Have you ever met someone you weren't expecting, and it was a wonderful event? I have a great story to tell about how this happened to me the Friday before last.
Carol and I were on a short trip with another couple. Instead of driving it in one day, we decided to take two days, staying overnight along the way. Fellow traveller Dan booked us into a motel and said he'd pay for both rooms since we were driving our car. Dan checked us in so I didn't talk to the motel receptionist.
Later that night, he spoke with her in the computer room and discovered she was from Minnesota -- Windom, in fact. When he told her I was also from Windom, she asked my name and nearly fainted. It was my cousin Jodi behind the counter, and we had not seen each other in 25 years. She was living with her sister Bev, so we cousins had a mini-reunion and spent the evening reminiscing. And we did it just in time, since Jodi was moving to another city in a few days.
There were lots of "ifs" here -- if we'd have made the whole trip in one day, if Dan had chosen another motel, if he hadn't gone to the computer room, if we'd have come a few days later, if Jodi had that day off -- if, if, if. But the Lord brought us together after all those years. He really can be a God of surprises.
I often wonder if we'll be surprised at whom we'll see in heaven. Will we be shocked or pleased? Will others be as surprised to see us as we are to see them? Or will any of these earthly concerns even matter then? I believe heaven will be a wonderful reunion, and we'll be only pleased at who is there. Heaven will have none of the pettiness like this earth, and we will be surrounded by the greatness of God's mercy and joy.
It was also a joy to hear Jodi speak of her Christian faith. We even spoke a Bible passage together, Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." I don't recall us talking to about God when we were young, but our faith now gives us a bond we didn't have before.
I hope Jodi and I can meet again soon, and one day be in heaven together!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
HOW SHOULD WE LIVE?
What are you doing with your life? What's your purpose for being on earth? In a recent discussion of such fundamental questions with some fellow Sr. Citizens, I heard answers that ranged from the noble, "Serving God and/or mankind" to the ignoble, "Biding my time till I die." Some were not sure they wanted to deal with the question. I wonder why.
How people answer will depend on one's beliefs and what stage of life they are in, as well as what they need to do, such as making a living, providing for family, or fulfilling a major obligation. It also depends on what they would like to do in life. Answers might also depend on one's resources, interests and abilities.
Where you live is also a consideration. If you live in a developed country that offers safety, good schools, reliable health services, and a stable government, you have the luxury of choices that people in underdeveloped countries do not have. If you have little, your choices will be more limited than those who have much.
In many places on earth, survival is life's major purpose. Survivors are not worried about lower taxes, health care options, gas mileage or clothing styles. They just want to be able to wake up in the morning, go to work, and make enough to live without starving. When's the last time you worried about those things?
But we all need to ask ourselves what we are doing in life. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 says, "I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God."
God urges us in Holy Scripture to serve Him by serving mankind in such a way as to make the world and its people better. American citizens are often torn between self-indulgence and self-sacrifice. It's not that we should feel guilty having some measure of wealth, it's what we do with it. Money is not just meant to be spent, but to be spent wisely. Time is not ours to waste, it is ours to use well.
Words of wisdom for us all!
How people answer will depend on one's beliefs and what stage of life they are in, as well as what they need to do, such as making a living, providing for family, or fulfilling a major obligation. It also depends on what they would like to do in life. Answers might also depend on one's resources, interests and abilities.
Where you live is also a consideration. If you live in a developed country that offers safety, good schools, reliable health services, and a stable government, you have the luxury of choices that people in underdeveloped countries do not have. If you have little, your choices will be more limited than those who have much.
In many places on earth, survival is life's major purpose. Survivors are not worried about lower taxes, health care options, gas mileage or clothing styles. They just want to be able to wake up in the morning, go to work, and make enough to live without starving. When's the last time you worried about those things?
But we all need to ask ourselves what we are doing in life. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 says, "I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God."
God urges us in Holy Scripture to serve Him by serving mankind in such a way as to make the world and its people better. American citizens are often torn between self-indulgence and self-sacrifice. It's not that we should feel guilty having some measure of wealth, it's what we do with it. Money is not just meant to be spent, but to be spent wisely. Time is not ours to waste, it is ours to use well.
Words of wisdom for us all!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
THE GOLDEN RULE
The Christian Golden Rule is this: "Do to others, as you would have them do to you," (Matthew 7:12 NIV). The Confucian version of the Golden Rule says simply, "Do not do," meaning to leave other folks alone. Build your wall around your life, and I'll build mine. Each of us can retreat to our own private space so that we won't step on each other's toes.
Jesus, on the other hand, said we should get involved in other people's lives. He wants us to take the risk of loving others. He also said: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13). We learned this quite graphically in the heroic efforts our soldiers, firemen, first responders and so many people in the helping professions.
When you see a man lying in a ditch, Confucian ethics allows you to pass him by, but the ethics of Jesus Christ praises the Samaritan, a foreigner who actively involved himself in the needy person's life. The difference between these two views is as profound as the difference between self-interest and self-sacrifice. Leaving others alone may be more comfortable, and entering into others' lives carries the risk of rejection. But following Jesus' teaching enriches lives - theirs and ours.
Letting others alone may give us extra leisure time, but it won't be as memorable as visiting a nursing home. People who say Christianity is just an ethical formulation ignore the fact that no one would make up a religion so contrary to human nature and our basic instincts as Christianity.
Here are "Ten Rules for Being Happy": Do something unselfishly helpful for someone in need, and then repeat the act for nine more people!
Help us live Your Golden Rule, Lord!
Jesus, on the other hand, said we should get involved in other people's lives. He wants us to take the risk of loving others. He also said: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13). We learned this quite graphically in the heroic efforts our soldiers, firemen, first responders and so many people in the helping professions.
When you see a man lying in a ditch, Confucian ethics allows you to pass him by, but the ethics of Jesus Christ praises the Samaritan, a foreigner who actively involved himself in the needy person's life. The difference between these two views is as profound as the difference between self-interest and self-sacrifice. Leaving others alone may be more comfortable, and entering into others' lives carries the risk of rejection. But following Jesus' teaching enriches lives - theirs and ours.
Letting others alone may give us extra leisure time, but it won't be as memorable as visiting a nursing home. People who say Christianity is just an ethical formulation ignore the fact that no one would make up a religion so contrary to human nature and our basic instincts as Christianity.
Here are "Ten Rules for Being Happy": Do something unselfishly helpful for someone in need, and then repeat the act for nine more people!
Help us live Your Golden Rule, Lord!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
KEEPING CHURCH WORKERS
I just returned from being chaplain at a week-long retreat/workshop to help struggling pastors. This was the sixth SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT, founded by Dave and Barb Anderson in 2008. It is for the benefit of church workers and spouses, and is directed by LCMS psychologists and a chaplain. Limited to 8 participants, the retreat encourages attendees to be renewed and refreshed in the midst of whatever may be happening in their lives.
It's no secret that hundreds of church workers in crisis leave the ministry each year, and many of those might not do so if they had a place they would go for re-direction, such as SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT. It may seem a bit costly - $4,000 per couple - but consider what it costs to train a fulltime church worker - over $100,000! And all those years of training! If many of those workers now considering leaving could be retained and renewed, God would bless both the worker and the church greatly.
All sessions are confidential and Christ-centered. SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT is for pastors and other church workers, as well as their spouses. Participants review where they've come from, where they are heading, and how they can follow anew the Lord's leading in their life and vocation. People concerned about losing church workers can help. Please visit the SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT website to learn all about their valued ministry: http://www.shepherdscanyonretreat.org/
I based one of my retreat devotions on 2 Timothy 4:11, "Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry." That verse tells us Paul was giving Mark a second chance, after having had questions about his work. In that devotion, I used this theme, "O God of new beginnings and second chances, here I am again." Ours is a gracious God of new beginnings and second chances. He does not wish for one of His children to be lost and goes to great lengths to bring us back, to reclaim us for His own and give us a renewed life.
Ever wondered how you might help a struggling church worker? Urge him/her to visit the SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT website and offer your assistance. Whatever you do, please pray for the work of SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT. The future of the Lutheran Church depends on having dedicated workers and members.
O God of new beginnings and second chances, here we are again!
It's no secret that hundreds of church workers in crisis leave the ministry each year, and many of those might not do so if they had a place they would go for re-direction, such as SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT. It may seem a bit costly - $4,000 per couple - but consider what it costs to train a fulltime church worker - over $100,000! And all those years of training! If many of those workers now considering leaving could be retained and renewed, God would bless both the worker and the church greatly.
All sessions are confidential and Christ-centered. SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT is for pastors and other church workers, as well as their spouses. Participants review where they've come from, where they are heading, and how they can follow anew the Lord's leading in their life and vocation. People concerned about losing church workers can help. Please visit the SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT website to learn all about their valued ministry: http://www.shepherdscanyonretreat.org/
I based one of my retreat devotions on 2 Timothy 4:11, "Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry." That verse tells us Paul was giving Mark a second chance, after having had questions about his work. In that devotion, I used this theme, "O God of new beginnings and second chances, here I am again." Ours is a gracious God of new beginnings and second chances. He does not wish for one of His children to be lost and goes to great lengths to bring us back, to reclaim us for His own and give us a renewed life.
Ever wondered how you might help a struggling church worker? Urge him/her to visit the SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT website and offer your assistance. Whatever you do, please pray for the work of SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT. The future of the Lutheran Church depends on having dedicated workers and members.
O God of new beginnings and second chances, here we are again!
Monday, February 15, 2010
ADJUSTING YOUR SAILS
"Among the many beautiful posters made, there is one called VICTORY. It's a picture of a group of sailboats racing on the water, with their colorful sails billowing in the wind. The caption beneath it reads, 'You can't control the winds. The race can only be won if you have the ability to adjust your sails.'
"Pete Goss is an expert yachtsman whose dream was to win a solo, nonstop, round-the-world yacht race. His extraordinary story of triumph over adversity is told in his book, CLOSE TO THE WIND. Over a period of ten years, Goss made many personal sacrifices in order to achieve his dream, including selling his house and his car to help finance and build his boat, the Aqua Quorum." Finally, on November 3, 1996, he set sail in the race of his life, the Vendee Globe.
"He was doing well in the race, overcoming incredible challenges and dangers and managing high winds with waves as high as six-story buildings. Then, in the midst of the race, his radio picked up a message that 160 miles behind him, one of his competitors was in desperate trouble and needed help. At this point, Goss made the historic decision to give up his chance of winning the race, to 'adjust his sails,' and go the Second Mile.
"He turned his small craft into a deadly hurricane in an attempt to find and rescue a man he barely knew, a stranger lost on a life raft somewhere in the vast expanse of the ocean. Somehow, unbelievably, he managed to rescue the man and was able to complete the race. When he finally reached the finish line, Goss was welcomed home by a crown of 150,000 people who had gathered 'to cheer not the race's winner but its hero.'
"Pete Goss came in fifth, but he won the VICTORY by going the Second Mile. Real VICTORY is not about winning races. It's about living a life of significance. Most of us aren't faced with this kind of life-or-death choice, but we all have circumstances in our lives that try our patience and test our endurance, situations that require us to focus on something greater than ourselves." (from "THE SECOND MILE,"? pages 121-122, by Paula J. Fox)
God grant that when we are faced with such testing, we may, by His grace, endure.
"THE SECOND MILE" is available at:
http://store.inspiredfaith.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=inspiredfa&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=841137111&Count2=758277535&Keyword=The+Second+Mile&Target=products.asp&x=0&y=0
"Pete Goss is an expert yachtsman whose dream was to win a solo, nonstop, round-the-world yacht race. His extraordinary story of triumph over adversity is told in his book, CLOSE TO THE WIND. Over a period of ten years, Goss made many personal sacrifices in order to achieve his dream, including selling his house and his car to help finance and build his boat, the Aqua Quorum." Finally, on November 3, 1996, he set sail in the race of his life, the Vendee Globe.
"He was doing well in the race, overcoming incredible challenges and dangers and managing high winds with waves as high as six-story buildings. Then, in the midst of the race, his radio picked up a message that 160 miles behind him, one of his competitors was in desperate trouble and needed help. At this point, Goss made the historic decision to give up his chance of winning the race, to 'adjust his sails,' and go the Second Mile.
"He turned his small craft into a deadly hurricane in an attempt to find and rescue a man he barely knew, a stranger lost on a life raft somewhere in the vast expanse of the ocean. Somehow, unbelievably, he managed to rescue the man and was able to complete the race. When he finally reached the finish line, Goss was welcomed home by a crown of 150,000 people who had gathered 'to cheer not the race's winner but its hero.'
"Pete Goss came in fifth, but he won the VICTORY by going the Second Mile. Real VICTORY is not about winning races. It's about living a life of significance. Most of us aren't faced with this kind of life-or-death choice, but we all have circumstances in our lives that try our patience and test our endurance, situations that require us to focus on something greater than ourselves." (from "THE SECOND MILE,"? pages 121-122, by Paula J. Fox)
God grant that when we are faced with such testing, we may, by His grace, endure.
"THE SECOND MILE" is available at:
http://store.inspiredfaith.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=inspiredfa&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=841137111&Count2=758277535&Keyword=The+Second+Mile&Target=products.asp&x=0&y=0
Monday, February 8, 2010
THE SECOND MILE
It was fun to see the New Orleans Saints win the Super Bowl this past Sunday, but it was touching to see the MVP Quarterback kissing his little son. That man seems to have some priorities straight. Knowing of the incredible demands on NFL players, even during the off-season, I hope Drew Brees will be able to spend more time with his family now. Curt Warner, retired QB of the Arizona Cardinals and father of seven, would be glad to give him pointers.
In Matthew 5:41, our Lord Jesus urges us to go the extra mile. I'm reading a wonderful little book, "The Second Mile," by Paula J. Fox (Inspired Faith, 2009). Using delicate phrases, focused examples, and excellent presentation, this little work gives a "Key to a Life of Purpose and Joy." In its memorable chapters peppered with gorgeous photography, it has given me weeks of brief bedside devotionals. I recommend it highly.
On page 75 of Chapter Two, Ms. Fox writes that going the second mile"means following the higher law of kindness, generosity and love, choosing to treat people with dignity and respect, whether or not they deserve it." Echoing the words of our Lord Jesus, she lists four points:
"To love your neighbor is the First Mile ...to love your enemy is the Second Mile."
"To bless those who bless you is the First Mile ...to bless those who curse you is the Second Mile."
"To do good to those who do good to you is the First Mile ...to do good to those who hate you is the Second Mile."
"Praying for those who pray for you is the First Mile ...praying for those who spitefully use you is the Second Mile."
She concludes that page with the words, "When the choice comes down to being 'right' or being 'kind,' the Second Mile means choosing 'the law of kindness." (Proverbs 31:26 KJV)
Kindness seems out of place today. The factional rancor of politics, entertainment and even churches, leaves us wondering if kindness has been abandoned by civilization, buried in the landfills of useless information. If only we could use even a small part of the energy spent on attacking one another to being kinder, to putting the best construction on things, and to going the Second Mile.
That's the hope of all true "Saints."
In Matthew 5:41, our Lord Jesus urges us to go the extra mile. I'm reading a wonderful little book, "The Second Mile," by Paula J. Fox (Inspired Faith, 2009). Using delicate phrases, focused examples, and excellent presentation, this little work gives a "Key to a Life of Purpose and Joy." In its memorable chapters peppered with gorgeous photography, it has given me weeks of brief bedside devotionals. I recommend it highly.
On page 75 of Chapter Two, Ms. Fox writes that going the second mile"means following the higher law of kindness, generosity and love, choosing to treat people with dignity and respect, whether or not they deserve it." Echoing the words of our Lord Jesus, she lists four points:
"To love your neighbor is the First Mile ...to love your enemy is the Second Mile."
"To bless those who bless you is the First Mile ...to bless those who curse you is the Second Mile."
"To do good to those who do good to you is the First Mile ...to do good to those who hate you is the Second Mile."
"Praying for those who pray for you is the First Mile ...praying for those who spitefully use you is the Second Mile."
She concludes that page with the words, "When the choice comes down to being 'right' or being 'kind,' the Second Mile means choosing 'the law of kindness." (Proverbs 31:26 KJV)
Kindness seems out of place today. The factional rancor of politics, entertainment and even churches, leaves us wondering if kindness has been abandoned by civilization, buried in the landfills of useless information. If only we could use even a small part of the energy spent on attacking one another to being kinder, to putting the best construction on things, and to going the Second Mile.
That's the hope of all true "Saints."
Monday, February 1, 2010
GET RID OF THE BUGS!
For centuries mankind has used windmills to pump water, grind grain and saw wood. In the past few decades a new use for windmills has been found - producing electricity. My old family farm in Minnesota may once again have a windmill, a far larger, more technical version of the one we pulled down fifty years ago after getting our new electric well pump. The owner is considering whether or not to allow some windmill power turbines to be placed on that land. These will generate needed electricity.
But there may be a genuine "fly in the ointment." Some wind turbines have encountered a problem that can cause them to malfunction. While they work fine at lower speeds, at higher wind velocity the blades can get hit by bugs, and enough dead bugs on the blades can reduce their efficiency and electrical output. Some operators have found it is necessary to wash off the buildup of insects periodically to avoid decreasing turbine output. Doing this makes sense, for it is necessary.
In a very similar way, buildup of small sins in a Christian's life can become a real problem. Unrepented little sins can drag us down. All people are sinful. We all need regularly to repent and be forgiven. Lack of willingness to repent can harm our faith. That's why Christ's disciples urged each other to confess their sins often and be forgiven. 1 John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Repentance means realizing sin, stopping it and asking God's forgiveness. Small unrepented sins can lead to big problems. They can rob of us joy and make us feel spiritually defeated. When we live only by our own energy and strength, we are running on diminished power. It's a losing battle. Satan loves unrepented sin, and he makes us think sin is acceptable, perhaps even virtuous. "It's not really wrong - no big deal - everybody does it - don't worry!" he says.
Repentance makes sense, for it is necessary. When Christ forgives us, our life starts anew. He helps us see the reality of sin and helps us get focused on what is truly right and wrong. Best of all, He gives us joy and strength to live a godly life. Repentance keeps the bugs from overcoming us.
Sin drains our strength, but forgiveness restores it!
But there may be a genuine "fly in the ointment." Some wind turbines have encountered a problem that can cause them to malfunction. While they work fine at lower speeds, at higher wind velocity the blades can get hit by bugs, and enough dead bugs on the blades can reduce their efficiency and electrical output. Some operators have found it is necessary to wash off the buildup of insects periodically to avoid decreasing turbine output. Doing this makes sense, for it is necessary.
In a very similar way, buildup of small sins in a Christian's life can become a real problem. Unrepented little sins can drag us down. All people are sinful. We all need regularly to repent and be forgiven. Lack of willingness to repent can harm our faith. That's why Christ's disciples urged each other to confess their sins often and be forgiven. 1 John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Repentance means realizing sin, stopping it and asking God's forgiveness. Small unrepented sins can lead to big problems. They can rob of us joy and make us feel spiritually defeated. When we live only by our own energy and strength, we are running on diminished power. It's a losing battle. Satan loves unrepented sin, and he makes us think sin is acceptable, perhaps even virtuous. "It's not really wrong - no big deal - everybody does it - don't worry!" he says.
Repentance makes sense, for it is necessary. When Christ forgives us, our life starts anew. He helps us see the reality of sin and helps us get focused on what is truly right and wrong. Best of all, He gives us joy and strength to live a godly life. Repentance keeps the bugs from overcoming us.
Sin drains our strength, but forgiveness restores it!
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