt others you love. You see Christ at work through long-term commitments. The Holy Spirit refines us and transforms us into the image of Jesus in the rough and tumble world of shared joys, working through conflicts and mutual encouragement.

The idea of staying together especially has been on my heart lately because of some conflict we had to work through last week at the Service Center. We made some major changes in our receiving room which led to a bit of conflict, hurt feelings and misunderstandings. But praise be to the Lord, He is helping us work through these changes and stay together in love. And I believe we're becoming stronger after passing through this storm.

All of this makes me think of one line from Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life. He stated that in a community of faith, we're going to inevitably hurt one another and sin against each other -- at times in unintentional ways. That's why we need to continue to forgive each other.

What a blessing that we are not only commanded by Jesus to continually love and forgive each other, but also promised the power of the Holy Spirit Who enables us to live this life of love.

And just think of how staying together in a Christian community -- even though we don't always agree and keep offending or being offended -- displays the beauty of our Savior's love.

Jim

This Side of the Cross

2007-05-18T08:10:00.000-05:00

As I read a couple articles from the new Pray! magazine (one of my all time favorite journals) it got me thinking about the power of the cross in our interpersonal relationships.

The theme of this quarter's Pray! Magazine is "Better Promises," -- praying from this side of the cross. I had never thought of this before -- that prayer is so much different now when done so at the foot of the cross. God hasn't changed since He established the New Covenant. And yet our hearts certainly change when we enter into that new relationship with God.

Before going to bed I read one article about praying for our enemies, following our Lord's example. The writer pointed out that in the Old Testament "righteous men of God responded to their enemies with prayers of judgment and vengeance." But now, because Jesus "bore the full weight of our sin on the cross, we now have an understanding of mercy that believers under the Old Covenant did not... Because He who was without sin extended forgiveness to us, sinners all, we now have the grace to offer it to those who are against us."

And when we receive that grace in Jesus Christ, we now have the power of the Holy Spirit to give us the ability to love our enemies, forgive those who sin against us, and pray for those who have caused us harm.*

As I fell asleep thinking of how everything changes because of the cross, I felt such peace as I asked Jesus to forgive me of any resentment that I hold against others and to empower me with His Spirit to pray a blessing over those I need to forgive.

I'm just wondering how harmonious our relationships would be - at home, at work, in our interactions with the body of Christ -- if we allowed the lubricating oil of the Holy Spirit to transform us so that daily we would forgive and receive forgiveness from one another.

Jim

* "To Bless Instead" by Alice Bridge (Pray! Magazine, March/April 2007), pp. 34-35.

Complimenting the Living

2007-05-16T08:10:00.000-05:00

As I was pulling out of the parking lot at ACU after our board meeting yesterday, I received a phone call from a friend. He asked if I heard the news: that Jerry Folwell had died. My first words to my friend were, "He stood boldly for the Lord and his convictions."

I noticed in the paper today how several people were quoted in the wake of Folwell's death. They all said something positive about him, even though they didn't agree with him in everything. Even the porn king, Larry Flynt, told of how he and Jerry met years after the lawsuit trial and became friends.

One of the stories that came to me immediately was what I heard Jim Bakker say. After his scandal with the PTL club that led him to a prison term, he received a visit from his friend Jerry. Jim told of how Folwell ministered to him so deeply.

I wasn't a big fan of Folwell's politics, but I did like to see and hear him preach on T.V. His focus was on Christ and he always urged people to accept Jesus as their Savior.

All of this brought this question to my mind: Why is it that too often we wait to say something nice about someone until they die? Why can't we compliment the living more?

It's so easy to be a critic and look for the bad in others. Quite frankly, it makes me feel proud when I criticize others. That is the snare of criticism. It can so easily lead to the sins of pride and
cynicism.

But to find something good to say about someone comes from a humble stance. And helps us take the high road of staying positive.

So I thank the Lord for the tremendous impact that He had through His servant, Jerry Folwell. And I pray that I'll look for the good in everyone around me so that I'll affirm them while they're still living...and learn something good from everyone I meet.

Jim

Wonderfully Made

2007-05-14T08:03:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we had to be a bit creative for Mother's Day. Aaron was working all day Sunday as a waiter. Shannon had her tearful good bye with her boyfriend, Al, early in the morning after we made him breakfast.

After church we decided to join Aaron at work -- to let him wait on us at Outback Steakhouse for Mother's Day. Even though Susan didn't have both of our kids at the table, we were in a sense all together. And her heart was so full of joy.

During the meal we had a chance to catch up on Shannon's semester. She's finished her second year of pre-nursing and this fall enters the toughest part of this marathon as she spends her next two years at the nursing school next to Hendrick Hospital. Before our steaks came I casually mentioned something about salt in our diet. Shannon said, "Dad, do you know why salt causes high blood pressure?" She then launched into this detailed description of how the kidneys function and how salt attaches to water and impacts the blood stream and puts pressure on the blood vessels and thus impacts the heart.

I then asked her to tell Susan and me about what else she learned this semester in Anatomy and Physiology. She mentioned the various systems in our bodies -- skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, nervous, reproductive. The more she talked about the human body the more I was in awe of what complex creatures we are. And of course, the more in awe I became of our Creator in how He makes human beings. We truly are wonderfully made, as the psalmist says.

Very early this morning I woke up thinking of our amazing bodies and of how amazing the Lord is. Just think of all the things happening in my body right now as I tap away these words on this computer. My brain is directing my fingers to touch certain knobs on the key board while the optic nerve sends signals back to my brain.

And then to think that this amazing, Almighty God humbled Himself and became one of us. And then took our place on the cross so that we could one day live with Him forever in fellowship with Him -- in new, eternal, everlasting bodies. Wow!

Jim

Praising Him While Reading His Word

2007-05-09T08:09:00.000-05:00

As I thought more about the 20 minute worship challenge while doing my Bible reading this morning, the Lord drew me more into worshipping Him. While reading John 6, I found myself doing more than just rationally absorbing the contents of the story. Instead, I praised Jesus while reading of His miracle of feeding the thousands "Lord, You are the great miracle worker, You have all power in the universe" And then while reading of Jesus walking on the water and calming the hearts of His terrified disciples I praised Him for how He has the power to do anything...even calm our anxious hearts.

Jim

Twenty Minutes of Praise

2007-05-08T08:12:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while I read an article that grips my soul and stays with me for several days. I usually copy such articles and pass them around to others since I want them to share the blessing I received from what I read. It happened again last Friday.

When my new copy of Discipleship Journal came ( my favorite journal along with Leadership), I quickly soaked up two articles. One of them has impacted me deeply the last few days. It's called "The 20 Minute Worship Challenge." Becky Harling tells of a major health scare that blew into her life with hurricane force... and how the gentle wind of a friend's words gave her some amazing peace amidst the storm. Becky writes:

"Becky, before you even open your Bible for morning devotions, will you offer God 20 minutes of worship?" That simple challenge...changed my life...The first morning, I put on some worship music, got down on my knees, and allowed the songs to prompt thoughts of praise to the Lord. To my surprise the 20 minutes flew by, and I found myself excited to worship again the next morning. In the second morning, I praised my way through the alphabet, worshiping God for His attributes that correlated with each letter...

As I intentionally incorporated praise into each day, I began to change. I grew more hopeful and less fearful. I experienced a deeper sense of God's love and goodness. Worry was replaced with calm, and anxiety with faith.

The day after reading this article, I took up Becky on her worship challenge. Quite honestly, I felt a little uncomfortable diverting from my routine of reading a portion of Scripture from my One Year Bible and then going through my prayer list. I wasn't used to beginning my day with worship. But then it hit me why I felt this way -- one reason was pride. The second reason was it took the attention off of myself. I felt the Lord convicting me of how my pride and self-centeredness (which are so closely entwined) had kept me from exalting Jesus in my prayer time. Too often my prayer time has been "give me" prayers: "Lord, please help me with this problem. Father, please do so and so in my children's lives."

But for the last few days I'm focusing on the majesty and glory and holiness of the Lord. And like Becky, I feel the Lord changing my heart. Life isn't all about me...it's all about Him!

The last few mornings I've been using some Psalms to focus my attention on God and His worthiness to be praised. The first one I prayed was Psalm 92, which begins with these words of praise:

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening...

This morning at our devotional at the Service Center, I read portions of this article, and then led us in praise as I prayed portions of Psalms 92-93. It was a holy moment as we spent our prayer time totally focused on the majesty of Almighty God.

May I invite you to join me in this 20 minute worship challenge? If you decide to do this, please let your fellow bloggers know how the Lord gave you a vision of His awesome nature, and in doing so how He changed your heart.

He truly is worthy to be praised.

Jim

Best Friends...Priceless

2007-05-03T09:45:00.000-05:00

Gasoline -- $30

Parking -- $12

Ticket to the Game -- $53 (paid by a friend)

Food, Bottled water, coffee -- $10

Spending 10 hours time with my dear friend, Randy Becton -- Priceless.

Even though we had to drive through a heavy thunderstorm, arrive at our seats on the third base line for the Ranger- Yankees game before the officials announced that we needed to head to the basement for over an hour due to a huge storm that hit the ballpark, and finally headed home after the game was postponed until the next day, we still had a wonderful time.

Sharing with other our memories, challenges, funny stories and dreams -- while riding in a car for a total of 6 hours -- really made it all worth it for Randy and me.

There's something about leaving town for a few hours to spend some windshield time with either your spouse or a good friend that just can't be matched by time spent in the daily routines of life.

Yes, we were disappointed about that game being rained out. And yet any time spent with a close friend is always, well, priceless.

Jim

Extending Grace to Ourselves

2007-05-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

I recommend that you read "Balmanza"'s comment on my last post -- "Knee Deep in Prayer." Great story!

What is it about how we tend to punish ourselves when we do something wrong? I have a bad habit of what my wife calls "self-castigation." It happened again this morning. Noticing that I was late getting to work, I tried to carry a glass, empty bowl of cereal, a plate and my coffee mug from the bathroom to the kitchen sink. As I started to place all these items on the counter, the plate slipped out of my hand and shattered on the floor. This made me even later...and mad at myself for trying to do too much at once.

The same thing happened a week or so ago when I lost an envelope of money with about $20 in it. After going back to the two stores where I had been, then scouring through my truck looking in every nook and cranny, I found nothing. When I got home that night I told Susan how stupid I had been in losing that money. Susan, in the grace-filled way she is, said, "Jim, it's only $20. Please don't punish yourself over a few lost dollars."

Do you struggle like I do being pretty good at extending grace to others and then being so hard on yourself when you fail, when you sin? Why do we do this? Is it a desire to be perfect? (which is so unrealistic) Do we want to put on this image before others that we appear to have it all together (which is so prideful)?

Jesus isn't hard on His children. He doesn't punish us at our slightest step out of bounds. He doesn't shame us for not having it all together. Though He does not approve of our sin, He continues to wash us clean and accept us because of His amazing love and His atoning sacrifice for our sins. He has taken care of the punishment of our sins on the cross. So we certainly don't need to try to atone for our sins through self-punishment.

I guess I need to keep believing that my Savior, my Father, my friend continues extending grace to me, His beloved child...and that He loves for me to not only give grace to others but accept it for myself.

And I just have a feeling that when we let those around us see that we're not hard on ourselves, that we accept the fact that we're imperfect, and that even as a saved person we still sin some and yet trust in His forgiveness, we're letting them see a powerful witness to the grace of God found solely in Christ.

Knee Deep in Prayer

2007-04-30T07:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday in our men's class, some of the guys were sharing their experiences with God as they engaged in extended fasts last week. Then as we began to go through the new book we're reading together, in comes Jim Voss. He had e-mailed all of us earlier in the week, telling of how close to the Lord he had felt after fasting for six days. As he sat down, we all stopped our discussion, turned to him and waited for him to share his testimony with us face to face. Jim startled us when he said, "I don't want to talk about the fast now, maybe later in an e-mail." Then he got up, walked over to the corner of the room and picked up a bulletin board with photos of our kids pinned to it. He placed the bulletin board in the center of our circle and said, "Guys, I want us to get on our knees and go to the Father on behalf of our children. As we know, our kids are facing a huge battle against Satan."

Within a few seconds we were all on our knees and for an extended period of time we cried out to God to interecede on behalf of our children. Jim's prayer was especially fervent, brought on by his extended fast. He passionately pleaded with the Lord to draw our children to Him and to drive Satan far away. I don't think I've ever been in a men's prayer session that was so intense.

I just wonder what a church service would be like if we periodically got on our knees and cried out to God for revival, for the salvation of lost friends and loved ones, for prodigals. I have a feeling that the Holy Spirit would once more shake that room and shake our hearts as He did in Acts 4 after the first century disciples cried out to God.

Thank you, Jim, for the sacrifices you made in going without food for all those days and then calling us all to fight in prayer for our children. You reminded us all that we are in a war, that the Lord has given us the tools of prayer and God's word to wage battle against the enemy of our souls, and that ultimately the battle belongs to the Lord.

I believe that we'll never be the same after our yesterday morning. Nor will our children.

Jim

Sleepless Nights and Scripture

2007-04-27T08:03:00.000-05:00

The older I get the more I crave and appreciate a good night's sleep. And so I find it annoying to wake up an hour or so before the alarm clock is to go off. I began tossing and turning this morning and noticed it was 4:53 a.m. Susan could tell I was awake and made a brief suggestion: "Jim, stop thinking about things and instead dwell on Jesus and on Scripture." What great counsel from my bride.

As she turned and went back to sleep, I took her advice...and immediately these words of Jesus popped into my mind: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me." At first I thought of what a great three point sermon that would be. However, I quickly shifted into meditation mode and dwelled on how Jesus is the only way and I told Him that I want to keep following Him.

I dwelled on how Jesus is truth, not a truth but THE truth. There are so many lies out there about what truth is, but Jesus says that He Himself is the exclusive truth. I told Him that I believed that He is Who He says He is. The truth is not a doctrine, a creed or a denominational stance. The truth is a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Finally I pondered how Jesus is the life. Oh, how we all try to find life in something else -- even such good and wholesome things as meaningful work, love from family and a comfortable lifestyle. But I told Jesus that I believe He is THE life and He is my life. I prayed that He would let me experience more of His life in me.

I eventually drifted off to sleep for another hour, feeling such peace. Maybe the best times for meditation on God's word are those unexpected and unplanned moments when the Holy Spirit slows us down and even wakes us up at night so that we will listen to His voice and dwell on the truthfulness, beauty and saving power of Jesus.

I'm so glad now that I did wake up at 4:53. In those quiet moments my spirit was so open to the Holy Spirit -- Who made it so clear to me why there is no other path, no other truth and no other life than what is found in Jesus .

Jim

Curse of the Lottery

2007-04-26T08:11:00.000-05:00

I love it when our kids learn valuable lessons from life that don't necessarily come from Susan and me. On the way to the golf course late yesterday afternoon, my son, Aaron, told me about a wonderful life lesson he learned from, of all places, the "E" channel.

He watched a show called "The Curse of the Lottery." Although they did tell of one couple who handled the windfall in a responsible way, the rest of the stories were about those whose lives crumbled after coming into an exhorbitant amount of money.

* Kenneth and Connie Parker won a $25 million jackpot. Their 16 year marriage fell apart soon after they became rich beyond their dreams.

*Jeffrey Dampier, a $20 million winner, was kidnapped and murdered by his own sister-in-law.
*In 2002, Jack Whittaker won the largest individual payout in U.S. lottery history. "I can take the money," Whittaker said at the time. "I can take this much money and do a lot of good with this much money right now."

But it didn't work out like that. Whittaker's life was consumed by hardship, including the death of his beloved granddaughter Brandi, who was a victim of a drug overdose. Then his marriage broke apart. Amidst the smoldering ashes of their ruined lives, Jack's ex-wife Jewell declared, "If I knew what was going to transpire, honestly, I would have torn the ticket up."

As we turned into the drive of the golf course and Aaron was finishing one more story of this lottery curse, he said, "Dad, they call the lottery the poor man's tax. It definitely is not what it's cracked up to be." I was rejoicing inside because Aaron got it -- he witnessed for himself how deceiving money can be, and what pain can result when our greed gets ahold of us.

I thought about that story again this morning, and shared it with our staff and volunteers at our devotional. We read the story of the foolish rich man, where Jesus warns us all:

Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. -- Luke 12:15

Now it would be so easy for me to moralize and look down on all those greedy lottery winners. And yet I know well my own wandering heart and how greed and covetousness can so easily sneak into the crevices of my soul. I have my own dreams of what I'd want to do with a windfall. Haven't you? I've made my own mental list -- A Canon Rebel XTI digital camera with two or three lenses; a new Toyota Sienna van; a trip to England with Susan to see the land of C.S. Lewis. It would be so much fun to suddenly come into a large sum of money.

But I know in my heart of hearts that there's a barb in that hook of a financial windfall. And that I need to keep taking Jesus at His word where He exhorts us about not worrying about whether or not we'll have enough food. And to keep seeking His kingdom, knowing that He will provide everything I need (not necessarily what I want). I want so much to be content most in knowing and loving Jesus, and realizing in the very depths of my soul that by His grace I am His beloved child.

Thanks, Aaron, for how you pointed me back to the Lord and the true and lasting riches we have in Him.

Jim

Something Much Greater Than Dreams Fulfilled

2007-04-25T08:11:00.000-05:00

Some things I read just before going to bed linger for hours as I wake up on and off through the night. That happened again last night after reading a wonderful one page article in Pray! magazine.

Ginny Kisling tells of her five year journey as a prayer minister at her church in California. She felt unqualified and somewhat alone in her leadership. Frustration was a constant companion since she didn't sense that the rest of the church was catching her dream of a prayer-based fellowship. In her fifth year Ginny came to a breaking point:

"I finally came to the end of myself, to a place of complete brokeness. I stopped seeking the acceptance from others for the job I was doing and began seeking God's face only. God now had my undivided attention, and He finally was able to share with me more deeply His heart for our church and what He wanted for me as its prayer leader. I realized that my dreams for a successful prayer minstry had been looming much larger in my mind than keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus. " -- Pray! January/February 2007 issue, p. 57

By taking her through this experience, God taught Ginny that He was more imporant than her dreams. She went through a time of confession and repentance, which led to a deep inward transformation. Ginny stopped trying to grow a prayer ministry and instead yielded her life to the hand of the Potter. This change caused her to let go of expectations of others in the body of Christ and a deep dependence on the Lord for the outcomes of her ministry. She learned to relax in Him and become more in tune with what He was doing in her and the church, not what she was doing. And behold, in time, her church began to catch a vision for prayer.

As I went to sleep last night pondering this story, I thought of how so many of us believers, with very good intentions, are striving to lead or grow or nurture a ministry that will expand the kingdom of God. Lately I've been working with our board to develp a vision for how to improve and expand the work of the Christian Service Center.

After reading Ginny's testimony, I'm prompted to let go more and rest in Christ. Oh, I still want to see changes and improvements in how we serve the poor in Abilene. However, I don't want to be a driven leader who focuses so much on developing "my" ministry and yet miss out on what the Holy Spirit is calling me to be and do.

What dream is on your heart these days? To raise a really good family? To have a deep impact on the people in your city? To be really successful in your career? To begin or expand a ministry in your church? May the Lord bless your dreams that you have for exalting His Name and expanding His kingdom.

But in the midst of our ministry dreams, let's stay close in touch with the Potter, and allow Him to shape us into the image of Christ as we go about our work for Him. Like it did for Ginny, it will likely take being broken and disappointed at times so that we will learn to rely on His Spirit and submit to His purposes. Hopefully these moments of testing will call us to leave the outcomes to Him...and enjoy the ride more. And enjoy Him more.

Jim

In Whom Will I Trust

2007-04-24T07:57:00.000-05:00

Before I have my quiet time each morning, I go through this routine of grinding coffee beans,

brewing coffee, making a bowl of Puffed Wheat or Cheerios, and pouring a glass of orange juice.

Then I settle into my favorite chair in the living room and enjoy 30 minutes or more of peaceful

reading, contemplation and praying. However, I must confess that before I open up my Bible I

scan the sports page. I also read an article or two in the business section.

This morning's commentary by the personal finance guru, Scott Burns, contained some very

sobering information about the U.S. economy. He quotes from two economists who have

recently analyzed our government's unfunded liabilities. Translation? We're plunging into debt

not just because of the Iraq war but primarily because of Social Security and Medicare.

Especially Medicare. Sorry to share the gloom, but here are a few of their findings:

1. There are $72.9 TRILLION in unfunded liabilities of Social Security and Medicare.

2. Paying for these promised benefits would require an immediate increase of taxes of 14.4 %

And yet that tax increase would likely not be collectable, because so many people would go

underground in their work.

3. The primary cause of this massive national financial crisis can be attributed to one program

- Medicare.

Burns writes that if we think these two economists are alarmists, he reminds us that the

trustees of Social Security and Medicare have given estimates that are $10.9 trillion higher.

As I read this troubling forecast of our country's future, I got a bit nervous. I know how grateful

the elderly are for the coverage they receive. One gentleman told me recently that he received a

bill for $13,000 for a three day stay in the hospital – but thankfully Medicare paid for it all. Yet I

know that as we baby boomers hit the Medicare rolls, it's likely that our country can handle the

financial burden of caring for our health as it fails.

I get nervous, because I know that if the Lord allows me to live another 10 years or more, I'll

need Medicare -- but will it be there? That's why it's so important to not just read the paper in

the morning! I need to mainly be in God's Word and read His promises and claim them.

Reading Psalm 93 was a great antidote to the angst I experienced from reading Scott Burn's

words:

The LORD is king! He is robed in majesty. Indeed, the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be haken…Your throne, O Lord, has been established from time immemorial. You yourself are from the everlasting past. -- Ps. 93:1-2

As grateful as I am for all the blessings of this country, I know that I cannot and must not put my ultimate trust in America and our government. Reading that article and then this Psalm brought me to this sobering reality.

Jim

My Kind of Memorial Service

2007-04-23T08:09:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday I was privileged to participate in one of the most touching, Spirit-filled memorial services I've ever witnessed. Rarely do I speak at a funeral and so my point of view has been from the audience. But this time I was asked to read the eulogy, and see the reaction of others throughout the service. It was for a precious sister in Christ, Camille Rhodes, who left this world after a short battle with cancer at such a young age -- 47.

Her husband, Bill, planned the service and did a tremendous job. It was all focused on Jesus and worshipping Him. Laid on the table at the front of the sancturay were several symbols of Camille's faith in Christ -- her Bible, a cross, a box with a ring with the names of Jesus on it, a wall hanging with the simple word, "Faith." In between several praise songs, Mike Cope picked up one of the symbols, read a Scripture and then commented on the hope Camille has in Christ.

Throughout the service the audience was asked several times if they affirmed the same faith that Camille had. I loved to hear the Amens when I said, "If anyone here also believes that salvation comes from Christ alone, say "Amen." Camille preached the gospel to us through her life and testimony. And the Lord Jesus was glorified.

I pray that my memorial service will do the same.

Jim

Binding of Religion

2007-04-20T08:14:00.000-05:00

I took a quick look at the paper this morning and read of a Tuesday night college student gathering called "Unite!" They meet at Fountaingate Fellowship with the purpose of worshipping and loving on Jesus. Students from the three universities here in town, as well as some not in Abilene.

Of course, they come from various denominations. But the UNITE in Jesus Christ. I think that we adults can learn so much from the unity-mindset of these young people.

This morning I read a story in Luke that was such a contrast to this Unite! event. Jesus told a story of the farmer who planted a vineyard, put a tenant farmer in charge and went away.

"At grape-picking time, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers attacked the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed."

You know the story. Over and over this farmer sent other farmers. Same result. Then he sent his son, whom they murdered. "When the teachers of religious law and the leading priests heard this story, they wanted to arrest Jesus immediately because they realized he was pointing at them—that they were the farmers in the story."

I sat there in the quiet of that morning, pondering why these religious leaders rejected Jesus. Why would someone turn away from the One who was obviously the Son of God, and proved it over and over through His miracles?

In a few moments, this word came to mind: RELIGION. The devil has a way of using religion to keep us away from Christ and the fullness of life He offers to us.

Religion comes in various packages:

* Becoming "experts" in the Bible but missing the point that Scripture is meant to point us to a living relationship with a living Christ

* Being more loyal to a denomination than to Jesus. A story that popped in my mind while getting ready for work this morning was an experience at a Wednesday night meeting at a church I attended 30 years ago. One gentleman was pointing to his Bible and with sweat bursting from his forehead, he was passionately describing his convictions about how wrong instrumental music was.

* Being so adamant about being in the "right church" and having the "correct doctrine," and yet one's life is so full of contradictions and sin. A dear brother in Christ I know who has been through many battles as an elder and leader of a ministry once told me that he's observed that legalistic preachers often have sexual problems.

* Having a judgmental attitude towards others and angry about their sin and inconsistent lifestyle, and yet not recognizing one's own sin. Oops. That's been me. It's so easy to see the flaws and sins of others, but when I encounter the holiness of God and how I fall so short of His glory, I see that it's only by His grace that I am saved and safe in His arms.

I hate religion. I hate the devil for how he uses religious convictions, traditions and rituals in such insidious ways to block us from the simplicity and freedom-giving power of the gospel.

What I've tended to do over the years is to just get mad when I encounter a person who is bound by religion. And if I'm not careful, I'll feel rather smug that I've been freed from the bondage of religion. But I pray that I'll repent of this spiritual pride and recognize my own tendency to let my convictions and practices to at times keep me from Jesus. Rather than just getting mad at "churchianity" and at those locked into legalism, I want to instead pray for them. Fervently pray for them. And love them. And let them see in me that Christ truly does set us free -- free from our sin, selfishness and yes, from religion. And in that freedom, we can then unite with all believers who share that common bond in Jesus.

Jim

Men and Their Emotions

2007-04-18T08:05:00.000-05:00

As the rest of our country is, I am so overwhelmed with sadness over the massacre at Virginia Tech. I grieve for those parents who suddenly lost their precious children at the hands of this angry gunman.

In this morning's paper and on the web news sites, there's lots of discussion about the alleged killer, Cho Seung-Hui. He was described as a "shy, quiet type seething with rage at unspecified tormentors." (Foxnews.com) In a creative writing class, his professor referred Seung-Hui to the counseling center because of the violent images in the papers he wrote.

His story prompted me to think of men and their emotions. How we men often handle our emotional struggles so poorly, at times at the terrible expense of others -- as we witnessed this week in Blacksburg, VA.

While I was working out in the gym on the day of this national tragedy, I read an article in Newsweek about men and depression. It mentioned how depression has seemed to be more of a problem with women than men. However, researchers are sensing this statistic to be skewed since men are much less likely to admit they're depressed than are women. We men tend to be lone rangers, wanting to tough it out and not admit weakness and struggles.

In my own experience, and in ministering to many people over the years who have battled depression, I've found that the blues are often caused by a lack of processing anger appropriately. On and off for several years I've had bouts of depression. So often I couldn't understand why. But in retrospect, it seemed to often be caused by frustration and anger that I had not talked about with others. Rather, I just stuffed it.

In 2003 I was out of work for nearly 5 months. It was extremely frustrating and a bit scary. I remember one time when we came home from church and I blew up at my family for a minor incident. After apologizing to them and asking for forgiveness, I thought later, "Where did all that anger come from?" Probably from some pent up frustration and pain over not yet finding a job. Like so many other men, I made the mistake of living in denial about my anger and trying to push through it on my own instead of talking it through and praying about it with others.

What a different world it would be if we men would be honest about our emotions and seek help -- either through a counselor, a close male friend or a small group -- in admitting the depression, anger, lust or whatever else is boiling inside of us. And then let Jesus heal our emotional pain and channel this energy in positive directions.

How much pain and tragedy could be prevented if men sought healthy ways to process and defuse these volatile emotions. Rather than letting the devil take over us in our rage, what a difference we'd make in our families and work relationships if we men allowed Jesus Christ to control our emotions.

I think that a world of men with Spirit-controlled emotions would be one with much more peaceful families. Better work places. And less tragedies like we witnessed with horror at Virginia Tech.

Jim

Something More

2007-04-16T08:12:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while I come across a used copy of a Catherine Marshall book. And whenever I read her books they always feed my soul. One of her books is called Something More, where she describes how she experienced more of Christ and the fullness of the Spirit.

I must admit that at times I am really hungry to receive "something more" from Christ, to know Him better, as 2 Peter 1 says. And yet there are other times when I just want to put life on auto-pilot and resist changing and live life on my terms. It's the old battle with the flesh which I need to keep resisting.

For several weeks I had heard about this Wild at Heart men's conference that was going to be hosted by the Beltway church. I had some ambivalent feelings about going -- feeling that I "should" go, but thinking that I had "been there, done that" since I had read the book and gone through the videos with my men's group at Highland.

I decided to take my wife out on Friday night, especially since she told me she could really use a date after a tough week. It turned out to be a wise decision.

Come Saturday morning, I felt this pull to attend the second half of the men's conference and I'm so glad I did. One of the highlights was a 30 minute segment where the speaker asked us to be still before the Lord and ask Him to come into our hearts to heal and cleanse us. It was a powerful moment of hearing the Lord speak to me. When I brought up several issues in my life that have bothered me or held me back, with each issue He brought to mind a certain passage of Scripture.

I truly needed something more from the Lord. And I pray that all of us will be continually open to His voice, allowing Jesus to continue entering every part of our lives and transforming us. And then sending us out in His strength so that hopefully others will such a change in us that they, too, will want something more from the Lord.

Jim

Managing His Money

2007-04-13T08:07:00.000-05:00

One of the highlights of my past year has been when my son, Aaron, and I had the privilege of attending Byron Nelson's funeral. This grand old golfer of 94 died of natural causes after leaving behind a tremendous legacy -- and not just because he once won 11 tournaments in a row. At the funeral, Byron was remembered most as a man who loved and honored Jesus Christ, and set an amazing example of generosity.

I read in the paper this morning that the golf tournament he hosted in Dallas for nearly 40 years has been the largest charity fund-raiser on the PGA tour. Over $94 million has been given to charities through this tournament.

Right after reading this story today I read another story, this time told by Jesus. At first glance, it seemed to me such an odd story -- learning lessons of money management from a shrewd manager who made friends by giving breaks to his master's debtors. But Jesus says that we can learn from the shrewdness of "the citizens of this world." I especially pondered these words of Jesus that immediately follow this story:

I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven. -- Luke 16:9

That's exactly what Byron Nelson did. And his legacy of generosity to those in need continues to impact others. I think also of a Christian business friend in Dallas who has done very well financially and yet has kept his perspective about his wealth. He has blessed so many ministries, including his leadership on the board of a Christian university. Now he is semi-retired. He told me last year that he and some other business leaders in Dallas who are believers are exploring ways to help the poor more.

Yet there are others I know that live in modest homes and drive older cars who have been tremendous stewards of the money God has entrusted to them. Some of them have given large checks to this ministry. I thank the Lord for how they have used "worldly resources to benefit others." Great is their reward in heaven.

Whom do you know that have been wise stewards of the Lord's resources entrusted to them? They may not be as high profile as Byron Nelson was. And yet if they faithfully have given to others in need, in quiet and unassuming ways, they are champions in the kingdom of God. I want to be like them, out of love for the Father and because of His goodness to me.

Jim

Discipleship with Love

2007-04-11T08:02:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I don't want to be a serious disciple of Christ. I hate to admit it. But this is what goes on in my soul at times. My flesh wants to do what I want to do and not be told what to do. Isn't that the basic instinct of our carnal nature -- self will? Makes me think of times where I was unwilling to submit to a leader over me.

Nearly thirty seven years ago I went to Europe with 30 other high school graduates. Imogene Brokaw was our leaders, a courageous single woman who loved art and taught it with a passion. She was my Humanities teacher in my senior year at Buena High School in Ventura, California. A week or so after our class graduated, several of us from that class went on a 9 week tour of Europe, focusing on seeing the art, buildings, and sculpture -- as well as hearing the music and operas -- that we had studied all year. We 18 year olds were on a trip of a lifetime. And yet at times many of us acted like a bunch of disgruntled, mutinous sailors.

Within a few days of our first leg of the tour -- touring Germany and Holland -- we were giving Mrs. Brokaw fits. Staying up later than our curfew. Sneaking out to the bars. Acting like animals at our dinners. Making fun of her behind her back.

Looking back on this experience made me think of what spoiled jerks we were. Here was a woman knocking herself out for 30 high school grads so we could have a taste of art and music that few students our age have experienced. And in return many of us were being obnoxious rebels. How life would have been much easier for her and for all of us if we had cooperated more and appreciated this labor of love from Imogene Brokaw.

I read these words of Jesus today:

“If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:26

By human standards, this call from Jesus seems so harsh. Why must I be so sacrificial in giving up everything, including my most precious relationships...and even giving up my own life? And yet....and yet, when I realize these words come from the One who LOVES me and gave His own life for my salvation...how can I but not submit to my Master?

You see, when we look at discipleship through the lens of the love of God, what a difference it makes!! AS Paul says,

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. -- 2 Cor. 5:14-15

I'm thinking again of that trip to Europe -- how much more we would have enjoyed it if we would have trusted Mrs. Berkaw's wisdom and experience in travelling there. And how easier we would have made it on her if we had submitted to her guidance.

I want to be a joyful and grateful follower of Jesus each day, giving it all up for Him. I long to know Him more and willingly obey Him, knowing that following my Master is the only way to true joy -- and how I show my deep gratitude for what He has done and continues to do for me.

Jim

The Ongoing Impact of the Resurrection

2007-04-10T08:04:00.000-05:00

Easter services are so inspiring and uplifting. I e-mailed Mike Cope yesterday thanking him and the other staff and volunteers for letting the Lord use them to plan one of the most touching Easter Sundays I've ever experienced.

And now it's Tuesday. The routines continue -- going to work, painting our bedroom, washing clothes and dishes. How can I live differently in the midst of the dailyness of life because of the resurrection of our Lord? Reading these words from John Piper yesterday helped me:

The hope of the resurrection radically changed the way Paul lived. It freed him from materialism and consumerism. It gave him the power to go without things that many people feel they must have in this life. For example, though he had the right to marry (1 Corinthians 9:5), he renounced that pleasure because he was called to bear so much suffering. This he did because of the resurrection.

This is the way Jesus said the hope of the resurrection is supposed to change our behavior. For example, he told us to invite to our homes people who cannot pay us back in this life. How are we to be motivated to do this? “You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:14).

This is a radical call for us to look hard at out present lives to see if they are shaped by the hope of the resurrection. Do we make decisions on the basis of gain in this world or gain in the next? Do we take risks for love’s sake that can only be explained as wise if there is a resurrection?

Do we lose heart when our bodies give way to the aging process, and we have to admit that we will never do certain things again. Or do we look to the resurrection and take heart?

We do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. (2 Corinthians 4:16)

I pray that we will rededicate ourselves during this Easter season to a lifetime of letting the resurrection have its radical effects. -- John Piper

Yesterday I tried something different that I pray was a response to this new life given to me through our resurrected Lord. I put on my "To Do" list to do loving things for people all day. I mean, to be intentional about showing special kindness to others. It's amazing how the Lord gave me ideas all day to do little things for folks -- going by and seeing my wife at work on the way back from lunch; spending time back in the boys' clothing room, visiting with Imogene, our 92 year old volunteer; offering to call folks to bring in newspaper articles written about two of our volunteers.

I can't take credit for what I did. It was the Holy Spirit in me prompting me to carry out little acts of kindness. Just think how the world would change if followers of Jesus lived out this life of love each day -- dying to our selfish will and letting Christ love others through us.

That's one way that I believe we can let the resurrection have an impact on us daily. What other ways do you see?

Jim

Jesus on the Golf Course

2007-04-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

It is THE sports highlight of the year for me -- watching the Masters on the weekend, especially on Sunday afternoon. After enjoying another scrumptious meal with Susan, Shannon and her boyfriend, Al, I settled into my favorite chair in the den. Except for snoozing for about 20 minutes or so, I stayed there for more than four hours watching the lead change six teams.

Our son, Aaron, had to work until about 4 P.M. at his new job as a waiter at Outback Steakhouse. But he came over long enough to join me in rooting AGAINST Tiger Woods (aren't four green jackets enough?)

What a thrill to witness this humble 31 year old from Iowa win the tournament. And the proverbial icing on the cake was hearing Zach Johnson openly declare his faith in Jesus. Wow! Jesus was walking around Augusta in Zach's body and His Name was proclaimed on Easter Sunday.

Now what sports event can top that?! Much better than bowling ( : ) ), Nascar and even the Final Four.

Jim

A Father's View

2007-04-05T08:04:00.000-05:00

Last night the Highland Church staff planned a wonderful time of worship called "Journey to the Cross." They had set up several different devotional experiences in various classrooms and then invited the church to go from room to room. I was blessed to be in the room with about four other elders where we had the privilege of washing others' feet.

While soaking, massaging and drying the feet of several brothers and sisters in Christ, I quoted Scripture to them and we both reflected on the humility of our Lord in how He did this to the disciples. What was especially moving was washing the feet of the many children who came to us. I loved listening to Dickie Porche next to me, as he gently told these young disciples about how much Jesus loves them and that He is calling them to go from there and serve others just like Jesus served and serves us each day. It was a holy moment.

At 7:45, we were all ushered into the auditorium which was lit mainly by clusters of candles placed in various parts of the room. After we were all seated, one of our elders, Bob Nutt, read the crucifixion scene from Matthew. What really gripped me during this reading was the painting that was projected on the screen in front. It was an overhead shot of Jesus on the cross. I rarely have seen that point of view -- as if we were looking down from heaven. The more I stared at that picture, the more I realized why it moved me so deeply. It was the Father's point of view. Almighty God witnessed the heartbreaking scene of His only Son dying this painful death so that we could be reconciled with this Holy God.

I imagined what it would be like to watch our son, Aaron, going through this excruciating death on behalf of others. Knowing in my heart the deep loneliness and agony he would have felt. That is just a glimpse of the awesome love the Father has for you and me.

One of most stirring and creative scenes in the film, "The Passion of the Christ," was another overhead shot looking down from heaven. At the point of Jesus' death, a massive tear drop fell from the sky and splashed on the earth. It was if Mel Gibson was saying that God shed tears while His Son shed blood. Tears borne from deep pain. Tears that symbolize the washing away of our sins.

How could I not be in love with a Father who gave so sacrificially to me. Hallelujah, what a Savior.

Jim

3rd Step Prayer

2007-04-04T08:02:00.000-05:00

Several years ago my dear friend Bill Nash got me interested in working the 12 steps and attending a Christ-centered 12 step group on Wednesday nights at Highland. They called themselves "Christians in Recovery." It was a refreshing group of Christ-followers who were determined to be real about their sin battles and seeking recovery through Jesus Christ. In the first few weeks of attending this group, I didn't realize what addictions or hangups I needed to recover from -- until I finally began working the steps and meeting with a sponsor.

In time, the Lord revealed my problem -- codependency and selfishness. Keith Miller's excellent book, The Healing Journey, was especially helpful during this time of spiritual awakening. For years Keith was a very popular Christian speaker and writer. Then his marriage fell apart. He battled with alcohol. Reluctantly he eventually began working the steps and attending a 12 step group. Out of his experience he wrote this marvelous book and made a video series that has been used widely.

I haven't been to one of these groups for several years now and stopped meeting with my sponsor. However, whenever I read some of the literature on recovery and the 12 steps, especially when it's written from a Christian perspective, my heart is so deeply touched. And the Holy Spirit makes me aware once more that a life surrendered to my Master Jesus is the only way to truly be used by Him for His purposes...and to experience that abundant life He promises.

A couple nights ago before going to bed, I felt compelled to pick up one of my recovery books and read a few pages about the 3rd step, which in the Christian version goes as follows:

"Make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God and the Lordship of Jesus Christ."

This commentary on the 3rd step really grabbed me that night:

Step 3 invites us to get out of the center of our universe and hand that place back to God. As we move into any addiction or dependency, we tend to become more self-centered, self-absorbed, and self-proccupied in trying to address the pain driving the addiction. ...

How do we get out of the driver's seat? The key is willingness. If we crack the door just a little bit, then God will direct us in the process. -- Serenity -- A Companion for Twelve Step Recovery (Thomas Nelson Publishers), pp. 35-36

The reading in my One Year Bible this morning was about Mary and Martha. And I thought of how the scene of Mary sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to Him fits so well this matter of a surrendered heart. Listening to the Lord and then obeying His voice out of deep love for Him.

As I once more say "Yes" to Jesus and "No" to my will, would you join me in this 3rd step prayer for today?

"God I offer myself to You -- to build with me and to do with me as You will. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Your will. Take away (or use) my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Your power, Your love and Your way of life. May I do Your will always."

In Jesus' Name and for the sake of His glory, Amen.

Jim

Small Groups continued

2007-04-03T08:14:00.000-05:00

I'm preparing for today's board meeting so for the blog post today, I'm referring you to this post by one of our fellow bloggers, Steve Holt in Boston. This is a great article on how to lead and manage small groups in the body of Christ.

www.harvestboston.net/20070402/small-group-dynamics/

Blessings to you today!

Jim

Small, small groups

2007-04-02T07:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was a part of two small groups, both of them smaller than I expected. I had spent quite a bit of time late Friday afternoon and Sunday morning preparing to teach our men's class. When I arrived in the class ready to lead these men in a discussion about how to tend to our hearts, I found only five of them there. Rather than teaching the class, I decided to hold of until next week and instead circle up in our small group for an extended prayer time and then giving them a preview of next week's class. It turned out to be a rich time of sharing, encouragement and prayer.

Later that day I got our house ready to host our small group. Early in the day, God blessed me with a plan for how to direct the group for that evening. I tidied up the house, prayed over our living room, and got the Decaf coffee and all the plates and cups out, ready to welcome all our guests. Then I got a phone call from a woman who said that she and her husband couldn't come. A few minutes another call came in -- one more cancellation. I was a bit discouraged, but still felt it was the right thing to do for a remnant of our small group to meet.

Five of us spent about two and a half hours together, sharing and praying. One of our main purposes of meeting was to pray for our dear friends, and former small group members, Brian and Alyson Thrift. They've moved to Michigan and yet stay in touch with us since they had grown very close to our group. Aly is a mother of a one-year old and has battling cancer. Last night we went around the circle praying God's word over Aly, and for Brian's strength, pleading with the Lord to grant her healing and to give the entire family peace.

After the prayer we called her on my cell phone, passing the phone around to all five of us as we told her we loved her and will especially pray for her as she has surgery April 4 (please join us in praying for Aly). Then Lynette Bridges led this beautiful prayer over the phone for our dear friend in Michigan. It was a rich, Spirit-filled moment as the Lord used us to minister long-distance to our sister, Aly.

The last hour of our meeting, we shared some of our own prayer concerns. Then Lynette has us do the coolest thing (she is so creative). She got us to stand in a circle, shoulder to shoulder, and asked us to briefly pray for the person on the left. After each prayer she gave us an exercise related to our prayer request. For one of us who said they were "bumbed out" about their extended family, Lynette asked him to literally shake his body and thus shake off this negative feeling. For another she suggested that she write a note to her son this week.

We were a small band last night. And yet we sensed the Lord Jesus in our midst, using us to minister His grace, love and power to one another...and especially to Brian and Alyson.

Jesus' words came to life last night -- that where two or three are gathered in His Name, there He is in our midst. The next time you find yourself in a group or class where only a few show up, remember that if you call on Jesus' Name, His Spirit will show up and do great things for His glory, even among the few. I saw it happen again last night. The Lord is so good.

Jim

The Outflow of Power

2007-03-30T08:35:00.000-05:00

I was in a Subway Sandwich place a couple weeks ago, having lunch with a friend. As we got to the counter to pay for our meal my friend asked the clerk how her day was going. Heather was her name (I always look at a name tag of a person working in a store or a restaurant and then call them by name. People LOVE to hear their name).

Heather gave us an honest response, admitting that she was tired. When we asked what we could do for her, she quickly replied, "You can pray for me." And pray for her we did -- right there in front of our sandwiches and other customers.

As we sat down to eat and reflected briefly on our encounter with Heather, my friend said, "People are looking for blessings." So true.

Think of all the people that cross our paths who are struggling in some way, just waiting for someone to ask how they're doing and then hoping that we will really listen and care.

When meetign me at church, my friend Wes will often say, "How are you REALLY doing?" He shows me that he cares and wants to know what's going on in my life, not just saying the cliche, "How's it going?" I'm just wondering what would happen if we would do that with those around us each day. It will likely take a lot of listening and caring.

This morning I read that wonderful story in the gospels where Jesus felt power flowing out of Him when the women touched the hem of His garment. And I thought of how we as Christians are filled with the resurrection power of the living Christ. So when people are in touch with us, either literally or figuratively, and we are used by Jesus to show them His compassion, does not His power flow out of us?

I pray that Heather felt that power and gave God the glory. And that more Heathers in our lives will be touched by Jesus through His Spirit within us.

Jim

Building Dreams

2007-03-29T07:58:00.000-05:00

Don Baber, one of our star volunteers, told me yesterday of a man named James Culler who once loaded up several old dorms at ACC and transported them about a mile to their new home. These dorms were former barracks from Camp Barkeley during World War II. James then supervised a team of men that arranged and connected these buildings on a piece of land on the corner of N. 9th and Mesquite Street. Thus was born the home of the Christian Service Center. This was nearly 40 years ago. The old building still is holding up, but is definitely showing its age.

Ever since I started leading this ministry hear about four years ago, one of my goals was to either find us a larger and more functional building or to construct a new one on this site. Our board is presently in the talking and praying and dreaming stage about another building. However, as one board member reminded me of yesterday, it's vital that we don't get the cart before horse.

At lunch yesterday Randy surprised me with his words: "Jim, I'm not a big advocate of that new building. Becuase I think you need a vision before you build a building. I know you're embarrassed by it, but that's not a reason to build something new."

He and I then brainstormed about how we could go about seeking a new vision from God for this ministry. Only then would it be wise to make plans for either revamping an existing facility in Abilene or construct a new one.

His words hurt a bit because I was getting excited about the possibility of having a place with more room, a much more functional floor plan. This is a very old, moldy building. And I can envision how we could build a place or remodel an existing building to fit our needs much more.

Please pray for me and the board as we seek a vision from the Lord about how this ministry can best serve the poor of this community in the Name of Jesus. And then if He gives us a building, that we'd use it all for His glory.

Jim

Receiving His Love

2007-03-28T07:59:00.000-05:00

I once heard a woman tell her testimony where she described growing up in a Christian home and accepting Christ as a young girl. Time went on, she eventually got married, and moved away from her home town. And though she still believed in Christ she didn't have that close of a relationship with Him.

One evening she and her husband attended a Bible study led by a man who was with the Navigators. He taught with such authority and passion for the Lord. This woman could tell that he had a deep love for Jesus. After the study was over, she immediatly walked up to this man and said, "I want what you have." His reply was simple: "Get to know the Savior." And that brief answer started her on a journey towards a growing love for and knowledge of the Savior.

That story popped in my head late last night. Susan and I were blessed to be a part of the Dennis Jernigan praise night at ACU. Most of you probably know his story -- how the Lord delivered him from homosexuality 26 years ago and then gave him this amazing ministry of writing worship songs and leading worship events.

Near the beginning of last night's "concert," Dennis said, "You can either receive God's love or reject it. I thought, "Man, I want to receive His love. To let go of my controlling nature and abandon myself to Jesus."

The more Dennis sang, interspersed with words of encouragement and more of his testimony, the more I thought, "I want what He has -- such a passion for Jesus and awareness of how deeply Christ loves him...and even likes him."

After the praise time was over, Susan went home because she was tired. I hung out for awhile talking with a couple friends. As I noticed most of the folks being gone, I looked around and found myself next to a short line of people waiting to talk to Dennis and get their picture with him. I decided to stay a few minutes and thank him.

Not wanting to bother him much, I just gave him a hug and told him how much I appreciated his focus on the Lord and not himself. He seemed like just an ordinary guy -- which he is.

As I headed out of the auditorium and began walking to my car, I thought again of that story: "I want what you have." At first I wished that I said that to Dennis. Then it's as if the Holy Spirit said, "Just ask Me." And I did: "Lord, I want to know You more the way Dennis Jernigan knows you." All the way home I kept thinking about and enjoying, really, the love of Christ. As soon as I got home I opened up to this passage, which I had heard quoted on the Emmaus Walk last weekend:

Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. -- Jer. 31:3

"Get to know the Savior, " the Navigator guy told this woman. Last night we were certainly brought into the presence of our Savior. And it certainly lit a flame in my heart to just bathe in and be lavished by the love of Jesus more. And then to be a mighty instrument of His love to others.

HOW HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED THE LOVE OF CHRIST? WHAT HAS HELPED YOU "GET TO KNOW THE SAVIOR?"

Jim

Seeking Greatness

2007-03-27T08:09:00.000-05:00

My friend in Boston, Steve, referred me to a great article in another blog. Below is an excerpt. Great stuff about how to experience greatness in God's eyes. If you want to read the entire article, see:

http://subunderground.blogspot.com/2007/03/greatness.html

Maybe I am not great. I freely admit I don't even really know what the word means. I do know that most of what I would expect to help make me great will really only make me shallow and self-absorbed.

God's plan for my life is to make me like Jesus. The character of Christ is one who came to serve and not to be served. Jesus was the leader who got on his knees and washed his follower's feet. He was the one who suffered and died under the hand of unjust punishment without striking back. He even forgave those who were in the act of torturing him to death.

The path to greatness is not the same as the path of Jesus. The way of the cross is the only way to follow him. He said so himself.

His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts.

This is why Jesus calls us to "Repent" in order to enter the Kingdom of God. Because "Repent" literally means to "think again". It involves re-thinking our lives and re-defining the things we value most.

I am not great. I am just me. And the real problem begins there.

The real miracle is that, someday, somehow, God's plan is to take someone like me and make me into the image of his Son.

So, every day I have to wake up and take up my cross and submit my life to Christ. There is no other way.

"If anyone would be the greatest, he must be the very least and the servant of all"- Jesus (Mark 9:35)

-- by Keith Giles, a freelance writer and church planter in California.

The Opening in the Storm

2007-03-26T08:06:00.000-05:00

While I'm exhausted this morning I'm also exhilirated. Once more God gave me the privilege of working a Walk to Emmaus. It was another amazing experience of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on a group of men whose hearts were humbled, broken, healed and loved. Throughout the 72 hours there were prayer warriors all over the Abilene area and elsewhere that were taking turns in half hour segments praying for this Walk.

Two things really hit me this weekend.

1. What damage Satan does when we don't live in God's grace and try to control our own lives

2. What wonders Jesus does when we let Him in our hearts and allow Him to take control.

One of the most powerful stories was in the final talk. This brother told of being caught in a terrible thunderstorm while flying a plane all by himself. The storm was so fierce that he feared that the wings of the plane would break off. It was at this point that he realized that he couldn't get himself out of this crisis. And then it hit him -- for all of his life, God was part of his life, but not all of his life. He treated God like his co-pilot. In the midst of the storm he knew it was time to give up all control of his life and he cried out to Jesus, "Lord, You're going to have to be my pilot." Not long after that prayer, a huge opening in the sky burst into his vision. He flew right for that opening and into clear sky.

From that point forward, he has let Christ be his pilot and he has experienced over and over the resurrection power of his life.

What is it about the battle of our flesh that we want to keep taking control? After this Walk, I'm reminded once more that daily surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit is what our Lord is calling us to do.

As my friend Bill Nash told us in his talk what he's learned, "I can't...God can...I think I'll let Him."

What joy and freedom awaits us when we let Jesus take the wheel. And what blessings we bring to others when we stop being control freaks and let Christ be our Master...to His glory.

Jim

Imago Dei

2007-03-22T07:57:00.000-05:00

Three years ago I was in New York City for a conference. Before attending the event, I had an entire afternoon free. It was a gorgeous fall day in upper Manhattan. I love being free in that city to go where ever I want to. What site did I choose? The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Just looking at the outside, with its beautiful buildings and large number of steps (dotted with people basking in the sun) is a treat. And yet what amazing artistic treasures await those who have a few hours to look.

One of the most fascinating permanent exhibits to me was all the armour and weapons used in battle during the medieval times. After spending about 45 minutes gazing at these items I was struck with the desire within man to be creative. Every knife, sword, horse armor and shield was inscribed with some sort of decoration. Many of them had very elaborate artwork graved into the metal. It hit me that people can't but help express their creativity.

Last summer Susan and I went to Chicago for our 25th anniversary. One of the highlights was going on the architecture tour up the Chicago River. As the docent described the history of each building and what architect designed it, once more I saw before me the creativity of mankind. These buildings could have been merely utilitarian. Why must they all be so different with uniquely designed exteriors. Again, man is bursting with this urge to create something beautiful.

Don't we all feel this urge? Whether it's to try a new recipe (like my wife loves to do and does so well), learn to paint, take photos, or write an article or book -- we all want to create in some way. And we get so much satisfaction out of this process. The photo above was taken at a Catholic retreat center in Oceanside, California. I was walking the grounds one morning before our first session. Accenting the man-made buildings was God's handiwork, such as these gorgeous flowers. I loved the beauty of the place and enjoyed so much photographing different scenes there.

Yesterday I glanced at the back page of a church leadership magazine and saw a fascinating photo of a walking stick. No, not the kind to help an elderly person get around. I'm referring to thse bent-legged insect that God created. The article said, "entomologists have identifed mroe than one thousand species of walking sticks. That borders on creative overkill, but it reaveals something about the personality of God." It is part of the Imago Dei -- God's image. And as Scripture says, you and I are made in that image.

So, when you feel that creative bent and want to express it, go for it. And recognize that it is the Lord God who built this tendency into the DNA of each of us. The Christian Olympic runner once said, "When I run, I feel His pleasure." I believe that we love to create so much because when we do so, we’re tapping into the very nature of God. Those who don’t know Christ feel it just as much as we do. But the advantage for the Christ-follower is that we can create with the consciousness that He is the One who gives us this soul joy and whatever creative activity we engage in we can thank Him and give Him all the glory.

Jim

Still My King

2007-03-21T07:56:00.000-05:00

Today marks the 79th birthday of my beloved father-in-law, Bill Vaught. We call him "Daddy Bill," a name given by his first grandchild. I plan to give him a call later today and bless him with a birthday wish.

March 21 is also a reminder to me of another sort of birthday. Thirty years ago on a Monday night in Camarillo, California I was riding in a red Dodge Dart with one of my surfer friends, Rob Grenville, and Larry Fuller, an elder in the church I had been attending. For several weeks I had been convicted of my need to pledge my faith in Christ in baptism. Finally one day I felt it was time to "take the plunge" and so I called Larry and asked if Rob and I could come out to his ranch house in Moorpark where we had spent many evenings together studying the Word.

We sat in his living room and I told him I was ready for him to baptize me. It was a joyful ride in his Dodge Dart as Larry talked to me about what an important decision this was. A handful of people were there at the church as they celebrated my vow to Christ, my body going down into the water and resurfacing. I certainly wasn't aware of all the implications of what happened that night. It would take years of study and prayer and experiences, both joyful and painful, to work out the implications of dying to myself and living under the Lordship of Jesus. But it has been an amazing journey.

I recall so well the next day. My boss and I played tennis on a beautiful Southern California day. And I was deeply aware that something happened deeply in my soul. In years to come I found myself feeling less at home in this world, hungry for Christian fellowship and times of corporate worship of my King, and being enamoured with the word of God.

Though I allowed myself to take some sad detours into legalism and sectarian thinking, I've witnessed Christ being so faithful in drawing me closer to Himself. And helping realize that only He can satisfy and only He is worthy of my trust and praise.

That Monday night, through this beautiful and mysterious sacrament of water baptism, I was declaring to Jesus in front of the world that I want Him to be my King. And by His grace, I'm still finding myself making that confession today. No one or no thing can be richer than knowing and serving and loving Jesus. And being loved by Him.

With Christ in our hearts, what better birthday celebration could there be?

Jim

Letting Go

2007-03-20T08:02:00.000-05:00

Why is it that I have such a hard time letting go of our children, even though they've become adults? Our son, Aaron, is planning to graduate this summer. Isn't quite sure what he wants to do in life, although his great passion is being a basketball referee.

Every time I'm with Aaron I half joke about helping him figure out what he can do for a career before he's out of our sight again. It happened again Sunday night. After he and Shannon had returned home after being far away during spring break, they came over to the house for dinner. I brought up the subject again, asking Aaron about his plans and making a few suggestions. He said, "Dad, not now. I'm too tired. I don't want to think about it."

After he and Shannon went home, I talked to Susan some more about our son as we got ready for bed. I told her that I didn't want him to go through what I experienced after graduating from college -- struggling for a few years in trying to figure out what career fit me. Susan assured me that he would find his way just like she and I did -- as God led us. I knew she was right, and yet I want so much to help Aaron find his way in a career and in meeting a strong Christian woman that he could marry.

My friend Monnie Harris gave me and Susan a great imagery at church a few Sundays ago. We were talking about how difficult it is for us not to be in control. As we walked away she opened up her her hands and raised them up, as a symbol of letting go and giving up control to the Lord. That's what I need to do with our kids and with all my concerns. Realize that God is in control and He can do a much better job of directing our children than we as parents could ever do.

And so, once more I open my hands and release our kids to the Lord. They're His. My job is to continue praying for them and to be there if they come to me for advice.

Letting go really is hard to do. But if I remind myself that as I let go of trying to control our adult children and am turning them over to an all powerful, all loving, all wise God, it's not so hard.

Jim

Good News, Bad News

2007-03-19T07:56:00.000-05:00

I read an interesting verse this morning in Luke, describing the ministry of John the Baptist. It said that he was preaching good news, but it sounds a bit scary, also:

He is ready to separate the chaff from the grain with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, storing the grain in his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people. -- Luke 3:17-18

As I wondered what this verse meant, I read this comment from the Life Application Bible, which helped me understand a bit John's words:

The baptism with fire also symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing God’s judgment on those who refuse to repent. The winnowing fork was a pitchfork used to toss wheat so that the kernels would separate from the husks. Those who refuse to be used by God will be discarded because they have no value in furthering God’s work. Those who repent and believe, however, hold great value in God’s eyes because they are beginning a new life of productive service for him.

As I pondered that verse, a couple memories helped me come to see some of what John meant. First, a film. Susan and I watched "Luther" Friday night -- the second time we've seen it. It was so interesting to see the contrasting reactions unfold in response to Luther's discovery of the gospel. To many of the common people, this good news was so liberating to them as they came to see they could be free from the crushing weight of works righteousness. But to those in political and religious power structures, this new message was an extreme threat. It wasn't good news to them at all because their comfort zone was deeply threatened by Luther and his growing band of reformers.

The second memory was of a scene on the beach of Southern California. I was living a very comfortable life of surfing and parties. And then along comes these guys with long hair and beards telling us about Jesus. I wasn't ready to hear the message, and so what I heard was judgment on my life, not freedom. A couple years later, when I decided to read the New Testament for myself, it both excited me and threatened me. The threat was that I sensed that in accepting Christ and allowing Him to take leadership in my life, it meant turning my back on my family and most of my friends. So it seemed like bad news until, by God's grace, I finally turned to Jesus and said "Yes" to the great invitation.

I'm not quite sure what the application of this passage is to our lives as Christ-redeemed followers of the Master. But it seems to me that we need to always realize that when we do witness to Christ, some will reject the message -- to their judgment -- and some will accept the message -- to their eternal joy.

However, a person responds, our call is to keep proclaiming the living Christ...and let the Holy Spirit do His work.

Jim

Looking Upon His Friendly Heart

2007-03-16T07:54:00.001-05:00

Next weekend I'll be working a Walk to Emmaus and will be speaking on the topic, "Justifying Grace." I've worked many Walks and given lots of talks, but never this one. Each time I speak at one of these glorious weekend Walks I've always tried to do more than give theology...I tell my story, which is what most of the others do. For the past few weeks as I've prayed over and wrestled with this talk, what came to mind as framework for this message was the movie, "Luther."

I'm going to show a clip from the early part of the film, where this terrified monk is in his room crying out to God in anguish because of the lack of peace in his heart. His father in the faith, an older and wiser monk, walks by his room and hears Luther mumbling his prayers of despair. The senior monk walks gently into his room, listens to young Luther, then kneels down with him and began ministering to this tormented soul. He asked, What is it you seek, Martin?" Luther replied, "I want a merciful God. A God who loves me."

Then the elder monk did the coolest thing. He took off from his neck a necklace with a large cross hanging from it and placed it in Luther's sweaty hand. He looked with love into Luther's eyes and said, "Then look to Christ. Bind yourself to Christ. Say, `I am yours. Save me. I...am...yours. Save me." And Luther rather sheepishly repeated these words while clinging to the cross with one hand and squeezing his mentor's hand with his other.

Not long after that incident Martin was sent to Wittenburg to teach and he began reading the New Testament. While reading the book of Romans he discovered the gospel of grace...and Christ set his heart free.

There's another great scene in the film I must tell you about. He is speaking to his congregants about his newly found freedom in Christ. And he tells them, "If we truly believe Christ is our Savior, then we have a God of love. To see God in faith is to look upon His friendly heart."

I love that line: "We look upon His friendly heart." When we trust Jesus to save us, we become a friend of God and know this God who LOVES us."

Eugene Peterson describes this "friendly heart" of God so well in this paraphrase of a passage in Romans 5:

By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us – set us right with him, make us fit for him – we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us.” – Rom. 5, The Message

As we trust completely in Christ and what He did for us on that cross, may we be filled with His Spirit and know deeply in our hearts that we are deeply loved by Him...and that we look upon His friendly heart.

Jim

Dwelling on His Nature

2007-03-15T08:02:00.000-05:00

At my weekly lunch with Randy Becton yesterday, he led a prayer where his main focus was on God's character. Randy praised the Lord for Who He is -- holy, loving, merciful, kind. After his prayer I mentioned how important it was that we dwell on our Lord's awesome nature and praise Him. Too often I've focused instead on asking Him for things, including a plea that He will help me be more obedient and to resist sin.

I'm just wondering, however, how the Lord would turn my heart toward Him more if I dwelled more on His goodness and grace and love, and spent times praising Him and loving Him for Who He is.

This morning I read the prophesy that Zechariah declared when his son, John the Baptist, was born. So much of his Holy Spirit-filled statement contained references to God's character: He's a Mighty Savior, Redeemer, Merciful, Rescuer.
We might try this today -- take one characteristic of God and dwell on Him and praise Him all day as we think if this part of His nature. Perhaps you could select a Scripture that describes His nature, write it on an index card and meditate on that passage all day.

For example, here's a quote from Psalms that is a prayer with a declaration of God's character imbedded in the plea for help:

Answer my prayers, O LORD,
for your unfailing love is wonderful.
Turn and take care of me,
for your mercy is so plentiful. -- Ps. 69:16

I think I'll put that on an index card and pray that prayer all day.

May Christ fill you with His presence today as you meditate on His awesome nature amidst the joys and challenges of the day. Amen.

Jim

His Holiness

2007-03-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I ate lunch with and then spoke to a group called the "Hilltoppers" -- some delightful senior saints at the Hillcrest congregation. It turned out to be somewhat of a reunion as I renewed friendships with former Highland members, including my sweet gray haired angel friend, Polly Hilbert. She is still going strong as she turns 87 this year.

After I showed my Powerpoint presentation and told about volunteer opportunities at the Service Center, Polly came up to me and insisted that I go with her upstairs so she could show me her classroom. She co-teaches a class of young people -- the type of ministry she's been involved in for years. What Polly especially wanted to proudly show me was this model of the tabernacle that her students made. It was quite impressive -- a miniature recreation of the table of showbread, candles, washing basins outside the tabernacle, and of course the ark of the covenant. And ever piece was spray painted in gold.

As I gazed at this model, I was struck with the truth that our God is holy, holy, holy. And how much we need a go-between in order to approach Him.

Last Saturday while out west to visit my Mom, I read a brief yet potent article in the new Discipleship Journal, my favorite magazine. One of the best authors I've read lately, Mark Buchanan, wrote a stunning article on God's character as revealed in the Old Testament prophets. In three and a half pages, Buchanan paints an awesome vision of God's majesty, especially the holiness of Almighty God. Here are some snippets of what he wrote:

The prophets give us the fullest portrait of the awesome holiness of God...We encounter Amos' God who roars from Zion. Isaiah's God, whose robe fills the temple and whose glory fills the earth. Jeremiah's God who overturns the deluded optimism of a nation. Ezekiel’s God who shows up in wild contraptions of metal and fire...This is the God we fear and revere. Hallowed be His Name.

The wholly otherness and utter holiness of the God the prophets reveal serves as a needed and potent corrective in an age that craves intimacy with God but treats obedience as optional. It provides an antidote to the trivialized image of a god whose main purpose is to find us parking stalls close to the mall entrance and new jeans on sale in our size.

Better to come trembling before the true God, fierce and wild, who could destroy you with one breath and burn you up with one glance, but who instead longs to breathe His Spirit fresh into you, making even dry bones live, and touch heaven's fire to your mouth, making even your unclean lips fit for praise.

I'm wondering how much more we would praise and thank God for the cross of Jesus Christ if we dwelled more on the holiness of God. And how much more would we strive for holy living if we believed deep in our hearts how holy, holy holy our God was. And that the only hope for salvation for us sinful creatures is the atoning blood death of our precious resurrected Lord Jesus.

The replica of the tabernacle constructed by Polly's students and Buchanan's reminder from the words of the prophets made me appreciate all the more this amazing promise to those who believe in Christ:

"We have access to God at any moment." (Eph. 2:18)

And so I bow down to His holiness and say how great and awesome He is. And so full of love that He would save me, give me His Holy Spirit and then touch my lips so that I would declare His praises throughout my life...and forever.

Jim

Getting a Vision from God

2007-03-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

Some time back I read a quote from one of my favorite authors, Bill Hybels, that has stuck with me. He said that if you want God to give you a vision for the ministry you're leading, go visit other ministries where you see Him at work.

I followed his advice and was so blessed by what I saw last Thursday. God touched something deeply in my soul, where I sensed him telling me that this was a vision for the Christian Service Center that I've been searching for the past 3 and a half years.

Here's a photo of the main building of Christian Community Action, located in Lewisville, Texas. It's led by the Scott Orr, the son of my dear friend in Abilene, Dub. For the year Dub has been telling me, "Jim, you've got to see this ministry my son is leading.? He was right. I needed to see it.

Born out of a Bible study 34 years ago, Christian Community Action (CCA) has grown into a ministry that has a food pantry the size of a small grocery store, six full-time case workers, a medical and dental clinic, a chapel, a chaplain, a Job Search SupPort Group, an off-site childcare center, an affordable housing and housing renovation program, and on it goes. They emphasize both compassion and accountability, which I have a burden do here in Abilene.

It has gradually grown into where it is today. And the part I especially love is that it is so Christ-centered. They're all about doing their ministry in the name of Jesus and for His glory.

At lunch today, Susan and I watched a DVD of this ministry, which modeled the type of DVD I hope to produce for our ministry and show at a banquet this November. I want to show this DVD to our board next week, helping them to catch this vision for how we could expand and improve our ministry here.

Please pray for us as we continue following the leading of the Lord and seek His vision for what the Christian Service Center could become as a Christ-honoring ministry to the poor and hurting and lost of Abilene.

Jim

Walking with God...day by day...year by year

2007-03-07T08:10:00.000-06:00

To quote the popular book by Robert McGee, our "search for significance" nags at us constantly. At least it nags on me.

I mentioned yesterday that no one showed up at the first breakout of our "Quiet Place" session Monday night for caregivers. A total of three came to the second breakout.

Yesterday we had Pam Money come out to speak to our neighbors on the topic "Love and Respect in Marriage." She did a wonderful job. A bunch of our volunteers came out to hear her. And yet with all of our publicity to our neighbors...who come in each day for food, clothes, etc...only two showed up.

As I escorted Pam out the door I said, "I'm sorry that more of our neighbors didn't show up. Many more said they'd come than were here." This didn't phase Pam at all. As she walked to her car she turned back to me and said, "God brought those who needed to be here." So true, Pam. So true.

Last night as I read the last part of Phil Vischer's story of the rise and fall of his Veggie Tales company, I came across some gems that spoke right to my heart about what is significant in God's eyes. As he wallowed in grief over the bankruptcy and loss of Big Ideas, the company he built for 14 years, he sensed God speaking to him through Scripture, sermons and books by Henry Blackaby. Here's one quote from Blackaby and Phil's response:

"You may have wanted to do something outstanding for God and forgot that God does not want that. He wants you to be available to Him, and more important, to be obedient to Him."

The Christian life wasn't about running like a maniac; it was about walking with God. It wasn't about impact; it was about obedience..it was about listening. As I write this , I am growing increasingly convinced that if every one of these kids burning with passion to write that hit Christian song or make that hit Christian movie or start that hit Christian ministry to change the world would instead focus their passion on walking with God on a daily basis, the world would change. What is `walking with God?' Simple. Doing what he asks you to do each and every day. Living in active relationship wtih him. Filling your mind with his Word, and letting that Word penetrate every waking moment.

I felt the Lord speaking very clearly to me through Phil Vischer's convicting words. I focus too much on "success" and not enough on walking daily with the Lord. And being content with that daily walk, even though it may not be punctuated with many spectacular moments.

You may feel like your life is a bit too routine and not having all that much impact. Whether you're raising kids, living in retirement, running a business. It may not feel all that significant or world-changing. But what power there is in a child of God who allows His Holy Spirit to work through him or her each day! Week in and month in and year in...and year out. In the midst of the routine and hum drum. In those times when we don't know if we're making that big of a difference in people's lives. Christ is still doing His work with those who quietly walk with Him each day.

These words from Ephesians 5 that I read early this morning were another reminder of the power of that daily, faithful and at times routine walk with God:

Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.

And when we follow Jesus each day and love others sacrificially and lavishly, God is surely pleased. And when I think about it, what could be more significant than pleasing the Lord.

Jim

Legacy of Love

2007-03-06T08:05:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday Susan and I got up early and headed to Amarillo for the day. Our nephew, Henry Hancock, was going to receive his Eagle Scout Award that day. I've attended quite a few Court of Honor ceremonies for Eagle Scouts. This one was the most touching.

At least three different Scoutmasters went to the podium and commended Henry for his hard work, great attitude and perseverance. The youth pastor of Henry's church gave some stirring words from the book of Ephesians and talked about the leadership gifts of this young man and the mature faith he has which comes from the Lord Jesus.

Of course, the highlight and tear jerker moment of these events is always when the scout talks about their parents' influence and then giving their folks a pin. Henry spoke at great length about the support of his mother and Dad -- including the many hours his father put into helping with the troop, including going on camping trips. This young man has been deeply loved his 16 years -- by his parents and sisters, scoutmasters, pastors, and extended family. And it was the support of this tremendous community of encouragers that helped bolster Henry to achieve this milestone that is attained by only one in a hundred Boy Scouts.

Yesterday I was reading in Mark the response of Jesus to a man who asked Him what the greatest commandment is. We all know this familiar reply of the Lord:

The most important commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these.”

I noticed in the column of my Bible that I had written these words:

Lord, please help me leave a legacy of love.

Friday night we watched the excellent film, "United 93." One of the most touching scenes were of the passengers calling their families to say goodbye. They didn't make calls to their broker to have their stocks rebalanced. Or contact their attorney about updating their will. They wanted to talk to their spouse or children or parents -- and say, "I love you!"

Last night I experienced another touch of God's love through His people. I had spent a long time preparing for a breakout session at a workshop for Family Caregivers. I asked Susan and a few dear friends to come help me in "The Quiet Place" -- where we offered a place of respite for these caregivers. We had lit candles around the room, had soothing Christian music playing, and set up prayer stations. I asked my friend Rod Pringle to come play the guitar. Placed on four different tables were sheets of paper with a variety of Scriptures for their comfort. The night finally arrived. About 50 people came for the event. When they all dispersed to the four breakout sessions, we waited for people to come in. And we waited...and waited. Not one person came in for our breakout session. Finally, a few of the staff members walked inand so we conducted our session with them. At the next breakout session (a repeat) a total of two came. I was really disappointed, especially when I thought of all the work I had put into this.

As we dispersed, Rod came up to me, guitar case in hand, put his strong around me and said, "Brother, I don't want you to be discouraged. This did more good than you realized. I appreciate you so much."

Then that evening at home Susan was so encouraging to me, telling me that she was proud of me in how I had organized that event.

These words of encourgement meant the world to me in what could have been a very discouraging moment. They loved me.

That is the kind of legacy I want to leave behind -- that I loved Jesus with all my heart, soul and strength and loved others in His Name. That ultimately is what life in Christ is all about. Henry felt it last Saturday. I experienced this love last night. And I pray that you'll both receive and give such love this week. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

Jim

Redeeming Films

2007-03-02T08:06:00.000-06:00

On yesterday's Focus on the Film, Dobson and crew provided an unusual program -- their version of the Oscars. Although some people think that Dobson is too reactionary or political, I must admit that he was right on yesterday -- pointing to the degrading nature of some many award-winning films, and yet describing some of his favorites that have redeeming value. He had his two guys that run Plugged In Online, which is a movie review that I check frequently (go to www.family.org and look to the column on the right).

Susan and I had an interesting discussion about this program and about films after hearing this broadcast while preparing dinner. She reminded me of a website that she often checks late in the week -- the media section of www.Christianitytoday.com (go to their website and click "media" at top and you'll see "movies" come up). One neat thing about this website that Susan pointed out is that the reviewers provide their "Top Ten List," including a "Top Ten of Redeeming Films" That's how we learned about the somewhat quirky British film, "Millions." (What an amazing ending!)

I asked her, "What have been some of the most redeeming films you've seen the past few years?" I like films that especially remind me of Jesus, what matters in life, the power of love, poeple who overcome, and other such redeeming qualities.

Here are a few of my favorites (some oldies and some new):

1. Chariots of Fire -- I suggest you rent the 25th anniversary edition and watch the interview between the director, Hugh Hudson, and David Puttnam, the producer. What they say shows that God's hand was all over the production of that exquisite film about the missionary/Olympic runner, Eric Liddle)

2. Tender Mercies -- the only film that for which Robert Duvall received an Academy Award. It has some sad moments, but is so powerful...and what a great baptism scene.

3. Akeelah and the Bee -- one of Christianity Today's top 10 redeeming films for 2006. Lawrence Fischer and the young girl playing the spelling bee participant were wonderful. What a tremendous message about the power of community

4. Enchanted April -- another quiet British film with an extraordinary cast and sweet story. I especially loved the performance by Michael Kitchen

5. The Apostle -- okay, I know this is another Robert Duvall film. But I have loved his performances ever since his debut as Boo Radley in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Another Oscar worthy performance. Great conversion scenes. And an honest portrayal of the believer's battle of the flesh and our desire to be led by the Spirit.

6. Regarding Henry -- one of my favorite performances by Harrison Ford. Screenplay by a young 20-something budding screenwriter named J.J. Henry who has gone on to be a Hollywood wonderboy (Creator of Lost and Alias, director of Mission Impossible 3). I showed a clip of it in my men's Bible class a few weeks ago -- the tender scene of Ford with his young teenager daughter, as he has been transformed from a hard-driving and selfish attorney into a compassionate father and husband.

Okay, bloggers, what is your Top 5 (or 6) REDEEMING films -- those that feed the soul and grip your heart with an uplifting message?

Jim

Giving It Up

2007-03-01T08:07:00.001-06:00

My reading in Mark this morning made me think of a few stories:

1. The young girl at our church who kept asking her parents if she could be baptized. Her parents encouraged her to wait until she could understand more of what she was doing but then finally relented to her wishes.

2. A niece who at a very young age asked her mother about how to receive the Holy Spirit since she had heard about Him at church at home. She invited Jesus into her heart when she was six or seven.

3. The "surfer dude" to whom my brother and I witnessed about Christ back in the mid-70's. He told us that he wasn't ready to accept Jesus because he didn't want to give up having sex with women.

4. The times I feared the Holy Spirit and was reluctant to surrender my life to Him because of what I'd need to give up and risk losing.

You might read this whole passage: Mark 10:13-26.

But here are a few phrases from these encounters people had with Jesus:

Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God.”

“How hard it is for rich people to get into the Kingdom of God!”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return, a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—with persecutions. And in the world to come they will have eternal life.

Bloggers, why is it that children tend to be more open to Christ and adults often are less likely to accept the forgiveness of Christ and let Him be their king?

The word that came to mind while I was showering and pondering this verse was: ATTACHMENTS.

Don't you think that our attachments to things of this world, including close family and friends, can get in the way of us giving our full allegiance to Jesus?

As I talked to Susan about this a few minutes before leaving the house, she gave me a suggestion: what if we started paying our cleaning lady more for her twice-a-month work? My first reaction was, "I dont' want to give up more money." Then it immediately hit me -- attachments! "Give it up, Jim. Isn't God enough?"

I've been reading a fascinating autobiography of Phil Vischer called Me, Myself and Bob. He's the guy that invented the wildly successful Veggie Tales videos. He tells of how his Big Idea company skyrocketed into fame and fortune -- and then blew up after a lawsuit in Dallas. It was in the aftermath of his lost dream that He began "hearing" the Lord wake him up to the fact that his dream had become an idol. And that God plus nothing is enough. He is enough.

And giving up for Jesus whatever we've attached to or let others attach to us is worth it all. He promises us so in vss. 29-30.

O, what those young children have to teach us about being open to Jesus! Teach us more, Lord, and give us hearts more yielded to You each day.

Jim

Giving It Up

2007-03-01T08:07:00.000-06:00

The Princes and the Paupers

2007-02-28T08:07:00.000-06:00

I spent the last two days at a poverty workshop here in Abilene. The first day I found myself surrounded by about 200 others, mainly school teachers who were off from school. The rest of us were from agencies that help the poor. Yesterday, there were just 30 of us, crammed into a small classroom, learning how to use a book designed to help those stuck in generational poverty to escape from this trap.

Both of the presenters were excellent. The main topic of Monday's session was on how to understand the differing rules and language and perspectives on money/lifestyles/relationships between the middle class and those trapped in generational poverty. In general, these are some of the differences:

Those in generational poverty:

1. Think in terms of today, the moment. They have no future story. "I just need to get through today," is their mantra.

2. Live by survival.

3. Value relationships above everything else. If their child is sick and they must leave work or not go in, even if they'll lose their job to do so, they'll take care of the child.

4. See entertainment as very important -- even if it means taking a 5 minute cigarette break. The presenter told a story of a family that was given a refrigerator. A few weeks later, the kids weren't in school for several days. When their teacher asked where they were, they said that the family went on vacation. How did they afford it? They sold the refrigerator.

5. Transportation is often erratic and unreliable (depending on the bus schedule and cars that are always on the verge of breaking down)

Those in middle class:

1. Are more future-oriented (since today is taken care of). They're more likely to have the privilege of putting money away for retirement or their child's education

2. Work and achievement are much higher on their list than that of the poor.

3. They're more likely to have stable housing and reliable cars

4. They have more access to regular health care

I realize that these are generalizations and don't hold true for everyone in these classes. However, stepping back and recognizing the vast differences between the middle class and those in generational poverty was so helpful. I realized how incredibly blessed I have been materially. In the words of the presenter, many of us started off life on 2nd or 3rd base. My family always had a house, plenty of food, extra money for vacations. My parents assumed that all the kids would go to college. The university I attended was subsidized by the state of California and so I came out debt free after graduating (thanks also to help from my parents).

Then I think of men like "Wilson," who comes by the Service Center at least two or three times a month -- needing some food or some shoes. His work is sporadic. The house he lives in was condemned. His wife/girlfriend is in and out of his life. Wilson probably didn't worry about hearing that the stock market took its sharpest plunge yesterday since September 11, 2001. That news brings anxiety to the wealthy and many in middle class circles. While Wilson just hopes to have enough food for today.

What am I going to do with all this information and training?

1. I hope that the Lord will give me a deeper compassion for the poor.

2. I pray that I'll learn from the poor in how to trust God for my daily bread, rather than putting my trust in my job or the economy.

3. I ask the Lord to make me more generous to those in need, as He reminds me that I was very privileged to start out life on 3rd base while so many others are still trying to get on base. Many folks that come through our doors each day have struck out so many times that life has become very discouraging. They may be on the verge of giving up. And they need followers of Christ, who are filled with the Holy Spirit and thus care deeply for the bruised and broken, to care enough to "go to bat" for them.

When Jesus "saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matt. 9). May we do the same...day by day.

Lord, I want to do be a champion for the harrassed and helpless that cross my path each day. For Your sake. And for Your glory. Amen.

Jim

The Important People

2007-02-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

Susan and I made it back last night from our weekend getaway in Ft. Worth to catch much of the Academy Awards -- unpacking the car and preparing for the next day while the commercials were on.

There is so much hype about this annual event that is watched by a billion folks (which elicited some pretty clever T.V. commercials). And everything seems so glamorous and exciting. Either during or after watching this event, do you ever feel that these film folks are doing all the important stuff while what you do for a living doesn't feel all that significant? Me, too.

Hey, I love a good film and am glad that filmmakers put out some really good products (and then there are the many movies that I'll avoid due to their gut-wrenching violence, as were two of the movies that won most of the awards last night). Susan and I went to the opening night of "Amazing Grace," a very well-done movie about the steadfast opponent of slavery, William Willberforce. I HIGHLY recommend it and thank God for Christian producers like Ken Wales who fight to put on the screen such redemptive stories.

But I need to fight this tendency to be jealous of high profile folks, especially creative ones like those we saw last night. And to recognize where true significance is found. The words of Jesus brought me back once more to His heart and His priorities:

If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life. (Mark 8:35)

And so I keep seeking my significance in Jesus and give myself over to Him to use me however and where ever He wants to use me as an ambassador of the gospel. It may be high profile, or it may be in obscurity. And yet if you and I let His Spirit work in us to do His good and perfect will, how can w not be used to make the kind of impact on this world that pleases Him.

Even if most of the world doesn't seem to notice or care. But Jesus does. And He will hand out some amazing awards some day to His faithful followers. Awards that will last much longer than an Oscar.

Jim