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FINISH WELL

FINISH WELL

Self reflection can be a good exercise, and needs to be conducted in a healthy way. The purpose needs to be determined in advance. If not, it is easy to get off track and go down paths not beneficial to us. Recent events, including the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others two weeks ago, prompted me to self reflect in a number of areas. One of those is to think of life as a relay race, and how I want to compete and finish my race. In the process I have looked at portions of Scripture which speak to running our race and finishing well. Hebrews 12:1&2, I Corinthians 9:24,  Philippians 2:16, 2 Timothy 4:7 and Galatians 5:7 are portions which relate. If you take time to read these verses I believe you will gain perspective into God’s desire for us for living our lives. I found watching and listening to accounts of Kobe’s life insightful and interesting. His work ethic from an early age, the success he achieved in basketball, his attention to his wife and children, are examples of qualities expressed by many. It is evident he is held in high regard and admired. He did not let missteps in his life define him or take him down a path of destruction. He worked to benefit others and help them succeed. It seems Kobe lived his life this way on and off the basketball court.  How we compete or live our life is important to each person individually and to the team we are part of. I have always had a desire to do the best I could in whatever I undertook, to be the best I could be. As I get older finishing my race strong and well seems to be a bit more important. I consider my family a team I am part of, and the one ranking highest in importance. I take seriously my responsibility before God for my family. Because I am a Christ follower, I am a member of the team known as The Body of Christ. In my analogy, life is made up of many races. Some we participate in as an individual and some we are part of a team. There is opportunity for each of us to finish strong and  finish well. Many aspects and considerations contribute to running a successful race and to living a productive, well balanced life. It is the responsibility of each person to determine how we run the race, how we live our life. Failures of the past, or races we lost or did not finish, must not be what defines our life. God’s love is unquestionable! His hand is outstretched to each of us. His Mercy is new each morning! Each day offers a new beginning, and an opportunity to finish well!

 

 

UNITY

UNITY

There is being heard a loud and clear call for a move towards unity within The Body of Christ. Unity is defined as oneness, a condition of harmony and accord. Most will agree that this is a desirable state of being! In our home church Westside, the vision Pastor Steve Mickel has “For The City”, is being realized and gaining momentum. Serving the community and being the hands and feet of Jesus wherever we can. I was visiting with a good friend New Years Eve and he voiced that similar local and global activities were happening in the church he attends. Pastors in our area and throughout America are coming together to pray for and support the other churches in their communities. Unity is God’s plan and desire for his people who make up The Body of Christ.  In Scripture we gain insight into God’s heart and intent. John 17:11, Jesus is speaking, “I will remain in the world no longer, but they (this includes us) are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.” In the verses following Jesus prays for His Disciples and for All Believers. His prayer as recorded in verses 20-23 is that we would be one as He and The Father are one, and we would be brought to complete unity. The last portion of Chapter 17, verse 23 reads, “Then the world will know that you sent me and You have loved them even as You have loved me.” God emphasises his love for each of us and his desire for close intimate relationship with every person. Don’t be fooled into thinking or believing God does not love you or that he won’t accept you. It simply is not true and is completely contrary to Scripture.

At the end of this month my wife and I will celebrate our 39th anniversary. We are a blended family. When we married, some of the emotions within the family were very raw. As is the case with most blended families, it took time to adjust and for the uncertainty of this coming together to begin to subside. A few months into the marriage I felt prompted by The Holy Spirit to fast a dinner meal each week and to pray for unity and harmony for our family. I did this for several months. Looking back I know my efforts resulted in a deepening of my personal relationship with God and my relationship with my new family for whom I was praying.

As we step into a new year my wife and I have committed to pray for unity and harmony within our family and extended family. We are also praying for our unity with God and unity within The Body of Christ. God wants us to develop a deepening relationship with each other and with Him. This is, without question, His will for each of us.

NAVIGATING DARK SEASONS

NAVIGATING DARK SEASONS

The days and weeks from mid November to mid January are stress filled with many family, friends or we ourselves experiencing varying levels of depression. The weather is thought to be a contributing factor. Shorter days with less sunshine, coupled with cloudy, rainy or snowy weather, are the norm during this time of year. Many of us have unpleasant memories from past experiences which occurred during the period we call “The Holiday Season”. For some there are dark seasons during other times of the year. Most of us have encountered life events which left us reeling with pain and heartache. I am no different. It may be more difficult to cope if they occur during the holidays, but they challenge us no matter when we face them. How we handle the dark seasons of our lives is critical to our mental and physical health and well being. It is pivotal in our relationships with family and friends. For those who are believers, critical in our relationship with God. I have found pressing in with God helps me focus on the important truths of God and who He says I am. It is easy to get caught up by negative memories and emotions if we allow our minds to take us there. If we do, we will soon be overcome by an onslaught of negativity. When I became a Believer, and asked to be forgiven, the sins of my past were wiped clean! Psalms 103 is one of my favorite portions of Scripture. It reminds me of God’s love, mercy and benefits. Psalms 103:12 declares my sin has been removed as far as the East is from the West! I will not allow Satan to torment or oppress me with my past sin. It is forgiven! I recently ordered a book which gives scripture references for God’s promises in many different life situations. When I search out Truth from God’s Word, I receive strength and encouragement, supernaturally, for what I am facing. My wife and I spend time with a daily devotional and prayer most days. We have been using Jesus Calling by Sarah Young for devotions. The reading for December 3rd tells us to not be surprised by the fiery attacks on our minds. It goes on to say we are not to allow discouragement to set in. We are to call upon His Name, “Jesus help me”! As Believers we have the tools needed to navigate and overcome dark seasons when they occur. If we seek Truth from God’s Word and turn to Him, He fights our Spiritual battles in His strength and power! The result is His peace in our lives, which The Bible tells us is beyond what we can humanly understand.

My Prayer is we each experience His peace and overcoming victory this holiday season!

 

WHO WILL IT BE?

WHO WILL IT BE?

We go to great lengths to be in control of our lives and our destiny. Certainly a life being lived without clear direction generally results in chaos. A ship which has no one tending the rudder will most likely end up on the rocks or going in circles. So where do we find direction for our lives that we can trust and depend on? Who can we trust to help us navigate life? Even when we are moving in the direction we choose, and think we want to go, we don’t necessarily end up where we thought we were headed! For me, living out the choices I was making in my life turned out differently than I hoped or planned and prompted me to take a look at how my life was going. I realized I was not doing such a great job of running my life. When we experience failures in the choices we make, we begin to doubt our ability to choose wisely. We wonder if we are capable of making good choices! I believe we are shaped to a large extent by the teaching and direction we receive in early childhood from our parents and other adults in our lives. I was fortunate to have hard working, loving, honest parents who gave me a good foundation. Growing up on a farm five miles from the nearest small town, I did not face many of the distractions and temptations others face. Even so, I had my share of troublesome choices in my early years. I will share one example I remember vividly. As a child I had a savings account where money I earned was deposited. There was a water pistol I wanted in the worst way. I don’t remember if I asked my parents whether I could buy it, but I managed to withdraw money to purchase it and sneak it home. I put it in what I thought was a good hiding place. However, my parents found it and I had to fess up to what I had done. Some of the character issues this story uncovers would repeat themselves during my childhood and early adult years. Even with the good foundation I had, there were still many lessons to be learned. Some of the lessons would prove to be painful experiences.

If we are not grounded and directed by the Word of God, we are depending on our abilities, or worse, we are following the worlds ways which are fueled by greed and self indulgence. There is a misconception, a lie, that satan plants in peoples minds. He wants us to believe that surrendering our life to God is giving control to a dictator who will force us to do what we may not want to do, or that we become a puppet and God is the grand puppet master! In reality, that description fits satan and what he will do in a person’s life being lived apart from God and God’s principles. God extends free will to us, giving us the choice of accepting Him and following his principles or not. The principles in His Word are our entrance into a life to be lived as God intends! His ways work, when we choose to live life as He shows us in His Word.

God created us, and by His design no two of mankind are exactly alike! From the creation of Adam and Eve, billions of babies have been born, each being different than every other child. If God were not real and did not hold every aspect of life in His hand, there would be no explanation of this fact! I want to draw attention to several Scripture verses which speak of God’s love and intentions for us. Psalms 139:13-18 and 71:6, Proverbs 8:17,  John 14:21, 1 John 4:16-19, Ephesians 2:10, Ecclesiastes 11:5 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Perhaps like me, you realize the choices you have made are not resulting in the life you desired for yourself, the life you thought you could direct and make happen. If that be so, it’s most likely not the life God desires for you. He loves you so much! When you turn and take a step towards Him, He will meet you, and lovingly accept you right where you are! For forty three years He has proven himself faithful over and over in my life. If you will trust Him with your life He will be faithful to walk with you through whatever and wherever your life may lead. I know He will because He promises He will in His Word!

 

 

 

 

 

WHO, REALLY, IS THIS JESUS?

WHO, REALLY, IS THIS JESUS?

When a surreal experience occurs in our lives, it is normal if we find it difficult to comprehend or understand. We search for meaning and understanding. Something has happened that seems unreal, but we know it is real, because we had the experience. If you snow ski and ride the chairlift to the top of the ski run, then make an exhilarating trip down the slope, you are filled with excitement and happiness from it. You know the turns and jumps you made! However, if you read about the ski run, it’s completely different than making the run yourself. Even if the writer is gifted and describes the run so well that you feel you are going down the mountain with the skier, it is not the same. It can also be this way in our relationship with God. Let’s say I have a close friend whom I cherish and would give one of my kidneys or part of my liver to save their life. That would be an expression of my love for him or her.

Jesus didn’t give a kidney or part of his liver for you and I. He sacrificed his life for us! God The Father loves each of us with a sacrificial love we find hard to comprehend or understand. God The Father, God The Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit are one in purpose. Jesus died to give us salvation, and access to relationship with our Heavenly Father. The purpose for us is to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit enables us to experience God’s presence.

The Old Testament foretells the coming of Jesus and clearly speaks of him. The New Testament describes Jesus to us and tells us about his life. While it is good to read about Jesus, and it is important to do so, reading about him is not the same as personally experiencing him. Salvation, is the free gift of forgiveness of our sins plus eternal life from God. It is the only solution for us not being eternally separated from God when we die.  Every person is offered this choice because of God’s love, grace and mercy. When you say yes to God and accept his free gift, the Holy Spirit comes to live within you. You personally experience God and his presence. A pretty mind boggling reality to grasp! It is a rare person who, when facing death from a health related issue, would not give all their possessions to have their health restored. In essence, this is what God offers each of us, but in a spiritual sense.

In Scripture  –  Matthew 16:15-18  –  Jesus is speaking with his disciples. He asks, “But who do you say I am”? Peter answers, “you are the Messiah, the son of the living God”. This is who Jesus is, REALLY! I could give many references from scripture as to who The Bible says Jesus is. You may or may not believe The Bible, and that would not enable you to personally experience Him. Only when you make the conscious decision to make Him Savior and Lord over your life, can you begin to know Him! The beginning of the journey of a lifetime!

 

 

THE HEART OF THE FATHER

THE HEART OF THE FATHER

When we sold our insurance business my intent was to start volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. I had been involved in small projects and since I enjoy building I thought it would be a good fit. I was unaware at the time that God had a different path I would follow. I knew of a local youth ministry, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, and I found myself on a tour and applying for a volunteer position. I love horses and kids, so I was not surprised when my interest was redirected. Since 2011 I have been a volunteer and for a time, a part time employee at Crystal Peaks. God was gracious and allowed me to participate in a build trip to Guatemala with Habitat in 2012. Somewhat like having your cake and eating it too. In early 2011 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Surgery followed to check my lymph glands to find out if the cancer had spread. Fortunately it had not. My urologist chose radiation as the treatment and that was completed in November 2011. During my recent annual checkup there was no sign of any cancer or other problem from treatment. I am thankful for how God has seen me through this health crisis and allowed me to enjoy these years engaged in ways which bring me much joy and satisfaction. Being involved in activities where you can see God at work in lives and situations is exciting! 

The photo on the blog post this month was taken at Crystal Peaks April 27, 2016.  A cross had been placed at the highest point on the ranch some months earlier. Troy and Kim Meeder are the founders of Crystal Peaks, and Kim had expressed a desire to have a pathway built to provide a way up to the cross to pray. Randy Whitman was also a volunteer at the ranch during this time. He and Kim had discussed the project and talked about building a stairway up to the cross. Randy was instrumental in getting construction started. It involved cutting away the hillside and securing the timbers which would form the stair pads. There were about eleven volunteers and staff who worked on the project. I was fortunate to be one of the group. It was a figure it out as you go type of job. Ideas came from several of those participating. Everyone worked together and it was very enjoyable to be involved. There was a sense of purpose for what was being accomplished. We worked until after dark a couple of evenings, pushing to complete the walkway.  It was completed the the morning of April 27, just in time for the Information Clinic which was to get under way later that day. I hurriedly took several pictures as we picked up the tools and cleaned up the area to make it ready to use.  After returning home, I opened my phone to look at the pictures. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the photo of the stairway to the cross, with a cloud in the shape of a heart perfectly centered on the cross! I get emotional still when I look at the image. I titled the photo “The Heart of the Father”.

We cannot know how or if God will use anything we set our hand to. Certainly I had hope this project would be used by God in the ministry. What I am hearing from Kim of how God is touching people as they come and climb the stairway to the Cross, is beyond anything I could have imagined! There is a young woman who came, experiencing medical issues in both knees. She was scheduled for double knee replacement, and needed assistance to make her way up to the Cross. While there praying, Jesus touched and healed her! She no longer needs surgery! Another woman who needed a walker to get around, came and was also healed! The wife, daughter and a family friend of  a man with advanced pancreatic cancer came asking for prayer. The staff and family prayed for healing. Recently the report came, most of his tumors are gone and those remaining are shrinking rapidly! The doctor has no explanation! Also the doctor was unaware the cancer had spread to his bones and tests revealed that cancer is dead! God is truly amazing! I am Blessed by the privilege of helping build the stairway, and now by hearing how God is using it to touch people’s lives!

You can visit cpyr.org for more information about the ministry at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.

 

WHEN MY DREAM DIES, WHAT THEN?

WHEN MY DREAM DIES, WHAT THEN?

I have my share of dreams, once vivid and alive, which now reside in the dream graveyard. Perhaps you have some as well. Usually, when I realize my dream is ill, I administer CPR!  Sometimes I have placed the dream on life support, grasping at every possible way to save it. Typically when I am finally exhausted, and no pulse can be detected from my dream, I reluctantly accept reality.  It is dead!

I am not one who had a lot of childhood aspirations or dreams. Growing up on a farm five miles from the nearest small town, my younger years were full of farm chores. Not a lot of spare time for dreams. It was later in life when some of the hopes or dreams I had did not pan out. I have written in previous posts, describing some of those experiences. Were it not for my personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I can’t imagine how I would have come through some of them and kept my sanity.

What I want to convey as I write today is, everyone has or will face difficulty and perhaps tragedy in life. My faith has given me the strength and courage, to face my challenges and persevere through, knowing I was not alone on the journey.

Major traumatic events can test our character and faith to the limit. We doubt, we question and we wonder why we are in the situation we find ourselves in. Believers have The Word of God and The Holy Spirit to help us during the difficulties we encounter. Those who are without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ depend on self and every other source imaginable to cope. The truth and assurance of The Word of God is available to anyone, willing to place their trust in the only source, dependable and trust-worthy.  God’s love for each of us is certain, unshakable and undeniable! You can read David’s perspective that God is always there for us in Psalms 46:1-3, 37:39-40 and 20:1. Isaiah 33:2, Ephesians 6:10 and  II Corinthians 12:9-10 also point us to God and declare his faithfulness to help us navigate the pathway of life.

When we face the death of a dream, or any other of the disappointments life may throw at us, we have a choice to make. As aptly spoken by our Pastor recently, regarding trials in life. “They will destroy us, define us, or develop us.” The best outcome is to persevere through the difficulty, and that it helps develop us into a stronger person, who is more reliant on God, in a deeper relationship with Him. He promises His help in all of life’s trials and circumstances. I have found He is faithful, trust-worthy and His Word a guiding light for my life.

 

 

STOLEN BY FEAR

STOLEN BY FEAR

One of the tactics Satan uses regularly to oppress believers is fear! Many times in scripture Jesus admonishes us, “Fear Not”, and “Do Not Fear”. Satan’s intent for mankind is evil and destructive! Frequently he is referred to in scripture as the thief.  In John 10:10, Jesus is speaking, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV)  The Word of God is clear in telling us Satan’s intent. All that is needed to see this clearly is do a word study of the Bible on Satan. If we allow him to plant or instill fear in our lives, it can paralyze us and keep us from living out the destiny God intends for our lives. Our part is to take a step of faith. When we do, God honors our faith, and He meets us and guides our steps as we move forward in His leading. It will not happen if we allow fear to keep us from taking a step in faith. You may recognize some of the ways fear can be planted and begin to take root and grow. Did I really hear from God?  Was that God or just me?  What if I fail?  What will people think?  What if it does not turn out the way I expect, or want it to?

In 1997 I was facing a difficult decision. Along with an excellent staff, I had worked building an insurance business for thirty years. I was the junior partner and expected to one day own the business. Through a series of events, the senior partner sold his interest to an outside party. I found myself in a situation where I felt I could no longer remain employed with the firm. I was fifty-five years of age and had a non-compete agreement. I could not start my own agency in that county. I began looking for other employment in the area, but had no success. An opportunity became available to move to Bend, Oregon and open an insurance office with a major national company. I would be starting from scratch, with only a few clients being seeded to me. It would mean moving four hours away from a large part of our family. I experienced all the emotions and asked all the mentioned questions, plus some! My wife and I were praying for guidance and direction., trying to decide what to do. During my lunch hour one day as I was praying, The Holy Spirit brought to my mind the story in Numbers 13 and 14 of the spies being sent into Canaan. I was struck with the thought that if God was opening this door, I did not want to be like the spies who were fearful. I wanted to be like Joshua and Caleb who entered the Promised Land and benefited from God’s blessing. I shared my thoughts with Patty and she felt assured, as did I, that we had heard a Word from God. We made the move and it is now twenty one years of seeing God’s provision for us. Not always easy nor quite what we expected, but we have been assured many times over that we heard from God and that has given us strength and courage to keep moving forward.

We must be willing to do our part. If we are fearful and reluctant to trust God in faith, Satan will have kept us from living in God’s purpose and provision for our lives. Joshua 3:7-17 paints a vivid picture of the point I make. The Jordan river was at flood stage. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant as well as all the people were instructed to step into the water and stand in the Jordan. Then the waters would be parted! Verse seventeen tells us all Israel crossed over on dry ground!

Fear will keep us from our destiny! Fear will allow Satan to steal God’s blessing and provision from us! Fear is defeated if we believe the truth of God’s word and stand in faith believing what God has declared.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

Additional Scriptures you may wish to read: Romans 8:15 & 16:  Psalms 56:3:  Psalms 34:4:  Isaiah 41:10

 

 

FOR ONE

FOR ONE

It is exciting when God shows us Truth from His Word through practical ways in our everyday life. He becomes more real, touchable and approachable to us when we encounter His reality in our normal daily living. A frequently quoted portion of scripture is Luke 15:3-7, the Parable of the Lost Sheep. It is interesting to me Jesus tells three parables, one after the other, all having the same general theme. There must be something important here Jesus wants us to grasp! The point, I believe He is trying to help us understand is, our Heavenly Father is passionately concerned about every person on planet earth! The Parable of the Lost Sheep, the Parable of the Lost Coin and the Parable of the Lost Son, all express deep concern for the one who is missing, lost or gone astray. The examples in the parables speak to us about how much our Heavenly Father cares for every person. Every person includes you and I!  Jesus is saying, in essence, He would have gone to the cross and died to redeem just one!

My wife and I experienced firsthand, God’s Love and what He will do to draw one person into His Kingdom and relationship with himself. In October 2013, we traveled with a group from our church on a mission trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Our good friends Steve and Holly Taft are Missionaries there. The team went to help with the church God is building in Playa through and with Steve and Holly. We worked on the church building, which was under construction, along with other activities. A carnival was part of the activities to be held at the church, with the team going out in the surrounding neighborhoods to invite the children and their families. A lot of planning and preparation went into getting ready for those we hoped would come. Saturday, the day for the carnival came, and it was pouring rain! The team cut holes in garbage bags, slipped them over their heads, and  braved the weather going door to door, inviting families to come. Even with the inclement weather, we were hopeful for a good response. The preparations were complete. We were ready to greet the families and show them a good time. We waited, and waited, but no one came! Finally one little girl and her father came through the door! She was shown a grand time! Everything we had done to prepare, was for one girl. It was quite an experience and revelation for those of us on the team. We were reminded, as we had prepared to leave on the trip, we had been told if we reached just one person, it was worth everything that went into the trip. That day had a lasting impact on the girl, whose name I believe is Anna and her family.

Recently, Patty and I were visiting with a friend who is involved in ministry. She told us of an experience she had, where God went to great lengths to reach one lady. Her story reminded me of our experience in Mexico, and reinforced the truth of God’s love for each of us. Our Heavenly Father is not willing that any should perish! (Matthew 18:14 and John 18:9)    His love is truly amazing!

I am making an effort to begin posting to the blog each month. I am currently working on several posts. Look for the next release in about a month. Thanks to each of you who reads, comments and shares the posts. It encourages me and I appreciate the support. A reminder, you can sign up on the blog, to receive an email alert when a new post is released.

 

THERE IS HOPE

THERE IS HOPE

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NLT)

Recently my wife and I were fortunate to spend a week in Hawaii. A celebration for our 38th anniversary and a break from our winter weather. It was all good. The one thing I can’t explain is why we received record breaking snowfall here, right after we returned home. Perhaps a penalty for the wonderful week we enjoyed in such a beautiful setting. Getting away for a time, a break in our normal daily routine, gives one time to be refreshed and to think. Patty and I enjoy sitting at the beach, people watching and enjoying the natural beauty found everywhere in Hawaii. We did some of that on our trip. Watching the waves roll in made me think about the precision in which the universe functions. The huge expanse of water and the effect of the moon on the tides was one thing that came to mind. Watching the sunset each evening, as well as the time change of sunrise and sunset daily intrigue me. When I take time to consider some of these everyday occurrences, which normally have no place in my thinking, I am reminded of how incredible the world we live in really is!

Being a person of faith, I don’t question creation. I am amazed by the working and beauty of the universe God created, as well as by how it functions. It all serves to solidify and assure me of the unquestionable validity of God and His Word.

How can I be certain there is HOPE? 

As Romans 15:13 declares, God is the source of hope. There is an ample and growing body of proof the Bible is true and accurate! Historical manuscripts, unrelated to the scriptures, prove it’s truth and validity. Then there is my own life experience of Joy and Peace, because I have put my trust in Him. We do have confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit, when Jesus Christ is Lord in our life, just as scripture declares.

If you are a believer, you are assured of this. If you have never taken a step of Faith, what is keeping you from experiencing the HOPE which is found only through faith and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?  

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:5 NLT)