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We are in the Lenten season when we focus our attention on the last days of Jesus’ earthly life. There is high drama in every step he takes toward Jerusalem and his ultimate death. We recall that he had predicted his death earlier and the disciples, his closest friends and supporters, refused to accept such news. His death shattered their personal beliefs of what Jesus should do. Possibly their voices were raised as they told Jesus how wrong he was to even think such thoughts. “You are wrong! You aren’t thinking rationally. Put such thoughts far from you.”

In an effort to help readers feel the anguish of his soul, try to put yourself in this situation: Imagine that you are given a task for which you are qualified and trained to accomplish. Your plans and efforts are bearing the fruits that indicate success. Then an associate inserts his or herself into your space and tells you that you are not doing things properly. They present themselves as being superior and seek to control or dominate you.

What is your first response? Remember that you have many options to choose from. Some possibilities are: You can tell them to butt out of your business, mind their own business, you may refuse to work with them anymore or you may quit your job and never try again. These options and a dozen others are for your choosing.

Jesus is our perfect example in how to deal with human hindrances in doing God’s will. “Peter took him (Jesus) aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”Matt.16: 22.23 NRSV

I think it was possibly a very painful thing for Jesus to have to say. There was likely great disappointment in these men who had been with him for almost three years. Still, they did not understand him. Another time Jesus asked how long he must put up with their lack of understanding and faith.

I have lived in Atchison for over twenty-five years and have watched many people move from one church to another. Some feel that church leaders have spiritually and emotionally assaulted them. In many cases this is true. Failures among spiritual leaders are a serious problem to deal with.

What is a good course of action when we become a victim of human failures that directly touch us? Turning to God in prayer is the first step toward personal healing. When we begin to react rather than respond properly, we will make more mistakes than we find solutions. As we humble ourselves before God, he can give us some clear insight about the path we should follow.

When we read the Bible we hear God speak to us. I recently found great comfort, healing assurance and guidance in Psalms 91. I will share a few verses, “You who live in the shelter of the Most High, will say to the Lord, my refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day, or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday. Amen

How eagerly a young man rushed to Jesus, humbly fell on his knees and asked the most important question that a human being can ask: “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” This story is found in Matt. 19: Mark 10:17-22 and Luke 18:18.

What must I do to have eternal life is the question that almost every person on earth asks in one form or another. Stories come from the smallest third world countries where they have some kind of religion and have some form of worship. This universal question is the ultimate question a human can ask, for the answer produces an eternal consequence.

The question seems to point directly to Jesus’ statement “I am come to seek and save the lost,” to define his purpose on earth. Almost in response the young man seemed to ask, “I am one of the lost. How do I get found?”

His age is noteworthy and is verified by three words used in the story. Matthew used the term “neaniskos” that refers to one from youth to middle age. Luke’s term “archon” means “A first one.” A ruler of a synagogue or the mayor of a town. The man’s word “inherit” may indicate that he inherited his wealth. He was young, wealthy and popular. But he was not satisfied. He was lacking the knowledge of eternal life. He may have been first among men but not with God.

Jesus did not immediately answer his question. First he wanted to teach him the moral and spiritual lessons about the word “good.” Only God is perfectly good. If Jesus was only a teacher he did not deserve to be called good. If he is “good” the man should accept him as God.

He claimed that he had kept the last six commandments since he was a boy. He bragged about his moral report card by saying he had kept them all perfectly.

It was then that Jesus looked at him. This was not a casual glance. Jesus looked intently; examined him carefully; or scrutinized him. X-rays can picture the heart and brain but cannot picture the soul or thoughts. Jesus looked into the man’s soul and found an idol. This man worshiped the god of wealth. He broke the first commandment. This man was not deceiving Jesus. He was seeing inside him and “loved him.” Only here does Mark say that Jesus loved someone.

Jesus had called the fishermen from their trade and told them to come after him and he would send them into the world to become catchers of people. He called Matthew from his tax gathering occupation to come follow him.

To this young man Jesus said, “Go, get rid of your god, sell all your possessions, and when that is done, come to me and I will become your God and you will go out with eternal life.”

The man worshiped his wealth while neglecting to clothe the naked all around him. He had never murdered but regularly refused to feed the starving. He had spiritually broken all of the last six commandments, and had shattered the first one that forbade false gods.

Jesus demanded that he remove his idol of wealth and let Jesus be his God. The man was very distressed because he was wealthy. He kept his wealth and lost eternal life.

Perhaps our greatest need is a new vision of Jesus and to make the words of this song our prayer of commitment: All to Jesus I surrender, humbly at your feet I bow, worldly pleasures all forsaken, take me Jesus, take me now. I surrender all, I surrender all.

“Not by might or by power but by my spirit says the lord.” Zachariah 4:6 KJV. The purpose of this article is to encourage both ordained and lay leaders of our churches to further commit ourselves to the task of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and building up of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4: 11, 12.

I am amazed at how slowly Christian scholars have been in fully discovering the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Dr. C. Peter Wagner provides interesting information in his book Discover Your Spiritual Gifts. (Regal Books, 2005. Page 7). “A decent seminary library may catalog some 40 or 50 books on the subject of spiritual gifts. Probably over 90 percent of them would have been written after 1970. Previous to 1970, seminary graduates characteristically left their institutions knowing little or nothing about spiritual gifts.”

This historical information makes it easier for me to understand how three ordained ministers recently made comments about the Holy Spirit that indicated that they knew very little, if anything, about the Spirit. One said, “The Holy Spirit is the unknown member of the Holy Trinity.” Others call the Holy Spirit an “IT” instead of using a personal pronoun. Others speak of the Spirit as wind that has no useful value, power or significance. It is no wonder that average members of our churches have so little information or personal experience with the Holy Spirit.

I graduated from the seminary in 1961 and was not offered a formal study of the gifts of the Spirit. When I became pastor of a church was when my “real” education began and continues to this day.

I was first drawn into the study of the spiritual gifts through a controversy in a church in another town. It sounds ridiculous, but their controversy was over one of the spiritual gifts. They didn’t seem to be aware that there are at least eighteen gifts mentioned in the New Testament. The gifts are: prophecy, pastoring, teaching, encouragement, giving, compassion, wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, discernment, tongues, interpretation, apostleship, assisting, leadership and evangelism. These are found in Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 1Cor. 12: 27-31; Ephesians 4:7-16.

Terminology has also caused misunderstanding. It is my understanding that when Christians use the spiritual gifts they will produce what Paul calls fruit of spirit. Galatians 5:22 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control,” NRSV. The Bible uses the Greek word “karpos” fruit, yet some prefer to call them gifts.

I have been a minister for sixty years and have learned a few things through some happy and some sad experiences. One major learning is that most Christians are hungry for knowledge of the Bible and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Some of the most faithful Christians I have known are not aware of the gifts the Holy Spirit has given them. They exhibit great skills of teaching, compassion, faithfulness and other gifts, without knowing they have them. When they learn to recognize and name their gifts, they become overjoyed and are more confident in using them.

A problem arose in the early church when a few people became proud of their gifts and abused them. Paul wrote to them and told them that their gifts were to be used for the entire church and not just to build up personal ego.

I encourage readers to study the scriptures listed above. Ask God to reveal to you the gifts that God has given you, and use them to glorify God.

Many readers of this column have joined me in growing old. A famous saying is, “Growing old ain’t for sissies.” Perhaps this implies that we who have grown old are tough survivors. Considering this from a spiritual perspective reminds me of another saying: “When God calls you to do a job, he equips you to do it.” He wants us to work together with him and let him give us on-the-job-training. Once we have learned from the Divine instructor we are more capable of teaching and training others.

As I look back over my years of trying to follow God’s leadership for my life I have faced many mountainous obstacles that seemed impossible to conquer. God has patiently worked with, through, around, and many times, in spite of my stubborn desire to do things my way.

There is this noble sounding word called “wisdom” that we older folks think we possess by the truckload. One definition of wisdom is that it is the ability to do the right thing, at the right time, in the right place, and in the right way.

Wisdom manifests itself in other ways as well. Doc Children and Deborah Rozman say this about wisdom: “It is no longer enough to be smart -- all the technological tools in the world add meaning and value only if they enhance our core values, the deepest part of our heart. Acquiring knowledge is no guarantee of practical, useful application. Wisdom implies a mature integration of appropriate knowledge, a seasoned ability to filter the inessential from the essential.”

Growing old gives us few choices as to what we can do and what we may no longer be able to do. We may have a desire to climb a ladder and mount a new birdhouse on the side of the tool shed, but wisdom and weak muscles help us decide to let someone else do that job.

Lin Yutang has a nice way of expressing this thought. “Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.”

Many people have an alpha personality and are task oriented. They seem not to be able to rest until every task is completed. Even unimportant tasks take on the same importance as the important ones. One pastor who had served in rural communities for 30 years had gotten up at 6:00 AM so that the farmers and ranchers would know he was not lazy. Even after several years of retirement, he still felt a twinge of guilt if he slept later than 7:00 AM. Taking a nap after lunch was almost taboo for him.

Growing old has a spiritual advantage. As we become limited in physical activities, we have more time for reflection, prayer, and Bible study. We can become more aware of the Holy Spirit and his work within us. We can develop the wisdom that comes only by a close personal relationship with God.

When I was Chaplain for incarcerated boys, I became aware that for many of them the most loved and supportive person in their life was their grandmother. As grandparents we can become the guiding light for young adults and children. One of the best legacies we can leave our friends and loved ones is our grace in facing our last days. Growing old is a difficult transition. As Christians, we have the opportunity to change our losses into gains. When we lose strength physically, we can become renewed in spiritual strength.

Immanuel Kant sums up our thoughts: “Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.”

Since January 12, 2010 when an earthquake hit the impoverished island nation of Haiti, many of us have kept our eyes focused on the unfolding pictures of horror and suffering. For over two full weeks we have witnessed mass confusion, starvation, lack of shelter, and lack of security for over a million people.

The scene became more unbelievable since a US Navy ship arrived and anchored the second day after the earthquake. It was capable of supplying over a hundred thousand gallons of water a day, but a connection could not be made to deliver the water. Tons of food, water, medicine, tents and blankets arrived later within walking distance of the teeming thousands who were naked, hungry and ill. Ironically, the life-giving cargo could not quickly reach the masses because there was no organized delivery system.

The eyes of the world no doubt shed tears over the inability to deliver the supplies that had been rushed to relieve so much suffering.

God also sees the dirty bruised and gashed faces, broken and shattered bones of hundreds of victims, and he is compassionate and wants their needs met. If God cries, he surely sheds more tears than we will. God looks from a different viewpoint than humans do. “The Lord does not look at things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV. Another translation says, “Men and women look at the face; God looks at the heart.” The Message.

God sees both the physical and the spiritual sides of humans. Many of the Haitians survivors showed their spiritual relationship with God. A woman miraculously survived after being buried on her knees for five days. The journalist asked how she kept from going crazy? Her answer was simple; “I have a strong faith in Jesus Christ. I knew he was going to take care of me.” “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” NIV Isaiah 26:3

Today, Darlene Etienne, 17, was rescued from rubble after being buried for fifteen days. Dr. Evelyne Lambert said she has a 90 percent chance of surviving although being buried this long was totally against biological facts.

It gives me a thrill to watch as journalists share stories of miracles being revealed before our eyes. The little girl of thirteen who confidently said, “I am not afraid to sleep in my little tent because I have my Bible and God will take care of me.” She was a living testimony that God’s loving care and protection was overshadowing her. “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord makes me dwell in safety.” Psa4: 8 NIV

I believe that God is expecting you and me to do our part in caring for the Haitian people. We are obligated to make the connection between our resources and their desperate need. My great concern is making sure that the funds we send will be used to help the people and not go into the pocket of the greedy. Most churches have their own methods of distributing funds in the most helpful ways.

I encourage us to take a spiritual inventory. Do we have a vital spiritual connection with God? If so, will we make a vital connection with God’s other children who have an overwhelming need? May we become a living connection between those in need and Jesus who said, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

I joined millions of people around the world in emotional shock as one of the poorest and least educated nations in the world experienced the total destruction of their homes, churches, businesses, hospitals and governmental buildings. These physical structures that represented security and wellbeing, suddenly became tombs and agonizing death traps for possibly two hundred thousand human beings. Now the millions of hapless and zombie-like survivors are homeless, hungry and helpless.

The world’s united conscience immediately focused on how to get aid to these devastated people as quickly as possible. Christians recalled the words of Jesus: “Just as you ministered to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Matt. 25:40.

Those who have something are immediately placed on notice that we are to share with those who have nothing. Nations of the world immediately began to respond. We were proud to hear that the US Navy had a ship anchored just off the coast that was capable of generating several hundred thousand gallons of drinking water every day. Ironically, this life-giving resource was all but useless because the destroyed harbor kept the huge ship from getting near enough to make a life-saving connection on shore.

A journalist made an interesting observation of the religious beliefs of the Haitian population. He said that Haiti is 90% Catholic, 10 % Protestant, and 100% Voodoo. He explained that Voodoo is not altogether devil worship or witchcraft, but provides people with a high respect for the spiritual and the unseen. This deep inner faith is witnessed daily by rescue workers and correspondents.

A journalist was reporting that there were no security guards among the thousands of people who sleep on the ground in make shift tents. He became aware of this deep faith in a girl of thirteen who showed him where she slept. Under a makeshift tent was her small pallet. On the pallet lay her Bible and a stuffed toy. When asked if she was afraid to sleep here, she picked up her Bible and said, “No I am not afraid because I have my Bible and God will take care of me.” She has very few earthly possessions, but is wealthy in her faith and awareness of God’s presence.

A man was interviewed since he insisted that his wife was still alive under the rubble of the bank where she worked. After a machine removed another huge amount of rubble, he would rush to any opening he could find and shout Jeannette’s name. On the sixth day of being entombed, Jeannette answered her husband. Shortly after they heard her voice, a Los Angeles Volunteer Rescue Team arrived and took over the rescue operation. We heard some of her conversation with rescue workers as they worked to free her. She asked for water. “Help me, I need water, if I can get a little drink of water that would be so nice. Tell my husband I love him so much and he better not ever forget it.”

Jeanette was alive after six days under rubble with broken fingers but a vibrant spirit. As they pulled her out she began singing and thanking God that she was alive. I caught the faint melody of the little song, Jesus loves me this I know, and the words, “I don’t need to be afraid to die.”

The journalist closed with these words, “The fact that she is alive after being buried for six days is a miracle, but the greatest miracle is that so much life is bursting from this woman’s lungs.”

Funeral eulogies are spoken or written tributes of high praise and acknowledgment of the accomplishments of the deceased. Reading the obituary often serves as the eulogy followed by a brief sermon at the average funeral service.

Some people spend their lifetime engaged in activities and accomplishments in order to get the praise and accolades from other humans. Wisdom teaches us that human eulogies accomplish only what human words can provide. Biblical wisdom encourages us to strive toward receiving these words from our creator, “Well done good and trustworthy slave…enter into the joy of your Master.” Matt.25: 21 NRSV

The context of that verse is the parable of a wealthy master leaving his servants in charge of various levels of management. Some servants failed to be good managers and were not rewarded. This servant had accomplished more than the master expected and was invited to either move into the master’s house or at least to move into living quarters very near the master and enjoy the privileges of family. The servant had proven his faithfulness and was justly rewarded. Jesus later promised that he was going to prepare permanent dwellings for his faithful followers and would come back and take them to heaven to be with him forever.

St. Paul metaphorically describes his personal struggles to be a faithful servant of Jesus: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that longed for his appearing.” 2 Tim. 4: 7, 8 NRSV

James encourages believers to stand firmly and keep the faith when trials, tribulations and temptations try to overwhelm them. When he mentions crowns, he naturally relates them to what he has written about. To those who have remained faithful to their commitment to Jesus during this earthly life, will be given a crown of a truly victorious life. “Blessed is everyone who endures temptations (trials, or tests): such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life, that the lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NRSV.

In his first letter St. Peter marvels at God’s glory. He calls Jesus the Great Shepherd and Christian ministers under-shepherds. Faithful ministers will share Christ’s glory. “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.” 1 Pet. 5:4 NRSV

The Bible teaches that salvation does not come as a reward for the good works we do. We are saved by grace which comes only from God and not because we earn it. True servants of Christ serve because we have been saved by grace and that our service and good works are only demonstrations of our love for what God has done for us.

This attitude is clearly seen in Rev. 4: 10. “The twenty four elders fall before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne singing: You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they existed and were created.”

These servants removed their crowns and cast them to the base of the throne where Christ reigns. They had heard God pronounce his eulogy, “Well done, good and faithful servants, enter into the joy of your Lord.” That was the only crown they needed or wanted.

“They shall call his name Emmanuel for he will save his people from their sins.” Matt. 1:23. This Christmas article is focused on the reality of the presence of Jesus Christ with every person who will receive him. Nails, a cross, a spear and a tomb did not remove Jesus from the world and I will spend no time fighting the smog of commercialism that some fear is threatening to suffocate the Christ of Christmas.

Emmanuel means that Jesus is present with his followers in all circumstances and events of life. The Biblical writer asks, “Who or what can separate us for the love of God?” His answer is that no thing, no event and no person or persons can separate us from God. Romans 8:38,39.

The positive word I share today is that God is also present with the thousands of military people who are scattered around the world. The United States is in a hot war on two fronts. Those in a war zone are lonely and the threats of death greatly increase their anxiety.

How do we experience the presence of God? Let’s think of spiritual realities. I have children and step children who live between one hundred to seven thousand miles away. We have a sense of togetherness when we are physically present. When we become physically separated we are still united in love and I can feel their presence. I want to expand that concept and consider the marvelous presence of God with us at all times regardless of where we are on the earth.

When our loved ones are not with us we often think of them. We may visualize how they look, the sound of their voice, how they move their body or even the smell of cologne or perfume. All these things make their presence more of a reality to us. The reason why many people don’t easily recognize the presence of God is because they haven’t had many personal contacts with God.

I have heard many testimonies from people who have been in a life-threatening crisis and suddenly they felt the presence of God with them. For many of them it became a life-changing event.

This question is raised: “How can people in a war zone find peace while being overwhelmed with the sounds, smells an sights of war all around them?” How can they sing “Silent night, holy night,” on a killing field? Is it possible to believe in peace on earth, good will to men, when an enemy who wants to kill you may be only yards away? The answer is yes. Emmanuel, God with us, becomes a reality when we are willing to receive his presence.

This is my Christmas message to everyone who feels that they are separated from loved ones, separated from their dreams, from their goals and ambitions. Jesus is still with you in spite of wars, illness, job loss, divorce, and all other things that make you feel separated and lonely. Jesus is still Emmanuel. He is present with you. His reality is genuine. We are challenged to let him prove his presence. The crisis you face may be God’s invitation for you to get better acquainted with him. I encourage you to use your faith and give God a chance to become a real traveling companion with you.

God can only become real to those who will become open and will welcome his presence. Many welcome Jesus as a baby in a manger. To experience the living Jesus who wants to be your Emmanuel, throw open the door of your soul and experience his holy presence and love. Have an Emmanuel Christmas.

Several years ago I counseled a struggling alcoholic who referred to Marty Robbins’ song, “This Time You Gave Me A Mountain.” The song laments that life had been one loss after another. The key words are, “It’s been one hill after another, and I’ve climbed them Lord every one. But this time, Lord you gave me a mountain. A mountain I may never climb. It isn’t a hill any longer. You gave me a mountain this time.”

I am reaching out with these words to encourage readers who are trying to climb a foreboding mountain. Think about this quote: “No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you get pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you to come through it.” That quote comes from God. 1 Cor. 10:13 The Message.

I don’t know a person who doesn’t get tired and discouraged at times. Everyone faces challenges that seem overwhelming. Many strong people feel like giving up on some project that seems destined for failure. Some projects should be abandoned if they are not worthy of more time and energy. Remember: wisdom often puts a stoplight in front of us to make us look beyond ourselves for answers.

What you may need to do is to look around and see if there is someone standing close by who may have a clue to help you get up the mountain. To learn how to climb mountains…consult a mountain climber. This is what Galliant, the main character in my book, did. He listened to an old man who gave him clues about conquering challenges.

Galliant had exhausted himself trying to climb a mountain that he had not carefully examined. The old man told him to look at the mountain! As Galliant looked at the mountain he discovered strange stones. Many stones.

Let’s think about how stones are formed. Stones may also represent problems or challenges. Stones are generally created when many small granules get stuck together to form a larger mass. That larger mass (mess) gathers other granules and soon it is a heavy stone.

We will wisely discover that impossible challenges are composed of many smaller ignored challenges. Unattended problems, piled together with other avoided problems, become a crazy quilt of confusing problems.

Here is the old man’s clue to Galliant: “When you set your hand to do a job, keep your eyes on the job you do. Don’t ruin the task to look around, not up, nor down, nor left, or right. But watch your work with all your might. Remember now the words I say and never let them slip away. To climb the mountain safe and sound, take one stone and drop it down. Drop one stone, and take one step, another stone, another step. And soon you’ll find, if you don’t stop, that you have reached the mountaintop.”

Dale Carnegie shares good words, “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”

Successful people learn to deal with individual problems before they become a mountain.

Will you remember the words of the old man at the mountain? “Remove the stones (accumulated problems) from your mountain one stone at a time. Drop every stone. Never try to carry stones.”

It was eleven p.m. when I left the courthouse in downtown Ft. Worth, Texas. I was one of the twelve jurors on a sanity hearing of a mature man who had murdered a young man. I was heavily stressed and was talking to myself, “Jack, get home as quickly as possible so you can relax.”

My home was to the south. I turned on a wide street that had no traffic. After traveling several blocks I recalled that this particular street was one-way…to the north. My stress level jumped a peg higher. I learned that having a worthy goal, going the right direction, on a paved road with no traffic, gave me a false sense of security. I could have caused a head-on collision with possible human injuries.

A counselor talked to a middle school girl who said she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up, but hated to study history, since doctors don’t have to know history. The wise counselor told her that becoming a doctor took thousands of small steps, like learning history. You don’t wake up one morning and discover that you became a doctor overnight. Helmut Schmidt offered that same opinion, “Whoever wants to reach a distant goal must take small steps.”

Setting a firm goal is the only way a person can be certain that the path they are traveling is pointed toward that goal. Having no goal is like the Texas cowboy who jumped on his horse and rode off in all directions. He who shoots at no target hits it every time.

In my new book, Galliant’s Journey: The Key to Successful Living, Galliant is commissioned by the governor to deliver a sealed pouch to the king. He knew where he was going. He also knew that until he had placed the pouch in the king’s hand that his task was not complete.

When he began the journey he didn’t know that he would learn to be successful by overcoming several seemingly impossible tasks. However, he kept walking toward the king.

College and vocational students discover that setting a lifetime goal is not easy. Choosing from among so many possibilities is exciting, but there comes a time when a final choice must be made. Once that choice is made it takes commitment and determination to keep their internal radar guiding them directly toward their goal. A detour sign on their road may only be a test of their commitment. They may wisely ask, “Is this sign a wise indicator that I need to make a slight adjustment in my travel plan or a challenge to plow straight ahead and make a new road?” Plowing through obstacles develops strength of character.

J.C. Penney said: “Give me a stock clerk who has a goal and I will show you a man who will make history. Give me a man who has no goal and I will show you a stock clerk.”

And, Yogi Berra almost said something important, “If you don't know where you're going, you might not get there.”

The governor taught Galliant a little jingle that helped to keep him moving toward the king, “Don’t delay, don’t waste a day, success will come, as you find a way.”

I readily confess that while I was waiting for the book to be published I got discouraged several times. I had done all that an author could do. So, I quoted the jingle and waited, not altogether patiently, on the publisher.

The book was born and thanks to those who have purchased copies, it is growing more successful each day. Thanks.

Humans share one great common denominator. Parents. After that uncomplicated statement of fact, comes a multiplicity of differences. The majority of humans know both parents. Some humans do not have knowledge of either mother or father. Perhaps a lesser number know only their biological mother or father but not both.

There is also a vast difference in emotional attachment to each of the above groups. This emotional strength varies from the deepest quality of parental/child attachment to the other extreme of hatred of one or both parents.

Before my retirement I spent twelve years as the Clinical Chaplain at a juvenile correctional facility for boys. A guest Chaplain brought hundreds of gifts from Hallmark for the boys to select and send to their parents and friends as Christmas gifts. The visiting Chaplain had the noble desire that these gifts would help to bond the boys and their parents. Some of the boys wanted nothing to do with their fathers and the Chaplain tried to force the boys to send their fathers a gift.

I intervened and told him not to push the issue. I had to plainly tell him that he could not force a boy to bond with someone who had abused him and his mother. A few of them pledged themselves to find their father, and when they found him…they would kill the so-and-so.

It was in this environment that I created the metaphor of Galliant’s Journey: The Key To Successful Living. The story begins as Galliant receives a surprise letter from the Governor inviting him to earn the key to successful living. To earn the “key” he must take a sealed pouch to the King.

Galliant is elated and rushes home to share the good news with his parents. Here he discovers that his parents don’t agree on how success is achieved. One parent believed success was a matter of luck or fate. The other knew that success had to be earned through dedication and effort.

Those who read the book are challenged to consider what effect and affect their parent had on their attitude about success and how it is attained. Each of us has been strongly influenced by how our parents made decisions. We are heavily influenced by whether we consider our parents were successful or failures. We often find ourselves repeating mottos or positive sayings of our parents like, “A stitch in time saves nine, a penny saved is a penny earned, those who don’t work don’t eat, a man’s word is his bond, and it is better to have tried and failed, than never to have tried at all.”

“Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honor, I lose myself.” William Shakespeare

“To make your children capable of honesty is the beginning of education.” John Ruskin

“Those who think it is permissible to tell white lies soon grow color-blind.” ~Austin O'Malley 

Let’s do some positive thinking about our parents, both their strong and weak points, their positive and negative teaching methods. We as adults are responsible for whom we are, and what we are, and what we should become.

The story of Galliant shows us that he chose to follow the parent who encouraged him to follow his dream to earn the key to successful living. Struggling to find a way to climb difficult mountains, cross canyons, and survive fiery trials, brought him successfully before the King. As he conquered challenges, the key to successful living was being permanently imbedded within him.

“Dear Galliant,” the letter read. “I am offering you the opportunity to have the key to successful living. If you are interested, be at the governor’s mansion at dawn tomorrow.” Signed: The Governor.

These words introduce the exciting story of how Galliant begins his journey to discover the key to successful living. Of course, Galliant, like many who read the story, falsely think that the “key” to success is like a rabbit’s foot, a lucky charm, or a four-leaf clover. A few think that success is a matter of luck that some folks have and others don’t have. Those who read my book, Galliant’s Journey: the Key To Successful Living, will discover that becoming successful takes hard work and determination.

Galliant is surprised that the Governor was personally inviting him to visit him. Readers may begin to wonder if someone in their life has offered them an unexpected challenge to become successful. A brakeman on a freight train challenged me to succeed when he offered to buy me a suit of clothes if I would not smoke until I graduated from high school.

One of my favorite questions to ask children and youth is this, “When you get to be twenty-one years old, what do you plan to be doing and where do you plan to be doing it?”

I expect elementary school children to give me a blank stare at the question but occasionally I get surprisingly mature answers. For instance two children said, “I plan to be a helicopter pilot in the Army.” The other said, “I plan to be a veterinarian.” The answer from a thirteen-year-old boy astonished me, “When I get to be twenty-one, I will be in Lansing State Prison. I don’t want to go there but my dad and my uncle are both there and everyone tells me I am just like them.”

Elementary school children are not expected to have definite goals for when they get to be twenty-one. It is terribly sad when a twenty-year-old is drifting aimlessly and haphazardly from one moment to the next. When hardship, challenges and difficulties arise, they have no resources to help them make wise decisions or meet the challenges. They don’t know how to ask for help and may question or refuse to accept any offers of help. They may totally depend on others to care for them while blaming others when they fail to accomplish something.

Moses was challenged through the burning bush experience to break away from his life as a shepherd for his farther-in-law, to become God’s shepherd for the chosen nation of Israel. He was overwhelmed by the challenge but lived to become one of the world’s most prominent leaders.

Galliant’s “burning bush” experience was the surprising letter from the Governor. He was challenged to deliver a sealed pouch to the King. Overcoming the obstacles along the journey brought him successfully into the presence of the King. He would never have met the king if he had not accepted the challenge. God’s challenges are lovingly designed to increase our wisdom and effectiveness. Being sensitive to spiritual leadership reveals upward steps leading to a mature level of graciousness and service.

Astronaut Mae Jemison said, “Failure to recognize possibilities is the most dangerous and common mistake one can make.”

A Thanksgiving opportunity: Remember someone who has challenged and encouraged us to succeed. If they are alive we will bless both our benefactors and ourselves if we express our appreciation and thanks for their help.

Galliant’s Journey: The Key To Successful Living is available locally from the author or Doodle Bugs Bookstore in Atchison.

A television commercial showed people on a sailboat with these words filling the background, “I’m only going around once and I want to get all the gusto I can.” They were raising bottles of beer.

How realistic and wise is it to build your “One lifetime” on the foundation of beer? Or for that matter how wise to build a brief life on money, sex, popularity or other fleeting and elusive foundations. The conversation between two men went like this: “I read porn literature to see how the other side lives.” The other man responded, “That is like swimming a mile in a sewer to find a teaspoon of clean water.”

The foundation upon which we build our life must be made of stronger stuff than silt, sand or garbage.

Jesus talked about the wise and the foolish builders. One did a quick job by building a house on the sand. When the storm beat against that house the sand foundation simply melted from under the floor of the house. The house collapsed on the occupants. The wise builder shoveled off the sand and went down to a solid rock to build his house. It took much longer and was very hard work. However, when the same kind of storm beat and battered his house, the house stood firmly and the occupants were secure.

Today those whose life is built on a solid foundation can weather the storms of financial loss, troublesome relationships and the loss of friends and family through death. Survivors of typical storms and challenges are those who write songs about good foundations. On the rock of ages founded, naught can shake my sure repose. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. Rock of ages, cleft for me let me hide myself in thee.

Some have mockingly said that God gave the Ten Commandments to keep us from having fun. That attitude shows a horrific disrespect for the truth. Compare that attitude to what Jesus described as the thief in John10: 10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I am come that you may have life, and have it abundantly.” Jesus was a living example of a human being who lived totally by the Ten Commandments. Sodom and Gomorrah are examples of a society that lived without them.

I find it interesting that a radical minority made an “F” in American History. They claim that the United States was not founded on the Ten Commandments and Christian principles.

I will quote a lengthy passage from President George Washington’s farewell address. He does not mention the Ten Commandments as such, but speaks of the absolute necessity of morals and religion in all areas of government. “Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity.”

“Let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”

I believe that the Father of our nation would fight to keep the Ten Commandments displayed on federal buildings.

We who write share common blessings and curses. The effect or affect of what we write is not instantly mirrored back to us. We are generally left in limbo while we evaluate and weigh what we have written on our own scales and by our instincts.

Then out of the blue comes some wonderful soul who delivers a ton of affirmation that energizes us for another trip through the desert of questioning the effectiveness of our words. Such a marvelous gift was delivered to me this week. Two of my published articles were handed to me with these words, “These two articles were such a blessing to me that I had to personally thank you. You will never know how they revealed solutions to problems that have haunted me for years.” The two articles were “Control Your Anger Or It Will Control You” and “During Troubled Times Count Your Blessings.”

This article is intended to give guidance to those who are struggling to find answers and solutions to their questions about the death of a loved one.

They face a huge barricade blocking their road to peace and reconciliation. That barricade is an impenetrable structure that resists every assault they make against it. Feeling rebuffed adds to their confusion and anger builds toward the barrier. They find themselves at war on two fronts: The war with grief at their loss, and the second war against God or their higher power that refuses to listen to their painful plea, “Please. Just tell me why.”

It brings some peace when we understand that “NO” is an answer. The answer of NO may mean, I will never give you an answer, but will help you make adjustments; I will not give an answer until you stop demanding one; I will not give the answer you want to hear; I will give you answers in small doses as you become able to understand them clearly; I will only give answers when you accept my terms; I will give answers when you learn to trust me.

First, we must surrender to the fact that we may not get an answer or solution to our request “as we have made it.” We are asking for an immediate answer. Some answers will not come immediately. We may need time to adjust and come to grips with parts of the answer that will come only through time. We may need to “dose” ourselves slowly with the reality of the death before we can understand fully.

We are wise to make ourselves relax on this side of the barricade and make plans as to how we may make peace with the idea that we will never know answers and solutions. We can slowly make peace with the mystery of not knowing what we want to know. It is as if we have been invited to write the last chapters of a book we are reading.

This kind of acceptance is very difficult but it also holds a bright promise for those who yield to the unknown future. This yielding produces maturity, faith and wisdom. It prevents much physical and mental anguish. With this kind of surrender generally comes a spiritual peace that permits the suffering person to see things more clearly since there is no longer a battlefield of confusion. Like a miracle, small insights of answers and solutions begin to emerge as the warrior lays down his or her weapons of war.

Paradox: to win the war–lay aside your weapons, remove your armor, sit down and rest, and sign a peace treaty with the God who has all the answers and solutions. Then wait.

My challenge this week was to find something that would both interest and challenge the readers. Perhaps the greatest challenge for each of us is to live a happy, useful, fulfilling and successful life. This challenge begins at birth and stops only when we draw our last breath. However, before we draw that last conscious breath, we are challenged to have provided a worthy legacy that will outlive us.

Since many of us live in the shadow of Amelia Earhart, one of the world’s most challenging women, we are wise to listen to her words of wisdom. “Never do things others can do and will do if there are things others cannot do or will not do.” This is truly an anti-boredom attitude. She shattered the “thou shall and thou shall not” rules that society had placed on women. She was driven with a passion to break records and push the limits. In the current movie, Amelia, she pushed the envelope of wisdom by refusing to delay their flight until her drunken navigator got sober. We appreciate her courage and determination but wish she could have relented her stubbornness so she could have completed her dream. Her anti-boredom attitude is reflected by Joshua J. Marine, “Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”

I borrow two other quotes from women who challenge us with similar philosophies of life. Barbara Hall said, “You're alive. Do something. The directive in life, the moral imperative was so uncomplicated. It could be expressed in single words, not complete sentences. It sounded like this: Look. Listen. Choose. Act.” Grace Hansen reflects Amelia’s attitude: “Don't be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin.”

Challenges are universal. Today I listened to a third grade student trying to make up her mind as to whether to stop and read with me, go outside to walk with her friends or to go back to the gym and wait for the bell to ring. It seemed to be a minor challenge to me but a huge one for her. I spoke to a teacher whose mother is quickly approaching her death. Another was mourning the passing of her mother only a few days ago. Both face the challenge of restructuring their lives.

A Chinese proverb says, “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.” Pearls are created when a grain of sand gets lodged inside the oyster. The irritation from the sand causes a secretion to form as a protective layer around the sand. As time passes the abrasive sand is changed into a gem of beauty.

Many people become defeated by problems. Others face almost identical problems and may have a brief setback but will soon forge ahead and conquer the obstacle. William Ellery Channing proclaims,” Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.”

Of course Mark Twain would offer words of wisdom about challenges: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Once again you and I are faced with examples of what others have done when faced with challenges that shake us to the bone. We have examples of failures who folded under the burdens. Others developed muscles that caused them not only to stand but also to move forward. What will our example be?

In the game of baseball the two most necessary players are the pitchers and the catchers. This article deals with pitchers who throw things at other people and the catchers represent their victim.

The classic story of stone throwers and their victim is found in the eighth chapter of the Gospel of John. The pitchers were self-righteous Pharisees and they are ready to throw literal stones at a woman they caught in adultery. We recognize that this is a trap to embarrass Jesus. To neutralize this situation Jesus invited the stone thrower who was sinless to cast the first stone at her. They left because they were sinful, and also because they had only used the woman as bait to trap Jesus. She was an expendable commodity and of no value to them.

Let’s think about modern stone throwers and their victims. The fifth of the Ten Commandments is: “Do not kill.” This is a command, not a suggestion. This goes far beyond having a corpse at our feet. It forbids the killing of a person’s character, reputation or self-esteem. Jesus speaks plainly about this in Matthew 5:22 and includes anger and name calling as one kind of murder. Character assassination.

Let’s consider the characteristics of those who throw stones. The men in this story were pretentiously religious men. They were outwardly upright and Godly men. However, Jesus would later brand them as whitewashed sepulchers full of the bones of those their forefathers had murdered. Jesus later asked, “Who made you a judge over others? Only God is the righteous judge. You will be judged with the same measure you use to judge other people.”

When tempted to condemn others, we may remember that we will face God as our judge and he makes no mistakes. Jesus plainly says that as imperfect people we do not qualify as a judge and jury to condemn anyone. There is a powerful unspoken statement in the silence when Jesus was the only human qualified to pronounce judgment and he did not!

Have you ever criticized or judged another person and wonder why you did it? Could it be that the person you criticized was mirroring back what you had done or wish you could do? Could you be transferring the feeling that you need to be punished onto them? Are you placing upon them the criticism you feel you deserve? Jesus shouts to we who throw stones: Stop It! Remove the 2x4 plank from your own eye before you try to surgically remove the cataract from a neighbor.

What about the victims of vicious stones? Obviously some people seem to invite criticism and complaints. What do victims do that invite stones to be thrown at them? The woman was likely a prostitute and had broken the law. Part of the trap the Pharisees had in mind was to put Jesus in a double bind. If he said, “turn her loose,” he is breaking a law that said she should die. If he said, “stone her,” he would be denying his message of love and forgiveness.

Now, alone with the woman, Jesus speaks very straightforward words to her. “I do not condemn you but go now and leave your life of sin.” NIV Jesus told her to change her way of living and stop being a legal target for stoning. Modern victims must change their life style that offends society and attracts criticism.

Here is the two-pronged message: Stone carriers, drop your stones. Victims, improve yourself so you are not such an easy target.

The Jim Jones massacre was recently documented on television. Jones was successful in distorting and deluding people into believing that he was a god. He promised them positive good, and delivered negative death. He demanded all they had while giving death in return. His success was sucking the life out of people.

There are two basic philosophies among leaders. There are those who, like Jesus, give of themselves to the point of death. Others feast on what they can draw out of others and leave only emptiness and despair. I have always been aware of these two opposing attitudes but until recently I have never confronted it so personally.

Many readers know that I have been struggling with the “birth pangs” of having a new book published. Galliant’s Journey: The Key to Successful Living, Second edition, is on sale at bookstores, Amazon, Google, Xulon press and others.

This book is based on the teaching that it is more blessed to give than to receive. My purpose was to take the reader from where they were in their struggle to succeed and give them clues as to how to be as successful and happy as possible. It is a message of hope for all who need it. It is a gift of love, and making money is not a major objective.

It is ironic that my friend and former colleague, Darrel Ray, PhD, also has a new book for sale. Darrel and I completed counselor training together. We were closely associated and shared many of the same ideals and objectives in life. I truly regret that today we stand almost diametrically opposite in defining success. I feel successful in freely giving myself to enrich and bless others by helping them develop their faith and spiritual qualities into a fulfilling and productive life.

The title of Dr. Ray’s book presents his concept of success. His book is God Virus. His concept is that God is a negative force similar to the H1N1 virus that is threatening the world. He seems to think that God is dangerous, deceitful, destructive and will cause catastrophe and ruin of a person’s life. He offers to cure those who are infected with God by dousing any spark of faith they have. He enjoys curing people of God. Here is a recent quote: “I just wanted to crow a bit… I am enjoying a lot of interest in the ‘Recovering from Religion’ groups across the country.”

There is a fable of two men traveling through the desert with horses pulling wagons that held large water tanks. One was a kindly old man who took water to the families and shared his water to fill their cisterns. The other man was the devil in disguise. He went to families and gave them water to quench their thirst and promised to share his water with them. As they slept that night he sucked what little cistern water they had into his tank and left them to die of thirst. Each man was successful in accomplishing what his heart led him to do.

If it is in your heart to do evil, you will likely be successfully evil. You will likely produce a full harvest of positive deeds if this is in your heart.

“Don’t be misled: no one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others–ignoring God!–harvests a crop of weeds. All he will have to show for his life is weeds!” Galatians 6:7, 8 The Message

Beginning Tuesday, October 20, 2009 we begin another grief support class for those who have lost loved ones by death. These classes will be at the Becker-Dyer funeral home from 7-9 PM. There is no charge and all who have lost loved ones are welcome.

Anger is one of the feelings that come with the death of a loved one. There are at least three attitudes expressed toward anger. Some feel no anger. Others feel mild anger and a few have intense anger. Each of these attitudes is OK. No feeling is “right,” and no feeling is “wrong.” They just “are.”

Feelings of anger are normal, and usually healthy, human emotions. Anger is often included in the list of “explosive emotions,” along with hate, blame, terror, resentment, rage and jealousy. None of these are “bad” within themselves, but when uncontrolled, may cause great harm. Basically all of these are forms of “protest.” When a toddler wants a toy and it is taken away it may begin to scream or cry or hit.

Fast forward that illustration to a boy age eleven, who was a physically small boy who was polite, well mannered, and gentle. During a recess he was showing friends a new toy he brought from home. A bully twice his size grabbed the toy and began to tear it apart. The small boy’s first protest was to demand the bully to give the toy back. Verbal demands were ignored and the small boy began to cry. This only fueled the bully to be more aggressive. The small boy felt intensely angry for being violated and unable to defend himself. In spite of a size difference he physically attacked the bully trying to recover his toy. The bully easily held him at arm’s length and mocked him for being so small and helpless.

Tiring of his sport the bully shoved the small boy to the ground, threw the mangled toy on the ground and kicked dirt on it. The little boy lay in the dirt overwhelmed with emotions while vowing to get even…some day. The story illustrates how mild feelings of anger can quickly generate into fury and rage at being violated and helpless to change the situation.

The age of the person who dies, and the circumstances of the death, may cause the survivor very acute feelings of anger. Accepting the death of a 90 year-old parent is easier to accept than the death of a 9 year-old child who had been kidnapped and murdered.

For those who struggle with the death of a loved one, consider this. The little boy in the above story lay on the ground breathing out fury and frustration. He wished that he could: beat the bully up, ruin his toys, get revenge, make him apologize and other things that he could not do!

The bell rang and recess was over so he got up and dusted himself off and picked up his broken toy. He told his teacher, the principal, his parents and friends. He changed his focus from what he could not do to what he could do. After awhile he felt better.

Some very strong adults may become extremely angry over an untimely death, especially of a child. Becoming obsessed with trying to change the unchangeable can lead to mental and physical illness. Hopefully these distressed individuals will slowly change their focus to what they can do to make things better.

Like the little boy they may take a recess, talk to appropriate people, and take charge of the things they can change. Before long they will feel better.

The introduction of the H1N1 virus has alerted us to the possibility of a worldwide pandemic. Nations are gearing up with vaccines and publicizing precautionary measures to avoid contamination. Physical hygiene, like hand washing, is one of the most powerful methods of avoiding disease.

We also must maintain mental and spiritual hygiene to prevent spiritual, mental and emotional diseases that can make us physically ill.

Dr. O. Carl Simonton and his wife, Stephanie, began treating cancer patients with imagery therapy. They took terminally ill cancer patients and taught them to create mental images of their cancer. By directing their images they helped the patients to reduce the size of their cancer. Many of the cancers went away and many more went into remission. This was so successful that they created Cancer Center Imagery Therapy. As they studied the history of cancer patients they discovered that cancer often developed six months to a year after the patient had a major loss. The patients had not properly dealt with the loss, and their emotional turmoil may have caused deadly physical problems. Which reminds me of a story:

Once upon a time there was a happy family with son, Buck, and daughter, Precious. Each of the siblings was strong willed and each wanted to win any disagreement they had, and they had quite a few. Neither had learned to admit defeat, neither would they forgive. One day they had an unusually furious argument that caused a mighty uproar in the family. Since neither would admit fault and neither would offer compromise, both had “emotional fever.”

Brother Buck acted as if nothing had happened. Sister Precious withdrew to her room and pouted. Buck acted tough and unconcerned, while Precious pined away and got lots of sympathy. After many months Precious got physically ill and her doctor was bewildered when he couldn’t find the cause of her problem. Little did he know that she had a serious case of “Buck Fever.” Precious poisoned her entire system by refusing to properly cleanse her feelings.

Many years ago I visited a man who was in the quarantine room with gangrene poisoning. I had to dress in a gown, facemask, booties and gloves, and then wash carefully after the visit. A nurse said, “You are not going to give him anything, but if he gives you what he has, it could kill you. We are protecting you from him, not him from you.” I couldn't cure him, but I could, and did, protect myself.

Let’s compare Precious with the man with gangrene. I will call this: “The Case of Garbage Can Gangrene.” In the argument she had with Buck, Precious got infected with feelings of anger, loss, hate, jealousy, bitterness and other diseased feelings. She couldn’t change Buck, but she was responsible to clean her own wounds. Instead of treating her wounds properly, she stuffed those treacherous germs into her “Keepsake Garbage Can” where they festered into a vile potion.

Some of the harshest words from the lips of Jesus were spoken to the self-righteous Scribes and Pharisees. He compared them to white washed sepulchers. “Sepulcher Saints” today are those who have their hearts and minds filled with envy, hate, grudges, unforgiveness and all sorts of unhygienic attitudes. Their hypocrisy becomes apparent when they claim to have spiritual fruit like love, joy, peace, goodness, etc.

Sepulcher Saints, harboring ill will and unhealthy attitudes, contaminate the atmosphere by gossiping, criticizing, complaining and blaming.

How hygienically clean are our minds and hearts? “As a person thinks in their heart, so are they.” Prov.23: 7

Dr. Carl Menninger wrote a book called The Vital Balance. In it he explained that every living human was capable of temporarily losing our mental and emotional balance at any given moment. If we receive a phone call informing us that a loved one died we would immediately be thrown off balance for a period of time.

We who count our age by decades find that we must be constantly aware that we could lose our balance and fall. Almost every week someone we know has fallen and broken something.

Losing our balancing ability is only one of the many losses we have as we grow older. Losing control is a major challenge for old people. Eyesight, hearing, balance, incontinence, mobility, self-esteem and sense of value are some of the losses that we face. A recent television program showed a ninety-four-year-old woman taking a professional driving test. She failed the test miserably and was legally forbidden to drive. Her family was relieved because they didn’t have to take her keys.

My wife and I attended a helpful workshop for people sixty-five and older and received valuable information that will help prevent falling. Maintaining balance is crucial to our safety, and age has a sneaky way of making us lose it. We joined about 300 others who had a fear of falling. As I looked at all the walking canes and walkers, I realized that I was not alone in feeling the loss of control of my walking. I own four canes and a walking stick but have been too proud to admit that I need one. Now I use one.

We who have God as our constant traveling companion are aware that God draws closer and becomes a dynamic source of guidance and comfort. We gladly discover that God has not deserted us as we become weaker and lose much of our physical, mental and emotional strength. As we lose control of earthly things, we trust God to take control. The weaker we become, our faith in his ability to strengthen us becomes a reality. When we feel earthly things slip from or fingers, we feel God’s hand holding us more firmly. God says that his strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Physical deterioration generally comes slowly and we lose our capacities slowly. A slight crisis may overwhelm us with our inability to bounce back as we once did. During those times we do well to have a friend to talk to and get the encouragement we need. Reaching out to others is a challenge for many, but it is important that we take care of ourselves. Recently I experienced a little setback that threw me off balance. I recognized that I was depressed and felt helpless. After taking stock of my situation I called a friend and said, “I am depressed. Do you have time to talk with me?” He was available and we had lunch together. I was no longer depressed. Reaching out for help when we need it is necessary as age settles upon us. God uses our friends to help us and we are wise to call on them. We have helped many others during our lifetime and many of them are happy to help us when we need it.

As we lose control of earthly things we may pray this prayer: When the darkness appears and the night draws near, and the day is past and gone. At the river I stand. Guide my feet, hold my hand. Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.

HEAR THE TRUTH; TALK THE TRUTH; WALK THE TRUTH by Jack E. Albright Printable PDF

The person who continually talks of how competent they are is usually trying to convince themselves that they really are competent.

I want to begin this article by sharing totally reliable facts about my youngest granddaughter. Without a doubt she is the most beautiful, most talented, and definitely has the most wonderful personality of any child on earth. (Does that sound like a proud grandpa?)

She was thirteen months old when I last saw her. She was jabbering loudly, crawling vigorously and practicing the pre-walking exercise of learning to stand. Learning to walk and talk is considered the normal developmental stage for children this age. The simple expectation of the child is that they learn to walk-talk and then practice both skills by walking and talking appropriately through their lifetime.

A problem comes when as adolescents and adults we hear many words that tell us how to live our lives in the most wholesome and prosperous way. Some may be well educated and trained in skills but have a character flaw that prevents them from applying what they have heard and learned to the way they live their life. Of these we say, “They may talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk.”

A quote from the Bible admonishes this type of person: “Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only.”James1: 22 KJV

Many years ago I worked in the same office building with a woman who dropped by my office occasionally to chat. A typical conversation would contain two particular things. She would tell me that someone was dishonest and should not be trusted. She would declare her own honesty as compared to the other person. Quickly came her request that I not say anything to that person. Then she managed to tell me what a good minister I was. After several months I discovered that she was a pathological liar. She was well educated, knew right from wrong, accused others of lying–while she was the liar.

Ministers continually stand on the precarious position of being dispensers of the word of truth, purity and piety, while we are in jeopardy of slipping into the ever-present quicksand of moral and spiritual failure. When others fail we do well to remember that Jesus said, “Let the one who is without sin, cast the first stone.” The apostle Paul warns against condemning those who stumble into sin. He warns that everyone is capable of messing up and becoming a failure. “Don’t be so naïve and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence. It’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence.” 1 Cor. 10:12 The Message

Hearing the truth, talking the talk and walking the walk, applies to those in the professional world. A proven rule of thumb is, if you are a professional you do not need to claim the title. Prove that you are a professional by the work you produce. I might claim to be a brain surgeon, but woe to the person who asks me to operate on their brain.

How disappointing, and often costly, it is to trust a person who claims to be a professional, but their works prove them to be unskilled. By their works they prove themselves and by their fruits you learn the truth…after it has cost you dearly.

With great ease my words may fly to boast me upward toward the sky. But then will come a great distress if what I do, belies, what I profess.

The credit rating system is horribly flawed when compared to Biblical principles. The frugal are penalized for paying cash while those who go into debt to purchase things that they possibly can’t afford are given a higher credit rating.

Readers may be shocked when they read these two translations of Proverbs 22:7. “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” NIV. “The poor are always ruled over by the rich so don’t borrow and put yourself under their power.” The Message

Most of us were wrongly taught that we play life by the rules of Monopoly––the one who gathers the most stuff wins. Wrong! God plays by Kingdom rules––“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12: 15 When God evaluates us he does not examine our bank account, stock portfolio, credit bureau, or how much earthly stuff we have accumulated. God weighs us on spiritual scales.

Jesus himself defines a blessed person. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:3 NIV. The one who is “blessed” is “poor” in spirit. There were many in Jesus’ day who were literally poor, destitute of money and earthly goods. “Poor” however is likely used here as a metaphor of those who have not filled their soul, heart, or spirit with a desire to accumulate earthly treasures. They are like empty vessels ready to be filled with spiritual treasure rather than earthly stuff. Their soul’s desire is to be filled with spiritual blessings and God joyfully “Blesses” them by stuffing them full of Kingdom treasures.

The person who is poor (empty of desire for earthly possessions) longs to be filled with heaven’s riches. This attitude is expressed by the words of this song: “Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord. Come and quench this thirsting of my soul. Bread of heaven, fill me till I want no more. Fill my cup. Fill it up and make me whole.”

Those who tempt us with credit (debt) cards and mortgages try to convince us that we will be “blessed” if we charge items that we can’t afford. Instead of seeking first the Kingdom of God, many folks buy “impressive” things on credit hoping to impress those who are impressed by fancy things. Isn’t it much more crucial that Jesus approves of us? Our highest goal should be to relate ourselves with God in such a way that Jesus will call us “blessed”. The person who is stuffed full of God’s goodness must have first emptied himself or herself of stuff that is not Kingdom quality. In other words only those who empty themselves of earthly stuff can be filled with God’s spiritual Kingdom riches.

Many wealthy persons are poor in spirit because money is not their God. Money for them is a tool or instrument they use wisely. They use money. Money does not use them. They possess things but don’t allow things to possess them. They have found that when you seek first the kingdom of heaven that all the necessary things will be added to you.

Dave Ramsey, in Financial Peace Revisited, tells us that money has no more moral quality than a brick. However, it is active and will take control of us unless we take control of it and manipulate it to our good purpose.

Would a wise person prefer to be filled with heavenly treasure as a gift, or with earth’s decaying junk that we must pay for?

Seldom does a day pass that we do not hear of friend’s passing, surgery, accidents, jobs lost and a myriad of other problems. We may feel that we are aboard a ship that is in an endless storm. What can we do?

“When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost. Count your many blessings angels will attend, strength and comfort give you to your journey’s end. Count your blessings. Name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”

We are all prone to focus inwardly when we have been mistreated or betrayed by those we have trusted. While we are dwelling on our inward pain we forget that our major source of strength is not found within ourselves. Lifting our spiritual eyes upward and outward helps us to gain a clear vision of the Rock of Ages who does not change. “God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. Psa. 46:1-4 NIV

We who write columns for newspapers realize that the value and quality of our printed words will be measured by how meaningful they are to those who read them. I was richly rewarded when a friend wrote: “Thank you, my friend, for continuing the battle for the hearts and minds of those who read your columns. God is blessing you, and I pray that He will continue to do so. Peace.” His words crystallized my objective in writing. I am doing battle for the hearts and minds of readers. Many people confide in me their pain, losses, frustrations and failures. I write from my heart to their heart.

I have preached in 29 different churches in the Atchison area. One pastor calls me, “The Bishop-at-large in Atchison County.” Being a visiting minister gives me the opportunity to hear many comments, both negative and positive, from the members of these congregations. Without exception, when I hear a negative comment about a pastor, I feel the sting that similar comments were made of me while I was a pastor for thirty years.

Churches should be the safest place for a person to be. Yet, how painfully sad it is to know how many bleeding wounds are inflicted by church members upon each other.

It is extremely difficult to change our focus from the fickleness and unjust treatment from other human beings to the assurance that God is unchanging, dependable and trustworthy, since some of the most vicious wounds have come from fellow church members. Some feel that they are justified in quoting Zach. 13:6 “When someone asks him, ‘What are these wounds on your body?’ He will answer, the wounds I was given at the house of my friends.”

What shall we do when wounded by a fellow Christian? It seems logical to follow the same procedure we use when we are physically wounded. We go to a doctor. The doctor, while cleansing the wound may ask, “How did this happen?” Then you may tell your story. After suturing and bandaging your wound, the doctor may firmly tell you how you must keep your wound clean to prevent complications. A good doctor will not advise you to retaliate on the one who wounded you. Especially if your doctor is The Great Physician.

How do we successfully handle the frustration of our thwarted dreams, plans or ambitions? This is a universal question and I will offer guidelines.

Frustration often comes when we have special hopes, dreams and plans that get spoiled or delayed. Other frustrations come from the generalized limitations of hampering circumstance, such as the handicaps inherent in our physical, intellectual and social lives. We may want to travel and explore earth’s wonders but are not able to do so. We become frustrated when we fall short of reaching the desired goals we have set for ourselves. Paul shares this frustration: “The things I want to do I do not do, but what I don’t want to do, I do.”

The Bible is filled with examples of great people who were frustrated. Moses stands on mount Pisgah after forty years of desert wandering, looking across the Jordan at the Promise Land. He didn’t get to set a foot inside it. Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they rejected him.

Solomon spoke of his father’s frustration; “My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. But the Lord said to my father David, ‘Because it was in your heart to build a temple for my name, you did well to have this in your heart. Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son.’” NIV 1 Kings 8:17-19

This is a tremendous lesson. The principle here is that God is pleased when we have sincere and continuing desires to do something great for God. Even if we never see the fulfillment of our dreams and desires, God considers our ongoing desires as good and acceptable.

This does not mean flippant New Years resolutions. This means an unquenchable longing to serve the Lord. David’s life is checkered with splendor and sins, glory and shame. Yet, there is within him the burning desire to be God’s man.

David provides a good role model for us as we search for a proper way to deal with our frustrations. He had the same options that we have. He could have become rebellious, angry against the government of the world, railing against providence or demand to force the issue and build the temple. Instead he turned his frustration into active preparation.

David did more than acquiesce. He knew he would never build or even see the temple. He spent the rest of his life facilitating the task of those who would come after him. From all over the land he amassed materials. He arranged contracts for stone, for timber, for iron, and gold, and silver. He provided the materials for the building he would never see.

David was doing much of the work of building but his son Solomon would receive the praise. It was called “Solomon’s Temple.” This principle is illustrated in Psalms 90: 6, “May Thy work appear to Thy servants, and Thy glory to their children.” KJV. This prayer means that God is to show our generation what work we must do, so that our children and grandchildren will have a better world to live in.

This is a sobering thought as we consider the rubbish-heap that our generation is leaving for future generations. Wisdom and love for our children and grandchildren should force us to dedicate ourselves to providing them with fewer frustrations by dealing more properly with the issues that we face today. We must do the work so that our children may inherit a more peaceful and glorious world.

My article “A New Look at Demons and Faith” brought several comments, and has encouraged me to write this follow up. Some may be thinking, “I used all the faith I had when I asked for God to help me with my demon problem and I still have my problem. Where is my miracle?”

The Apostle Paul also asked that question when his “thorn in the flesh” hindered his ministry. God told him that he was to put up with the thorn and become a stronger person as he learned to live with it. Another partial answer is that Jesus did not cure every disease, cast out every demon, or raise every dead person.

I invite you to read the following selected verses from chapter eleven of John’s Gospel. This is the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus said, (v.4) “This sickness will not end in death. It is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it. (v.5) Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. (v.14) Then he told them (the disciples) plainly, “Lazarus is dead and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so you may believe. (vs. 21-27) “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, If you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies. And whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord.” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” In verse 35, “Jesus wept.”

From these verses I want to offer suggestions that will give you some comfort as you continue to struggle with whatever demons you are facing.

First, Jesus always has the bigger picture in mind. Jesus is able to see the good that comes after the bad. V. 23 says that Jesus already knew that he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. Verse 4 tells us that he is going to bring glory to God and to God’s Son.

Second, Jesus’ love for them and for us is absolute and beyond question. Verses 3, 5 and 36. Our recognition of his love is not always clear. When Jesus delayed his coming to them it may have caused them to doubt his love. We must learn that Jesus may not always perform to our expectations.

A third major thought is that Jesus loves us and has compassion on us even when circumstances blur our knowledge of his presence, love and comfort. At the tomb of Lazarus Jesus sees the sisters weeping along with many of their friends. He is about to bring Lazarus back to life, but feels compassion for those who do not yet realize that a miracle is about to happen. Jesus wept. He cried with those he loved. Then he shouted for Lazarus to come forth, and delivered him alive to his loved ones.

This resurrection was proof that: “This sickness is not unto death;” for it brought glory to God’s Son.

You and I may not agree with or understand why we have our demon-like problems that God seems to ignore, but let’s be faithful and rest securely in his love so that we may bring glory to Jesus.

Most of us consider ourselves to be free of demons and that we have a reasonable amount of faith. That is likely because of our definition of demons and faith.

We often think of demons as evil little impish creatures with pointed ears and razor sharp jagged teeth that wait in dark places to attack and destroy us. In the Bible times demons were accepted as realities and demon possession was one of the most feared things that could happen to a person.

Mark 9: 14-27 provides us with a vivid story of such an event. A father brought his small boy who was filled with an evil spirit. Today this problem may have been diagnosed as a grand mal seizure but it seems that there was a deliberate and malevolent purpose for the attacks. The boy was not simply ill but assaulted. James R. Edwards says, “The boy was indeed an epileptic, but the epilepsy is portrayed as a front or vehicle of a malevolent engineering force.” The disciples were unable to heal him.

Jesus immediately takes charge and it is important to recognize that Jesus is not only proving his power by what he does but by who he is. Jesus asked the father to express his concern that his son be healed but was also able to express himself as a total person. The father was a compassionate and loving father who felt helpless to provide for his child, but he expressed a faith that was weak…but still alive. He said to Jesus with his “mustard seed” quality of faith, “If you can do something.”

“If you can?” Jesus responds in surprise. The problem is not divine unwillingness or divine inability but human unbelief. “Everything is possible to him who believes.” Faith is the sole bridge between frail humanity and the all-sufficiency of God.

The father humbly shows us a beautiful example of how to increase faith. “I do believe. Help that part of me that does not yet believe.”

Here is the heart of our message today. We are to bring whatever little quantity, or quality, of faith that we have, and ask Jesus to bless our little bit and make it grow.

This story has a special meaning to me, and I imagine that many readers will share this meaning. I have been under an unusual amount of stress recently trying to complete the manuscript for a new book for publication. Just this simple task had become like a lurking demon riding on my shoulder. I could not dislodge it. My appetite and sleep became elusive.

Then I, like the helpless father, realized that within myself I could not cast off that “demon” of stress, discouragement, disillusionment, and frustration. I reached out in my weak faith and asked Jesus to increase it and help me. His answer to me was to write this article and share with others who are struggling with their “demon.”

So, I am reaching out to someone who is struggling with a personal problem. It may be a secret problem that only you know about. It may be a problem that has haunted you for months. Demon-like problems don’t usually obey when we command them to “Get lost.”

So to whoever may need an encouraging word, I invite you to take that problem, with all the faith you can muster, to Jesus and ask his healing and blessing. The little boy seemed to have died when the demon left him. Perhaps your little demon needs to die so Jesus can take you by the hand and provide a new life. Blessings.

Eating exotic and beautifully displayed food is one of the most delightful experiences of a cruise ship. I was overwhelmed at times as I tried to select from over 100 tempting selections. Once I arrived at the table with a small plate that held a pile of raw shrimp…no sauce…no vegetables…just naked shrimp.

Another delight is sharing table space with friends that you are about to meet. This opportunity to freely mingle made me aware that I was a man on a mission. I was aboard that ship to be available to the passengers and crew who might need a good word from God. I was continually aware that God was either taking me to someone or bringing someone to me. As I walked slowly with a plate filled with breakfast goodies, I asked God to take me to a table where I could meet someone special. A party of three invited me to share their table. Each of us became aware that we shared a common faith in God. They finished their breakfast and excused themselves.

When my tabled emptied, the woman from a nearby table came and introduced herself. She had overheard me say that I was from Kansas. She had roots in Kansas and Texas. This began our conversation and I met Carol and Scott LeDoux. Scott looked exactly like a professional athlete, and Carol perfectly fit the role of the wife of a professional athlete, as well as a successful realtor in Minnesota.

We spent time with Scott and Carol, and I learned of Scott’s physical and spiritual journey. He was a professional heavyweight boxer. His professional title was, “The Fighting Frenchman.” I quote from his biography: “During the golden age of heavyweights, I boxed the best: Ali, Foreman, Spinks, Weaver, Norton, Holmes, Cotsea, and Bruno. These were all world champions and when Mike Tyson called after my wife died and asked me to come to training camp, I agreed. He was 24 and I was 42. Yes, I still have both ears!”

Scott is the Executive Director of the MN Combative Sports Commission. He is also an Anoka County Commissioner. For his biography visit his web site at: www.scottledoux.com

Scott’s spiritual journey is exciting. He was sitting in a worship service where three fifteen-year-old girls gave their testimony of how much they loved Jesus and what a blessing he was to their daily lives. As he listened to their expressions of love and faith, he was deeply touched by the Holy Spirit.

He was convicted of his own lack of such a close relationship with Christ. He said, “At that moment, as I listened to those girls sharing such strong faith, I realized that Jesus was what I needed in my life. Right then I gave myself completely to Jesus. I surrendered myself to serve him in whatever way he wanted to use me.”

Scott is a popular speaker at various meetings where he shares his faith. He and Carol are faithful workers in their church. Their pastor says that at least six people have completely changed their lifestyle because of Scott’s testimony.

He has a keen sense of humor. He says that boxing is really a Christian sport because when boxers are in the ring fighting, they keep quoting the scripture to themselves, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” He also said, "I boxed the best and was never knocked out. I was awake and felt every agonizing blow."

Scott and Carol LeDoux are the kind of people that I would like to have as close friends. They are community minded and give themselves to enrich other people. Thank you, God, for bringing them into my life.

We have just returned from an exciting and inspirational cruise of the Inside Passage in Alaska aboard the Golden Princess cruise ship. Marilyn and I led the worship service and we had 200 in attendance. I used Psalms 23 for my sermon and the title was, “The God of Sheep trails, Turnpikes, and Cruise Ships.”

The service was held at 9:00 AM on deck 7, in the 550 seat Fiesta Lounge. We were cruising at 20.9 knots almost due north and the captain’s log recorded: “NW wind across bow at wind force 7 near-gale. Rolling waves 4-6 feet.” The pulpit was vibrating and rocking side-to-side while the grand piano Marilyn was playing was also moving. I assured the people that we were guaranteed to have a “moving service.”

The background of my thinking was the Great Commission, Matt 28:19,20 and Acts 2:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Looking into the faces of 200 people, I became more aware of how God sees humanity.

I felt that God permitted me to speak “to representatives of every nation on earth.” I had the privilege of sharing the good news of God’s love to a mini world of 2307 people from 24 nations who represented the “people of the world.” I designed the sermon to assure each person in attendance that God had not only known about them but has been with them, and loving them, every step of their life’s journey.

I began the sermon by inviting them to recall all the thoughts, plans and details they had taken to arrive aboard this particular ship at this particular moment. None of us were there by accident. The Psalmist declared that God had known him while he was in his mother’s womb. God was present when we took our first breath, heard our first word, saw us take our first step, and has been with us every step, of every path we have taken to this present moment.

In Wm. Paul Young’s book, The Shack, he has Mack and God in deep conversation about God being with each of us on our pathway. Mack asks, “Does this mean that every road leads to you?” God answers, “Not at all. Most roads don’t lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you.” God found each of us on the cruise ship. Many carried burdens and concerns for love ones back home. Some were taking a second or third honeymoon; others were in various states of emotions joy or sorrow. They could rest assured that God was with them regardless of their emotional, spiritual, mental or physical condition.

The Psalmist contemplated the presence of God, Ps: 139:7-13. “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there, if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me. Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light becomes night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you, the dark will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” NIV

The more mature among us will recall words that we heard as youngsters: “You had better do what I tell you if you know what’s good for you!” Sadly I learned that it was not an idle threat. I also learned that, “Ignorance of the law, is not an acceptable excuse” when I told the officer that I didn’t know what the speed limit was.

Words from James 4:17 comes like a lightening bolt to jangle our conscience into acute awareness of responsibility for our attitudes and actions. “Anyone then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin.” NRSV This sin is called the sin of omission. We may see a friend in a quandary and wonder if an offer to help would be taken as an offense or a blessing. A simple question like, “Do you need any help” will usually give the answer.

Many Christians are guilty of sins of omission by not living up to our ideals and knowledge of how Christ would have us live.

I doubt that this is the sin that James is dealing with. When we look at the previous verses about business men leaving God out of their plans to buy, sell and make profit, and the next harsh words about the wicked rich, it seems that James is not aiming at our failing to live a perfect life above sin.

I follow the thoughts of Spiros Zodhiarts, himself a Greek by birth and a New Testament scholar by choice. He believes that James levels this charge at the merchant who made his plans without God. “His motivation was not the glory of God nor helping others through his business or travels, but rather to make a profit by hook or crook.” Was his lack of thankfulness a sin of omission?

The doing of “good” refers more than just saying shallow words like, “Go and be warm and filled with food.” Instead reach into your deep money pocket and give them some of the money God has blessed you with so they can buy food for their hungry stomachs and clothes to cover their nakedness. See James 2:14-17. The deeds of goodness are a continual and ongoing practice of doing good for others beginning now and continuing for as long as you live. A life of kindness, generosity and love is what James expects from the rich.

Zodhiates tells the following story. A neighbor heard that a poor widowed neighbor had lost her cow that was her only means of support. He began collecting money from others to help buy her another cow. Each neighbor offered sorrow and regret but none of them gave any money. After hearing many words of sympathy and sorrow he began telling people, “Oh yes, I don’t doubt your feelings but you don’t feel in the right place.” “Oh” said one person, “I feel sorrow with my heart and soul.”

The solicitor, “Yes, yes, I don’t doubt that either. But I want you to feel in your pocket.”

If we feel in our pocket and find that God has provided us with resources that are more than enough to provide our food, shelter and clothing, but don’t use it to provide for the needs of others, we commit sin. We are sinners for not following the greatest commandment of Jesus, to love one another.

John 13:34,35 “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one another. By this will everyone know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Marilyn and I were scheduled to be aboard the Princess Cruise ship, “Golden,” on Sunday July 26. We were scheduled to lead the Non Denominational Christian Worship Service on the ship. Since this was a once-in-a-lifetime event for us, it would indeed be a New Beginning. I used Psalms 23 for the sermon and will share the major points with you today.

At age 16 I heard and felt God calling me to be a minister. This frightened me for two reasons. First, I thought it was impossible for me to be a preacher. Secondly, I was in a state of shock that God had made His first mistake.

I look back in amazement at the multitudes of trails and pathways that God has walked with me during my lifetime. A few were once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Some were happy, some very frightening. All were growth experiences.

Now it seems that the Great Shepherd escorted me to the platform of a cruise ship to bring a message to “people of the world” who walk with the Good Shepherd.

I likely spoke to people from many nations of the earth. Each person in attendance walked a unique pathway to that particular place, at that specific time. No one was there by accident.

This applies to each one who reads these words. You are at the particular age, stage and place where you find yourself, and God has walked closely beside you every step of your life. Some of you are aware that God has been constantly beside you, and others may doubt it because you may not have been aware of his presence. But he is there.

When Jesus died on the cross for the sins of every person on earth, God extended forgiveness and salvation for everyone. God has made peace with you and loves you whether you believe it or accept it. God reaches out his hand through Jesus to you, offering love and forgiveness and salvation. That is God’s part. Whether or not you will reach out your hand to accept this love, forgiveness and salvation is your decision.

I expected to meet people on the cruise ship who are there for various reasons. Last year we met someone who was terminally ill who was there with family creating a loving and peaceful “last memory.” One woman was still grieving over her husband’s death a year before. Her family sent her on a cruise to cheer her up since she “should be over it by now.” There were singles looking for a good time with friends and perhaps finding a soul mate to fill a vacancy in their lives. Some may be there in an illicit relationship with someone other than their spouse. Some may be running from their past and are looking to find a way to begin a new chapter in their life. I would like to think that an agnostic or atheist might slip into this worship service, knowing that they would not be “caught” by those back home who would tease them for going to church. Some may have been there out of desperation…seeking answers to questions they may be afraid to ask.

So, we invite all readers to pray that God will bless our efforts as we walked a few new steps with the Great Shepherd, and scattered a few seeds of truth.

I hear the words of Jesus from Matthew 28: 19.20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” NRSV

Is the title a conflict of terms, or does it describe the attitude of many Christians toward their money and business affairs? They may sing, “All to Jesus I surrender, all to him I freely give.” Yet, they may privately think, “All except my money, which I worked hard to earn, and it is mine.” James confronts economic atheists in the verses we examine today.

“Come now, you who say, ‘today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.’ Yet, you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. Anyone then who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin.” James 4:13-17 NRSV

James speaks these words to successful businessmen. James uses the word “logos,” which means “reason, intelligence.” They are wisely planning a profitable business trip. James does not criticize them for making money or carefully planning. What he points out is that they do their planning without asking God’s guidance or permission. If we leave God out of our planning, he will leave us out of his planning. If we put God first in our business he will surely take care of the profit making. Practical atheism or Christian atheism is what James denounces. God wants to be part of our business, and it is not wise to leave God out.

We can recall the past but we cannot foretell the future. Those who are solely governed by the past will stand like Lot’s wife crystallized in the act of looking backward, incapable of looking forward.

The story of the rich fool was not that he planned for the future and worked hard for it, but that he thought his life was in his own hands. He learned that he was not master of the future.

One major lesson we can learn from this is that we must be wise and take God into our plans for our tomorrow. Parents of young children and grandchildren are human storehouses of knowledge and wisdom that can save youth from many shipwrecks and disappointments. How sad it is when young people are so desperate for immediate gratification that they often fail to tap into this great reservoir.

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not, only today is ours, and only in today do we hold all our possessions.

“What is your life?” asks James. What is the span of our conscious existence upon this earth? It is the gift of God entrusted to every one of us. This span of conscious life is merely preparation for the endless and eternal conscious life in heaven or hell. James says this life on earth is like a vapor; an attention-catcher. It cannot stay in that state for long constantly attracting attention.

For the ungodly rich to attract attention by their wealth will be their only reward, for they will vanish forever. For the Godly, their vapor like life will also vanish from the earth; but their soul will dwell eternally with God.

“If the Lord will,” is often used as a catch phrase that some utter like a ritual or charm that will hopefully guarantee God’s blessing on their plans. This was the subject of my last column.

James strongly admonishes us to stop our arrogant presumptions. He spoke to businessmen who were leaving God out of their plans to spend a year in a distant city and make money. He did not condemn making plans or making money in honest trade. Their problem was an arrogant presumption that they would be alive and that God would automatically bless their plans.

James says, “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wishes we will live and do this or that.” But in that model prayer is a temptation to sound pious, while saying words that are a trite ritual that can become a subtle form of presumption that James tells us to avoid. Those to whom James wrote had made their own plans without God, and then spoke a “mystical prayer” that they presumed would bring God’s certain blessings on their human plans.

This alerts us to a subtle danger that the most even sincere Christians may face: That of praying words that are so familiar that they have lost their true value. “Cliché praying” is not prayer but a presumption that God will “rubber stamp” his approval of our plans if we repeat a magic formula.

James did not give us a rabbit-foot-prayer when he said, “If the Lord wills.” This applies to the prayer Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, “Thy will be done, not mine.”

Each of these prayers represent total submission to God’s plan for our life. This is asking God’s desire for us in advance of making our own plans. Once we know God’s plan it is appropriate for us to pray, “Thy will be done.”

Jesus totally submitted his own will and desires not to have to die as a sinner for our sins. He chose God’s will over his own when he said, “Thy will be done.”

Perhaps a modern parable will help to explain this concept. A master architect designed his retirement house that included intricate and detailed plans. He spent time with a reputable contractor who was capable of creating exactly what the architect demanded. The architect said, “This is the plan for my dream retirement home and I want you to build it precisely as I have designed it with no changes. The contractor agreed to build the house exactly according to the blueprint. The architect went on a long journey and would not return until the house of his dreams was completed.

The skilled contractor began work and followed the blueprint meticulously...most of the time. He was a highly skilled builder and had strong opinions about how to improve things. He discovered several small details that he thought could be improved. He made the “improvements” here and there without consulting the architect. When the house was completed he e-mailed the architect to return and give his approval of the finished product that was built according to the blueprint.

The architect returned and immediately discovered every detail the contractor had changed “here and there.”

His words to the contractor were simple but final: “You have assumed that I would approve of changes here and there without asking my permission. I do not approve of these changes and now you will work without pay while you tear out every change you made and do it according to my plan.”

Those of us who pray the Lord’s prayer routinely do well to examine our hearts to find sincerity as we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done…” for pious sounding clichés or rituals do not favorably impress the Divine Architect.

This week has been very interesting, in that several people have talked to me about writing. Some have asked, “How do you come up with all the ideas for your column?” Others talked about their own writing desires. I am always alert to those who are interested in writing and try to offer as much encouragement as possible. My answer of where my ideas come from is that I am keenly aware of the casual and serious conversations I have and often hear a subject that would represent the concern and interest of several people.

Recently I am writing articles that follow the New Testament book of James. My last article dealt with eight commandments from James. Today we hear James present the ninth and tenth command. Some may think it is a coincidence, but I think it is a “God incidence” that these two commandments are about the use of words that condemn or judge others. Speaking words that condemn, criticize or damage others is destructive, and therefore sinful, according to James. Just as sinful are the unspoken words in our mind that we think are secret. God knows the secrets of our hearts and minds. James is extremely clear as he deals with gossip and slander.

“Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you–who are you to judge your neighbor?" James 4:11-12. NIV

The Message gives an enlightening version of the passage: “Don’t bad-mouth each other, friends. It’s God Word, his Message, his Royal Rule that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You’re supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others?”

Spiros Zodhiates has an interesting commentary about the two Greek words “legoo” and “laleoo.” Each word expresses speech or sound. He says, “Legoos is the verb of the noun logos from which word we have our English words ‘logical, logic.’ Legoo presupposes thought and the knitting together of ideas.”

“Laleoo indicates mere sound made with the mouth, and may be taken to mean careless, thoughtless talk, and the compound verb used here by James actually means to talk loosely against one another without putting into practice all the functions of reason which God has endowed us with. What James is actually telling us here is that the person who speaks against his brother, degrading him, does not demonstrate thought. When we see a person constantly gossiping and criticizing others, we may safely arrive at the conclusion that he is fairly empty-headed, according to James.”

The ninth commandment of James forbids gossiping, belittling and degrading other people. When we are in the company of a gossip, we realize that when we are out of earshot they may be gossiping about us.

James says those who criticize other have set themselves up as judges. They are falsely exalting themselves as being capable of interpreting the law; presume to be above the law. They falsely place themselves as equal to God who is the only true judge.

James is telling those who criticize and put other people down, to stop their empty-headed slander and gossip. The most prominent proof of empty-headedness is to assume the ability to stand beside God as judge over others.

Are you ready for the Eight Commandments? Here they are: “Submit yourselves, then, to God/ Resist the devil, and he will flee from you/ Come near to God and he will come near to you/Wash your hands, you sinners/purify your hearts, you double- minded/Grieve, mourn and wail/ Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom/ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 47-10 NIV.

Submission is not a popular position or attitude to assume. It means accepting God’s will for our lives instead of endeavoring to impose our will to be sanctioned by him. The proper attitude is that of a native of the Congo: “Dear Lord, you be the needle and I will be the thread. You go first then I will follow wherever you may lead.” The thread cannot sew without the needle and we can do little of eternal value without God.

Some deny the existence of a personal devil. James delivers a direct imperative to resist the devil. We are to stand against, or to take a stand against him. Resist the devil means to chase him away. We are able to do this only through the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling us.

Thirdly, James tells us that after we drive the devil away that we must immediately draw closer to God. Without God we cannot continue to resist evil. With this simple command to draw close to God, James affirms his belief that intimate fellowship with God is not only possible, but also imperative! This capacity is the marvel of the universe because only humans, created in the image of God, may walk and talk with God.

Sin and holiness repulse each other, so when we draw close to our holy God, we become keenly aware of our sinfulness. Hence, James commands: “Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts, you double minded.” Cleansing our own hands and not the hands of others is our first matter of business. Purity of heart is imperative for true communion with a pure God. Purity of heart will cleanse us of “double souls.” Often we are guilty of trying to have a pure heart for God, and a sinful heart for ourselves. This is repulsive to God and prevents a healthy spiritual relationship.

Grieve, mourn and wail is a command to self-impose sorrow that constitutes an evidence of repentance. Once we receive forgiveness of our sins we have joy and peace because we are in harmony with God.

Grief, mourning and weeping are evidence that we are, “Sorry enough for our sins to quit them,” as a small girl said. Grief is the normal feeling we have when we lose a loved one or when we truly feel that we have broken our close spiritual relationship with God. Grief is the inner remorse we feel. Mourning is the outward expression of that grief. In olden days people wore a black armband or black dress to let others know they were mourning a loss.

The word “grieve” is not a simple feeling of sorrow that I got caught,” but it means lamenting with a broken heart that we have offended God and marred our relationship.

Humans can climb the social and economic ladder, but they cannot climb the divine ladder. The Message translation states it well, “Get down on your knees before the Master, it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.”

The commandments are totally about relationships between humans and God and not just rule keeping. As you contemplate each commandment, remind yourself, “I will do this to maintain my intimate spiritual relationship with God.”

You shall not kill; blessed are the peacemakers; turn the other cheek: forgive seventy times seven, and many other quotes speak of anti-violence, and restitution.

Yet how many black bordered pages of secular and religious history record wars and physical violence; burning heretics at the stake; witch hunts and killings.

I heard a man tell this story: “I loved a man out of church. We didn’t like each other and the other man tried to avoid me but I followed him around and told him, ‘I love you.’ This made him furious but I did it every chance I got. Finally he left and joined another church. So I loved him out of church.” This sounds more like sadistic passive aggression.

Does it surprise you when you read James 4:1-3 from The Message version? “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children each wanting your own way.”

The absence of a greeting with brotherly affection gives a serious and powerful message. James totally detaches himself from the warring and fighting that he addresses. James had included himself with the group in the preceding chapters. He closed chapter three with an admonition to use divine wisdom to decide which of the warring factions was in the right. Now he goes deeper to find the source of the fights that develop among Christians.

Modern Christians need to listen to the message from James to use divine wisdom to avoid wars and fights in our churches today. We have witnessed warring factions split churches and even major denominations in this generation.

What is it within us that makes us fight among ourselves? Certainly it is not the Holy Spirit indwelling us. I am calling on whatever divine wisdom I have to trust James in his assessment of where our fights come from.

James says external fights start from within us. Our external wars and fights are within us and work themselves into the open. The Greek word for lust or pleasures is translated into our word hedonism. Hedonism is the philosophy that pleasure is natural in humans and is something that is to be sought and obtained even by force. Hedonism is more than innocent desires; they are the pleasures which one derives from the fulfillment of one’s desires. The passions of the flesh are described as constantly fighting to have their way, to be victorious over the spirit, even over the new nature that Jesus Christ has given us.

This lusting can be sexual or simply rebellion against our commitment to Christ. Verse eight uses the word adulterous to describe the unfaithfulness of these Christians. Those who lust or desire the friendship of the world display a hatred or disloyalty to Christ.

How often do we pray for things that God cannot, or will not, give us? God knows the motivation and the true purpose of our prayer. If we pray for the lusts of desires of our sinful nature, God will not answer our prayers.

Are our prayers Christ-like, Spirit filled and God honoring? If yes, we will have peace within and not cause any wars with others.

While I served as Clinical Chaplain in a juvenile correctional facility, I invited a potter to give a demonstration of pottery making to the incarcerated boys. The boys were spellbound while watching the potter skillfully, and somewhat hypnotically, finger a small ball of clay. He spoke quietly, but distinctly, “There are many little things that happen in our lives that may not seem very important…until later. Then, surprisingly, those little things may become a major influence that takes control of your life and changes your future forever.”

“For instance,” he said as he looked at the ball of clay, “I may be making a beautiful vase when a hard lump shows up and I may have to start all over.” His words were deliberate, quiet and disarming while his handling of the ball of clay was hypnotic and held the boys spellbound.

Silently, he casually wet his fingers and moistened the clay to the proper consistency. With no explanation or pause, he casually placed the ball of clay in the center of the turntable and with his foot pedal began slowly turning the wheel.

Skillfully he pressed his fingers into the soft clay and formed a long slender tube with rings and circles of various sizes. He asked the boys to guess what he was going to make. They guessed many things as he quickly removed all the designs and lengthened the tube and said, “I am going to make a sewer pipe.” The boys groaned and complained and begged him to make something pretty. Then he said, “I am the potter and I control what I want this to become.” The boys finally agreed and he skillfully created a beautiful vase with intricate designs and shapes. The boys breathed oohs, and ahss at the beauty of what he had created.

Then with no fanfare the potter smashed the vase and made it into the same ball that he began with. Some of the boys rose up and criticized him for wasting so much time and then destroying it.

It was then that the master human potter made several powerful points that the juvenile offenders could apply to their own life. The boys had to concede that the clay has a much better chance of becoming something good and beautiful when yielded to a GOOD Master Potter. A Higher Power. Jesus.

Jeremiah was sent to the potter’s house to get that same message to deliver to God’s people. (Jeremiah 18:1-6) We, as God’s children, are fine moldable clay and not mud. However, as the finest of clay, we must recognize our proper place and our proper attitude. We are God’s children, but not God. Only through a yielded attitude, can the clay rise above itself. The clay can only become glorified as it brings glory and praise to its creator.

During our troubled and challenging times, we are reminded that to a great degree we are helpless to help ourselves. Illness often confronts us with sudden helplessness to control our own body. I can quickly think of a dozen friends who, at this moment, need our prayers for restoration of health.

A college sophomore came home for the summer vacation with his parents. He was home only a few weeks when he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. I visited him daily in the hospital and marveled at how swiftly his life faded. He died within 30 days.

May we pray the prayer of an old hymn, “Thou art the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will. While I am waiting, yielded and still.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.” James 3:13 NRSV.

James has previously taught about faith and works, qualifications of teachers, and now begins this section with a question: Who is wise and understanding among you? Wisdom (Sophia in Greek) is not something that is acquired by education. James tells us in verse 15 that there are two kinds of wisdom that originate from two different sources. One wisdom is from God, the giver of good and perfect gifts. Wisdom is a major attribute of God and is endowed by God on those who follow the Holy Spirit.

We are admonished to show that our wisdom comes from God by living a life that shows gentleness born of wisdom.

I invite readers to pay close attention to the other kind of wisdom described in verse 14: “But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth.” Boastful and false to the truth is a pivotal statement and deserves careful examination and application. How can a person boast and lie to the truth?

Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) had envy and selfish ambition because some generous people were praised for giving money to help poor church members. They decided to sell a piece of property and make a generous gift. They brought part of the money from the sale and lied to Simon Peter by telling him this was the total amount of the sale. Simon Peter told them that they lied to the Holy Spirit, and they dropped dead. They lied about the truth.

A current illustration of this would be if a security camera clearly shows a person stealing something, but when the thief is confronted with the video, denies that he committed the crime.

Another example of lying to the truth would be if a person pushes him or her self to a top position in business or politics by using dishonest means to push an opponent down, and then boast that they got the position honestly and deserve praise because they are more qualified than their opponent.

CEOs who stole millions of dollars from innocent stockholders are lying to the truth when they claim that they deserve the money because they were smart enough to steal it.

Verse 15 says, “Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish.” Earthly means that it is only natural and human thinking and is not inspired by God.

Devilish thinking coming from an evil spirit and would be more accurately translated demonic.

Through this trilogy of terms; earthly, unspiritual, and devilish, with their mounting sense of distance and alienation from God, James portrays a force, a spirit, or style of life that Christians should recognize for what it is and abandon it. Such conduct is false to the truth.

When seed of jealousy and selfish ambition are sown it will produce a harvest. Verse 16: “For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.”

I was part of a group of Christians who were willing to let God’s wisdom guide us to the solution of a challenging need in the church family. Since we could not arrive at “the best of several plans,” we agreed to continue in prayer asking for Divine wisdom from the Holy Spirit so that we will be guided to “the best plan.” This is using wisdom from above to gain more wisdom from above.

A philosopher ordered his chef to go to the market and buy the best he could find and prepare a meal for his guests the next night. The chef served a five-course meal of tongue. Tongue cooked this way and that way. The philosopher lost his patience and demanded why the chef chose tongue. The chef replied, “I got the best thing in the market. Isn’t the tongue the organ of sociability, the organ of eloquence, the organ of kindness and the organ of worship?”

The philosopher then ordered the chef to purchase and prepare the worst thing for dinner the next night. That night the chef served four or five courses of tongue, prepared in a variety of ways. The philosopher again demanded an explanation. The chef replied, “I got the worst thing. Isn’t the tongue the organ of blasphemy, the organ of defamation, the organ of lying and cursing?” The philosopher ate his tongue and learned a lesson. James wants to teach us the same lesson. He tells us that we have a tattletale tongue that tells the truth about us. He states that although the tongue is a very small part of the body…it often controls our body as surely as the small rudder on a huge ship controls its passage through the ocean.

James 3:1-11 Verses 1 and 2 begin the discussion, “Don’t be in a rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is a highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified. We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. If you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true, you’d find a perfect person, in perfect control of life.” The Message

James first states the destructive power of the tongue and then illustrates with graphic imagery a devastating forest fire that is ignited from a tiny spark or flame. The tongue is identified with fire in metaphors stressing the wicked and destructive capability of words. The tongue is described as fire and an unrighteous world that stains the whole body. The power of the tongue can pollute the entire human personality. Don’t we all know people who are considered to be gossips, complainers or faultfinders simply because of their uncontrolled tongues?

The Greek word melos can be translated two ways. It can be translated as a member, limb, or a part of the whole. The second usage is “melody, the music to which a song is set.” The primary purpose God created the tongue is to produce melody, good-sounding music for the whole body. If the tongue is out of tune, the whole body will not be able to produce the music we are to produce. The tongue cannot say one thing and the hand do another. There must be an agreement between words and works. Otherwise there is hypocrisy.

Inconsistency is one of the most obvious evils of an uncontrolled tongue. This is possibly the strongest point James makes. Verses 9-12 say: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” NIV

Inconsistency and hypocrisy! The mouth that sings “Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” and then tells another human to go to hell, is evidence of a poisonous tongue.

As we continue to study the practical book of James, we find him beginning the third chapter with an admonition that needs some explanation. “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” James 3:1-5 NRSV

Not often do we hear church leaders or those in secular education try to restrict those who want to teach. We are not certain why James found it necessary to restrict these volunteers. He is not addressing heretical teachers since he includes himself as one of the teachers.

Two reasons for this exhortation are likely the rapid growth of early churches that needed teachers, coupled with the extremely high prestige a teacher commanded in the first century. Jesus warned about those who wanted to be called (rabbi) teacher. Likely many rushed to the office without considering the responsibility or their own preparedness for the office.

James did not mean, “do not teach” but do not become a teacher with a superficial motivation of gaining prestige or honors. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is the gift of teaching and those who have this gift should by all means accept that gift and let the Spirit guide you in preparation to share the gospel at every opportunity.

James writes a note of awareness to those whom God has called to be Christian teachers: Although we feel called to teach God’s word we must control our tongues because our words reflect who we are. Wrong words cause damage to those we teach. Those who desire to teach only to be called “teacher” will soon discover that there is little glory that goes with the position. The rewards of a faithful teacher usually come from the growth and maturity they see in their students. Consider these quotes:

“The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.” ~Kahlil Gibran. “The task of the excellent teacher is to stimulate "apparently ordinary" people to unusual effort. The tough problem is not in identifying winners: it is in making winners out of ordinary people.” ~ Patricia Cross. “When you teach your son, you teach your son's son.” ~The Talmud. “The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.” ~Author Unknown. “Teaching is leaving a vestige of one self in the development of another. And surely the student is a bank where you can deposit your most precious treasures.” ~Eugene P. Bertin  

James not only wants to discourage the thoughtless but to encourage Christians to be good stewards of their abilities in sharing the Christian faith. We who are Christian teachers and preachers will be judged by a stricter standard. This is fair because the more we know of the Bible, the saintlier life we are expected to live. The more we teach the written Word of God, the more like the Living Word we should become. James declares forcefully that leadership entails responsibility, and the greater leader one is, the greater his or her responsibility.

This is a frightening responsibility, but we can be cheered by the thought that this judgment may entail not only condemnation and rebuke by the Lord but it may also entail a big “Well done, good and faithful servant.” If we teach because of the desire to show off, without living Christ before we preach Him, our condemnation will be severe. However if our teaching is motivated by honest love for him, it will become an invitation to “Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

I am aware that my efforts to present a commentary on the book of James would ultimately bring me to the hotly debated and frequently misunderstood subject of faith and works. I have no intention of causing controversy and pledge that I am able to disagree without being disagreeable.

Since I have limited space I invite readers to read James 2:14-24 from the translation of your choice. I will quote verse 18 from the popular paraphrase version called The Message. I think this verse presents the heartbeat of what James is saying: “I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, ‘Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I’ll handle the works department.’ Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.”
My opinion is that faith and works are not to be considered as either-or but as both-and. Faith and works are the complementary components of a true believer in Christ. It is like the normal breathing process. Inhaling and exhaling are not competitors. Life depends on both. We breathe in air that enriches our system with oxygen and keeps us alive and energetic. Then we exhale and breathe out the oxygen that has renewed our oxygen supply.

We can also use the metaphor of walking as Ralph Erskine, that eminent Scotch divine of the17th century, put the relation of faith and works in a most revealing way when he wrote: “True faith is never alone, but still joined with Gospel obedience: ‘As you have received so walk.’ He that would disjoin faith from obedience endeavors to walk with one foot, which is impossible. Faith and works, faith and holiness, are the two feet by which a man doth walk in Christ; and when the Spirit of Christ doth promote one, He doth promote the other also. If a man should essay to go upon one foot, he could not walk, but only hop, which would be impossible for him to continue long in; neither can obedience without faith, or faith without obedience; but according to the measure of faith, such will be the measure of the Gospel-walk.”

Gospel-faith must be demonstrated by Gospel-practice because this is the only way others will see the reality of faith. Works are proof that the light of Christ actually burns in our soul. Should a person claim that the love of Jesus fills their soul, while their words, actions and attitude continually demonstrate anger, bitterness, harshness and hatred, this is what James call hypocrisy.

My wife and I purchased a house with a large lot and many trees. We were most happy to have an apple, cherry and peach tree. It was easy to identify each tree by its bark and leaves. Without even a tiny doubt we expected each tree to produce the proper kind of fruit. In the spring we were very pleased, but not the least surprised, that each tree produced the proper leaves, blossoms and the fruit that was expected. We did not expect the fruit to produce the root system. The root system produced the fruit very simply because that was its nature. The apple tree could not produce a turnip.

Hopefully this brief study of a controversial passage has inspired an interest that will cause you to get your favorite Bible and read it. Read it for yourself. Come to your own opinion of what James is teaching. Happy Bible study.

James 1:26 warns that self-talk may betray us. “If anyone considers himself to be religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue; he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” NIV

Notice the key thoughts that James presents in this verse. He talks about our self-image, religion, a controlled tongue, self-deceit and worthless religion. An intriguing collection of words.

James previously said it is not enough to listen to the Word of God and have faith, but that we should put action to our faith. Be “doers” of the word and not hearers only are his words.

James is not addressing the hypocritical person who consciously wears a religious mask. He is speaking to people who are “doers” who have deceived themselves by trying to substitute their good deeds for inner faith. Those who substitute works for faith will not find happiness in their heart. The possibility that we can be so blind that we could deceive our own heart should move every Christian to evaluate our relationship to God.

One way to examine this verse is to break it down into a word study. We will look at the mind, the tongue, the message, and the result.

Our mental estimate of our own spiritual condition is extremely important. We are affected more by what we think of ourselves than by what others think of us. Our question should be: Who really am I? What makes me tick? Am I a Christian or do I just put on a front and act out a part? Does bringing a sack of groceries to feed the poor, dropping off used clothing to a charity or putting $5.00 in the offering plate at church prove that I have a vital relationship with God? James teaches that if the religious works we perform do not produce a happy heart and assurance that we are acceptable to God, it means that we are deceiving our hearts. If we do lots of good little acts of kindness so that God will be favorably impressed and call us a Christian and give us a happy heart…we are deceiving our heart. If doubts arise about whether our good deeds please God, we are wise to discover what motivates our good works. Do we do good things because we are so grateful that God lives within us and it fills us with such joyful praise that we want to share our joy with others? Or do we do good things out of fear that faith is not sufficient for our salvation, and therefore we must make a better impression on God?

James instructs us to first hear the word of how to have a vital relationship with God, and then to become ‘doers” of the word. Once we hear the word of how to have a true relationship to God, then we are to begin “living-out” our true religious faith.

When doubts arise about our true spiritual condition is when the tongue may take over in self-talk. We may talk to our heart in an effort to bring assurance that works are just as good as inner faith.

James plainly describes the sad results of trying to live with a deceived heart. It produces a twofold tragedy: The word deceived means “to cheat.” When we substitute works for faith we cheat our heart out of the happiness that God promises those who please him.

The word that is translated “worthless” indicates a complete failure to reach an intended goal or aim. Practicing such a failing religion will indeed produce sad and deceived hearts.

How surprised would you be if I gave you a Bible verse that tells you that God wants you to be a poet? Better yet, here is a verse that tells you that God not only wants you to be a poet but he wants you to become a Christian poem. This is exactly the message of James 1:22 “But, be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” The Greek word “Poi-ee-tai” is the word translated as “doer.” The word is found only six times in the New Testament and four of these are found in James 1:22, 23, 25; 4:11.

Here is my definition of poets: “The pearl of great price for the poet is knowing how to turn a few simple words into a precise expression of thought or feeling in a beautiful way.”

My definition of a human poem is: “Poi-ee-tai” is Greek and sounds like “poet” and also means “doer.” Thusly, poets who listen to many words both wise and not wise, make treasures out of the truth they hear, and incorporating those truths into their life, become a human demonstration of beautiful words and deeds. They become poems-in-motion. They begin to look, talk and act like Jesus.

Considering those two definitions many readers are both poets and poems. We are the only Bible that some folks will ever read. This calls for us to use every means available to become faithful not only to hear what God says to us, but more importantly that we apply what we hear to living realities in our lifestyle.

James plainly declares that those who hear the truth but refuse to put that truth into their lifestyle are deceived and deceitful. They are deceived poets and the poem of their life does not ring true to the Bible.

I read a story of a successful layman who attended a church service in a city church while on a business trip. After the service he congratulated the minister on the service and sermon. “But,” he continued, “If you were my salesman I would fire you. You got my attention by your appearance, voice, and manner; your prayer, reading and logical discourse aroused my interest; you warmed my heart with a desire for what you preached. But then–you stopped without asking me to do something about it. In business the important thing is to get people to sign on the dotted line.”

James is calling on Christians to sign on the dotted line of committing themselves to put into practice what they have been taught. He previously mentioned that God had given them a spiritual birth that made them a child of God. Now as a child of God they are expected to grow, to mature, to reach a state of perfection by being living examples of what Christ wants them to be. Our hearts go out in sympathy to parents who have a child that does not develop normally. Does God’s heart break over us when we are only willing to listen to God’s desires for us while we refuse to become what he has planned for us to be?

God desires that our life will be a beautiful poetic expression of what He wants to make of us. Although not all can write a poem…Everyone who is willing to let God’s Spirit have his creative way with us, can become poetry-in-motion that reflects the glory of our heavenly father.

This is a challenge to become the Bible that others can and will read. Also we would rather be a living poem than to write one any day.

It is safe to say that almost everyone is anxious to gain knowledge. What the average person doesn’t know is that there is a kind of knowledge that comes, not through our own efforts, but by the action and impartation of God. James 1:18 informs us how this special knowledge arrives, “He (God) chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.” NIV
Those who receive Jesus receive the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God takes up residence in our soul and gives divine wisdom and leadership so we can be examples of what God wants his children to be. Christians are to be God’s representatives on earth. We are a child of God––and should act like it. We can do this because we have awesome power and knowledge available to us the moment we are re-created by God.
Sadly, many Christians never utilize these spiritual gifts and remain spiritual infants. To help these immature Christians understand some fundamental ground rules, James describes four basic characteristics of spiritual living: “My dear brothers, (and sisters), take note of this: everyone should be quick to hear and slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all oral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James 1:19-21 NRSV
These words provide four qualities of distinctive Christian communication: sensitive hearing, selective speaking, sanctified anger and a sanitized vocabulary.
In therapy training our supervisors drilled into our brain the 80/20 ratio. An effective counselor listens 80% of the time and talks 20% of the time. I have found that most of those who come to counseling know what their problem is…but they haven’t come to the point of accepting the problem and handling it appropriately. The counselor listens intently in order to correctly identify the problem and then offers possible solutions. Sensitive hearing and selective speaking for any of us is a valuable commodity in daily conversations.
Sanctified anger is indeed a rare but much needed Christian virtue. Jesus demonstrated righteous indignation when he drove the moneychangers out of the temple. Jesus’ anger over the abuse in the temple empowered him to teach a strong lesson about reverence for that which is holy.
Jesus demonstrated “tempered” anger. The finest cutlery is scientifically tempered to exact hardness so that it effectively holds its edge and resists breaking, while maintaining enough flexibility to prevent getting bent out of shape. Jesus was not bent out of shape. He was in perfect alignment with God’s will. His specific target was to show God’s holy displeasure with religious hypocrisy. This was no thoughtless or out-of-control temper tantrum, but an example of, “How to be angry but not let it fester into sinful action.” Ephesians 4:26
A sanitized vocabulary has become one of the most distinctive and outstanding characteristics of Christians. The initial vocabularies of many innocent children are indelibly branded by words, coming from parents, movies and television that once were reserved for the underworld and houses of ill repute. We have grown so accustomed to such gutter language that even Christians are tempted to let it slip into our vocabulary.
The brief book of James is one of the most practical in the New Testament. One theologian calls it a treatise against Christian hypocrisy.
May we develop sensitive hearing, selective speaking, sanctified anger and a sanitized vocabulary.

Seldom does the world see and hear a man apologize to another man whom he had physically assaulted almost 50 years ago. Edwin Wilson appeared on CNN and told the world that he had made a trip to Washington, DC to apologize to a man he had beaten up in May 1961. Wilson, at that time, was an active KKK Klansman. He and a mob of whites attacked and physically beat several black college students at a Rock Hill, S.C. bus depot. The sole purpose of the attack was that the students had black skin.

One of those college students was John Lewis, who is now a distinguished Congressman in the House of Representatives.

We see two dynamic forces at work. On one hand there is a former KKK Klansman who once hated all blacks and was willing to physically batter them even to the point of death. We hear him say, “I have changed. I have changed spiritually, mentally and every way. I am a new man. For years I have wanted to apologize to that young black man that I beat up. Now I have seen him and asked him to forgive me, and he has forgiven me. I want to apologize to the whole world for what I have done.”

The dynamics now moves to Rep. John Lewis who has heard Wilson apologize and ask for forgiveness. CNN cameras recorded Lewis’ physical response–he twisted in his chair and embraced Wilson who was leaning toward Lewis with his arms wide open. There was a picture of the offended person embracing the offending person who had asked for forgiveness.

Lewis, without quoting scripture or preaching a sermon, put into dramatic action many teachings of the Bible. He said several things of value: “Yes, I forgave him. He said he was sorry and I believed him and forgave him. I never thought that I would ever hear an apology from anyone who ever abused me. I believe Mr. Wilson when he says that he is a changed man, he is different than he was when he beat me up. Love is stronger than hate and I forgive him with no bitterness. Hate is a heavy burden to bear.”

The CNN anchor asked Mr. Wilson, “From your experience, how should we treat the subject of race in our society?” Wilson answered, “I hope we can get hatred out of our hearts.” The anchor asked, “When you are asked why you changed from your commitment to the KKK, what do you say? “His answer was, “My daddy told me that a fool never changed his mind, but a smart man will change his mind.”

This story almost demands a comparison to the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. The rebellious son ruthlessly offended his loving father. He shamed the family name and reputation. He squandered a fortune and finally sobered up in a pigpen. In shame and humiliation he returned to his father asking only for grace and forgiveness. The father ran to meet his son with open arms to receive, restore and forgive.

Mr. Edwin Wilson did not give details of the transformation that made him into “a new man.” We want to think that he, like the prodigal son, took the journey from the KKK pigpen to God, who welcomed him, forgave him, restored him and cleaned him up.

It is obvious that God is trying to get America’s attention. Edwin Wilson and John Lewis represent one segment of society that demands attention. The financial crisis is another lightening strike warning Americans to get our priorities in proper order. Will we read and heed the signs of the time?

A child confides to a grief counselor: “I don’t live with anyone that I am related to. My parents are divorced and I have to live with another family. I get jerked out of one placement and put into another one. I guess nobody thinks I am worth keeping. There has to be something wrong with me since nobody wants me. My brothers and sisters live with someone else. Some of my relatives are in prison and other relatives don’t want me. I have lost everyone in my life–but no one has died.”

This child is suffering from a sense of not belonging, not being wanted, cut loose from his roots, with no foundation on which to build life. Like a ship on a stormy sea with no anchor, harbor, controls or destination. She is totally dependent on strangers for survival. Hopefully this child will find enough security, hope and inner strength to prevent the death of the child’s inner spirit and hope. This is what Norman Cousins means when he said, “Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live”

Carolyn Koons wrote a classic called, BEYOND BETRAYAL, Healing My Broken Past. Koons vividly describes her early childhood and adolescence growing up in an abusive and violent family. Her father was an abusive man and hated Carolyn from her birth, thinking that she was not his child. Her siblings seemed to have a semi-peaceful relationship with her father, which made her rejection more difficult to understand. A vivid story describes the vivid memory of her mother’s betrayal and her father’s hatred. When she was 11 or 12 she showed a friend a loaded pistol that was well hidden in a cedar chest under clothes. She and the friend pointed it at several objects pretending they were shooting. Her mother caught them and grabbed the revolver, pointed it between her eyes and said, “Don’t you know that your father hates you and someday he is going to kill you?”

Many children grow into adults with the constant knowledge that they have been rejected, neglected or abused by a parent who should have provided them with the security of parental love and comfort. Their mourning and grieving may be more extreme than if the parents had died. They may feel that they carry the scars made with a branding iron that reads, “Reject, inferior quality, or flawed merchandise.” They question, am I so horrible that they can’t stand me? What have I done that has so offended them that they refuse to love me? I must be a bad, horrible, vile, unworthy person to be rejected by my own father or mother. Why am I so unlovable? How have I caused my parent (s) to refuse to accept me as a lovable person?

The reality is that those who have felt rejected, abused or abandoned in many cases become the most loving and considerate people we have the privilege of knowing. Those who have had their proffered love rejected, often become tender hearted and keenly aware of those around them and are able to freely nourish those who are starving for love. Those who experience this kind of loss add a new dimension to Psalms 23:4 “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.”

Have you ever felt like poor old Humpty Dumpty? He is the guy who sat on a wall. Was he possibly a little careless, or was he an innocent victim of his society? Regardless of that, the story goes that he had a great fall, from the wall, to the ground. And so hopeless was the crash and splatter that all the kings horses and all the kings men could not reconstruct and glue old Humpty together again. It took only one fall do him in. The story ends tragically with poor Humpty wasted on the ground, helpless and hopeless.

However, his story has become a timeless treasure known around the world. His story can also serve as a metaphor since most of us have fallen or possibly failed in some area of our life. Have we not felt insecure and unstable? Who has not experienced the failing to reach, or the falling from, a sought-after position? Have we not felt that our legs have been swept out from under us by foes, or worse yet, betrayal by those who called us friends?

Many heroes in our society were born with less than perfect physical, mental or social excellence. Many of these have succeeded in overcoming obstacles and have inspired the world by reaching high levels of success. One such hero was Mattie J.T.Stepanek who was born with muscular dystrophy and died at age 12. He inspired people all over the world. He appeared on Good Morning America where he met President Jimmy Carter, on Opera, Larry King Live, and with Jerry Lewis.

On January 19, 2009, Martin Luther King’s birthday, I was continually drawn back to the televised drama unfolding before the world in Washington, D.C. Many years ago King stood at the Lincoln Memorial and shared his famous, “I Have A Dream” address that has echoed through the years. His dream was that his race would stop being treated as if they had, by birth, suffered a Humpty Dumpty fall, and that because of that fall they could never be put back together with dignity and freedom. He dreamed that there would come a day that all boys and girls would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the nature and quality of their character.

Barack Husain Obama, an African American, was sworn in as the 44th President Of The United States of America, January 20, 2009. Almost 2 million people of all races, creeds, religions and colors gathered themselves in the frigid weather to celebrate the fulfillment of Dr. King’s dream. One sentence in his inaugural address describes the global magnitude of the connecting strings that bind billions of people around the world: “This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed—why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.”

The Psalmist wrote words that are appropriate to describe the first African American to become president: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.” Ps.118:24. (TNIV)

Let us hear, heed and follow the commission of President Barack Obama: “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”

The use and abuse of personal freedom was one of the major problems that the Apostle Paul dealt with in the church at Corinth. (1Corinthians 10:23-33). In this brief story there is the contrast between two equally free groups of individuals. The dividing problem was a dispute as to whether Christians could or should eat meat that had been offered to an idol. One faction felt Christians should not eat such meat because it would make non-believers think they were worshiping an idol. Others said, “I have been set free in Christ and I have the right to do anything I want to!”

To this brash statement Paul responded, “But is what you do beneficial and constructive?” If your actions do not benefit and uplift other people––stop those actions!

Our words and actions are planted like seed in the hearts of others and will produce results. The greater our position of responsibility–the greater is our accountability for those we influence. Jesus did not speak dainty words concerning responsibility: “If anyone causes one of these little ones–those who believe in me–to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.” Mark 10:4

Years ago I worked with a church youth group. Two young women volunteered to be sponsors. During one of the first meetings one of the women began to smoke. Several young people looked at her in surprise since they had been taught that smoking was harmful to their health. The young woman was told that her smoking was giving the young people a confusing message. She had three choices: Stop smoking, keep smoking, or stop being a sponsor. She used her freedom of choice to become a better role model and improve her health. She stopped smoking.

Personal freedom and responsibility is a burning issue today. Civil rights activists have challenged every moral and ethical standard of our society. Gay rights, marriage rights, divorce rights, smoking rights, voting rights, drinking rights, gambling rights and anything else that people want to do is being approved. Every day we hear the echo coming from the person in the Corinthian church demanding, “I can do anything I want to.”

This is the cry of the megalomaniac who thinks the world revolves around him or her for their personal pleasure. This personality type is daring, lives on the edge of danger and looks out totally for him or herself. They seem to have no concern for the damage they leave in their wake. The self-centered attitude becomes addictive. Practicing a “me first” attitude increases a person’s ability to abuse others by hardening the conscience. Soon a person is able to justify their behavior with a casual or even a flippant attitude like, “That’s just me. If you don’t like what I do, that’s not my problem.”

Paul presents the Christ-like attitude toward the use of personal freedom. Practicing the “me only” and the “me first” attitude squeezes the love out of service for Christ, leaves us like a squeezed out orange, and leaves those we influence confused and hurt.

Paul weighed his personal freedom of choice against the good or evil influence it would have on others and said, “I will not eat meat if it causes weaker people to stumble. So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble…for I am not seeking my own good but the good of many so that they may be saved.”

It had been a very long and busy day for Jesus and the disciples. Thousands of milling people crowded them, raised questions, and listened to Jesus preach and teach from the top of low mountain. When the hour grew late there was not enough food for the evening meal. Jesus simply told the disciples to provide food. They produced a boy’s lunch and Jesus multiplied that into enough to feed the multitude with enough left to fill several baskets. That impressed the crowds so much that they wanted to force Jesus to be their political King. Even the disciples had hopes that Jesus would be a Messiah King. Jesus had to stop that movement.

He sent the disciples to the ship and they began rowing across Lake Galilee. Jesus stayed behind to dispersed the crowd. When they were about two to three miles from the shore they saw Jesus walking to them on the water. They were horrified because they thought it was an apparition.

Why did Jesus send them ahead instead of going with them? Perhaps he sent them away in order to keep them from becoming involved with the crowd wanting to make him a king. Jesus had already tried to teach the disciples that his kingdom was not of the world but was spiritual. He didn’t want them involved with a multitude that had a wrong motive.

What does Jesus walking on water mean to us today? How does it impact our lives? First of all, we can trust that Jesus is the Son of God. We need not make the mistake of not recognizing him for who he is. Second, we can see how powerful Jesus really is. If he has the power over the elements, if he has the power to order waves to be still, if he has power to walk on water, then he has the power to help us!

Jesus wants us to bring our problems to him. Jesus wants us to trust him like a child does good parents. Children can play outside because they know that mother or father is inside the house ready to come to help them at any time.

Jesus wants us to feel his presence with us in every circumstance of life. I was in a men’s prayer breakfast this morning and one man requested prayer that his heart surgery procedure would be successful. Another asked for prayer for his daughter who was to have sinus surgery soon. There have been several funerals recently so many are grieving the loss of loved ones.

Our nation and the world are in turmoil and thousands are looking for security. Israel and Gaza are killing each other again. Russia has turned off natural gas from several nations. New political corruption is exposed on a daily basis and it seems that there is no limit to our national debt.

Is there a good word to speak that will comfort God’s children? Yes. God is alive and is aware of every need we have and every crisis we face. Jesus has promised never to leave us or forsake us. He has asked us to consider the flowers of the fields and the birds of the air. These small things are under his care and we should be constantly aware that we are under his care and control. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.

Should sevenfold storm of thunder roll and shake this globe from pole to pole. No thundercloud shall daunt my face. For Jesus is my hiding place.

A friend recently named several people who had been a positive influence on her. She shared how important it is to consider how we will influence others, either positively or negatively, and many times not aware that others are watching us. Then, after a few seconds of contemplation she said, “I surely hope that I have been helpful to at least a few people who have known me.”

As we age we often contemplate how influential we have been. What will people remember about us? Have we been an inspiration to lift others to lofty heights, or have we had a negative influence on them?

We have just gone through a presidential election campaign. The candidates were exposed to harsh examination and some received false reports. False accusations were touted as truth in order to discredit a rival candidate. A Governor has been arrested for corruption and other politicians are being investigated. These high-profile persons are leaving their track on history.

President Bush is leaving office after eight years of service. He has been interviewed by several journalists and has been asked how he wants to be remembered. He realizes that his popularity ratings are low, yet he desires that history will record the good things that he has done. He shared some of his most memorable accomplishments that he will likely include in his autobiography.

Each of us may wisely ask ourselves what kind of influence we are having on those who know us. We can begin the New Year with a resolution that we will be more positive in 2009.

Dr. Paul L. Maier, professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University, whose expertise is in first-century history, has written an authentic and compelling novel about Pontius Pilate, the Governor of Judea, who delivered Jesus Christ up for crucifixion. Everyone who knows the story of Jesus also knows Pontius Pilate.

In his historically correct novel, the author has brought Pilate to retirement age. Pilate is talking to his wife, Procula, and shares his deep disappointment in not having achieved his highest goal of becoming Emperor of the Roman Empire. Having failed that ambition, has he done anything else that will cause people to remember him?

I quote his conversation with his wife, Procula, as Dr. Maier writes it. “Only a few achieve greatness. Every man arrives at that point in life where he must come to terms with the fact that history will pass him by. For those with little ambition, that point comes early, so they can adjust to it with the easy resilience of youth. Yet I aspired; that point was postponed in my life. But now I’ve reached it. And I’m not young. Accepting that realization now is difficult, terribly difficult.” Procula asks, “Is that important, Pilate, having history recognize you?”

“It is, I think. It’s the only thing which ultimately gives life a larger dimension, the one factor which finally affords it some meaning. You will have existed for more generations than merely your own. You will have affected the future, perhaps altered it for the better.”

Pilate wondered if he had done anything worthy of being remembered. He would be shocked to know that his name is called every week as thousands of Christians stand and repeat the Apostle’s Creed: “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate…”

On Saturday, December 13, 2008, I had the privilege of officiating at the funeral service of Diana Susan Steele, age 62. Part of her obituary read: “Diana was born Aug. 16, 1946 in Horton, KS, the loving handicapped daughter of William Ralph and Lillian Mae Steele.”

Inside the bulletin was a poem, “Heaven’s Very Special Child.”(Author unknown). The poem speaks about a special child that is about to be born who will need a loving family who will be able to provide for the special needs of the child. But with this child sent from above comes stronger faith and richer love and soon they’ll know the privilege given their precious child so meek and mild is Heaven’s very special child.

And Diana Susan Steele was born with Down’s Syndrome. Those with Down’s Syndrome are said to have strong love and deep religious beliefs. A niece read the memories that Diana’s sisters had written, and love and strong religious faith was evident. Some of the stories brought smiles and laughter…others bought tears of joy and love.

Others in attendance were invited to share their memories and feelings about Diana. More stories of Diana’s love and deep faith brought smiles and tears of joy.

The importance of having a childlike attitude was so important that Matthew, Mark and Luke recorded the following story. On one occasion, while Jesus was teaching, some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he would put his hands on them and bless them. The disciples evidently thought Jesus was too busy to pay attention to children and rebuked the parents. When Jesus saw this, he told the disciples, “Don’t prevent them from coming to me. God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.” Matt. 19:14. (The Message)

Another time in answer to a question about who would have the highest rank and position of honor in the kingdom, Jesus took a child and said, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 18:4 (NIV)

Our special people often demonstrate attitudes and actions of children in adult bodies. They may never develop the mental or physical abilities of a normal adult, but they usually develop to the highest level of their capability. Often they remain children with an adult body.

One characteristic that Diana demonstrated often was that she accepted who she was and what she was, which is evidence of maturity. Several spoke of her response when she was corrected for doing something inappropriate. She would firmly respond with, “I was born this way.” She was acting appropriately for her limited abilities. Appropriate for special persons, but unpardonable for persons who claim to have full mental capacity and try to blame God for their conduct that is questionable, immoral or even illegal, by claiming, “I can’t help it. God made me this way."

Love is a major characteristic of our special friends. We were reminded of John 3:16 and love was prominent in Diana’s life. It was appropriate for the congregation to sing one of Diana’s favorite songs to conclude the memorial service:

Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; they are weak but He is strong. Jesus loves me! loves me still, 'tho I'm very weak and ill, that I might from sin be free, bled and died upon the tree. Jesus loves me! He who died heaven's gate to open wide; He will wash away my sin, let His little child come in.

The Chorus: Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

Matthew 1:16-25 tells us about Joseph’s side of the Christmas story. Joseph doesn’t get much credit for his part of making the Christmas story complete. We admire Mary’s faith and commitment in accepting the fact that the Holy Spirit would miraculously give her a child. But as we understand the culture of that day, Joseph’s faith was equally or more severely challenged than Mary’s.

They lived in a man’s world. Women had no voice and were subjected to the will and desires of men. God was perceived as masculine and so was angel Gabriel. A fifteen or sixteen year-old-girl certainly knew nothing of feminism or women’s liberation.

Joseph, the man, had at least three choices as to how he could respond when Mary told him she was pregnant. He knew that he was not the father and naturally felt betrayed and that she had been unfaithful. The law permitted him the right to publicly denounce her for adultery and have her stoned to death. However, the Bible says, “Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”

A quiet divorce was his second option and the one he would take. He thought she was guilty, and he was broken hearted, but he loved her and wanted not only to do the right thing, but he wanted to do it in a loving way.

Before he carried out his plan he decided to “sleep on it.” While he slept, he dreamed that an angel appeared and revealed to him that Mary was telling the truth. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

Waking from the dream Joseph made the third choice…he took Mary as his wife and became the foster father of Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God who would take away the sins of the world.

Joseph likely faced criticism, ridicule and teasing from other men. However, he stood firmly by Mary and was a strong presence in the life of Christ.

It is noteworthy that Joseph was divinely guided through dreams rather than direct appearances of angels. This serves as an example of how God communicates with each of us in the way we can most easily understand.

The depth of Joseph’s character is revealed through his immediate obedience to divine commands. At the angel’s command he immediately gathered up his wife and baby at night and began their long and dangerous trip to Egypt. There was no better man to wait patiently in Egypt for God’s guidance and then carry it out immediately. From Egypt God called them back to Nazareth where they lived and Joseph trained Jesus as a Carpenter.

The last time we encounter Joseph is when Jesus was twelve. He and Mary found Jesus discussing theology with teachers in the temple. Jesus seemed surprised that they didn’t know where he was and answered, “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” Matthew records that Mary treasured all these things in her heart. I am convinced that Joseph also took notice when Jesus finely distinguished between his foster father and the heavenly Father. After this happening, Joseph passes as quietly from the pages of scripture as he entered.

He serves as a powerful example for men today. The power of Joseph’s life was that “he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him.” (Matt 1:24)

An innocent fifteen-or sixteen-year-old peasant girl named Mary became the most honored woman in the world. Mary is an alternate form of the name of Moses’ sister Miriam, and means “the Lord’s beloved.”

This little virgin was pledged to marry a man named Joseph, who was a descendent of David. The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and announced that she was highly favored by God and chosen to have a baby who would be Jesus, the Messiah, and that his kingdom will never end.

Mary was very frightened but her response is worthy of special attention. She might have claimed that she was too young, or that she might have been illiterate, as many women were in that day. But she deserves our respect and praise when she humbly said, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

The angel’s answer was simply that God was going to perform the miracle of all miracles. “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)

Her answer revealed deep humility, surrender and faith: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 2:38) Although she was likely in a euphoric shock, her words showed amazing maturity. These heroic words of faith from a young woman who willingly gave her life and reputation to God, a woman with whom God entrusted the life of his Son. In Luke 2, we see how Mary’s heart burst with joy in her song, the Magnificat, which vividly depicts her amazement and wonder at being the chosen one.

Consider what it was like to carry in your womb the budding life you know is the Son of God. How carefully she would care for her own body and health. What blessing even through the pain of childbirth, and the glory to nurse and rock God’s son. She remembered his first words, first steps, and watched him mature from a tiny boy to a young man.

She treasured the memory of how she and Joseph searched for him and found him in a theological discussion with teachers in the Temple. She witnessed his first miracle after she asked that he save the day at a wedding. She was likely present with the mother’s jitters as her son preached before hometown people in the synagogue at Nazareth where he grew up and worked as a carpenter. How frightened she must have been when the worshipers accused him of blaspheming by calling himself the Son of God and tried to throw him over a cliff.

All those precious memories were ripped asunder as she watched him suffer and take his last breath on the cross. Yet the full story began to unfold the third day after he died when he was resurrected. Her son was alive—raised from the dead. Mary began to understand the fulfillment of the angel’s promise that his kingdom would last forever.

She had the presence of mind to serve as historian for this and other exceptional events in the absence of a professional historian: “But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Her reflective attitude also characterizes Mary after the episode of the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:51)

According to earliest church tradition, it was Mary herself who told Matthew and Luke all about the Nativity, and it was they who wrote it down. And that is how we got the story of the first Christmas.

Country, western and brokenhearted singers soulfully tell their tale of lost love, faithless friendships and unfair hardships. They express troubled minds that are focused on non-peaceful events or fears. These sad crooners have lots of company these days. The media keeps us mindful that the world is filled with multiple troubles. The terrorists in India reawaken our emotions about 911. Our financial gurus have finally admitted that we have been in a recession for twelve months. If we permit current events to dominate us, we will have very little peace of mind. What we do with troublesome information is up to us. Whether we permit bad news to take roots and grow into giants that will dominate us, or to replace them with positive thoughts, is our responsibility and privilege. We do well to evaluate the disturbing news and take positive action that will solve the problem, or quickly make adjustments that will keep us with a positive perspective.

An old adage says, “Of course bad thoughts pass through my mind. Buzzards also fly above me, but I don’t let them build a nest my hair.”

It is both interesting and profitable for us to discover the process we use to think. Most adults have developed an automatic thought pattern that we follow when we are challenged to make a decision.

For instance, become aware of how you decide what clothes you will wear tomorrow, or what you will eat for dinner tonight? We have made those choices so many times that many of them are automatic.

Hopefully we will become aware of how our thoughts and ideas affect who we are and how we portray ourselves to others. Our personality is the outward expression of our thoughts, ideas and concepts of who and what we are. Psychologists assure us that we usually become the product of our thinking.

The power of ideas or thoughts is perhaps limitless. I am using a powerful computer that is capable of sending my words around the world in a matter of seconds. This computer began as an idea in someone’s mind.

The creation story in Genesis is the ultimate example of the power of thought. Follow the sequence: God had the idea or thought. He spoke the idea. It became a reality. “And God said, Let there be light, and there was light. And God said, let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water. And God said, let the water under the sky be gathered into one place, and let dry ground appear. And God said, let the land produce vegetation. And God said, let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night. And God said, let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky. And God said, let the land produce living creatures according to their kind. Then God said, let us make human beings in our own image, in our likeness. So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. And God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” God had an idea; spoke the idea; the idea became a reality.

The Bible shares the secret of peaceful living and restful sleep, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” NIV Isaiah 26:3 “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord make me dwell in safety.” Psalms 4: 8 NIV

We just finished a series of classes helping people make progress in healing from the death of a loved. Members of the class are asked to name their major losses as well as the strongest emotions they have experienced because of those losses. This article deals with how to handle some of those feelings.

I am going to borrow from Dr. David Viscott’s excellent book, The Language of Feelings. In this book he describes the cycle that many folks get into when they have a major loss. He calls this, The Vicious Cycle of Unexpressed or Unresolved Feelings. This cycle can be compared to a squirrel or hamster running in a cage. They expend lots of energy but get off at the same place they began the exercise.

He names anxiety as the beginning step of this cycle. Anxiety, as he defines it, is the fear of hurt or loss—either real or imagined—which has not yet occurred or has occurred but not fully accepted. A person feels anxiety when a loved one is seriously ill or has been in an accident. We are afraid they will die or become totally disabled. If the person dies or becomes disabled we experience a hurt or loss and feel pain.

Pain creates an imbalance in our system and demands a response of energy. When we are hit with a load of pain we immediately want to defend ourselves or strike out with a protest against the cause of the pain. That expression of energy is called “anger.” Some people think that anger is sinful so they prefer to substitute another word like frustration. If they suppress that surge of anger (or whatever they call it) and refuse to express it outwardly, it causes problems.

When anger is not expressed outwardly it will take roots within the individual. Anger that is turned inwardly against the SELF is perceived as guilt. A person may feel guilty because they refuse to face the feeling of anger that is caused by the pain of losing a loved one.

This refusal to face the natural responses of their emotions will ultimately cause them to become depressed. If this depression is not properly dealt with it can destroy the person and consume all of his or her energy. From this depression they begin the vicious cycle over again.

Those who find themselves in the vicious cycle may ask how to stop it. The answer is to go back to the beginning and start over. Accept the fact that you have had a major loss and that there is pain that needs to be faced and dealt with in a positive manner. You must say hello to your pain before you can tell it good-bye.

There is a paradox in dealing with a painful experience. Here is the paradox: To overcome your pain, fear, depression etc. you must face it. Running from your problem only makes it worse. Someone likened the running away from your feelings, is like running from a tiger. It will jump on your back and ride you to the ground. Turn toward your pain. Face your fear. Give a name to grief or anger, or guilt. Tell that painful feeling that you have a right to be sad because you have lost someone that you love. Stare it down and you will gain power over it. Run from it and it will control you.

Accepting the fact that feelings are neither good nor bad often empowers a person. Take charge of your feelings and you will discover that you will gain renewed power and the ability to handle life in a more positive way.

“How do you come up with all the ideas for your articles?” is a question that I often hear. A typical answer is, “From people just like you. What subject do you suggest?” For instance today, just like snap, crackle and pop, came the steps upon which this article was built. I was in a large gathering of folks, just like you, and got into a conversation with a long-time friend. After a few minutes the subject of church came up. This comment grabbed my attention, “I don’t go to church because when I see the pastor, (he or she), doesn’t speak or act as if they know me. If I’m not worth speaking to, I will stay at home and watch a television preacher.” (Clergy folks…hint, hint.) “Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlook or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.” Matt. 25:40, 45 The Message.

The reminder of how important it is to be friendly and kind to each other was the first hint of the subject for an article. The second hint came with the information that a new buzzword in the character education circles is the word “dignity.” This information, added to the information of how we should treat others, became the clincher, and my mind began formulating and outlining this article.

Dignity, partial defined, is self-respect, decorum, formality, nobility, poise, pride, seriousness of behavior, worthiness and respect due from others. Note that the word “respect” is used twice to define dignity.

Respect is partially defined as admiration, value, high opinion, deference, esteem, reverence and a state of being admired, worthy, valued, identified and accepted.

Just think of all the warm fuzzies we feel when we appear in public and people speak to us, smile, shake hands or maybe share a hug. We may not be consciously aware of it but we would be receiving all the positive things listed above. They express their belief that we are a person of dignity and respect and that we are worthy of being in their presence. This is a precious moment and we would do well to pause, enjoy it and even thank them.

On the other hand, we will do well to imagine how devastating and defeating it would feel to be greeted with only a fleeting glance, or if someone’s eyes show recognition and then deliberately turn aside. This small slight, even if not intentional, would be very painful to a person who has low self-esteem. The person with a tender or fragile self-esteem would feel that the offending person had pushed them further down the worthiness ladder.

“Birds of a feather flock together,” is an old adage that sheds some light on this subject. People generally mingle with those with whom they find acceptance and affirmation.

I try to reach out to others by volunteering at an elementary school for one hour each morning. I stand where children enter the building and eat their breakfast. I try to speak to every child who looks at me. I try to look for an article of clothing, book bag, or other item that I can make a positive comment about. One boy was excited about a nice used vehicle his family had purchased. He and I shared happy words about that vehicle for three days. Some children smile readily and I thank them for a pretty smile. Those who do not smile readily will usually give me a smile when I ask for one. Then I can tell them that their smile makes me feel better.

I am glad that I have lived long enough to participate in what many consider a rendezvous with destiny. Millions around the world waited with bated breath to hear the confirmation that an African American had been elected President of the United States. This particular African American, however, was born in Hawaii, with a father from Kenya, raised partly in Indonesia—is truly a citizen of the world. Therefore he is uniquely the symbol of hope for the world of repressed, poor and underprivileged people.

Obama was overwhelmingly elected in spite of the fact that he did not run on a race ticket. McCain kept his word that he would not permit race to become an issue. He won, and by the way, he happens to be African American. This fact only adds to his mystique.

Obama did not run on the platform of race, but his unique family background identified him as a citizen of the world. His ancestral hometown in Kisumu, Kenya celebrated his victory. Thousands celebrated his election in Indonesia and other nations. This ratifies the Reader’s Digest comment that seventeen nations recognized him as the president they could easily relate with on several major issues.

For years every citizen of the United States has been promised equal rights, and if anyone works hard enough he or she can become President of the United States. That promise and that right had not become a reality until November 4, 2008. An epic historical event. There was a subtle, denied, but prominent barrier blocking the way. That unseen and vigorously denied barrier was not only pushed aside or broken…it was smashed. Standing in the dust of that destroyed barrier stands the President Elect of the United States—Barack Obama.

It is no wonder that a culturally enriched crowd of 170,000 pressed into and around Grant Park in Chicago, with thousands more in Times Square and the White House. People openly celebrated, wept, shouted, sang and waved flags. No wonder Jesse Jackson stood with tears streaming down his face. Opra Winfred jumped up and down, laughed, cried, shouted and quoted Matthew 16:26, “What is a person profited if he or she gains the whole world and looses their soul?” People in Kusumu, Kenya waited for hours to celebrate with their distant tribesman Barack Obama.

Bishop T. D. Jakes suppressed emotions as he related how his grandfather had been murdered and thrown in a river, had now seen his “impossible dream” fulfilled. The election of Barack Obama authenticated and put substance in the American ideology that Americans could become anything they were willing to work for.

Columnist Eugene Robinson said he had never allowed himself even to imagine that an African American would ever become President.

Congressman John Lewis, through his tears, confessed his latent doubts that an African American would ever be able to become President. Lewis, who had faced death as he marched beside Martin Luther King Jr., and was beside him when he was assassinated, said he had witnessed the fulfillment of the dreams, hopes and promises of a huge segment of American citizens.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2008, citizens of the United States of America hired Barack Obama to become our President for a four-year term.

For twenty-one months we have been bombarded with political campaigns. George W. Bush was ostracized. John Mc Cain was represented as Bush revitalized. Sarah Palin was humorously characterized. Joe the Plumber was idolized. Rev. Jeremiah Wright was demonized. Joe Bidden vocalized. Barack Obama ceaselessly evangelized.

That is history. I invite you to join me in making the next chapter bright and beautiful.

I am borrowing the title from an email from Top Stock Analysis Alert. Here is a summary of the thoughts contained in the article: “This isn't our parent's stock market.  Who -- just a couple short years ago -- could have imagined Wall Street, as we knew it, is ceasing to exist? Who could have predicted that giants like Washington Mutual and AIG would either disappear from the face of the earth or need massive government bailouts just to keep their doors open? 90% of individual investors out there admit to being confused and a little bit scared right now. The other 10% are either lying or in denial.”

This succinct evaluation of our economic condition should help to inspire us that we can no longer use ostrich tactics by hiding our heads in the sand while leaving our posterior vulnerable to attack. Survivors who will make a go of this crisis will be those who come out of their comfort zones and create new strategies and procedures.

We can’t afford to let others write our future for us. We must rise up and write our future for ourselves. When times are tough we are to get tougher. Dr. Robert Schuler says, “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.”

Through Moses, God took his people to the Red Sea. They were trapped between Pharaoh’s army behind them and the Red Sea in front of them. They were defenseless. They began to panic and criticize both Moses and God for bringing them to such a place. At that time that Moses said, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians for you’re not going to see them again. God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut.” Exodus 14:13 (The Message)

God always has a plan to rescue those who are willing to listen to and follow his instructions. God wants us to face the reality of our situation.

God did not inspire the greed, graft and corruption that led to our bankrupt economy and world at war. The history of mankind is that humans get themselves into deep trouble and then come running to God for help. One definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

Citizens of the USA have the privilege of voting for a new president to direct our nation toward restoring our national economy and our image of powerful but peaceful leadership for the world. Every person who believes in prayer can fervently pray that God will lead our nation to select the candidate who is most willing to follow divine leadership rather then political pressure, protocol and special interest.

As citizens we are responsible for sorting through and filtering out the rhetoric that is true and trustworthy, and then go to the poll and take our stand for what we think is the wisest choice. God knows which candidate will most closely follow divine guidance. We however, must depend on human wisdom and spiritual guidance as we make our decision.

The Message paraphrase of the Bible speaks plainly about our duty: “Be good citizens. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.”

There is an intriguing story found in Matthew 8:22-25. Friends bring a blind man to Jesus and beg his healing. Jesus rubs spit on the man’s eyes then asked him what he sees. The man responded, “I see men. They look like walking tree. So Jesus laid hands on his eyes again. The man looked hard and realized that he had recovered perfect sight, saw everything in bright, twenty-twenty focus.” (The Message) Why did it take two touches to heal the man?

I don’t know, but I particularly like this story because many times harsh disappointments, frightening and painful experiences have left me in bewilderment and blindness as I sought for answers. The first glimmer of an answer may or may not be correct. Finding the answer takes more than a casual and halfhearted effort. The Bible story says that the blind man looked “hard” and then he saw clearly.

I focus these words toward those who have been shocked by the catastrophic economic upheaval. Some retired people have suddenly watched their carefully planned retirement savings evaporate before their eyes. Millions of baby boomers are calling anathemas upon the unscrupulous money managers who caused this fiasco. Older folks feel remorse and shame that our grandchildren now have to pay for the bankrupt banking system. Never have the few squandered so much.

I feel a special compassion for those who have the unspeakable heartbreak of having recently lost a loved one by death.

I invite everyone who has suffered the recent death of a loved one to join us for a class that my wife and I will be leading at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral home. The first class met October 23 but you can still attend the last three classes if you attend the second class on Thursday, October 30. The last two classes will meet on November 6 and November 13. The classes meet from 7:00 PM to 9:PM. There is no charge and participants will receive a copy my book, New Beginnings For Those Who Grieve. This will be our reference book.

We will share a lot of helpful information and will be companions to each class member. As companions we will teach you things along the journey, but we will also be learning from your experiences. As a class member you will find yourself on a journey with friends who are willing to give and receive support. You will feel safety if you want to share personal feelings.

“It’s a place to share grief together. Every person is different but we share many of the same feelings, and we can understand each other. We are able to express our hidden and frightening feelings without being judged. I felt relief by talking about my pain. I thought I was going crazy until others said they felt the same as I did about their feelings.”

Recently we met a woman who said, “My children complain that I am still grieving over my husband’s death a year ago. They think I should be over it by now.” Her face brightened when my wife told her that grieving was normal and that she will never “totally get over” her husband’s death. She will gradually improve and make adjustments, but she will never “totally heal” from her loss. Memories may bring tears of remembered joys, or pain that he is gone.

We invite you to join companions who understand your pain, in this safe and comfortable atmosphere. I hope you will join us for the next three classes.

I ask permission to speak to your heart. Our nation, and almost every other nation in the world, is in a financial crisis. This is not the time to panic. It is the time to pray!

After Jesus had risen from the grave he spoke to the frightened and confused disciples. He told them to tarry, to wait, to be calm and pray until the Holy Spirit empowered them.

Once again I bring words to encourage readers to find that place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God. God has not promised to fix the financial institutions…he has promised to bless and keep everyone who will focus their eyes, hearts and prayers directly on him.

While Chaplain at the Youth Center, my favorite place to counsel a boy was in the chapel. The boy and I would sit facing each other in front of a large chalkboard so we could do chalk talk. Some times they would write a word or draw a picture. I would often lean toward the chalkboard and write a word or illustration about our subject. As I talked with one boy who had asked how to find God, I stood to reach the top of the chalkboard and wrote the word God. As the boy talked I looked down and saw him looking upward toward me as I pointed toward the word God. I became keenly aware of my responsibility. This boy was looking at me, but he was trying to see God. I silently prayed, “God, this boy may never see you unless he sees you through me. Make me transparent so he will look through me…and see YOU!”

Isaiah had pledged himself to serve King Uzziah, who was for Isaiah, the highest power on earth. When Uzziah died, Isaiah’s world was shattered and when he went into the temple to mourn and pray, he saw a vision of God and his supreme glory. When Isaiah saw a true vision of God’s glory, he shifted his loyalty and service to the Supreme Power. Isaiah 6:1-8.

Likewise, God must at times remove our human, earthly and mundane securities in order to help us focus on spiritual values.

While a seminary student I was a member of the Birchman Avenue Baptist Church. One evening as we arrived for the worship service, fire trucks blocked the street. I parked and rushed toward the church to find that there had been a fire in the baptistery area. The sanctuary was saved but we faced several months of repair before we could use it.

The next Sunday a large tent with a rough wooden floor stood beside the sanctuary. A sound system had been wired into every Sunday school classroom for the overflow crowds. The tent sanctuary was reserved for visitors and elderly while the rest of us worshiped in the classrooms.

A large banner, KEEP LOOKING UP, spread across the front of the tent over the choir. Our music director, Dick Baker, wrote a song with that title. I remember how Dick sat at the piano and introduced his little song that became so precious to each of us during our recovery time: “Keep looking up, keep looking up, into God’s Holy face. Your doubts will vanish all away. Keep looking up and share the joy and comfort from above. To feel God’s presence real…keep looking up.”

Now, many years later, the words and melody of that little chorus come racing back with memories of victories won through times that were bleak and fearsome. To truly feel God’s presence… keep facing God.

Once again I write words intended to bring a sense of calmness and reassurance for all of us during this time of upheaval and uncertainty.

I am a realist, wide-awake and aware of our world condition. This November the presidential election finds our nation at war on two fronts, our economy has collapsed, and we stand on the brink of another Great Depression. This is the reality from a strictly human viewpoint.

There seems to be a love/hate attitude toward each political candidate. Who has the right solution? Who can we trust? Is there a guiding star that we can trust to bring us through our tempestuous situation?

Our recent visit to Alaska brought us within a few hundred miles of the true magnetic North Pole. Navigators in the northern hemisphere as their guiding star use the North Star, Polaris, the Pole Star.

Is there a Spiritual True North that we can use to guide us safely through these perilous times? My answer is a resounding yes! We have the True Star to guide us…but this guide is above the physical and the human. We must rise above our dependence on money, securities, politicians and military leaders. When there is nothing left but God, that is when we find out that God is all we need.

God is anxious to prove himself strong to provide for all who will lift eyes, hearts and faith above human limitations and commit ourselves to follow him. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.”

Jesus was sleeping in a small boat when a storm threatened to destroy them. When the frightened disciples awoke him he rebuked them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” Matthew 8:26. Jesus did not take them out of the storm…he calmed the storm!

A hymn writer poetically described the scene this way: “Master the tempest is raging, the billows are tossing high, the sky is o’er shadowed with blackness, no shelter or help is nigh. Carest Thou not that we perish?” The answer comes: “The wind and the waves shall obey my will. Peace! Be still! No water can swallow the ship where lies the master of oceans and earth and sky. They all shall sweetly obey my will. Peace! Be still!”

When people get old they want to share the wisdom they have acquired. As a minister and counselor I have gone through personal traumas and have been a companion to many others during their trying times.

Numerous times I have watched people who were faced with “impossible” situations, yield themselves to God’s grace, and then watched their problems slowly but surely dissolve and be replaced with peace and security. Many have said, “I am amazed how God guided me step by step and now I am stronger than ever. I think my problem may have been a blessing in disguise.”

So, I admit that I am old, that I believe I have something worth sharing, and will quote another old man who wrote Psalms 71:18. “God, you taught me everything I know. Now I’m telling the world your wonders; I’ll keep it up until I’m old and grey. God, don’t walk off and leave me until I get out the news of your strong right arm to the world, news of your power to the world yet to come.” (The Message paraphrase)

Jesus described the wisdom of building our personal life, our society and civilization on a solid foundation. Children are taught this principle in a little song, “The wise man built his house upon a rock…the foolish man built his house upon the sand.” Matthew 7:24-27.

This week citizens of the USA have been forced to look at the shocking reality that the foundation of our banking institutions and Wall Street is quicksand. The foundations that possibly once existed under these institutions have been eroded by graft, greed and mismanagement.

Panic and anxiety reign in the House and Senate as federal lawmakers try to prevent the collapse of lending institutions and the New Your Stock Exchange. “Bail out, shore up, stabilize and rescue,” are words that ignite the desperation to prevent the greatest depression since October 29, 1929 when the stock market failed.

The purpose of this article is to share words of calmness and assurance to counter the panic, frantic activity, and confusion that adds more distress and creates more problems than it solves.

I invite readers to take a deep breath and let God speak to you from Proverbs 3:5-7, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.” (The Message) This verse divides into four fundamental guidelines:

Trusting God is the foundation upon which you can safely build your future. With the lending institutions becoming insolvent and the stock market failing, our future seems uncertain and frightening. When our faith begins to falter is the time for us to fully trust in God’s power, love and comfort. When we renew our faith in God we will gain a renewed assurance that we are secure. An unknown poet said, “Should seven-fold storms of thunder roll and shake this globe from pole to pole. No thunder cloud shall daunt my face, for Jesus is my hiding place.”

I encourage readers to ask God to help you think clearly and calmly about the future. “You (God) will keep in perfect peace him or her whose mind is steadfast, because he or she trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV. One of the greatest failures that humans make is to leave God out of their planning and seeking of solutions. God is available to guide our nation if our leaders will simply seek his guidance. Regardless of what others do, you and I are responsible to follow God.

God admonishes us to listen for his voice of leadership and comfort during difficult times. God speaks to us in various spiritual ways. Talking with others who are trying to follow God often reveals God’s will. God very often speaks to us as we read the Bible, such as the above scripture. Others may “hear” God’s voice through the natural process of thinking. Others perceive a message through an event that takes place in their life. Others may almost hear God shout, “Don’t do that,” as they study history. Positive or negative feelings about plans may be God’s way of showing his will.

God has promised to guide those who are willing to follow his directions. Our problem often comes when we ask God to guide us and then we refuse to follow his directions. When we place our trust in God and commit ourselves to walk in the way he reveals for us to walk—we will be under his divine protection.

You may read 2 Chronicles 7:13,14 to help you practice your spiritual listening skills as God speaks to you and our nation.

God told Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you, and everything living around you and everyone living after you. I’m putting my rainbow in the clouds, a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. From now on, when I form a cloud over the earth and the rainbow appears in the cloud, I’ll remember my covenant between me and you and everything living, that never again will floodwaters destroy all life. When the rainbow appears in the cloud, I’ll see it and remember the eternal covenant between God and everything living, every last living creature on earth.” (The Message)

In 1995 we drove hundreds of miles in Alaska exploring this vast expanse of untamed wilderness. The Panhandle of west Texas had no mountains and few trees, so the soaring, snow covered mountains overwhelmed me. Endless miles of driving revealed more and more of the monotonous sameness of wilderness. Truly, Alaska is the last frontier. It is truly an untamed wilderness.

We just spent a week cruising the Interior Passage, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Glacier Bay. We saw endless water, perpetual glacier rivers, dense fog, and gigantic granite mountains.

I was constantly haunted by the unspoken question, “How does anything survive in this wilderness? How would I survive if I became stranded out there?”

While docked in Skagway, I looked up a dark valley where a light shower of rain was falling. Framed by a green-black mountain on each side of the valley, a spotlight of sun illuminated the dark valley. Slowly a diaphanous curtain of rain appeared from a pass between two mountains. The mystic curtain passed slowly through the sunlight and there was God’s rainbow dancing happily across the dark valley. There was God’s visible message of love and hope. A splendid shimmering rainbow!

I immediately became aware of God’s presence. When the rainbow faded, I began searching for the spiritual pot of gold at the end of this particular rainbow at Skagway, Alaska. I turned my head to the left and saw the two Thailand men vacuuming rainwater from the outdoor carpet on the deck. There was the answer to my question. I had previously watched them vacuum the rainwater and then empty it down a drain tube at the side of the deck. My heart felt joy as I realized that these two men, from a far-away land, and about twenty-five-hundred other passengers and crew aboard this cruise ship, represented the people of the earth. All of us are the object of the rainbow’s promise and God’s invitation to all humanity to live in loving harmony with him forever.

The rainbow of the Old Testament and the cross in the New Testament are symbols of God reaching out to humanity to draw them to himself for salvation and eternal life.

The promise of the rainbow is fulfilled in the cross. Jesus died to provide the redemption of our souls. God loved the world so much that he sent the rainbow to remind us that he is unhappy with sinful living. Jesus on the cross proves to what extent God was willing to go to save us from our sins.

The cross is the sign and symbol that Jesus is there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, and is always on the job to speak up for them. Hebrews 7:25

The rainbow and the cross are God’s invitation for everyone who wants to live forever with him in heaven. You and I are God’s priceless human treasure.

On March 30, 1867, Secretary of State William H. Seward agreed to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. At the time, critics thought Seward was crazy and called the deal "Seward's folly.” Today we are amazed that Seward bought all of Alaska for two and one-half cents per acre!

Thirteen years ago my wife and I spent two weeks driving in the interior of this beautiful state. We understand why it is called the last frontier. We were overwhelmed by the vast wild-ness. The huge mountains of granite boulders covered with trees and other vegetation were so vast that we couldn’t comprehend it. The vast sameness was beyond our understanding.

We recently returned from a cruise of the inside passage. We spent a day cruising Glacier Bay and took pictures of many glaciers. A huge mountain of ice “calved off” with a thunderous roar and crumbled into the water. We saw a waterfall gushing from inside a tidewater glacier, slowly melting the ice to cause it to collapse and fall into the sea.

What could survive on a mountainside of granite boulders? As I sat on the ship’s balcony studying the boulders, I saw that there were healthy trees growing in the crevices between the boulders. A splash of color caught my attention and I discovered happy tiny red flowers gloriously celebrating life in the wilderness. Moss crept like a warm green coverlet over the hard cold boulders. Humans, animals and vegetation were surviving in the wilderness.

Inside the manipulated environment of the cruise ship, we discovered that people were learning to survive in their own emotional wilderness. We were able to become temporary companions with several who were frightened by their physical and emotional insecurities.

A woman joined us for breakfast and felt comfortable to share her struggles to survive her personal wilderness. She had inoperable lung cancer and had only 4-6 months to live. She was bewildered as she passed through the stages of shock, denial, anger, compromise and acceptance. She trusted us enough to share her anger.

Another woman lost her husband 2 ½ years ago and her children were telling her, “Get over it.” They expected her to ‘recover” as if nothing had happened. She gave a sigh of relief when she learned the difference between the word “recover” and “reconcile or adjust.” Recover is a medical term that means to regain health and become cured of an illness. People never fully recover because their loved one will never come back. Things will never be the same. They must begin a new life without their loved one, and accept the fact that their companion will never return. They must adjust and build a new life for themselves.

A grandmother was on the cruise with her granddaughter. The girl’s other grandmother was critically ill and knew that she might die at any time, and encouraged the granddaughter to take the cruise. The grandmother had died the day after the cruise began and the girl was struggling with guilt over not being with her when she died. She had conflicting emotions about enjoying the cruise with her one grandmother while feeling that she had deserted the other grandmother at the time of her death.

Others aboard the ship were struggling with their personal wilderness. Some lonely single persons were searching for a temporary or perhaps permanent companion.

While docked in a harbor, a beautiful, but fleeting, rainbow appeared to remind us that God is with us in our wilderness journey. You and I are the golden treasure at the foot of God’s rainbow. Genesis 9: 9-17

Many people call themselves a child of God simply because they are a human being. Others claim the title because of good works. Others claim the title because of their personal faith in Jesus Christ. The above scripture identifies one of the characteristics that a true child of God demonstrates. Peacemakers—those who work for peace. Those who work for peace by word and example, demonstrate a relationship that pleases God.

Being at peace within our own heart and mind is often a difficult accomplishment. There are many things that happen in our everyday lives that cause us anxiety and concern. If our immediate family is well and contented, we feel fortunate. If our satellite families and loved ones are well and happy, it is somewhat of a miracle. When tragedy or illness slips into the life of one of our loved ones we rush to help them get life back to normal. We work for peace for those we care for.

I call attention to two families who worked toward peace in the midst of a global war. During WW II the United States brought thousands of German prisoners to this country until the war ended. Many of these prisoners were kept in camps all across the country. Several hundred prisoners were kept in the Lincoln POW camp at Cawker City, Kansas. These prisoners were permitted to work on farms to help produce crops for our armed forces.

George and Bernice Megli used prisoners on their farm. George would drive to the camp each morning and pick up a load of prisoners and take them to his farm. Bernice cooked for them and their children got acquainted with the prisoners. Their four-year-old daughter, Marilyn, was taught to play the Blue Danube Waltz on the piano by a prisoner.

The Megli’s experienced many conflicting emotions during those days. They had relatives fighting the Germans and were praying for their victory and safe return home. At the same time they were feeding and befriending German soldiers. These soldiers who may have shot at their relatives were now eating their food and befriending their children. They were fellow human beings. They also happened to be Germans.

Meanwhile a sister and brother-in-law were also working prisoners. Dan and Lucille VanderGeisen also became fond of some German prisoners. They talked to the prisoners about their families back in Germany. They prayed for peace and safety for their families in Germany, even while Americans bombed them.

After the war ended the prisoners went back to what was left of their country, their jobs, and to their surviving families. Most of the prisoners were destitute and had trouble getting a new start in life. Dan and Lucille wrote to their prisoner friends and sent them money to help them have a new beginning. They flew to Germany and visited with some of their former prisoners who were now friends.

These stories are prime examples of how God’s children rise above all obstacles in order to make peace. Not only to make peace for themselves and those they call friends, but also they make peace with those who may at times be called “enemy.”

Of all the people on the earth Christians, who claim to be children of God, should be prime examples of peacemakers. Dr. Jack McGorman says: “The institutional Church has historically treating those who disagree with them in one of these ways: The Church shames ‘um; shuns ‘um; or shoots ‘um.”

Do wise people generally keep their jewels and valuable papers in the household garbage can, or in a treasure chest or safe? This rhetorical question is not as ridiculous as it seems when we examine what we have stored in our internal storeroom.

I served as a Clinical Chaplain on an adult ward at Topeka State Hospital. One of the patients taught me a lesson that has enriched my life. The gentleman sat across the table from me. He extended his right hand across the table and said, “Look at my finger and tell me what you see.” I saw a one-inch scar on the knuckle of his index finger and casually responded, “I see a small scar on your knuckle. I have a scar like it on my own knuckle. I cut myself with a pocket knife while I was whittling.”

His eyes flashed in anger and he raised his voice, “That is not a scar and you know it. Now look at it again and tell me what it is!” Once again I looked at the scar then showed him my scar and asked him to compare for himself.

His body tensed, eyes sharpened their focus, voice became brittle as he spat out, “You know that’s not a scar and if you don’t tell me what it really is I’m going to go off on you.”

I, being a gentle and sensitive person, who is very particular about who goes off on me, politely dismissed myself from his company and told my story to Dr. Katherine Rainbow, Psychiatrist of the ward. She listened with a twinkle in her eyes and then replied, “Chaplain, if a patient goes off on one of our therapists, it generally means we are doing our job. We simply raise the lids on their garbage cans and reveal all the stuff they have crammed into it. We didn’t put a single thing in their garbage can…we just raised the lid and exposed what they have packed into it.”

You and I need to distinguish between treasure and garbage. We are wise to collect precious memories each day and place them carefully in our treasure chest. Precious memories of happy times; loving relationships; pleasant adventures; victories over difficult situations; childhood memories; teen-age thrills; first loves; overcoming broken hearts; and hundreds of other memories are precious treasures. During difficult times reviewing these memories is as refreshing as taking a drink of sweet water from a deep well.

Then we need to occasionally lift the lid of our internal garbage can to see if we have made treasure out of garbage. This is easy to do. Counselors spend much time helping clients unpack their past. Many are stuck with childhood traumas. Some adults have been unable to forgive themselves of “sins” of their adolescent years. Others are haunted by bitter attitudes, broken relationships, grudges, hates and jealousies. Garbage is to be disposed of. Often people find themselves clinging to their garbage almost to the point of worshiping it. Harboring and making a permanent occupant of that which should be discarded guarantees a gloomy outlook on life.

The Bible speaks encouragement to us: “I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—firm muscles, strong bones. You’ll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. You’ll use the old rubble of past lives (ancestors) to build anew the foundations from out of your past.” Isa. 58:11 (The Message, Italics mine)

Our wise choice each day is to clean and sanitize our inner garbage can and enjoy putting new treasures in our treasure chest.

Occasionally I ask friends to tell me the difference between guilt and shame. Seldom can they give clear definitions and often think the words basically mean the same thing.

The following story about an innocent little boy of six, with normal sexual curiosity, learned a harsh lesson about guilt and shame.

Many years ago the Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward catalogs, with headless models advertising women’s undergarments, were the most sexually explicit literature permitted for public view.

He and his equally innocent partner, a girl of five, decided to do a show-and-not-tell of their private parts. They knew no sexual words or actions and brief glances at each other was their total entertainment. Neither child knew that there was a rule that said, “Thou shalt not do that.” The girl’s mother caught them, and after dragging her daughter home by the arm, reported the transgression to the boy’s mother.

His mother had no skills to talk to him properly. She began to cry and the boy thought he had harmed her. He tried to hug her but she pushed him away. This rejection made him feel that what he and his little friend had done had made him such a bad boy that his mother didn’t want him anymore. He felt devastated. He felt excluded from the love and care of his mother and pushed into a dark realm of unworthiness.

He felt condemned by his mother, by God, and likely the entire world. Embarrassment and guilt crushed the breath out of him. But more devastating was the deadly feeling of shame…the feeling that he was no longer a good boy. One little transgression had branded him forever as a “bad boy.” He felt unworthy and inferior.

As the boy matured he was able to understand that sexual curiosity is normal for children and that he had not become condemned by God or society. However there was a haunting awareness that when a woman rejected or ridiculed him, he had an instantaneous flashback to his mother’s momentary rejection. She had not intentionally hurt him but neither had she assured him of her acceptance nor assured him that he was a good boy. The man sought counseling and was able to make peace with himself, forgive his mother, and find assurance that he was not “rotten to the core.”

This article intends to encourage those in our society who may be suffering more emotional torture than the boy did. Researchers estimate that 1of 4 girls, and 1of 6 boys, will be sexually abused before they become adults. This indicates that in a town with a population of 10,000 there may be at least 166 adult men, and 400 adult women who were abused when a child.

These stark facts demand that we create new means of preventing abuse, and provide education, care, encouragement and professional help for abused adults.

With encouragement, many adults are revealing that as children, adults sexually abused them. These people have struggled with their guilt and shame for years and have gained the willingness to demand freedom, forgiveness, and truth. They are regaining their dignity and self-esteem as they learn that it is safe to admit that they were a victim of abuse.

Last week 47 men in the Kansas City area were awarded a total of 10 million dollars as compensation for having been sexually abused by adult men. These men have been adjudicated by a court of law that they did not cause the abuse inflicted upon them. God always knew they were innocent, “For God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.” I Samuel 16:7b (The Message)

Their scars will never be totally erased, but we pray that they will soon be able to free themselves of any remnants of guilt and shame. It was not their fault!

Television news this morning reported a ten million dollar settlement awarded to forty-seven men who had been sexually abused when they were children.

Forty-seven year old, Greg LeMond’s voice broke from emotion as he spoke publicly about the sexual abuse landmine that wounded him at eleven. He said, “Men don’t talk about it. I have done interviews for newspapers, but this is the first time I have spoken publicly about it. Men don’t talk about it because they are overwhelmed with guilt and shame.” It was difficult for him to accept congratulations or applause because, “I never felt worthy of any kind of congratulations or applause. People said I was humble. I was not humble! I was ashamed!”

After LeMond won the Tour ‘de France he visited his childhood home and saw pictures of himself when he was six and eleven. As he looked at his childhood picture he suddenly realized, “The abuse was not my fault. I was just a kid! I didn’t cause that abuse.” With this revelation he began to forgive himself and to heal.

I read an intriguing article written by Gordon Dalbey, entitled: “Street Gangs and Sons Of Our Society: A Cry For Daddy.” He wrote the article after reading an article in the Los Angeles Times Magazine entitled, “Mothers, Sons and the Gangs.” The L. A. Times article detailed the concerns of several mothers who wondered why their sons had gone astray. The mothers presented themselves as good nurturing mothers. They went to church, cooked, washed clothes, and provided for their sons as best they could. So, why did their boys leave her and join a gang?

Dalbey was impressed not by what the mothers provided, but by what they did not provide…a daddy. He wrote: “No matter how righteous and fine a homemaker his mother may be, a boy is drawn to the gang by the innate male longing and need to break away from the mother, bond to the father, and be joined thereby into the company of men. Without the father to engineer that process, the choice for a young male is ominous: either join a gang and get killed or go to prison, or stay with Mom and starve in a cell of femininity.”

This is very straight talk but it goes directly to the heart of the normal male. They are searching for their male identity, and mother, however worthy she may be, cannot be the father. This presents another side of the problem if the single mother makes a poor decision by choosing a man who is not a good father figure.

Our civilization has seemingly forgotten that ushering boys into manhood is men’s work, properly done by the father and the community of men. Jews know this, and practice it in the Bar Mitzvah rite of passage for boys. After two years of studying his heritage at the feet of his father and older men, the boy stands at last before his congregation and declares, “Today, I am a man.”

If a boy does not grow to see himself as a man among men, he lacks an inner-directed maturity. Not knowing how to identify himself as a man, he will often let anyone define him. Often boys adopt the world’s self-centered destructive definition that a man needs lots of beer, a gun, a fast car, easy money and women.

We men must follow LeMond’s example of maturing past our personal childhood landmines. Let’s join together to remove as many landmines as possible for all boys, especially for those who do not live with a good father figure. Let’s provide all boys with a community of real men to invite boys into.

The Apostle Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament, startles us as he describes the intense conflict between his desires to live above sin, and then an admission that he often failed. Hear his anguishing cry, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Rom. 7:24 (the Message translation)

Saint Paul opens the door for us to enter into a personal encounter with our own sinful nature. We set our internal standards to be moral, ethical, honest and upright people. That’s what we want for ourselves. But we often fail to live up to our own standards, and fall helplessly short of the Biblical challenge to, “Be holy, as I am holy.”

I confess that I am totally incapable of being holy. While a seminary student I began to wonder if I had a split personality. New terms for that disorder are “multiple personality disorder” and “dissociative identity disorder.”

I read Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886, “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” It is about a London lawyer who investigates strange occurrences between his old friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and the split personality of Edward Hyde. Today the phrase, "Jekyll and Hyde," has come to mean a person who may show a distinctly different character, or profoundly different behavior, from one situation to the next, as if almost another person.

This also describes the dreadful title that no one wants to bear…“Hypocrite.” Preaching or claiming to believe one thing, but failing to fully live up to that claim or desire. Some say that they don’t come to church because of all the hypocrites who are there. At times I am tempted to say, “I go to church to get away from all the hypocrites who don’t go to church.”

Typically in church we share greetings, handshakes, hugs, and touch little children on the head or arm. We were accepting, affirming, consoling, encouraging, blessing and genuinely loving each other. We are self-affirming ourselves, and being confirmed by fellow sinners. They accept us and we accept them with freckles, warts, pimples and wrinkles.

Greg LeMond presented almost an opposite position. He was the keynote speaker at the Sunflower House, a child abuse prevention center in Kansas City, Kansas. He began his speech by stating that people knew a lot about one part of him, but there was a side that they did not know.

The audience knew that on July 27, 1986, twenty-five-year old Greg LeMond, held up his arms in Paris, the first American to win the Tour de France bicycle race. The fair-haired boy who was living his dreams and gave the appearance that he had no cares or concerns.

Then he revealed the secret part. A family friend had sexually abused him when he was 11. He felt that he could not reveal that fact or the man would hurt him. This secret became his “Dark” side. He lived in constant fear of being found out.

After entering therapy he slowly began to understand that the abuse was not his fault. He returned to his childhood home and looked at some pictures of himself when he was six and eleven years old. As he gazed at the image of the innocent little boy of eleven, he was able to accept that it was not his fault and he began to heal.

The church serves as a mirror and a training arena for confessed sinners who are striving to rise above our imperfect dark and weak side so we may gain strength to becoming Olympic representatives of our Heavenly Father.

“This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” Polonius speaks these words to his son Laertes in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Greg LeMond wanted to be true to himself and find forgiveness and release from the guilt, fear and shame of having been sexually abused when he was eleven, but had been unable to face it. He, like most abused children, thought the abuse was his fault and felt guilt, fear and shame that causes him to keep it a secret. He had a vivid fear that if he exposed the perpetrator that he would hurt him.

With these horrendous feelings, on July 27, 1986, twenty-five-year old Greg LeMond, held up his arms in Paris, the first American to win the Tour de France bicycle race, looked out on the crowd fearing that the family friend who sexually abused him as a child would be there to extort or blackmail him.

LeMond kept the abuse a secret from his parents for some time. When he told them they threw the man out of the house. After this LeMond tried to forget the abuse and became secretive, hoping that the fear and shame of being found out would go away. Rather than go away it began to haunt him. He tried to redefine himself by pouring himself into cycling. He recast himself into this young man who was living a storybook life, a perfect life. All the while, just below the surface was the secret awareness of his pain, shame, guilt and fear of exposure.

When he won the Tour de France in 1986 he was twenty-five with a wife, Kathy, and the first of their three children Geoffrey. LeMond’s cycling demanded that he be away from home about 200 days a year and this caused emotional stress on Geoffrey, who thought his father didn’t have any emotional pain and didn’t understand him. The boy felt that every time his father left him that he would never return.

In one argument Geoffrey accused his father of being a horrible father who couldn’t possibly understand the pain he was going through. LeMond listened, wanting to reveal the secret of his previous abuse, to tell the boy that his life was not perfect, that he understood pain. But he never told anyone…even his wife, Kathy.

Weeks later, unable to console his son or fix his own life, he committed himself to therapy. “The therapy opened a door like an epiphany,” he said. He returned to his wife and family and revealed his secret. Kathy began to understand what had haunted her husband and caused many of their problems. The entire family entered counseling and the children and parents have made excellent adjustments.

Greg LeMond will be the keynote speaker at the 2008 Sunflower House Lionheart fund-raising luncheon in Kansas City, Kansas, August 7^th.. Sunflower House, a child abuse prevention center, is a non-profit, United Way agency serving Wyandotte and Johnson Counties in Kansas. Founded in 1977, their mission is to protect children from physical and sexual abuse through education, advocacy, forensic and medical services. Sunflower House was recognized by Kansas Attorney General Carla Stovall as the 2002 Outstanding Crime Victim Service Organization in Kansas.

This will be the first time he has spoken publicly about his abuse because it is embarrassing. He is willing to face the embarrassment because he wants to show people that they are not alone, it is not their fault, and that the way to healing is to face their secret past and deal with it.

This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. I actually did rejoice April 16^th when I awoke to find myself alive; it was my eightieth birthday; my family was well; and I had almost a hundred friends and loved ones come to celebrate with me. However, when I awoke that morning I realized that I was an old man living in an old body. I dressed as nicely as possible, but the nice clothes only camouflaged the old body.

One nice thing about getting old is that most of us are able to see ourselves being reinvented in the form of grand and/or great grandchildren.

I have never believed in reincarnation, the belief that humans return to earth in a variety of life forms like mosquitoes and elephants. But when my son and his wife presented me with a beautiful granddaughter, birth took on a different meaning.

I gazed upon that beautiful baby that was perfectly formed; covered in flawless skin; all her parts were new; properly placed; functioning perfectly… and I was speechless in wonderment and amazement.

Modern science tells us that our DNA is transmitted from parent to children. This means that some of my DNA was passed on to my son, who in turn passed it on to my granddaughter. That means that the beautiful bundle of love that I cuddled in my arms was, in a small way, the reincarnation, or at least a re-formation, of myself.

She also is the new beginning of the natural cycle of life. I, the eighty-year-old grandfather, represent the dying end of the life cycle, while she represents all that is new. She has become for me a New Beginning. I held the infant who represented my new physical birth, my opportunity to live once again through another human being. I have tried to convey this concept in poetry:

How swiftly, how swiftly spin the cycles of life. It seems that we were born this morning, and as swiftly as the shuttle flies, the time for our departure is at hand.

Saint Paul voices his victorious farewell: “The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Tim.4: 6-8 KJV

Richard Stengel, Time, July 21, 2008: “As Mandela celebrates his 90^th birthday, the world’s greatest moral leader reflects on a lifetime of service—and what the rest of us can learn from it.” Stengel calls Mandela the closest thing the world has to a secular saint.

In 1964 he was sent to Robben Island under a life term for sabotage and treason. He went in emotional and headstrong. Twenty-seven years later he came out measured, balanced and disciplined. Mandela said, “I came out mature.”

Courage is not the absence of fear. Acting fearless in prison inspired others. He was a model for others, and that gave him the strength to triumph over his own fear. While riding on a two-engine plane one of the engines quit. Some began to panic until they noticed him casually reading a newspaper. After they landed he told a friend, “Man, I was terrified up there.”

Lead from the front—but don’t leave your support base behind. His supporters thought he was betraying them when he began to negotiate with the apartheid government. He slowly convinced them that his way was the correct course and slowly and deliberately brought his supporters along with him.

Lead from the back—and let others believe they are in front. He told stories of his childhood herding cattle. “You know you can only lead them from behind.” He told of a tribal king who gathered his court in a circle around him and asked each person to speak his opinions of a problem. Only after the different opinions were aired, did the king speak. He accurately summarized every point of view. Then he methodically unfurled his own thoughts in the direction he wanted them to take. He persuaded others to do things and made them think it was their own idea.

Know your enemy—and learn about his favorite sport. He wanted to understand their worldview so he could negotiate with them. He was a lawyer and helped his prison guards with legal matters. He proved that he could negotiate with even the worst and crudest.

Keep your friends close—and your rivals even closer. If they were close he knew better what they were thinking and doing. Embracing his rivals was a way of controlling them: they were more dangerous on their own than within the circle of his influence. He knew the way to deal with those he didn’t trust was to neutralize them with charm.

Appearance matters--and remember to smile. Mandella dressed appropriate when in the presence of those he led. He wore custom tailored suits with negotiators or proper fatigues and a beard when with the ANC underground leaders. His dazzling smile showed sympathy to white South Africans and that he was a happy warrior who was leading his followers to victory.

Nothing is black or white. Life is never either/or. There are always competing factors. There must be nuance, shades of black and white. Nothing is ever as straightforward as it appears. Every problem has many causes. He always looked for the most practical way to reach his goal.

Quitting is also leading. He was elected president in 1994 and likely could have pressed to be president for life. He was determined to do the opposite of Mugabe, who held the nation hostage as dictator. His friend Ramaphosa said, “His job was to set the course, not to steer the ship.” He knew that leaders lead as much by what they choose not to do as what they do.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. Matt. 10:29 NIV

Twelve-year-old Louise Anderson felt the knife blade at her throat as John Waters raped her. Nine months later a woman next door heard Louise cry out in pain and came to deliver her baby. October 31, 1896 the world heard the first cry from what some might have considered a worthless sparrow. The voice of Ethel Waters, the voice that is now remembered and cherished by millions of people around the world, was first heard by a nameless audience of one.

immortalized the song, His Eye Is On The Sparrow, written by Tanya Blount and Lauryn Hill:

Ethel Waters was a sparrow that was touched by God’s love and grace. Her voice, empowered by her passion to share her precious Jesus, would become the voice that touched the hearts of “down and outers” as well as the “up and outers;” from the homeless to the White House.

From our most crushing personal experiences, often flow our most comforting words. Many poets began writing poetry as their major method of sharing the anguish of their soul. A few words from a broken heart will fly like a dove toward the heart of other broken hearts.

Ethel Waters found Jesus capable of lifting her from the slums of degrading beginnings as a wounded sparrow to become a songbird for her precious Jesus. She was often the featured soloist in Billy Graham’s crusades.

Twila Knaack, in her book ETHEL WATERS, I touched a sparrow, quotes Gloria Gaither,

The compassion of her heart came through her voice, and her words, and her performances to touch people, soul to soul, intimately, because we who heard her somehow knew she had hurt where we hurt; she had known pain and struggle and joy and victory as we knew them. She knew Jesus and it was His ability to touch people at the core of their being that we felt when we heard her.

For this reason one of the over nine hundred invited guests at Billy Graham’s testimonial dinner given for Ethel Waters at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles in 1972, said, “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the crowd.”

If God could reach down and pick up an unwanted, illegitimate girl and keep His eye on her, guiding her through tragedy and triumph till one day He could use her to tell millions of His great love, is anybody hopeless?

I wish that I had the ability to close this article by putting the singing voice of Ethel Waters on this page and let her low alto voice bring everyone who has felt like a helpless sparrow into the presence of Jesus who said,

Are you not worth more than many sparrows? Not one of these shall fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.

We have been involved in graduations for several weeks. Traditional and vocational colleges, high school, middle and elementary schools have all had formal exercises for those who have achieved certain levels of educational excellence.

I have been in conversations with those being promoted from the fifth, eighth and twelfth grades. I ask general questions from each grade level: “Where do you go from here? How prepared are you for the next level of your life?” “When you are twenty-one what do you plan to be doing?” Two sharp fifth-graders immediately answered, “I will be a helicopter pilot. Another said, I will be a veterinarian or at least be in vet. school.” Others in the group looked at me in bewilderment, having no awareness of long-term goals. The same contrasting statements typically come from high school graduates.

Such responses as these are not unusual for young people for they are still struggling with self-identity and hormonal issues that may overwhelm them. They may be resistive of adult efforts to guide them during this formative time but wise adults should offer help.

A counselor became curious as to how many adults were working at the profession that they had dreamed of when younger. He regularly ate at a restaurant and got acquainted with the middle-aged waitress who usually served their table. One day the counselor asked, “When you were a little girl did you dream that one day you would be a waitress in this nice restaurant?” Her head snapped back in astonishment. Then she laughed and said, “That’s a ridiculous question! Never in a million years would I have dreamed of becoming a waitress. I dreamed of becoming a registered nurse and spend my life helping people regain their health.”

She briefly related her story of wanting to go to college and get her nursing degree but several unfortunate things happened that were so discouraging that she lost her dream of being a nurse. The gentleman shocked her with another question, “What would happen if you revived your dream about becoming a nurse? Is there a possibility that you could go to school, get your degree, and spend the rest of your life living your dream?”

Within a short period of time she began working a shift that gave her time to enter college and earn her degree. She fulfilled her dream and spent several fruitful years as a nurse--living her dream.

It would be interesting to discover how many who read this article may have never dreamed a dream. How many have dreamed a beautiful dream but failed for some reason to fulfill that dream?

Footprints in the Sand is a beautiful poem that describes how God is with us in our deepest hours of sorrow, discouragement and loss. He is with us even when we refuse to look for his presence and guidance. Dr. Richard Carlson suggests that we will do well to look for God’s fingerprints on circumstances that may appear to be roadblocks in our path or rockets that shoot down our fondest dreams. The Bible character Jacob had a dream about angels going up and down a ladder to heaven. The Lord stood at the top of the ladder and told Jacob that He was with him and would bless and guide him the rest of his life. When he awoke he declared, “Surely God is in this place and I did not know it.” (Genesis 28:16)

If you have a desire to live your dream, take heart! Take a good look at your desire. You may discover God’s fingerprints all over it.

Within a short period of time she began working a shift that gave her time to enter college and earn her degree. She fulfilled her dream and spent several fruitful years as a nurse--living her dream.

It would be interesting to discover how many who read this article may have never dreamed a dream. How many have dreamed a beautiful dream but failed for some reason to fulfill that dream?

If you have a desire to live your dream, take heart! Take a good look at your desire. You may discover God’s fingerprints all over it.

We spent the weekend in Salina, KS with fifty cousins and kinfolks. Typically there was much talking, catching-up and storytelling.

On Sunday several of us attended the First United Methodist Church where one of our cousins sings in the choir. The service was spiritual, organized and moved with relaxed precision. Pastor Troy Bowers talked about the beginning of Methodism and I share some of the information.

The Church of England was tax supported and government controlled. Every English citizen was automatically a member of the church, paid taxes to support it but had no control of it. The clergy showed no concern for church members and it was said that, “while the people wept, the priests slept.” Others said there were only three major events that involved the church: when you were hatched (birth), when you were matched (married), and when you were dispatched (buried.) The church exerted little or no spiritual, moral, social or ethical influence.

It was in this spiritual vacuum that John Wesley was born in 1703, the thirteenth child in a family of nineteen children. John’s father was a clergyman in the Church of England and raised his children in a strict and religious household. John felt the call into the Christian ministry at an early age. At Oxford University, John gathered young men into small groups to study the Bible, pray and then go out and “offer Christ” to every person who would listen to them. The students followed such a methodical practice of daily Bible study, prayer and witnessing that they were called names like, ‘The Holy Club’, ‘Bible Bigots’, and ‘Methodists.’ The Methodist name stuck and today over twelve million Christians follow the United Methodist tradition.

John Wesley never intended to start a new denomination. He became convinced that the Church of England would never share the Gospel of salvation, so he and his followers left the church and took the Gospel of salvation to the people. John and other “Methodists” began open-air preaching, offering the message of Christ and salvation. Thousands gathered to hear the Good News that Christ died for them. A spiritual awakening flamed through England. One picture of John Wesley shows him standing on the tomb of his father preaching to thousands who were anxious to receive Christ and salvation. John began commissioning Circuit Riders to spread the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ. Neither the Church of England or any church ordained these young men. They were what we call lay preachers who had a burning zeal to tell others about Christ and about the transforming power that would make them a spiritual child of God. Wesley did not send these young Circuit Riders out with a set of rules and doctrines. He gave simple, yet clear instructions, “Offer them Christ.”

Rev. John Wesley stated his firm conviction that the Gospel should literally be taken to the entire world:

I look on all the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that, in whatever part of it I am, I judge it meet, right, and my bonden duty, to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Recently someone quoted Billy Graham as predicting that the next great revival would come through the United Methodist Church. He based his prediction on Wesley’s theology that all humans are sinful and in need of salvation that comes only through Christ; and using personal evangelism as the most effective method of offering Christ to everyone.

Wesley’s example challenges every congregation to take the Gospel outside of their denominational boundaries and personally “offer Christ” to every person who will listen.

“Order in the court,” is a familiar phrase to all who have been in a court of law. Most formal meetings are called to order as a matter of routine. Classes in school are called to order; church members call themselves to order as the worship service begins. We live in an orderly society and are taught as children that we are to act in an orderly and appropriate manner.

Is it possible for well-mannered, well-educated adults to do and say things that are out of order? Joan Borysenko, PHD thinks so. Her article in Prevention Magazine carried the title: “You’re Out Of Order— a guide to making the right choice at the wrong time.” Her main thrust concerns people from forty to sixty who may be considering major changes in their life such as having children, getting married/ divorced, changing professions or moving across country. These major changes concern not only the individual who makes the change, but also everyone who will be affected by it.

She offers two guidelines: “When making an out-of-order life choice, put it through some tests. When such choices are made from an authentic desire to grow and serve, we thrive in spite of the challenges. Doing what’s right for you, even when other people think you’re nuts, is an awesome experience. But when bucking the norm comes from careless or ill-considered choices, being out of order can be hurtful to you and those closest to you. Taking a clear-eyed look at what motivates your choices—before you leap—is the key to making sure they’re healthy.”

Counselors will usually ask a client who is considering major life- changes these two questions: Are you being drawn to this change because it will make you a better person spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically? If this is your motivation for change, the outcome will likely be favorable.

Is escaping your motivation for change? If you typically change because you feel the situation is insecure, painful or unfair, you will likely be disappointed by another change. “Escape change” often indicates that a person is insecure and unhappy. New geography does not change who or what we are.

Borysenko suggests helpful hints to consider before you leap: Take your time. How difficult would it be to reverse your decision? If it is not reversible, how would it change the course of your life if the outcome becomes undesirable?

Get data before making your decision. Seek the counsel of others who have made similar decisions. They have likely paid a sad price or received great rewards. They’ll help you evaluate the pros and cons.

Assess the risk. Selling a house or a car will not be as risky as moving to another town or state. Ending a romantic relationship is not as risky as getting married or divorced. Since no man or woman is an island unto himself or herself, it is only fair to assess what our decision will do to those we love and our associates. Will the ripple effect of our free and independent action create a tsunami to those for whom we are responsible? There is no stopping the waves of blessings or destruction once the tidal wave begins.

Honor all your emotions. Become aware of the positive as well as the negative feelings you have about your possible change. Carefully weigh all the emotions in a scale and make an honest evaluation.

Borysenko closes with a powerful suggestion: “If your mind says ‘go’ but your gut says ‘wait,’ let them catch up with each other before making your leap.”

I have before me the heart-warming story of Alferd Williams of St. Joseph, MO. Alferd is so thrilled about learning to read that he plans to repeat the first grade with his teacher, Alesia Hamilton, in the fall. For a student to repeat the first grade is not too unusual, but Alferd is a unique first grader because he is seventy years old. He looks like a friendly giant among his classmates but they love him and accept him with open arms. Alferd's desire to learn to read comes from the promise he made to his mother that he would learn to read. (Full story in Kansas City Star, Saturday, May 3, 2008) At age seventy he knew that if he fulfilled his promise to his mother that he had to take action. I just finished a novel where the hero had a very poor relationship with his mother. She was an alcoholic prostitute and had abandoned him when he was very young. His sense of duty as a son forced him to take a job where his mother lived in order to care for her as she was dying. He felt that he had nothing to say to her and had no feelings or desire to be with her. After the funeral he became aware that he did have strong feelings toward her and he was flooded with regrets for not having tried to develop a good relationship. A young man began abusing alcohol during high school and his mother tried to get him to stop. He got married and had children and heavy drinking caused him to abuse his family. His mother finally said, “Paul, I will not say another word about your drinking. I am going to pray and turn you over to God." Before long Paul stopped drinking and said, “I could resist my mother’s words, but crumbled beneath my mother’s prayers.” An eighty-seven year old widow of two husbands told a group that she could not give herself permission to go alone to a restaurant for a meal. “My mother taught me that a nice girl or woman should not go alone to a restaurant because it might give the impression that she wanted a man to notice her. Her mother’s powerful apron strings held her tightly. Apron strings are more powerful than most of us care to admit. Apron strings represent authority, control, security, rewards, punishment, approval and dependence. Codependency can easily develop between mother and child although both may deny that they are the one keeping the knot tied. Loosening the apron string is generally a natural process. Children quickly want to do things their way and this demand for independence gives wise parents many opportunities to teach the child how to become responsibly independent. A parent who becomes threatened when the child moves toward independence may be tempted to overpower the child, which will only tie stronger knots in the apron string. Praise from the parent who catches the child making good choices on their own initiative, raises the child’s self-assurance and predicts future growth and affirmative actions. Criticism of the child’s move toward independence ties double knots in the apron string. Only a gentle scratching of the surface reveals that most of us have extremely strong apron strings with our mothers. Their positive teachings, strong faith, high morals and other worthy attachments cause us to cling comfortably to our relationship with her. Good news for parents and adult children who are struggling with unhealthy relationships. There are good family counselors that know how to untie troublesome knots and develop mature relationships. Don’t cut the strings.

With little interest I began reading, A Complaint Free World, by Will Bowen. He says that people who constantly complain, criticize or gossip…also deny that they are complaining, just like I try to do. So now I will bravely admit that I complain and criticize—but I try to do it in a positive way!

I would be remiss not to express deep appreciation for the wonderful birthday party that my precious wife, Marilyn, planned, and for everyone who honored me with their personal attendance or with cards, Email and phone call. I am still celebrating. Several have asked how old I feel? One the inside I feel about sixty. My legs constantly disagree.

Everyone who reads these words has also reached another milestone of just being alive. Thank God I am alive! Now our question is:

I illustrated my answer in 1989 when I drew the inside of a log cabin with the handmade door standing slightly ajar. The person living there could look outside through the partially open door. Under the picture I wrote these words: Where I am on life’s journey is not nearly as important as where I go from here. Today I may walk out the door into the freedom beyond. While today is…I go!

Regardless of age almost everyone makes choices that match our outlook on life. The optimist says the glass is half full. The pessimist says the glass is half empty. The engineer says the glass is exactly 50% too large. Some folks stop living a quality life many years before they die. Others live their life fully and productively up until the day they die. Illness and accidents have a great deal to do with the limits that are forced upon some people, but their attitudes toward their limitations determines how they live the rest of their lives.

Howard R. Macy, writes in his book, Rhythms of the Inner Life, “The spiritual world cannot be made suburban. It is always the frontier, and if we would live in it, we must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.” page 36.

Mattie J. T. Stepanek lived his eleven years in the death- threatening wilderness known as muscular dystrophy. The table of contents of his book, Journey Through Heartsongs, reveals his celebration of life as he lived it: Beginning the Journey, Considering the Journey, Coping with the Journey, Celebrating the Journey and Growing Beyond the Journey.

The parishioners of Saint Ann’s Catholic church in Effingham are bravely facing a monumental challenge since their church building burned. Steve Caplinger stated it beautifully when he said the building did in fact burn, but the flames did not touch the faithful parishioners, who are the “church.” No doubt they will rise to the challenge. Their unity during adversity will become an effective witness for Christ. All the communities around Effingham are mobilizing to serve, following the example of the 100 volunteer firefighters.

I was a member of the Birchman Avenue Baptist church in Ft. Worth, Texas while in the seminary. We arrived for the evening worship service to discover fire trucks filling the street for a city block.

Our church building was not destroyed but was greatly damaged by smoke and water. We stood in the street and on the lawn, praying, planning and pondering what our next step was to be.

We rented a large tent with a wooden floor that became our sanctuary for several exciting months. Ushers escorted visitors to folding chairs and wooden benches. Members of the church volunteered to crowd into Sunday School classrooms that were wired for sound. Dick Baker’s song, Keep Looking Up, became our theme song. Keep looking up; keep looking up, into the Savior’s face. Your doubts will vanish all

I claim the old-timers privilege of sharing my story. I was born in Childress, Texas, April 16,1928 and have a birth certificate to prove my claim. I overcame the obstacle of being born with the handicaps of not being able to walk, talk, read or write. Loving parents and other adults guided me to learn those good things.

Mrs. Warren, my English teacher in college, set a spark glowing when she said she recognized in me the ability to combine humor and seriousness into a worthwhile marriage. I thought her comment to be humorous, but it has always haunted me. I completed a humorless struggle through seminary in 1961, and accepted the call to be pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dexter, NM. In the early 1970s I was invited to tell a ten minute Bible Story each Monday over KSWS TV in Roswell, NM. This lasted for five-and-one-half years. I published a record album called Bible Story Time, and it failed to sell. KSWS opened a fifty thousand watt clear-channel FM station. They invited me to bring the station on the air with a five-minute devotional every morning. I did this for three years.

My first writing experience came with the invitation to write curriculum for the Southern Baptist Royal Ambassador Crusader and Crusader Counselor Magazines. They had a subscription list of over one hundred thousand. I have published in The Upper Room, Home Life, Youth Leadership, Mature Living, and other publications. I self-published Galliant’s Journey, New Beginnings, Prayer in Sychar, Sterley Stories, and co-edited Comfortable Chickens and Spiritual Meditations. I am preparing the manuscript for a devotional book on Psalms 23.

Like a bud opening into a beautiful flower, this psalm opened as a metaphor of the journey that I have taken with the Great Shepherd. At age eleven I made a conscious choice that Jesus was my Savior and my Shepherd and I committed myself to follow him. I have walked with Jesus through many desert like places and have always found him faithful in supplying living water to rehydrate my spirit. Green pastures remind me of the rest and security he has provided during times of stress and fear. Countless times he has restored my soul when I felt defeated and hopeless. His rod of power and protection has

His staff points and directs my path and nudges me gently away from danger. The valley of the shadow of death has not been the fear of physical death, as much as the shadowy threats to my faith and commitment.

The table the Lord prepares for me is overly lavish and my cup of joy and thanksgiving runs onto the table. I do not consider anyone to be an enemy. If I have offended others I beg their forgiveness and invite them to my table as a welcomed friend.

At my birthday party, when I turn eighty, I plan to read the final lines of my humorous poem about being eighty. I call it 8T. (eighty) The ending lines go like this:

Now I am 8T. Big ole 8T. I am now a real-live oc-to-gen-ari-an. I hope you’re impressed. But, I don’t know for sure how I should be dressed.

Only good prospects lie ahead. The 2 good people who caused me 2 B are waiting in heaven to welcome me. Jesus and I have walked many-a-trail.

He promised to guide me and has never failed. So, with loved ones beside me, and Jesus ahead, I’ll walk into heaven…as soon as I’m dead.

I write this article to encourage readers who are haunted by ghosts. Ghosts, although friendly, have a way of disturbing us at times. Some folks have had traumas that make them want to block out certain periods of time. They may not remember the trauma itself, but a silent ghost that they cannot identify, disturbs them.

Others may clearly remember the trauma and have deliberately blocked it out. They know exactly what their ghost is and find it impossible to keep it buried, in spite of how hard they try.

Here are some thoughts for those who want to be free of a ghost. Most ghosts are friendly and do not intend to frighten, confuse or harm. Most ghosts are like Casper--they are friendly and want to talk to us about a problem that we need to fix. Our Casper ghost may be telling us that we stepped on a thorn when we were a child and didn’t remove it. We may have limped for years without knowing why our foot was sore. Ghosts may challenge adults to go back and take compassion on their “child-self” by removing splinters, kissing ouchies, cleaning wounds and assuring the child that they are OK. It is also good to forgive ourselves for making the child feel that we abandoned them. Our abandoned child-self may be the ghost that is trying to get our attention.

A forty-year-old man had flashbacks to an incident that happened when he was six. He discovered that his “ghost” was telling him that he needed to correct an incorrect message from mother when she shamed him for playing a sexual “show and don’t tell” game with a five year old girl. He thought he had become a “bad person” because he had done a childhood “no no”. As an adult he realized that he was a good person who occasionally made mistakes.

A woman, as a youth, lived during WWII. Her family spent many horror-filled hours hunkered in a dark cellar under the house while they were being bombed. The steps to the cellar had a curtain at the bottom. For the remainder of her life she mentally refused to open that curtain because it represented her security against deafening noise, death and terror.

Another woman had a whispered fear that she had been sexually molested as a child. She became tense and frightened when she heard about a molested child. A counselor explained that she was not to blame and had no need to feel guilty. He encouraged her to face her past so she could find understanding and peace.

I found the following technique helpful. For several months I would prepare for sleep by inviting “young Jack” to meet me in a dream so I could get acquainted with myself as a boy. I practiced this for many nights and was richly rewarded. I dreamed that I was eleven and saw a woman verbally abusing a child. My “dream Jack” stood up boldly and told the woman to stop treating the child badly. He shouted, “She is a good child. You leave her alone.”

I awoke from the dream and congratulated myself for defending the child. This reassured me that I was a good child and am a good adult. If you have extreme problems with ghosts from your past, please seek professional assistance. If your ghosts are of the Casper type, be good to yourself and get acquainted. Forgive yourself of any normal human mistakes you have made and make peace with your past. You are most likely a worthy and likable person.

I got an email from Flora Davis, a college classmate, who says that God helped her get prepared for the death of her husband, Sid. Her statements provide a worthy subject around which we can center our thoughts.

Flora’s words are powerful. “It was amazing how the Lord helped me through Sid's passing. In retrospect I know without a doubt the ways in which He actually prepared me for that moment and all the time since. I was one who, all our married life said to myself that IF Sid should go first I would literally go in the closet, shut the door, and never come out again!!! I'm not proud of that, but it was the truth. Our Heavenly Father heard my inner thoughts and began preparing me ten years before his death. How grateful am I for that. It doesn't mean that being without my husband was easy, but it was not completely devastating. I felt many emotions, but never anger in any form.”

Flora speaks from the fact that God provided her with the strength and understanding that she desperately needed. Her inner thoughts were prayer thoughts. She was thinking toward God, which is one of the most powerful means of prayer. This is part of what the Bible means when it says, “pray without ceasing”(1 Thess.5:17) This does not mean that we must stay on our knees or close our eyes or bow or raise our head. It means to practice the presence of God at all times. God is always with us and is aware of everything we think, feel, say or do.

God knew all of her fears, doubts, anxieties and feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. God honored her faith and provided instructions as to how properly cope with each one. He also provided her with the strength to do things that before she had not thought herself capable of doing before Sid died.

Which is easier on the survivor? To cope with a sudden and unexpected death, or one that had been expected for some time? Survivors often feel the way their special loved one died was the hardest, whether expected or sudden.

Shock is always present to some degree when our loved one dies, regardless of whether it is sudden and unexpected, or anticipated and prepared for. One friend went through the lingering death of his wife and they had talked and prepared as best they could. He said, “When I watched her take her last breath and pass on—I felt like someone had hit me in the stomach. I folded double from the shock”

Flora raises the interesting subject of anger. She was not aware of any anger. Perhaps she had already dealt with any anger she had before Sid died. Perhaps she never had any anger. Anger is an issue in every grief support class I lead. Some are furiously angry that God took their loved one. Some are angry with the loved one who died. Others are angry with the doctors and hospital staff. Some feel no anger.

Clarifying how each person defines “anger” makes it easier to understand. Recently I talked with a woman who was not aware of having anger at the passing of her husband of many years. She began defining a few of the strong feelings when she paused, and then thoughtfully said, “Some of the feelings that I have been calling by another name…may actually be anger.”

Feelings are neither good or bad, moral or immoral in themselves. What we do with those feelings makes them right or wrong.

Easter, the day Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, is the ultimate revelation of God’s love and willingness to save sinful humans.

God created our universe and placed Adam and Eve in the garden as the overseers of the universe. Every created thing was in perfect harmony and balance with every other part of the universe. It was created to be perpetually and eternally in harmony with God, humans, every creature, plant and star in the solar system

God gave Adam and Eve the responsibility to use their creativity to explore, create and develop new things in their perfect world. Their freedom to make choices tempted them to question God’s only “thou shall not,” and make it into a, “let’s try it.” Their disobedience brought sin and imperfection into their heavenly environment. Sin began its insidious contamination and today our world is suffering from a poisoned and polluted environment. The Bible says that even nature groans and longs for the restoration of the universe.

Easter is God’s great love story. The story assures us that he has provided forgiveness of our past failures; salvation and strength for our present struggles: and assurance of final salvation in the future.

Humanity as a whole is guilty of causing wars and degradation in every generation since Adam and Eve. Humans have polluted, ravaged and denuded everything we have touched. Wars and rumors of war, rape, murder and inhumanity to man, is not a prediction—it is a present reality.

The good news of Easter is that the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus provides forgiveness for every sin that we have committed. All of us have skeletons in our closet. We have failed others, and ourselves. We are haunted by our failure to be good stewards of our relationships with humans and the ravaging of our natural resources and environment. All our failures and wrong deeds find forgiveness and cleansing through the resurrection of Jesus. Our sins are the reason he died.

God remains with us as we journey through life. Jesus is alive and becomes our constant traveling companion. He is present in the form of the Holy Spirit.

A friend told how the Holy Spirit gave him strength when he was asked to give a eulogy at a funeral. Public speaking is not his forte and he was extremely apprehensive. He asked the Holy Spirit to speak through him and give him courage. His prayer was answered and those who heard him speak said that his eulogy was excellent.

What about the future? Once again our nation is in turmoil. We have been at war for over five years. Over four thousand of our military personnel have been killed in Iraq. Mortgage companies are failing. Thousands of homeowners are losing their homes. Unemployment is a growing monster. Global warming threatens to defrost the glaciers.

Easter reassures us that God created our universe and has never relinquished control. Governments rise and fall. Political parties promise that they can save our nation from the consequences of poor judgment and poor stewardship of our resources.

While Jesus was in the tomb it looked as if Satin had won a victory. On Easter Sunday morning God gave the world the final proof of his invincible power. Satan had bruised Jesus’ heel, but Jesus crushed Satin’s head. Gen. 3:15. Saint Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 15: 25 “Christ must reign, till he has put all enemies under his feet.”

The risen Christ forgives our past sins. He lives with us to provide power to face present challenges. He promises ultimate salvation in the future.

Holy Week has been busy and meaningful. Our church provided several events that have called for involvement in the days leading up to Easter. We seriously focused on the death burial and resurrection of Jesus

We observed Maundy Thursday with a simple meal that represented the Passover meal. This was done with only candlelight and silence. Selected readings and singing told the story of the Last Supper as Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples. The disciples had previously argued about which of them would have prime positions in God’s kingdom. Jesus took the place of a servant and washed their feet.

Friday we worshiped with the Tennebrea service of shadows and lights. The choir was dressed in black. The sanctuary was lighted with eleven candles on the alter. Each of the ten candles represented a scripture reading of a step toward the crucifixion of Jesus. After a reader read the selected passage, one candle was extinguished as we sang a verse of “Were You There When They Crucified my Lord.” The final scripture took us to the cross where Jesus died. The pastor extinguished the Jesus candle illustrating that the “light of the world had gone out.” We sat silently in shadows.

The large gold cross on the communion table had gone unobserved during the shadowy service. When the Christ candle was extinguished the pastor wrapped a long black cloth around the arms of the cross. He slowly faced the audience and lifted the death shrouded cross for us to behold. The silent, black wrapped cross seemed to silently shout: “Jesus is dead! Now he will be buried!” The pastor carried the cross past the silent worshipers and we left the building in reverent silence.

A twenty-four-hour prayer vigil began. One volunteer came at their assigned time to spend thirty minutes of prayer and meditation in the chapel. At my designated time I entered the darkened room and my eyes quickly swept the room to orient myself. Two candles and one small lamp in the corner behind a small table dimly illuminated the room. My eyes immediately locked with shocking intensity on the death draped cross. My heart quivered and I heard myself say, “Jesus died! He died for me!” Then I realized that my eyes were filled with tears.

After several minutes of soul searching my eyes seemed once again drawn to the death shrouded cross. Another sense of overwhelming awareness that Christ truly died for me. More tears.

Then I became aware that a communion tray was available for those who desired to serve themselves. The symbols of the bread and cup took on a more vital and vibrant meaning. I could only say, “Thank you Jesus.”

I opened a devotional book and read a short essay entitled, “Fade To Black.” The writer explained that the term was a stage phrase that directed the lighting to be gradually extinguished so that a veil of darkness descends on the set. This leaves the audience wondering what happens next.

The followers of Jesus sat in bewildered darkness wondering what would happen next. Little did they know that God was about to overwhelm them with the grandest event in world history.

Later a poet would pen these words, Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my savior. Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord. Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph over his foes. He arose a victor from a dark domain, and he lives forever with his saints to reign. Christ arose! Christ arose! Halleluiah, Christ arose!

I invite readers who may be in personal shades of black to let the risen Christ become real and personal to you.

When someone says or does something that hurts, we may think we will never be able to forgive them for the pain they have caused. However, for several reasons, we need to rise above our pain and forgive the one who has hurt us.

Forgiving another person is the best thing we can do for oneself. It is the best thing we can do for the offending person. It is the best thing we can do to honor Christ.

Forgiveness can be a tremendous challenge to some people. We feel offended, insulted, mistreated, misunderstood, slighted, abandoned, or a dozen other descriptive words. Our natural tendency is to want to hurt that person back. Several unsavory words may describe some of our feelings: hate, vengeance, get even, make them hurt, ruin their character, turn others against them, gossip about them, and many more ugly get-even tactics.

If these feelings and attitudes are ours—we have become a casualty of stepping on a landmine of unforgiveness. Many military people loose body parts and others die because they step on a landmine.

We may feel that we have stepped on a landmine of an unprovoked attack. We may feel totally innocent and undeserving of what someone said or did. If that is the case we will feel angry and God has provided guidance to help us make a healthy recovery. The Message paraphrase of Ephesians 4:25,26 says: “Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the devil that kind of foothold in your life.”

Normally a person rethinks the situation where their feelings got hurt. Once they explore both sides of the issue, they take responsibility for what they did that helped create the painful situation. They forgive themselves and the other person, and peace is restored. They make the choice to forgive.

Unforgiveness is a willful choice to hold on to the hurt, anger, hostility and the desire to punish either themself or the other person. This desire to punish someone will adversely affect the person mentally, spiritually, and physically.

The Bible tells us that it is OK to get angry when we are hurt—but we are to quickly get over it! Children show adults how to do it. They may become furious with a friend—and be playing peacefully the next minute. Some adults teach children to hold grudges, seek vengeance and get even.

Unforgiveness, the willful refusal to forgive oneself or others, dishonors Christ and his sacrificial death on the cross. We were enemies of God until Jesus forgave us our sins and made us children of God. Since Christ has freely forgiven us, we should be eager to forgive those who offend us.

Unforgiveness leaves unwholesome sediment in our soul. It’s like the sludge and muck that got stirred up when my cousins and I went swimming in the cow’s metal watering tank. The water looked clean and clear—until our feet stirred up the slimy stuff at the bottom.

Many years ago a person called me at night stating that they needed to talk to me about their hatred that was driving them crazy. “I am so full of hate that I am about to explode.” They refused to make an appointment so their hatred settled like muck, unseen, but ever present in their soul.

Unforgiveness prevents healing, resolution, contentment, peace, restoration and friendship. Harboring anger lets it settle like mud and sludge at the bottom of a pond. It lies dormant, ready to surface, at a moments notice.

What words of encouragement can I write that will be helpful to readers of New Beginnings? This question has been buzzing through my brain for two days. Buzzing is not just a happy little word to use as a substitute word for thinking. My good doctor discovered that I have a serious sinus infection, and what I am experiencing is a buzzy kind of thinking. Part of the buzz comes from the infection, part from the powerful medicine, and part from the cost of the medicine. I have more sympathy for those who do not have health insurance.

I have decided to prescribe heavy doses of the most effective healing remedy known to mankind. Love. Love has miraculously healed broken hearts, shattered relationships, bitterness, despondency and depression, grief, loneliness, rejection, lostness, helplessness and a multitude of other emotional and spiritual illnesses. Untreated, these often lead to serious physical illness.

The Apostle Paul names love to be paramount over faith and hope. 1 Corinthians 13:13 from The Message paraphrase: ”But for right now, until that completion, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.”

I keep humming the cute little song, “What The World Needs Now Is Love, Sweet Love.” The lyrics proclaim that there are mountains and hillsides enough to climb, enough oceans and rivers to cross, enough wheat fields and cornfields to grow, and enough sunbeams and moonbeams to shine. What the world needs now is love, sweet love, that’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.

Love is hard to describe or define. Occasionally we see love that blooms like the mystic development of a vaporous rainbow. We are immediately blessed and awestruck.

Several years ago I was called to the hospital emergency room where a wife and mother of two teen aged children was dying of a heart attack. I entered the room in time to hear the doctor tell her family, “I don’t think we are going to save her but I am going to shock her heart once more. It may do more damage than it does good, but we will give it one more try.” Moments later he shook his head letting them know she was gone.

I went with the family to the waiting room where others had gathered. The adolescent girl went to her seated grandmother, knelt down and lay across her grandmother’s lap. Two of her close friends sat on the floor beside her gazing at their weeping friend. I looked into the faces of the grandmother and two girls. Suddenly I saw an overwhelming revelation of the indescribable. I saw love. I saw tenderness. I saw compassion. I was witnessing the essence of the unseeable, the invisible, and the indescribable.

After several seconds I became aware of the dynamics of what I was seeing. Then I became aware of slight movements. The grandmother was gently stroking her granddaughter’s hair. Her other hand was making small circles on her shoulder. The two friends were tenderly stroking her back. In this small group—there was silence!

In the other part of the room some talking was subdued while some was more boisterous. This is typical as each person and each group deals with death in their own way. Our group chose vibrant silence and touching.

For those who ask: “What can I say when I visit with someone who has lost a loved one?” Your loving presence will likely be what they appreciate most. They don’t need fancy words. They need to know that you love and care.

February has been designated as Black History month. The media has freshened our memory of the heart-breaking struggles of Black Americans to rise from slavery and servitude to their rightful freedom. Many barriers have been broken down and new bridges built. However much work remains to be done.

Several years ago the television screenplay, Roots, caused us to vicariously experience the intimate struggles of those who were born into slavery. Viewers were forced to consider such haunting questions as: “What if that black man or that black woman was my mother and father? What if I was that innocent baby opening my eyes to behold black parents who were slaves?”

Obviously, you and I had no choice about being conceived; or who our mother and father were; or what their place in society; or whether they were qualified to be worthy parents.

We also recognize that our roots entwine themselves in mysterious ways back to our famous parents whom God named Adam, and Eve. Therefore we recognize that in some way our roots depend on nourishment found only in the common soil of humanity.

Sunday evening, February 24, 2008, a large group gathered to celebrate Black History. I was asked to bring a meditation before we participated in the Communion service. To introduce the Communion service I read 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26 from The Message Translation: “The Master, Jesus, on the night of his betrayal, too bread. Having given thanks, he broke it and said; this is my body, broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me. After supper he did the same thing with the cup; this cup is my blood, my new covenant with you. Each time you drink this cup, remember me.”

This passage brings us to the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. If there is anything in the world that equalizes human beings, it is the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross destroys the barriers of distinction that separates humans by race, creed, color or social standings. The ground beneath the cross is perfectly level.

There is no such thing as an upper, middle or lower class. No good better or best. There is no superior anything. No superior class, race, education, cultural, lingual or social distinction. Every man woman and child stands unclothed before God.

Following the worship service my wife and I joined Mrs. Florence Harper in a thought provoking conversation. She told us of her family history that is preserved at the Atchison Library.

When Mrs. Harper told us that her great grandfather was a slave, I felt a strange emotional kinship with her. I sat beside her and asked for more information. We didn’t have time to go into great detail but I tried to become aware of some of her emotional involvement with her struggle to find peace and freedom in a society that had denied that peace and freedom to her family.

I felt a strange bonding with Mrs. Harper. The bonding came not because my great grandfather was a slave—but because my grandfather was enslaved by race prejudice. My grandfather would likely have hated her grandfather. My grandfather embarrassed, sickened, and frightened me with stories about his youthful attitudes and activities.

Now, I must face my responsibility as a Christian. If I am truly free, I cannot enslave anyone!

Micah 6:8 gives us guidelines. “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doeth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”

Sanctified Outhouse - A Twentieth Century Burning Bush (2-23-08) printable PDF

Sterley, Texas was an average rural community and almost every house came equipped with an outhouse. Although outhouses were similar, each had it’s own personality because of it’s size, shape or an occasional color.

Everyone who has used an outhouse will recall the visual, auditory, kinesthetic and gustatory memories clearly etched into our brain. For the benefit of non-Sterleyites, those words mean that we recall what we saw, heard, felt and smelled during our “outback to the outhouse” excursions.

As a lad of sixteen, I made what I expected to be a typical visit to our relief station. I sat looking at the Montgomery Ward catalog, which seemed to diminish in size each day.

Suddenly I heard these very clear words, “What if God wants you to be a preacher?” I looked through the cracks to see if someone was outside talking to me. No one. Then I knew that those words came from God! God had spoken to me!

Then I experienced warmth that had nothing to do with the summer temperature. My soul seemed to be filled with what I call Holy warmth. I didn’t know that I would experience that Holy Warmth many times in my later life.

I can’t adequately describe that warmth but I wonder if Moses felt something like that when God appeared to him in the burning bush. The bush seemed to be on fire but the flames didn’t consume it. Our outhouse was not on fire, but my soul was ignited by God’s holy presence. I felt that I was glowing with his presence, but I wasn’t consumed by it. However, I was marvelously, and indelibly impressed by it.

I am sure that my eyes enlarged to unbelievable proportions and I was afraid to leave the outhouse for fear that someone might think I had seen a ghost. Actually confronting a real live ghost would have been more easily explained than what I was thinking. I thought that I had just caught God in his first mistake. God was supposed to be perfect, to know everything.

And yet, if he thought I could preach—he didn’t know me very well. I was only sixteen and it was impossible that I could preach. At least, that was what I was hoping. My task now was to convince God of this fact.

I left the outhouse and walked to the bench under a large elm tree. I was in a trance-like state trying to understand what had just happened to me. I had faithfully recited prayers “to” and “at” God for many years. For the first time in my life I began to talk “with” God. I was having a conversation with God. This was intimate. This was real. I was on holy ground but God didn’t tell me to take off my shoes. My words echoed those of Moses as I offered my heart felt, but lame, excuses of age, shyness, inability to talk in front of people, lack of knowledge, and other reasons for not wanting to preach. God listened and honored my arguments. I was relieved when God went silent. He remained silent--until I was a freshman in college.

Then God overpowered my most powerful arguments with assurance that he would provide all my physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs. He has done that and I have tried to be a voice for God for sixty-one years.

If God can sanctify and speak from an outhouse and a burning bush, don’t be surprised if he speaks to you when you least expect it. Or, perhaps, when you most need it.

Those who do a lot of writing know what a writer’s block is. I had a serious block before beginning this article. Expert writers suggest ways to break through the barricade that has created a dam across the free flow of thinking and writing. To break my barricade I began thinking of new things for which I am thankful.

I am thankful that I joined many others in the sad, yet joyful, celebration of the life of Bernice Sellers. She was a dear friend who left us for her home in heaven. Bernice and I had a humorous little ritual where we would pretend to seriously consider whether we could possibly be nice to each other for another year. I would say, “I will try to be nice to you all year if you will try to be nice to me.” Then she would hesitate, roll her eyes upward, pause, and then thoughtfully say, “Well. It could present a real problem for me—but I will at least try.” I treasure those humorous exchanges.

Her passing caused me to reflect on the arbitrary passages of time each of us experience. We marvel at the developmental stages of a newborn child. They speed from total dependency into a toddler, then quickly into walking and talking and learning and growing and becoming an adult. How rapidly they accomplish this uphill fete amazes us. We rejoice in their upward progress toward maturity and it presents no threat to us, because we consider this progress to be normal.

What does cause considerable concern for older adults is when we discover that we are at the top of the hill and must face what is on the down hill side of the mountain. This can be a slow decline for some, but a frightening tumble for others.

I recently listened as two children proudly told me they were in the third grade. I responded, “Oh. The third grade is a wonderful grade because you can learn so much in that grade.” These children were aware of climbing the hill of learning. Some adults are still striving to continue learning and keeping our minds active and alert. Many children have instant recall of their learning, while we older adults seem to develop instant deletion of our laboriously earned knowledge.

I am aware that the aging process has slowly touched almost every part of my body. “Up” and “down” are much more difficult to attain each passing day. “Over there” suddenly becomes “a long way over there.” Soft cushiony chairs and sofas not only cuddle my body when I sit down, but they seem to love me so much that they cling to my body and force me to grunt and groan as I extract myself from their loving embrace. I often place my hands on the chair to show my appreciation for its support. Truthfully I am assuring myself that my balance is working properly.

I appreciate The Atchison Globe for providing me with a writing platform to share my New Beginnings column for many years. I sincerely appreciate all the support from readers who have provided support by saying nice and encouraging words.

I have expanded my writing ministry through a web site on the Internet. The site went on line January 28th, and at last count I have received 325 hits. Responses have come from Russia and many states in the USA.

The Challenge Of the Crossroads Which Road Shall I Take(2-9-08) Printable PDF

People are basically creatures of habit. We follow the same routines until they become a rehearsed set of movements, actions or speeches that soon become a dramatic performance of: “This is who I am.” When we perform that routine long enough we wear the path into a rut that gets deeper and deeper. We discover that our rut provides security but it also limits our freedom of movement and choice. After a while we discover that our restrictive rut is little more than a grave with both ends kicked out.

Excavating our security rut comes gradually and unintentionally. However the comfort-factor sets up like concrete and gaining freedom from it often requires some kind of powerful and often explosive event. Death of a loved one, loss of a job, financial crisis, divorce, accident or illness may force us to consider a change in direction and thinking outside the rut.

Robert Frost wrote the poem, The Road Less Traveled By. The poem challenges us to wonder, “How different would my life be if I had taken the other road?” Some readers may be wondering if they should have taken a different road than the one that has brought them to the place where they are today.

Albert Camus said, “Life is the sum of all your choices.” We are who we are; we are living where we live; and are doing what we do; because of the countless decisions we have made, on the road upon which we have chosen to travel.

I took a road less traveled many years ago. One night I preached at a rural church about 100 miles from home. After the night service a farmer told me about a shortcut to the main highway that would save twenty miles. It was a narrow dirt road through the midnight-black woods and across a small rock bottomed stream of running water. Should I take the road less traveled, or take the longer, paved road? I took the shortcut and prayed all the way. No fire-snorting dragons devoured me so my decision was a good one.

Some readers may be standing at a major intersection as they read these words. They may ask: “Should I stay on this road or turn off on another one? The road I have been traveling has brought me to this job, this marriage, this college, this illness, this financial crisis, this relationship, this condition, this loss, this current situation that demands that I make a decision.”

The Bible gives encouragement for those who have paused at a life-changing intersection. “He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name sake.” Psalms 23:3. Jesus promises, “When he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:3

It is not a sign of weakness when a faithful Christian gets confused and discouraged. We live in such a turbulent age that few people escape crushing experiences and hardships. Spiteful, biased and inconsiderate bosses can rob a person of their self-esteem and threaten the security of an excellent employee. An accident can cripple and maim one of God’s faithful children. Illness and death can claim the life of a child and rob loving parents of their dearest treasure.

Those who are guided by the Great Shepherd can safely walk with him on the road that takes us over mountains or through shadowy valleys, victories or defeats. Ultimately we will arrive safely at the Shepherd’s home.

Robert Frost said it this way: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

The classic children’s story of the Three Little Pigs has served as a character-building story for over one hundred and fifty years. Hopefully each of us will be able to weave these simple but valuable threads of truth into the portrait of our lives during 2008.

The retold story, by Margot Zemach, begins as mamma pig sends the three little pigs out to seek their fortunes with this admonition, “Build good strong houses and watch out for the wolf.”

Many of the classic writings that we enjoy were based on Bible stories. The original writer of The Three Little Pigs could easily have built the story based on these four references.

One of the most prominent references actually names the burnable building materials of wood, hay and stubble that were used by the two pigs. 1Cor. 3:12. Be sober, be vigilant, for your adversary, the Devil, as a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour.1 Peter 5:8. Beware of false prophets that come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matt.7: 15. The wise man built his house upon a rock and the foolish man built his house upon the sand. Matt. 7: 24-27.

The drama unfolds as each pig demonstrates his character, attitudes, wisdom and decision-making skills.

Selective hearing must have been a strong characteristic of the first little pig. When his mother admonished her children, “Build good strong houses and watch out for the wolf,” he seems to have heard only the words “build” and “house.” At least those are the only words he acted upon. He also took the path of least resistance. When he saw a man with plenty of straw he showed no concern about the wisdom of building a house of straw. He immediately built a straw house. The wolf was rewarded with a delicious pork dinner that cost him only a few huffs and puffs to blow the straw shack away and render the little pig a helpless victim.

Comparative judgment may have been the downfall of his brother. His stick house was more excellent than his brother’s straw house. However he either denied or ignored the presence and firm intentions of the wolf to devour gullible little fat pigs. Once again Mr. Wolf purchased this succulent meal with only the power of his breath. We may be tempted to wonder if the wolf mockingly rewarded this second little pig’s “superior wisdom” by prominently displaying him on a silver platter with an apple in his mouth.

Certainly the third little pig was the brightest, wisest and most successful of the three. He used bricks to build a very good and strong house that withstood the hot, foul and furious breath of the devilish wolf. He knew that the wolf was a reality in his world and that his life was in danger. Even when the wolf pretended to be loving, helpful and kind, that little pig knew that he was a liar and a pig eater. Armed with that basic knowledge he saw through every deceptive scheme that the wolf devised. The climax of the story reveals that it was in fact the wolf, and not the pig, that was stewing in the pot.

We would be remiss if we failed to consider with which of these little pigs we can best identify. Each pig gave us an example to follow. Will we or the wolf be found in the fire? Perhaps the mother’s words will become our watchword for the New Year: “Build good strong houses and watch out for the wolf.”

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