Beyond the Box

Altar or Throne?

2012-02-06T10:11:00.000-05:00

Recently I was in So Thailand for some teaching ministry for a couple weeks. If you didn't know already, Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist nation, and Buddhism breeds and thrives on animistic belief. One look around at all the "spirit houses" and altars (shrines) erected throughout the nation makes this clear. It is difficult to preach the Gospel in Thailand and see genuine conversion.

Being in another culture different than your own helps you see things from a different perspective—one of the values of cross-cultural missions among other things. In a sense, I have two home cultures—American and Filipino. Although they are quite different from each other—one is western and the other eastern philosophically—there is a vast difference between both of them and Thai culture, which is Buddhist. Or is there?

Buddhism, which has thousands of gods, is intertwined in its history with Hinduism, an ancient religion with millions of gods (deities). How can there be so many gods? As with most ancient religions, there has been a proclivity for associating deity or god-likeness with creation, which is noted in the first chapter of Romans (Rom 1:25). It's termed animism—the worship of non-human things, as if they had souls or spirits. This is easy to see, as said already, with small altars of fruit, toys, incense and other things being offered in many places, to the many gods. Ancestor worship is also mixed into many ancient religions and animistic belief systems, especially in eastern Asia and in native-American cultures.

In the Philippines, it is common to see both Roman Catholic statues or images along with Chinese religious symbols, where ancestor worship is common. Riding in a cab my last Sunday in the Philippines, I noticed the driver (who is Roman Catholic) had a Chinese religious symbol hanging from his mirror, and a "Christian image" or two on his dashboard. As he drove me across town where I would be preaching at a church, we talked about Jesus. "He's my protector, I trust in Him," said my taxi driver. It made me realize how similar many Christians in America are with this approach of "covering all the bases." Of course, as Christians, we don't quite see it that way.

What got me thinking about all this was an article sent to me by my missionary friend in Thailand—"The Gospel in an Animistic Culture (3)," which is well worth the read. [http://goo.gl/2Cxtl] Using the typical western approach of sharing the Gospel in bits and pieces—"Jesus died for your sins" and "God so loved the world"—animistic cultures have a difficult time disassociating these bits and pieces from what they already believe in. People in such cultures can both accept and reject the Gospel readily. They pick and choose between what appeals to them and what doesn't seem to fit their belief system and worldview of life. Are American Christians much different?

It seems to be that American Christians pick and choose what does and does not appeal to them when it comes to the Gospel, in doctrine and practice. Perhaps it doesn't seem this way, but consider how many different Christian churches exist. Often times, the only distinction is the presentation or methodology of the church service. There's too much to get sidetracked on with this issue, but consider what draws you to a certain church or type of worship service. Over the past forty years, I've heard a lot of "what do you have to offer us" questions from prospective church attenders. Questions that are asking, "What do you have to offer that's better than the church down the street?"

Why is this? Is it because we as humans are so self-focused? Well, yes. But has the western church helped promote this with how we present the Gospel, Jesus, and whatever concept of church community is put forward? Before answering that last question, give the above article (link) a read. Then consider, what appeals to you about church, the Gospel (God's Story), and Jesus? What is it you like or dislike? What makes you comfortable or uneasy?

Oh yeah, the title—Altar or Throne—what's that all about? I guess you'll have to tune in next week since there was more to say about all this than I realized when starting to write this post.

Things I'll Miss...

2012-01-31T01:00:00.000-05:00

Having lived and worked (ministry service) in the Philippines for fifteen years, it will always be home to Susan and I. We have a nice home in our home country (culture) and all of our children and grandchildren live nearby. We enjoy our church body and the area we live in. But there are many memories and relationships that are still an important part of our life here (Dumaguete City, Philippines).

Having been gone for a couple weeks and somewhere that is not home (Thailand), it felt good to return to Manila, then our home at Rainbow Village. I've traveled and ministered in Thailand several times over the past fifteen years or so, but it's not home. As the old expression goes, "home is where your heart is." The problem for long-term missionaries is having your heart feel at home in two places—your home culture, where you grow up and have family, and your adopted culture and home.

As you read this I may be flying between my two homes—the Philippines and the USA. I head out very early Monday morning from Manila, heading back through Japan, Detroit, Atlanta, and finally Jacksonville—it's a long flight! On the one hand, I'm looking forward to seeing my wife, children and grandchildren again (it's been 3 months since I've seen my grandkids!), but I found sadness creeping in as I said my goodbye's to the children, our girls and staff. But I wouldn't trade it for a normal (typical) life, not for a minute.

The following photos, and the ones above, are some of the things I'll miss while away from Rainbow and the Philippines.

Lots Going On...But Loving It

2012-01-24T03:28:00.000-05:00

Last week's post was titled, "I 'heart' this." This is more or less an extension of last week's post. I just returned from So Thailand via Manila, where our little team taught through four IBS workshops, and I had the blessing of preaching in three church services last Sunday (15th). Yesterday (22nd) I spent flying from Thailand to Manila, including some time in the Kuala Lumpur Intl. Airport. Another flight today back home to Rainbow in Dumaguete where I'll be teaching a Bible College class this week. It's been a busy time, but good.

The workshops were an interesting mix of cultures. Our first one was primarily Thai, although our host and interpreter is Singaporean (see last week's post). Then we did two workshops in two different places, one in the early morning, and the other in the evening, which were for Burmese believers (and a few Nepalese who spoke Burmese). Our last one finished up on Saturday. It was held south of where we had been for over a week (Ban Nam Khem and Khao Lak). It was a mix of Thai, Burmese, and three Americans visiting the pastor of the church hosting the workshop. The Americans are teaching English in China and sat in for a couple days before heading back to their work.

It was a lot of fun work, and brought its own set of challenges and discoveries. I ended up writing a few pages of notes, in my ever-present notebook, on changes needed to be made, and ones made on the fly (in the process of teaching). I've learned far more about teaching when facing the challenges of teaching in a cross-cultural setting, than teaching in my own home culture. Working through an interpreter requires some serious thought processing, when the words or terms used don't translate well from one language and another (or two or three).

I was blessed to see the Americans getting into the workshop, even though it wasn't "new" for them—one of them is a seminary grad. All three work with university students and are involved in small groups studies. They echoed what I knew and have said before, there's a great need for such training among believers there (as elsewhere).

This week I get to teach the first-year students up at the college. I look forward to it! I've got lots to do going over last minute things with Rainbow Village, including our annual board meeting. Upon my return to the US, I'll be making needed changes to the international LWS/IBS workbook, and there's a few changes for the English one too. I'm also looking forward to getting my book published soon. How and in what form I'm not sure, but it's a primary goal heading into February.

What do you have planned for 2012? Anything special? I once heard we need a big enough vision that it will outlast our own life. I like that. Each year I like encouraging people, anyone who wants to grow spiritually, to read through the entire Bible through the year. There's plenty of reading plans (just "Google it"), so if you need some spiritual direction, that's a great place to start!

I "Heart" This

2012-01-17T05:52:00.001-05:00

We've all seen the ubiquitous red heart in between "I" and whatever it is that someone "loves". Sometimes I'm reminded of the childish joke, "Do you really love (fill in the blank)? Why don't you marry it?" But this week I've been enjoying something I really do "heart" (love), and in someways I'm married to it, and that's equipping leaders.

This past past week I've been in South Thailand doing some Inductive Bible Study (IBS) training. I'm teaming up with a missionary friend of many years, Eric, who is based in Thailand.

[http://www.centralthaimissions.com/]

Over the course of 10 days we will be doing 4 IBS workshops with Thai and Burmese believers. I also preached at 3 Sunday worship services, and it was great. Our first workshop was with a Singaporean missionary (Jason- http://cdcnewlight.org/), who is graciously hosting me at his center while I'm in the area. Our 2nd & 3rd workshops are with Burmese believers in two different locations. We start early in the morning and the other is in the evening to accommodate their work schedules.

I "heart" this because I am blessed and privileged to equip people who can reach people I will never reach with the Gospel. There are some great church planting movements going on in the world, although many people are unaware of them. There is great work going on with Biblical storying, which is bringing the Gospel to many yet-unreached peoples. But there is a dearth of ministries equipping believers and leaders worldwide. Although this week and a half is a short and limited effort, it is better than nothing.

And nothing is what many believers have (worldwide) when it comes to being equipped as leaders. There are certainly challenges in equipping people of other cultures and languages, but the benefit is mutually satisfying. Western churches have so much to offer in this way, but I wonder if we've lost sight of this, or has that vision even come into focus? If you're a pastor or leader, is it within your range of vision? There are many in the world who need what you've got (leaders). And those who need it are very thankful when they receive it.

Next weekend I'll be traveling back to the Philippines and diving into teaching a class at the Bible college, so my post might be late again. Hopefully I'll get time to get something posted...stay tuned.

A Lot With A Little

2012-01-10T02:49:00.000-05:00

Just yesterday my wife and I visited a family who live up in the mountains. Their life is simple. Their house is simple. They're a family directly connected to our ministry of 20+ years in the Philippines (www.rainbowvm.org). They're young and have two young children. In the eyes of the world they are poor—and they are poor by most any standard. But we were amazed at how much they've done with so little.

A couple years ago they wanted to get married, but couldn't afford the legal requirements to do so, let alone the cost of a wedding itself. We had visited their home to help with the process. Their little nipa and bamboo house was not complete, but it's theirs. We helped them get through the process and set up a wedding ceremony at Rainbow, even though we couldn't attend (having already returned to the US). Their wedding was simple, but they were delighted.

This year visited them for a birthday celebration for their son. We were blessed to see they had finished their house with a kitchen (see photos), sala (living area), along with their bedroom. They don't have much to live on and we try helping them with work at Rainbow one day a week. But still, they do what they can with the little they have.

I'm reminded of a couple of Bible verses that fit their life situation. After the fall (the entrance of sin into the world) God tells Adam and Eve the immediate consequence upon their lives. He tells Adam that, "By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread" (Gen 3:17-19). In other words, man will need to work. They both do that, in fact they're hard workers and we've seen proof of it. In fact, the husband is leaving this Saturday to work in Manila, away from his young family, since he can't find regular work near his home.

Recently, while walking and driving in and around our town, I've been impacted by the level of poverty that exists for so many. At our hotel in Manila, there's a poster proclaiming the use of solar energy for "climate justice." Below it is another poster telling of a social justice conference. Somehow that bothers me. Don't get me wrong, I like the use of solar energy (I'm a holdover from the 60's). It just seems like the priorities get mixed up along the way.

I'm reminded of another Scripture that seems paradoxical. Jesus, after being anointed with a very expensive, sweet smelling ointment, defends the woman who has anointed Him. He says, "the poor you always have with you." Jesus was misunderstood then (by Judas, a thief it turns out—John 12:6-8), and His statement is still misunderstood. Jesus was simply saying, there will always be people who are poor—no jobs, victims of oppression and injustice, and various other circumstances.

But what can be done to reduce world poverty? The question is rather, what can we personally do with what we have? What one person can do may seem small compared to the great needs there are within the world. It is. But something is better than doing nothing. A lot of somethings can bring real change. Even one simple thing can change another person's life. As we plunge ahead into a New Year, let's do what we can with what we have, even if it seems like too little. It's not.

PS—Over the next couple weeks I'll be in South Thailand doing some teaching. I may not have much access to the internet, so if nothing is posted next week, I trust you'll understand. Thanks for reading!

Self-Sufficiency—the American Dream and the Gospel

2012-01-02T03:03:00.001-05:00

As a new year begins and the political season heats up in America, I'm drawn to another topic I revisit from time to time—self-sufficiency and the Gospel. Self-sufficiency, along with self-reliance, is a key character trait of Americanism, or the American Dream (however you might define it). Self-reliance was a defining element for survival as the American nation emerged from a colonial struggle with England, and the European economic powers of that era. As a nation, our culture is still defined by DIY and self-help books and blogs (it is its own industry). You can learn how to do just about anything online and on YouTube.

A cursory reading of America's emergence as a nation during the 18th and 19th centuries indicates that "God shed His grace" on us (Americans). If you've never read any history of the American Revolutionary War, you've missed out on some extraordinary stories.* I like history when it focuses on the people involved rather than dates, events, and geography. The American nation and culture is built upon personal freedoms and rights, and we have a written constitution that defines these. Although we claim a heritage of religious freedom, history reveals a somewhat different story. Today this is even more relevant.

I lived outside my home culture for 15 years and still do a fair amount of travel in other countries. I'm writing this post while in the Philippines for 3 months. I'm thankful for being an American citizen and appreciate all the freedoms and rights granted to me, simply because I was born within the USA. I had no choice in the matter, but I'm still grateful.

I did make a choice over 40 years ago that brought me into a dilemma, another double-bind, if you will. I chose to become a diciple of Jesus Christ. Now some may think I came to that decision because I am an American, but I disagree. I believe I came to that decision because of God's grace, independent of my citizenship. I've seen plenty of people who have made the same decision, but have never visited America.

So—how is this a double-bind or dilemma? Because the idea of self-sufficiency and self-reliance is diametrically opposed to the basic call of discipleship given by Jesus—"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matt 16:24).

This dilemma comes into focus by seeing this verse in more popular wording—Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Those who want to come with me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses, and follow me" (Matt 16:24 GWT). Another version puts it, "...turn from your selfish ways" (Matt 16:24 NLT).

America is well-known as a consumer nation. Over the past several years, the American government's suggestion for improving the economy is for people to comsume (go out and spend) even more to keep the economy growing—more than our current world-leading trend.

Do you see the dilemma? I mean, well...how can I be a good American if I deny myself and don't spend and consume more than I'm already doing? Then again—how can I follow Jesus as He commanded, if I'm spending more on myself? There's a lot more that could be said on this, but the short of it is this—it's pretty hard to be both self-reliant and self-denying at the same time.

But, this isn't just an American dilemma, this is a human one. All people are selfish by nature. Every person who responds to God's grace—to follow Jesus as their Lord—is going to struggle with this double-bind. If you're a Christian believer, forget about all those New Year's resolutions (stats show that 85% will be broken within a month!). True discipleship, at its core, is a much greater commitment. It also has a much better benefit (eternal life).

What are you hoping for in 2012? What are you resolving? I'm sticking to the commitment I made over 40 years ago. But, what you choose is up to you.

* [Some easy reading on the Revolutionary War can be found in "The Glorious Cause" and "Rise to Rebellion" by Jeff Shaara.]

Our Double Bind

2011-12-27T22:59:00.001-05:00

I'm amazed how a somewhat obscure Scripture will catch my attention, as the Lord begins speaking to my heart. It's often subtle and easy to glide past, until the Lord begins adding insight to it. I was reading through Zephaniah in my daily devo's and thinking about all the imagery and somewhat obscure reference to historical events. They're obscure unless you're an ancient history buff, which I'm not.

In the wake of Christmas celebrations and end of the year news re-caps, I came across Zeph 1:5-6– "...those who bow down and swear to the Lord and yet swear by Milcom." What caught my attention is how revealing it is of human nature—not just unbelievers, so much as believers. Many of us get caught in a double bind, one Jesus addressed in Matt 6:24, about trying to serve two masters. Nowadays we call it being distracted, but it's more like being "torn between two lovers." For example, doing something on a smart phone while listening to someone. Sound familiar?

But this is no modern day dilemma, although there are plenty of cases made for that point of view. This double bind has existed since the fateful bite into the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen 3:4-7). There are all sorts of self-help books addressing this dilemma, but most miss the greater concern. They tend to address the symptoms rather than the root cause.

Our infatuation with the things of this world naturally turn our hearts away from the Lord. None of us are immune to it. It is a daily challenge, sometimes hour by hour. It will remain a continuing battle up to the day we (who are believers) see Jesus face to face. Until then, the battle rages on and we cannot control it. All efforts at attempting to control it will fail. It cannot be controlled through will power. Oh for awhile perhaps, but it can't be sustained, nor is it what the Lord would have us do. What do you struggle with now? Over and over again?

There is only one solution—surrender! Not surrendering to the battle, or to the struggle itself (which many do). But surrender within the midst of it—surrendering our will to Jesus, the only One we can implicitly trust. In the midst of His own torturous struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane, He shows us what to do—He surrenders His will to the Father. Jesus, our supreme example, shows us the way. Can we really hope to do better?

Back to Normal?

2011-12-19T23:12:00.000-05:00

Post from Rainbow & Beyond—
http://goo.gl/t8Cz8

An Unexpected Reunion

2011-12-18T02:45:00.001-05:00

We were anticipating a fun celebration with over 160 people connected to Rainbow Village's ministry, at our annual RVM Christmas party where families and sponsored students would join us for some food and fun. But... a strong storm interrupted our plans. Instead, we woke up on the day of the party to strong rain and wind, and no power. As the morning progressed, we saw water gathering around our buildings, but we knew it would be much worse in other areas. By the afternoon, we had cancelled the party, but many coming from far away were on their way already. Two of our families were stuck in a no-man's land—in a bus. They couldn't get home because of a washed out bridge, but there was no place to stay and no money to do so anyway. Back to Rainbow they came to stay with us for the night.

We heard that many homes had been destroyed and there was widespread flooding in the mountains above us and near the swollen rivers in our city and surrounding areas. Knowing there were families we knew in the flooded areas spurred us to check on them. It's hard to put into words, and even pictures don't convey how devasting it is to lose everything you own. We know the feeling having survived a major fire at Rainbow in 1997, but this time we were on the other side of the loss.

The damage and loss of life is much worse farther south from our island in northern Mindanao, but even here there is loss of life and many, many homes lost. Of course, surviving it all is great, but during the crisis it's terrifying and unsettling. Many of our friends and extended Rainbow family spent the early morning on their rooftops watching the flood that had woken them up. When a flood comes, it comes fast with little time to do anything but seek higher ground, somewhere safe. After the initial shock, comes the clean up and tedious task of sorting through what's left. What can be salvaged is and what cannot must be accepted.

When you start off with little it may seem small to lose everything, but that's not the case. Many of these same families went through the harrowing experience of a flash flood only 3 years ago. But the hardest thing is the loss of life, especially the little ones. After showing up at Rainbow drenched and cold, one of our staff told of their neighbor's five-month old baby being washed away. Our long-time, faithful cook, Neng, told me of a one-year old baby floating just outside her home. These are the difficult things to handle.

Last night we housed many who were once again at Rainbow, after moving on with their lives and moving out of Rainbow. This morning we had a time of worship, then prayer, then some breakfast. Three of our families were able to return home today, but there are several who will be back at Rainbow tonight, after working to clean up from the flood. Please pray for the many affected by these devasting floods. If you want to help out in some way, please donate through our account (Rainbow- #511) at Shepherd's Staff, put a memo for "RVM Relief Fund".

I Want You to Know Me

2011-12-12T00:48:00.001-05:00

We humans tend to complicate the simple and reduce what is great to something ordinary. It's done with all manner of things, including politics, religion, and relationships. The current political scuffle, or should I say spitting match, is a prime example. Everyone knows what needs to be done, which is basically—live within our means. Of course, we haven't been doing that for a long time, but that's pretty obvious. What complicates it all is the political lack of will to do what is right and just. It's shameful and no one is free of blame.

The point is—it's only complicated by those who don't want to do the simple but hard things. On the other hand, there are those who'd like to "solve" the immigration dilemma with a big wall and "kicking out all those illegals." Ah, it's not that simple, and we are dependent, as a nation, upon the immigrants (legal and illegal) that have come into our country—after all, we're a nation of immigrants.

Unfortunately, Christians do pretty much the same thing. Why else would there be so many different denominations and groups claiming (in essence)—we've got it all right, but the others don't. Too often, theological truth, which has great depth, is reduced to what is palatable for the masses. And yet, all sorts of "laws" are set up (formally and unofficially) that complicate and restrict the practice of Christianity—the do's and don'ts that turn many away from the church.

I am adamantly against an ecumenical approach to God and the Christian Faith. As Jesus said, "the gate is wide...that leads to destruction" (Matt 7:13-14). I'm equally against sectarianism that rips apart the Christian church because of judgmental attitudes—"For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces" (Matt 23:13). There is a great danger in taking what is deep and making it shallow, so no one "drowns," and likewise, creating standards and requirements that shut people out of God's kingdom, in the name of truth.

And when it comes to relationships, oh, don't get me started. Actually, when it comes to religion, it's all about relationship. That's not just the mantra of the Jesus Movement back in the seventies, it's what God says—"I want you to know me" (Hosea 6:6 GWT). Jesus summed up the whole Law of Moses in two commandments—love God and love your neighbor (Matt 22:36-40). The Jewish Talmud expanded the Law into thousands of corollary interpretations of the Law, making it impossible to keep. American Christianity has managed to make the faith both marketable and manageable, at times reducing it to a discussion over coffee and a simple prayer that solves all.

Trusting in Jesus is simple, not complicated. But living out the truth of the Gospel in a consistent day-to-day manner is not so simple. Starting a relationship is rather simple, but keeping it going and healthy is often much more challenging, ask anyone who's been married. An observation about relationships—it's easy to get distracted from the basic essence of being present in the relationship. An example—my wife and I went to have coffee the other day. I took her picture and checked in with a social media app on my phone. Her comment to me, "Can't we just have coffee together?" I was occupied with the event and sharing it with others, instead of just being there with my wife.

This was God's issue with Israel, and I suspect, His issue with the church at times. More personally, it's His issue with me and perhaps with you at times. Is it possible to be so occupied and distracted with everything else that the Lord is left hanging? Of course it is. When God sent Hosea to Israel with His message of warning and pending judgment, Hosea was instructed to marry a prostitute. Sounds strange, but it illustrated the condition of God and Israel's relationship. Israel was trusting in its own strength, it's idols, and the strength of others, rather than the God who had made them. Hmm, sound familiar?

Blessings

2011-12-04T09:49:00.001-05:00

This week my post is on another blog site... http://goo.gl/GZ5FX

Then They Will Know

2011-11-24T21:33:00.001-05:00

Judgment presents a strange dilemma. The concepts of judging and passing judgment are often confused. Choosing between right and wrong is a process of judging, but different than passing judgment on someone. When judgment is made in the latter sense, there is a consequence attached to the decision or choice made.

Judgments present another dilemma—bringing into question the authority or right for the judgment being made. What evidence is given? Who is entitled to make the decision? Who or what empowers them to do so? Even so, many people continue passing judgment in the court of public opinion. In the trial of Michael Jackson's doctor, guilt was determined before the trial took place. More recently, in the case of a Penn State assistant football coach, where the investigation hasn't been completed, the man is condemned already.

Reading through the prophet Ezekiel, I was reminded how God's judgments are often misunderstood. Some people characterize the judgments of God (in the Bible) as barbaric and heartless, maybe even capricious. They're anything but that. Reading through Ezekiel Chapter 11–13, where God reveals the judgment to come upon Israel for their persistent rebellion to God, I was reminded of God's eternal nature—who He is and what He desires.

Throughout Ezekiel, as in other prophetic writings, the purpose of God's judgment is clearly seen—restoration—"Then you will know that I am the LORD" (Ezek 11:12 GWT). God wanted the people He had chosen to return to Him. He had made into a nation, but they had chosen lesser gods to follow. He wanted to set them free from what enslaved them—the very same thing He desires to do today for all people. This is made clear by the prophecy of Ezekiel 11:16-20, where God promises to gather them back, forgive them, and restore them.

Humanity, in general, sees judgment as punishment. Indeed, it has an element of punishment, but God's judgment isn't limited to that. God's plan for judgment, His purpose, is bringing restoration—the whole process being corrective. God has always sought restoration, as David (who had his own serious problems) declares in Psalm 23 (Pss 23:3), "He restores my soul." This has always been God's nature and intent. When Adam and Eve thought God was holding out on them, one of their consequences was banishment from the Garden of Eden. Generally, we see this as punishment for disobedience because we are short-sighted. Yet, this is where God's plan of redemption is revealed (Gen 3:15).

In Ezekiel's messages, I keep seeing the phrase, "Then they will know...," always linked with the one name God gave Himself—the LORD, Jehovah—Yahweh, the personal covenant name of God. This shows His personal concern and commitment. Looking at all this reveals two different perspectives—man's and God's—one short-sighted, the other more complete.

When things take place in our lives that don't make sense, and may seem unfair or unjust, how do we view God? Are we looking at Him from our own short-sighted view? Or do we see Him for who He is—a God who redeems and restores? Even if you start out short-sighted, that view can be changed. It's a choice we can make by faith—as we trust in Him for who He is, not for how He might seem at the moment.

Here is one of my favorite worship songs that may help with that change of perspective—
http://goo.gl/xpO6g

Here is another favorite worship song reminding us of God's gracious nature— http://goo.gl/x9LBb

Poverty is Relative – Part 2

2011-11-20T18:04:00.001-05:00

Supper at Mae Saraing © tkbeyond

I really don't get the idea of the 1% vs the 99%. The idea that only 1% of the population in America holds all the wealth is ludicrous, let alone patently untrue. The US is an example of a broad middle class society enjoying prosperity even in the midst of an economic crisis. In MOTROW, the disparity between wealth and poverty is far more noticeable than in the US. Think about world travel. Just a few decades ago traveling internationally was only a dream for the average person—something reserved for millionaires. Now, many people travel outside the US as if it's the norm, not an exception. The idea of the 99% is a sham, a deception—pure self-aborbed hypocrisy.

There are literally millions of people in MOTROW who live very simple lives on very low incomes, even non-existent incomes. I don't mean those in desperate situations. One family out of these millions recently moved back to the area we've lived and worked in for the past 20+ years. They are Bible college graduates, but their family backgrounds are very different. The husband's family would be considered poor in American standards, but here they are in the lower level of the middle class. Ryan's wife was a paralegal, but left her job for Bible college, where she met Ryan. They were classmates, but she had already finished secular college, and was proficient in English. Maricel's family had a hard time understanding her choice to leave a good paying job for Bible college.

Ryan and Maricel are staying near us (Dumaguete City) because of uncertainty getting to a hospital when it comes time to deliver their second child. There's a war going on in their place. It's not a big war, like in Afghanistan, but there's bombs and bullets, and a curfew limiting safe movement at night. They live in a predominantly Muslim area—intentionally. They are a family shining the light of Jesus (Isa al-Masih) to those living nearby. They've undergone specialized training for this, and had also lived in the Davao area where she taught the children in a muslim village, and Ryan was welcomed by the local imam. The imam and the people saw their genuine faith.

As we talked about things in general with their current life, they remarked on how expensive things are here. They live on a very small budget. In fact, when they need vegetables, they go out in the garden or (family) farm area and pick it. Bartering is common rather than exchanging money for food. Their life is very simple. It would qualify as poverty-level in most any scale. But that's where they plan to return once their second child is born. I asked, "even if the war is going on?" They said yes, because that's where they believe God has directed.

For the time being, Ryan is helping us with our garden and trees at Rainbow—without pay. He asked if he could help us (and we need it) because he wants to do something useful and productive. As they shared all of this with me, I couldn't help thinking about all the people protesting in several cities—wanting the rich to share with them. Whatever you're opinion about these protests, it is a guaranteed right in the US to protest and challenge the status quo. In some ways it's what sets America apart from many other countries—the guaranteed freedom to do so. But I also wonder if even a portion of those protesting reinvested their energy and time into something useful for others, how valuable it could be.

You've heard the saying, "if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." That's what I see with this young family—they're looking for how they can be a part of the solution rather than complaining about what is unfair. I see their life and it humbles me. I can be pretty good at complaining and pointing out injustice. Will what they do change the world—yes—one person at a time. That's more than I can say for the Occupy protests, and the attempt by Congress and our President in resolving our present debt crisis—or those of us watching it all take place.

I have no idea where I rank in regards to wealth, but I know it's not near the top. On the other hand, I'm far wealthier than MOTROW in many ways. Real wealth is knowing people like Ryan and Maricel, and having them as friends. I'd rather share life with people like them than any of the wealth of Wall St. How about you?

Poverty is Relative— Part 1

2011-11-09T02:29:00.001-05:00

Many are worried about the economy. Greece is teetering on bankruptcy and other nations have precarious economic situations, which could lead to a domino effect throughout the world. The "Occupy" protests have spread to other cities and are turning violent in some places. Economic indicators continue being dismal, and the presidential campaign stirs more discouragement than hope. BTW, have you seen the new iPhone 4S with Siri? It's incredible how we continue consuming new stuff anyway.

Moonrise @ Rainbow Village (Dumaguete City)

In Dumaguete City, where I'll be the next three months, there are signs of prosperity, yet poverty continues. When we first moved here in 1990, there were only 6 long distance phone lines going out from the city, and all overseas calls had to go through these 6 lines. Calls were requested through our operators and placed with operators in a neighboring island—then we would wait for a connection to the outside world. Physical land lines were at a premium and only needed four digit identities. Today, cell phone companies vie for customers, and there's an iStore in a mall selling the newest Apple technology in Dumaguete City...amazing!

What about poverty? It continues as it has for centuries. As Jesus said, "For you always have the poor with you..." (Mark 14:7). Here, the middle class has grown at a strong pace over the past couple decades, but a great disparity between the wealthy and the poor continues. A good half of the population lives day to day, and joblessness is chronic. A college degree is often required for a job at a fast-food restaurant. The greatest export of the Philippines are their people as overseas workers throughout the world, who send money back to their families.

But poverty is relative. It can't be measured in statistics and percentages—it can't be accurately gaged on a grid. And what about quality of life? America has more stress-related illnesses (per capita)—many of them life threatening—than any nation in the world, yet we are one of the wealthiest nations and definitely the greatest consumer nation in the world. Other life-threatening diseases are the product of our over-consumption, but much is said of that elsewhere. Paul the apostle stated, "I've learned to be content in whatever situation I'm in" (Phil 4:11 GWT). Can you say that about your own life?

Quality of life isn't measured by annual income or cost of living statistics—poverty is relative. Abject poverty exists in many places throughout the world, especially in war-torn places like Southern Sudan and Somalia. A recent report came out saying that 1 out of 15 live in "extreme poverty" in America, with an annual income of +/- $ 11,500. How does this stack up with other nations in the world? Countries with similar incomes include—Romania, Iran, Brazil, Serbia—you get the idea. How about those at the bottom of the list? Countries with GDP/PPP under $800/year include— Malawi, Niger, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Burundi and the Congo (all in Africa). [see these links for stats– http://goo.gl/n68Me / http://goo.gl/G5MR]

Recently, two former Bible college students came back to our island and visited us. Ryan wants work (paid or not) to keep busy while they wait for his wife, Maricel, to deliver their second child. They left their home in Mindanao because of a war going on and a curfew making it difficult to go to the hospital when the time of birth would come. But talking with them I was reminded of how relative poverty really is...but that will have to wait till next week.

Until then, think about the idea of poverty being relative—How poor is poor? How rich is rich? And where does contentment lie within that continuum?

Willfulness

2011-11-06T22:20:00.002-05:00

At its heart, willfulness is self-exaltation—making our self most important. This includes pursuing selfish interests and making them of highest value. We do this, or they become such, by the amount of time and energy invested in them. OK, nothing new with that observation, but what's behind it? What drives this want, this desire, this consuming lust? Why does it become greater in value and importance than anything or anyone else?

Grabbing for Candy at Rainbow's Christmas Party

This willful drive is seen as early as toddlerhood with the learning of "no" and insistence of self-will, in spite of its self-destructive possibilites. Currently, in the US, it's being demonstrated by those involved in the "Occupy" protests, the shameless stalemate within Congress and with the President, along with the continuing greed of financial institutions, as with the latest revelation of exorbitant bonuses for mediocre performance. So, is it just simple greed or pride that drives this willfulness? It's deeper than that.
Consider the admonition God gives those He calls the remnant of Judah, through Jeremiah the prophet. They had asked Jeremiah to seek God, assuring him they would do whatever God told him (Jeremiah 42:6). Of course, when decision time came, they rebelled—willfully. Why? Their willful intent is seen later when Jeremiah warns them of certain judgment for disobeying the Lord's direction, a reversing of what they committed to do. What was behind it? Here is their own reasoning for returning to their old ways—"For then we had plenty of food, and prospered, and saw no disaster" (Jeremiah 44:16-19).

This is the heart of willfulness—the shortsightedness of unbelief. Unbelief is what blocked the way to the Promised Land for the first generation brought out of Egypt by Moses. Unbelief still blocks the way to entering what God has promised those who trust in Him. What's the real issue? It's not mere disobedience, but a lack of trust. It is what went so wrong in the beginning, in the Garden—Adam and Eve stopped trusting God. They grabbed hold of something less, something that satisfies at the moment, but the cost was steep.

Why risk this great cost—losing everything—for what? Willful sin—willfulness—bothers me. It's calculated. It's intentional. It goes beyond the idea of "sins of commission and omission." All sin is wrong and brings spiritual separation from God, but all sin does not have the same consequence of effect—what's called the ripple effect. Willfulness seems to have a self-destructive ripple effect—radiating inward, as well as outward. A simple example is addictive behavior, which I won't spend time explaining, since it should be self-evident.

When I find myself struggling with willful sin, it bothers me a lot. I'm reminded of the description in Hebrews 12:1, an older NIV says, "the sin that so easily entangles." It comes down to choice, decisions our free will must make—the effect of eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. I don't want to give up my free will, my freedom of choice. But why would I entertain giving up what I know is good with eternal benefits, for what I want in a moment, knowing it has short-lived enjoyment?

I've radically changed my diet because of a medical condition. However, when given the opportunity for violating certain self-imposed restrictions (for curative purposes) for a taste of something I know I don't need and is not good for me—why do it? Hmmm, because I want to! I want to taste that sugar-laden brownie-bomb for the moment of enjoyment. Of course, there are decisions of greater consequence to battle, but the issue remains. How about you, ever wonder about this type of thing? Ultimately, I know it's a matter of implicit trust—intentional faith in Jesus for what He knows is best for me. I'll close with a couple of my "go to" verses, and leave you pondering the idea of willfulness for your self.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23)

Madmen and Justice?

2011-10-31T03:11:00.000-04:00

Muhamar Ghaddafi's beaten and gunshot body was pushed onto TV screens by media touting his final capture and downfall—the downfall of a tyrant—the Madman of Libya. There are still plenty of images and video footage to view, if you need it. Of course, there are some claiming he was unjustly put to death, and should have been granted a fair trial. Did he receive justice at the hand of those he oppressed? He had opportunity to escape, surrender and negotiate for peace with the rebels. Perhaps he brought justice upon his own head—literally. Madmen, aka tyrants, and justice—isn't that an oxymoron?

Reading through the prophet Jeremiah, I came across, "Rescue those who have been robbed from those who oppress them. Don't mistreat foreigners, orphans, or widows, and don't oppress them. Don't kill innocent people in this place" (Jeremiah 22:3 GWT). The idea of social justice has become a hot topic for many Christian believers over the past decade or so. It may be more vogue now, but it has always been the center of God's heart, as indicated by Jeremiah's words.

In God's message through Jeremiah (Jeremiah 22:4-5), God gives His people in Judah an option—the same option He gave them over and over, the same option God gives us today—if you do this (rescue, etc...) blessing will come, if not, then judgment will come. I write this from the Philippines on the front porch of our cottage at Rainbow Village. My wife and I arrived this weekend to our home of fifteen years, as we celebrate twenty years of ministry at Rainbow. Rainbow's ministry could be termed social justice (it is), but that's not why we started it back in 1991. We responded to God's call, as have many others over the centuries. Prophets deliver God's message, but God's people hear it and respond one way or the other.

Social justice is tied to God's sovereign nature, not the capriciousness of man's social conscience. Man's social constructs are relativistic attempts at being good, but based on self-justification—an effort to make ourselves innocent of wrong. God's justice is impartial because He is righteous by nature. Any involvement in social justice is laudable, but not grounds for claiming any righteousness. When we rescue, set the oppressed free, don't oppress or mistreat, and don't kill the innocent, we are doing what we ought to do, nothing extraordinary. If it seems extraordinary then something is wrong with what is the prevailing norm.

My oldest son was born in 1973, the year abortion on demand (the murder of unborn children) was legalized in the US. Of course, there are those who say it's a matter of choice—of course it is. But that choice has consequences. It's easy to focus on madmen like Ghaddafi as tyrants deserving of judgment. It's a bit more discomforting when looking at why judgment comes in view of Jeremiah's words above. I believe it was Rev. Billy Graham who said, "If God doesn't judge America, He will need to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah."

For those who focus on evangelism and church planting, social justice isn't an option, it should be expected within God's kingdom—the natural outcome of living out the Gospel. Social justice is not a cause to take up, it's the heart of God who is both merciful and mighty, gracious and righteous. Judgment is God's domain, not man's. Social justice is loving our neighbor as ourself—the 2nd great commandment, and as Jesus further said, "By this all people will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35).

Repentance Is Not About Behavior

2011-10-25T09:52:00.001-04:00

"You've turned your backs, not your faces, to me" (Jeremiah 27c GWT). This is what God says to His people through Jeremiah. It's a recurring theme in God's messages through Jeremiah to Judah (the southern kingdom of Israel). Judah had abandoned the living God for lifeless idols. It wasn't just misplaced worship or foolish religion, it was accompanied with gross immorality and perversion of justice. The behavior of the leaders and people was atrocious. But this wasn't God's main issue.

Repentance is not about behavior, but renewed relationship. It's not that bad behavior should be ignored or overlooked, but it is secondary. It should change as a result of changed relationship, not the other way around. When changed behavior is the focus of repentance, God's intent for it is misplaced. Although God held His people responsible for their bad behavior, His great lament was their shunning Him. In Jeremiah 2:13, God says the people had committed two evils and number one is forsaking Him.

Going back to the Garden of Eden and looking forward, relationship has always been central to God. When Adam and Eve gave in to the serpent's temptation, God goes looking for them because He knows something is wrong. The entire story of redemption begins there. The classic picture of repentance is given in the third of three parables in Luke 15—the Lost Son (or Prodigal Son). The climax is seeing the lost son return to his father. The son's focus is on his own sin, the father looks past the son's sin and filthiness to embrace him and celebrate.

However, we still tend to focus on sin—our own or that of others, and it's lingering effect. That's the picture of the brooding elder son in the parable. We want forgiveness and justice, and often have difficulty accepting forgiveness, or as it's often put, "forgiving ourselves." Sadly, when we focus on our own sin, how others have sinned, and the ripple effect of sin—we lose sight of the purpose of forgiveness. Forgiveness is granted by God for restoration of relationship, not a means of satisfying divine justice. Of course, things must be made right, but righteousness itself is relational, not a theological concept. Why was the father (in the parable) celebrating? Because, "My son was dead and has come back to life. He was lost but has been found" (Luke 15:24 GWT).

Repentance is not about good behavior, but restored relationship. As King David requested in his own prayer of repentance, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation" (Psalm 51:12). Repentance is not about "turning over a new leaf," as if making a New Year's resolution. It's about returning to God. There are countless examples of this point throughout the Bible (although someone has probably counted each one ;-}). Unfortunately, much well-intentioned teaching and preaching has focused on changed behavior as the mark of true repentance. How about John the Baptist's rebuke at the Jordan River (Matt 3:1-12 GWT), you might ask? Changed behavior is the fruit of genuine repentance, not its essence.

Redemption is not about forgiveness, but reconciliation between God and man. Repentance is about returning to God. As God says, "you've turned your backs, not your faces, to me." God wants people to turn their faces to Him, not their backs. He's not interested in what we can do to make things right, because He knows it will fall short and be short-lived. Repentance is not remorse, nor emotion, or promises of better behavior. It's a change of heart leading us back to God, as shown by the lost son in the parable. Repentance is not behavior modification, "changing our ways" or "making a 180º turn" on our own, but returning to God, the Father, and receiving His mercy and grace. Once relationship is restored (yes, through forgiveness on God's behalf), then true repentance results in a changed life. When our face is turned to God, our back is turned on sin.

I believe there is no true redemption without genuine repentance. But the essence of repentance is returning to God regardless of the personal cost. The good news is God has covered the cost on the Cross. Our work is turning our face and trust back to God, not changing our behavior. That is a futile effort—doomed for failure. If you're trying to be a "good Christian"—stop it! But if you desire turning towards God—go for it!

My wife and I saw the power of redemption when disciplining our children. Once it was clear what was wrong, our children's heads dropped and their faces reflected sadness. Then correction was applied and a new path of behavior (and attitude) was discussed. Once things were settled, the result was freedom. True repentance ought to bring freedom, not brooding. Back to the parable in Luke, the father celebrated with the restored son, while the elder son brooded. It's your choice—brooding or rejoicing. I prefer joy over whining, any day of the week.

Contentment and a Wandering Heart

2011-10-17T09:47:00.000-04:00

Public Market–Chaing Mai (© tkbeyond)

American culture is a funny thing—it's ironic. We have unparalleled liberty and prosperity, yet generally lack contentment as a people. Based on this, advertisers and public media have reaped multi-billion dollar revenues. We have so much and still want so much more. A good portion of the world's population wants what we have. When they can't have it they hate us for it, or want to destroy it. Who can blame them, really?

Take the current protests aimed at Wall Street. Our US Constitution guarantees freedom of rights (the 1st Amendment in Bill of Rights). Of course, a segment of our population wants to shut them up, and another group wants to ride the wave of their sentiment. But, so far, what they want isn't clear except some form of access to greater wealth—envy and discontent (greed) protests greed.

Like so many things in life, and with our culture, much energy and talk is expended on surface issues—the effect rather than the cause. Greed, whether corporate or individual, is what got us into this economic mess. It's easy to blame others for our own misfortune, claiming the role of victim. It's a waste of time finding fault. The fault lies at all of our feet—the banks, the lending and investment institutions, the government (both parties), personal debt, and you and me. We're just not content.

Americans, even the poorest, still have more than MOTROW. The average annual income of many nations is far less than our poor on welfare (see–http://goo.gl/GZZXG). Just recently I saw a reported stat that our poor (lowest 20%) live at a higher standard of living now than 10 years ago. Yet, we want more. The problem with greed is—there will never be enough! Greed (covetousness) is equivalent to idolatry (Col 3:5). That's our problem. Just like the nation of Israel in the Old Testament, we keep wandering in a wilderness of wishing we had more, or wishing we could go back to what we had before.

Recently I was reading through Isaiah and came across this question—O Lord, why do you let us wander from your ways and become so stubborn that we are unable to fear you? (Isaiah 63:17) "Why," this is the dilemma of liberty—the dilemma of having free will. Some might say we don't really have free will—only what God allows within His sovereignty. I don't accept that, otherwise we'd be content because we wouldn't know any different (I oversimplify to make a point). This is why some people want a government that controls freedom—it removes options and decisions are easier. The desire of many in Russia after the fall of the USSR illustrates this—wanting things to go back as they were under communism. So, some may want God to do the same—just take away our options so we won't wander from His ways.

Our hearts become hardened when we think there's more to be had. Somehow, God, the government, Wall St., or someone else is holding out on us, keeping us from getting our due. This is how I see the dilemma of free will within the Garden of Eden. The serpent convinced Eve (and Adam with her) that God was holding something back from them (Gen 3:5). Of course, when they ate and their eyes were opened, it wasn't what they wanted (or expected). Wouldn't everything have been better if only God had kept them from eating that fruit!

Our hearts will always wander because of innate selfishness. That's what we inherit from Adam and Eve, because they weren't content with what God had given them. The only cure is having childlike trust in God, which is how things started out in the Garden. Anything short of that and our hearts are off wandering, and in the process, hardening towards God. "Why Lord?!" Because He desires genuine trust, with sincere love and adoration, not robots.

So, while on this earth and in this life, we walk with God by faith—trust. And when we wander off the path of faith, we need to return to trusting Him for everything in this life. Trust in God is the key to genuine contentment. I've experienced genuine contentment in this life from time to time. But, too often I'm out there wandering with everyone else. How about you?

An American Icon and an African Story

2011-10-10T11:47:00.001-04:00

The death of an American icon, Steve Jobs, captured the headlines and induced reminiscence by many last week. He was a creative and marketing genius, no doubt, and I appreciate the products he introduced into American life. For a while, his death took center stage in the midst of a growing protest of Wall Street's excesses. But my heart has been captured by a young South African girl named Chanda.
(BTW, the girls in this photo are from Ethiopia © tkbeyond)

This past weekend my wife and I watched "Life, Above All," a story of redemption out in movie-version. I'd like to read the book. I don't often recommend movies because people's tastes and tolerance differ so widely. It's not much of a match for "Transformers" or the "Twilight" movies (neither of which I've watched or recommend, btw). The story gives a real glimpse of life in South Africa, which is played out in many other countries. It is also another real-life view from MOTROW that I spoke of last week.

I love stories of redemption. One of my favorites is "Les Miserables," by Victor Hugo. If you've never read it, I highly recommend it. If you're not a reader, there's free audio versions (just check online), and you might want to start with an abridged version. It's a great story that's better than the movie or play (although good as well). Redemption for Christians usually focuses on forgiveness of sin, as it should. But the idea of redemption is much broader. If nothing more, it is the extension of forgiveness, God's mercy, to others. This is what I saw in this movie and in Chanda, a twelve-year old girl coming of age in a remote South African village.

The story begins with the death of a baby girl, the child of Chanda's mother by a different father. This is a family broken by grief, a somewhat classic modern-day tragedy. Chanda's natural father had died, and the man her mother had married bore three other children. This man also dies, but of a merciless death. His body was ravaged with a disease attached with shame and fear—a disease present in the whole world, but especially prevalent in MOTROW. It's a disease provoking harsh judgment, fear, and rejection, as well as shame.

This is not a feel-good movie. It's a "reality movie" in the truest sense. What it portrays is played out daily in many countries, along with South Africa. But it is a movie of redemption, and this is why Chanda captured my heart—she is an example of redemption overcoming harsh judement, fear, rejection and shame. I don't want to spoil the movie for you, and I can't do justice to how it's told. But I saw God's redemption in Chanda as reflected by the words of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1-2)—the same words Jesus read, in Luke 4:18-19, announcing His being the Messiah who had come to set people free—to redeem all people.

BTW, there's a worldwide ministry called He Intends Victory that extends God's redemption as the answer for a powerful disease—a disease affecting millions throughout the world. There is hope, even when death seems inevitable. It is a living hope named Jesus Christ—the Redeemer of all humanity.

Redemption is not just something we receive from God for ourselves. It's to be lived out in daily life, as seen in the lives of Jean Luc (in Les Miserables) and Chanda. If you've received God's redemption in your own life, is it being lived out for the benefit of others? This a part of the Great Commission, as expressed by Jesus in Luke 24:47 and John 20:21–23. Redemption isn't just a theory, it's a reality to be lived out daily.

PS– I don't get many comments, so I often wonder if these posts are being read. Let me know, if you would. And if they're a blessing to you, pass them on—retweet, repost, or share in some other way. Thanks for reading.

MOTROW

2011-10-03T06:49:00.000-04:00

MOTROW— no, not Motrin, nor is this some phony, phonetic attempt at saying Montreal with a peculiar accent. It's an acronym, a set of letters that stand for something, but more on that in a bit. I use acronyms, but don't always like them. Acronyms are big in special fields of study and institutions, like government for example. They're great shortcuts, especially when writing, so you don't have to waste time and effort writing all those words. The problem is understanding what they mean. Unless there's some familiarity with the acronym, it may look like a jumble of letters or something written in code—actually, it is code, it's symbolic.

Anyway, back to MOTROW. It stands for Most Of The Rest Of the World—a phrase I've kept using as a catch-all expression. In some circles this was called the "two-thirds world." World missions organizations use the term "majority world." What nations does this include? It's easier to say what it doesn't include—the USA, Canada, Australia, England. Even that list is too broad for what I mean by MOTROW, so let me narrow it down.

First of all, nations, as the Bible describes them, are called people groups—people with a distinct culture and language (or dialect) regardless of their geographic location or political government. There are thousands and thousands (16,696 to be exact) scattered throughout the world, ranging in population from several thousand to a few million. You can see a list of people groups on the Joshua Project website for a complete index. Over 40% of these people groups are considered unreached with the Gospel, having no Christian witness or community among them.

A real distinction of MOTROW is how the world is seen, called a worldview. MOTROW consists of non-western cultures. By non-western I mean how people think, interact with others, and live out their lives. This has to do with priorities and values. Americans (and similar western cultures) focus on time and tasks—getting a job done and using time efficiently ("time is money!"). MOTROW is focused on people and events, and events are important because of the people involved or celebrated in the events.

For example—in America, a wedding is typically focused on the couple being married, the venue, the style or theme of the wedding, and so on. In MOTROW, the couple are important, but so are family and friends. My first glimpse of this was in the Philippines. On the wedding night following the ceremony and reception, many close friends hung around till late in the evening with the bride and groom in their bridal suite (cottage). Anniversaries, in a similar way, aren't celebrated by the couple alone, but with family and friends. MOTROW is more about community than individuality.

Another distinction is thought process connected to living. In America, we tend to be more concerned with the destination than the journey itself, and with test scores than the usability of what is learned. We, along with most western-oriented cultures, tend to think in a straight line, analytically. This is both a great strength and weakness. Others from around the world (MOTROW) come to America, enrolling in our schools to learn this capacity. It is valuable. It's a weakness when we become so focused and driven that important life realities are neglected—relationships, quality of life, creativity, inspiration, peace of mind and heart, spiritual needs, you get the idea.

So, how does this relate to anyone, especially in America? There's a couple things that come to mind. MOTROW has been moving into the good ol' US of A for the past few decades. There are many people groups living in communities (usually urban areas), often isolated and bewildered by American culture. Thankfully, there are some churches and communities reaching out to them, but not nearly enough to meet these needs. There are great opportunities for reaching the world with the Gospel right here in the US, and many people and ministries are doing so.

The second thing is, most Americans are oblivious to MOTROW—inside America or outside. Our news about the outside world is limited, edited, almost non-existent. The internet has helped, but only if you're looking for world news. Even then, it's still pretty limited. Reading and hearing the news outside the US is quite different. Political and cultural views of the world and America are from a different worldview. Stands to reason, and it gives anyone willing to consider it an opportunity to see things differently.

So, look around wherever you live. There's likely a people group or two from MOTROW near you. Have you already recognized people from MOTROW around you? Have you had any interaction with them? If you're not ready to reach out or help them in some direct way, start praying for them, learn about them (see the Joshua Project website), and eventually engage them. Your perspective on life and the world will change. Your world will expand!

Words, Daydreams and the Fear of God

2011-09-26T17:04:00.000-04:00

Words, daydreams and the fear of God—these are notes from my study notebook while reading through Chapter 5 of Ecclesiastes. It's actually the gist of verse 7 [http://goo.gl/O3KSC]. Solomon says daydreaming comes from worrying too much, and a multitude of words produces careless speech. But in the end (as at the end of the book–Eccl 12:13), the important thing is fearing God. He alone holds every life in His hands. Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon weaves bits of wisdom and insight between large batches of cynical observations made over a lifetime. There is a point to it all.

Lighthouse at Key Biscayne, FL

King Solomon was considered the wisest man in the world, not by his account, but the Scriptures and many contemporaries testified of this, including the Queen of Sheba (Ethiopia). He was well-educated, accomplished, a man of the world, a powerful world leader, yet coming to the end of his life he questioned it's value—"Everything is pointless" (Eccl 1:2)

Although he had amazing wisdom, he didn't seem to use it with women. He had hundreds of wives and hundreds of concubines, and he admitted this had ruined his life. Though he had amassed incredible riches and enjoyed every aspect of life he could imagine, he felt empty. He had fallen into a dark cynicism eclipsing all his success. Something, everything, was missing.
Sounds like many Americans. Even in a declining economy, we still maintain our edge in consumerism. Way too much could be said and has been said about all that. And yet, with all that we have as a nation, many Americans are dissatisfied with their lives, wanting more, feeling unfulfilled, and just plain unhappy. Just ask, there's plenty of opinions about it all. And there's plenty of blame to go around.
Solomon's view of life is similar to nihilistic philosophy—life is pointless. A realist may see the negative, even fall into cynicism, but looks for a way to move forward regardless of how difficult or discouraging things are, but not expecting any happiness along the way. What about a person of faith, especially a Christian? Their take may be, "I know it's not all pointless, so Lord, help me see the point." I've definitely fallen into the camp of cynicism on more than one occasion. I'm familiar with the path leading to it, yet I keep returning to the way of faith. What about you?

Last post I posed a question regarding what season your life is in now. I want to follow that up with some life observations. If you're experiencing an upswing of success in life, don't forget where you started. Remember Solomon, who had it all, and wondered if there should be more. Many a successful person, victorious athlete, or deal-closer, has fallen into depression after the fact. This was the apparent case of Alexander the Great.

If things seem to be somewhat flat or level (re: boring!), enjoy it—it won't last. Many times in ministry when things are relatively calm, our office staff would wonder if there was something we ought to be doing. The calm wouldn't last, so we learned to enjoy whatever break there was from the usual frenzy of activity. Frankly, many Americans (including Christians) don't know how to rest and relax.

If it seems you're headed down into a valley, remember, this isn't the end of the road. It's not the last stop, but preparation for whatever is the next adventure. Whatever the season of life, whatever cycle you're going through—keep things in perspective. Those of us with faith have a hope, a living hope, not in ourselves, but in the One we trust. Our last stop is eternity with Him.

Recently, a good friend of mine needed brain surgery—that can put life in perspective, real quick! His main concern was for his family, but he had great peace going into the surgery. The one question he did have was—"Lord, how do you want to use my life once I survive the surgery?" [I've put it in my own words]. What's your perspective? Are you like the nihilist, the realist, or a person of faith? Are you stuck or do you see beyond the circumstances?

Oh, BTW, my friend came through the surgery well and with a good prognosis. We're still praying for direction from the Lord. It's all a matter of perspective!

Sunrise, Sunset

2011-09-19T14:46:00.002-04:00

The other morning I walked down to the beach to watch the sun rise. I took some photos, watched others coming to view the sunrise, but my priority was spending time with the Lord—remembering who He is and His faithfulness—as both Creator and Redeemer.

I like spending time at the beach swimming, walking, biking, or just watching the ocean, always have. Just last week I was out on the west coast in southern California, so I wanted to catch a sunset or two. I walked on the beach (brrr, the water is much colder in the Pacific than the Atlantic!), watched the surf and those surfing, and enjoyed the sunset. It was beautiful. I also watched another sunset at a small park overlooking the Pacific near where I stayed. It's a favorite spot.

Sunrises and sunsets, the daily cycles of life on this earth, tend to go unnoticed unless you stop to watch. You have to be there to see and appreciate them, otherwise it's just the normal cycle of darkness to light, back to darkness each day. As summer begins to fade into autumn, the sun is already in a lower apex on its daily cycle of sunrise, sunset, as the earth rotates around it. It's this change in the sun's trajectory which reminds me there's another season coming. I live in NE Florida now, and lived in the tropics for many years (temperature change isn't as noticeable as in some areas of the country), so I notice the sun sitting in the sky a little lower now.

Ecclesiastes is a book describing life's seasons and cycles. It seems pretty cynical at first glance—"Everything is pointless" [http://goo.gl/egH9E], but it's an ancient approach called a "foil." The idea is to set up the reader (or hearer) by getting them thinking in one direction, then laying out a simple truth to be focused on. In Ecclesiastes, this simple truth is woven in an out of other seemingly cynical observations on life—just like many people have nowadays, perhaps you—I've certainly taken a cynic's view at times.

The book focuses on the various cycles or seasons of life. There's a famous song taken from the third chapter, "Turn, Turn, Turn," sung by many people during the turbulent sixties. There's also a wonderful book that uses another verse in chapter 3 declaring how God sets eternity in the hearts of all mankind. [http://goo.gl/TCtvo]. Although the continuing tone of Solomon's writing is the pointlessness of the cycles of life, there are bits of wisdom inserted as counters, almost in relief for the drone of "vanity, vanity." Life can be like that. Some people love routine, others hate it. I imagine most of us fall somewhere inbetween.

Next post I want to look at what may seem like life's endless routine that can bring discouragement. But for now, what season of life do you find yourself in? For me, the past several years have been very different from the preceeding decade. Often, I found myself discouraged by certain situations and unfulfilled expectations. How about you—does it seem like the sun is rising or setting at this season of your life?

Tapestry of Gospel Ministry

2011-09-13T14:16:00.003-04:00

I've been out on the west coast in southern California this past week. I have some posts I'm working on, but thought I'd share a message given at Village Church in Orange County this past Sunday. I had a wonderful time fellowshipping and ministering. It was Missions Sunday and I was graciously invited by Ptr Matt Kyser and Mike and Jenni Ramsey (heading up the missions) to share at the Sunday morning service and later at home group meeting. It was a full and fun day! I was also able to share at the missions luncheon along with several others missionaries—it was great to be included with them and this very special church body. If you're in Orange County, it's a great place to be plugged into—they're on mission and very inclusive.

This message is one of a series of messages on the Essential Gospel that will be highlighted in the book I'm currently writing (actual rewriting). Please feel free to comment and share it with others. Just click on the link below and then click on either the listen or view icon (bottom right of page) to get to it.
http://goo.gl/1FGpj

Anomaly, Ambiguity or Ignorance?

2011-09-05T13:13:00.007-04:00

I came across a statement of Jesus in His priestly prayer from John 17—"For their sakes I sanctify myself...." It reminded me of a similar statement about Jesus in Hebrews— "He learned obedience through what he suffered...." [http://goo.gl/Z0sOE] Things like this catch my attention, seeming almost contradictory. Are they an anomaly, an unusual occurrence creating a theological conundrum? Perhaps there's a different construction in the original language making the statement appear ambiguous for translators. Then again, it may be simple ignorance on my part. I typically figure it's the latter before getting too worked up about other possibilities.

I came across this doing a short devotional reading with my wife. When I mentioned it to her, she thought it meant the Lord is our example. Indeed, He is. Yet I still wondered, is being sanctified as Jesus was just a matter of following His example? If so, are we making ourselves holy? How does that work? Most of the time, it seems those doing holy things, to make themselves holy, end up being isolated in their holiness or self-righteousness. There is a bit more to deal with considering sanctification and how it gets worked out in our lives. The whole idea of being sanctified—being holy—tends to be a bit troubling for most of us. I mean, if we're truly honest with ourselves, who even comes close to the example of Jesus?

There's a saying that goes, "perception is everything." We can always find someone better than ourselves in pretty much any category, including holiness. Unfortunately, in that area, there are an abundance of examples (at least in my case). If we look hard enough, we can find others to compare ourselves with making us shine a bit brighter. This seems to be a dilemma in itself—this whole idea of comparisons and measuring up.

Yet, being holy—becoming sanctified (the process of becoming holy)—isn't about quality or quantity of holy behavior. The reality is no one will ever measure up to Jesus' example. I suppose someone might say Jesus didn't measure up because He had to sanctify Himself. Ridiculous. Misses the point completely. The simple idea is one of function—internal transformation—rather than quality. Purpose rather than external performance in our case. In His—He's our example, going ahead of us so we can follow Him.

Jesus wasn't speaking of becoming more holy in character or behavior—He was God incarnate—God in human form. In John 17, He's preparing for the completion of His mission on the Cross—His death and resurrection. In His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, we see Jesus struggling with the reality of surrendering Himself to the Father's will, which was dying upon the cross as a reconciling sacrifice for all people.

I know my sense of holiness and sanctification gravitates towards living and being an example of Jesus. Problem is—I fall woefully short. But again, who doesn't? So, there's got to be a much simpler resolve. The Lord knows how difficult these things can be for us. Sanctification is more about being dedicated for God's specific purpose for our lives, rather than a form of behavior. It is not a show of righteousness others can see. It's not a matter of being better than others in anything. Nor having a better life or being a better person. It's not about us, it's much simpler than that. Perhaps looking at sanctification from a more objective example helps this come into focus.

When certain items in the (Jewish) Temple were said to be sanctified, it meant they had been prepared and properly dedicated for a specific purpose. Sanctification is more about being dedicated to Him who's created and redeemed us, and His preparing us for what He's purposed us for—dedicated (sanctified) us for. What's our part? First, submitting ourselves to the Lord. Then, committing ourselves to do the best we can at whatever we are given to do now, whether it is mundane or extraordinary. When circumstances change, doing what is set before us. This means, being an excellent scientist, janitor, businessman, mother, carpenter, student, or whatever role we may have.

God makes things simple—simple enough for children. Jesus sets an example and says, "Follow Me." He knows our weaknesses, our temptations, our failures, our fears—all the things we see as disqualifying us from perfection (aka sanctification). He calls us to follow Him by walking hand in hand with Him through faith—childlike faith—sheer trust and reliance upon HIm. He even said we must become like little children to enter His kingdom. One day, beyond faith, we'll be with the Lord face to face having fulfilled His purposes for our life. What's God's purpose for you right now? Think simple! Just do the best you can with His gracious help—trusting Him every step of the way. What is God dedicating you for in your life?

Commiserator, Interrogator or Mediator?

2011-08-29T11:55:00.000-04:00

Recently, I began reading through Job in my morning devotions. I was not looking forward to it. I've read through it many times and taught through it, but it can be kind of depressing. If you focus too much on the dialog between Job and his so-called comforters, it's a pretty drawn out drama of commiserating and interrogating. It's an ancient way of discussing an issue philosophically, so it may seem tedious. The primary purpose or theme of Job is answering the universal question of "why," when people face suffering, injustice, or simply the consequences of living in a fallen world.

As I began reading Job and then Psalms, following a reading schedule, I began seeing some parallels between the two. Once again I was reminded of the seamless continuity of God's Living Word. Of course, the seamlessness is the result of the Holy Spirit's work. Not only the original writing of the scriptures, but His work in minds and hearts when we're open to His revealing the truth. One of the themes I saw in both Job and Psalms was a crying out for justice, and for someone to be a mediator between God and man.
Consider the situation for both David (in Psalms) and Job—both felt surrounded by enemies, David actually was and Job felt he was. Job was dealing with friends who had come to comfort him. They began sympathizing with him in silence, but as Job began his monologue lamenting his condition, they began interrogating him rather than just commiserating with him. It's funny how quickly well-intended questioning can become interrogation. I've watched this take place in hospital visits, prayer meetings, and support group meetings—"Are you sure you didn't... maybe if you...," and other unintentional inquisitional queries.
Job is baring his soul, but his friends begin challenging his integrity. As this continues, Job protests by claiming his own rightness and crying out for justice, this brings him to see the need for a mediator—an intercessor between man and God [http://goo.gl/5pkOf]. David also cries out for something similar seeing the need for a ransom to be paid [http://goo.gl/xsMlq]. Once again, we see the beauty of God's Living Word in it's seamless continuity—there is a mediator who pays the ransom for all mankind regardless of their rightness or wrongness—his name is Jesus.
It is innately human to justify and defend our self when being condemned, judged, or accused—even though we know deep in our hearts we aren't so righteous. It is also very human to fall into an accusatory attitude when others are going through some difficulty—for some reason we want to either fix the problem or affix blame for it. But, we aren't God, no one sees things from an eternal perspective except God, and no one has the right to sit in the judgment seat except God—whether in judgment of ourselves or others.
As much as we may want an answer to our question of why, it will persist. This ultimate question will be asked over and over again till we see the eternal judge. Until then, we need a mediator. Yes, of course we have Jesus the perfect mediator between God and man [http://goo.gl/Zke5K], but there are times when we need a human stand in. I know I have needed to be one, as well as have one on many occasions. There are plenty of commiserators and interrogators available, but how many gracious, understanding mediators are there? More pointedly, how would people portray us when they have turned to us for help, comfort, or counsel? Commiserator, interrogator, or mediator?
The only way we can be a gracious and understanding mediator for someone else is spending time with the great Mediator, Jesus. How? For me, I value listening prayer and meditative reading of the Scripture—as Jesus says in many parables and to the seven churches in Revelation, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says." When I remove myself (my prideful, selfish self) from the equation, it seems easier to see things from God's perspective.
The mark of experiencing God's grace is humility. This is what I see with Job in the end (Chap 42), as God humbles Job, then restores him, and finally directs him to pray for his friends. The world is needing more gracious mediators like Job, who are true friends—trustworthy and forgiving and faithful representatives of the great mediator, Jesus. God's grace, His loving kindness and sovereign goodness, changes hearts because it is His supernatural work—broadening and penetrating hearts and minds as they lay open and surrendered to Him. That's what I see in Job. Not a perfect man, but certainly a man of integrity. Not a self-righteous man, but humble, gracious, and forgiving. He's a good friend to have and to be like. Wouldn't you like to have someone like him as a friend?

Influence or Integrity?

2011-08-19T12:39:00.003-04:00

Ancient Job's character is clearly described in the opening verse of the book bearing his name [http://biblia.com/bible/godsword/Job1] – He was a man of integrity: He was decent, he feared God, and he stayed away from evil. He was also considered "the most influential person in the middle east." Weighty words of description. I've often read that leadership may be defined as influence. Is a good leader a person of integrity or influence? Can they be one without being the other? Are they one and the same or is there a distinction? These two words have very different meanings. One is based in power, the other in character.

Job's story can be a troubling one. It begins with a glowing description of his character and presence. Nowadays, we might say he had it all. But, there was far more to this man than wealth and success. God testified on behalf of his character. He prayed for his sons and daughters after a time of feasting. He stayed away from evil. Job's story turns abruptly when the persona of evil enters – Satan, the adversary, the accuser, the father of all lies. Satan challenges Job's character, and God allows him to test Job severely.
Amazingly, after losing his children, his wealth, and his health, he still doesn't turn on God. He did curse the day he was born and claimed a righteousness of his own. But he didn't curse God. The story is a long-winded dialog between Job and his friends, and eventually God intervenes to restore Job. Once restored, Job prays for the restoration of his friends, who came as comforters. Of course, the ultimate question Job asked, his friends tortured him with, and we ask at various points in life is — why? I believe this is where the distinction between integrity and influence exists in the area of godly leadership.
Job's integrity was the basis for his influence as a leader. But where did his integrity come from? His confident, genuine relationship with God. His faith – he feared God. Looking at a definition of influence, power is an important element. Synonyms include — authority, clout, leverage. Job's character, his integrity, was based in his trust in God. It was also the base for his influence with others. There are many leaders known for their powerful influence, their authority, their clout, their ability to leverage deals and situations. But do they have integrity? I'm not speaking of the corporate world where that may be common place, but leaders throughout the Bible and the church.
There have been many leaders who have had great influence, but lacked integrity. Some leaders in the Bible that come to mind are various kings who ruled Israel, beginning with Saul, including those most wicked. Solomon started out well, but seemed to lose his integrity from the influence of his wives and concubines, though he never seemed to lose his clout. As far as church leaders, I won't name names, but suffice it say, many have revealed themselves by how hard they have fallen, because they lacked integrity such as Job's.
When leadership is equated with influence the idea is primarily of being an example. If the example emanates integrity, the influence will likely be good. If a leader's influence by example is based on power or position, it will not tend to have such a good effect. I've learned a lot by the example of others, but it wasn't always because of their integrity. What I learned through their example influenced me in a way that was unintended by them, but became useful. One of the most useful elements is how it challenges me to examine my own example. Am I leading, and is my influence as a leader, based in integrity of character, or something else? I'd like to say it's the former, but I know it's not always the case. My wife and children, as well as former staff (now friends), have provided plenty of insight that it was otherwise.
We all lead in some way. We all have some influence on others. It may be as a parent or it may be through some other role we have in life. It may simply be our being a believer among unbelievers. If we have a personal relationship with Jesus, we become extra-ordinary in the truest sense of the word – we're not ordinary, we're beyond ordinary, especially in the light of eternity. And so, I want to pose a question you could ask yourself from time to time, as I likewise need to do. Does our influence in the lives of others reflect integrity of character, based on our trust in God — or is it based on our role or position of authority? A simpler way of looking at it is by examining our daily life-example. Do we have influence in the lives of others because of how we live or how we lead?

The Limitlessness of God

2011-08-12T09:38:00.002-04:00

I remember my dad bringing me out to view a lunar eclipse. We gathered together with some neighbors late at night, way past my bedtime. I was about four years old. It is one of my earliest remembrances of childhood and God. As we gathered in the moonlit night, awaiting the eclipse, my dad explained how the universe, the stars and galaxies, had no known end. He was a mechanical engineering student at the time, so it was from a scientific cosmological viewpoint rather than a theological one. It would be nearly four decades later before he came to know God personally. Yet that night, he unwittingly put the fear of God in me. Not like a preacher might, but because he spoke of the universe being limitless.

That sense of the universe having no end-point scared me. It made me feel so small. Of course—I was! Not just as a child, but as one human within the vastness of the universe. Even the lunar eclipse declared God's power and majesty to me that night. Did I fully understand what was taking place? Not hardly! Did I really understand the limitlessness of deep stellar space? Of course not. But I did have a sense God had to be much greater than the universe, though my dad hadn't spoken of God.
I still don't grasp the limitlessness of the universe, or of eternity, nor God. Isn't that the point of faith? Obviously, if I or anyone could fully comprehend God's eternal nature and existence—able to understand God and His creation—then God would be no greater than my mind, my understanding. This is the limitedness of an athiest—he doesn't see beyond himself. Seeing beyond ourselves is a requirement of faith (Heb 11:6—http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Heb11.6).
The night of that lunar eclipse, my limited childhood sense of limitlessness helped me see beyond myself. This was a beginning point of faith for me. In Pss 19 it says, "The heavens declare the glory of God." Somehow, through my dad's words, God began revealing Himself to me. My first sense of God was of limitlessness—infinity. This must be the reason I have such a strong reaction towards the restrictiveness of religion, legalism, and dogmatism. Each one tends to contradict and objectify God and His eternal nature. Each puts limits on He who is limitless.
In my morning devotional, I read the greeting of Peter's first epistle, and was reminded of the human tendency of limiting God. We all do it, mostly unintentional, whether we realize it or not. Man has a propensity for putting a fence around God—some form of limitation. Why? The simple answer is it makes God manageable for us, and, in some self-deluded manner, puts us in control. Now don't get me wrong, I like control and limits just like the next person! It's a way of coping—especially when life is spinning out of control. But I don't see this as a good, nor helpful thing to do.
In Peter's greeting [http://biblia.com/bible/godsword/1Pe1.1], he addresses, "God's chosen people." He speaks of God knowing them long ago, and choosing them so they could lead holy (godly) lives. Theologically, we may want to explain how God has set certain limits on people and life. Yet, when reading further through this epistle, Peter strongly encourages believers to see how God has removed limitations and constraints on their lives. He exhorts believers to cast off the limitations of life in this world through the power of God's limitless favor and power. There is also a strong exhortation of persevering in faith.
We may see the word chosen and interpret it as meaning special. God spoke strongly to His chosen people, Israel, that this was a wrong view of the word chosen. The same holds true for those of us within the church. One group of believers may see this as a restriction upon who is included. Another group may see it being a limitation of how much favor God will extend. Either way it is a restriction man is imposing, based upon a limited understanding of God.
Nearly six decades later, I still marvel with childlike faith in God's limitlessness. I'm coming to see, in a much simpler light, what was complicated to me before. Daily I see how important living by faith truly is—an utter confidence in a limitless God. The universe isn't so endless, it's infinite, just as He–who created it and me–is infinite.
Asking the following questions of ourselves from time to time, even daily, can be of great value. How do I impose limitations on God? How am I living under the constraints of this world, rather than the limitlessness of God's favor?

A Governor Holds a Prayer Meeting

2011-08-08T16:20:00.009-04:00

Recently a nationally known governor held a prayer rally. It stirred up all sorts of public discussion, not all of it edifying or encouraging. Centuries ago there was another nationally known governor who held a prayer rally of sorts. His name was Nehemiah. It was a pretty impressive meeting. It was led by Ezra the scribe and priest, and started with a reading of Scripture (the Jewish Law), which was followed by some pretty serious feasting (see the story in Nehemiah 8- http://biblia.com/bible/godsword/Ne8.1-18).

While reading they discovered other celebrations (not parties) they were to observe. Then the mood changed to somberness as the leaders and people made a national confession–they acknowledged their failure as a nation. The prayer recorded in Nehemiah 9 (http://biblia.com/bible/godsword/Ne9) is a great model for any nation having a godly heritage–such as the USA, for example. Just for the record, all of this national contrition and turning to God didn't go over well with other people in the area, but that's another story.

The state governor mentioned at first is nationally known because he's a possible presidential candidate. His prayer rally was well attended, but of course, critics pointed out who was not there. Although a potential candidate, I appreciate the commitment to public prayer before making a decision. Yes, it could be a political ploy or litmus test, but I'll put the best construction on it. There seems to be a genuine sincerity to it all. He seems to have genuine character, as well.

What would really impress me is if he said "no" to running because he didn't have God's confirmation. That's the type of character needed in all arenas, public and private. We may never really know one way or the other, since it's pretty hard to be certain about these things from a distance (as the public). However, if there is a willingness to acknowledge God, along with any short-comings, and be honest about it, that would indeed be impressive. I'm not naive. The public arena is a tough environment, especially for those professing Christianity and honorable morality. But the issue is character, not expediency.

I know the rhetoric in our nation centers mostly about the economy and certain political values a person holds. But the real issue ought to be about character. We need jobs, but we need integrity of character more. I think the jobs would follow. There are several places in Proverbs and the Psalms speaking of leaders (particularly kings) having godly character. It doesn't mean they go around praying all the time, while looking spiritual. It means they lead by example. Not just the action of example, but the example of integrity–integrity of character.

Just exactly what is integrity of character? As I used to say to my children, "look it up in the dictionary!" But here are a few synomyms– incorruptible, honest and fair, decency, incapable of being bribed or morally corrupted. Should it really need to be defined?! Only if it's unusual or uncommon. The problem with having integrity is that it will cost you. There has to be a willingness to not only do what's right, but admit it when we're wrong. I've had to learn that lesson many times as a husband and dad, as well as in my roles as pastor and missionary!

We need change in these United States–in this entire world for that matter. It won't come from a government, nor a person in government. It won't come from any program or organization. It will only come as we change individually and collectively. Yeah, sounds naive, I know. But it's happened before and it usually is costly to those who stand for change with real integrity. It's easy to look to others, whether for blame or hope, but it needs to begin with each person. Integrity–in the workplace, the church, the public arena, the neighborhood, the home. When there is integrity in these places, there will be genuine change.

Cross-Cultural Encounter Across Town

2011-08-03T12:37:00.002-04:00

I had an interesting and truly cross-cultural experience in NE Florida this week. In the morning, I began with preparation of some materials translated for teaching used in No Thailand and Myanmar. Some of the materials are in the Sgaw Karen dialect, while others are in Burmese.
Later, I had a lunch meeting at a popular seafood restaurant on the intracoastal waterway running near Ponte Vedra Beach, a well known (to golfers) and wealthy community near Jacksonville. Our server was a young Thai woman from Bangkok. On my way back from lunch, I stopped to copy the Burmese materials from a workbook on IBS (Inductive Bible Study). This was a bit of a challenge
since I neither read, nor write Burmese. Eventually I was able to sort out the right sequence of pages (characters and numbers are all in Burmese) before I stapled them together.
I had a meeting that afternoon across town from where I live. I live in a pleasant beach area of Jacksonville, FL, which is the destination for many visitors during the summer. I was traveling across town to an older part of the city. Once I got on the street where my meeting was, the house was easy to spot. It's painted in lavender and purple, with one wall in a checkerboard pattern. This is where the family lives who have migrated to NE Florida from Myanmar (Burma) via Thailand.
The father is Karen (a Burmese-Thai tribal people), but reads and speaks Burmese, so he needs materials in Burmese. The mother is also Karen-Burmese, but she can read and speak Burmese and Karen, plus some Thai. She is also fairly proficient in English, although still learning. Their teenaged daughter and son, who also joined in the Bible study, speak and read Thai because they were raised in Thailand. They are also fairly proficient in English, so they are a great help to me.
I'm still learning their story. I know it has some heartbreaks, as there are for all refugees. But there are also hopes. They were able to immigrate from Thailand as refugees because their oldest son, whom I've not met because he lives in another state, was able to work, save money, and sponsor their immigration. Their family is representative of many families in the US from all over the world. The world has come to America (including Canada) with many nations represented within urban centers across the country.
My experience this week illustrates the great opportunity there is right in our own nation for cross-cultural ministry! Cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York are probably better known for being melting pots for many different ethnic groups and nationalities, but there are literally millions of people from all over the world transplanted throughout America and Canada (also Europe and other western nations). Not all migrate into large urban areas, but many do as an entry point, especially those who come in as refugees.
There's a lot to say about all of this, but my point is simply this– God has been bringing the world to our own neighborhoods. The Lord's mandate, called the Great Commission, declares that Christian believers are called to Go! into all the world– preaching, teaching, making disciples, and extending the Lord's forgiveness. If you're not familiar with this, just go to the end of all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), and the beginning of the book of Acts (1:8). The Lord Jesus makes it very clear that this is His mandate for us, His church.
Unfortunately, there has been a great decline in the sending out of long-term missionaries into the world by the church in America. There's a lot of reasons why, and a lot of debate about those reasons. Yet, here's the great thing about God–He finds a way to help us do what He calls us to do. In Christian circles we call this His grace, His loving kindness towards us. So, there's opportunity, most likely much closer to you than you imagine, to participate in the Great Commission and cross-cultural missions.
There are a lot churches and para-church ministries already doing this, perhaps your church if you go to one. It's not a complicated process, because it's about building genuine relationships with people, becoming part of their lives, and watching God build bridges and open up opportunities for extending God's forgiveness and acceptance to them (see Luke 24 and John 20). Many refugees simply need help with processing papers and learning English, or learning how to get around in the town or city where they live. Simple stuff anyone can help with if they're willing to do so.
Gettng involved with cross-cultural missions doesn't require getting on a plane, eating strange food, and trying to connect with people of another language and culture. Well, it doesn't require getting on a plane, but the other two things may still be issues, but these can be a great learning experience. If you're unsure about how to get started, there's a wonderful ministry in Phoenix called the Phoenix 10/40 Interface. It's founded and directed by a good friend of mine, Ptr Jeff Jackson whose vision is helping others reach out in this way. Here's the website to find out more about it– http://phx1040interface.org/
So, observe people around you wherever you go, and wherever you live. God may just open up your eyes to see some cross-cultural missions opportunities right near your own home! Then you also might be heading across town to do some cross-cultural missions in your own area.

Ezra the Scribe and Surfing Lessons

2011-08-01T18:07:00.003-04:00

You, Ezra, using your God's wisdom–the Teachings you hold in your hands–will appoint judges and administrators for all the people who know your God's Teachings and live in the province west of the Euphrates River. In addition, you will teach anyone who doesn't know the Teachings. [words of King Artaxerxes in Ezra 7:25 GWT]

Ezra, the Jewish scribe and priest, was an important leader of the exiles returning from Babylon, back to what had been their homeland. In Ezra 7:25, it's clear he had tremendous influence as a leader. What influence has God given you? Who are the people you come into contact with during a day or week? Don't look past the people you work with, or who live nearby, or those you cross paths with at the store or post office.

Everybody's watching everyone else, at least it seems that way. Consider how voyeuristic our society has become with what seems like endless reality shows, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, iReporting of news, and so on. Whether we like it or not, much of what used to be private information is now pretty public, at least for a price. When faced with the online questions, "What's on your mind?" or "What's happening?"– I often think, who cares? But apparently there's a lot of people who do care.

The other morning, my wife and I went to the beach near our home fairly early in the morning, to beat the heat and the summer crowds. Walking across the boardwalk to the beach, we passed by a local surfer checking out the waves. I could see it wasn't a great surfing day, but he seemed quite intent checking on the conditions of the surf and beach. It was a beautiful, calm day. A great day for sitting on the beach and reading a good book.
Not long after setting up our beach chairs, I noticed this same surfer with a group of school-aged children, a family, and another local surfer. They were all carrying or dragging surfboards down to the beach. It turns out he was a surf instructor, and had a partner to help him.
I became intrigued with these two young men as I saw how they interacted with their students. One was more talkative than the other, but they were both encouraging and apt instructors. "OK, this wave is just for you... keep paddling, you'll get it... alright, way to go!" I watched how patient and courteous they were. All their students stood up and rode a wave before the instruction was over.
They had influence and they were using it well, for they also seemed to know most everyone passing by on kayaks, boats, and paddleboards. They would greet people by name, warmly and genuinely. I was impressed, even inspired, these men had influence that extended beyond the few people they were instructing.
Think about it–their influence reached beyond their students to others passing by, me watching them, and to this blog. Who influences you and how does it affect you? Are you even aware of what influences your life? Who do you influence and what affect does it have in their life–good or bad?
You and I have much more influence than we are probably aware of, but someone is watching, someone is taking note of how and what we say and do things. You and I, we have influence, let's use it wisely–no matter what our role in this life.

Transition of Leadership- part 3

2011-07-22T17:44:00.002-04:00

If you've followed on along, this is the 3rd post related to the story of leadership transition from King Solomon to his son Rehoboam, as told in 2 Chronicles 10. If not, you might want to review the previous 2 posts. As with part 2, this will mostly be questions to consider, and these will focus more on the one coming into a leadership role or position. Athough it can mostly be looked at from a younger leader's (pastor's) perspective, there are some good things to ponder for those of us who've been in leadership for quite a while.

A couple things to keep in mind... it's always tough to follow in the footsteps of a founding leader/ pastor, especially if they were a very charismatic personality-leader type, very popular and well-liked. It is especially difficult when they remain nearby–it's hard to get out from under their shadow. Can you even imagine what it would have been like to follow someone like Solomon! Solomon did very well, but his dad (King David) set things up very well for him. That favor was not returned for Rehoboam. Lesson to be learned!
Here's some questions to consider–

If you're a founding leader/ pastor– What are you doing now to provide for a smooth transition for whoever will follow you?
If you're a new leader/ pastor– What or whose model of leadership are you following? That of Jesus, or someone you're trying to emulate, even if you're a different type of person than they are?
- Are you following a founding pastor? If so, what are you doing to help the people of the organization or church adjust to a different leadership style and personality?
- Are you starting out fresh with a new vision and direction? What are you bringing along with you as a leader from your own experience, good or bad? (those close to you, like your wife/husband or close friends, should be a good source to find out)
Has God given you a fresh vision for leadership?
- Can you articulate this vision clearly so others can see it with you?
- Has God revealed His plan for how this vision is to be implemented and fulfilled?
- Or– Are you moving forward with your own ideas as it seems best to you? Is the plan for implementation based on ideas or a framework borrowed from someone else who has been successful? Have you sought out counsel from more experienced leaders?

One leadership book that I've found very helpful over the years is called, "The Top 10 Mistakes Leaders Make" by Hans Finzel. I like it because it is based on real experience, is concise and practical, and provides some clear direction for how not to make these same mistakes. Well worth the read. Hopefully, along the path of leadership, we can learn how to make good transitions, so others may follow well. If you want the top 10 ways to lead, observe the master leader, Jesus!

Transition of Leadership– part 2

2011-07-21T14:28:00.001-04:00

Last installment (part 1) we looked at the story of Rehoboam in 2 Chronicles. It is a sad example of a kingdom changing from one leader to another– King Solomon to Rehoboam, his son. It can also be a model for transition of leadership in most any organization, including a church. One thing especially difficult is a transition from a founding pastor (or leader), to a younger, much less experienced leader, as in this story. It is very difficult to "fill the shoes" of someone who has established the culture of a church (or organization), and even more difficult to operate under their shadow, when they stay within the organization or church.

So here's some questions that will hopefully help bring some healthy consideration towards good leadership transition.

How is your relationship with the Lord? Are you going through a spiritual growth period or a dry spell? Are your devotional times with the Lord somewhat hum-drum or are you experiencing some special times as well?
Who are you discipling? Are you investing any of your life and walk with the Lord in someone else? How are you transferring any of what the Lord has done in your life to bless others?
Who are you training up for positions of leadership? Who is able to take your place if you're called to do something different someday? Will what you are doing outlast or survive your involvement and presence?
Are you accountable to anyone? Who? Do they know this? Do you make regular time to be held accountable? If not, who can you go to when you need guidance, help, or restoration?
What vision do you have for ministry now and the future? Do you have a sense of vision for the ministry you're involved with now? Do you have vision for other ministry beyond what you're doing now?

That's a bunch of questions all at one time, but these are not to be answered once and set aside. They are much more useful when looked at and considered from time to time within a given year– maybe 2 or 3 times a year.
Discipleship will naturally produce leaders. It worked well for Jesus, and it still works. It's just a slow and deliberate process, which is why now is the best time to start doing it! Keep it simple, personal and deliberate. It will spawn some good spiritual growth in both directions (mutually).
In the next installment I'd like to address some questions for younger leaders. But even younger leaders can benefit from the above questions.

A Not-so Smooth Passing of the Baton- Transition of Leadership (part 1)

2011-07-18T08:48:00.002-04:00

Recently, I was reading through 2 Chronicles. In the midst of genealogies and royal histories, the Lord opened up some thoughts for me. In Chapter 10, the transition of power from Solomon to Rehoboam, his son, is a clear example of how not to do leadership transition. Let's be honest, for anyone who has gone through a transition of leadership in any field, it can be very tricky and difficult for everyone concerned.

When it comes to spiritual leadership, especially pastoral leadership, transition can not only be difficult, but costly. The fallout of a failed or troubled transition affects churches and communities, as well as, the immediate leadership involved (pastors, elders, boards, ministry leaders, etc.). The text is 2 Chr 10:1-19. Part 1 will look at the immediate context of a young leader stepping into the very large shoes of a bigger-than-life leader, namely, Solomon.

After King Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam finds the people of Israel coming with a request. They express how difficult it was for them living under the strong-handed leadership of his father, and the cost it required. They request a lighter burden to bear in exchange for loyalty and continued service. Rehoboam seeks the counsel of his father's advisors who suggest he grant the people's request and the people will be faithful and loyal as his servants.
But Rehoboam is not satisfied with their counsel, so he seeks out his own advisors– those who've grown up with him, his peers in experience and age. Their counsel is to be even more harsh than his father had been. So, when the people return for the king's response, they are met with a harsh rebuke. Their response– rebellion! It says that when they realized the king refused to listen to them, they abandoned him, or as others have said, they voted with their feet.
Why did this happen? There could be many answers, but here's a couple thoughts. For one thing, Rehoboam was no Solomon– he didn't have nearly the stature, wisdom, nor leadership gifts his father Solomon had. My wife and I have learned over nearly four decades of full-time ministry that one person probably cannot be replaced with just anyone. There is no magical transfer of leadership gifts and capacity. Often, two or three people are needed to take the place of another, for various reasons. Primary leadership (director, pastor, etc.) is certainly not just a "hole" to be filled. It requires more than just a warm body.
Another thing to consider is the simple refusal of Rehoboam to really listen to the people and consider the implications of what they were saying. One thing many younger leaders attempt is trying to bring change too quickly, or trying to lead with the same style of leadership as someone else. Niether is wise. When I prepared to turn over the church I had planted in the late seventies, so I could move overseas with another ministry, one of my prayer requests to the Lord was for a man who who had senior pastoral experience to come take the church. I had seen enough failed and troubled church transitions and saw this as one way of preventing failure. Thankfully, the Lord answered my prayer, and the church saw no downturn in giving or attendance, in fact, there was strong growth within months of the final transition.
In the next installment, I'm going to ask some specific questions related to transition of leadership. General principles can be gained by the examples given in the Bible, but specifics need more consideration. In the meantime, to get started in that direction, what is God showing you through this text passage about leadership in general?

What's Going On?

2011-05-25T08:02:00.002-04:00

Well, apparently the world didn't end! There have been, of course, many comments and opinions made regarding the failed prediction of final judgment that was to take place last weekend. Some of them reasonable attempts to address this miscalculation, but many mocking it or spouting their own take on predictions and God's judgment. I've personally lived through several modern-day predictions that have not come to pass, Christian and otherwise. Like the day I flew from Colorado to California in 1969, when California was to slide into the Pacific after a cataclysmic earthquake. BTW, we landed safely.

But it's hard to ignore the continuing headlines in the media. It's hard to ignore the media itself! As we see the tumultuous unrest of the "Arab Spring," political infighting in the US, along with the moral and ethical personal failures, such as the recent Schwarznegger revelation. It's hard not to wonder, "what's going on?" Consider the horrible devastation and loss of life caused by several storms, tornados, and flooding this year.
This is no prediction, but a reminder- Jesus Christ is coming back, and there will be a final judgment brought upon the world. Everything taking place and noted by the media are simply indicators of this. See the following chapters for Jesus' own words on the subject- Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. What I always take away from reading Jesus' words of warning is to be ready and to be alert for His coming, not trying to figure out when.
But the question remains, what is going on? Not so much about everything on the outside, but internally, in you, and me, and others? What's going on between me and God? What's going on between me, my wife, my children and grandchildren? What's going on in the lives of others I come in contact with during the course of a day? Do we even care about anyone but ourself? It's a matter of priorities... internal priorities.
IMHO, we, as a nation (the US), as a people, are way to focused on externals. This is not a new revelation, nor profound (I think most of us are pretty aware of this... or should be). Externals- what we have, what we do, what we eat, how we look, and so on. But is our attention upon all these things very useful or beneficial... to anyone? It's easy to scoff and carp at failed predictions, but do we just go on our merry way, preoccupied with ourselves and this world? What's going on?
For forty years I've heard, read, even studied and taught about the the Lord Jesus' return, so I don't much ask what's going on about the world around me. It stirs my heart to ask of myself, what's going on... between me and the Lord who will return? About what I'm doing in response to His call on my life? About the billions of people who have never even heard about Jesus, let alone His coming back?
So I ask, in light of everything going on around you, what's going on... for you? Hopefully, you'll join me in pursuing a legitimate, internal answer to that question. "Therefore, be alert, because you don't know on what day your Lord will return." [Matt 24:42 GWT)

The Arab Spring (Spring 2011 newsletter)

2011-05-11T16:33:00.000-04:00

The following is an article from a recent newsletter of a good friend of mine (DB-name withheld) who is a pastor-missionary working in the Middle East (particularly Egypt) and does training in the US, as well. His perspective on current events is much more insightful (based on personal experience and contacts) than typical media sources.

The last 6 months has been a volatile time in the Middle East and North Africa. The Arab Spring is shaking up the region in a manner not seen since Mark Sykes and Francois Picot took to a map with their markers in 1916 and divided up the Ottoman Empire into colonies ruled by Britain and France. The governments of Tunisia and Egypt have been overthrown while brutal dictators in Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, and Libya have murdered their own citizens to stop the cry for democratic reforms and basic human rights. The revolutions could be a blessing or a curse for the church. The right to free speech and to change ones religion from Islam to Christianity without fear of reprisal would be great! But many political analysts say this is improbable. A more likely scene is the Muslim Brotherhood is elected to power.

Certainly the Revolutions did not change the fact that extremist Muslims continue to attack Arab Christians. In March, rioters set fire to a church in Helwan Egypt. In Mansheit Nasr, the area where I served while living in Egypt and where I stay whenever I visit Cairo, some of the Christian youth wanted to show solidarity with the church in Helwan. They went down to the highway below the district, where they had a demonstration, stopping the traffic. That evening 400 Salafi Muslims armed with guns & clubs attacked the young men. In the ensuing melee 10 people were killed, over 140 injured. The 9 dead Christians, pictured on the next page, left 5 widows under the age of 25 with 10 children and 3 more in the womb. By God’s grace Dreams Alive and friends gathered over $7,000 to help these families.

The Arab World is shaking. Could this be a fulfillment of an ancient Biblical prophecy? The character of Islam was already predicted before the birth of Ishmael (father of the Arabs) 4000 years ago, and remains true of Muslims today. Hagar, the mother of Ishmael was told of Muslims “He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers." (Gen.16:12, NIV). Osama Bin Laden and all the corrupt despots fulfilled this prophecy and many Muslims will fulfill the prophecy. As my Egyptian friend Randa Samir wrote, “The devil has a lot of alternatives to Osama Bin Laden. Satan is well trained in hatred and darkness in world systems.” Abraham prayed for Ishmael, "Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!" (Gen 17:18) Way before Islam entered the world the vast majority of Arabs were Christian, they “lived before God.” Now, despite the hate, the Holy Spirit moves silently & mightily in Arab nations once again, and Muslims are turning to faith in Jesus.

We are living in momentous times; any thing can happen in a remarkable way. The Holy Spirit is moving among Muslims throughout the world. As children of God let’s lift the prophetic prayer of Abraham to God in faithful prayer for Arabs. Many more of them will come to Christ.

A Prophet Died Yesterday

2011-04-28T12:20:00.001-04:00

It's been quite a while since I last posted on this blog. Yesterday Rev. David Wilkerson died (see link - Rev David Wilkerson Dies), and it is both a sad and sobering day. I admired Brother David for his character and calling. I believe him to be a true prophet for our times, and so it is sad news.

It is sobering news in that a somewhat similar modern-day prophet died in a tragic accident in Texas, back in 1982, Keith Green. At the time, I was pastoring in the Southern California desert area, and was beginning to have concerns about the direction of the Jesus Movement of which I was a part. Keith Green spoke to those concerns, rather he challenged those of us who called ourselves Christians. His death removed a prophetic voice that spoke against the prevailing drift of the evangelical church into the comfortable state it so firmly occupies today. I was saddened by Keith's death for that very reason.

With the passing of David Wilkerson another prophetic voice has been silenced by death in this world. And yet, his voice still declares the truth through his many publications and messages. In particular, I remember when his book, The Vision (now out of print), came out in 1974. I was a fairly young believer at the time. When it was published it was, to say the least, controversial. I remember it being criticized and spoken against by many evangelicals. I also remember, several years later, an older woman in my church whose opinion I valued, gave me a copy of the book and spoke highly of it. Now, decades later, much if not all of what Wilkerson said in that book has come to pass.

Here is the sobering thought for me today... what Keith Green spoke about before he died came to pass. There is a great "plague of comfortableness" that has settled over the church in America today. There is also a dearth of missionaries, Christian leaders and workers, throughout the world today (another impassioned concern of Keith Green's... and mine). Rev Wilkerson had very similar concerns, and his messages and ministry, Worldwide Challenge, reflected those concerns. What will follow his passing?

Regardless of where you might stand theologically regarding the "end times"... we're in them. According to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, there are plenty of signs that we are in the last days of this age. These are Jesus' sobering words to consider from Mark 13:33-37 (ESV)

33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

Listening

2010-08-14T15:47:00.001-04:00

This past week (Aug 7-15) I've been in So Nevada speaking at 3 different churches. In the process I remembered a somewhat ironic thing about pastoring. Pastor's are known for teaching, and so, talking a lot. But the reality is that in working with people and doing ministry, you have to be ready to do a lot of listening. Sometimes the listening part is much greater than the speaking part.

People are the number one priority when it comes to pastoral ministry. After all, if there are no people, there's no church to gather! And most people have stories of their own, their life stories, but too often no one will listen. When it comes to personal evangelism, hearing other people's stories (that is being willing to listen) often brings the opportunity to share our own story (our testimony), and the best story of all, God's story.

We see this with Jesus when He was a young man in the Temple in Luke 2:46. It says He was both listening and asking questions. There are several other places in the Gospel where we see Jesus listening and asking questions before actually teaching or responding to a situation with the truth. Listening is often an important part of ministry, even the part where we do end up speaking.

Ministry in Thailand & Myanmar (Burma)

2010-03-23T11:44:00.001-04:00

I was able to set up some ministry in Northern Thailand with some Karen evangelists up in Mae Saraing, near the Thai/ Burma border, during the first week of March. The Karen are a people group in the northern areas of western Myanmar & eastern Thailand. It was set up through a missionary friend working in that area. The next week was spent in the (now former) capitol of Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Rangon, Burma), among another Burmese people group called the Chin (from northwest Myanmar).

The ministry time went very well in both Thailand & Myanmar. It was a blessing having Eric (Johansen) along & assisting with the ministry. Eric is a former student and staff, along with his wife, MJ, when I was working in the Philippines. They are now missionaries to central Thailand. We had good fellowship & fruitful ministry. It was also a blessing to have some time at his home in central Thailand, with his family & another missionary gal working with them. (See their blogs below)

http://www.centralthaimissions.com/ & http://www.centralthaiguy.blogspot.com/

North Thailand

Our time with the Karen evangelists was a blessing. It was a privilege to be serving them since they are out on the frontline in areas where we would be ineffective & (often) unable to go. I did several messages on the Essential Gospel that were well received, Eric had a great encouraging message for them & we did some Q & A, along with James (see below), that we hope was helpful. These brothers & sisters are very poor, isolated from other believers much of the time & often persecuted (treated abusively). Some came from Burma, others farther up north from our site (Mae Saraing), all of them reaching the unreached & under-reached in their areas.

We stayed with James & Bua Garwood who work under U-Turn for Christ & work alongside the Karen Baptist convention. We had a great time with them & another young missionary couple, Aaron & Michelle, who are staying with them. Of course, all the teaching had to be interpreted into the Karen dialect, which means it was quite a bit of work for our interpreters ("Papa" & Domo).

I was also able to preach on Sunday at the 2 churches Eric is pastoring in central Thailand (Sawankhalok & Samruang). Then we hopped on a bus for an overnight ride down to Bangkok & a flight on Monday am to Yangon.

Myanmar/ Burma

We arrived in Yangon just fine & spent the first day exchanging money (1000 Chat = $1) & preparing for the IBS/ Living Word Study workshop. They had the materials translated into Burmese, so we had to work out a schedule for 3 days, allowing for interpreting time. This adds, roughly, twice the time to the usual schedule. We broke up the workload between us & prepared accordingly. All those who came (41, though only 38 finished) were pastors & leaders of various churches & ministries.

The teaching went well & was received well. It was fun watching them get into discussions & work on assignments. It's a blessing to see them "get it". All of them appreciated the time & said how much they needed the training. Many of them have Bible college degrees, including some with master's degrees, so it was encouraging to see them applying the training.

I got together with several on the last day, after the workshop was completed, to talk about future plans for training. They were all very positive about the idea of more training & for them to be involved as trainers. I'm not sure when we can do it again, probably not till later in the year. I would also like to include Ptr Elmer & Ptr Jing from the ministries I work with in the Philippines, as they would be very valuable in further training in Thailand & Myanmar.

One last thing... Eric & I both noticed some similarities between Burma & the Philippines, culturally & economically, although the Burmese are under much greater economic difficulties, along with living under a very repressive & corrupt government. Also, this trip really confirmed for me the great need, & specific calling on my life personally, for equipping leaders. This is a HUGE need throughout most of the rest of the world. Without adequate equipping, We are very resource rich (people with experience) in America & I believe we (American believers) will be held accountable by the Lord for how we utilize and share what He has blessed us with. How I long to see more teachers going out to under-reached & unreached areas of the world to equip pastors and leaders who are longing for this equipping.

Please keep both the Karen people & the other people groups of Myanmar (like the Chin, Kachin,Shan, etc.) in prayer, since they are all impacted in very negative ways by the Myanmar military regime (read- tyrants). I read (& brought back) a government sponsored newspaper that was filled with cold-war style propaganda directed at those who might try promoting democracy. It was blatant & revealing of the actual situation the Burmese people face, something we only know about when the violence & suppression surfaces from time to time.

I’m thankful for the short time I had there, but hoping the Lord will open up the opportunity & provision to return for more ministry in the near future. TK

Reflections

2007-09-04T07:41:00.000-04:00

The recent eclipse (Aug 28) reminds me of something I heard many years ago regarding the sun, the moon, and the earth. The man who shared it with me (and others) was an important mentor for me in my early years as a young man and believer. He’s now gone on to be with the Lord, but the illustration stays fresh in my mind many years later.
An eclipse is simply when the earth comes between the sun and the moon when the moon is at its full phase– usually when it’s dark. It’s quite a stunning, yet somewhat slow process.
As I was watching this recent eclipse I saw a further illustration based on what I had heard before. It has to do with God’s intended purpose for the moon as an illustration of the role of the church. The sun represents the Lord Jesus, the moon is a symbol of the church, and the earth would be the people in this world.
The sun is our source of light (and heat!) and its light reflects upon the moon. The moon’s light reflects upon the earth. The moon has no light of its own, it simply reflects the sun’s light. The moon is (generally) only visible during the night as the earth and moon move through the heavens, in their own orbits and their own rotations.
When the moon reflects the sun most strongly is during its phase as a full moon. Its beauty upon the earth or the water is extraordinary. So bright you can actually drive in an unlit, deserted area (like a desert!) and drive a car with the headlights off (I’ve done it and it’s fun!). Yet during this full phase, its brightest time, an eclipse actually dims the light so much it becomes nearly dark, as if it were a new moon.
In the book of Genesis, in the account of Creation on the fourth day (Gen 1:14-19), it says there were lights created and put into the heavens. These lights were the sun, moon and stars, and were created for particular purposes. The primary purposes being as signs for seasons, days and years, and to “preside or rule” over the day and night– the sun over the day and the moon over the night. An additional purpose was to “divide the light from the darkness”.
Nowadays we see great beauty in lunar eclipses, even in solar eclipses because they are stunning physical phenomenons. In ancient times, perhaps even today in some cultures which favor superstitions, lunar eclipses instilled fear in the hearts of many. In many civilizations over many centuries, it has been seen as a bad omen, a sign of bad things to come, because of these superstitions and fears. [See this link for more on that... http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/solarsystem/lunar_lore_000118.html ]
Although I can appreciate the beauty of an eclipse, as an illustration it causes me concern. Not because of superstition, nor religion per se, but because of what it represents.
The purpose of the church is fairly simple. To reflect the light of the Lord to the people in the world, whoever they are, wherever they are. Jesus expressed this by using the metaphor of believers being a city upon a hill, in Matthew 5:14-16, and telling the apostles (and other disciples) they were to be His witnesses upon the earth, to the people of this world (Acts 1:8).
An eclipse in nature is a natural phenomenon, but when the “world” interrupts the light of the Son, creating an eclipse effect upon the Moon (the church), it is an entirely different thing.
My concern is this– how much influence is the world having on the church? Are we (the church) reflecting the light of God, or the light of the world’s culture, values, opinions, etc.?
In short, is it the Lord’s light we are reflecting or the world’s darkness? Has our reflection been dimmed and muted? Are we dividing the light from the darkness or have we moved into the shadow of the earth’s darkness? Who’s influencing who and at what cost?
Looking into the western sky the next day, I once again saw a full moon as the night shifted to day. I was reminded and encouraged that God’s purposes shall prevail. And yet, lingering questions remained in my mind. He is faithful, but will we, the church– believers in the Lord Jesus, be faithful to Him and His purposes? Will we reflect the Lord’s light or be dimmed by the earth’s shadow?
So each true believer must consider the following questions– What gets in the way of the Lord’s light reflecting onto us? What comes in-between us and Him? What do we allow to take His place within our lives? Is this an infrequent or common occurrence? What will keep it from becoming frequent? And are we (you) even aware of it?
I’m reminded of several verse in the epistle of Philippians chapter 2 where Paul is exhorting these believers (and us!) to become– “blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life...” (Phil 2:15, 16) May it be so...

2007-08-13T15:40:00.000-04:00

Are you moving beyond "the box"?
Beyond...

the moment... is it just an emotional response or a true commitment?
talking... is it just an opinion or the Truth?
study... is it just gathering knowledge or gaining understanding?
rhetoric... is it dogma and ideology, or the truth put into action and life-example?
walls... is it for a few or many, for a select group or the world?
borders... is it for one nation or all nations?
limits... is it just our own resources or reliance upon God?

My hope is to expand on the above and other thoughts in the near future...

2007-08-13T14:03:00.000-04:00

So, what's the idea of "Beyond the Box"? The Box" is simply whatever limits our life and trust in God and within His Kingdom. So, this could relate to daily life things, attitudes, actions, words, etc. It could just as easily relate to anything and everything within the world. The question is are we/you willing to move beyond "the box", whatever that may be, since "boxes" are typically man-made?

Basically it's simple (I like simple!). If God, is God, and He is all-... powerful... present... knowing, then there really are no limits to Him, or upon Him. Now don't get off on the silly hypothetical arguments about creating a rock so big and heavy that even He can't lift it, etc... why bother?! The point is simply that it's we (people) who impose limits to God and His Kingdom. Most of these limits are based on our own, finite perceptions, imaginations, and so on.

The hoped for purpose of this blog is to consider ways of moving beyond the box we or others have created for God and/or ourselves and others. It is something I like to think about, but also something I want to do... that is, move beyond the box.