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Dear Friends,

This week’s letter is based on the second chapter of Exodus.

Moses, the leader of the Hebrews, was born with a death sentence on his head. The ruler of the Egyptians feared the Hebrews were becoming too strong, so he ordered that all boy children born to Hebrew mothers were to be thrown into the Nile River. Moses’ mother hid the new born Moses for three months. Then, unable to hide him any longer, she put her son in a basket and placed him in the bulrushes by the river’s edge. Moses’ sister Miriam stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.

This is a familiar Bible story, yet we may overlook Miriam’s courage. To the Hebrews, water was symbolic of uncertainty, chaos, and death. The Bible doesn’t tell us how long Miriam kept watch over the baby in the basket. We just know that she put aside her fears and watched over the baby as she waited to see what God would do. Miriam focused on the infant in the basket, not her surroundings. She made things happen rather than waiting and wondering what would happen. When we find ourselves stuck in the bulrushes of life, we need to appreciate the wonderful things we can do acting in God’s power.

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

How often do we stand at a distance to see what will happen? When we see someone being mistreated, do we stand up for them? When we see someone in need, do we step forward to help them? When we see someone hurting, do we comfort them? Miriam was a young slave girl – the least of the least – and yet she became a key person in the story of our salvation when she did more than just observe. Miriam couldn’t imagine how big an impact she would have on the history of the Jewish people. Likewise, we never know how big an impact God intends for us to make on others.

Johanna Mansfield Sullivan was born to a poor immigrant family. At the age of five she contracted an eye disease that left her nearly blind. Her mother died when she was eight, and her father abandoned her two years later. She spent four years in a home for the indigent before being admitted to Perkins School for the Blind in Boston. As the school’s valedictorian she wrote, “Fellow-graduates: duty bids us go forth into active life. Let us go cheerfully, hopefully, and earnestly, and set ourselves to find our especial part. When we have found it, willingly and faithfully perform it.”

When another young girl’s parents sought a teacher for their blind and deaf child, it was Joanna “Anne” Mansfield who answered the call. The movie “The Miracle Worker” was based on Anne Mansfield’s success in freeing her young student —Helen Keller — from the bondage of blindness and deafness. Helen went on to become a noted author, lecturer, and political activist.

“When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.” ― Helen Keller

The other day we saw a young girl wearing a tee shirt that read, “I’m not wishing for it; I’m working for it.” What are you working for — or should the question be, “What are you waiting for? We all have opportunities to do things that will bring glory to God.

Scripture for the week: 1 Peter 4:11 (NLT) “Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.”

Blessings, Your Friends in Christ

Dear Friends,
To many, Father’s Day is a day of woulda, coulda, and shouldas. Fathers may think, “I would have done better if …” Sons may wonder if they could have been more respectful of their own dads, and we all may wonder how many times we should have watched our words. We may be perplexed when we read Jesus words in Matthew 5:48 (NIV), “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Perfect? Who me? I don’t think so.

The Apostle Paul wrote about this conflict we feel in Romans 7:15, 21-23, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do … So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.”

The world sarcastically says, “I’m sorry, I can’t be perfect.”

The Christian responds humbly,
“I am sorry. God’s not finished with me yet.”

When we recall the Apostle Paul’s persecution of the church, his conversion, and the fact that he struggled with temptation, we are reminded that we are a work in progress. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Changing the way we think often means praying that we can live better in the present, and with God’s help, letting go of our past. How often do we put ourselves on the cross, or let others put us on the cross for sins Jesus already went to the cross for? Consider Paul’s guidance in Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV), “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead is an important step on our path to victory. The prophet Isaiah recorded God’s words, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:18-19a

Verse for the Week: ^“Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory.” 1 John 5:4 (CEV)

The Christian song “Mended” by Matthew West offers words of encouragement to any child of God who may struggle with his or her imperfection.

“Mended”
How many times can one heart break?
It was never supposed to be this way.
Look in the mirror, but you find someone you never thought you’d be.
Oh, but I can still recognize The one I love in your tear stained eyes.
I know you might not see him now, so lift your eyes to me. (Chorus)

You see your worst mistake,
But I see the price I paid.
There’s nothing you could ever do, to lose what grace has won.
So hold on, it’s not the end.
No, this is where love’s work begins;
I’m making all things new,
And I will make a miracle of you (Chorus)

I see my child, my beloved,
The new creation you’re becoming.
You see the scars from when you fell,
But I see the stories they will tell.
You see worthless, I see priceless.
You see pain, but I see a purpose.
You see unworthy, undeserving,
But I see you through eyes of mercy. (Chorus)

Chorus
When you see broken beyond repair,
I see healing beyond belief.
When you see too far gone,
I see one step away from home.
When you see nothing but damaged goods,
I see something good in the making.
I’m not finished yet.
When you see wounded, I see mended.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTHM1Jc7k48

Blessings and Happy Father’s Day —Your Friends in Christ

Dear Friends,

This election season promises to be one of the most combative in our lifetime. We’ve had just a small taste of the uncivil war of words to come. Many of us need only recall some of our own rhetoric to know that James had it right when he wrote, “But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.” James 3:8-9 (NASB)

If I’m going to honor God this election season, I’m going to have to develop strong guidelines. Where better to look for guidelines than the Scriptures?

Guideline #1 Trust in the Lord. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:3-6

Guideline 2: Be patient. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.  Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” Psalm 37:7-9

Guideline 3: Seek the truth. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8b (NLT)

“O Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.” Psalm 119:169

Guideline 4: Choose your words carefully. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

“When you talk, do not say harmful things. But say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will help those who listen to you.” Ephesians 4:29 (ICB)

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24b (NIV)

“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” Proverbs 17:28

Guideline 5: Remember — God’s in charge. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 Always be joyful. “Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

Guideline 6: Pray that the candidates will try to observe Guidelines 1-5! “’Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’” Matthew 19:26

Blessings, Your Friends in Christ

Dear Friends,

Are you too old to dream?

Bonnie and I host a chapel service at an assisted living community. After a recent service, during which the topic had been “God’s Dream for Your Life,” one of the residents approached us and asked, “Why do most sermons seem to be directed at young people?”

Building dreams seems like yesterday’s opportunity to many seniors. Who can dream, they may wonder, when it is major challenge to just push their walkers to the dining room?

Is building dreams yesterday’s opportunity? Do all of the promises found in the Bible have a date code—use before age …, or can we still dream dreams? Was God speaking only to the exiles, or can the words of Jeremiah 29:11 offer us hope? “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

A dear 94-year old lady, who recently went to be with the Lord, used to pull us close and ask, “Why am I still here—what is my purpose?” She would sit in our chapel service softly singing the words, “Jesus loves me this I know.” Little did she know how often her simple song lifted our spirits. She had a dream to serve God, and it turned out that she did serve Him to the very end. Words from a poem by CT Studd come to mind:

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

What is God’s dream or purpose for our lives? Perhaps we, like Timothy are called to be co-worker[s] in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage [others] in [their] faith, and to keep [them] from being shaken by the troubles [they are] going through. (See 1 Thessalonians 3:2 NLT)

Could it be that, like the Apostle Paul, our Goal should be to “do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:23

We can all dream of making a difference. The place to start is where we are. Maybe it’s too late for us to, as Jesus commanded, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” But as long as we are living, we have the opportunity to share with those in our own world.

Chapter 12 of Romans is a guidebook on how we can achieve our dream of making a difference. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Ibid 9-10

“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” Ibid verse 18

Verse for the week: ^“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ

Dear Friends,

My childhood church was The Church of the Epiphany, located a few blocks from the White House in downtown Washington, D.C. This was a very “proper” church, where gentlemen wore ties, most ladies wore hats, and decorative nails on the pews prompted ushers to reserve seats for larger donors. As a young man, I’m pretty sure I never heard a sermon at Epiphany based on James 2:1-5 (NLT):

“My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith?”

Webster defines epiphany: “a moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way.” A couple years ago, I had my own epiphany when I had the opportunity to once again attend a church service at the Church of the Epiphany. The pews still had the decorative nails, but now, homeless men and women slept where the elite had once worshipped. No one seemed to take notice of the poor who had taken refuge in the church, except when one of the ladies of the church would shake one of the sleepers who had started to snore a bit too loudly. All are welcome.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” He didn’t impose a dress code; He offered His rest to all who would come to Him. Are we as welcoming as Jesus? Are we willing to embrace all who need the Lord, or just those that fit into our comfort zone?

This past week I went for my regular haircut at John’s Barber Lounge in Lake Forest. A seventy year old white guy is a bit out of place at John’s; I don’t ask for a fade with texture, the only gang I ever belonged to was the Marine Corps, and tattoos just aren’t my thing. But I get a good haircut and it’s cheap, so John’s is where I go. As I sat down in the chair, Philly, a former drug user whose looks reflect his rough past asked, “Aren’t you the dude that dropped off that worship tape for one of the barbers?”

“Yes, I thought she needed it.”

“Bro, she needs that and a lot more!” He shook his head, and then spent the next ten minutes sharing with me how someone had brought him to Christ and changed his life—someone who was not concerned what he looked like, but with what he could be like. Lord, help us to see people as you do.

Heaven’s Fashion Show
Last night I had a crazy dream – what caused it I don’t know; it might have been the sauerkraut or my last Cup of Joe.
I tossed and turned; I tried to sleep – my wife gave me a nudge. I dreamed of heaven’s fashion show, and I became a judge.
The runway wasn’t paved with gold and there were no applause. The models weren’t what you’d expect; In fact, they made me pause.
None were wearing fancy clothes from Gucci, Coach or Chu; in fact, the very best of them was dressed much worse than you.
In dungarees, in funny hats, in shoes worn thin from use, was this some freakish fashion show or just runway abuse?
Abuse of all the rules I’d known of proper ways to dress, this couldn’t be a fashion show; this was a fashion mess.

Just then the Chief Judge took His place and told me to depart. “You judge a person’s outer self; I look upon the heart.
My temple is a holy place and it deserves respect; but judging folks for how they look is not what I expect.
I love the flashy fashion plate whose clothes mask inner fears. I love the man in cutoff jeans who’s served the poor for years.
I even love the pastor whom some people criticize; her humble clothes conceal a heart that’s precious in My eyes”
I woke to find it was a dream, and boy was I relieved. I thanked the Lord and took to heart the warning I’d received.
I pray the Chief Judge, Jesus Christ, will help me do my part: to share His love by looking for the good that’s in the heart.

Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ